The artifact, also one of the exceptional pieces of equipment, can be worn alongside regular gear, enhancing its effects. Hearing Ying Chan’s exclamation, Howard was inwardly startled. With Ying Chan’s discerning eye, she was unlikely to be mistaken.
At this, Caitlin looked at Ying Chan in surprise, then nodded in confirmation. “Yes, you’re right. This is indeed an Epic-grade artifact, named the Aqua Ring. It has an immense storage space and can even accommodate living beings. Many summoners use the Aqua Ring or similar spatial items to store their Summoned Beasts.”
“If I’m not mistaken, you possess a summoning skill. In the future, if you acquire a battle pet or mount, this Aqua Ring will be of great help to you.”
Caitlin’s gift was truly heartfelt and perfect for Howard. Even though Howard knew Caitlin had feelings for him, he didn’t refuse her gift. Smiling, he said, “Thank you so much. I really like this gift.”
Blushing slightly, Caitlin murmured, “If you really like it, how will you repay me?”
“I’ll return the favor with a gift next time,” Howard replied, his gaze meaningful.
Caitlin, however, pouted and said softly, “Then why not just give me a hug or a kiss right now?”
Hearing this, many of the first-year students watching couldn’t help but twitch their mouths, feeling a pang of jealousy.
Damn it, they thought, not only does Howard have two women getting along harmoniously, but he also has another stunning beauty actively pursuing him!
And Caitlin, unlike Abby and Ying Chan, had a particularly explosive figure, dashing the hopes of any other female students who harbored a crush on Howard.
They couldn’t compete, not at all!
Abby and Ying Chan shared a small smile, but Howard sensed a hint of murderous intent. Laughing it off, he quickly changed the subject: “Do you guys have time this weekend? I’m planning a trip back to Saint City!”
Upon hearing this, Aisha and Glyn’s faces lit up with joy, and they eagerly responded, “Of course, we have time!”
They weren’t naive; they knew Howard had no particular fondness for Saint City. The only plausible reason for his return was the Ruins of the Castle of Vampires. Although Glyn had made prior commitments with other students, those could easily be set aside for the opportunity to explore the Ruins.
Caitlin, too, was highly interested in the Ruins, and the conversation smoothly shifted in that direction. After a while, the lower-level students, unable to follow the conversation of Caitlin, Glyn, and the others, gradually dispersed.
As time passed, Howard escorted Ying Chan back to the girls’ dormitory and then returned to his own dorm with Nick and Mike. Once back, Nick and Mike couldn’t hold back any longer and blurted out, “Boss, when you go to the Ruins, can you take us with you?”
“Huh? Why?” Howard asked, surprised. “I thought anyone could enter the Ruins as long as they had enough points. Why do you need to follow me?”
“Uh, well,” Nick said awkwardly, “you have a connection with Mr. Daniel, right? Maybe the points required would be less for us.”
Howard was momentarily speechless before replying, “Even if he holds a high position, the guardians of the Ruins won’t give us any special treatment because of him. You better earn enough points on your own.”
What a joke, Howard thought. He had no actual connection with Daniel; how could he pull strings for them?
“Okay, then.” Seeing Howard’s firm response, Nick and Mike didn’t dare to push further. They had thought Howard had a good relationship with the Daniel family.
The night passed without incident.
Howard slept exceptionally well. Only in a safe place could he truly relax his mind and body.
When Howard awoke, the sun was already shining brightly. Fortunately, their classes started late, so he hadn’t overslept.
Nick and Mike were already up, having prepared everything. Seeing Howard stirring, they both smiled and said, “After your impressive display yesterday, we didn’t dare wake you. Get ready, and let’s head to class.”
“By the way, today we have a practical combat class with a new mentor you haven’t met yet. Hehe, this mentor has taught us a lot.”
“It’s a pity that if our levels had been higher, you wouldn’t have needed to step in yesterday!”
Hearing his roommates’ chatter, Howard didn’t find it bothersome. At least, these people wouldn’t harm him.
Holy Abyss Academy’s reputation stemmed from its deep pool of teaching talent and earnest teaching methods. Apart from that one mentor who was fond of alcohol, all other mentors Howard had encountered were excellent and deeply cared for their students.
