Chapter 257: Renata, Former President of the Witch Secret Realm Club
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 257: Renata, Former President of the Witch Secret Realm Club
After bidding farewell to Teacher Ji Niang, I spent the walk fiddling with the Myriad Methods Bookshelf spellbook I had exchanged my resources for.
I had to admit, the "nesting" capability of this spellbook was truly impressive. Once activated, it functioned similarly to the Memory Bookshelf, manifesting as a physical bookshelf. Any other spellbooks it carried would then appear as individual books within that framework.
While its only function was to house other spellbooks, it excelled at categorization. It organized everything like a perfect directory, making it incredibly easy to find what I needed. Compared to the "chaos" of carrying them directly within my body, this spellbook transformed my collection into "order." For someone with a vast library of spellbooks, it was a massive quality-of-life improvement.
After a brief trial, I had a good grasp of its utility. Still, I couldn't help but feel that a spellbook requiring hundreds of points of mana just to act as a storage unit was a bit much for most people to stomach.
Any other high-consumption spellbook would be a powerhouse in its own right—at the very least, they usually offered some visually oppressive effects. This thing, however, just conjured a bookshelf...
It felt a bit like I’d been swindled. The "big picture" Teacher Ji Niang had painted was just too grand. Derived spells... those were definitely beyond my current reach.
Looking back at the derivations of my Evocation spells—Floating, Resonance, and Focusing—they seemed almost childish in comparison.
But those were the fruits of my own painstaking research and effort. They were also my primary means of attack.
I’ll just have to keep accumulating strength slowly, I thought.
Aside from the spellbook, Teacher Ji Niang had mentioned one more thing before I left: Class 14 had a new transfer student.
Her name was... Lucianne.
Setting aside the suspicious timing of a transfer student arriving now, the name Lucianne sounded strangely familiar.
Then, under Teacher Ji Niang’s meaningful gaze, I confirmed my suspicions.
She really was the one from the Wizard Academy...
The Witch Academy even dared to poach students from the Wizard Academy? Are witches really that formidable?
The crux of the matter was that I hadn't seen the Wizard Academy making a fuss about it. They were supposed to be one of the Three Top Academies, weren't they? Don't tell me they're just going to take this lying down.
Alright, my "watch the world burn" streak was acting up again. I shook my head and tossed the thought aside.
"Student Yang Yuehan, a pleasure to meet you."
"Hm? Hello..."
I was heading down the stairs, but before I could even exit the building, a Senior Sister called out to me in the first-floor lobby. Out of politeness, I gave a perfunctory greeting, as she seemed quite well-mannered.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Renata Hurt. You can just call me Renata. I’m the former president of the Witch Secret Realm Club. I’ve already graduated, so I suppose I’m considered one of the club’s veterans," the tall woman said. She had a head of permed, wavy hair and rested a hand gently against her chest as she spoke in a gentle tone.
"Ah? Former president... a veteran?"
Her self-introduction immediately caught me off guard. What kind of big shot was this, and why was she looking for me?
Moreover, she was from the Witch Secret Realm Club. That club was practically a semi-official organization. Why would a veteran be so bored as to come find me?
It couldn't be for the Over-consumption Spellbooks too, could it?
They managed so many Secret Realms; even if they were just temporary custodians, they shouldn't be desperate enough to come after mine.
"Are you that shocked? Just think of me as an ordinary Senior Sister. I saw you rushing to leave just now, so I assume you haven't eaten yet. How about I treat you to a meal?"
"Uh... I don't think that's necessary."
I politely declined. This wasn't just "a meal"—it smelled like a trap. I thought I was prepared to deal with the other Senior Sisters, but this one had dropped a bombshell right out of the gate. Was I ever going to catch a break?
"It’s fine, it’s my treat. After all, I’m the one asking for a favor, so it’s not entirely one-sided. I have a deal I’d like to discuss with you. I wonder if you’d be interested?"
"A deal... Can you tell me about it now?" I took a deep breath to steady myself. This was something I had to face eventually. At least she wasn't looking for trouble right away.
"What else could it be? You really have a talent for playing dumb, Junior Sister. So? Do we have a deal?" As Renata spoke, she led me toward a car.
I looked at her with slight surprise. I hadn't expected her to drive. Wouldn't a broom be more convenient?
Then again, there were plenty of vehicles in the Witch Academy. The roads between the different sectors were built for cars, after all. They wouldn't build an entire road network just for the academy buses.
"Just a personal habit. There are some things I just can't let go of. Although I like driving, I do have a flight license," Renata said, pulling open the passenger door and gesturing for me to get in. "Haven't decided yet? I’m being very sincere. My status carries a lot of weight. If you’re willing to have a meal with me, it could save you a lot of trouble."
"Thank you." I nodded and sat in the passenger seat. Of everything Renata had said, that was the only sentence that actually got through to me.
I truly did hate trouble. I suppose she had me there. It was just a meal, after all.
"Buckle up... It’s time to go." Renata skillfully slid into the driver's seat, buckled her seatbelt with one hand, and the car let out a low, guttural roar.
