Chapter 98 Haina's Commission
Although Aiwass asked for leave, he just didn't plan to go to class this morning.
Previously, he had borrowed a copy of "Common Ritual" from the school library with a note from his instructor as a teaching assistant. Now he had some free time in his dorm to read it.
I have to say that the level of knowledge in universities is very high.
The "secret knowledge" the Noble Red Order had previously taught Aiwass in letters was merely common sense in this book. The knowledge contained within this book included various common rituals up to the second level. Although the book's original purpose was to enable priests to identify and counter the various unholy rituals used by those on the transcendent path...
But it would be no problem for Aiwass to learn how to use ritual magic in return.
After breakfast, Aiwass concentrated on reading in the study on the second floor.
Until an unexpected yet reasonable guest came to visit.
"Haina-senpai?"
Aiwass put down the book in his hand and teased the girl who was invited into the study and sat on the sofa at one side, "Look, since you didn't make an appointment in advance this time, the time of your visit is very appropriate."
It's ten o'clock in the morning outside.
She could finally come to see Aiwass during a mortal world... This made Aiwass very relieved.
"Actually, I wasn't that late for class before. I don't know what happened..."
Haina sighed helplessly and casually passed on the topic: "Forget it, let's not talk about that. I came to see you for three things this time."
"Three?"
This surprised Aiwass a little: "Is it related to the club yesterday?"
"Well, one of them is related."
Haina nodded and replied, "Director Kent said he would give you another tantra book as a thank you for this incident."
As she spoke, she glanced at the "Common Ritual" on Aiwass's desk, paused slightly, and added, "Even if it's beyond the Tao, it's fine. The book will be fully processed... If you plan to give it to someone, it's best to report that person's name as well. The Supervisory Bureau will guarantee it for you. Foreigners are also welcome."
"That way, if that person hasn't broken any law, they won't be arrested by the Inspectorate for studying tantric knowledge... even if it's from an illegal path."
"'Thanks'?"
Aiwass raised an eyebrow. "I thought it would be 'reward' or 'appeasement'. I'm mentally prepared for another commendation."
Haina smiled awkwardly, not knowing how to respond: "You can also consider it as a consolation gift..."
The Supervisory Bureau no longer dares to invite Aiwass to participate in the "commendation ceremony".
Logically speaking, the commendation ceremony has nothing to do with Aiwass, who does not belong to the three major agencies and is not a soldier.
The previous commendation ceremony was actually intended to cover up the Supervisory Bureau's incompetence and try to use this method to share some of Aiwass's honor and credit with the Supervisory Bureau. And the previous secret book was used to buy Aiwass's silence.
——Ives didn't need to say anything specifically, as long as he didn't say anything after he got on the podium.
Fortunately, no one died this time. What was supposed to be a major disaster turned into a great victory through chance.
However, the royal family is not stupid, especially Princess Isabelle, who personally participated in the incident... Although the result is good, it does not mean that the process is correct.
Therefore, the Supervisory Bureau should be praised openly this time, and even praised in the newspapers.
But in reality, every minister who had anything to do with this matter was summoned by Her Majesty the Queen last night. Even at this moment, an emergency meeting was still underway in the Round Table—they didn't usually hold meetings on Friday mornings, so this was a special occasion.
Under these circumstances, the Supervisory Bureau certainly wouldn't dare to make a big fuss. They'd rather hope that the public would quickly forget about this matter.
Director Kent had already told Haina this, but she was hesitant to tell Aiwass directly.
——But in fact, Aiwas knew that this was indeed a very sincere "thank you".
Maybe Haina didn't understand what Director Kent meant, but Aiwass did.
The Supervisory Bureau's true sincerity is not as simple as giving away a secret book - after all, that is something that can be bought with money and favors, and is completely inconsistent with Aiwass's achievements.
What they meant was that Aiwass could privately recruit a Transcendent underling. No exams or legal procedures were required. The Inspectorate could even provide Aiwass with identification... If anything happened to Aiwass's underling, the Inspectorate wouldn't bother him; they would take the responsibility themselves.
What the Supervisory Bureau meant was that since Aiwass helped them solve a problem this time, the Supervisory Bureau would also help Aiwass solve a problem in the future.
This is a pretty good reward.
This calm and steady style...is obviously not a promise that Director Kent dares to make.
Did this alarm the higher-ups?
The highest-ranking official in the Supervisory Bureau was the Grand Guardian, one of the few Fifth-Level experts in Avalon. Perhaps only he would dare to offer such a guarantee that clearly violated the kingdom's laws.
Aiwass was certain in his heart that Lily's identity could be officially cleared - she no longer needed to hide even if she embarked on the path of adaptation.
Relaxing, Aiwass chuckled and casually jokingly said, his deep voice like a bewitching devil: "But, Senior Sister... since you immediately thought of the tantra of the Path of Transcendence, does that mean that you are actually instinctively curious about it and want to get in touch with it?"
"——Don't talk nonsense, I didn't, I didn't!"
Haina said in a panic, her butt as if burned by the sofa, and she stood up in an instant: "At most, I am a little interested in alchemy..."
"Don't worry, don't worry. It's just a joke, I know."
