Chapter 100: Chapter 100: Trouble in the William Family?

The Blood for Blood spell, having absorbed the attacks of dozens of instructors, contained an immense amount of energy. The instructors had no time to react before they were blown away by the overwhelming force.

As they were flung through the air, blood spewed from their mouths, splattering across the forest.

Upon hitting the ground, their entire bodies were wracked with pain, rendering them unable to even struggle to their feet.

For a moment, the remaining instructors stared at Dean Bruce in terror, their eyes wide with disbelief.

They couldn’t comprehend how, with so many of them attacking together, they had failed to pose any threat to Dean Bruce. Even more shocking was that they were all defeated in one fell swoop.

Even the instructors who hadn’t attacked were left speechless, their eyes bulging in disbelief.

Buzz—

The stone-like texture on Dean Bruce’s skin gradually faded as he gently landed on the ground. With only a slight cough, he remarked calmly, “A bunch of weaklings. You all attacked at once and couldn’t even withstand one of my spells. I really don’t understand how any of you had the face to question me.”

“Ugh!”

Upon hearing his mocking words, a few instructors with more fragile egos couldn’t hold back. They coughed up blood and collapsed, unconscious.

Even those with stronger mental fortitude felt deeply humiliated. They hung their heads in shame, too embarrassed to speak.

Dean Bruce scanned the crowd of instructors still standing and asked calmly, “Is there anyone else who wants to challenge me?”

“…”

His words fell into an eerie silence. The instructors looked as if they had seen a ghost. They quickly turned their heads away and took several steps back, not daring to say a word.

What a joke! If a whole group of instructors couldn’t take down Dean Bruce, what chance did they stand on their own? They’d only end up getting hurt even worse.

What they didn’t know was that the sheer power behind Dean Bruce’s counterattack came from absorbing their collective spells.

If fewer instructors had attacked, the force would’ve been far less destructive.

“Now, does anyone still doubt me?”

Dean Bruce chuckled, turning to look at Biber Parson. “Headmaster, please, continue.”

“You’ve got some impressive strength.”

Biber Parson nodded. “It seems like you used two spells—one to strengthen your body and another to absorb your enemies’ magic, reflecting it back at them.”

Dean Bruce didn’t deny it. While he wasn’t the type to downplay his abilities, he also wasn’t going to reveal all his cards.

Showing off enough strength was sufficient.

Not only that, from Biber Parson’s comment, Dean Bruce was now confident that his abilities had surpassed those of the headmasters in these smaller cities.

Though Dean Bruce had cast three spells, the fact that none of them could discern this highlighted the gap in their power levels.

“Alright, the top three have been announced. As for the rankings of the other instructors, I’ll draft a list once we return to the academy. Your salaries for the next few years will be based on these rankings.”

Biber Parson said, his mind clearly preoccupied with the Nine Provinces Alliance. Without paying much attention to Dean Bruce’s actual strength, he hastily concluded the trial and led the instructors from Stanlow City’s Primary Magic Academy away.

Once they were gone, André Maxwell wasn’t far behind in organizing the return to the city. As for Barnis George and his group, André couldn’t have cared less.

It wasn’t unheard of for instructors to perish during the trials; if they didn’t return, there was no point in searching for them.

Before they could leave, several female instructors gathered around Dean Bruce, congratulating him. “Dean, congratulations on securing a spot to study in Saint Laurent!”

“Dean, when do you plan on leaving? How about we throw you a farewell party before you go?”

“Oh, and Dean, I’ve also earned a spot. Why don’t we travel together?”

The idea of a farewell party was just an excuse; what they really wanted was to get closer to Dean Bruce.

Dean Bruce couldn’t be bothered to engage with them, not even acknowledging the one who claimed to have earned a spot. He simply smiled and said, “I have other matters to attend to and can’t afford to delay.”

With that, Dean Bruce turned away, untying Firebolt, his horse, and called out to André Maxwell, “Headmaster, I’ll head back to the city now!”

“Alright, take your time on the road.”

André Maxwell agreed without hesitation. Dean Bruce wasted no time, swiftly mounting Firebolt and, to the astonishment of those watching, rode off at high speed.

“Wait, is that a warhorse?”

“What a magnificent horse! Dean is so mysterious. For two years, he stayed under the radar, and now it turns out his power and influence are extraordinary!”

“The city lord’s son is his disciple. Imagine the connections we could build if we got close to him?”

Several female instructors licked their lips, clearly intrigued.

Meanwhile, Alita Miller’s expression remained grave. The more she learned about Dean Bruce, the more afraid she became.

And the male instructors?

They could only feel envious, with no room left for jealousy.