The next moment, a powerful surge of acceleration pinned me to my seat as the car sped away.
"Are you alright? The car might not be as fast as a flying broom, but it has a primal sense of control. I love that feeling."
"Is... is that so?" I watched the scenery blur past, streaks of light receding rapidly on either side. This woman drove like a maniac. She looked so gentle on the surface...
The car flew down the road, leaving the Central Teaching Area behind and heading toward the most prosperous commercial district in the entire Witch Academy.
When we finally arrived, I found myself standing before a massive, luxurious hotel. Renata tossed the car keys to a uniformed Senior Sister working as a valet.
"Let’s go. Don't be shy. There’s a first time for everything. The Witch Academy isn't just about the teaching areas and the dorms. You should experience more of the interesting things it has to offer."
Renata led me inside, but I couldn't bring myself to agree with her. Not everyone enjoys or is suited for every lifestyle.
If you really wanted to "experience interesting things," why not try planting rice in a field? Farmers might find that very "interesting," so surely you should experience it too, right?
High-end establishments were no different.
The masks of hypocrisy, the unspoken rules, the conversations that never strayed from profit, the fake smiles, the bravado, the threats, the exchanges, the sacrifices... none of it was any easier than manual labor.
Guided by a waitress, we were seated at a window table. From here, we could see the glittering night view of the bustling city below. Amidst the neon lights, I could even see Senior Sisters weaving between the skyscrapers on their brooms.
I had often wondered: this was the Witch Academy, and the only people staying here were graduated Senior Sisters. Even if every graduating class was large, how could they possibly populate a city the size of the real-world's Magic Capital?
Now I knew.
Spells... Most basic labor had been replaced by magic. Many of the staff, like the greeters standing perfectly still, were actually puppets created by spells. Others weren't spells at all, but alchemical golems.
Alchemy and spellcraft seemed to have reached a level in the Witch Academy that far exceeded my expectations.
"Do you have any dietary restrictions?"
"I don't think so..." I replied after a moment's thought.
"Then I’ll order. You don't mind, do you? Or would you prefer to do it?"
"I won't trouble myself."
"Alright then."
Renata turned to the waitress to place the order. This young woman wasn't a puppet; she was likely a Senior Sister working here full-time. I wondered how much they paid her to make her willing to work here.
Then again, as long as you had some skills, you shouldn't be that poor...
"Do you mind if I call you Xiao Han?"
"It’s fine. Most people I know call me that."
"Good." Renata smiled, as if she were deliberately trying to close the distance between us. "Consider this a belated congratulations for taking first place in the Exchange Competition."
"Thank you, but this really wasn't necessary."
"You’re quite informal, Xiao Han. Anyone else in your position would be acting quite differently, yet you haven't changed a bit."
"I just don't like trouble," I repeated.
At that moment, the waitress began to pour wine for us. "Wait, I don't drink."
"Oh? You don't drink? Then we’ll swap it for juice. But... Xiao Han, you’re an adult now. You really should try wine."
"Thank you for the suggestion, but I’ll stick to my own views."
If I counted my previous life, I had been an adult for a long time. But I still didn't like alcohol. Drinking led to mistakes, and it reminded me of how pathetic my "cheap father" looked when he was drunk... It was a revolting sight.
"It’s fine, it was just a suggestion. Those with strength have the right to define what is right and wrong, don't they?"
"Mhm... But let’s get down to business. We can skip the pleasantries."
"How direct. The food hasn't even arrived yet, but you’re right. I don't care for tedious formalities either. It’s just a habit I fall into when I come here... Anyway, I apologize. But some things are better left unheard by others. Let’s wait until the food is served." Renata turned her head to look out the massive, one-way floor-to-ceiling glass at the scenery outside.
"Let’s talk about something else first. Xiao Han, can you guess how many undercurrents are surging beneath that prosperity out there?"
"I don't actually want to know."
"Haha, I like your bluntness. But some things are simply beyond our control... unless you possess the power to suppress everything."
Renata chatted with me for a few more minutes until my juice and the dishes she had ordered arrived.
"Come, a toast to our friendship."
I didn't respond, merely picking up my glass and lightly clinking it against hers. I didn't believe for a second that we had anything resembling "friendship" after such a short time. It was impossible.
From start to finish, she seemed to be stepping on all my pet peeves, arrogantly displaying her "way of the world."
My initial shock at her being a veteran of the Witch Secret Realm Club had also faded.
Perhaps through this brief contact, I had realized that she was just another graduated Senior Sister.
"Can we talk business now?" I asked.
"Indeed. Xiao Han, what do you think of the things you currently possess?"
"My thoughts? In what regard?"
"Mhm... regarding their value."
"They are very precious."
"They certainly are. You’re right about that. So, can you guess how many people are eyeing such precious things?" Renata continued.
"Most of the Senior Sisters in the academy, I imagine," I said.
I could feel her leading the conversation, but I didn't mind. Leading a conversation was meant to break down the other person's mental defenses and force them into your rhythm.
