Cleaning up the Night Division

Dongsheng College stands as one of the few institutions located in the western part of the outer city, officially established by the governance of Dongwu City. The faculty comprises highly qualified professionals who enjoy generous salaries.

Students at Dongsheng not only benefit from free tuition, but those with exceptional grades can earn scholarships and potentially gain admission to prestigious inner-city aristocratic schools.

Bai Yi, who once lived comfortably in the capital thanks to scholarships and the support of Miss Diane, even advanced to become a level 21 alchemist before his time-travel experience.

Dongsheng College has no entrance requirements, making it accessible to all children aged 6 to 16. The campus teems with life, especially at noon when students fill the grounds with their energy. From half-meter-tall dwarves to towering two-meter orcs, the diverse student body includes even goblins, who, despite their perceived lack of potential, attend to improve their prospects.

The Federation's inclusive policy ensures that any intelligent being can pursue education, recognizing that while some races may not excel broadly, individual potential varies. Goblin scholars, for example, are known to thrive in the capital. For the Federation, race is merely a starting point—what truly matters is the opportunity for growth.

"Lord City Lord, should we evacuate the students first?" Bai Yi asked quietly as he observed the children outside the teaching building, engrossed in their books, playing, or even dating.

"No need," Eric replied, a touch of nostalgia in his eyes. The school he had attended long ago was far inferior. Now, centuries later, under his leadership, he could provide many more people with opportunities for a better future.

"This is the passing of the torch," Eric said with emotion. "Even in times of financial strain, funding for education must not be cut."

"Understood," Bai Yi nodded. "I also plan to establish more specialized schools, like military academies that would funnel graduates into the legion reserves, and vocational schools tailored to specific professions. Targeted education can better serve students with unique skills or academic strengths."

Eric smiled approvingly. "You are the city lord now—watch over it well."

The two made their way to an older teaching building. Although Demacia had not disclosed the exact location, neither Bai Yi nor Eric asked for more details. Their senses would guide them.

In a secluded part of the building, surrounded by old tables and supplies, Bai Yi scanned the area. He cleared some debris and pointed to a seemingly ordinary patch of ground.

"There's a hidden formation here—a mix of early-warning and defensive spells. It's not going to be simple," Bai Yi noted.

Eric stepped forward, and a surge of magical energy enveloped the space. The ground shifted, revealing a deep, dark passage.

"With enough power, skills are secondary," Eric said. "Bypassing defenses without triggering alerts is a matter of overwhelming force."

They descended into the passage, the entrance resealing behind them. The air grew colder, and the dark tunnel seemed to press in.

After about two hundred meters, they reached the end of the staircase, entering a room lit by warm lamps. Whispered conversations indicated the presence of others.

Suddenly, a quiet hiss filled the air as worker bees released an alchemical gas.

A few muted gasps and thuds followed.

[You used alchemical poison to eliminate a level 28 mage. Due to the large level difference, experience points gained are reduced. Experience +30.]

[You eliminated a level 25 alchemist with alchemical poison.]

Only the mage managed a brief reaction before succumbing, while the others fell instantly. When Bai Yi and Eric entered, the room was silent. Paper documents lay scattered, hastily abandoned by those now lifeless on the floor.

"Their souls are bound by powerful contract curses," Bai Yi said, "making it impossible to extract information through mental exploration. Lord City Lord, exercise caution. Night Rose's strongholds often have gold-tier guards."

Worker bees buzzed around, collecting papers and stacking them. Bai Yi scanned the room, stopping at a wall where he pressed against a hidden panel.

With a hum, a concealed door opened, revealing another dark passage.

Eric sifted through a document, his eyes narrowing as he read:

[Cheng Shen, age 12, human, potential grade B, under observation, no invitation issued yet. Father: Cheng Gao.]

He grabbed another sheet, his expression darkening further.

[Gong Wen, age 11, elf, potential grade A, monitored, no invitation issued yet.]

Night Rose was undermining the Federation.

"This organization seeks out the best," Bai Yi whispered. "If I hadn't transferred to the inner city, I might have been targeted, too. Refusal wasn't an option back then."

Eric's jaw clenched as he looked at the heap of documents. He strode into the newly revealed corridor, the air charged with barely contained magic.

Bai Yi gathered the files into his space ring and followed. The corridor soon opened to scenes of destruction—destroyed equipment, cracked walls, and sparking electrical wires. Red emergency lights pulsed as alarms blared.

He glanced around, noting Eric's absence before sensing the city lord's aura from a side tunnel.

Eric emerged with a deadly glare. "No gold-level threats here, just low-ranked silvers. How do we track Night Rose?"

"Their top agents are likely at Dark Valley," Bai Yi replied. "But conventional tracking won't work. Their god embodies secrecy. Even contracts tied to them are cloaked in divine mystery."

Eric's eyes flared with determination. "We must act. Investigate the entire Federation!"

"It won't be simple," Bai Yi cautioned. "Among the 29 councilors, one is from Night Rose."

Eric's expression turned to stone. "Then we eliminate them. No one undermines the Federation without consequence."

"But will others believe you?" Bai Yi asked.

Eric paused, then nodded grimly. "Leave it to me. Name the councilor."

"Im Machado, level 75 mage," Bai Yi revealed.

Eric's face hardened further. "I'll handle it. Secure the area."

With resolve, Eric left, and Bai Yi watched him go, knowing this was the start of a relentless purge.