Chapter 362: The Web of Desire

In Professor Hector Lane's office, the fire in the fireplace was crackling, casting a warm glow on the neatly arranged heavy tomes.

The air was filled with the quiet smell of parchment and old ink. Everything was in order, just like Hector's usual majestic image.

However, at this moment, the solemn professor felt as if the flames of the fireplace were burning his back, just like the scorching holy light.

Prince Colin's light question was like an icy needle that accurately pierced the calm he tried so hard to maintain.

"You can't spend all the money on the 'girls', can you?"

Hector felt his heart skip a beat.

He was just a scholar in charge of academic and teaching affairs, not a financial officer, nor a sage who held power in the Sage Council.

He wasn't even one of the sages.

This question was like a red-hot iron, which was handed to him by the other party nonchalantly. He didn't know whether to accept it or not, and he didn't know what to do for a moment.

Forcing himself to put on a stiff smile, the old professor responded evasively.

"Well... that's of course impossible. According to the investigation department of the Great Sage Tower, most of it has been recovered and used to compensate the families of the victims whose places were replaced."

He himself felt guilty listening to this set of evasive remarks.

However, Luo Yan showed a convinced expression when he heard this, and nodded approvingly: "That's good, Xuebang's fairness is admirable."

Seeing that His Royal Highness seemed to accept this explanation, Hector felt relieved, but was caught off guard.

At this time, Luo Yan gently placed the newspaper in his hand on the coffee table beside him.

He leaned forward slightly, his clear eyes staring at Hector - it was the look of a scholar peeking into the mysteries of the virtual world.

"Professor, you know that in addition to being a prince, I am also a 'scholar'." His tone was gentle and sincere. "I admire your ability to find every victim and compensate them. This is an unimaginable act of kindness in other parts of the empire. But... can you tell me their names? Just consider it to satisfy my curiosity."

These words, like an incredibly precise scalpel, silently hit the point.

A layer of fine beads of sweat instantly seeped out of Hector's forehead.

name?

How could he possibly know the names of those victims!

Moreover, it is obvious that the three million gold coins had been divided up long ago. Who would keep the salvaged gold in the vault?

The numbers themselves are made up, so it is even more impossible for the list to exist. After all, if one is made up, what will the real victims do if they find out that they are not on the list? Even a professor like him who does not care about worldly affairs knows that all the statements that "avoid the truth and focus on the false" are just statements.

However, even though he had held the steps steady, the prince still refused to come down, which made him very upset.

The muscles on Hector's face twitched, and in the end it could only turn into a bitter smile full of pleading.

"Your Highness, this... this involves the privacy of many students. The school has strict confidentiality regulations. I have no right to check it. You can only ask the Sage Council. They may know something."

The scholar who was roaring angrily on the snowy field looked at Luo Yan almost pleadingly, and even lowered his voice by an octave.

"Shall we... talk about your future life and work arrangements? I beg you!"

The implication is nothing more than——

If you want to make trouble for yourself, don't drag me into it. I'm just a researcher in the virtual realm! A professor with a high status in the Great Sage Tower said "I beg you" and was undoubtedly putting himself in the dust.

Luo Yan didn't want to make things too difficult for him, but he still glanced under the desk out of curiosity. Then he was pleased to find that when he shook the bell gently, the two legs really clamped together.

This switch is very useful!

Seeing this, Luo Yan knew that the heat was enough.

There is no point in bullying the weak. Hector is not a weak person, but he is indeed an honest man. And bullying an honest man who has no choice is not a righteous act.

He stopped pressing on and leaned back into the soft sofa, with that gentle, harmless smile on his face again, as if everything that had just happened was really just the inappropriate curiosity of a scholar.

The problem is like a stone thrown into a deep pond. Sooner or later, the ripples it creates will spread out in circles and reach the ears of the person who really should hear it.

He didn't even need to know who that person was.

