Chapter 102: Superficial Probe

Returned to the academy, it was already late at night.

Paro Wizard took an interest, lingering in Selene Wizard's potion shop, happily browsing the forum.

Nobody dared to leave on their own, so they could only keep Paro Wizard company while watching the spectacle.

Finally, at dinner time, Selene Wizard snatched the smart device from Paro Wizard's hands, stopping him from continuing to indulge.

After eating at the shop's restaurant, everyone went their separate ways.

On the way.

Mo Li kept her head down, walking ahead.

At first, out of some utilitarian mindset, Mo Li designed a few small gestures for when they interacted, such as holding hands, acting coy, and tugging at Lin Ke's sleeve while walking behind him.

As time went on, the utilitarian motive faded, but some habits remained.

For example, while walking behind Lin Ke, she would occasionally tug his sleeve.

But after Selene Wizard told Mo Li that Lin Ke had already become a second-rank wizard apprentice, she stopped walking behind him.

Even if it was just half a body's length ahead, Mo Li insisted on walking in front.

The feeling of falling behind was truly unpleasant.

"I'll go up first, you head back."

Arriving at the dormitory building's entrance, Mo Li turned around, waved at Lin Ke, and went upstairs.

Neat and decisive, without the usual deliberate tugging.

Lin Ke felt no discomfort, only reflecting that half a month of part‑time work had helped Mo Li grow more than an entire autumn semester of study.

Growth truly still relies on experiencing the world and dealing with people.

Watching Mo Li's disappearing figure around the corner, Lin Ke turned and headed toward his own dorm.

At the dormitory entrance.

The five familiar brothers were waiting there again after a long time.

"Boss, good evening!"

Upon seeing Lin Ke, the five brothers immediately bowed and shouted in unison.

This neat, uniform action and voice showed they had clearly practiced it carefully.

"I'm not your boss, don't call me that."

Seeing this, Lin Ke didn't rush into the dorm, stopped, and asked, "What's up?"

He knew the five brothers weren't oblivious; after being warned, they hadn't acted up like that again.

Tonight they struck this pose again—there must be something up.

"Someone asked me to deliver a message to you."

The five brothers' spokesperson, the apparent leader nodding and bowing, said, "We want to invite you to join the Sail Alliance; they say if you agree, you can immediately become vice alliance leader. They also said…"

Lin Ke had heard of the Sail Alliance, a low‑key apprentice organization, nowhere near as flashy as the Newblood Mutual Aid Society.

However, rumors said the Sail Alliance was close to the North District and often organized mixers between apprentices of the two districts.

Hmm…

Under the guise of mixers, they actually selected pretty, well‑built female Newbloods from the alliance to dine and drink with male apprentices from the North District, exchanging feelings.

"What else did they say?"

Lin Ke frowned slightly; he certainly didn't want to get involved with such an obvious pimping apprentice group.

But he also didn't want to refuse too bluntly.

Still, he needed to hear their offer out.

The apparent leader shrank his head, hesitating, and said, "They also said they'd assign you a few study partners; even if you wanted a noble‑born young lady from the North District to accompany your studies, that could be considered."

Lin Ke's eyes flashed with anger.

What did they think he was?

But he didn't take his anger out on the five brothers; instead, he restrained his fury and asked, "How did you get involved with them? Are you dissatisfied with your own good reputation?"

The apparent leader immediately became even more hesitant.

Obviously, they too had gotten into trouble, been caught with a handle, and thus had no choice but to make this trip.

"Tell them I'm used to going it alone and have no intention of joining any organization."

Lin Ke also didn't say he actually despised the Sail Alliance's shameless tactics; that would be too blunt, sounding harsh and easy to offend.

Such is the way of pimps.

One can do it, but not let others talk about it; once mentioned, they get angry.

Lin Ke didn't want to create an enemy over just a couple of words.

"Then that's fine."

Having received a reply, which counted as completing the mission, the apparent leader didn't care whether Lin Ke agreed or not, saying, "Then we're heading back, boss."

The five brothers again performed the neat, uniform bow.

Reaching the end of the corridor, just before turning, the unnamed apparent leader turned, made a fist‑clenching arm‑waving gesture, and praised, "Boss, your way of dealing with that guy is really beautiful!"

After saying that, the five brothers sped up and vanished in a puff of smoke.

Who they were talking about, those in the know understand.

Lin Ke realized the five brothers were subtly hinting that Harold Andrews's death had spread, and faintly someone was suggesting Lin Ke might be the killer.

Even before acting, Lin Ke knew this matter would inevitably become known to all Newbloods.

Having done it, as long as he wasn't caught red‑handed and left no evidence, Lin Ke didn't fear people knowing.

If you're not ruthless, you can't stand firm!

Lin Ke had realized that in the wizard world, trying to merely survive and develop is hard to pull off.

