The Capital’s Grandeur and a Devil’s Farewell

“Following this hidden river passage, we’ll reach the capital! We’re finally back.”

“Ah! We’re finally back. I truly thought I’d perish at sea.”

“Indeed! I had believed that encountering a Ninth-Tier demonic beast, the Deep Sea Winged Serpent, meant we had no hope of escape.”

“To think, we actually returned alive.”

“What exactly transpired after we fainted? When I awoke, everything was gone.”

“Had it not been for your accounts, I would have remained utterly clueless about the entire ordeal.”

“Forget it, forget it. It’s better not to know.”

“This is the greatest trauma of my life. Just facing the aura of the Deep Sea Winged Serpent made it impossible to even conceive of hostility.”

“Such an event is enough to encounter once in a lifetime; it’s best not to experience it again.”

Upon hearing Provence’s words, the group of mages began to stir with excitement. Though they were mages, the events they had just endured were truly thrilling. Many could not remain calm. After all, escaping from a Ninth-Tier demonic beast, the Deep Sea Winged Serpent, was certainly something to boast about. They could regale their companions with the tale upon their return.

No one suspected Ai Ou, or rather, it simply didn’t occur to them to doubt him. In the eyes of these mages, Ai Ou was merely a talented magical novice. If even the veteran Sixth-Tier mage Provence couldn’t resolve the situation, what could a mere beginner possibly know?

After everyone else regained consciousness, Ai Ou also feigned just waking up, his face a picture of confused bewilderment. Provence, after surveying the ship and the surrounding waters, found no clues. He could only conclude that the Deep Sea Winged Serpent simply had no interest in their group, allowing them to miraculously survive.

Following such a harrowing experience, no one on board had any desire for further leisure. The cruise ship’s speed was maximized, accelerating swiftly in hopes of returning to the Magic Academy as soon as possible. The outside world was far too perilous; only their home base offered true safety. While they had narrowly escaped this time, who knew if they would survive another encounter with a high-tier demonic beast?

Five days passed in this manner, and the cruise ship began to slow. After Provence observed their surroundings, he realized they were not far from the capital. The group, upon hearing this news, visibly brightened with excitement.

As the magic cruise ship entered the hidden river leading to the imperial capital, the vessel’s bottom began to transform, allowing it to navigate the narrow waterway. After roughly half a day, amidst the cheers of those around them, a magnificent and colossal city gradually emerged before Ai Ou’s eyes. It was the most grand and imposing city he had ever witnessed in his life.

Guards in gleaming armor patrolled, while knights on white steeds continuously rode through the streets. There were also numerous bards, dressed in vibrant attire, boasting to every passerby, bustling merchant caravans, and various nobles parading through the streets with their maids.

The sights of the capital were unlike anything Ai Ou had ever imagined.

“How about it? Isn’t the scenery here magnificent?”

A hand rested on Ai Ou’s shoulder. Ai Ou looked over to see Provence, who was patting his shoulder and gazing at the approaching capital as he spoke.

“Indeed! I’ve never seen a city like this in my life. I never imagined the capital would be so opulent and grand.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to appreciate it in the future. All of you will become mages.”

“Only by becoming mages can you truly be the pillars of this city; everything else serves you. Would you like to come to my home for a visit?”

“No, thank you. I’m eager to see the academy and register as soon as possible.”

“You truly are impatient! The ship will reach its final stop just outside the city; it cannot directly enter the capital. From here, we’ll proceed on foot.”

“I need to report to the Magic Association immediately about our recent situation, so I won’t be able to go directly to the academy. Will you wait to register with the others tomorrow, or will you go alone?”

“I’ll go by myself, if it’s no trouble for you, Lord Provence.”

“Haha, rest assured, with your talent, you’re certain to be admitted! Then, once you’re officially enrolled, I’ll pay you a visit!”

Upon reaching the outskirts, the group disembarked from the cruise ship. Provence recited a long, intricate incantation to the now empty vessel. The cruise ship rapidly shrank to a size of just over a meter, visible to the naked eye.

“Aaron! You’re responsible for carrying the cruise ship!”

“Ah! Mentor! Why me?”

“Because you’re the weakest among them! You never study properly. When you become stronger, it naturally won’t be your responsibility!”

After chastising Aaron, Provence approached Ai Ou and bid him farewell:

“Little friend Ai Ou, I’ll take this group to find lodging for now, and we’ll head to the academy tomorrow. So, we’ll part ways here! Do you wish to say goodbye to the others?”

Provence looked at Ai Ou. After all, during their journey, a crowd had gathered around Ai Ou after every meal, listening to his stories, and they had grown quite familiar with each other.

Ai Ou, looking at the ‘leeks’ he had been fleecing, waved his hand and said, “Don’t miss me too much! Let’s just meet at the academy!”

Upon hearing Ai Ou’s words, the small group of fourteen and fifteen-year-olds instantly erupted.

“Get lost!”

“I don’t want to see you again!”

“This is wonderful! We’re finally rid of this devil!”

“Don’t you dare come near us!”

“You fiend, you swindled all my money!”

These new mages held Ai Ou in very low regard. During their journey, Ai Ou had used various methods to relentlessly squeeze magic stones and gold coins from them. He told stories, offered novel toys, and employed all sorts of irresistible tactics, making them hand over their magic stones as if drugged. By the time they came to their senses, all their assets had become Ai Ou’s. Thus, when Ai Ou was mentioned, they felt both love and hate.

“Then welcome me back! Remember to prepare more magic stones; I’ll be coming for them again!”

Upon hearing Ai Ou’s words, the group was taken aback, turning their backs in unison, unwilling to see his face again.

Provence chuckled at the scene, waved to Ai Ou, and then boarded his magic carriage, driving off with the group in one direction.

“Young Master? What shall we do next?”

After their farewells, Elena asked curiously.

“Maud, have the rhino carriage head to the capital. Find an inn for us to stay in for now.”

“Later, we’ll purchase a residence to serve as our home in the capital!”

Having said this, Ai Ou boarded the rhino carriage. Elena quickly followed him inside. Maud, being a servant, simply followed Ai Ou’s instructions. He drove the rhino carriage, found a decent inn, and settled them in.

Ai Ou, after inquiring about the Magic Academy from the innkeeper, strode purposefully forward.

Magic Academy, here I come!