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nHoward was oblivious to the fact that Daniel had been persuaded by Caitlin; he genuinely believed that Daniel had recognized his potential, and thus, he held immense respect for him.

nAfter all, in this era, no one else but Daniel would place such high value on someone who had awakened an F-level talent.

nNow, seeing Daniel had prepared a gift for him, Howard felt even more grateful.

nAs an orphan, he had never experienced warmth from others, and aside from Abby and Margaret, he had never received kindness from anyone else.

nDaniel’s actions, much like Abby’s, had completely touched his heart.

nHowever, one was a matter of love, while the other was a bond between teacher and student.

nTaking a deep breath, Howard accepted a talisman that Daniel handed over to him.

nDaniel explained, “This scroll, once torn, will instantly transport you to a random area within 500 yards. Remember, only use it in the most dangerous situations. At other times, you should follow Wales.”

nHearing this, Wales chuckled, “You seem to be underestimating my ability to save myself. With me around, unless the other races launch a massive attack, I don’t think anyone can stop me if I decide to leave.”

n“I am aware of your abilities in that regard. However, these young people, Howard included, are the future’s hope. We must be careful and cautious,” Daniel advised, before turning to Howard with a stern expression, “Even if you can’t complete the mission, it doesn’t matter. The most important thing is to protect yourself. Now, go!”

nWith that, Daniel waved his hand, parting ways with Howard and Wales.

nWatching Daniel’s departing figure, Howard was visibly moved.

nEver since meeting Daniel, he had played the role of a wise and beneficial mentor in Howard’s life.

nWhether it was the recognition he gave, the assistance in the Castle of Vampires, or the parting gift and words of caution just now, all had deeply touched Howard’s heart.

nHuman hearts are made of flesh. ..𝒎

nAlthough Howard was not a completely good person, he was not a bad one either and still possessed a heart full of passion.

nHow could he remain indifferent to others’ kindness?

nJust like how Howard quickly trusted Wales, he could feel that both Wales and Daniel truly had his best interests at heart, without any ulterior motives for profit.

n“No need to look any longer. Come with me, we need to meet up with Athena and the others now,” Wales patted Howard’s shoulder and said solemnly, “Prepare an item that can conceal your identity. We’ll be traversing through the wilderness and can’t afford to expose our identities.”

nThe need for concealing their identity was not meant for Athena’s group, but rather for those they might encounter after the escort mission started.

nIn case someone came to rob them, a fight would be inevitable, and accidental killings could occur.

nIf their identities were recognized, it could lead to relentless pursuit and revenge.

nSince they were in an employment relationship with Athena, they would absolutely not disclose each other’s identities.

nOtherwise, whoever broke the rules would find it impossible to continue mixing in this line of work.

nWith the Death Mask in his possession, Howard didn’t need any preparation. He nodded and followed Wales towards the school’s entrance.

nHowever, halfway there, Howard heard someone calling his name.

nTurning towards the direction of the voice, he recognized his former teammate—Caitlin.

nAt this moment, Caitlin appeared to have just finished a battle, her body covered in sweat.

nUnder the sunlight, her skin seemed even more lustrous, adding to her delicate features and impressive physique, stirring a fleeting moment of attraction in Howard.

nJogging up to Howard’s side, Caitlin tilted her head slightly, smiling as she extended an invitation, “Are you done with classes? How about going to an auction tonight? I managed to get access after much effort. I heard there’s a powerful S-level skill book suitable for maguses up for sale!”

nHearing this, Howard’s eyes lit up.

nIn reality, the skill books available in regular shops were typically of the weaker variety within their tiers.

nOn the other hand, skill books at auctions were rare treasures.

nEven if of a lower tier, their effects were remarkably potent, and of course, their prices were significantly higher than the common books found in shops.

nA rare S-level skill book could even reach the astronomical price of 1000 gold coins, a difference of more than tenfold.

nAs for SS-level and SSS-level skill books, they were exceedingly rare, so much so that even within the core regions of the Alliance, one could hardly come across them.

nThus, the news of an S-level skill book appearing at the auction indeed attracted Howard. Regrettably, he had to depart on a mission tonight.

n“Although I’m really tempted, I’m sorry to say I have other commitments,” Howard replied with regret.

