Chapter 155: Off‑board Move, a Dilemma?

Cuixi Lu Qi Ya fell to the ground.

Unconscious, bleeding from the seven orifices, her face as pale as paper, her breath like a faint silk thread.

This miserable sight truly frightened the people gathered with her.

Each one lowered their eyes to their nose, nose to their heart, shrank their heads, remained silent as cold cicadas, and acted like quails under Kedi Wizard's intimidating presence.

Not only did no one dare to speak up for Cuixi Lu Qi Ya,

but no one dared to help her up.

They let her lie there on the ground.

In a sorry state.

Why did Kedi Wizard react so strongly?

Would he risk gaining a reputation for bullying the weak just to take action?

Because Cuixi Lu Qi Ya offended his dignity.

Whether considering her position at the academy or her status as a Third‑Rank Wizard, Cuixi Lu Qi Ya had to show at least respect, if not awe, when facing Kedi Wizard.

But what did she do?

Without obtaining permission or seeking consent, she actually shouted "Court Hall"!

This was a blatant display of contempt for Kedi Wizard's authority.

Who allowed you to speak?

Do you really think that just because the Lucia family has a Fifth‑Rank Sage and a prospective Sage named Solun Lu Qi Ya, they can act all high and mighty?

If Kedi Wizard hadn't been schemed against in his youth, he too could have advanced to Sage!

Even now, with no Sage appearing, who among the official wizards would dare to pat their chest and claim they could defeat Kedi Wizard?

Risking his life, Solun Lu Qi Ya had to kneel and beg Kedi Wizard not to burn his essence, forcibly enter the Sage state, and unleash a death‑blow.

"These years, the pureblood families have truly declined generation after generation."

Kedi Wizard didn't even glance at Cuixi Lu Qi Ya, shook his head, and spoke with utter contempt.

Among those present from pureblood families such as Po Xi Wei Er, Yue Han Sun, and Ke Long Na, not a single person dared to speak out against that remark.

This only further confirmed Kedi Wizard's lament.

A flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes; Kedi Wizard turned his head to look at the composed Airisi and commented, "You are quite smart, not as wildly mad as you appear. If you can grasp the proper measure, you will surely achieve something in the future."

"Thank you, Kedi Wizard."

Regaining her composure, Airisi politely thanked him, daring not to be presumptuous again.

"Hehe."

Kedi Wizard smiled indifferently, no longer paying attention to Airisi, and instead gave the ruling on this brawl incident:

"Both sides are at fault, so I won't have you compensate each other. However, you damaged the academy's property, so you must pay full price plus an additional double fine. The bill will be sent directly to your families; you need not pay it yourselves."

As soon as this ruling was announced, even the hot‑blooded Airisi, who usually loves a spectacle, couldn't help but change her expression.

Especially Mengluo, who had just been released from confinement.

A feeling of regret welled up.

Going back, she will surely face criticism; if serious, she might be confined again.

Others also worried about how to explain things to their families.

To be frank, Kedi Wizard's ruling struck a nerve in those spoiled heirs of pureblood or major half‑blood families.

They fear nothing else but their families' reproach.

After announcing the ruling, Kedi Wizard waved his hand to drive away this lot so they wouldn't be an eyesore.

One by one, they felt as if granted a pardon, then listlessly walked out of the office.

Outside the Administrative Building, the two groups glared at each other a few times, lacking even the mood to exchange harsh words, and each went back to deal with the mess.

As they walked, purebloods occasionally voiced complaints.

They said that in recent decades, ever fewer wizards from pureblood families are willing to return to the academy to take up posts.

Now both the Junior and Senior Academies are gradually being controlled by half‑blood and Newblood wizards, especially those from half‑blood families.

Aside from the Main Campus, the influence of pureblood families in the Junior and Senior Academies is dwindling.

Amid sighs, pureblood apprentices are drifting further away.

Cuixi Lu Qi Ya was thus left "forgotten" in the office for internal disputes and accident investigation and mediation.

Kedi Wizard took out his Portable Smart Brain, snapped a photo, and sent it directly to Solun Lu Qi Ya, telling him to come personally to retrieve her.

Having offended his dignity, could it be settled so simply?

Then does he still want to linger in the academy circles?

Let's not mention the subsequent game of wits between Kedi Wizard and Solun Lu Qi Ya.

As soon as Airisi reached the vicinity of Boundary Lake, she immediately shared with Lin Ke the delight of having given that wretched Cuixi Lu Qi Ya a harsh lesson.

She looked forward to Lin Ke's reply.

Lin Ke received the message, feeling neither joy nor sorrow.

Watching the resources bought with 200 Magic Stones be instantly devoured by the "Seed," and then receiving feedback from Fu Lan Duo, his heart had gone numb.

Knowing the "Seed" is a big consumer of resources, he never expected it to be this voracious.

Two hundred Magic Stones compared to the first period's demand of twenty thousand Magic Stones amounts to about one percent.

Heck, even skipping stones would make a sound.

