According to the sorcerers’ understanding, the Sea Race had been driven deep into the ocean, barely even daring to show themselves above the surface. The events on the island had undoubtedly shattered their perception and had been a slap in the face for all the sorcerers of the Flash Vortex Alliance.
“We must teach the Sea Race a profound lesson, remind them of their clan’s inglorious past.”
This was the cry of most sorcerers at Mongna Ant Land Cottage, with everyone’s thoughts quite straightforward: they must strike back, preferably by using the academy’s ultimate weapon—the Power of Flash Vortex.
In combating the Sea Race, the Power of Flash Vortex was the simplest and most effective means.
What felt strange was that the academy’s higher-ups hadn’t made a decisive decision.
This was something Ivan felt most acutely. Through the information relayed by the ant sentinels, he increasingly sensed something odd within the Three Great Families.
Soon, the ant sentinel brought a new message.
“The Dean has returned.”
“Dean Watkin?”
“Judging by the way those people addressed him, it should be Dean Watkin, no mistake.”
Hearing the swamp ant’s words, Ivan realized why the people of the Three Great Families were not in hurry, and why Teresa and Victor had suddenly changed their attitude; with the presence of a Level 2 Sorcerer Dean, who needed to bother with any other tricks.
Inside the Twin Towers, under the flickering light, Ivan’s expression turned somewhat grave as he pondered the implications of this return.
“Dean Watkin’s timing is a bit off.”
After a while, he let out a soft sigh.
The repairs to the Ant King Barrier Array were not yet complete, and his excessive requests for materials posed not a minor risk; with Dean Watkin’s keen eye, he might see through it, and his cover would be blown.
After some thought, he felt the situation wasn’t as bad as it appeared.
As a high-level enchanter, taking the opportunity to ask for some extra materials was not too out of line. At worst, he might be called greedy, which did not amount to betrayal.
“Sorcerer Ivan, do we need to take action?” the swamp ant asked, a hint of eagerness in its voice.
“We’re not lifting a finger. If the academy doesn’t use the Power of Flash Vortex, others will be more anxious than us. Just wait and enjoy the show,” Ivan said with a laugh, hoping only that the Dean wouldn’t see through his true purpose for repairing the barrier.
As for the rest, he would take it one step at a time.
…
A new day.
Within Mongna Ant Land Cottage, the matter of the Sea Race was still fermenting, and most sorcerers were unaware of the academy Dean’s return.
Inside the Core Black Tower, accompanied by Ove and Teresa, a somewhat familiar yet strange figure entered. The person looked to be a spirited old man with jet-black hair, a full moustache, and a slightly lean build.
“Sorcerer Ivan, let me introduce you to an important figure.”
“Hold on, let me finish up with these materials.”
Seeing how Ivan brushed it off, Teresa seemed about to say something but was stopped by another sorcerer standing by, who looked at Ivan with interest.
“Sorry for the delay, duty calls.”
Before long, Ivan’s full attention returned from the runes obelisk, and he approached the trio, his gaze falling on the unfamiliar sorcerer, crossing with a flicker of perplexity.
“You seem to be—”
“This is Dean Watkin, show some respect,” Teresa said with a hint of arrogance.
“All Peace, Dean. Enchantment Group Steward—Ivan Marichardon, offers you his most sincere greetings,” Ivan, upon hearing this, immediately brightened up and hastily greeted with a bow.
His movement, as smooth as flowing water, left no room for criticism.
“No need for excessive formalities. I returned and heard that an Enchantment Master was overseeing the repair of the Ant Being barrier, our very own from the academy, and came especially to see what young talent we have,” Dean Watkin waved his hand.
“Dean, you are too kind. I would never dare to claim the title ‘master,'” Ivan replied.
“As the dean of the Mongna Ant Land Cottage, I am well aware of the state of the Ant Being barrier. The fact that you can lead its repair time and time again shows a level of enchantment expertise that even many Level 2 Sorcerers struggle to reach,” Dean Watkin commented.
Listening to the other party’s praise, Ivan remained alert and vigilant within.
“I heard from Teresa that before obtaining the academy’s Advanced Enchantment Knowledge, you had already become a Senior Enchanter. May I be so bold as to inquire where you obtained such advanced enchantment heritage?” Dean Watkin asked casually.
Ivan’s heart grew tense; he knew the Dean was not one to be easily fooled. Had Teresa or Ove asked this, he would have shot back citing his privacy.
Dean Watkin was a Level 2 Sorcerer, and naturally held a suppressive authority over Level 1 Sorcerers like them. They could not afford to turn hostile unless absolutely necessary.
“Not to hide from you, Dean, but even I am somewhat puzzled about the matter.”
“But do tell,” the Dean insisted lightly.
“Originally, I accompanied my mentor to the Red Cloud Realm, where I met a masked sorcerer. Later, using a secret technique, that sorcerer found me, and only then did I learn he was a foreigner.
With exceptional insight, he recognized my potential in enchantment, hoping I could help him refine a high-level magicalized item, promising Advanced Enchantment Knowledge in return—” Ivan explained, mixing truth with fabrication.
“You agreed?” Teresa looked at him unfavorably. “That’s a person of unknown origin. He could have ill intentions towards our academy.”
“I was indeed tempted, but I didn’t agree,” Ivan said in a regretful tone. “In the end, he used a puppet resembling a Level 2 Sorcerer to trap me in a valley, and I had no choice but to accept his commission. I toiled day and night for several months, fortunate to survive.”
“A puppet similar to a Level 2 Sorcerer?” Dean Watkin’s expression turned unsightly.
“Yes, you might send someone to inquire near Descending Clouds City. There was a bit of an incident, a few sorcerers died, so quite a few people should know about the formidable puppet.”
Dean Watkin caught Ove’s eye after hearing this, and she subtly communicated to him that indeed, tales of the Level 2 Sorcerer puppet had circulated for some time, their authenticity ambivalent.
Hearing his words, could the rumors be true?
Teresa wanted to rebuke, but she knew her counterpart wouldn’t tell such an obvious lie, and under such life-threatening circumstances, she couldn’t continue her reproach.
“Steward Ivan, you have worked hard,” the Dean said as he nodded slightly, not dwelling on the matter any further.
He looked around the Core Black Tower for a while, then exited the main gate with the two of them.
Ivan returned to the side of the runes obelisk and immersed his consciousness back into the defensive barrier.
“The Dean himself has returned; now everyone can relax. Whether it’s the Star Moon Alliance or the Sea Race, they all have to step aside.”
“Yeah, yeah, once we completely repair the defensive barrier, we won’t have to fear any minor nuisances bothering our Mongna Ant Land Cottage again.”
After the Dean left, those working with Ivan on the barrier began discussing amongst themselves, their excitement hard to conceal, which showed the impact of a Level 2 Sorcerer’s return.
Randall looked at his disciple with a slight worry, but Ivan returned a reassuring glance.
Ivan did not know if the Dean had sensed something, but given the current situation, it wasn’t possible for him to simply give up. As long as they did not tear open the veil of pretense, there was room to maneuver, and it was wise to watch for developments.