Ruowosuosi Academy appears very peaceful on the surface.

Ruowosuosi City also only has a slightly chaotic western district.

But, the baseness of cutthroat competition is more suffocating and despairing for many who cannot keep up or fail than constant bloodshed.

To stand out, one must stick their head out.

One cannot shrink back just because they fear decay.

Risk?

What undertaking has no risk?

It's still those eight words: keep a low profile in life, be bold in action.

Lin Ke again admonished himself, opened the door and entered the dormitory, washed up and changed clothes.

Study.

After deep meditation, Lin Ke routinely reflected on himself.

What was nominally revenge against Su Fei. Lu Qi Ya, but actually just venting his anger, has come to an end.

There may be some aftermath later, but it should not be a big problem.

As long as one keeps a low profile and does not act recklessly, there should generally be no problem.

Lin Ke then turned his attention to his cultivation progress.

""System.""

Lin Ke let out a low murmur in his heart and summoned the panel.

【Linke Grand

Wizard Aptitude: Fourth Tier Middle

Wizard Rank: Second Tier Wizard Apprentice, Mental Power: 43

0-Ring Wizardry:

Water System: Minor Mist Rain Technique (Perfected), Water Ball Technique (Perfected), Water Shield Technique (Perfected), Purify Water Technique (Perfected), Ice Cone Technique (Proficient), Water Blade Technique (Proficient)

Wood System: Growth Technique (Perfected), Thorn Entanglement (Perfected), Leaf Arrow Technique (Perfected), Wither Technique (Perfected), Thorn Whip (Proficient), Green Wilds Tracking (Proficient)

Card Pack: None

Used: Omitted

Draw Count: 0 (1 standard second-tier Magic Stone)}

Compared to two months ago (chapter 67), the system panel has only two changes.

The first change is that, in accordance with his cognition, mental power data has appeared, allowing Lin Ke to know his meditation progress without needing detection rituals or devices;

The second change is that the mastery level of wizardry is now clear at a glance.

He still needs 32 points of mental power to reach the 75 points required for promotion to third-tier wizard apprentice.

At his current meditation speed, he should be able to achieve it before the midterm exam of the spring semester.

The Two Districts Grand Comparison takes place on the third day of the midterm exam.

Thus calculated, the time is still fairly ample.

Having understood the information, he retracted the panel.

Lin Ke activated a bottle of Lily Grass fragrance, and fell into a deep sleep amidst the permeating scent.

The next day.

As usual, he woke up early, everything was ready, and he prepared to go out.

He opened the dormitory door, Lin Ke lifted his right foot and then put it down.

A dark-colored package lay outside the door.

Something was amiss.

The academy distributes any items by storing them in the large mailbox beside the door.

This package could only have been sent privately.

Lin Ke glanced left and right, confirmed that the surveillance at both ends of the hallway was still intact, and his apprehension grew.

The person who placed the unknown package did not damage the surveillance; there are only two possibilities:

Either he is unable to do so or lacks the awareness; or he does not care about being caught on camera.

Lin Ke leans toward the second possibility.

No other reason, just intuition.

""Defender 3202"" set, transformed into a rune-item casual wear style, remained unfired, in a passive defense state.

Lin Ke lightly stepped back a few steps, did not close the door, directly took out his Portable Smart Brain, immediately notified Mo Li, letting her enter the study, open the rain cover, and then applied for emergency assistance from the academy.

Faced with the unknown package, Lin Ke would not foolishly go and open it.

What if it were a ""bomb"" that explodes on touch, killing himself—what then?

No matter how strong the defense of the ""Defender 3202"" set is, it is only a first-ring magical device.

If the person who placed the package had put a second-ring super-weapon inside, what then?

Although Mo Li did not receive a specific explanation, she knew that something urgent had definitely happened.

She behaved very obediently, acting according to Lin Ke's instructions.

Entering the study, she opened the rain cover, and additionally took a photo to send over, reporting safety.

This put Lin Ke much at ease.

Not long after, two intelligent law-enforcement puppets flew over.

One intelligent law-enforcement puppet flew to Lin Ke's front, activating protection mode;

The other intelligent law-enforcement puppet began scanning the unknown package.

A few beeps sounded, and the danger was cleared.

Interpretation: "A few beeps, danger eliminated." Could be "A few beeps, the danger was cleared." Keep concise: "A few beeps, danger eliminated."

The package contained no offensive items; it was completely empty.

Translation: "The package contained no offensive items, it was empty."

The intelligent law‑enforcement puppet dismantled the package on the spot, revealing only a slip of paper with a few words written on it.

Translation: "The intelligent law-enforcement puppet dismantled the package on the spot; inside was only a slip of paper with a few words written on it."

"Hello, Linke Grand. This time I'm just saying hello."