Having witnessed Dean Bruce’s abilities firsthand, they understood just how vast the gap between them was. There was no room for envy when faced with such overwhelming power. Sёarch* The nôvelFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

They didn’t want to court death!

Thanks to Firebolt’s speed, Dean Bruce made it back to Notting City before nightfall.

The city guards were already familiar with Dean Bruce. This time, upon spotting him from a distance, they hurried to greet him, respectfully saying, “Lord Dean, the young city lord has instructed that if you return, you are to go to the city lord’s mansion immediately.”

“…”

Dean Bruce nodded slightly. Accompanied by the guards, he entered the city, slowing Firebolt’s pace as he made his way toward the city lord’s mansion.

Nicholas William seemed to be in a hurry. As soon as Dean Bruce arrived at the gates, someone came out to escort him to the study with great respect.

Inside the study, besides Nicholas William, both Jennier William and Billis William were present, their expressions grim and tense.

“Master, you’re here!”

Nicholas William greeted him respectfully, and even his sister and father nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Dean Bruce spoke, “No need for formalities. What’s going on? What’s with the serious atmosphere?”

Billis William sighed heavily, “We hope you can lend us a hand, Mr. Dean.”

“Oh?”

Dean Bruce glanced at Jennier William and said calmly, “Miss Jennier has quite the commanding presence. Is there something she cannot handle?”

Jennier William responded, “The Nine Provinces Alliance requires my attention, and I must remain nearby. Besides… this matter isn’t dire enough for me to abandon my obligations to the Nine Provinces Alliance.”

Nicholas William couldn’t hide his awkward expression as she spoke.

Dean Bruce began to piece things together. It was certainly a serious issue, but it didn’t seem to have much to do with the William family. In fact, it likely wouldn’t even threaten the lives of Nicholas or Billis.

“Enough, Jennier!” Billis interrupted his daughter and turned to Dean Bruce. “Mr. Dean, you may already know that I arranged a marriage for Nicholas. The other party is from the Ziyun Empire and holds the position of a general.”

“For some time, our families maintained regular contact, but about a month ago, all communication suddenly ceased. No matter how hard we tried, we couldn’t reach them. This afternoon… the people we sent to investigate reported back that the entire family had vanished as if they had evaporated into thin air!”

“The estate was untouched, with everything in place—meals were still laid out neatly in the dining hall, but the people were nowhere to be found. Even the servants had disappeared without a trace.”

“It’s said that the Ziyun Empire has already begun investigating the matter, but it’s all too mysterious. I… I want to ask if you, Mr. Dean, could take Nicholas and go investigate.”

“When this is all over, whether you rescue them or just gather information, I’m willing to offer you a million gold coins, and… a secret.”

At this, Dean Bruce’s curiosity was piqued. He raised an eyebrow and asked, “What secret?”

“I can tell, Mr. Dean, that the treasures and magical equipment you possess don’t match your strength. It must be due to a lack of materials or not finding the right person to craft them for you,” Billis William said softly.

He continued, “I know of a place where you can communicate and trade with the Dwarves. All they require is fine food and drink, and in return, they’ll craft excellent equipment for you.”

Pausing for a moment, Billis William smiled and added, “Notting City may be small, but the reason no one dares to underestimate us is because of this connection. Through the Dwarves, our legion’s equipment is of the highest quality. It could certainly be a great upgrade for you as well.”

Dean Bruce’s breathing quickened.

After being in this world for so long, was he finally about to interact with another race?

Moreover, Billis William had a point.

Dean Bruce’s current treasures and gear were indeed subpar. If he could establish a connection with the Dwarves, it would significantly boost his strength.

Besides, in nearly every novel or anime, the Dwarves are portrayed as a trustworthy race. There was little reason to worry about being betrayed by them.

Billis William spoke again, “To show my sincerity, I’m willing to tell you the location right now. You can enhance your abilities first, then head to the Ziyun Empire at your convenience.”

As he spoke, Billis William pulled out an old, worn scroll from his coat and handed it to Dean Bruce.

Dean Bruce, not one to turn down a good opportunity, accepted it immediately and said, “Nicholas is a disciple I greatly value. Since this matter is important, I won’t refuse.”

At this, Jennier couldn’t help but roll her eyes. If you truly valued him that much, would you be taking all the rewards for yourself?

Billis and Nicholas William, on the other hand, were thrilled. It was clear that this marriage meant a great deal to them.

Dean Bruce understood their excitement. After all, for an imperial general to marry his daughter to the son of a mere city lord was definitely considered a marriage beneath her station. It was only natural that the William family didn’t want to let this opportunity slip away!