Chapter 116: Leave the Academy
Morris's plan quickly began to be implemented.
He used his illusion abilities to create a series of bizarre hallucinations within the academy.
Many students suddenly felt dizzy during training, and some even attacked their comrades.
The academy's senior officials were puzzled, yet they could find no clues.
One evening, the sunset's afterglow bathed the academy's training ground, where several students were sparring with swords.
Suddenly, one student's gaze went vacant, and the sword in his hand swung uncontrollably toward a companion.
The companion was caught off guard, a slash of blood marking his shoulder. The surrounding students shouted and rushed forward to stop him, but the student seemed to have gone mad, murmuring, "They... they want to kill me!"
Similar incidents occurred in succession throughout the academy.
The students grew uneasy, and the Instructors could not explain these anomalies.
The academy's senior officials convened an emergency meeting, trying to pinpoint the source of the problem, but every investigation came up empty.
In the academy's grand council chamber, the atmosphere was heavy and solemn. Around the round table sat eleven core figures of the academy—three executive Vice Deans and eight honorary Vice Deans.
None of them were anything less than Legendary Knights, possessing power capable of shaking the kingdom.
At this moment, a hint of unfathomable calm graced their faces.
Portraits of past academy champions hung on the council chamber walls, candlelight casting flickering shadows on them, as if those heroes were also watching the meeting.
A faint sandalwood scent drifted through the air, yet it could not mask the tense undercurrent of swirling currents.
"This is probably the work of the Wizard Council, and we just let them?" Legendary Earth Knight James broke the silence, his voice low and powerful, tinged with displeasure. His gaze swept over everyone present, as if seeking supporters.
Melinda sat at the opposite end of the table, idly twirling a delicate silver pocket watch in her hand.
Her expression was indifferent, as if nothing before her mattered.
Hearing James's words, she gently closed the watch, lifted her head, her eyes carrying a hint of laziness and sarcasm.
"Petty illusion, the students can't even handle this minor issue; they have no right to become qualified Knights." Melinda's voice was soft yet carried undeniable authority, "It's a perfect chance to forge Knightly will and grasp mental resilience."
James frowned, clearly displeased with Melinda's attitude: "But this is a provocation by the Wizard Council! If we take no action, they will only become more reckless."
Another honorary Vice Dean, Legendary Gale Knight Mai Di, nodded and agreed, "James is right. The Wizard Council's reach is too long; we cannot stand by."
Melinda chuckled lightly, her gaze sweeping everyone, "So, what do you plan to do? Open war with the Wizard Council outright? Or dispatch a team of Legendary Knights to hunt Morris·Hei Ya?"
Her question plunged the council chamber into a brief silence.
The Wizard Council's strength was unfathomable; even the Mi Nie Wa Knight Academy dared not confront them head‑on.
"We don't need to wage war against the Wizard Council," James said gravely, "but we should at least give those students some aid instead of standing by."
Melinda shook her head, her tone laced with sarcasm, "Aid? James, you're too naive. The Knight's path has never been smooth.
If they can't even dispel this little illusion, how will they face stronger foes in future battles?"
Her words sent the council chamber into silence again. The Vice Deans exchanged glances, seemingly weighing pros and cons.
Robin also sensed something amiss.
In recent days, he constantly felt someone watching him from the shadows, and strange hallucinations would appear even during training.
At first, he thought it was just his own nervousness, but as the Knight Trial approached, the feeling grew stronger.
One night, Robin practiced alone on the training ground. Moonlight spilled onto the ground, reflecting his solitary silhouette.
He swung his Sword, the blade cutting silver arcs through the air.
Suddenly, his vision blurred, and the scene before him began to warp and distort.
The training ground's walls seemed to writhe, and the floor turned soft and unreal.
Robin halted, rubbed his eyes, trying to clear himself.
When he opened his eyes again, the sight tightened his chest—Tuoleisi and several strangers appeared in a corner of the training ground, staring at him coldly.
"Tuoleisi?" Robin muttered softly, gripping his Sword tighter.
He stepped forward, trying to approach the silhouettes, but just as he was about to touch them, they dissolved like smoke.
"Is this… illusion?" Robin felt a chill, instantly realizing he might be targeted. Recent strange incidents at the academy flashed through his mind, stirring suspicion.
Just as Robin felt confused, Ao Di Si reappeared. Lao Mao's figure emerged slowly from the shadows, his gaze heavy with gravity.
His steps were light and silent, as if merged with the night.
"Robin, have you sensed any abnormalities lately?" Ao Di Si asked softly, his voice edged with caution.
Robin nodded and told Ao Di Si about his recent experiences.
He described the bizarre hallucinations and the silhouettes of Tuoleisi and the strangers.
Ao Di Si's brows tightened after listening, a flash of cold in his eyes.
"It seems Tuoleisi has already teamed up with the Wizard Council." Ao Di Si whispered, "Morris·Hei Ya, a high‑rank Wizard skilled in illusion."
A flash of cold crossed Robin's eyes: "Illusion, what do they want?"
Ao Di Si shook his head, "Morris's illusion not only affects your sight, it also warps your perception and emotions. Once you fall into his illusion, the consequences are unimaginable."
Robin fell silent for a moment, then a cold smile appeared, "If that's the case, I'll play with them to the end."
Robin decided to turn the plan against itself, using this chance to counter Tuoleisi's forces.
He sought out senior Wei Ting, whom he had met before, and told him his suspicions and plan.
Robin knew Wei Ting would definitely help; Wei Ting was currently seeking a post‑graduation teaching position as an Instructor at the academy, and a notable achievement in the Knight Trial would greatly boost his chances of staying on.
Although Wei Ting was half‑skeptical of Robin's conjecture, seeing that it could greatly improve his standing with the academy's senior officials, he agreed to covertly assist him during the trial.
"I will assign a few reliable students during the trial to ensure your safety," Wei Ting whispered, "but you must be careful; Morris's illusion is extremely dangerous—once you fall into it, you may lose your mind."
Robin nodded, "I understand. I'll prepare in advance."
(End of Chapter)
End of Chapter
