Chapter 348 - 47: Returning Home in Glory, Evil God Slayer (3)

Chapter 348: Chapter 47: Returning Home in Glory, Evil God Slayer (3)

He seemed to recall something, then revealed a piece of news:

"A few days ago, while I was training at the Arbitration Court, I caught wind of something. There’s some kind of change happening deep within Bam Swamp. It’s highly likely the academy will launch a large-scale operation, and I’m afraid they’ll draft a large number of Apprentices for the Giant Swamp War."

Potter’s heart suddenly tightened.

These words clearly pointed to a harsh reality—the scale of this Giant Swamp War would be larger than ever before.

And the larger the scale, the more people would fall.

Potter’s mood soured. "That’s terrible news."

For once, Mo Ning’s tone carried a trace of gravity. "I’m afraid things like this will become more and more common. The peaceful days are likely coming to an end."

Potter nodded. "I trust your judgment."

The young apprentice lowered his head, ready to get back to work, when Mo Ning said something that baffled him completely.

"If you have a child in the future, perhaps ’Harry’ would be a good name."

Potter froze for a second, then nodded solemnly. "That’s an excellent name."

’Of course, he knew the man before him was a true genius—the kind of genius one couldn’t even bring oneself to envy.’

’A name from the lips of a genius was never just a simple combination of syllables; it was a great blessing.’

’Even though he couldn’t begin to understand the man’s strange leaps of logic, it didn’t matter.’

’Whatever geniuses said or did would eventually become popular anecdotes.’

’That was why he was more than willing for his child to have a subtle connection to such a genius from the moment of birth.’

’If this genius advanced to become a Second Level Wizard, or even a Third Level Wizard, the name "Harry" would bring his child countless intangible benefits.’

’But if an ordinary, unremarkable Apprentice had said the same thing, it would have been nothing but a foolish, laughable comment.’

’This world had never been fair.’

’Potter knew that better than anyone.’

*****

「Dusk was falling.」

「Black Tower Academy.」

Mo Ning, dressed in the black robes of an Arbiter, led Anya and the other newcomers through the spatial gate in the Cabin in the Woods and into the Mysterious Secret Hall of the Quiet Forest.

It was dinnertime, and the great hall was bustling with people.

After several months at the academy, the newcomers all knew full well what the black robes signified.

So, pair after pair of eyes, filled with curiosity and awe, turned to look their way.

But when they saw that the figure in the Black Robe was actually Mo Ning, an unstoppable uproar swept through the hall, like ripples from a stone tossed into water.

Mo Ning had been gone for some time, and his return now sent a powerful shock through everyone present.

The scene was like something out of a story: a legend returning at twilight.

A faint smile touched Mo Ning’s lips. "Everyone, it’s been a while!"

In response, a great wave of greetings rose and fell throughout the hall.

"Greetings, Legion Commander!"

"Good evening, Legion Commander Mo Ning!"

The temperature in the air seemed to rise with their voices, the atmosphere growing so fervent it was almost scorching.

Mo Ning’s expression remained calm, but he was secretly using his authority as an Arbiter to quietly submit a request to the Witch Spirit.

A second later.

All the newcomers received a directive:

[The Arbitration Court will be conducting a full security inspection of the newcomer cafeteria. All personnel are to evacuate the cafeteria immediately within the next five minutes. Those who have not yet eaten or have not finished their meals may take their food to go.]

The directive instantly sparked an even greater uproar and commotion.

"So the Legion Commander really did become an Arbiter. A moment ago, I thought it was just a rumor."

"Who would dare impersonate an Arbiter in the academy? You should go see a Healer and get your head checked."

"Damn it! I haven’t even eaten yet! What the hell is going on in the cafeteria?"

"Quit your whining and go pack your food. Otherwise, you’ll be going to bed hungry."

The crowd surged toward the cafeteria like a tide, then rushed back out clutching their food, gathering in the Secret Hall to watch Mo Ning.

Mo Ning wasn’t idle, either. He chatted with his former companions, catching up on how they were doing.

His demeanor was serene, lacking the pride common among high-achieving apprentices, to say nothing of the arrogance typical of Arbiters.

The newcomers who got a chance to speak with Mo Ning all wore expressions of deep honor.

「Five minutes later.」

The cafeteria was completely empty.

Two more figures in black robes stepped silently into the hall.

They were also from the Fourth Arbitration Institute, the reinforcements Mo Ning had called in—a man named Bet and another named Finch.

Since he realized the cafeteria was very likely tainted by an Evil God, Mo Ning was certainly not foolish enough to charge in alone.

As the celebrated "new star" of the Fourth Arbitration Institute, he was held in much higher regard by the Arbiters than his peers. Calling for backup was now a simple matter for him.

His request had been approved the moment it was submitted.

Now, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the three figures in black robes stepped through the archway one by one and were swallowed by the silent shadows.

Mo Ning walked down the familiar corridor and once again entered the submerged cafeteria.

The light of the setting sun slanted down from above the watery ceiling, filtering through the ripples to shatter into countless golden flecks upon the floor.

For a moment, he was overcome by a dizzying sense of nostalgia.

’From the first time he had marveled at this underwater view to now, standing here clad in the black robes of an Arbiter, it felt as if he had traveled an impossibly long road.’