During Howard’s absence, a new course had been added – Practical Combat. The mentor for this course was Hubis Nal, known by the nickname Blazing Tiger, whose strength was comparable to Tana’s.
Unfortunately, having experienced numerous life-and-death battles, Howard found little use in the practical combat lessons. Hubis, recognizing Howard’s decisive and experienced nature, didn’t restrict him and instead gave him the opportunity to go out, preventing him from wasting time in the class.
This was an unexpected boon for Howard. He didn’t refuse the offer and left Abby and Ying Chan behind, heading out of the academy on his own. With plans to explore the Ruins, he needed to make thorough preparations. Moreover, carrying such a substantial amount of money, Howard intended to purchase more items and perhaps create a few more Supreme Artifacts.
However, before he could even leave the academy grounds, someone intercepted him. Initially, Howard thought someone was looking for trouble, but upon closer inspection, he recognized the person as a student who had sought him out before. Howard had forgotten the student’s name, though.
After spending much of his time in combat lately, his mind had been extremely tense. Now, with the sudden relaxation, he felt somewhat off-kilter. The student, unaware of this, approached him with familiarity, saying, “Howard, your strength is impressive. In less than a month since enrollment, you’ve defeated those famous experts! It’s truly remarkable for someone from our Saint City.”
“It’s just good luck,” Howard replied modestly. .
“There’s no such thing as mere luck,” the student hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Isn’t it class time now? Why are you heading out? Is there something you need to do? How about we go together?”
“…”
“Sure!”
Howard wouldn’t refuse such politeness from others. Fortunately, it seemed the student genuinely had other matters to attend to, and after accompanying Howard for a short while, he left on his own. .𝒎
Watching him head in the opposite direction, Howard breathed a sigh of relief. However, what Howard didn’t know was that as the student walked away, he pulled out a memory crystal from his pocket. Once activated, a memory crystal can record everything within its range, including people’s images and voices.
Clearly, the student’s intention wasn’t just to accompany Howard for a walk.
…
Howard made his way to the shop where he previously purchased magic equipment. As soon as he arrived, the attendant quickly approached him. “Honored sir, what do you need today? How much are you looking to buy?”
“Hmm, do you have any level 30 mage equipment? I’ll take either more than 100 or 120 pieces,” Howard said casually. “Just make sure the quantity meets that number, including skill books. I want magic skills of all types!”
“And money won’t be an issue!”
“Of course, I’ll go and check our inventory right away,” the attendant replied, visibly excited.
Despite Howard’s request for equipment only ten levels higher, the cost involved was substantial. After all, besides the grade, the level is a key factor influencing an item’s attributes.
Equipment at level 100, even if it’s only Diamond-grade, would be priced higher than Epic-grade or even Legendary-grade equipment at level 20.
Selling over a hundred pieces of equipment in one transaction was sure to fetch an impressive sum.
While Howard was waiting, sudden footsteps sounded from behind. Turning around, he couldn’t help but reveal a look of surprise. Standing before him was none other than Rick Suleiman!
This left Howard momentarily stunned. After all, Rick Suleiman was a major power player in Adia City, with formidable personal strength. His unexpected appearance made Howard wonder – what could he possibly want with him?
“Rick Senior,” Howard greeted, masking his surprise with polite courtesy.
“Good,” Rick Suleiman nodded with a light chuckle. “Young fellow, it seems you’ve caught someone’s attention. Would you like me to take care of it for you?”
At these words, Howard’s pupils contracted sharply as he quickly pondered who might be targeting him. Could it be the Alliance forces that pursued Shelley Chan? After all, he had ultimately reaped the benefits of that situation. It seemed plausible that someone within the Alliance might make a move against him.
And as for how they knew about him? Howard wasn’t naive enough to think the Alliance was oblivious to these matters. They might have refrained from acting to maintain world stability, but as rulers, they were likely aware of most significant events.
Howard’s comings and goings at the Chan estate would certainly have been noticed.
With this realization, Howard quickly formed a plan and turned to Rick Suleiman with a smile..
Updated from .𝒎