The pressure from the Holy City has been passed on without a trace. Now it is the turn of the ghosts hiding in the dark to make a balance. They need to give up something for this pressure.

Money and honor could not buy him, but His Royal Highness was a scholar and was very interested in knowledge, which was the most abundant and cheapest thing in the country.

Luo Yan picked up the teacup, blew away the hot steam gently, and said calmly.

"Then let's just leave it at that...for your sake."

Hector finally breathed a sigh of relief, especially the last sentence that he accepted a favor, which made him feel relieved that "my work was not in vain".

His Highness Colin is still easy to talk to.

And I can also report to the board of directors.

The phrase "investigate it thoroughly" really caused him trouble. If he had not been so angry and embarrassed, he would not have been pushed to the front by the council to work for the prince.

Wiping the sweat off his face with a handkerchief, Professor Hector continued nervously.

"Then... Regarding the dormitory, meditation room, and treatment, although your rank is only a mentor, after research, we have decided to still provide you with daily living arrangements according to the professor's standards-"

Luo Yan coughed lightly, and Professor Hector's legs, which had just relaxed, instantly tightened again, and he continued speaking at a rapid pace.

"Of course! Not only will you be paid a salary that matches your status, but your work will also be relatively free, and the most important thing is the experiment! Right? This is what you care about the most! Don't worry, the resources we have prepared for you are the best—"

"I am not very interested in things that can be bought with money, but I am quite interested in the things behind the virtual world. You know, in addition to being a prince, I am also a scholar who is keen on exploring new worlds. Perhaps the profound mysteries can make me forget about worldly explorations for a while."

Professor Hector's face instantly turned bitter.

"Your Highness, for a noble noble like you, the upper limit of your soul should be much higher than that of a humble person like me... I don't understand why you are so obsessed with the virtual realm?"

"It's just out of interest," Luo Yan smiled faintly, "I had the habit of looking around when I was in the Janna Continent. I can only blame it on my childhood which was full of curiosity."

Professor Hector was silent for a long time, then said with a wry smile.

"Curiosity... Your Highness, your curiosity is too expensive. The Void Realm is the highest level resource of the academy. Even a scholar like me who has dedicated most of my life to the academy only has one. Why don't you take my Mage Tower to satisfy your curiosity?"

Luo Yan looked at him in surprise.

"Are you serious?"

Professor Hector was silent for a moment.

Are you kidding? That's his lifeblood. He's counting on the things behind the virtual world to help him break through the bottleneck of the diamond level! The insufficient soul level is his lifelong pain.

Although the energy of the virtual realm that he was allocated was not pure, it was enough for him to slowly climb up along the rope... and this was almost his only hope in this life.

If His Highness Colin's target is his Mage Tower, then let this guy make trouble. How can the Great Sage's Tower be collapsed by just a few mouths?

No matter how dazzling the emblem of the holy city is, the board of directors of the academy is not weak and can be bullied!

He really thinks he is an emperor! Looking at Professor Hector, who was spreading his legs and vaguely planning to give up, Luo Yan guessed that he had pressed the switch too hard, so he retracted his attitude a little.

"I was just joking. You don't have to share your cake with me, but you can go and get some from those who have more cake."

"I don't want much, just a small piece. You can even think of it as a piece of cheese on a whole cake."

Looking at Professor Hector who remained unmoved, Luo Yan smiled and threw out the last piece of bait, which he had prepared long ago.

"And think about it again. After all, I am not from here. I am just a passer-by to you. Once my curiosity is satisfied, I will just leave. In the end, who will benefit from my virtual world and research? Isn't it you who helped me get it?"

Hector was startled and sat up straight in his chair, his legs apart closed again excitedly.

"Are you serious?!"

Then he is really motivated!

Luo Yan smiled and took a sip of tea.