If my resolve could be broken by a few words, then there was no point in me holding out in the first place.
In other words, I firmly believed my choice was correct. She wouldn't be able to sway me, and she could forget about taking a single spellbook from me.
"Exactly. Most Senior Sisters feel that way. After all, Over-consumption Spellbooks are just too valuable. That’s what you’re thinking, right?"
"Yes." I nodded, my expression unchanging. This kind of "mind-reading" tactic was useless against me. It was just basic conversational manipulation.
"I watched the entire Exchange Competition. I have to say, you were the highlight of the whole event, Xiao Han—especially those two times you used that Over-consumption Spellbook."
"It was alright."
"So cold. But that’s fine. I wanted to ask... how does it feel to use a spellbook like that?"
"Haven't you used one?"
"I have. Unfortunately, after I stepped down as president, that Over-consumption Spellbook no longer belonged to me. Some spellbooks don't belong to the individual; they belong to the office. When I was in power, I even had access to a Myriad Methods Book. The only pity is that I never got to use it. Isn't it laughable? To possess something but never use it."
"Mhm."
I nodded, thinking to myself that her attempt at playing the pity card was a bit low-effort.
"So, you want my Over-consumption Spellbook, is that it?" I asked directly.
"Of course. With a smart head like yours, you should have realized that by now. Since you’ve brought it into the open, may I ask what your thoughts are?"
"No," I said, shaking my head.
"How blunt. But with the rewards from this competition, you’ll have two Over-consumption Spellbooks all to yourself. Isn't that a bit too conspicuous? Aren't you afraid?"
"I’m fine."
"You really are a woman of few words. Well, these things can't be forced. I didn't expect to walk away with your spellbook on our first meeting anyway. But won't you hear my terms? I’ve come with great sincerity." Renata continued to test me.
"Anything related to the spellbooks is strictly off the table. We can negotiate on other things," I stated clearly. Whether she believed me or not wasn't my concern. And she said "first meeting"—what, did she think there would be a next time?
I didn't have that much time to waste on them.
To put it bluntly, they had spent ten years studying until graduation and still hadn't become Transcendent Witches. Instead, they loitered around the academy playing these little games. What was the point?
Was their vision really that narrow?
Even if they didn't want to become Transcendent Witches, I still respected Senior Sister Isha more. She didn't cause trouble or headaches. Meanwhile, the Witch Secret Realm Club was pulling stunts like this—inherited spellbooks, graduated veterans... what, did they think they owned the place?
"I see... So other things can be discussed..." Renata’s face immediately lit up with a smile. It didn't look fake, but it was clear she had gotten the answer she wanted from my last statement.
So her goal wasn't the Over-consumption Spellbook—or at least, not just the spellbook. Was there something else among the competition rewards that she valued?
I didn't think she was enough of a sucker to want the items from the other academies...
"During this competition, I saw that you had an ex-girlfriend, Xiao Han. I wonder... what do you think of me?" Renata put down her knife and fork and struck a seductive pose. Beneath the table, a long leg clad in black silk stockings began to cautiously probe forward...
"Not much," I evaluated. She was a far cry from Teacher Bai. But as I spoke, I felt a jolt like an electric shock as the smooth, delicate texture of the silk stocking rubbed against my calf and ankle...
Clatter.
The metal cutlery dropped onto the tablecloth. Her movements stopped abruptly, and I pulled my leg back.
"I’m not interested."
"What a pity." Renata tactfully withdrew her leg, looking disappointed.
"I thought I could be the one to fill that void in your heart. I suppose I was being presumptuous."
"Indeed," I said unceremoniously.
"Well, with your high standards, Xiao Han, how could you possibly be interested in me? But since you’re so protective of your spellbooks, let’s talk about something else."
"What do you want?"
"Shouldn't you know better than I what you have? I thought you’d have guessed by now~" Renata elegantly cut a piece of unknown steak and chewed it slowly.
I quickly ran a mental inventory. Aside from the spellbooks, I didn't have many other valuable things...
"The Custom Alchemy Item Voucher..."
"Smart! I knew you’d get it. Alchemy items! They’re just as important as spellbooks—in some ways, even more so. And what’s even more important is... the 'custom' part."
"Then... what are your stakes?" I asked.
She was right; I had guessed it. But I wasn't in urgent need of alchemy items right now. What could they provide? Combat power? Survival? Special effects?
That wasn't what I was after. In this academy, almost nothing truly belonged to you—not the Mana Sources, the spellbooks, the equipment, or the alchemy items.
Only the knowledge you learned and the skills you mastered were truly yours. Everything else was just a bonus.
From our needs alone, I could tell we weren't the same kind of person.
There was no need for further small talk. The rest was just a negotiation of interests.
"You know I’m from the Secret Realm Club... Don't misunderstand, even we wouldn't dare lay a finger on the Secret Realms themselves, or the teachers would kill us. But we do have our own privileges."
"Such as?"
"Such as intelligence on special Secret Realms, and access to restricted ones!"