From MC''s Perspective:


    Afterpleting the verification, I walked inside the room. The door behind me closed automatically, leaving those eager for a spectacle disappointed.


    Meanwhile, those who had suffered didn''t hesitate to post the news online. Some, hurt by coercion, were using this as an opportunity to fan the mes.


    Sitting on the couch, I took some time to calm down. As I fell into deep thought, I realized that Alicia definitely had a passive ability.


    Her power didn''t affect me much, likely due to the Star Rune Spell. I rarely found a use for this spell, but it proved perfect for these kinds of situations.


    It seems a lot has changed during my absence. The Taboo Hall now has a powerful level-7 Wizard. I hope she won''t do anything against me.


    After pushing aside irrelevant thoughts, my attention turned to the main topic: how to enter the Ancient Redwood Country. Is there a way forward?


    If I ask for information, they''ll likely question me further. I can''t reveal anything about Purple City or the Purple Chamber of Commerce.


    Perhaps I should wait for news. I don''t know what kind of opportunity the Wizard Heart Competition winner will receive.


    If the treasure isn''t rted to my magic, it won''t be very useful. I decided to wait for others to arrive. It''s already time for the meeting.


    ...


    Dean Office:


    Gilbert arrived at the dean''s office. The old man was expecting him. He ns to sought more details about his current mission.


    A momentter, Gilbert stood before the dean with a grave expression.


    "What have you found?" the dean asked casually.


    "Are there any rats from the Dark League hiding there?"


    Gilbert responded, "Dean, I believe we have a serious problem. I killed a wizard in the border desert."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He added, "But this wizard seems to be from a foreignnd." Gilbert hesitated to share his spections, trusting the dean''s experience and wisdom. He awaited the dean''s assessment.


    "I''ve collected his corpse. I want to show you," Gilbert added.


    The dean nodded.


    With a sharp sound, "Tud!", a headless body dropped to the ground. Gilbert ced the head beside it.


    The dean''s eyes narrowed, his expression turning serious. Before themy a hybrid wizard: human upper body, scorpion lower. Unlike the grotesque experiments of evil wizards, this creature appeared perfectly formed, almost natural.


    One conclusion was clear: the wizard''s magic was involved.


    "Transmutation magic," the dean murmured.


    Gilbert was surprised. His hunch was correct. This wizard was likely from that mysterious ce.


    The dean continued, "This person is a Transmutation Wizard. We can''t categorize them as either white or ck magic users. This wizard is definitely not from our region. For now, keep this a secret and continue patrolling the border."


    Gilbert left the dean''s office. The dean then collected the corpse and head, his expression growing increasingly grave. He had withheld information from Gilbert.


    The dean was certain the deceased wizard had a powerful backer. He was unsure if killing the wizard would bring repercussions for the academy, so he suppressed the news.


    Yet, there were no guarantees. If an organization was behind the wizard, they could easily trace the wizard''sst known location.


    A sense of urgency gripped the dean. Ignoring this threat would inevitably endanger the academy.


    Unbeknownst to the dean, Gilbert had already suspected the Transmutation Wizard''s mysterious background. As he left, Gilbert too felt a pressing need to increase his strength.


    ...


    Sub-Taboo Hall:


    While waiting for others to arrive, I indulged in a short nap.


    Shortly after, Carolina entered with a tense expression. Seeing me in a light sleep, her face showed concern.


    "Vincent, what have you done?" she asked in a slightly raised voice.


    Her sudden outburst disturbed my nap. I opened my eyes, displeased.


    "Why are you shouting?" I asked.


    "It''s because you''ve done something that caused amotion outside," she replied.


    Understanding the situation, I inquired, "Are you talking about those idiots who bothered me?"


    Carolina sighed before sitting down. "You should have ignored them. Now some are injured because of your coercion. The injured are asking their Wizard Halls to intervene."


    My lips twitched.


    "Don''t worry about them. If I don''t teach them a lesson, they''ll keep bothering me. After this, they''ll leave me alone," I assured her.


    Carolina shook her head. She was concerned about potential conflicts between Vincent and students from other Wizard Halls.


    Continue your journey on empire


    Seeing her calm down, I smiled and said, "Interestingly, I met someone."


    "Who?" Carolina asked.


    "Alicia Park, from the Taboo Hall," I replied.


    "Oh my gosh, that''s right. I saw her picture online too. Did she say anything to you?"


    "Why would someone from the Taboo Hall contact you again?" she asked, confused.


    "Whom are you guys talking about?" Another male voice suddenly sounded.


    They both turned around to find Gilbert Reese standing before them.


    "Senior Brother Gilbert," I greeted him with a smile.


    "Well, you''ve grown a lot. So much so you''re going anywhere at anytime now," Gilbert joked.


    I had no proper excuse for my actions, so I remained silent.


    Carolina sensed the awkwardness.


    "Senior Gilbert, Alicia Park came to see Vincent a while ago," she exined.


    "What?" Gilbert eximed.


    "That Mind Witch came to see you. Are you okay?" Gilbert asked, his expression serious. He seemed to have had a simr experience.


    "I''m alright," I replied, avoiding any spection about her passive power.


    "If you get a good night''s sleep, you''ll be fine tomorrow," Gilbert said. He sensed that nothing serious had happened; otherwise, Vincent wouldn''t be standing here.


    He sat down in the empty seat opposite us. "Alright, now tell us about your adventure," Gilbert asked.


    Carolina had already heard the story, but she didn''t mind listening again.


    I leaned back and began my exnation from the start. Of course, I stuck to the version I''d told everyone else.


    Gilbert Reese was internally surprised. Few people left the country to visit neighboringnds.


    Vincent had already done this twice: once to Tolu Country and again to Meteor Rock Country. However, Gilbert sensed that Vincent''s current adventures had been fraught with danger.