Chapter 177

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Chapter 177

"Virgil, stop laughing," the archmage’s face grew darker. The sky outside seemed even gloomier, and a storm could be heard raging in the distance. Its core was blue, indicating that it was caused by a water elemental.

"Anything new?" The archmage’s eyes were not fully open, making her appear arrogant as she observed Virgil’s expression. In fact, her delicate and small ears twitched, not escaping Virgil’s notice.

"Of course, of course." Virgil adjusted his position, lowering his previously raised leg and trying to sit straight. However, he simply crossed his legs on the other side. He knew what the archmage wanted to hear, but he didn’t want to tell her right now.

"Certainly something new. When I came from the west, I noticed that the sand wolves in the desert have grown taller and stronger, and their numbers have increased. Each of them is plump and round." He glanced at Titus, who was by his side. Of course, hunters loved it when there were more prey. If the number of sand wolves increased, so would the number of sand wolf pups. This also meant that the quantity of high-grade footstools made from their light-colored fur would increase as well, almost as if you could hear the sound of coins dropping (even though selling fifty of them couldn’t compare to a single Sylas).

"Why is that?"

Virgil said, "I stayed for two days to investigate this matter. It seems there is a foolish druid at the edge of the desert who wants to turn it into a green land. They are nourishing the oasis crazily, causing an increase in the deer and rabbit population."

"So the sand wolves are eating well and becoming chubby."

"Exactly."

"Anything else?"

"Of course, of course," Virgil said with his typical fluffy smile, "You know that before I left, the excavation work stopped and I haven’t received any news about resuming. I met some fellow excavators who have already started on other jobs, so that means…"

"The excavation work stopped?"

"No, no… only a small group of people continued digging, and it doesn’t seem like they want to fully uncover it."

"That’s very strange," the archmage pondered as he tapped the rim of his cup. Ripples spread through the cloudy liquid inside, making a tinkling sound. "Why would they stop digging? Once someone finds dragon bones, they would eagerly dismantle them to sell for money, right? Since they haven’t dismantled the dragon bones, I suspect it might be for the purpose of collecting them. But if it’s for collecting, they shouldn’t have left it there, unless there’s something wrong with the dragon bones. Did you notice anything?"

"When I left, everything was normal, I didn’t notice anything. I happened to pass by there this time, so I plan to go back and investigate."

"Be careful."

Virgil raised his cup and said with a smile, "Of course!"

Mysterious situations always come with dangers. Unlike the archmage, Virgil has always been on the brink of life and death, so he knows exactly how much risk there is.

"Virgil… there’s something that has always puzzled me," Xerath looked up, "You’ve been strange ever since you got involved with the dragon bones. How is your research paper going? Have you decided on a title? Do you want me to take a look at your proposal?"

"Uh… don’t do that."

"So, your purpose, or I should say main purpose, is not actually researching dragon bones, right?"

Virgil blushed and covered his forehead with his hand. "You’re too perceptive, sometimes it’s not good. Well, I just sensed danger, so I went to play, but writing a thesis is also one of my goals! You have to believe me… I just… I just…"

"You’re just procrastinating," the archmage laughed happily. "Don’t beat around the bush. Have you seen Sylas?"

"Yes, yes, I have," Virgil nodded. It’s so good to change the subject, but a sort of satisfaction still appeared on his face. The archmage couldn’t resist asking this question after all, even though she took the initiative earlier. She couldn’t deceive the cunning Virgil with her true intentions: she’s afraid that I will mock her with this matter and that’s why she launched such a relentless strike against me. Using a thesis, how despicable.

"Sylas is doing well. She really likes your gift. Maybe she’s already wearing it on her sleeve now. Do you know? She started a small club and took over the North Tower of Sisters Hall as their activity room."

"Hmm," Xerath held the teacup in her hands and placed it on her lap, listening attentively to Virgil’s account. "For what purpose?" She was too calm, transitioning abruptly from her earlier emotions. There was a deliberate falseness to her sincere appearance, but Virgil discreetly observed her.

Out of caution, Virgil quickly came up with a reason. "This club has very few members, maybe just for the convenience of gathering together to do homework. There are only four members, oh no, five, perhaps six."