Unfortunately, the resources obtained still aren't enough to fill a tooth gap for the "Seed."

Not the slightest change.

Such a trivial matter as Cuixi Lu Qi Ya's embarrassment is no longer enough to stir Lin Ke's emotions.

He merely replied coldly with an 'Oh' and then ignored it.

Ai Ruisi felt as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over her head; her enthusiasm and joy were instantly erased by that 'Oh'.

Gritting her teeth, Ai Ruisi decided to find another chance to mess with Lin Ke once.

To repay the grudge of being treated coldly today.

Lin Ke naturally didn't know he had angered Ai Ruisi again.

Even if he knew, he wouldn't be afraid.

Crazy girl, if you don't provoke her, she'll still go crazy.

Impossible to guard against.

Lin Ke promptly adjusted his mood and shifted his focus.

He took out his Portable Smart Brain, entered the 'credit' exchange page, and exchanged explanations for the 12 level-1 rule runes involved in the level-1 magic 'Orchid Battle Armor' one by one.

One level-1 rule rune explanation costs one 'credit' to exchange; it's not cheap.

Twelve level-1 rule rune explanations require twelve 'credits'.

But this is a necessary expense.

Even though lamenting how hard 'credits' are to earn, Lin Ke spends them very readily, without the slightest reluctance.

First, he skimmed through the explanations in full, then arranged the learning difficulty based on a rough impression.

Then he read them carefully one by one, from easy to difficult, progressing step by step.

Wanting to fully grasp the explanations of the twelve level-1 runes is not something that can be completed in a short time.

At least one month of time is needed.

That is, Lin Ke has the 'Brain Seal Technique', the 'Thought Palace', and the 'Spellcasting Talent' as bonuses, plus his own innate quality is not bad.

If it were someone else, even a genius like Lan Ni. Tai Le, they might not be able to get it done in a month.

The rest of the weekend passed without anyone causing a big commotion.

Time passed quickly in peace.

A new week arrived.

As soon as the cooldown of Lin Ke's 'Multithreaded Thought' status card finished, he chose to use it again.

The effect was also not great, just so-so.

That is, relying on Lin Ke's own effort, plus a little bit of help from the 'Multithreaded Thought' status card, the time to fully grasp the twelve level-1 rule rune explanations is reduced from one month to just two weeks.

Just two weeks, not a big deal.

Wiping away the cold sweat on his forehead caused by brain overload, Lin Ke licked his lips.

Really fragrant!

After tidying up his state, he restrained his overly pleased mood.

Lin Ke left the dormitory and went to the cafeteria to meet up with the 'Do Anything Free' free people.

During the meal, Lin Ke discovered that Da Er Dun himself had actively broken the 'Godhide' buff.

On his face appeared a look of wanting to say something yet being hesitant and indecisive.

"Da Er Dun, is there something you want to say?"

Leaving the cafeteria, on the way to the classroom, Lin Ke saw that Da Er Dun had not yet made up his mind, so he took the initiative to ask.

As the team leader, he occasionally needs to care for the members, ask about their well-being, and solve their worries.

"No…… no problem."

Da Er Dun didn't expect Lin Ke to proactively ask; he was startled, a bit flustered, and stammered in reply.

"If you have something to say, just say it, don't hold back."

Lin Ke soothed him a bit, while also making his attitude clear.

"Da Er Dun, stop being awkward; when the big shot asks, just answer truthfully."

Ba Ke slapped Da Er Dun's shoulder with a Pa, speaking boldly.

"You went downstairs alone last night, and came back looking worried; you must have run into something."

Lin En calmly analyzed it, then said, "Looking at your appearance, it's definitely not something good; nine times out of ten it's something that makes the big shot embarrassed. I suggest you think it over clearly whether to speak up, so as not to add trouble for the big shot."

"Oh."

Hearing his good brother Lin En say that, Da Er Dun's face flashed a hint of struggle, but he ultimately gave up the idea of seeking Lin Ke's help.

"No problem, go ahead."

Lin Ke first nodded and smiled at Lin En, showing appreciation for his considerate or say 'loyal' attitude, then looked at Da Er Dun and spoke gently.

"Can I?"

Da Er Dun's eyes lit up at once, and he asked in surprise and doubt.

"Hmm."

Lin Ke nodded slightly.

The motion was not large, and the voice was not loud enough.

For no reason, it gave Da Er Dun great encouragement.

A warm current surged in Da Er Dun's heart, making him feel deeply moved.

The big shot is indeed the big shot.

Da Er Dun inhaled, trying to speak as calmly as possible to explain the situation:

"Last night, Andeliya. Nuoman came to find me."

"She said she had leverage over a person named Huoke. Lukiya, and had no choice but to submit, acting as his insider."

"At first, she wanted to eliminate herself proactively, to avoid betrayal."

But she was rescued by the big shot, so she had no choice but to reveal the big shot's whereabouts.

"Get to the point, what does she want from you?"

Mo Li interrupted Da Er Dun's narration at this point, her tone slightly cold, holding back some anger.

