Chapter 396: Wrong Prediction

Fortunately, his trousers were still in one piece, or the situation would have turned into a complete disaster. With that in mind, he smoothed his clothes, straightened his collar, and cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure.

"My apologies, Vice Principal," he said, rubbing the back of his neck as the heat left his face. "I was a bit preoccupied."

"It’s fine. Breakthroughs are rarely graceful affairs. I’m just glad to see you made it through in one piece. Besides," she offered an apologetic smile, "it was my fault for dropping in unannounced. I shouldn’t have intruded on your post-breakthrough recovery like that."

Soren nodded, inwardly surprised that someone of her standing would apologize so easily. Still, he didn’t let the gesture distract him, because he could guess why she had appeared without warning.

’It is related to my mental breakthrough.’

He was sure of it.

"Then, what brings you here, Vice Principal?" Soren asked, fixing his gaze on her. "I assume... this isn’t just a casual visit to check on my health."

"It’s partly to check on your well-being, of course. And..." She paused, her eyes narrowing. "I am sure you already guessed it, but it’s about your mental cultivation. You manifested your will into reality, right?"

’...Right, Spiritual Manifestation is also called Will Manifestation,’

Soren thought, recalling the terminology.

He gave a slow nod, leaning into a look of mild surprise. "I did. But... how did you know? Could it be...?" He trailed off, leaving the question hanging as if he were only now putting the pieces together.

"Mmm, what you think is correct," She replied with a knowing smile. "I cultivate mentally too, and currently, I’m at the Inner Sanctum stage. That’s why I’m particularly sensitive to mental power and its fluctuations. I also know how powerful and dangerous it can be."

She paused as if choosing her words. "...Actually, I’ve been keeping an eye on this place since you entered seclusion, just in case something went wrong. So when I felt that sudden wave of mental energy, I thought you were in trouble and came running. And the rest, well, you already know."

"I see," Soren muttered, bowing politely again. "Thank you for your concern, Vice Principal."

"Mm."

"But," Soren continued, "if you’ve already reached the Inner Sanctum stage, then you’re truly extraordinary. Reaching such a level requires incredible talent and mastery."

Ramona smiled at his words, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "You flatter me, Mr. Everly. Compared to what you’ve just accomplished at your age, I’m hardly anything exceptional. But I appreciate the compliment." She paused, then tilted her head slightly. "Speaking of which, would you like to talk about mental cultivation sometime? We could exchange insights and learn from each other."

Soren’s eyes lit up. Learning directly from an Inner Sanctum practitioner was a rare opportunity he wouldn’t dream of passing up. Besides, he was searching for a way to get close to her, so he nodded without hesitation. "I’d be honored, Vice Principal Ramona."

She nodded again. "Then it’s settled. Now, are you going to stay here, or should I take you out?"

"Ah, please-," Soren almost blurted out, "take me out," eager to leave and reunite with Ethea, but he caught himself and reconsidered before finishing his sentence. "...Let me stay for a while longer."

"Are you sure?" Ramona asked, raising a gentle eyebrow as she observed his sudden hesitation.

Soren gave a firm nod. "Yes. And... is it ok if I train here too?"

"Of course," She replied, producing a small white crystal and holding it out to him. "If you inject a trace of your mental power into this, I will know immediately and come pick you up."

Soren took the crystal and nodded. "Thank you, Vice Principal."

She smiled and disappeared.

Soren looked down at the delicate crystal in his palm before stowing it safely away. Actually, he wanted to familiarize himself with his new realm and strength and practice a few techniques before heading out. That’s why he chose to remain behind.

’Alright, let’s start.’

He took a deep breath and started with the basics. He tested his ice manipulation, then moved on to his spearmanship and swordsmanship. Hours slipped away unnoticed as he poured himself into every movement. By the time he finished, it was already around lunchtime in the real world.

He was more than satisfied with his progress, so he pulled out the crystal and injected a trace of his mental power into it.

Within moments, the air before him rippled, and Vice Principal Ramona reappeared.

"Ready to head back?"

Soren nodded, and the world around him blurred. When it came back into focus, they were standing in her office.

Soren steadied his footing and looked toward her. "When should we meet for our discussion on mental cultivation?"

Ramona crossed the room and rested a hand against the edge of her mahogany desk, pondering his question for a moment. "Let’s make it three days from now, in the morning. That should give you enough time to rest and consolidate your foundation. I will also finish my work and clear up my schedule so we won’t be interrupted."

"Understood," Soren replied. He reached into his inventory, retrieved a small glass bottle, and held it out to her. "This should be helpful for your mental cultivation. Please accept it."

Ramona stared at the vial curiously and accepted it. "Thank you, Mr. Everly. I will make good use of it."

"Then I will take my leave, Vice Principal," he said, bowing politely before straightening up.

"Go on and get some rest," Ramona replied, watching him turn and walk out of the office as the door closed softly behind him. Once he was gone, she sank back into her desk chair. She held the small bottle up to the light, watching the luminous liquid swirl inside.

’Lady Herald... he seems even more monstrous than you predicted. I didn’t even need to guide him...’

She let out a soft breath, a faint smile touching her lips as she carefully stowed the bottle in her drawer.

’...Perhaps it’s for the best.’