Chapter 296
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Chapter 296: I Need a Collision
At the Tulip Academy, a peculiar bird served as its director.
Despite being an undead bird, it enjoyed masquerading as a phoenix. It even went so far as to splurge on expensive camphorwood furniture from the East, profiting the dragon clan immensely.
Its home? A nest built atop a golden tree.
Why not a camphor tree, you ask? Simple—camphor trees were too small, uncomfortable for its liking. A golden tree, grander and more expansive, suited its tastes better. Like the little bird in Tom and Jerry, this undead bird knew how to make a house its own.
For over four centuries, it had lived there.
At first, it was diligent, its zeal burning brightly for 200 years. But gradually, it realized the futility of pouring limited energy into an infinite pool of students. Retirement wasn’t an option—ordinary professors had the luxury of stepping down, but this bird, bound by its immortality, faced an endless loop of work. Nirvana seemed like an unattainable dream.
So, it delegated.
Though it retained the titles of principal and board member, it attended only one leadership meeting annually. All other responsibilities fell to three vice principals and the leadership team.
Michelle, unfamiliar with the principal, felt uneasy as she followed the vice principal.
Her knowledge of magical creatures on the Europa continent included a section dedicated to the undead bird. Immortal, genderless, and bound by its choice to forego reproduction, it remained a curious anomaly in magical literature.
“How much longer can the board member live?” Alena mused indifferently.
“Auntie thinks it might not last long. Maybe it’s a contest now—who will outlast whom.”
Michelle whispered, “Can an ordinary bloodline last that long?”
Alena shrugged. “Auntie’s unique, but she’s never said how long she can live. I feel like even when I’m old, she’ll look the same.”
The elevator beneath the golden tree carried them to the top floor.
The house, perched on the tree trunk, resembled a modest four-story villa. Its peculiar location gave it a unique charm. The vice principal unlocked the door without knocking, entering as though it were his own home.
Inside, angry shouts erupted.
“I fell to the ground, severely injured! Where are the medics?!”
“Why did you run here just to deliver a gun and bullets?!”
“Move forward! Stop daydreaming!”
“How many times do I have to say it? I need a collision!”
The screen flashed bright red: Defeat.
The phoenix, frustrated, slammed its keyboard. “What an awful teammate! Go practice Contra first!”
Fluffing its wings, it grabbed a drink labeled “happiness water,” took a sip, and queued up for another game.
Michelle stared, stunned.
She was amazed by its ancient existence and surprised by its grasp of modern technology.
Alena commented, “This game’s popular. Lots of young people play it.”
“Have you tried?” Michelle asked.
“It’s too violent for me,” Alena admitted. “Gaming’s not really my thing. How about you?”
Michelle shook her head. She couldn’t afford the high-performance computer needed to run such games.
The bird, losing another match, suddenly froze mid-game. “What?! Who unplugged my internet cable?”
It turned, glaring angrily—until its expression softened.
“Oh, Fred! What brings you here? Shall I make you tea?” The undead bird’s demeanor changed so swiftly that it was almost comical.
The vice principal scowled. “You’re ridiculous! Maybe you shouldn’t be principal anymore.”
“Don’t say that! Without this position, I’d lose my house!”
The undead bird’s antics sparked both amusement and frustration.
Eventually, the conversation turned serious. Alena asked, “We’re here to inquire about Liliana’s situation.”
The undead bird, recalling Liliana, sighed. “What you want to know is whether there’s a connection between Liliana and the Golden Engraving, right?”
Michelle nodded.
“Let’s just say Liliana’s story is tied to many regrets. Her hatred towards the emperor kept her alive, even when she couldn’t find peace after avenging him. But if you want to learn more, you’ll need to approach the Ancient Dragon Sect. They hold the most complete records of her era.”
Before parting, the bird handed Michelle a manuscript left by Liliana.
“Study it carefully—it contains her spells and techniques. You might find answers there.”
As the girls left, the bird returned to its game, muttering, “Ah, the past… It was so lively back then, even if it meant getting beaten every day. Now, I’m all alone. Can’t an old bird feel sentimental?”
Inside the room, the sounds of shooting resumed.
Unbeknownst to it, beneath the golden tree, the echoes of history stirred once more.
