Chapter 107: Lances Knack for Stirring Up Trouble Remains Top Notch

Chapter 107: Lance's Knack for Stirring Up Trouble Remains Top Notch

Lance's question struck like a meteorite plunging into a lake, sending ripples through everyone's hearts. Total silence fell over the room. The air seemed to freeze as everyone was drawn to the back row, staring at Lance.

Most people understood exactly what he meant: he intended to acquire one of those Primal Tablets himself. Such audacity carried the implicit declaration that he would inevitably become one of the world's supreme powerhouses.

Had an ordinary student made such a claim, it would have merely provoked scornful laughter. But Lance was different. He possessed the credentials to back up such confidence. To his peers at Ikerite University, he was already viewed as a "Little Demon King."

Even Theresa seemed slightly surprised by the nature of his question. Those three Primal Tablets were indeed the optimal choices for someone like him to consider. What truly surprised her was that, while she could understand his interest in the Mental and Healing Primal Tablets, was he actually capable of using Sealing magic, too?

Theresa wasn't the only person taken aback. The students, who had never seen Lance employ Sealing arts, suddenly felt an even deeper sense of awe, and perhaps fear, regarding this special individual.

Theresa promptly began to answer his question, her tone tinged with regret, "The Mental Primal Tablet was in the possession of the Demon Race during the Great War decades ago, but it hasn't surfaced since the conflict ended. It is likely still held by some reclusive, high-ranking demon."

If Lance wished to specialize in Mental magic, the chances of locating that particular Primal Tablet were slim. No matter how powerful a human might be, their lifespan was limited to a mere few decades or a century at most. They simply could not outlast demons who might go into seclusion for hundreds of years without ever appearing in the world.

Theresa continued in a calm, measured tone, "As for the Healing Primal Tablet, it is currently held by the Saintess of the Church of the Goddess of Fate. If you wish to examine it, it would be best to arrange an introduction through Dean Lawrence to facilitate communication."

Although it was far too early for Lance, a Rank 3 mage, to consider obtaining a Primal Tablet, there was no harm in simply taking a look at someone else's. Furthermore, this one was well-suited to him and relatively easy to locate.

However, after saying that, Theresa's voice trailed off. Many students in the classroom held their breath. The sudden shift in her expression made them feel a momentary sense of unease.

From the mix of fear and hatred on Theresa's face, people knew that she clearly knew the answer to the last one but was hesitating to voice it. It was as if she was afraid to utter words associated with some forbidden or ominous concept.

"The final Primal Tablet... is in the hands of Cardinal Askesan of Annihilation, a figure from the Northern Continent."

Cardinal Askesan of Annihilation embodied fear, despair, and torment. As one of the supreme cardinals of the Church of Resurrection, every Sealing art and curse he wielded had sown the seeds of death across the world.

His sealing magic was utterly silent, yet far deadlier than any offensive spell. Within hours, he could transform a once-flourishing metropolis into a soundless, lifeless hellscape, a realm of absolute isolation from which neither the strong nor the weak could escape. His eyes held no trace of compassion or humanity, only a morbid obsession with death and oblivion.

It was largely because of Askesan that Sealing magic had gained such an infamous reputation in the world today. As a representative figure, the Cardinal of Annihilation was feared by all living beings across the Northern Continent. His horrible reputation had even reached the people on the Southern Continent, which was separated from his sphere of influence by the vast seas.

Theresa looked toward the students in the classroom with deep concern and added, "You may simply pretend that the ten Primal Tablets that are in the hands of the Church of Resurrection do not exist. Under no circumstances should you ever become involved with them! To do so would spell utter catastrophe for both you and your families."

The atmosphere in the classroom grew heavy and somber. Theresa stood at the lectern, her voice stern, clear, and resolute. "Every cardinal is an insane fanatic possessing the power to annihilate entire nations. Provoking even one of them would inevitably invite unimaginable calamity."

"I understand, Professor Theresa. Thank you." Lance nodded in gratitude.

A hush fell over the classroom, but then, as if breaking the ice, a student soon raised their hand and asked, "Professor, the cardinals of the Church of Resurrection all possess Primal Tablets, so why doesn't their pope have one?"

Logically speaking, the pope of the Church of Resurrection ought to be the most powerful figure in that cult, a Rank 9 powerhouse, so it seemed unlikely that such a person would lack a tablet.

Theresa let out a soft sigh of relief. Although the conversation had veered toward the Church of Resurrection, an organization she loathed discussing, the lesson was ultimately proceeding in a positive direction and serving a valuable educational purpose. It allowed the students to gain a clearer understanding of the threat and danger posed by this cult.

