The noble dean's mind was still quite clear. Although he gave Tower Master Morrison face, he didn't excessively interfere. Instead, he passed the right of disposal to the Noble Council. This way, whatever happened afterward had nothing to do with him. He'd get his money and still play his under-the-table games.
Luo Ning didn't argue, nor did he look at the frivolous blond man openly playing with the "Storm's Fury" staff.
Luo Ning pushed aside the noble Soldier blocking his path and quietly walked out.
The shouts of abuse from both sides were deafening. Some emotional women even rushed forward, pointing at Luo Ning's head and spitting.
Their ferocious faces reminded Luo Ning of his parents in his previous life, the expressions they wore when they scolded him for being useless, twisted just like this.
The two faces gradually overlapped, and the nightmare he couldn't escape even after transmigrating to another world returned.
"Criminal, you've disgraced the nobles! You should die to atone for your sins!"
"You disgusting parasite, full of lies, why don't you die!"
"Just die already!!!"
"Look at you, 30 years old and no car, no house, no girlfriend!"
"If only you weren't my son..."
Amidst the abuse, Luo Ning vaguely felt that he hadn't changed anything after all.
*
*
*
The academy's efficiency was very high. Luo Ning had just reached the entrance of his dormitory when he saw an apprentice wearing the student council badge throwing his belongings out one by one.
The surrounding area was filled with onlookers, all wearing expressions of anticipation as they watched Luo Ning appear.
Luo Ning didn't erupt in anger as the onlookers expected. After the humiliation he'd experienced earlier, which had nearly caused him to grind his teeth to dust, these small matters could no longer stir his emotions.
From the pile of personal belongings that resembled a garbage heap, Luo Ning picked out some changes of clothes. He originally intended to take his magic books as well, but couldn't find them. He figured they must have been pocketed by the student council members enforcing the order.
Luo Ning didn't shout and demand that they return the magic books. Firstly, he had already memorized all the magic recorded in them, and secondly, the cruel experience had taught him to remain calm. After secretly noting the appearances of those involved, Luo Ning left the academy carrying his package.
On the ninth floor of Swire Grand Magician Tower, Morrison Hall, who was sipping tea, also received news of Luo Ning's departure.
The ninth Tower Master Morrison put down the "Storm's Fury" staff and said to his brother-in-law, Harrington:
"Don't do things like this again. You've already stepped into the upper echelons. You need to be more restrained in your actions. This circle is so small, everyone knows what's going on.
If you still have any desire to climb higher, it's best to avoid forcibly seizing other people's magical artifacts."
After a pause, Morrison added:
"This time, I'll let it go, but next time I won't cover for you anymore.
Now that the person has left, I can't directly intervene due to the rules, but I'll assign you a knight squad. You don't need me to tell you what to do. Clean things up properly afterward, so even if the Lannister Family investigates, I can stop them for you."
Although Morrison didn't think much of his brother-in-law, well, what could he say? He was family, after all. If he took it, he took it, it wasn't a big deal.
Harrington's heart, which had been hanging in the air, finally settled down.
His desire for Luo Ning's staff was a temporary impulse. The root cause was still the upcoming promotion after the trial.
Harrington eagerly wanted to obtain a magic staff that could bring him comprehensive enhancement. He had asked Morrison for one before, but was refused on the grounds that young magicians shouldn't rely too much on external objects.
Later, Harrington had no choice but to target Luo Ning, with whom he had an old feud.
"Don't worry, Brother-in-law, I definitely won't let you down. He's just a exiled waste from out of town. Once I make a move, he'll be crushed like an ant," Harrington said, staring eagerly at the Formal Level staff on the tea table.
"Take it, but remember not to be too ostentatious. Although Snowman City is watched by the Magic Tower, it's not always safe. Those stray dogs from outside will dare to attack the Magic Tower as long as the benefits are sufficient. I don't want you to come to me next time crying about your staff being snatched, do you understand?"
"I understand, Brother-in-law."
"Then go."