"You also said that the descendants of the Colin family have no shortage of soul levels. We are born to enjoy the worship of the people of the empire. Do you really think that I will lock myself in the wizard tower like you and ponder supernatural powers just to survive for a few more years? As long as I don't make a big mistake, I will probably still be a prince in my next life. What do I need magic for? To show off my supernatural powers to mortals? What you can only do with magic, I can do with just a word."

These words were rough but true. Although they were unpleasant to hear, they really touched Hector's heart and made it difficult for him not to breathe faster.

That makes sense!

Which prince would stay in a cold and bitter place to study?

Is the wine from the Holy City not fragrant enough? Even the knights of the Kingdom of Rhodes enjoy wine better than scholars like them! Professor Hector was silent for a while, and finally gritted his teeth and made a decision.

"I'll help you get it!"

Luo Yan clinked the teacup in his hand and whispered with a smile.

"Then I look forward to hearing from you."

Hector wiped the sweat from his forehead for the third time, puffed out his cheeks and took a few deep breaths, as if to cool down the hot air in the room.

It looks like the fireplace is really hot.

His eyes fell on the notes on the table, and suddenly he thought of something, so he mentioned it.

"Oh, about that... Regarding your daily life, since your treatment is in accordance with the professor's standard, in addition to the apprentices who assist you in your experiments, we have also specially prepared six life assistants for you. You can choose when it is convenient for you-"

"No need." Luo Yan smiled faintly, gently placed the teacup back on the ceramic tray, and stood up from the soft sofa.

Sarah, who was waiting by the side, took the initiative to step forward without him saying anything and respectfully straightened his wrinkled cuffs and collar.

Even when she is acting, her manners and understanding are impeccable.

Looking at the old professor who had a blank expression on his face but was actually full of envy, Luo Yan said goodbye nonchalantly.

"Don't worry about that."

"I trust my people."

…

Just when Hector decided to give His Highness Colin a try for his curiosity, in a meditation room in another corner of the Great Sage's Tower, ghost shadows were swaying on the walls made of sound-absorbing stone.

Completely different from Professor Hector's ink-smelling office, this meditation room immersed in mystery seems like another world.

There was no superfluous furnishing in the monotonous room, no fireplace, no bookshelves, only a round table made of a whole piece of obsidian and a few cushions.

The only lighting comes from crystals suspended in the air.

The crystal emitted a dark purple light that flickered and breathed like a living thing, casting an unpredictable shadow over everything in the room.

Professor Ariste Thorne, who was sitting cross-legged on a cushion, had his eyes tightly closed, breathing in and out, following the rhythm of the flickering light.

Along with the regular breathing, wisps of white gas floated out from his mouth and nose, merging with the dark purple crystal, and then returned to his body with a trace of even more refined breath.

During this process, his spirit seemed to be sublimated, and his old face, which was wrinkled like a corpse, also smoothed out with a hint of redness.

Waiting quietly in front of the old man, the young apprentice Skyin stood with his hands hanging down, his eyes full of envy.

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What was floating in front of Professor Ariste at this moment was not a magic crystal lamp or enchanted quartz, but a strange object from the virtual world - something that even Professor Hector would drool at the sight of!

Just sitting next to it and meditating, one can feel the surging soul power, like a tide, constantly gathering towards the sea of ​​consciousness! Of course, the power in the virtual world is not infinite.

It is said that raising the soul level of 10,000 ordinary people to the energy of black iron is only barely enough to raise a silver-level soul to gold.

For a diamond-level warrior like Ariste, the energy required to advance is even greater.

His extremely pure soul was like a bottomless pit. No matter how many crystals were put into it, it could not be filled. He could only find a way to absorb more from the void.

At this moment, Sgain was like a dog that had been hungry for three days and three nights, watching his owner sitting at the table with a full belly and eating heartily.

To be honest, he had thought about secretly taking a puff while Professor Ariste was meditating, but he only dared to think about it.

