It will still be a long way, but my focus now should be on acquiring concealment techniques for my cultivation and knighthood.
Later that night, I went to the Scripture Pavilion and showed the receptionist the golden token.
Once on the fourth floor, I searched everywhere but couldn't find any usable concealment techniques. What little I found was far too weak to be of any practical use.
I massaged my temples. I needed to find a concealment technique; otherwise, I'd be doomed at the Academy. I sighed in frustration.
When I was about to give up, a man with an old voice, watching with amusement, spoke: "My, someone who can wield both Qi and Mana?"
I froze. What? I hadn't sensed his presence. I immediately bowed. "Junior greets senior."
He chuckled. "If I hadn't specifically checked, I wouldn't have noticed your Mana."
He looked like an old man with a refined aura. His hairline wasn't receding, and he possessed a certain charm.
I sighed. "I guess there's no hiding it anymore, Senior. Do you perhaps have a concealment technique?"
He looked at me, his face unreadable. "I have one, but it will cost you something."
I immediately brought out the golden token and offered it to him. "Is this enough?"
He was surprised. Most people just gave gold coins to get through the fourth floor, but this was a personally given token.
He nodded. He didn't really need it, but he wanted to make the exchange because he wanted to see this talent bloom before him. If this kid bloomed his talent with Mana and Qi, he might become the strongest; but right now, he was merely an ant that could be crushed with a flick of his finger.
He nodded and gave me a manual titled "Concealment." That's the name? I thought it was rather plain.
When I looked back, he was gone. I sighed, waving goodbye to my token.
I really needed to conceal my cultivation. Concealment, and even establishing my foundation, was proving difficult.
In the blink of an eye, a month passed.
A boy, drenched in sweat, trained in a ground with a few cracks. He had long hair cascading over his shoulders, black eyes, and wore the clothes of a servant.
In front of him stood a girl with a beautiful face, golden eyes, and yellow hair. The atmosphere around her was like a blooming sunflower.
The two were Clara and Marquel.
She grinned. "Not bad. You're almost at the second star of knighthood; you're almost at a breakthrough!" She nodded in satisfaction.
Even though my body was tired, I was used to it. "About this," I said, "I won't be able to train with you for a while. I'll be attending the Academy."
Her face turned complex. Having trained together for more than a month, we two had grown closer, spending a lot of time together.
She sighed. "Well, it's your choice." She sat down on the ground. I was surprised she shrugged it off so easily, since she usually got annoyed by missed training sessions.
She asked, "When are you leaving?"
I smiled. "I'll ask the Empress about that."
I stood up and was about to leave when suddenly warm lips enveloped my cheek. She had kissed me. My cheeks turned red.
She waved goodbye with a teasing smile. I sighed and shook my head.
Walking through the hallway, I finally reached the Queen's chamber. She opened the door, and as always, a fiery scent filled the air, making me blush again.
She asked, "What brings you here?" Her voice was colder than it had been last month.
I immediately cut to the chase. "May I join the Eden Academy?" My voice was filled with anticipation.
She was about to wave her hand and dismiss me, but I suddenly bowed, my forehead hitting the floor. "Please, My Lady, I will do anything."
She paused and sighed, massaging her temples. "You're my servant. What do you think your purpose is? To serve me, not attend school," she said.
My voice filled with sincerity. "I will go to the academy to get stronger, to protect you better, My Lady."
She chuckled and smiled. "Really? Do you think I'm a fool? I'm strong enough to protect myself."
I sighed, thinking it would take time to convince her. An hour passed, and she finally gave in, but on one condition: someone would monitor me.
Having no choice, I nodded helplessly. Once back in my room, I smiled.
Even the Queen hadn't noticed the Mana within me last time. She couldn't detect it because I fused my Qi with my Mana, which consumed my Mana.
But now she couldn't even notice it. I smiled, satisfied. In the month of training, my proficiency in my skills had become at least intermediate.
With this, I could at least survive the first sequence. My only goal in being at the academy was to weaken the main character's growth.
I smiled, satisfied with my plan to steal the main character's treasure. Exhaling deeply, I focused. If something went wrong, I would need a backup plan. Being a Peak 1st-star knight and at Peak Qi Gathering, I was confident I could exchange a few blows with a peak 2nd-star knight and defeat early 2nd-star knights. I was uncertain if I could beat a mid-stage 2nd-star knight.
Yawning, I slept.
Meanwhile, Saminah called Clara. Having no choice, since she was the only one her servant trusted, she was sure that with her mark on him, he couldn't do anything funny with anyone else.
Once Clara entered the Empress's chamber, the rosy scent attacked her nostrils, her delicate scent fighting it.
She gave a polite smile. "Hmm, why did you call this humble Elder of yours?" Saminah just looked at her with aloof indifference.
"I'll task you with something. I need you to monitor Marquel while he's a student at the academy."
Clara revealed a surprised expression, but gave a mischievous smile. "Hmm, if the Empress says so, I will do as you say."
Saminah sighed. If this girl really tried to make a move on her servant, she might as well kill her, but she suppressed it and held back.
[Dropped this for about 5 days i lost inspiration for the time being and now back And now the plots are now a line together I'm really sorry about that i will try to post a chapter daily once again TwT]