Chapter 185: Someone Senses Lances Intentions Beforehand

Chapter 185: Someone Senses Lance's Intentions Beforehand

Adam walked through the atrium of the main building of the Sages' College, and before long, he spotted a familiar figure at the far end. Theresa, who had arranged to welcome him, was already waiting there.

Theresa said in her characteristically gentle tone, "Adam, please follow me. Lance is already in the conference room."

Before Dean Lawrence went on a business trip, he had entrusted the arrangements for the academic delegation from the Kingdom of Yaloran to Theresa, as she was a reliable teacher who wasn't quite as swamped with work as the others.

Moreover, Theresa had interacted with Lance several times since his entrance exam. In fact, Lance was known to actually pay attention during her Overview of Magical Systems and Lineages class.

Although Dean Lawrence had his reservations, he ultimately concluded that Theresa was the best person for the job. He could only hope she might be able to keep Lance somewhat in check.

"Thank you for facilitating this, Ms. Theresa."

Adam bowed respectfully to the amiable Theresa and followed her. Ever since he had arrived at Ikerite University, he had been impressed by the high caliber of the students of the Sages' College.

When he proposed a duel, the high ranking third year students showed no desire to compete for the sake of rivalry. Instead, they graciously deferred to others, leaving Adam feeling a bit embarrassed by their modesty.

However, not wanting him to have made the trip for nothing, and understanding the kind of opponent he was looking for, they pointed him toward Lance.

True to the spirit of combat, Adam hadn't conducted any formal reconnaissance on his opponent prior to the duel, gathering only the most basic information about Lance from the senior students. However, judging by Dean Lawrence's vehement opposition, that first-year student named Lance was undoubtedly the ultimate trump card of the Sages’ College. There was no question about it.

A few minutes later, Adam followed Theresa to a pair of heavy, imposing doors on the top floor of the building. This was the large conference room where the faculty usually held their meetings, though it had been cleared out for today's occasion.

"We're here." Theresa said with a smile as she pushed open the doors.

Adam saw a spacious, predominantly white room, a blend of an office and reception lounge. Bathed in soft, bright light that created a harmonious atmosphere, the room featured over a dozen round tables arranged around a central, ring-shaped magical display screen.

At a casual spot along the side of the room, a youth sat in a chair beside one of the round tables. His back was turned to the table, as if he were admiring the campus scenery beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Even though he was simply sitting there, Adam recognized him instantly. That youth was the focal point of the entire room, and he was none other than Lance Wilford, the secret weapon cultivated by the legendary Dean Lawrence.

Upon Adam's arrival, the young man in the chair quickly turned around in a gesture of respect and courtesy toward his guest.

"Ah, Mr. Adam, you've arrived."

Lance sat gracefully in his chair, smiling as he gently stroked a small black cat. That pleasant, refreshing air about him left Adam, who was standing in the doorway, momentarily taken aback.

He had never imagined his opponent would be such a harmless, guileless young man. He looked like someone who didn't seem to harbor a shred of hostility, even when facing a rival.

That feeling of pure innocence reminded Adam of Karen, their university's genius card maker. If Lance was the sort of person who matured late, then Adam wasn't quite sure how he ought to project an imposing, dominant attitude toward him.

"The two of you should discuss the terms of the duel. The rest of us will act as the witnesses."

Theresa led Adam to the round table where Lance was seated, then took a seat nearby. Although it wasn't an official meeting time for the Sages' College, quite a few faculty members and senior students from Ikerite University were already present in the conference room. They were there to witness the duel and provide technical support.

In fact, there were more people than Theresa had expected. Perhaps they were all just here for the spectacle.

Theresa took a moment to observe Lance. She had sensed it since that morning. The youth seemed slightly different today, though she couldn't quite put her finger on what exactly had changed.

Oh, that's it.

Theresa suddenly realized something: Hyperion was currently on leave. So for once, Lance was acting alone. Of course, he did have a small black cat with him. It would alternately sit in his hands, cling to his shoulder, or perch atop his head.

The cat was so lively and adorable that many curious female students from the Sages' College had wanted to reach out and touch it. However, when they realized that the cat was with Lance, they all ultimately chose to keep their distance.

As far as Theresa knew, although many girls at the Sages' College had been interested in Lance when he first enrolled, drawn by his looks, demeanor, and talent, no one had ever dared to actually make a move to get close to him.

It wasn't that Lance lacked popularity at the school. Rather, he was someone to be admired from afar, not approached with romantic intent.

It was much like how even a student obsessed with romance, provided they were in their right mind, wouldn't typically view the headmaster as a potential partner. But just what was it about Lance right now that felt off...?

Wait, Hyperion isn't here so that means...

Theresa's face instantly turned paper white. The only normal person by Lance's side was missing. Without that point of reference, that "external conscience," Lance would likely run wild and do exactly as he pleased!

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Theresa quickly turned her head away. Running away might be shameful, but she was terrified of getting dragged into the mess.

Lance stood up, extended his hand toward Adam, and said in a calm, steady voice, "Mr. Adam, let me welcome you on Ikerite University's behalf."

Adam shook Lance's hand earnestly. "Thank you for the warm welcome."

He had a very good first impression of Lance. There was absolutely no trace of the arrogance often found in geniuses, only humility and approachability.

The only oddity was that Lance's demeanor and actions didn't quite fit a student's. Adam had the inexplicable illusion that he was facing an administrator of the university representing the school in official external relations.

Lance sincerely said to Adam, "I am delighted to have received your invitation, but I must clarify one thing beforehand. This is a friendly exchange focused on bettering the relationship between our two schools. I won't view you as an enemy or resort to unscrupulous tactics just to secure a victory."

Adam fell silent for a moment. He understood exactly what Lance meant. While he had to admit that the first year was a poised and measured individual, if neither side gave it their all, it would defeat the very purpose of his challenging this match in the first place, which was to redeem Lady Juliana's honor.

With that in mind, Adam proposed, "I think we should wager something on the outcome. It would make the match more competitive and exciting, rather than just a dull affair."

He was certain the audience wouldn't want to watch a lackluster match devoid of any real tension or rivalry.

Lance looked somewhat hesitant, yet out of respect for Adam, he asked the question anyway. "For instance?"

Adam stated his request bluntly, "If I defeat you, can you have Dean Lawrence go to the Kingdom of Yaloran and personally offer an apology to Knight Commander Juliana?"

Regardless of whether the other party agreed, he put his ultimate goal on the table right away. If they couldn't manage it, he could always make concessions later. Just as Adam thought there was absolutely no way Lance would agree to such an outrageous proposal...

Lance nodded in approval. "Agreed. I'll make the call on Dean Lawrence's behalf."

His hands were clasped behind his back as he exuded the dignified air of a headmaster.

The entire conference room erupted in a stir. The students watching the spectacle were particularly thrilled. They loved it when Lance stirred up something big!