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n“Because my grandfather never poked his nose into others’ business,” Howard replied with a shrug.

nAt his words, Aisha’s face turned a shade of deep red, reflecting her embarrassment.

nDirectly prying for gossip wasn’t exactly the most polite thing to do.

nTaking a deep breath, Aisha bent forward slightly, her sincerity evident as she said, “I apologize. I was too impulsive to ask you such a question.”

nMany might claim that Howard only had an F-level talent awakening, but the truly astute weren’t fooled.

nFrom Daniel, Abby, and Caitlin’s attitudes towards Howard, it was evident to them that there was something extraordinary about him.

nNo ordinary individual could earn the admiration and respect of so many prodigies.

nUnbeknownst to Aisha, Abby and Caitlin’s fondness for Howard began simply with his handsome visage.

nAnd as for Daniel?

nHe took Caitlin’s words to heart.

nDaniel’s request to accompany the group into the Ruins was twofold.

nFirstly, he intended to assess Howard’s abilities.

nIf Howard didn’t exhibit the prowess Caitlin had described, Daniel’s evaluation of him would certainly decline.

nConsequently, once they truly entered the academy, Howard’s standing would naturally suffer.

nIf he possesses such an ability, Daniel would offer Howard a treatment even surpassing Abby’s, ensuring Howard’s unwavering loyalty to Holy Abyss Academy.

nTo be frank, Daniel had no ties to Howard. His kindness was purely a gamble, hoping to uncover a prodigious talent.

nSecondly, Daniel genuinely felt uneasy about Howard and Abby’s expedition to the Ruins.

nIf he accompanied them, he could promptly address any issues that might arise.

n“It’s alright; I forgive you,” Howard responded with a nod. “As for Caitlin and me, we’re merely teammates.”

nHoward wasn’t one to let his emotions cloud his judgment.

nAs for Caitlin, he had no particular feelings for her. In truth, even with Abby, it took years of her pursuing him before he was finally moved to accept her affections.

nOtherwise, Margaret would be the only woman in Howard’s life now.

n“… ” Blinking, Aisha extended her hand with a light chuckle, “I’m Aisha, Aisha Ilis! S-level talent — Healing Light!”

n“Howard Hughes,” recognizing her as a future classmate, Howard didn’t hide his name or talent. “F-level talent, Mana Recovery.”

n“F-level talent?” Aisha tilted her head, playfully sticking out her tongue, “I believe your awakening might not be F-level. It’s highly possible there’s been a misjudgment.”

n“For now, everyone seems to believe I’ve awakened an F-level talent,” Howard, not wishing to dwell on the topic with Aisha, swiftly changed the subject. “Your talent’s name sounds pretty common. Is it truly S-level? What’s its effect?”

n“Every time I cast a healing spell, it grants a random buff lasting 60 seconds to the recipient. Moreover, the healing effect also radiates to those nearby,” Aisha declared proudly. “In any dungeon raid or Ruins exploration I’ve participated in, not a single person has died.”

n“Remarkable,” Howard’s eyes brightened, expressing genuine admiration.

nA buff lasting as long as 60 seconds, coupled with a healing spell that affects multiple people, is indeed a formidable talent for a healer.

nAs Aisha advances and grasps higher-level healing abilities, who knows, a single spell might heal thousands, or even tens of thousands, while also bestowing them with buffs.

nSuch an enhancement is truly astounding.

nWhile they were engrossed in their conversation, Daniel arrived with Glyn. The two had been resting at the post station together and hence approached as a pair.

nFor some reason, Aisha fell silent, smiling faintly but not participating in the conversation.

nFortunately, it wasn’t long before Abby and Caitlin gracefully made their appearance.

nAfter this departure, returning home would be a challenge, so they undoubtedly had to bid farewell to their parents, which explained their tardiness.

nSeemingly overwhelmed from parting with her parents, Abby hadn’t quite steadied her emotions.

nOn seeing Howard, she immediately embraced him, causing an involuntary twitch at the corner of Caitlin’s lips.

nAfter comforting Abby, Howard and his party of six set off toward the Silent Forest.

nAlong the way, many passersby were drawn to Abby, Caitlin, and Aisha.

nHowever, when they noticed the emblem of Holy Abyss Academy on Daniel’s attire, they all halted in their tracks, with none daring to approach.

nIt was only upon nearing the entrance of Silent Forest that the group was halted.

nThe ones stopping them were a squad of guards clad in iron armor, wielding long spears.

nThe guard leading the group spoke in a cold voice, “By order of Baron Cameron, we are to thoroughly inspect anyone entering or leaving Saint City!”

