Chapter 361: The Sky Turns Dark
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 361: The Sky Turns Dark
"Ellag, you absolute idiot!"
In the grand hall, the light from the magical screens shimmered, casting different glows across everyone’s faces.
Huogu’s expression was the most spectacular of all. He slammed his palm down, shattering the armrest of his chair. His face had shifted from a furious red to a deep purple, and finally to a sickly shade of green.
He stared fixedly at the screen, wishing he could dive right in and strangle his once-proudest student with his own two hands.
It was bad enough that the brat’s illusions had been seen through in a head-on confrontation.
It was bad enough that he’d been taken prisoner.
But he actually... he actually...
He actually put on women’s clothes?!
And in front of so many people!!
Fine, the boy didn't know anyone was watching. But where was the Illusion School supposed to put its face now?
Did that bastard ever want to find a wife?!
"Wonderful! Simply marvelous!"
Beside him, Dodge was already doubled over with laughter. He had even cast Image-Recording Magic—a spell he hadn't used in decades—to capture the current scene.
"Old man Huogu, I never expected the student you raised to be so talented in this area. As expected of the Illusion School; just by putting on a few layers, he actually looks better than your average young girl!"
"Shut up!"
"Tsk, tsk. Lashing out in embarrassment? I’m just telling the truth. Ask the others if you don't believe me."
"I said, shut up..."
Huogu covered his face with his hand, losing even the will to argue with Dodge.
He could feel that the others, aside from Dodge, were trying to respect his dignity by remaining silent. However, their gazes still couldn't help but drift toward him... their expressions were profoundly strange.
What a humiliation...
This student, it seemed, was no longer worth keeping.
"By the way, who exactly is that yellow-haired kid? His strength is top-tier, and his speed far exceeds his peers. I’ve never heard of him before."
Huogu suddenly looked up and turned to Dodge. "Judging by your reaction earlier, you seem to know him?"
"Oh? Surely a grand magister such as yourself isn't thinking of seeking revenge?"
"I’m not that petty. I’m just curious."
"Well, about that..." Dodge made a show of pondering for a moment before giving a mysterious, mischievous grin. "I’m not telling."
"..."
*
"Ahem. Splendid. Truly a splendid match."
"Ah, look, a fight has finally broken out on the other side as well. The Stone Cauldron Association... who is the other one?"
"Such sharp techniques. Another remarkable talent..."
Elsewhere in the hall, the observers pretended they hadn't seen the previous scene, shifting the conversation elsewhere. They displayed their impeccable breeding to the fullest.
In secret, however, countless flickers of light shimmered as the click-click-click of recording spells echoed continuously. Like mice stealing grain, muffled snickers broke out here and there.
This was destined to be a highlight of the Pay Homage to the Sage Ceremony, a colorful story that would be discussed for years to come.
"That Saintess Candidate is quite impressive. To think she could break through Ellag’s illusions through sheer force."
Pink Bear was still crunching on his popcorn. Today, he seemed exceptionally quiet, showing no desire to join in on the rowdy fun.
Hearing Marquis Angus’s remark, he couldn't help but glance over. "Is there any Saintess Candidate chosen by the Church who isn't impressive?"
"I know that, of course. It’s just that this candidate named Liya has very little fame. It led people to assume she was a step below the others."
Marquis Angus shook his head. "When her identity was revealed, I looked over her entire file. There was nothing particularly outstanding. On the contrary, the young lady of the Bugard family she always follows is exceptionally brilliant. It’s a pity she couldn't make it this time."
"Heh, I suppose she doesn't have much of a reputation."
Pink Bear turned back to look at the girl on the screen.
That girl always liked to keep her head down, making it easy to overlook her flawless, adorable face. She also liked to follow behind others, whether it was that flat-chested brat or Muen.
"But..."
"Doesn't that just mean she spent all the time others used for building fame on something else instead?"
Pink Bear crunched down hard on a kernel, his dark bear-eyes flickering as if he were reminiscing about something.
*
"Liya really has grown up."
The Saintess watched the scene on the screen. Her expression remained unchanged, but a complex look flickered deep within her eyes.
"She is even more outstanding than I imagined. And that God-Attendant Knight who joined midway... he truly lives up to being someone personally summoned by His Holiness the Pope."
"In that case, does Your Highness still believe she is the one with the least hope?"
Lin, standing behind the Saintess, asked out of curiosity.
"Well, who knows?"
The Saintess didn't give a direct answer. Instead, she glanced up at the ceiling.
"Let’s set such trivial matters aside. I was watching so intently that I didn't even notice the bells. Lin, the time."
"High noon, the twelfth mark."
"Is it already time? How fast."
The Saintess suddenly stood up and beckoned with her hand.
The light screen in the center of the hall abruptly shrank, transforming into a sphere of light that settled into her palm.
"Your Highness, what is the meaning of this?"
The crowd, who had been engrossed in the broadcast or searching for their own disciples, looked on in shock.
"The time is up."
The Saintess gave a slight bow to the assembly and smiled. "According to our prior agreement, allowing you to view the interior of Cantville was to put your minds at ease. It has now been proven that the Church did not deceive you; Cantville is indeed the legendary Lost Homeland, the Golden Kingdom. Naturally, there is no further need to watch, is there?"
"But we haven't seen anything clearly yet," someone grumbled, frowning.
"Let’s leave the children some privacy."
The Saintess’s voice was melodious, carrying a hint of girlish playfulness. "We can't have us adults watching if they decide to do something... naughty, can we?"
"Naughty things? Who would do such a thing at a time like—"
"They are young and ignorant, and passion can be like dry wood and a blazing fire. There’s always a possibility, isn't there?"
"Please, everyone, take a rest. Past ceremonies never involved public viewing anyway. You may rest easy."
The Saintess’s smile didn't waver. Ignoring the suspicious and even hostile glares of many, she bowed once more to take her leave.
However, as she turned, her gaze suddenly landed on Pink Bear, who was quietly eating his popcorn.
She paused for a beat.
"Mr. Pink Bear," the Saintess said suddenly. "Would you mind coming with me for a moment?"
"Huh?"
Meeting the Saintess’s calm gaze, Pink Bear froze.
Why call me all of a sudden?
Could it be... she found out about me reselling erotic books and making money off that brat Muen’s scandalous gossip?
"Don't be nervous. I don't care about your private affairs."
The Saintess smiled, her tone gentle. "So, I am simply here to ask... is Mr. Pink Bear free? I have a small favor I need your help with~"
"..."
Pink Bear suddenly felt like the popcorn in his mouth had lost all its flavor.
Based on his understanding of this woman, she might be asking with a beaming smile, but if he refused to go...
He would die.
*
Shortly after the Saintess cut the live broadcast.
Click.
A sound like gears meshing echoed through the air.
In that instant, everyone within Cantville felt something. They looked up instinctively.
And then, they saw it. A black curtain was spreading across the sky, moving from one horizon to the other.
The blue sky, the white clouds, and the soft light were all swallowed by the darkness. Upon this black curtain, starlight began to twinkle, ethereal and distant.
In the center of the darkness, a bright moon shone down, providing the only faint glimmer of light.
"This is..."
Muen couldn't help but look up, murmuring in shock:
"It's getting dark?"