Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Han Jin stood there while looking thoughtfully at Sunier’s back. He was one who could clearly understand himself. When it came to his forte, he had relied on the Taoism that the people of this world were unfamiliar with. However, in other aspects, he was not very outstanding. For example, his organisation abilities. Lang Ning’s organisation ability was one of the best and even Sunier was better than him.
He had failed at being a leader. Han Jin sighed. Through his prior conversation with Sunier, he had realised that he had been too sloppy. When putting himself in the other’s shoes, if his friends, who he saw every day, had been making rapid progress, but his own progress was still unable to be improved, what kind of pressure would this cause?
Just then, there were footsteps coming from outside; Edwina had just happened to pass by in front of Han Jin’s courtyard. As she felt Han Jin’s eyes on her, she tilted her head to the side and looked. Her gaze collided with Han Jin’s gaze, so Edwina nodded her head and continued forward.
Han Jin muttered to himself and slowly walked out of the courtyard, took a few turns, and walked into another courtyard. The lights of the room in the courtyard were still lit up. Clearly, the owner was still awake.
Han Jin reached out, gently knocked on the door, and Yalina’s voice came from inside. “Who is it?”
“It’s me.” Han Jin whispered.
After a while, Yalina opened the door, but she stood there blocking the entrance with a stone cold face, giving an unconcerned expression. Well, no one could blame her for it. She had just been provoked by Han Jin; it would be weird if she actually gave Han Jin any good countenance.
“Is there something you need?”
“Yes, let’s talk inside.” Han Jin said as he started to walk inside, but Yalina wouldn’t budge, and even moved forward to block him. He almost knocked into Yalina and therefore had to awkwardly stop.
“What is it? You can just say it here.”
“I saw Edwina just now…”
“What does this have to do with me?”
“She hasn’t been in a good state. How do I say it…” Han Jin thought about it and said, “She seems very depressed and frustrated. I remember Sunier told me that her longbow had been taken away by Manteco. It seems like the bow was very important to her. Well I guess this is understandable. Just like if it was your wand or Moxinke’s giant sword, you wouldn’t be in a good mood either.”
“What are you trying to say?” Yalina coldly replied.
“Aren’t you making the dragon scale armor? Put that to a stop first.” Han Jin said in a low voice, “Since I have the dragon ribs anyways, we can find a way to recreate a magic bow for Edwina right?”
“Yeah! How could I… not have thought of it at that time?!” Yalina screamed.
“Oh?” Han Jin realised that there was another meaning to Yalina’s words.
“Do you think everyone’s like you? Only care for yourself and not bother about anything else?!” Yalina rolled her eyes at Han Jin. ” Sunier and I know that Edwina has been in a bad mood. We went around the city’s weapon stores to look for a suitable longbow, but we were out of luck; there wasn’t one that was suitable. Even Cain has been going around looking for longbows for the past few days.”
“The dragon rib was with me the entire time; how could you guys not have thought of it?” Han Jin felt a little strange.
“So what if it’s with you? Are we supposed to interrupt you?!” Yalina reacted quickly and had immediately found an impeccable reason. “Hand over the dragon rib!”
Han Jin took out a dragon rib from the space ring and handed it over to Yalina. She immediately snatched it and said, “I’m only doing this because of Edwina, not because of you!”
“I understand, I understand.” Han Jin kept a good attitude and left after replying.
“Where are you going?” Yalina took the dragon rib into the house but quickly came out again with a white fluffy cloak around her.
“I’m going back; wouldn’t want to disturb you. ”
“Come with me to the lab. The two dwarfs that we hired are still there. We’ll try to make the longbow by tonight.”
“You’re not going to sleep?”
“I’m not sleepy.”
“Why not?” Although Han Jin was not actually curious about the reason, he was trying to express his concern to help ease the atmosphere between them.
“Got triggered by someone.”
Han Jin kept his mouth shut. He had initially thought of capturing some energy from the earth elements these next few days to make a Faked Earth Corpse. However, looking at the situation now, it would be better if he captured some fire elements first and make a toy flying sword for Yalina. This lady was really difficult to deal with.
At the gate of the Reaper’s station, there were two carriages parked. Since the station is now filled with people, they would often go in and out to get things done, It would be inconvenient to go back and forth since Isolated Cliff City was such a huge place, so Winston had decided to just buy two new carriages since they did not cost much.
Yalina took the lead and went into one of the carriages while Han Jin followed her in. Both of them sat in the carriage for a while until Han Jin realized that something was wrong! There was no chauffeur, so who would be driving the carriage then?! Then, from the corner of his eye, he saw Yalina’s guileful smile. Han Jin became speechless as he knew that this had been reckoned. So this was why she had insisted on having him to accompany her to the lab…
Yalina raised her head and pointed forward. The meaning was obvious: get out!
Han Jin helplessly lifted up the curtain, moved outside, and sat on the chauffeur’s seat. He picked up the whip on the side. He held the reins in one hand and whipped using the other hand, guiding the two horses forward. But the rut had not turned and therefore dragged the entire carriage forward, making a harsh friction.
“Here, here…” A pale hand protruded from inside the carriage and pointed towards a handle.
