Chapter 74: Dinner Party and Big News

Wang Yu’s experience proved that Barrit’s body-tempering potion had no effect on him, yet these precious medicinal ingredients could still serve as excellent supplements.

Whether consumed during combat to provide a surge of stamina or taken during training to enhance physical gains, they were quite remarkable.

Regardless, this was a new discovery. Leveraging his own skills as a pharmacist, Wang Yu decided he would try to concoct some of these potions for himself later—or rather, for him, they shouldn't be called body-tempering potions; "supplements" would be a more fitting term.

"You really are a marvel, kid. Not only can you defeat Wendy in a contest of strength, but these potions don't even affect you. If they did, I can't imagine what level you might have reached by now."

"However..." Barrit patted Wang Yu on the back, listening with satisfaction to the sound of his palm striking solid muscle.

"You suit me well. The knightly profession shouldn't be so overly obsessed with battle aura as it is today. You must remember, the source of everything is this very body; it is our only truly reliable comrade. Keep up your training; I have high hopes for you."

"Take this bottle of 'Magma Heart.' While it doesn't seem to help with your tempering, I can see it has other uses for you. It’s expensive, yes, but mostly because it's hard to come by. For an old man like me with some savings, it’s not that precious if the connections are there."

"Tha—"

"Teacher, didn't you say this stuff was incredibly expensive and that you didn't have much, so you couldn't give it to me? How come you're just handing over a whole bottle!" Just as Wang Yu was about to express his gratitude, Wendy began to clamor. In truth, as the granddaughter of Weber, she wasn't short on money; she was simply trying to undermine her teacher.

"Then why don't you ask Wang Yu for some and try it yourself? Wang Yu?" Barrit glanced at Wendy.

"Brother Wang Yu~" Wendy looked at him with wide, expectant eyes; it was clear she genuinely wanted to try.

Blinking, Wang Yu produced a small amount and placed it on Wendy's hand, then watched as she carelessly smeared it onto her skin.

No sooner had she excitedly applied a small patch than her expression shifted. Why did it feel… wrong?

"Oh, oh, oh! It’s hot, it’s so hot! It’s burning me, it’s burning me! What is this? Teacher, Teacher, I was wrong, help me!" Wendy shrieked. The skin where the ointment had been applied began to flush red and heat up, the searing pain causing her to howl.

"Splash!" Avia walked over from the side, gathering water elements, and slapped a water orb onto Wendy’s head. Instantly, Wendy was soaked from head to toe, though the ointment was washed away.

"Phew… saved. Sister Avia is always the reliable one." Wendy let out a long breath as the burning sensation faded.

Suddenly, a thought struck Wendy. Wang Yu had smeared this all over his body and even ingested it without changing his expression—how terrifying must that burning pain have been? Hiss… this guy really was a monster.

Shrinking her neck, Wendy scurried behind Avia to hide.

Edward looked at Charles, who was running out of steam, and kicked him while he was squatting nearby, gesturing toward Wendy with his eyes.

Charles rolled his eyes at Edward, bewildered. "What, do you like her?"

"Ow! What are you kicking me for?"

……

The four of them walked along the main thoroughfare of the Knight Academy. Wang Yu held two books, common in material, titled *Piercing* and *Defense*. Barrit had given these techniques for manipulating battle aura to Wang Yu before they left.

In Barrit’s own words, Wang Yu lacked sufficient battle aura and would be at a disadvantage, so he should use technique to compensate. These books weren't profound, but they were worth deep study; mastered fully, they could provide immense assistance.

"Wang Yu, there’s a welcome party for the students of various mentors at the Magic Academy tonight. My mentor only has me as a student, so there are plenty of spots, and I can bring a few people. Can you come?" Avia spoke up, interrupting Wang Yu’s study of the books.

"Alright." Noting that the sun had moved from the east to the horizon after a day of training, Wang Yu nodded in agreement. Though he didn't know what he would do there, since it was Avia’s request, there was no need to refuse.

"A welcome party? Isn't that just an excuse for the Magic Academy to form cliques, fight over funding, and engage in factional infighting?" Charles chimed in upon hearing their conversation.