"Virgil, if you can’t count, I can teach you from scratch."

Virgil picked up Titus, who was running around his feet, and stood in front of himself. Titus futilely shook his four legs, while the sly hunter hid behind them and said, "That wicked old mage! She wanted to listen to Sylas’s story, but she still treated me so meanly. Is that how you ask for help?"

The archmage smiled and said, "Alright, Virgil, I’m begging you, please speak."

"Swis is a boy, so we can’t play together after we go back to our dorm. I guess that’s why." When they were in school, many people used to do the same. This was also the archmage’s original intention when introducing the club to her: to provide a space where her apprentice wouldn’t be disturbed.

"I know this. I was the one who suggested her to start the club."

"You know and still ask me? Everything is under the control of the all-knowing and all-powerful archmage." He thought about the amazing coincidences and missed opportunities just now, and then firmly told himself not to laugh.

"I wanted you to tell me some things I don’t know. With the eyes of a hunter, you must be able to see through things that no one else knows, right?"

Virgil really liked this discreet flattery. He smiled and said, "Of course, of course. Do you know who the club’s advisor is?"

"Who? Eilan? Unbelievable."

"No, no, it’s not Eilan, it’s Swoboda Swor."

The old master, whose calm face suddenly showed surprise and confusion, asked, "How are they connected? Did Swoboda return to her teaching position?"

"No," Virgil shook his head gently. "Unfortunately, no. She’s still sweeping the floor, her eyes still don’t work, she can’t see anything."

"They…hired a janitor as a guide teacher? And the school agreed?"

Virgil chuckled and said, "Your splendid gemstone can attract some extraordinary children. Swoboda was randomly chosen by Swis, it was pure chance."

Xerath sighed and raised her fair, slender hand, gesturing in the air. "It’s a…remarkable, unexpected, but seemingly inevitable coincidence."

Virgil nodded in agreement and said, "She will surely love Sylas, just as you said, rare gemstones always capture everyone’s attention."

"How… is Sylas, is she doing well?"

Virgil laughed and teasingly stared at the archmage, asking, "What makes you think she’s not doing well? Is it because you write her so few letters?"

The archmage lowered her head and remained silent, staring at her own hands. They were fair and slender, clearly well taken care of, as if they had never been exposed to the harsh weather and physical labor. In fact, it was true. She lived in the tower and hardly touched anything except paper, pen, and fabric.

She looked very carefully, trying to pass this problem off as nothing.

Virgil looked at her and with an evil smile on his face, "Of course she’s doing well. She has friends to accompany her. She’s very close to Luna, and I wonder why they don’t know each other well. Didn’t you and Diego tell the children about her faraway friend?"

Sylas shook her head, "I don’t know what Diego thinks, but I don’t think it’s necessary. I won’t take Sylas out for meaningless visits. They won’t even be in the same school, so why do they need to know each other?"

"But it’s undeniable that they’re very close. Just imagine, two young and beautiful girls living in a warm room without any disturbances, keeping each other company, studying together. It’s such a beautiful thing to think about."

Xerath didn’t understand his intention and looked up in confusion.

The wicked Virgil continued, "Isn’t that how Sashara and Biatris got together?"

"Wh-what?" the old wizard took off his glasses and threw them aside, staring at Virgil.

"You didn’t – you didn’t notice?"

"Weren’t they always like that? Always close since I’ve known them."

"They have argued with each other before. You are really slow, the way you look at someone you like is different. I can’t imagine you not being able to tell."

Xerath frowned and said, "Isn’t this normal? No one has given me a paradigm. Without a paradigm, how can I analyze if other patterns follow the paradigm or not?"

Virgil was at a loss for words, blinking his eyes. "Let me tell you, just imagine the romance in it. Two girls sitting side by side at a table, doing their homework. As they write, they suddenly lift their heads and look at each other, sharing a smile. Just imagine looking at a delicate girl from a distance of less than two feet, and you will feel the urge to kiss, won’t you?"

He was like a street performer charming a venomous snake with his melodious flute, using an enchanting voice, attempting to deceive an archmage.

Unfortunately, the archmage didn’t notice his attempts, and she even seriously pondered over this "urge to kiss." She had faced this urge several times before, and each time, she felt almost unable to resist.