Translation: "\"Hello, Linke Grand, this time I'm just saying hello. \""

After reading the note, Linke wondered which divine force was behind this.

Translation: "After reading the words on the paper, Lin Ke wondered which divine faction was causing trouble."

Linke has offended many people and organizations.

Translation: "Lin Ke had offended many people and organizations."

Enrike Bernalis, Lifusi Fulansi, and Antuo wan Xierdun have all died.

We need to decide how to translate these names; the glossary doesn't list them, so they're likely proper names that should be romanized. According to the rules, personal names must be rendered in pinyin. For example, the first name should be Enrike Bernalis, the second Lifusi Fulansi, and the third Antuo wan Xierdun.

Thus line: "Enrike Bernalis died, Lifusi Fulansi died, Antuo wan Xierdun died."

"The New Blood Mutual Aid Society is under the Paro wizard's control—it's impossible."

Translation: "\"The Newblood Mutual Aid Society\" is controlled by the Paro wizard; it's impossible."

Lan Ni Taylor?

Translation: "Lan Ni. Tai Le?"

That's not her style—she's ruled out.

Translation: "Not her style, ruled out."

"The Sea Sail Alliance?"

Translation: "\"Seafaring Alliance\"?"

It's a pimping outfit; its members aren't weak‑kneed or used to kneeling—they just suck up to the powerful, lacking any self‑reliance.

Translation: "It's a pimping organization; its members either have weak knees, accustomed to kneeling, or they fawn over the strong, lacking self-reliance."

Linke doesn't believe they'd dare openly break the academy's rules and do something like this.

Translation: "Lin Ke didn't think they'd dare openly violate the academy's rules and do such a thing."

After thinking it over, Linke could only suspect the Pure Blood Will and the Lukia family.

Translation: "So, after thinking it over, Lin Ke could only suspect the Pureblood Will and the Lukia family."

He politely declined the intelligent law‑enforcement puppet's question about whether to continue reporting.

Translation: "He politely refused the intelligent law-enforcement puppet's inquiry about whether to continue reporting."

All the evidence so far only suggests that the package sender is suspicious, but there's no solid proof they intend harm to Linke.

Translation: "All the evidence merely suggests that the sender of the package is suspicious, but there is no concrete proof that they intend harm to Lin Ke."

Continuing to report wouldn't help either.

Translation: "Continuing to report would also be useless."

He watched as the two intelligent law‑enforcement puppets carried off the package and the note.

Translation: "He watched as the two intelligent law-enforcement puppets took away the package and the note."

Lin Ke Ke decided to report this trouble, which clearly exceeds his abilities, to his big boss behind him.

Note: there is a typo; the given name might be a duplication of 'Lin Ke', but we must translate it as given: 'Lin Ke Ke decided to report this trouble, which clearly exceeds his capabilities, to his big boss behind him.'

After careful thought, Linke rushed to Molly's dorm and told her to stay alert when she came down.

Translation: "After careful consideration, Lin Ke rushed to the downstairs of Mo Li's dormitory and then notified Mo Li to be more careful when she comes down."

"Linke, what's going on over there?"

Translation: "\"Lin Ke, what happened over there? \""

Molly came downstairs unharmed and immediately asked, concerned.

Translation: "Mo Li came downstairs unharmed and immediately asked with concern."

"Someone left a package at my door."

Translation: "\"Someone left a package at my door. \""

Linke didn't hide anything, told the truth, and warned, "If you ever see an unknown package, never open it—don't even touch it."

Translation: "Lin Ke didn't conceal anything, told the truth, and reminded, \"If you ever see an unknown package, never open it rashly; don't even touch it. \""

"Okay, I got it."

Translation: "\"Mm, I know. \""

Molly nodded and then asked, "So what should we do now? Do you know who did it?"

Translation: "Mo Li nodded and then asked, \"So what should we do now? Do you know who did it? \""

"Don't rush."

Translation: "\"Don't rush. \""

Linke gestured for Molly not to panic, saying, "First go to work, mention this to Witch Serlyn and ask her how we should handle it."

Translation: "Lin Ke gestured for Mo Li not to panic, \"Go to work first, mention this to Sister Lynn the wizard, and ask her how we should handle it. \""

"I understand."

Translation: "\"I understand. \""

Molly quickly realized Linke's intention.

Translation: "Mo Li's thoughts shifted, and she immediately understood Lin Ke's intention."

Without another word, the two left the academy and took the orbital transit train.

Translation: "Without further words, the two left the academy and took the orbital transit train."

Unlike previous first trains, which had only a few passengers, today's first train was completely full, with not a single seat available.

Translation: "Unlike previous first trains with only a few passengers, today's first train was completely full, with not a single seat available."

The orbital transit train has only one car, so there's no such thing as the car being full and then moving to another car.

Translation: "The orbital transit train has only one carriage, so there's no such thing as the carriage being full and then moving to another carriage."

