Chapter 123: Seeing Through

Robin swiftly swings his sword to block, the blade colliding with an energy blade, emitting a harsh metallic scraping sound.

His figure flips in the air, evading Tuoleisi's attack, then lands hard, sword pointing straight at Tuoleisi's throat.

A throat‑cutting strike.

Tuoleisi's body falls to the ground, the dim light in his eyes gradually fades. A trace of resentment remains on his face as he murmurs, "Why… why do I always lose to you…"

Robin looks at him coldly and says softly, "Because you have always been blinded by hatred."

As Tuoleisi falls, the Wizard Council's assault is gradually brought under control.

On the festival street, flames and thick smoke dissipate, replaced by people's cries and sighs.

Robin stands in the middle of the street, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding ruins.

"Robin, we won," Ailina walks to his side and says softly.

Robin nods, a hint of resolve flashing in his eyes: "Yes, but we still have many tasks ahead."

Ailina smiles faintly, her eyes carrying a touch of tenderness: "No matter how hard the future gets, I will fight beside you."

Robin looks at her with slight surprise, then shows a small smile: "Thank you, Ailina."

The academy's Knights begin organizing relief work, treating the wounded, soothing the populace, and clearing debris from the streets.

Zhang Bolun steps up to Robin, humility mixed with respect, his tone tinged with fatigue: "Young master, the mission is unblemished. This time the Wizard Council was truly insane."

Robin shakes his head, saying softly, "Insane—this is only the beginning. The Wizard Council's raid was merely a signal; their true goal goes far beyond this."

Zhang Bolun furrows his brows, his tone carrying a hint of worry: "You mean they have a larger conspiracy?"

Robin nods, a cold glint in his eyes: "Exactly. Tuoleisi was only their pawn; the real mastermind remains in the shadows."

At that moment, a messenger from the academy rushes over, respectfully saying to Robin, "Master Robin, Vice‑Dean Mei Landa requests your immediate presence in the academy council hall."

Robin and Ailina exchange a glance, a trace of doubt flashing in their eyes.

Vice‑Dean Mei Landa is one of the three deputy deans of the academy; her summons clearly indicates something important.

"I'll go with you," Ailina says softly, her tone firm.

Robin nods, and the two head toward the academy.

In the council hall, Mei Landa sits on a high‑backed chair, twirling a delicate silver pocket watch in her hand. Her expression is calm, but her eyes hold an unfathomable chill.

"Robin, you're here," Mei Landa's voice is gentle yet carries undeniable authority, "Your performance in this festival's raid was outstanding."

Robin bows slightly, his tone respectful: "It is my duty, Vice‑Dean."

Mei Landa nods, a hint of deep meaning in her gaze. She rises slowly, walks to the window, and looks toward Ao Beidi City.

"This raid is merely a cloud of doubt from the Wizard Council," Mei Landa's voice is low and steady, "Their true target is the Marquis of Ao Beidi City—Marquis Sona Ta."

Robin's brows knit slightly, a note of confusion in his voice: "Marquis Sona Ta? He is one of the most powerful nobles in the three western provinces; why would the Wizard Council single him out?"

Mei Landa turns, staring directly at Robin: "Marquis Sona Ta is one of the few forces in the western provinces capable of balancing the Wizard Council. If he dies, Ao Beidi City will fall completely under the Council's control. Then the entire western three provinces will become their prey."

A chill runs through Robin's heart as he grasps the gravity of the situation: "If the Wizard Council controls Ao Beidi City, their power will expand rapidly, possibly threatening Minerva City and the safety of the whole west."

Mei Landa nods, her tone cold: "Exactly. The life or death of Marquis Sona Ta determines the fate of the whole western region. We must stop the Council's plot."

Robin remains silent for a moment, then lifts his head, resolve in his eyes: "Vice‑Dean, what do you mean?"

"From today onward, the struggle with the Wizard Council will shift from the shadows to the open. We need to strike proactively rather than merely defend."

Mei Landa walks to Robin's front, her gaze appraising: "Robin, your strength and wisdom please me. I hope you will accept an important mission—go to Ao Beidi City, protect Marquis Sona Ta, and investigate the Wizard Council's true conspiracy."

A shock runs through Robin's heart as he realizes the task's enormity.

Ao Beidi City lies within the Wizard Council's sphere of influence, and Marquis Sona Ta's situation is evidently perilous.

He instantly falls into hesitation; he is still just a small Legendary Knight, and heading to the western Wizard Council's stronghold— isn't that courting death?

"Vice‑Dean, I feel I still…"

Before Robin can finish, Mei Landa smiles and says, "A Legendary Knight so young is exceedingly rare."

The words cause Robin's complexion to change instantly. His heartbeat races, countless thoughts flash through his mind.

The Legendary Knight identity is one of his greatest secrets; he has never disclosed it to anyone—how did Mei Landa learn of it?

"Vice‑Dean, what are you saying?" Robin feigns calm, his tone edged with doubt and caution.

His gaze fixes on Mei Landa, trying to read clues from her expression.

Mei Landa gives a slight smile, her eyes bearing an unfathomable hint.

She steps slowly toward Robin, breath fragrant as orchid, her voice gentle yet undeniably authoritative: "It's fine, I won't tell anyone about this. However, if you follow my orders, I can help you obtain the benefits a Legendary Knight deserves."

Her voice brushes Robin's ear like a feather, carrying a warm breath.

Robin subconsciously swallows, his heartbeat quickening a few beats.

His eyes unintentionally sweep over Mei Landa's graceful figure, but he quickly forces himself to stay calm.

"Something's off…" Robin's internal alarm rings. He's a craftsman who has seen countless beauties; what woman hasn't he seen?

Especially in a world where artificial beauties abound, he has never lost his mind over looks.

Yet at this moment Mei Landa exerts an irresistible allure.

"Vice‑Dean, I don't understand your meaning," Robin strives to stay calm, his tone slightly detached, "I am just an ordinary Knight trainee; how could I be a Legendary Knight?"

Mei Landa chuckles lightly, her eyes teasing: "Ailen, no, it should be the famed bow‑Knight of the Northern Black Forest, Luobin Gabriel, you need not disguise yourself before me. I can see through your strength and your thoughts. Your potential far exceeds ordinary people, already brushing the threshold of a Legendary Knight. Such talent should not be buried."

(End of Chapter)