CH29

After Lilian left, Helag began organizing the information he had received from her.

Augustus Academy was much like a regular school, except it had an eight-year curriculum. Wizard apprentices followed the academy's arranged courses. Exceptional students might be chosen by an official wizard as their apprentice.

Augustus Academy was relatively peaceful compared to other wizard organizations, with fewer conflicts among apprentices.

In contrast, Moonlight Woodland, where Helag was headed, was entirely different. All knowledge and resources there required payment. Wizard apprentices needed to complete various tasks to earn points or magic stones, which they could then exchange for resources.

Knowledge and guidance from official wizards were considered resources that apprentices had to earn through their efforts.

Knock, knock!

Lilian knocked on the door again. When Helag opened it, he saw her holding a thick blanket.

"This is an extra swan velvet blanket I have. Don't use the ship's blankets; they're damp and moldy," Lilian said, almost hidden behind the heavy blanket.

Helag took the blanket. "Thank you!"

The swan velvet blanket was silk on the outside, trimmed with gold, and felt very smooth.

Helag grew more suspicious. Lilian was likely stronger than him, so why was she showing him kindness? There was no such thing as a free lunch.

He knew that receiving something always came with a corresponding cost.

"By the way, if you're going up to eat, call me. We should go together. Otherwise, those people might give you trouble. The ship is boring, and some people enjoy bullying newcomers. I heard someone once hung a new apprentice over the bow to fish. If Dino hadn't found him in time, his head would have been eaten by fish," Lilian warned.

Lilian had boarded the ship a few days before Helag and knew more about the people on board.

Helag recalled the situation on the deck and third level, where people kept their distance from each other.

He couldn't fully trust Lilian, and she likely felt the same. Both had their reservations.

They were cautious, and the others on the upper levels were even more so.

Helag returned to his room, using the old blanket as a mattress and spreading Lilian's swan velvet blanket on top.

"Let's go eat. I'll show you around," Lilian said from the doorway.

"Alright," Helag locked his door, and they headed to the second level together.

As they climbed the stairs, Helag glanced down at the fifth level, which was dark and smelled foul.

Lilian covered her nose in disgust. "The sailors live on the fifth level. They're filthy… Below the fifth level are two more levels, storing cargo and ballast."

As they passed the third level, a gaunt man crouched in the hallway, staring at them with wide eyes.

"Don't look at him," Lilian whispered, quickening her pace.

Helag averted his gaze and followed her to the second level.

He felt the man's eyes on him until they reached the second level.

"That man is Fegar Mulan, one of the two second-class apprentices among us. He's the one who hung someone over the bow to fish. He's mentally unstable, so don't provoke him," Lilian said, clearly wary of Fegar.

Helag nodded. Fegar's gaze was unsettling, like a predator eyeing its prey, filled with coldness and cruelty.

He felt lucky to be on the fourth level, away from Fegar.

The dining hall on the second level was spacious, with baskets of white bread, cured meat, and smoked meat for the taking.

Helag also saw two large baskets of green oranges, their scent filling the air and making his mouth water.

Besides them, three other wizard apprentices were eating, sitting separately.

Helag and Lilian chatted and laughed, drawing the attention of the others, who silently took note.

"Why are they so cold to each other? With an official wizard on board, there should be some safety," Helag asked.

Lilian looked at him like he was naive. "Dino won't interfere. There's no rule against killing on the ship, as long as it doesn't disrupt the voyage."

"For your information tokens aren't registered, and wizard organizations don't care how you got them. Some people even don't have tokens."

"I see," Helag said, realizing the ship wasn't as safe as he thought.

He had two enchanted items, and others likely had valuable items too.

Without tokens, people had to pass tests to join wizard organizations. Having a token meant direct entry, tempting some to kill for it.

The apprentices didn't know each other, so they were cautious, leading to the current situation.

Helag and Lilian ate and chatted, while the other three quickly finished and left.

The dining hall was reserved for wizard apprentices; sailors weren't allowed.

"My token is from Augustus Academy. Many people want it, so I had to seek an alliance with you," Lilian said, looking stressed.

Helag understood. Those without tokens would target those with them, and Lilian's Augustus Academy token was highly coveted.

"I guess I'm in trouble now. By walking with you, they'll assume we're together, which means I'm involved," Helag said, realizing he had fallen into a trap.

Lilian puffed out her chest. "I'm stronger than you. I can protect you. And forming an alliance with a princess…"

Helag interrupted, rubbing his fingers. "I need something concrete."

Lilian rolled her eyes and handed him a ring. "Here, this is a space ring. You probably don't have one of these enchanted items."

"This is nice!" Helag took the ring eagerly.

Lilian said seriously, "You think keeping your distance from me will keep you safe? On the contrary, it makes you more vulnerable. There are two second-class apprentices on board. If we team up, even they can't guarantee they can kill us and escape unscathed."

"If one gets injured, the other won't miss the chance to strike. So, by teaming up, we can ensure some safety."

After a moment of thought, Helag agreed. "Alright, we can cooperate. Everyone already thinks we're together anyway."