n“Ah?” Caitlin couldn’t hide her surprise. She couldn’t believe that a magus could resist the allure of a rare S-level skill book. She was about to speak when Wales, laughing, interjected, “What’s the matter, young lady? Were you planning to gift Howard a skill book by inviting him?”

nOnly then did Caitlin notice the mentor standing beside Howard.

nIn truth, her heart was as captivated by Howard as Abby’s was.

nUnable to resist his charming appearance upon their first meeting, and discovering his strength and sensitivity afterward, she couldn’t help but fall for him.

nMissing out on such an outstanding person was not an option for her.

n“Mr. Wales, you’re here too. I apologize for not noticing you earlier,” Caitlin hastily offered her apologies, unintentionally making Wales twitch at the corner of his mouth.

nHer focus on Howard was too obvious!

nBut Caitlin didn’t pay any attention to this, earnestly saying, “If Howard needs it, I can buy it for him. Howard, what type of attribute skill book do you need right now?”

nEver since Howard had joined the academy, his interactions with Caitlin had been minimal, and she was unaware that Howard was nearly a magus with mastery over all elements.

n“No need,” Howard replied, able to tell that Caitlin had feelings for him but unwilling to spend a woman’s money.

nHe waved his hand dismissively, “I’m not in need of skills at the moment. We can talk about it some other time.”

n“Alright then,” Caitlin responded, clearly disappointed.

nAfter a moment of confusion, she asked, “By the way, Howard, what are you going to do with your mentor?”

nBefore Howard could respond, Wales, with a smile, said, “Caitlin, there are some things that are not for you to know.”

n“Howard has just enrolled. What could be so urgent?” Caitlin rolled her eyes and huffed, “If you won’t tell me, I’ll go ask Daniel!”

nCaitlin was Daniel’s student and with her exceptional talent, she wasn’t particularly afraid of Wales or the other mentors.

nJust at that moment, a group of students approached, offering their greetings to Wales.

nHowever, their attention quickly shifted to Howard.

nThey had all heard Caitlin’s loud call!

nThis left them sizing up Howard with curious eyes, wondering just what kind of person he could be to make Caitlin, who was usually so tough and domineering, display such a gentle, daughterly demeanor.

nHowever, upon closer inspection of Howard, they were left disappointed.

nAside from his good looks, Howard seemed utterly ordinary.

nJealousy and envy began to stir in the hearts of the students.

nWith Caitlin’s beauty, talent, and family background, it was impossible for her to lack admirers.

nIt was just that she was so formidable, shining as brightly as the sun, making the other students feel inferior and too daunted to show their feelings.

nNow, seeing Caitlin being so gentle with the ordinary Howard, even willing to buy a rare S-level skill book for him, how could they not feel jealous?

nThe name Howard was etched in their minds.

nSeeing the group of students approaching, the smile on Wales’s face disappeared.

nHe simply nodded, not bothering to respond, and promptly pulled Howard away.

nNot everyone was like Caitlin, possessing the qualifications to chat and laugh freely with a mentor.

nWatching the backs of Howard and Wales as they left, Caitlin couldn’t help but mutter to herself, “What’s going on? Are the freshmen this busy these days? I’ve tried to find him in his classroom several times and he never has time! This won’t do; I need to ask my mentor! I must figure out a way to spend more time with him!”

nCaitlin was no fool. She understood that for feelings to blossom between two people, ample time spent together was crucial.

n…

nAs Howard and Wales left Holy Abyss Academy, they were already shrouded in black robes.

nA mask adorned Howard’s face, while Wales’s appearance underwent a drastic transformation in the blink of an eye, completely altering into another person!

nThis ability to change one’s appearance startled Howard.

nWasn’t this skill far more useful than a mask?

nAfter all, a mask could only conceal one’s identity, but facial transformation could serve many more purposes!

nHowever, seeing the serious expression on Wales’s face, Howard chose not to speak, silently following behind, heading towards the east gate of Adia City.

nCrimson Dragon City was located in the eastern region of the Alliance!

nAfter passing through the scrutiny of the gatekeepers, it didn’t take long for Howard and Wales to see a convoy of carriages, guarded by a hundred mercenaries clad in leather armor and more than thirty warriors, their bodies sheathed in iron armor.

nAthena, whom they had encountered before, stood with a dozen individuals dressed in magus robes, seemingly engaged in a discussion.

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