"Although the existence of the pope of the Church of Resurrection is confirmed, that person has always remained shrouded in mystery. The Southern Continent United Council and the Krati Empire have managed to gather almost no concrete intelligence on the pope, and information from the Northern Continent is even more scarce..."

Theresa paused and then continued, "As for the question of whether or not the pope possesses a Primal Tablet, it is possible the pope holds one but has never used it, or perhaps the pope’s system is so comprehensive and complex that there is no need to expend a Tier 5 card slot to use one, or it could simply be that the pope has never obtained a Primal Tablet that was truly suitable..."

Theresa's voice was gentle yet commanding, occasionally revealing a touch of humor that drew soft laughter from the students. Most of the students kept their eyes fixed on the podium, fully engrossed in the seminar, which was now drawing to a close.

***

The sun-dappled forest path felt serene and peaceful. Beside the path, the College of Alchemy's botanical garden was a riot of blooming flowers and vibrant life. Birds hopped among the treetops, occasionally singing melodious tunes that lifted the spirits of the students, who had just finished a grueling two-hour lecture.

There were no other compulsory classes that morning, yet there was still over an hour before lunch. Lance and Hyperion were strolling leisurely toward the student council headquarters in the old Liberal Arts Hall.

Their pace was relaxed. While passing a bustling beverage shop, they paused briefly to queue up and buy three drinks. This cold-pressed juice shop had recently become a favorite among the freshmen. People often saw students after class carrying cups bearing the shop's distinctive logo.

Only upon arriving at the shop did they discover a menu featuring over thirty varieties. There were pure fruit juices, blends, and vegetable-fruit mixes, as well as curated "wellness sets" designed for a full week of nourishment. Novel delights could be found everywhere, prompting them to reflect on how blissful it would be to simply enjoy the unhurried pace of life at Ikerite, free from burdens or stress. The cool sweetness of their beverages felt like a refreshing breeze in the height of summer.

Hyperion sipped at her juice, glancing occasionally at Lance. She sensed that he had been preoccupied by something ever since class had ended. His brow remained furrowed, the tension never quite fading. He was clearly deep in thought about something important.

She finally couldn't resist asking, "Lance, do you have something on your mind?"

Hearing this, he turned his head toward her and nodded, his expression serious. He said in a measured, unhurried tone, "Hyperion, you know that we have to choose a graduation project, right?"

At Ikerite University, students could typically select and begin their graduation projects as early as their second year. These projects could be undertaken individually or in groups. Many students took advantage of the holidays to work on them. Depending on the project's complexity, the school could even approve a special long-term leave, granting students ample time to complete the work.

Hyperion nodded and asked, "Hmm, do you already have an idea in mind?"

Some determined students might decide on their project topic as early as their first year and complete it during the holidays. This not only allowed for greater flexibility in scheduling their second- and third-year coursework, but also, if the project was of high quality, could earn them extra credits toward their mandatory requirements.

Since Lance already had an idea and was keen on continuing to team up with her to complete it, they could consider getting started on the project during the winter break following this semester.

Lance explained, "At the Sages' College, we have a mandatory course called Overview of Magical Systems and Lineages and an elective called Foundations of Magical Lineages. Building on that, we have the option to undertake the graduation project titled 'In Search of a Primal Tablet Bearer.'"

He was willing to put in the effort over the next two years to realize his dream of early, wealthy retirement. After the next Shadow Realm run, there would likely be another long gap before the third challenge, so he wanted to make good use of that time.

"Do you want to seek out the Saintess of the Church of the Goddess of Fate? Or perhaps a tablet holder from a non-allied nation?"

Hyperion more or less understood what he wanted to do. Lance had indeed mentioned that he knew a thing or two about crafting magical artifacts. No wonder he looked so spirited while attending this class from the College of Magical Engineering.

Beyond choosing a moderately difficult graduation project like seeking out the Saintess, successfully tracking down a noble, powerful figure from afar would be a top-tier graduation project. After all, a tablet holder from a non-allied nation would be difficult to find and make contact with.

Not only could such a project earn him a higher grade and an extended vacation approved by the school, but it also might even be showcased as an outstanding project across the entire Southern Continent School Alliance. This would bring great glory to Ikerite University and the Kingdom of Hutton!

"No." Lance smiled and shook his head. He was completely uninterested in the Healing Primal Tablet held by the Saintess.

Puzzled, Hyperion asked, "Then who do you plan to seek out?"

Lance responded, "The Cardinal of Annihilation, Askesan."

Hyperion nearly spat out the juice she was drinking.