Chapter 57: 57 What to Summon?

Silk slippers stepped softly on the plush dark red carpet of the corridor, row upon row of intricately carved brass wall lamps lined the hallway, and on the right wall, precious artworks were set within gilded frames.

If Lin Jun were here, he'd surely mutter, "Wretched aristocrats," but to Inanna, all this was merely her familiar home.

She had walked from her bedroom on the third floor to the study on the second.

Her teacher, Julian Daniels, had been hired by her father from the Relic Association; according to the butler, the teacher's fee was simply the right to browse the family's library during his free time.

In fact, since arriving at the estate, Julian had practically moved into the study.

Even when teaching her magic, except during practical sessions in the training ground, she always came to the study for lessons.

But today, it seemed someone had arrived before her—voices were coming from inside the study.

Inanna would never do something so undignified as hiding outside the door to eavesdrop.

She gently pushed open one side of the door.

"You wouldn't believe it—they shoved one of those thick things right into my mouth and blew air in, literally blowing me awake…"

The voice cut off abruptly as the study door opened.

Inanna looked up and recognized the man gesturing wildly beside the desk, now looking embarrassed at her entrance—it was Calvin, Julian's other student.

A hyperactive fellow who was either getting punished by the teacher after pulling a stunt, or on his way to pull one.

"Inanna, you're here early today," Teacher Julian smiled, gesturing for her to sit.

This man with his tiny mustache, at first glance, looked like a pampered middle-aged nobleman—no one would guess he was a Diamond-Rank mage nearing fifty.

"Good day, Teacher."

After Inanna sat down, Julian turned back to Calvin and asked:

"So how does all this relate to your failed potion? I've never seen a Truth Serum turn this color."

He picked up the bottle on the desk—pitch black like ink—and shook it.

At the mention of the potion, Calvin's face instantly twisted into a bitter grimace.

"Those Pukjis rescued us and even gave us gifts!"

"Teacher, don't look at me like that—I'm telling the truth!"

Gray's enchanted longsword was one of the gifts they gave us."

Among them was even a parasitic tree seed—naturally, I came to use it for alchemy."

"How was I supposed to know it was a dead seed, harvested so long ago that all its potency had leaked away?"

Julian leaned on the desk and rubbed his temples.

"Fine, I won't question whether your story about the Pukjis is true or not."

"Didn't I teach you to test the medicinal properties of every ingredient before mixing a potion?"

Calvin opened his mouth, then after a long pause, whispered, "You did teach me… but I was just in a hurry to finish the assignment…"

"Copy the Alchemy Code of Conduct thirty times. Bring it to me tomorrow."

With no defense left, Calvin could only hang his head and mutter, "Yes."

At that moment, Inanna suddenly leaned forward with curiosity and asked Calvin:

"Um… what exactly are these Pukjis? Could you tell me about them?"

Inanna's delicate face was too close; Calvin blushed slightly and leaned back, then launched into an exaggerated recounting of his and Gray's dungeon journey.

He described how, thanks to his own wisdom, they had easily reached the fifth level.

How they had fought a hundred rounds with a sudden dragon-man attack, barely escaped after a narrow defeat, and how he, gravely wounded, had been rescued by a group of glowing Pukjis.

He specifically emphasized that his earlier mention of "being stuffed in the mouth" referred to being saved by fungal tentacles—not anything strange.

Inanna listened as if hearing a brand-new tale, occasionally gasping or nodding in agreement, which only made Calvin speak more enthusiastically.

When Calvin finished, Inanna suddenly proposed:

"That's incredible! I'd love to see it myself!"

"Teacher, could we make our next practical lesson a bit farther—just go to the dungeon?"

Julian gave Inanna a curious glance—she looked slightly guilty—and stroked his chin.

"It's not impossible, but this requires Mr. Eric's approval."

No sooner had he spoken than Inanna cheered, forgot about the lesson, and dashed off to find Eric for a pass.

Left behind was Calvin, utterly bewildered: Did my story really sound that compelling?!

"I'm afraid I must decline your request, Young Lady Inanna."

"Why?"

Eric's unexpected refusal left Inanna baffled.

"The teacher will come with me—we'll only go down to the fifth level. There's no real danger."

"Why not just have you come along too, Eric?"

Eric sighed and frowned in thought.

After a long pause, he pulled a magical pendant from his drawer.

As the pendant activated, a translucent membrane enveloped both him and Inanna.

Inanna felt as if she had stepped into a sealed room—the outside sounds vanished completely.

Only then did Eric speak:

"Young Lady Inanna, it's not that I wish to prevent you from going anywhere—it's simply that the timing is terribly inopportune."

"What I'm about to tell you, you must keep to yourself. Do not repeat it to anyone."

Eric looked at Inanna; seeing her nod slightly in confusion, he continued:

"You may not be aware, but the Hermit Empire has recently increased its movements along the border."

Rumors have even reached us of small groups of demons sneaking into our territory."

Everything indicated they were ready to reopen hostilities.

Under the pressure of war, the High Council passed the resolution to summon a Hero..."

"A Hero?"

Inanna found it somewhat hard to believe.

This term, just like the two words "Demon King," she had only seen in those legendary tales.

They were all active three hundred years ago, far too distant from Inanna.

Now, suddenly hearing that the United Kingdom intended to summon a Hero?

Although she was unclear on the specific requirements for summoning a Hero, she felt an overall sense of unreality.

Over here, Eric's words continued.

"It is still in the preparation stage; under the guise of war preparations, resources are being mobilized on a nationwide scale to ready the summoning.

The true news has been sealed within the upper echelons.

But can it truly be kept from the Empire?

Neither the Duke nor I are optimistic about this; among the nobility, there have never been a lack of those who betray for immortality.

A traitor might report, or clues might be discovered from the resource mobilization.

Whichever the case, once the Empire detects the anomaly, it is impossible for them to have no reaction whatsoever.

Assassination, sabotage, or even launching a full-scale war prematurely are all possibilities.

You are the Duke's sole heir; you should have known about this matter, but we did not mention it for fear of affecting your magical studies.

In any case, please remain in the manor during this period; I will ensure Young Lady's safety."

Hearing such a reason so suddenly, Inanna felt her head was muddled and simply could not say "no."

She only asked in the end:

"Doesn't the summoned Hero still need time to grow?

Since the danger is imminent, why not directly resurrect the Hero from three hundred years ago, my lord Link?"

Unfortunately, Eric shook his head, clearly not knowing everything either.

This question could only remain a puzzle for Inanna alone.

—

Meanwhile, a certain Hero.

"Speak! What else are you hiding! Xiao Hei, put in more effort!"

【I really have confessed everything; stop it!】

【Wuwuwuwu】

(End of this chapter)