"Is that so?" Wang Yu raised an eyebrow. He truly knew nothing of these things, having never attended a higher academy in this world.

"It’s pretty much as Charles says. It’s a welcome party in name only. By the banquet, they’ll likely divide into factions based on the mentors' networks, then compete in trivial matters to vie for the year's resource allocation. It’s unreasonable, but it’s something everyone has come to accept."

Edward confirmed Charles’s statement from the side, leaving Wang Yu and Avia to exchange glances.

Although Avia was a noble, she was a complete newcomer to the academy, and Wang Yu, who was even poorer than a commoner, was even more so. If not for Edward and Charles’s warning, they might have run into trouble tonight.

"Maybe… we shouldn't go?" Wang Yu scratched his head. He had never cared for such things; to him, the backstabbing and posturing at these banquets were entirely unproductive social interactions. Given Avia’s talent, she didn't actually need these so-called connections.

"It’s complicated. My mentor said this banquet might involve matters regarding access to the Great Library. If there are no special circumstances, it’s best to attend. But if you find it troublesome, Wang Yu, we don't have to go." Avia looked conflicted, though she was inclined to follow Wang Yu’s suggestion.

"It’s fine, let's go…" Wang Yu didn't want the girl to give up on the qualification, but before he could finish, he was interrupted.

"The Great Library? We can't miss that. Let's go, let's go, we'll go with you." Charles gave Wang Yu a shove from behind.

"But my mentor only gave me two spots. Wang Yu can come as my attendant," Avia shook her head.

"Wang Yu, tell her who Zig is," Charles pointed at the girl.

"Ah, Mr. Zig is also a professor at Stevenson Academy. If this banquet allows mentors to bring students, Mr. Zig can bring people too. But Charles, what use is it for you to go?"

"Sigh, right, just tell Zig. Don't worry, Avia’s business is our business. As for what use we are?" Charles flashed a smug smile, pointing at himself and then at Edward.

"We’re here to hold the fort! Do you know who we are?"

"Sons of the Lionheart! Well, thank you for your help."

"Hey, you didn't even mention my status and just ignored it. Fine, I’ll forgive you since you thanked me so sincerely." Charles was satisfied.

Wang Yu certainly knew these guys’ backgrounds were significant, but praising them was out of the question; usually, one compliment was enough to make Charles float away.

Still, with these two holding the fort, tonight seemed like it would be much simpler.

"Thank you!" Avia bowed to Edward and Charles, thanking them earnestly.

"Heh, I’m getting embarrassed."

"You're welcome."

Being thanked so seriously, even Charles felt a bit bashful.

…

Melodious music echoed through the hall, and exquisitely decorated carpets covered the floor. Young men and women in academy uniforms moved about, conversing with smiles that one couldn't tell were genuine or feigned.

The elaborate long tables were laden with a rich variety of meticulously prepared food. Desserts exuded an enticing sweetness, the juices of roasted meats seeped out even without being pressed, and freshly washed, exotic fruits shone with a lustrous sheen, promising a burst of sweet freshness with every bite.

"Clink…" Unfortunately, this expensive and delicious food went largely ignored; perhaps the only things that garnered any favor were the high-priced wines.

Glasses clinked, filled with clear or viscous liquids, as people engaged in hypocritical or sincere conversations, barely wetting their lips before the liquid slid away—it was hard to tell if the wine was being enjoyed or simply used as a prop.

Students gathered in groups, chatting with small smiles, their glasses clinking, yet the liquid inside never seemed to diminish.

"It really is just that kind of atmosphere. Isn't it a shame to waste such good wine? Sigh, gulp…" Charles lamented the students' wastefulness, downing the liquid in his glass in one go.

"That was fruit juice, wasn't it?"

"Don't undermine me, you guy who ends up under the table after one glass."

In the corner of the banquet hall sat four people who seemed entirely out of place: Wang Yu, Avia, Edward, and Charles.

They didn't participate in the faction-building, nor did they join the commoners trying to climb the social ladder by dancing with the glamorous, confident nobles on the floor.

The four of them sat in the corner, silently watching and eating.

Wang Yu’s plates were already stacked several high. The food here was truly excellent, several grades above what he’d eaten at the tavern on his first day. Although the portions were small and delicate to fit the banquet’s atmosphere, it was more than enough for the four of them.

