Chapter 31

Chapter 31

As Ron gazed at the dazzling rainbow-colored exit, a sinister smile played on his lips.

"The feeling of crossing planes is quite unique," Ron muttered to himself.

"Move quickly! Don't block the way!" A cold voice snapped Ron back to reality.

Quickly stepping aside, Ron bowed and allowed others to pass. Only then did he take in his surroundings.

Outside the secret plane's exit, the scene was much the same as before. The three academies formed a triangular formation, with Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle members standing closer together, united against their common enemy, Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

Acolytes were pouring out from the exit, returning to their respective professors' sides. Ron's keen eyes scanned the crowd.

"Look, that's Rank 3 Magus Anya, the leader of The Lighthouse of the Night," Ron whispered, glancing at a black-robed figure ahead of the three chairmen. He quickly averted his gaze.

"Official Magi always have a defensive force field surrounding them. Higher-ranking Magi have even stronger force fields. An ordinary acolyte can't get close to them," Ron thought, recalling an incident when he had gazed into a Magus's deep green eyes. It had nearly cost him his sanity.

"Meeting a high-ranking Magus unprepared could be disastrous," Ron reflected.

After greeting his professor, Kroft, and reuniting with Bicky, Ron had time to assess the casualties within Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. The academy had suffered a high number of losses, but so had the other two academies.

However, the professors' reactions to the deaths of their apprentices were surprisingly muted. They had accepted the harsh reality of war. Among the survivors, Ron was grateful to find Jayden, albeit injured.

Jayden smiled at Ron and then fainted, his pain and fatigue evident. A white figure appeared, catching Jayden in its arms.

"Dorotte!" Ron called out, recognizing the skeletal figure that had once led him into Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. Dorotte had a fondness for Jayden and had been Jayden's mentor.

As the survivors left the secret plane, the professors held a brief discussion, and the black-robed figure imposed silence on both sides.

Despite the high casualty count, the professors maintained their composure, adhering to the agreement.

While the casualties in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy were significant, they had not suffered the most. The other academies had sustained even greater losses. The professors had their own ways to seek vengeance.

Late at night, Ron returned to his resting area, holding a test tube containing Grine Water. This valuable ingredient held no worth for him, except as a subject for analysis.

Ron considered the exchange of contribution points and the alchemy beast responsible for overseeing it. He was impressed with Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's commitment to protecting its strong acolytes.

He noticed Nyssa emerging from the exchange area, disfigured and wrapped in a black robe. Ron didn't provide her with support during the battle because he knew it was essential for her growth. Now, seeing her as a Rank 2 Magus with an Inheritance, he respected her dedication and pursuit.

Approaching Nyssa, Ron cut off her route, surprising her. He bore no mockery or disgust in his eyes, only calmness and a soft smile.

"It's good to see you're okay," Ron said unexpectedly.

Nyssa was taken aback by the goodwill she saw in his eyes. She responded, "I was fortunate. It's good to see you're okay too, Leylin."

"Feeling hungry? Would you like to have lunch with me?" Ron asked, turning his back and starting to walk.

Surprised by the invitation, Nyssa followed, nervous yet feeling a sense of trust. She couldn't help but wonder if Ron had other intentions, but something told her to follow him.