From the way Andrea spoke to Dalton, Mo Li sensed a familiar feeling.

Back then, Mina Hafuchek also used phrases like 'had no choice' and 'had to' to make her trust the other party.

She sensed a similar aura.

"Oh."

Da Er Dun shrank his head, continuing to say: "She said that Huo Ke. Lu Qi Ya sent people to find her, forcing her to repay a loan of Magic Stones she never borrowed, otherwise she would report her to the academy and sell her to the South District factory to work off the debt."

"Hmph! Who knows whether she actually borrowed it or not."

Mo Li snorted sarcastically, "If she really didn't borrow it, why would she fear being reported?"

"She said......"

Da Er Dun hesitated.

"What did she say? Get to the point, don't drag your feet."

Mo Li urged her impatiently.

Listening, she felt more and more that something was off.

Perhaps Lin En's prediction really came true; this matter will most likely put Lin Ke in a dilemma.

She said, she was taken to the West District black market underground duel arena at that time, stimulated, out of fear, she signed a loan agreement. But she really never took that sum of Magic Stones.

Da Er Dun gritted his teeth and repeated Andrea's meaning.

He himself also knew this sounded a bit far-fetched.

"Hmph!"

Mo Li's face showed anger, she was about to scold.

"Can such nonsense be believed?"

"She's basically lost her mind."

Lin Ke raised his hand, stopping Mo Li.

"Everyone is a companion, there's no need to speak harshly to each other."

"Besides, Da Er Dun actually didn't commit any principled mistake."

"He's just considering past feelings, a bit at a loss as to what to do."

"Moreover, this topic was brought up by Lin Ke himself."

"If he really ends up in a dilemma, it's his own fault."

"Can't blame Da Er Dun."

Lin Ke asked seriously: "What is her demand? What does she want you to do?"

Mo Li, the four brothers, and the three members of the Social Anxiety Group all stared at Da Er Dun, waiting for his answer.

Seeing this, Da Er Dun realized he had truly caused trouble for the big shot, feeling regretful.

He let out a heavy sigh helplessly and said:

"She wanted to borrow a sum of Magic Stones from me to repay the debt. I couldn't come up with that much, she cried saying her life was ruined like this, I felt somewhat unwilling at the time, so I said I would think of a way for her."

Lin En then grabbed the somewhat disappointed and angry Ba Ke, asking: "How much does she owe? Why didn't you first discuss it with us?"

"500 Magic Stones."

"Since things have come to this, what does Da Er Dun have left unsaid? He gritted his teeth and simply laid it all out:"

"I was afraid you'd mock me for being a simp, so I didn't think to consult you first, planning to privately ask the big shot for his opinion."

"Ugh……"

Lin Ke was speechless upon hearing that.

Earlier, seeing Da Er Dun's torn-up, almost exploding appearance, he thought there was something urgent.

It was out of the big shot's self-awareness of caring for his underling that he showed concern.

After all that fuss, who would have thought it was this kind of thing.

But now that it's been asked, it's not all bad, nor is it all good.

At least in front of all the members, Lin Ke's decision and the reasons for it can be made clear.

This matter, saying it's serious isn't serious, saying it's not serious still deserves attention.

500 Magic Stones is not a small amount, but it's not completely impossible to come up with.

Lin Ke and Mo Li's patent dividends, with some thought, can still be advanced.

The crux of the problem has two aspects.

First, whether this favor is worth helping, whether to help;

Second, Huo Ke. Lu Qi Ya pressuring Andrea is precisely to drag Lin Ke into trouble through Da Er Dun.

If he really intends to target "Do Anything Freely" as Meng Luo said, it's definitely not just this one move; other aspects must also be plotting.

Lin Ke needs to think carefully about how to respond.

"This matter isn't that simple."

After thinking, Lin Ke decided to lay it all out to everyone: "The essence is that Huo Ke. Lu Qi Ya wants to drag me down by targeting the members of 'Do Anything Freely'."

"Helping Andrea is easy; 500 Magic Stones, with some effort to gather, can also be resolved."

"But after helping, then what?"

"Who knows if she still has other debts, or other leverage in the other party's hands?"

By then, one will fall into a swamp, sinking deeper and deeper.

Besides, so far, it's only Andrea's one-sided account; we know nothing about it.

Dalton, think it over carefully—whether or not to help with this.

If we do help, we also need to plan ahead.

Before we clarify the situation, we cannot act rashly!

"Mm, I'll follow the boss's lead."

Dalton spoke his mind, no longer agonizing; he felt much better inside and could think calmly.

Just as the boss said, this matter is not simple; we cannot trust a one-sided account.

As for Andrea…

Thinking of Andrea, Dalton let out a faint sigh.

Sigh!

She came to see me last night, putting me in a dilemma.

I have also put the boss in a dilemma today.

Truly, it's hard to put into words.

I just hope nothing else troublesome happens afterward.

Otherwise, this friendship really can't continue.

Don't take me for a sucker.

(End of chapter)