The reason why Professor Ariste dared to let him stand here was, on the one hand, naturally out of trust in him, and on the other hand, it was also to test his "steadiness".

This person is a diamond-level expert! There are countless layers of restrictions and traps in this meditation room alone! The temptation of advancing to the fine steel level is certainly attractive, but you have to be able to walk out of here alive.

He didn't want to be like his junior Milos, who burned everything for the school and ended up dying in humiliation like a stray dog.

Just as Skain was trying to distract himself and try not to be tempted by the virtual treasure, Professor Ariste, who had his eyes closed, suddenly opened his cloudy eyes.

Skain knelt on one knee almost immediately, restrained his envious look, and looked as respectful as a servant bowing to his master.

"professor."

"Get up."

Professor Alister first looked at the young man with approval, then took off the monocle that had little power from his nose and continued in a hoarse voice, "Tell me what they talked about."

"Yes, Professor."

Skain nodded respectfully and began his report.

The emotionless tone was like a taut string, repeating word for word everything that happened in Hector's office -

From His Highness Colin's casual question about the three million gold coins, to the precise pursuit of the "victim list", and the final tacit transaction.

Ariste Thorne listened to Skain's report while casually wiping the monocle in his hand and reading the expression on the young man's face.

Without the protection of the lenses, the calmness of a scholar in his eyes disappeared, replaced by the shrewdness of a businessman and the sharpness of a politician.

Skain, the "Mage" of the Great Sage's Tower, studied under Professor Hector Lane and is also a member of the "Thorne Society".

His extraordinary power is only at the bronze level, which is insignificant in the school full of geniuses, but he can always accomplish tasks that even gold-level masters cannot do.

That’s not all.

This guy is also good at discovering "potential" newcomers and handling occasional out-of-control incidents. He is decisive and never drags his feet or gets himself dirty.

Of course, Hector, the "cowardly, stingy, and pretentious" guy, could not keep such a talented person with both ability and ambition. After all, the latter couldn't even feed himself, let alone others? Ariste just hooked his finger, and the boy immediately understood his hint and came over in a minute.

As for why he didn't take such a talent into his own fold, but instead left him to be "fostered" by that stupid ass Hector, it was of course because it was not only better "used" but also safer.

If this kid doesn't do his job well, it's Professor Hector's fault. Let him bite like a mad dog, it has nothing to do with me.

even--

Skain himself was aware of this, and he loyally handed the dog leash to Ariste, willing to serve him as his dog.

Ariste thought highly of his ability and had planned that it would not be long before a little bit of the vast resources of the virtual world would be leaked to him, allowing this loyal chess piece to touch the threshold of the fine steel level at the age of thirty, and then break through the silver level and soar into the sky.

Of course.

By that time, this kid should officially become my disciple as an assistant teacher.

After all, seeing his apprentice suddenly break through the bottleneck, no matter how stupid Hector is, he should come to his senses and figure out what is going on.

For useful talents, Ariste will not only not take advantage of them, but will also protect him, and while holding his handle, he will help him to a position no lower than Hector.

This is a tacit understanding.

This is also one of the reasons why he still maintains his old business of "fate adjustment" even though he is not short of money - this business can bring him much more than just a few gold coins.

Both he and Sgain are smart people who have been tested in the big dye vat of Xuebang for a long time, and smart people know the cards in each other's hands very well.

"…Finally, Professor Hector promised to obtain access to the 'Virtual Realm' for Prince Colin in exchange for resolving the matter."

After reporting the last word, Skain stood still with his hands hanging down and said no more.

Ariste listened to the report patiently, a sneer quietly appeared at the corner of his mouth, and he said nonchalantly.

"It seems that this stupid ass Hector is a little smart. He knows that if he can't persuade His Highness Colin, it will be his turn."

Although this sentence was said lightly, it made Skyin hold his breath involuntarily and subconsciously tense his body.

Noticing Skain's nervousness, Ariste smiled and comforted the young man.

