Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Visitors from Stanlow City, A Cunning Plan!

After experiencing the stark difference between the spells his disciples learned and those he mastered through repeated casting, Dean Bruce finally understood: to become truly powerful, he needed to persuade more people to learn magic from him.

However, despite his best efforts over the past few days, his attempts to teach ordinary students hadn't been very successful. No matter how much he tried, they just couldn't grasp the concepts.

He had even quoted extensively from the Bible, "The Divine Comedy," and Shakespeare, but to no avail.

"It seems I need to find more students who are both talented and have a mindset different from the average person. So far, only Joan Michelle and Nicholas William have successfully comprehended the spells. The others... I might as well give up on them for now!"

"Next, I need to seek out people who are similar to those two."

Having made up his mind, Dean Bruce closed his eyes and lay down on the floor, using the power of the magical formation in the training room to restore his mana and mental state.

Once he was fully recovered, Dean Bruce left the training room and returned to the mentors' dormitory, where he enjoyed a good night's sleep.

He was eagerly anticipating the upcoming relic expedition and had no anxiety that would keep him up at night.

The night passed uneventfully.

The next morning, Dean Bruce woke up just as the sun was beginning to rise.

After getting ready, he opened his door and was surprised to find Nicholas William sitting there, leaning against the doorframe.

As soon as Nicholas heard the door open, he stood up and respectfully bowed to Dean Bruce. "Student greets the teacher!"

Dean Bruce frowned slightly and asked, "What are you doing sitting here?"

Nicholas William looked slightly embarrassed as he replied, "Teacher, I've been unable to properly focus on learning magic these past few days, and I feel deeply ashamed. I didn't dare disturb your rest."

"..."

No matter the era, flattery rarely angers anyone. Sensing the genuine respect Nicholas William had for him, Dean Bruce's opinion of him improved. He nodded and said, "Everyone has their own responsibilities. You're the Young Lord, and Notting City will be yours one day. You're old enough now to start learning about these things from your father. I understand that, so you don't need to act like this."

Nicholas William was deeply moved by these words. Then, hearing Dean Bruce ask, "Did you come to see me because your tasks are finished, or is there something else?"

Nicholas William quickly replied, "Teacher, although Smock wasn't particularly strong, he was still a prospective elder of the Magic Guild. His death in the city has enraged the guild. They are about to send an archmage-level expert to investigate!"

"It would be best if you left Notting City for a while. My father and I will do our best to cover this up for you. As long as you're not in the city, they won't be able to find you!"

"..."

Dean Bruce raised an eyebrow, not particularly surprised by this news.

The planet Meze had existed for many years, and it was bound to have magical abilities and spells he had never seen or heard of before. The William family likely had their own unique methods as well, which could have helped them uncover the truth about Smock's death.

As they made their way out of the city, the mentors, all skilled mages with strong physical endurance, found the journey easy and were not fatigued by the trek.

The group was lively with conversation, full of excitement about the competition that only happened once every few years.

Alita Miller walked beside Dean Bruce, the faint scent of her perfume wafting through the air. She leaned closer to him and chuckled, "Dean, have you noticed the envy and jealousy in the eyes of the other mentors when they look at you?"

"Cut the chatter. When do we start?" Dean Bruce, sticking to his original aloof persona, didn't give Alita Miller the time of day.

Alita Miller feigned a look of hurt and disappointment, sighing, "Is it possible you don't feel anything for me at all?"

Dean Bruce didn't bother replying. He closed his eyes, focusing on resting and preparing for the upcoming battle.

Seeing this, Alita Miller could only pout and say, "No need to rush. We'll act when the competition officially begins."

The path to Stanlow City was separated by a mountain range, and this time, the competition was naturally taking place within those mountains.

As the mentors hiked over the rugged terrain and reached a mountaintop, they spotted a group of figures in the distance, similar in number to their own—around a hundred people.

Alita Miller explained, "That must be the team of mentors from Stanlow City's Primary Magic Academy. This mountain range is called Black Dragon Peak. According to legend, a black dragon once ruled this area until a mage of Saint level subdued it and sealed it deep within the mountains, leaving treasures behind."

"The relic we're looking for is said to be what that Saint-level mage left behind!"

Hearing this, Dean Bruce's interest waned.

There were far too many stories about dragons, and the chances of encountering a real one were slim to none.

As he turned his gaze to the approaching group, Dean Bruce suddenly raised an eyebrow—he recognized someone among them.

Among the mentors on the opposing team, Dean Bruce spotted none other than Lina Jones, the designated saintess of the Temple of Wisdom!

Though curious about why she had joined the ranks of the mentors, Dean Bruce turned to Alita Miller and asked softly, "So, that previous 'hero saving the damsel in distress' act was all for this moment?"

"Exactly," Alita Miller admitted with a light laugh. "Although it was a bit rushed, one heroic rescue might not be enough to make her fully trust you, but... it helps build a connection. It increases our chances of cooperation and reduces the likelihood of a confrontation. For us, that's worth it."

Meanwhile, Lina Jones also noticed Dean Bruce, her eyes lighting up with joy.

As a young girl with a heart full of admiration for the stories in her favorite tales, the last time she was saved by Dean Bruce hadn't made her fall in love with him, but it certainly left her with a positive impression.

And it didn't hurt that Dean Bruce was quite handsome!

Moreover, since Dean Bruce had already revealed his identity as a mentor during their last encounter, this meeting didn't raise any suspicion on her part.

Alita Miller's plan had been well-executed, aided by Dean Bruce's good looks and impressive magical display.