Vale had no idea about how they were trying to comfort themselves after their defeat.
He was simply happy after getting his hands on a few Elemental Talismans!
According to Priscilla, these paper talismans were one of the most basic Mystical Items that were used by many Arcane Paths.
Even their Darkness Arcane Path has some Dark Talismans like Curse Talisman and Life Erosion Talisman that would range from Regular to Mortal Rank…
There were also some Talismans that were higher ranked than that but they were rare since the paper used to store such mystical energy wasn't easily seen.
Anyone with such a paper would rather use it in other important things than make them a one-time-use paper talisman.
For this reason, most of the Dark Talismans' ranks weren't that high… Furthermore, if you get stronger, you won't be needing these talismans anymore. They would just take up space in your luggage so it's not a popular item.
After all, once you learned five or six Dark Spells, you'll get to realize that your Spell can be stronger and your Phantasm State can already allow you to defend against weak lower-tier Spells.
"Are we still going to the publishing company?" Vale asked referring to the Sun's Herald office that they were planning to visit.
"I'm already exhausted… I thought I wouldn't have to use my whistle for five times but I used it for seven times… It's too much for me. Let's just return to the inn and stay there. In case they called for help, we would be fine staying there." Priscilla replied. Although there is only a little chance, it is still possible that Terrence and Brylle would make the stupid decision of calling for someone else's assistance to cause trouble.
"Don't worry… We're not going to be in trouble as long as the Professors returned." Philip confidently said as he pointed at his pocket.
Vale then glanced at Philip's pocket only to realize that he was actually carrying a Recording Crystal all this time!
Vale's eyes lit up as he found out that this Philip was truly prepared all along…
Since it has a function of being able to delete its content, there won't be a problem if they just delete it when they arrived at the Academy and made sure that there are no further problems.
Vale and Priscilla finally relaxed at this as they rested in the inn.
After a few hours, a few professors and students started returning as they occupied the whole upper floor of the inn.
It appears that they already had information about the pocketwatch that the secret organization was searching for…
Apparently, the Dark Arts Faction has been interested in this matter and invested plenty of resources to find clues about this pocket watch. After all, the Vermont Academy was infiltrated because of this item and they wanted to get to the bottom of it.
Furthermore, searching for the mysterious pocketwatch would also allow them to find the traces of this secret organization.
"Senior Avery, may I ask about the news regarding that pocketwatch?" Philip asked their female senior. She's a fifth-year student and is currently here as a member of the Tea Appreciation Club, she was tasked to purchase a few bags of tea leaves but she had also visited the Sun's Herald Office with the Publication Committee and learned about the news.
"Oh? I didn't know you're interested with that." Avery commented as she approached the group of three.
Her companions already went to their rooms to either take a rest or take a bath after completing their task for today.
"Who wouldn't be interested, Senior? It's big news that someone infiltrated our Academy because of that…" Priscilla added.
"Haha… You're right… Anyway, it seems that several rumors about a pocketwatch that could help the wielder control space and time appeared about 12 years ago. The infiltration to our Academy's Armory appears to be related to that."
"Twelve years ago? I'm impressed some people still remember that rumor. Is there any news about its location?" Priscilla asked.
"Wait, it can control Space and Time? Is that confirmed?" Vale asked in surprise.
Philip was also curious about this since this power appears to be very powerful. He's also unsure which Arcane Path is capable of creating such an Artifact.
"Of course not… The Professors and some experts didn't believe it was real as well. They suggested that maybe it can only help with movement speed and was exaggerated as being able to control time. Anyway, these rumors were heard in multiple regions around the kingdom. There was even some speculation that the pocketwatch is owned by one of the Paragons."
"What?!" The three freshmen asked in surprise.
All of them were familiar with the word 'Paragon'.
Among the five predominant churches, the Chuch of the Three Paragons is one of them.
The Three Paragons were portrayed as Beings of the Sky and according to their sacred texts, any of their belongings possess an immense power that could disrupt the balance of this world.
"T-this is a bigger issue than I expected..." Priscilla muttered after a moment of contemplation.
If the Church is involved in this matter, then it is also explainable why it was difficult to trace the secret organization!
If there are powerful organizations that could equal the Arcane Path's Factions, then that would be the five Churches that have immense supporters and deep backgrounds that could be said to be older than the Arcane Arts…
"Haha… I can tell that you guys are already speculating on some random things. However, remember that none of it has been proven. We can't get ourselves in trouble without any piece of evidence, got it?" Avery chuckled as she saw their reaction.
"Of course… We understand, Senior. Is there any other news you'd like to share with us?" Philip asked politely.
"Right, I've seen plenty of Elemental Arts Practitioners, the Rakmiths Academy probably sent those people here to have a tour in the coal mines nearby…"
"…"
The three were confused as they silently looked at Avery waiting for an explanation.
She then smiled in realization as she explained briefly... "It's not easy to be an Elemental Arts Practitioner. They would have to feel our nature's creation"