nAs his words resounded, Abby, aware of Howard’s encounter with Carlos Bartel, felt a rush of anxiety.

nShe instinctively grasped Howard’s hand tighter.

n“Hm?” Daniel stepped forward, his demeanor calm, “You intend to inspect me?”

n“We request your cooperation!” The lead guard recognized the emblem on Daniel’s attire.

nYet, even a powerful dragon would respect the local snakes.

nWithin Saint City, they felt confident in their authority to inspect. .𝒎

nHearing this, Daniel couldn’t help but laugh, “To inspect me? You’re not qualified. Summon Cameron for me!”

n“…”

nSeeing Daniel’s audacious response, the lead guard frowned slightly, unsure of the source of Daniel’s confidence.

nAfter a moment’s hesitation, the lead guard instructed one of his companions, “Stay here and keep watch. I’ll fetch Lord Cameron.”

n“Understood!”

nAs the lead guard departed, Daniel sneered, “Such pretense for a mere baron. He really thinks highly of himself.”

n“Mentor,” Caitlin interjected, “Lord Cameron is, after all, a figure of Saint City. Perhaps I should handle this. Offending him may make things complicated for my father.”

n“Hmph, it all depends on his attitude,” Daniel retorted, flicking his robe for emphasis. “All these years, I’ve never been stopped. Even the city mayor treats me with utmost respect when we meet.”

nCaitlin rolled her eyes but refrained from countering Daniel.

nAfter all, his status was indeed formidable.

nWhy else would he dare divert topics by framing Rick Suleiman and the dean?

nAmid their conversation, footsteps echoed in the distance.

nA man in crimson armor, bearing a grave and authoritative demeanor, approached.

nHis face, however, bore traces of exhaustion.

nUnmistakably, this was Baron Cameron Bartel, the father of Carlos Bartel.

n“So, it’s Lord Daniel,” he acknowledged as he drew closer, recognizing the man before him. “My men failed to recognize you. Please accept my apologies.”

n“Hmph!” Before Daniel could respond, Caitlin intervened, “Ignorance is excusable, but I’d advise Lord Cameron to better manage your subordinates. With so many academies gathering here, we can’t tarnish the reputation of Saint City.”

nCameron only then seemed to register Caitlin’s presence, a twitch betraying his surprise.

nHe had merely set up checkpoints intending to question each passerby, hoping to identify his son’s murderer by voice. 𝘳.𝑐𝘰

nYet, he inadvertently confronted both Daniel and Caitlin — one a high-ranking official of Holy Abyss Academy and the other the daughter of the mayor of Saint City, two figures he couldn’t afford to offend.

n“Miss Caitlin is right. I’ll take heed,” he sighed.

nCameron no longer dared to question Howard and his party and promptly gestured for the guards to clear the way.

nDaniel refrained from further comments, leading Howard’s group away with an icy demeanor.

nWith Caitlin stepping in, any further dispute on his part would seem petty.

nHoward, on the other hand, felt a narrow escape.

nHe had been cautious, yet Cameron surprisingly sought to identify suspects by voice.

nFortunately, being a part of Holy Abyss Academy and having the support of Caitlin and Daniel, he was spared any interrogation.

nOtherwise, if he’d spoken, he might’ve been easily identified.

n“After this Ruins expedition, I’ll head straight to Adia and never return to Saint City! I refuse to believe that Cameron can find me then!” Howard silently resolved, quickening his pace.

nHe produced the Ruins key, followed the compass, and made his way towards the Ruins.

nAbby, Caitlin, Glyn, and Aisha followed closely behind.

nAs for Daniel, he trailed leisurely at a distance, strolling as though he had no concern for the nearby monsters.

nAfter all, Daniel had awakened an A-level talent and reached a staggering level of 86.

nCoupled with his Epic gear, not only the monsters of the Silent Forest but even those in the Dark Mausoleum couldn’t scratch him!

nWith Daniel as their backbone, Howard, Caitlin, and the rest moved with utter dominance.

nWhenever they encountered a monster, they never retreated, steamrolling ahead without a care.

nThey appeared indifferent to whether such combat would drain their strength and jeopardize their exploration of the Ruins.

nTime slowly passed.

nGuided by the compass, Howard and his group delved deeper into the dense forest.

nEerie sights began to emerge.

nAlthough it wasn’t nightfall yet, the moon had risen, casting a ghastly glow through the thick canopy.

nThe chilling moonlight, drenching their figures, caused goosebumps to erupt across their skin.

nSuddenly, a flurry of hasty sounds echoed, jolting everyone present!

n𝑖.𝘤ℴ𝘮

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