Han Jin blushed and tried to pull the handle. Sure enough, the rut turned this time, and the carriage slowly drove up the street, along with the crisp noises from the horses’ hooves.
“This is such an honor.”
“What?” Han Jin did not understand.
“I’m so honored that I got a dragon slayer to be my chauffeur!”
A fit of laughter came from behind Han Jin, causing Han Jin to laugh as well. “Yalina, were you also this lively when you were in the academy?” As a person who had lived through two lives, Han Jin was a mature man and arguably vicissitude. He wouldn’t have gotten angry about this; it would have been too childish. Plus, driving a carriage wasn’t that big of a deal. If they were in the Capital of Elements, there would definitely be a flood of people who would rush forward to drive Yalina.
“In the academy? Am I very lively now?”
“What do you think?”
Yalina suddenly became silent. After a while, she sighed and quietly said, “Actually… I don’t smile that often, and I did not have the time to either. I used to think that exploring the mystery of magic was the most interesting thing and also the most meaningful thing in life. However, after I got to know all of you, I realized that I could actually be happy.”
“You used to be very unhappy?”
“You, Cessacioun, Reg and Moxinke. All of you used to be strangers, having totally different personalities, but all of you became brothers – not by blood, but by choice. I can see the bond between all of you.” Yalina said in a low voice, “Well… my brothers? They’re like enemies, unless they don’t meet one another. If they do, it’ll always end up in an argument or a fight.”
“It seems like… you really like your second brother, but you hate your big brother.” Han Jin said.
Yalina was silent for a moment, “Big Brother is a tenth-grade magician. ”
“Oh?!” Han Jin was shocked. He had thought that the genius Yalina was only a coincidence, but now he knew that it wasn’t. It must have a lot to do with the Grand Duke of Solomon; three children, one of them a magus , another a magician. Can this even be explained by luck or probability?
“My second brother is a warlock. Father was very disappointed with him. It wasn’t that obvious when we were little, but as we grew older, every time my brothers got into a fight, Father always took my big brother’s side without even asking about the reason, so…”
“So you couldn’t turn a blind eye and always helped your second brother? Then the relationship between you and your older brother became worse?”
Yalina didn’t reply, which meant acquiescence.
Han Jin slightly shook his head. In fact, Yalina’s approach was really foolish. Not only did it not help, it even made the situation worse. Yalina’s big brother is also human; even without mentioning his character, he also has emotions. If he was wrong, then he wouldn’t be able to do anything when Yalina helped Edison. But if he was right and Yalina still stood on Edison’s side without a reason, he would definitely be outraged, forming a gap between them. Furthermore, as the same thing happened repeatedly, the gap would become even bigger and would eventually become hatred. In the end, it wasn’t surprising that he had even sent someone to assassinate Yalina. Plus, Edison is only a warlock and isn’t a big threat to her big brother; Yalina was the actual nail in the eye – a thorn in the flesh. Edison is also a genius, but all of his glory had been concealed by Yalina’s. If Yalina’s big brother was someone who thought highly of himself, this would be absolutely unbearable for him.
In addition, the Grand Duke of Soloman definitely wasn’t a simple man if he was able to raise two of his children into such strong and outstanding people. He would not simply suppress anyone; he must have his reasons. Han Jin indulged in it. If the Grand Duke of Solomon has decided to allow Yalina’s big brother to take over his position, then the doubts should have been resolved; the Grand Duke of Solomon was trying to protect Edison. He hoped that Edison could learn how to endure so that after his hundred years, Yalina’s big brother would spare Edison’s life. However, Edison’s temper had already determined his destiny. From how the situation had been progressing recently, once the powers were in his hands, Yalina’s big brother would not just let them be. Come to think of it, the Grand Duke must have been really upset.
“Why aren’t you talking?” Yalina suddenly said.
“It’s nothing.” Han Jin smiled, “You just don’t know me and Moxinke enough. It may seem like we have a good relationship now because there isn’t anything to fight about, but once there’s temptation, we will definitely beat up one another.”
“Ah?” Yalina looked surprised.
“You don’t believe me? You can try.”
“How?”
“For example, you could buy a few sweets and give it to Reg in front of Moxinke, but just don’t give Moxinke any. My guess is that this will make him really angry.”
“Boring! ” Yalina smiled. Moxinke’s character was a rough one and definitely wouldn’t fight over a couple of sweets. Were they still little children? However, in her mind, it was hilarious as she imagined the bulky Moxinke jumping in vain for a few sweets.
“Heh…” Han Jin might have been talking about a boring topic, but the thoughts spinning in his mind were very serious. He must find time in the future to properly discuss it with Yalina.
“Well then, I’ll buy it tomorrow and give it to everyone except for you! ”
Han Jin not know whether to laugh or cry. He realised that Yalina was teasing him, and it was a strange and unclear feeling.
Along with the gossip, the carriage headed into a courtyard with Yalina’s guidance. Even before the carriage came to a complete stop, Yalina jumped down from the carriage, walked forward, and pushed the door open.
