章 243: The Barrier Test (1) The Adjustable Shield

The whispers began slowly at first—just small, murmured conversations between students in the hallways of the Magic Tower University. At first, it was nothing more than idle gossip, but as with all rumors, it soon took on a life of its own. Professor Draven, the cold and enigmatic mage who had always commanded a mysterious presence, was now at the center of a new intrigue.

It had started in the royal castle, far across the city. Whispers of Draven's private magic tutoring sessions with Queen Aurelia spread like wildfire through the noble circles. It wasn't long before those rumors reached the university, where Draven held an almost mythic status among the students. The fact that he was tutoring the Queen herself—the lazy, fiery, and unpredictable ruler—added fuel to the speculation.

"I heard he doesn't even sleep," one student murmured as they passed through the courtyard, their voices low and conspiratorial.