Moreover, because the orbital transit train is incredibly fast, if you don't get a seat you have to wait for the next train.

Moreover, hesitating the orbital transit train's speed is amazingly fast, if you don't get a seat, you have to wait for the next train.

Linke grew suspicious.

Translation: "Lin Ke felt suspicious."

Only some of the people in the car resembled the southern new blood and the northern native apprentices.

Translation: "The people sitting in the carriage were only partly like the Newbloods from the South District and the native apprentices from the North District."

Many people gave Linke the feeling that they were like the five thugs who hung out on the west district streets.

Translation: "A considerable number of people gave Lin Ke the feeling that they were like those five thugs who loitered on the West District streets."

Standing at the car door, Linke scanned the car and actually found the five thugs he had dealt with twice before.

Translation: "Standing at the carriage door, Lin Ke scanned from head to toe and actually found those five thugs he had encountered twice before."

He gestured for Molly not to rush off, then walked up to the five shrinking thugs who hoped no one would notice them, adjusted his gold‑rimmed glasses, smiled gently, and said warmly, "Nice to see you again—I'm pretty happy about it. How about you?"

Translation: "Signaling Mo Li not to rush off, Lin Ke walked up to the five thugs who shrank their bodies, hoping no one would see them, pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, the corners of his mouth curling into a gentle smile, and spoke in a mild tone: \"Seeing you again makes me quite happy; how about you? \""

"Big brother, good morning."

Translation: "\"Big... big brother, good... good morning. \""

The gang leader stammered in response to Linke, almost tripping over his own tongue.

Translation: "The gang leader stammered his reply to Lin Ke, his tongue almost tripping."

He inwardly wailed, cursing the intermediary who set up this job, saying it was supposed to be simple—just take up a seat so that a male and female first‑year Storm Sea new blood would miss the first orbital transit train.

Translation: "He lamented endlessly, cursing the intermediary who set up this job, saying it was supposed to be simple—just take up a seat so that a male and female first-year Storm Sea Newblood would miss the first orbital transit train."

It's indeed a male and female, but you damn well didn't tell me that the male Storm Sea new blood is a gentlemanly type who smiles while killing without blinking.

Translation: "It's indeed a male and female, but you damn well didn't tell me that the male Storm Sea Newblood is a genteel scoundrel who smiles while killing without blinking!"

"Why are you shaking? I'm not going to eat you."

Translation: "\"What are you shaking for? I'm not going to eat you. \""

Linke bent down, patted the gang leader's shoulder, and made eye contact with the other four trembling thugs, then said with a smile.

Translation: "Lin Ke bent down, patted the gang leader's shoulder, and exchanged a glance with each of the four trembling thugs, then spoke with a smile."

The curve of his smile was just right, revealing a neat row of white teeth.

Translation: "The arc of that smile was just right, revealing a row of neat white teeth."

A cold gleam flashed on those white teeth.

Translation: "And on those white teeth flashed a cold light."

Last time, Linke had implanted a fear into the thugs' minds using a simple psychological trick, and it surfaced again unexpectedly.

Translation: "Last time, Lin Ke had implanted fear into the thugs' minds via simple psychological tactics, and it surfaced unexpectedly."

The five thugs trembled more and more severely, their backs drenched in cold sweat.

Translation: "The five thugs trembled more severely, their backs drenched in cold sweat."

Damn, can you stop scaring us like that, big brother?

Translation: "Damn, can't you stop scaring us, big brother?"

You really look like you want to swallow us whole in one bite.

Translation: "You really look like you want to swallow us whole."

"Big brother, I'll give you my seat."

Translation: "\"Big... big brother, I... I... I'll give you my seat. \""

The gang leader gritted his teeth and forced out those words, then without waiting for Linke's reply, he stood up, kicked and shoved, sending his four subordinates flying out of the car.

Translation: "The gang leader gritted his teeth and forced out the sentence completely, then without waiting for Lin Ke's reply, he rose up, kicking and shoving, driving his four subordinates out of the carriage."

Linke waved at the five disheveled thugs getting off the car, then signaled for Molly to come and sit down.

Translation: "Lin Ke waved at the five thugs as they disembarked in disarray, then signaled Mo Li to come over and sit down."

The other seated passengers—whether new blood, native apprentices, or west‑district thugs who had come early to earn magic stones—watched this scene, completely baffled and growing suspicious.

Translation: "The other seated passengers in the carriage—whether Newbloods, native apprentices, or West District thugs rushing early to earn Magic Stones—watched this scene, all baffled and suspicious."

What exactly has this person done to those few?

Translation: "What exactly has this person done to those few,"

And is it really that frightening?

Translation: "to make them fear so much?"

They were just about to roll out!

Translation: "They were almost rolling out!"

(End of chapter)