"Don't be nervous. I won't have to sacrifice you to kill him."

Skyin smiled bitterly, lowered his head and whispered.

"Professor, you don't have to test me. You have been very kind to me. If you want me to die for you, just say so. I will have no complaints. But... please give my belongings to my parents. They are things you despise, but they may help my brothers and sisters."

Ariste looked at him meaningfully, without pointing out the boy's intention of playing the emotional card. He just thought for a moment, then talked to himself, pursed his dry lips and shook his head.

"This Prince Colin is more perceptive than I thought. He is not a fool and is not easy to deceive."

but--

In terms of conspiracy and trickery, the nobles of the Holy City were still a little weaker than the kings of the Academy, especially since their naked desires were exposed too early.

This is a common problem among people who are born noble. Those nobles do not take ordinary people seriously and would rather not play tricks on them.

Therefore, the prince arrogantly wrote greed directly on his face, without even thinking of hiding it.

He put a lot of pressure on Hector, forcing the old stubborn man into a corner and making him tremble in fear, but his ultimate goal was nothing more than blackmailing and getting his hands on the 'virtual realm'.

Now that he had seen the cards in the other party's hand, Ariste had a rough idea of ​​Prince Colin's next move.

This is a greedy yet simple person who loves to be in the spotlight and enjoys people's admiration, but is generally "harmless".

"...This is consistent with my impression of the nobles in the Holy City. They regard the academy as their own backyard where they can do whatever they want, and regard the taboos that we have spent our entire lives exploring as another bottle of gorgeous collection in their wine cabinet. The so-called 'curiosity' is nothing more than a way to show off their innate privileges in front of us scholars, and by the way, to get some benefits from this bitter and cold place as a qualification for showing off."

Ariste smiled softly, then turned his gaze to his "beloved disciple" who was waiting for orders, and gave his own orders.

"Skain, this new mentor needs someone to 'guide' him. Since he has a good relationship with Professor Hector, you might as well approach him as Professor Hector's apprentice."

"Remember, you have to be humble, listen to every one of his classes, ask him questions he likes to hear, and show your admiration in your eyes, just like you do to me."

"Your first task is to find out his 'preferences'. See whether he likes rare spellcasting materials, is interested in a certain female apprentice, or is simply obsessed with the magical gadgets in the virtual world. In short, you must use all means to find out what he desires, and then report every detail to me truthfully."

"By the way, you can help him deal with some trivial matters, or even meet some of his harmless requests... If you can't solve it, you can just come and ask me."

Having said this, the old professor paused, and a sharp light flashed across his pupils, which were as turbid as muddy water.

"But remember, you must act with caution. Never reveal the existence of the 'association', let alone mention me. In front of him, you are just an ordinary apprentice who admires the mentor's talent. I don't need you to do anything extra, understand?"

"Yes, Professor."

Skyin accepted the order respectfully without any hesitation, and was relieved by this simple task.

This task was too easy for him. After all, pleasing a mentor who loved to show off was definitely easier than dealing with a runaway magic apprentice.

Especially now that the entire school is filled with "admirers" of that prince, a mere "magician" like me would not stand out at all among the crowd.

I'll ask a few questions in class first. It's a pity that His Highness hasn't published a paper yet, otherwise I could have prepared in advance...

Skyin's figure seemed to blend into the shadow of the meditation room, retreating silently until he disappeared outside the door.

Silence returned to the meditation room.

Ariste put on his spotlessly clean monocle again, and his sharp gaze was perfectly hidden in an instant.

In less than half a second, he turned back into the elegant and respected professor of the Source Law School in front of his students and colleagues.

He had no doubt that even if he stood openly in front of His Highness Colin, His Highness would never imagine that an old gentleman like him was the mastermind behind that "little unpleasantness" and had woven a web of desire for him.

He is like a crypt spider, lurking in the shadows where no one knows...

(End of this chapter)