From the outside, it looked like an ordinary lab, but the inside was different. There was a thick iron gate that was engraved with magic runes. The lights from the runes flowed like a silk thread into the courtyard. The magic laboratory was not a normal place; the facilities inside were very expensive, and the owner of it would certainly find ways to ensure its safety.
The door outside the courtyard was merely just a boundary; it doesn’t matter even if you kick it a few times. However, if anyone dared to barge into the courtyard, they would be enemies, and the magic array would start up immediately.
Yalina turned around and said, “Don’t come in first.” She took out a card with a smooth side, and stuck it in the hole in the center of the iron gate. After a while, the iron gate slowly rose.
“Come.” Yalina waved.
Cessacioun was at the door and looked surprised. “How come… both of you are here?”
“Of course there’s something to do. Cessacioun, we may not be able to rest tonight.”
“I’m fine.” Cessacioun shrugged.
Yalina looked up at Cessacioun, “You’re taking notes again? You don’t have to be so diligent.”
“Hehe… it is a rare opportunity.” Cessacioun smiled.
Yalina stopped talking. As the dean of a magic academy and a pioneer on the road to magic, she understood what it meant to Cessacioun to be able to have a close look at her releasing magic. Plus, she has given magic classes to students before, and was very comforted to see such a hardworking magician.
Han Jin was observing Cessacioun. His face was pale and his eyes were bloodshot. However, he still had a strong spirit, especially when he heard from Yalina that they had to work overnight; both of his eyes gleamed with happiness. He was absolutely in a state of excitement.
“These past few days must have worn you out?” Han Jin said.
“I’m fine.” Cessacioun smiled as he shook his head.
“He’s my assistant by day and has to make detailed records by night. Then he has to find some low-grade materials to repeat the enchantment process that was done during the day. He doesn’t sleep much in a day.” Yalina explained as she walked. “I tried persuading him, but he wouldn’t listen. You should really talk to him. The road to magic is a long one, and you can’t be too eager to seek success; it takes time. Diligence and determination are important, but perseverance is more important.”
“Yalina… Why do you sound so… old-fashioned?” Han Jin laughed, “It doesn’t sound like something you would say. Someone… must have told you the same thing?” Han Jin supported Cessacioun on this matter. Although all of them were still young and they have all the time in the word, whether or not they had the fighting spirit would determine how far one could go!
“You…” Yalina stiffened. Han Jin was actually right; someone had used these exact words on her.
As they were chatting, they had already arrived at the main hall, and in front of it was a ladder that led them to the underground; the magic lab was built underground. Han Jin had never been to a magic lab and that’s why he wasn’t amazed. As he walked past the ladder and stood in the middle of the lab, his expression finally changed.
The entire lab was at least four meters high with a radius of several hundred meters, and this was only one room. In front of him, there were two doors, and he did not know what was behind it. The ceilings, walls, and floors were all of the same material, but he couldn’t gauge what material they were because they were covered by runes. The runes were giving out faint lights as if they were floating.
On the wall to his left, there were several huge crystal balls. One of the biggest was even more than two meters in diameter and was equipped with a gorgeous base; the top of the crystal ball almost reached the ceiling. God knew what it was for.
On the right, was a huge crystal shelf that was at least ten meters long. There were countless books that were neatly arranged; some looked very new, while some were very worn out.
In the center, there was a long table with all sorts of bottles and jars that were filled with various unknown liquids; there were probably thousands of them. Plus, the liquids were more or less giving out different dazzling colors and would make people wonder if they had actually come to a large jewelry store.
A substantial question came into Han Jin’s mind and he hurriedly asked, “Yalina, how much did you rent the lab for?”
“Twenty thousand gold coins for ten days.” Yalina faintly said.
“I…” Han Jin couldn’t help but clench his fists. He finally understood why Cessacioun was being so diligent; it wasn’t only because of Yalina, but it was also because Cessacioun had never had the chance to use such an extravagant magic lab! If he were Cessacioun, Han Jin would also be desperate; he would get some comfort no matter what.
“Cessacioun, wake up both of the dwarves. Oh… by the way, where’s the longbow that Sunier bought the other day? I remember it was in the lab.”
“I left it in the warehouse.”
“Pass the longbow to both of the dwarves and let them dismantle the bowstrings first.” Yalina walked to the bookcase and scanned through the books. “Edwina is an expert in Ripping Wind Arrow right? You… Hello, I’m asking you!”
Han Jin then woke up and nodded his head with a heavy face. “Yes” He was currently suffering from a heartache; one day for two thousand gold coins? Even if you were born a noble, isn’t this a little too wasteful? I have no idea what kind of man will be able to afford you in the future…
“Air element…” Yalina muttered to herself while looking through the shelves of books.
Han Jin went over, took out a slightly thinner magic book, and curiously flipped thought it. He thought that this row of books would certainly contain knowledge that was as vast as the ocean. However, after looking through a few books, he understood that there wasn’t as much as he had expected. The pages of the magic books were made from a special kind of leather; this should be for the sake or storage and durability. He then found a book that had only a dozen pages. He could recognize the writings in it, but not the ghost-like drawings on it. Since they were on different grounds, it didn’t really matter. In fact, even for Yalina, Han Jin’s charms were similar to these ghost-like drawings.
