Chapter 88: Chapter 88: Resolving the Conflict, The Jones Family’s Shock!

Of course, such a powerful effect came with a heavy cost in mana. Nicholas William had only maintained the spell for a few seconds before his forehead was drenched in sweat, his body trembling from exhaustion.

"You scoundrel! How dare you be so vicious? This was just a minor argument, and yet you tried to take my son's life?"

"Attack!"

Obona Jones roared furiously, and the nearby servants immediately turned fierce, their eyes gleaming with intent. However, the soldiers from the lord's manor were no pushovers either, and they raised their spears in unison.

Seeing that a full-blown fight was about to erupt, Dean Bruce decided it was time to intervene. He calmly stepped forward and said, "Nicholas, stop the spell."

"They're all friends here; there's no need for this to escalate."

The moment he spoke, all eyes turned toward Dean Bruce, curiosity brimming in everyone's gaze.

Nicholas William, already nearing his limit, shuddered when he heard that familiar voice. He immediately canceled the spell, and his body relaxed.

Looking up to see where the voice had come from, Nicholas William's face lit up with excitement when he recognized Dean Bruce. "Teacher! What are you doing here? Are these... your friends?"

As he spoke, Nicholas became visibly anxious, his expression turning uneasy.

Ever since learning Slumber of the Dead, his admiration and fear of Dean Bruce had only grown stronger.

The spell Dean Bruce had taught him could manipulate souls and even drain life force—abilities far beyond what ordinary people could achieve!

Even his ancient ancestor had marveled at its power, admitting that even at his peak, he wouldn't have been a match for Dean Bruce. This made Nicholas even more determined to stay in his good graces.

However, Nicholas's words left the entire Jones family utterly shocked.

Earlier, when Lina Jones hadn't let Dean Bruce share his background, they had assumed he was just a commoner or an independent mage. They never expected that Dean Bruce was the teacher of a young lord!

In these times, becoming the teacher of a young lord wasn't something one could achieve with mere strength. It required a significant background and reputation!

This revelation left Obona and his wife even more impressed with Dean Bruce. They were so thrilled that they were practically ready to strip Lina down and tie her to Dean Bruce's bed that very night!

Dean Bruce, maintaining his calm demeanor, said, "We're all on the same side. Whatever happened, let's talk it out. No need to dwell on it."

"But what about Herbert..."

Ezra and the others cast worried glances at Herbert, who was still lying on the ground.

Seeing this, Dean Bruce exhaled softly. With a wave of his hand, a cloud of purple mist formed, enveloping Herbert.

Hummm—

In an instant, vibrant life energy burst forth and flowed into Herbert's body. His fingers twitched, and moments later, he sprang to his feet, fully revived.

With a bright smile, Lina effortlessly looped her arm through Dean Bruce's, giving the impression of closeness, and said, "Your teacher is accompanying me, so he doesn't need your service!"

Nicholas William's eyes widened, his pupils constricting sharply. Seeing that Dean Bruce didn't push Lina Jones's hand away, he gasped inwardly, as if a tidal wave had crashed within his heart.

Dean Bruce, however, paid no mind to any of this. He glanced up at the luxurious carriage, raising an eyebrow as he remarked, "Your sister is quite composed—so much has happened, yet she hasn't said a single word."

Nicholas William gave a wry smile. "That's just how my sister is. By the way, Teacher, where are you headed?"

"We're attending the banquet at the lord of Stanlow City's manor," Dean Bruce replied calmly, though this response left Nicholas William visibly surprised.

However, after glancing at Lina Jones, Nicholas quickly understood.

Nicholas William leaned in and spoke softly, "Teacher, quite a few people are attending the banquet this time. Besides the Nine Provinces Alliance and the lord's manor from nearby cities, they've also invited the Magic Guild and the Mercenaries' Guild. It seems something big is about to happen!"

"Do I really need you worrying about me?"

Dean Bruce huffed lightly. "But you—honestly, you've been slacking. Without me pushing you, you went days without mastering a single spell. Yet with just one day of pressure, you managed to do it, though your comprehension is still a bit lacking!"

Nicholas William flushed with embarrassment at these words.

In his heart, Nicholas William knew that his rapid mastery of magic was purely thanks to his ancestor's help. But he couldn't admit that out loud. Instead, he respectfully replied, "Teacher, I humbly ask for your guidance. What are my shortcomings?"

"Do you think sleep is just for sleeping?" Dean Bruce asked rhetorically. "Do you remember how you comprehended The Interrogation of the Soul?"

"Huh?" Nicholas William, quick-witted as he was, immediately caught on to what Dean Bruce was suggesting. His eyes lit up as he carefully asked, "Teacher, are you saying I've been thinking too simply, too narrowly about sleep?"

"Sleep can lead to dreams! Just like The Interrogation of the Soul, it can directly affect the target's soul! And the effect would be even more intense?"

"Not bad, not entirely foolish," Dean Bruce nodded, speaking softly. "Since you understand this, come see me after the banquet. It's time I teach you a new spell. But remember, learning new magic doesn't mean you can abandon the previous two spells!"

Hearing this, Nicholas William's face lit up with joy, his heart brimming with excitement.

Ever since he had experienced the power of the magic Dean Bruce had taught him, his desire to learn magic had shifted from merely recovering from the embarrassment of a broken engagement to a genuine passion for mastering the craft.

Dean Bruce's tone turned stern as he warned, "If you neglect the spells you've already learned because of a new one, our teacher-student bond... will end. Mark my words—reviewing what you've learned will teach you something new. That's the secret to mastering all magic."

"Reviewing what I've learned..." Nicholas William froze for a moment, then nodded earnestly. "I understand, Teacher. I won't neglect the spells I've already mastered."

"Good. Now, off you go," Dean Bruce nodded, satisfied.

He was equally pleased. Running into Nicholas William here was a stroke of luck—it meant he could trick him into learning more spells sooner, accelerating the rewards the system would give him.

Of course, Dean Bruce's face betrayed none of his thoughts. He kept his expression calm as he walked towards the carriage with Lina Jones, while Nicholas William watched him with respectful eyes.

The moment Dean Bruce stepped into the carriage, he immediately felt several pairs of heated gazes fixed on him!