Edward and Charles were also eating silently. Edward didn't say much, while Charles kept offering critiques, mostly expressing disdain for the banquet and dissatisfaction with the students, at which point Edward would invariably undermine him.

Glancing at the two, Wang Yu continued to chew, genuinely feeling that he got along well with these two high-status colleagues.

Both possessed a temperament and style that defied their social standing—pragmatic, casual, and unpretentious, much like Wang Yu himself.

Wang Yu felt lucky to have been assigned such colleagues; though they hadn't known each other long, they were already becoming good friends.

Avia was also influenced by the three, eating her dessert in small bites and occasionally bringing back roasted meat for the others. It was clear she was much happier staying with them than mingling with the other students.

He shrugged; there was nothing wrong with that. In his view, attending a banquet and getting a decent meal out of it was a win.

But when would this so-called qualification for the Great Library begin? He didn't know what it was, but judging by how much importance Avia placed on it, it likely wasn't simple.

They ate and waited. They weren't rushing, and since all four had healthy appetites, they could sit there for a long time.

About half an hour later, no one else had entered the banquet, and everyone who was expected had arrived. The heavy doors of the grand hall slowly swung shut, sealing this space off from the world outside.

"Greetings, students of Stevenson Academy. I am your Dean, Westin Stevenson. You may call me Old Westin; I shan't mind."

A playful, youthful voice resonated from every corner of the room. At his words, the ballroom's music, the students' chatter, and the crisp clinking of crystal glasses all fell into a sudden, heavy silence.

"Clap, clap, clap, clap." A burst of applause followed, accompanied by laughter that carried a hint of sycophantic charm.

"Pretentious," Charles remarked.

"That is just jealousy because you have never been fawned over like that."

"Hmph, certainly not."

"..." Wang Yu and Avia were left speechless, their attention entirely derailed; the ability of these two to ruin an atmosphere was truly terrifying.

"Now, I shall say a few words. You are all exceptional students with your own mentors, and you represent the most brilliant talent within our academy. I will not hide the truth from you: I am here to announce a piece of news that is both significant and regrettable."

He deliberately drew out the final syllable until the students offered the expected murmurs of anticipation before continuing.

"It is with great regret that I announce the Great Library is to be closed... our academy will never again have the opportunity to enter that hallowed hall of knowledge..."

"What?! How is that possible!"

"No way, isn't the Great Library one of the cornerstones of Stevenson Academy?"

"This? Professor Haims didn't mention anything of the sort to me."

"My mentor hasn't said a word, either."

"Same here."

"What is going on?"

The students below were truly shocked now, no longer merely playing along with the Dean. They began to murmur among themselves, their eyes filled with disbelief and confusion.

"Huh? The Great Library is closing? That is indeed a major affair," Charles frowned, his fingers gently stroking his chin. For once, he looked genuinely serious.

"Neither my father nor the Night’s Edge has received any word of this. Is it due to the recent unrest? I cannot be sure, though such matters should not affect the Great Library."

Edward’s expression was equally grave; he felt deeply unsettled by the news.

Wang Yu, however, was entirely in the dark and could only listen, gathering that this was a monumental event.

"The Great Library is a pocket dimension within Stevenson Academy, housing a vast collection of texts. Every academic year, it is opened to elite students. You can find almost anything you desire within its walls, including many rare spells and ancient manuscripts."

"Entry is limited, and even for mentors and professors, it is a precious commodity. But to cultivate fresh blood, the academy grants ninety percent of the slots to students. That is why Stevenson Academy is so renowned."

Avia, sensing Wang Yu’s confusion, leaned in to whisper an explanation.

Wang Yu nodded. This was indeed a major event, though the description left him with an indescribable feeling. If this were the case, what of the qualifications for this final entry?

"Everyone, please, calm yourselves. The qualifications for this final entry into the Great Library are quite unique. There will be ten spots in total, and among them, one special individual will be permitted to bring out a single physical object from the library—any object you can retrieve. Over the next four months, we will select these ten individuals and that one special person. This banquet is the very first step of that selection."

As the Dean’s words fell, the entire hall erupted into a roar of commotion.