Aiwas comforted Haina.
This somewhat silly senior is really funny, jumping around when you poke her.
With such an almost completely innocent attitude, she was able to become the head of the student council... Besides her good grades, it was probably because her supporters far outnumbered her opponents.
Now that their relationship has gradually become closer, Aiwass's occasional jokes will not make Haina angry. But she will react strongly to being slightly frightened, which makes Aiwas increasingly fond of teasing her.
In order to comfort Haina, Aiwass casually pulled out a dark red book from the desk and handed it to Haina with a smile: "Look, what is this?"
Haina sat up straight from the sofa and took the book, and found that it was the "Alchemical Code" she had been thinking about for a long time.
"We agreed before—see, I kept my promise. Senior, don't you have classes today? Then why not watch it here?"
Aiwass invited: "You can sit next to me, and you can ask me if you don't understand anything."
Haina was obviously moved.
She took the "Alchemical Code" and subconsciously sat down next to Aiwass.
Aiwass asked casually, "Speaking of which, when can I go get my 'comfort supplies'?"
"Either tonight or tomorrow will be fine. You can pick it up when you get home. You set a time and I'll take you there."
Haina spoke frankly, fully aware of the situation and even added, "Because you need to go to White Queen to get it. Red Queen is still in a state of chaos recently. Gordon and the new director are in the Round Table for a meeting."
"... Let's not set a time. I'm afraid."
"What are you afraid of! I won't be late this time!" Haina was a little embarrassed.
"How about this, Senior. After that afternoon class is over, come home with me."
Aiwass invited, "After Lily drops me off at home, have her go with you to the bureau to choose a tantra book."
"Do you want to give it to Miss Lily? Okay... I'll take you home and then send Miss Lily back after she finishes choosing her books."
Haina thought for a moment and said, "Why don't I just stay by your side and protect you the whole day? Otherwise, if you get hurt, Inspector Edward will definitely blame me."
"That's not necessary. Those demonologists failed once yesterday. Even if they want to take action again, they probably won't choose now." Aiwass said with a smile.
"This is related to the remaining two things..."
Haina became serious, turned around and bowed her head to Aiwass earnestly: "Please help me, Mr. Aiwass!"
"What's wrong?"
Aiwass turned around in surprise and said, "If you have any questions, just tell me. If I can help, I will definitely help."
This wasn't just politeness; he was serious. This was Aiwass's way of doing things.
Since his friend has come to him for help and is so serious about it, as long as Aiwass can do it, he will help even if it is a little troublesome or dangerous.
So Haina told Aiwas in detail about the test that Headmaster Meg had given her and the matter of the "portable alchemical bomb".
"Headmaster Meg?"
Aiwass was a little surprised: "She wants to take you as her disciple? She is the strongest in Avalon!"
"...Is the headmaster really that strong?"
Haina also opened her eyes wide.
She knew that Headmaster Meg was powerful, having even single-handedly quelled a war, and that the next Headmaster would be Meg's student. But she never imagined that Meg would actually be the strongest person in Avalon!
"Of course." Aiwass nodded.
...Not only that, the old lady was also known for her sharp eyesight and possessed the arrogance typical of those on the path of authority.
Although the old lady looked kind and cheerful, Meg smiled at everyone. Her smile didn't mean she was friendly—no matter how much flattery Meg disliked, it would never benefit her at all. Her heart was as ferocious as a lion or tiger.
The fact that Meg likes Haina means that Haina has at least the talent to reach the fifth level...which is the same level as that assassin lady.
Of course, the advancement ritual is highly random; even if one possesses talent, it may not manifest... but those without the corresponding talent will definitely not advance. Even after ten years of studying transcendental knowledge, some people still struggle to attain the first professional level. For example, the "King" whom Aiwass encountered during his first advancement ritual was already in his thirties or forties, still attempting to advance to the second level.
——And even failed!
Judging from how skilled Mr. King is at advertising, it’s probably not his first time failing.
"Since Headmaster Meg favors you, you must not let her down."
Aiwass answered decisively: "I helped you with this."
Helping others is like helping yourself. This is also a kind of investment, and it is a sure win.
After all, he had originally intended to resolve this incident, and he was simply giving Haena some of the credit. Reputation was something that made a huge difference between having a little and having none, but too much would only burden him... It also had diminishing marginal utility.
If Haina could become Meg's disciple, then he might be able to have a say in Meg's side.
After all, one of the direct causes of Avalon's destruction was Meg's death.
If Aiwass could convince the stubborn old lady to temporarily postpone the advancement ceremony, it would be considered a true change in history. And Aiwass would have more time to develop.
"…But what about Mr. Sherlock?"
Aiwass was very interested in another point: "Didn't Headmaster Meg ask you to invite him too?"
Last time in the ritual dungeon, Sherlock had too little intelligence to make much of a difference. Now on Sherlock's home turf, Aiwass was eager to see just how sharp Sherlock's brain was when he was fully fired up.
But unfortunately, his wish may not be fulfilled in the short term -
"This is the third thing," Haina replied sadly, "Mr. Sherlock was attacked last night."
(End of this chapter)
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