Harrington bowed and left. After walking out of the Magic Tower's gate, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Even though his brother-in-law's attitude towards him was casual, Harrington still felt very restrained when interacting with him. The aura emanating from the other party, even if it had been somewhat restrained, still pressed down on him like a boulder.
Sometimes, if the other party's tone was just a little colder, Harrington felt like he couldn't breathe. That feeling was like being targeted by a top predator, a constant torment.
Suppressing his fear, Harrington raised the Storm's Fury staff, looking at the Formal Level magic core emitting magical fluorescence at the top, Harrington's heart was burning with excitement.
He finally had his own staff. Now he didn't have to worry about the upcoming promotion test!
But before that, there was one more thing to do, and that was to crush that ant.
......
Without the threat of war, coupled with its geographical location adjacent to various countries, Snowman City's commerce was very developed, and the people were wealthy.
Here, you could see many of the most popular novelties from various countries, such as new dwarven glasses, exquisite elven headdresses, silk shawls from overseas countries, and so on.
The local residents here were also very recognizable. Most of the men wore top hats, sleeveless vests, and long coats. A few even carried canes, walking with their heads held high, revealing an overly confident appearance.
The women wore gorgeous gauze dresses, with elven-made pancake hats or parasols adorned with decorations. They entered and exited various exquisite shops, chatting and laughing elegantly with the simps around them.
The retro scene made Luo Ning unable to take his eyes off it. If he hadn't been framed, Luo Ning thought to himself, he would probably be standing in this scene...
In that simp's position.
But unfortunately, cruel reality had taught him a lesson, making him understand how important strength was in this era.
Luo Ning no longer paid attention to the bustling scene. He turned and walked towards the other side of the city.
His destination was the Adventurers' Guild in Nightingale Street.
Of course, he wasn't going there to seek pleasure, but to apply for an adventurer's identity certificate.
Luo Ning had already planned out his short-term goals.
If I'm not wanted here, I'll be wanted somewhere else. He planned to go to Ayrshire Royal Magic Academy to study magic.
It was said to be the best Magic Academy in all the countries of the Southern Territory.
Luo Ning was very determined to become stronger, so naturally he wouldn't miss this opportunity.
As for the rigid requirements of the academy's entrance exam, Luo Ning didn't think they would be difficult for him.
After reading the basic knowledge related to magic, Luo Ning had a general understanding of his talent and advancement speed.
His talent in magic was undoubtedly terrifying.
Magic has been passed down for tens of thousands of years. After continuous improvements by predecessors, apprentice-level magic has reached a point where it's almost impossible to optimize further.
However, Luo Ning, a low-level apprentice, modified the fireball spell with just a sudden inspiration, greatly increasing its power...
Something that a Great Mage might not be able to accomplish in a lifetime was easily completed by Luo Ning. One can imagine how strong Luo Ning's magical talent was.
Moreover, Luo Ning not only had talent in magic modification, but he also had talents such as No Incantation Casting and elemental all-system proficiency.
He was simply born to be a magician. What flowed in his blood vessels was not blood, but elemental magic.
Therefore, Luo Ning wasn't worried that he wouldn't meet the requirements. The only thing that made him a little worried was the various fees.
Cultivating a magician was very expensive. If you wanted to be outstanding in the path of magic, you would need a massive amount of gold coins to cultivate.
And now, Luo Ning had no money.
His family probably wouldn't sponsor him either.
In his memory, his father was a very hypocritical, rigid, and snobbish fellow. He only cared about benefits and how to expand the family's power.
For a waste like Luo Ning who disgraced the family, he would only feel that he was superfluous and a nuisance.
......
The counter miss at the Adventurers' Guild was very pretty, but her attitude wasn't very good. When Luo Ning was applying for his certificate, she looked indifferent, as if she was about to roll her eyes at him.
It took him several times longer than others to get his certificate. After putting on the brand new wooden tag, Luo Ning turned to leave.
At this moment, an adventurer with a gold tag happened to walk up. The counter clerk, who had been wearing a disgusted expression, completed a face change in a second, quickly greeted him, and eagerly hovered around him, showing concern.
She looked just like a pug wagging its tail for food.