Chapter 48: The Weight of Command and the Whispers of War

“President, these are the matters to be handled today.”

The Student Council door opened, and the Vice President handed Shakia a stack of documents.

“You’ve worked hard. You may leave now.”

Shakia, her voice as businesslike as ever, quickly scanned the documents for the day. Mo Ya’s file still rested at the corner of her desk.

It had been another night of restless sleep. Once again, she had dreamt of Mo Ya, his words echoing in her mind.

[Battle can only bring sorrow and pain. Yet, to refuse to fight will only multiply that sorrow and pain.]

“How annoying…”

She flipped Mo Ya’s file over, unwilling to see his image.

A mountain of tasks awaited her, but Shakia’s investigations for the day extended beyond these routine duties.

Finally, there was news regarding the benefactor she had long sought—Tie. Rumor had it that a student knew Tie’s true identity, and she intended to question them shortly.

The Vice President stood nearby, pouring coffee, before placing a cup in front of Shakia.

“Goodness, it’s only early morning, yet why does the President look so troubled? Did you not sleep well last night?”

“Nonsense. I slept perfectly fine. I’m just a little sluggish from waking up early.”

Shakia took the coffee, accepting it readily, and took a small sip.

“Speaking of which, that student… Mo Ya, I believe? I never expected them to break the legend of the Cursed House. If those overly ambitious new mages knew, their expressions would surely be priceless, wouldn’t they?”

The Vice President chuckled at her own thought, clutching her slender waist in amusement.

“This is work time. Don’t be so frivolous. While the higher-ups are lenient on some matters, they are very strict about these issues.”

Shakia flipped through the documents, recalling the sharp, thin faces of those officials. They flattered the Principal but adopted a different demeanor with her.

Of course, this was to be expected. After all, she was a ‘test subject,’ and the most perfect one at that, her compatibility with the Sacred Artifact far surpassing other subjects.

If Conrad hadn’t appeared there, she would likely still be confined to test tubes and beds, endlessly spending her time in countless simulated training sessions.

No one could truly get along with her, a mere experiment, not even the cheerfully laughing girl before her.

Everything would become illusory once the truth was known. The reason was simple: a Sacred Artifact was not a person, and that was all there was to it.

“Alright, alright, everything according to the President’s orders. I, Luoli Kana, guarantee to fulfill the President’s instructions.”

Luoli suddenly stood ramrod straight, gazing at Shakia with utmost seriousness. Yet, after only a moment, she once again clutched her stomach, emitting a peal of silvery laughter.

“You, honestly…”

Shakia looked at her helplessly. After finishing her coffee, she intended to concentrate on the documents before her.

However, the contents of the very first document immediately made her feel a sense of oppression.

[Southern border: A highly intelligent humanoid Corroder has appeared. Confirmed to use Corroder power with special abilities, gradually identified as physical enhancement. Appearance unknown. The army is currently searching surrounding villages and towns, requesting support from the Magic Academy.]

“A highly intelligent humanoid Corroder… a Corroder with perfect cognitive abilities and human form… Why would something like this appear without any warning?”

Shakia pressed a hand to her forehead, her face etched with worry.

Such a situation was absolutely abnormal. Generally, intelligent Corroders acted alone, but they were typically placed under the King of their birthplace, operating under the command of the Seven Kings.

They usually did not appear in the human world, thus disrupting the balance between the two realms. If such a situation were to arise now…

“It couldn’t be…”

Shakia shook her head, unwilling to consider the worst-case scenario.

“This isn’t good. What does the President plan to do? Inform the Principal?”

“No… the investigation into Tie will be put on hold. I will go to support the southern forces. Without magic, dealing with Corroders is impossible.”

“Understood. I’ll go prepare the luggage immediately. We can depart at any time.”

Luoli made to leave, but Shakia stopped her.

“You don’t need to go. The Student Council needs someone to manage it. As usual, I’m enough on my own.”

“President! That’s a highly intelligent humanoid Corroder…”

Luoli’s concern was evident, her voice unconsciously rising several decibels. Shakia, however, paid it no mind.

“I know. In any case, this matter is settled. I’m leaving immediately.”

The most dire situation would be the descent of a King.

Shakia clearly understood this, yet she had no intention of discussing it with the Principal. Like with other minor matters, she managed most of the Magic Academy’s affairs, with the exception of a few core sections.

Shakia secretly furrowed her brows.

If necessary, she might…

***

Mo Ya lazily slumped over his desk during the theoretical knowledge class, surrounded by disdainful glances.

Just as Akuma had told him, he was regarded as a physical combat monster, but this did not change his position at the bottom of the class.

The teacher, her heels clicking, passionately lectured on the origin of magic and the nature of Corroders, currently focusing on the segment about highly intelligent humanoid Corroders.

“They are just like us humans, possessing perfect intelligence and extremely powerful strength. So, students, please pay attention! You never know, the person next to you might just be a Corroder!”

The latter half was clearly delivered in a jocular tone. Everyone present laughed at the teacher’s humor; the joke was so amusing that some students even clutched their stomachs, repeatedly pounding on their desks.

They might have laughed themselves into abs.

Mo Ya, however, had no inclination to laugh. He merely watched the surrounding crowd, contemplating his afternoon schedule.

He had to visit Instructor Xiluo Ya; it was an excellent place to improve his combat skills. Afterward, he would pick up Feng Ling from her part-time job at the cafeteria. On the way back, he might even run into Luoyi at the large bathhouse.

The time after that seemed superfluous. Mo Ya didn’t know what else he could do.

Just as he was lost in thought, the class bell quietly rang.

Mo Ya rose, preparing to leave the noisy environment.

“As expected, Senior isn’t much of a talker, just like a blank slate.”

Suddenly, a girl’s voice came from behind him.