章 31: Chapter 31: The Slumber of the Dead, Notting City’s Secret!

Dean Bruce did not accept Billis William's invitation. He politely declined, saying, "Nicholas is my student, and teaching him magic is my duty. There's no need for thanks. As long as he studies diligently and doesn't waste my efforts, I'll be satisfied."

Hearing this, Nicholas William couldn't help but look excited, while Billis William was visibly surprised.

Normally, even a teacher would expect some sort of compensation for imparting magical knowledge.

Dean Bruce's words left them both stunned.

"I have matters to attend to at the academy tonight, so there's no need for any formalities,"

Dean Bruce added, noticing their surprise and letting a small smile play at the corners of his mouth.

So, you're not so easily swayed, huh? he thought.

As long as you can't figure out what I'm after or what I'm thinking, you'll always be mystified by your own assumptions!

Billis William nodded in respect. "Your sense of duty is admirable. To teach high-level magic without expecting anything in return is something that puts us all to shame. Since you're busy, we'll skip the banquet, but please allow us to escort you back. I wouldn't want those thugs harboring any resentment and setting an ambush for you."

Dean Bruce didn't refuse the cavalry escort. With Nicholas William, he returned to Notting City and the academy.

After parting ways with Billis William and his men, Dean Bruce shared the incantation for a new spell with Nicholas William, carefully choosing his words.

"Sleep is a loan taken from death; the more you sleep, the longer the repayment period," Nicholas William murmured, repeating the words to himself, his mind full of confusion.

Another one of those cryptic incantations?

Noticing the puzzled expression on Nicholas William's face, Dean Bruce didn't mind. He spoke in a serious tone, "This spell is called The Slumber of the Dead. It holds even greater power than The Interrogation of the Soul, but its true strength depends on your ability to master it. Go back and meditate on it well—don't disappoint me!"

Feeling Dean Bruce's trust and high expectations, Nicholas William, though still puzzled, grew excited and respectfully took his leave.

As he walked away, a shadowy figure appeared. Shelly William sighed and said, "Your teacher is very powerful. Even when he casts high-level magic, he conceals his aura so well that I can't discern his exact level or rank. But the effects of his magic are undeniably strong!"

"Stick with him and listen to me—whatever you do, don't cross him!"

If Dean Bruce knew that Shelly William had misinterpreted his strength, he might just laugh out loud.

It wasn't that Dean Bruce was exceptionally skilled at concealing his power; it was simply that he could only muster a limited amount of mana!

The powerful effects of his magic were simply a result of Nicholas William and the others' tenfold understanding and power boosting the spells!

Of course, Dean Bruce was unaware of this as he made his way back to his dormitory, pulling out the Storage Ring he had obtained earlier to inspect its contents.

It had to be said, Lina Jones was quite generous—the space inside the ring was nearly packed full. While most of it was filled with medicinal herbs that weren't particularly valuable.

But selling them would still bring in a decent sum of money.

As he was examining the contents, a familiar fragrance wafted over, catching Dean Bruce's attention. He looked up to see Alita Miller approaching, a smile on her face, her large chest heaving with each step.

"Teacher Dean, that wasn't very kind of you," Alita Miller teased with a light laugh. "You turned me down before, but after we found others to play along, you showed up anyway. Good thing I was quick on my feet and kept the act going!"

"I wasn't acting," Dean Bruce replied calmly. "I just happened to be passing by."

Hearing this, Alita Miller burst into clear, melodic laughter, then said, "Teacher Dean's 'passing by' is indeed quite the coincidence. But it doesn't matter, as long as everything went as planned."

"I'll take that as your agreement to cooperate with us."

After a brief pause, Alita Miller added, "Tonight is Sophia's farewell party. You must come! There's something important I need to tell you!"

With that, she turned on her heel and left, her steps sultry and confident.

As Dean Bruce watched her walk away, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he began to seriously ponder her true identity.

Anyone capable of passing information to the city lord's mansion and setting up such an ambush couldn't be part of an ordinary organization.

And then there was Alita Miller's power, which was undoubtedly above that of a high-level magician. With her abilities, she could easily serve as a teacher at a more prestigious academy—so why was she in this small frontier town?

[Notting City must be hiding something,] Dean Bruce thought with growing determination. [Before I leave, I have to find a way to uncover the secrets hidden here. Who knows, my parents' disappearance might be connected to this!]

With that resolve in mind, Dean Bruce returned to his dormitory. After the earlier events, he didn't have any classes today, so he decided to take a good nap to restore his energy.

After an entire night without sleep, followed by the strain of battle—even if it was just an act—the depletion of mana and mental energy was real. How could Dean Bruce possibly stay awake any longer?

Time slowly passed.

When Dean Bruce finally awoke, the sun was setting, and the sky was draped in a hazy, yellowish veil, as if covered in a layer of gauze.

After tidying himself up and dressing properly, Dean Bruce prepared to head out for the evening gathering.

Since he intended to uncover the secrets of Notting City, his best bet was to start with these other teachers. After all, they had been here for a long time and possessed strength far beyond that of ordinary people!

As soon as he stepped out of the dormitory, Dean Bruce spotted Alita Miller and several others approaching from the other side.

"Well, well, look who it is! Isn't this the famous Teacher Dean who's been all the rage lately, with countless students lining up to be his disciples?"

"What kind of wind blew you here tonight?"

Teasing laughter filled the air as a group of teachers gathered around Dean Bruce, chuckling. "Alita's charm is something else! We could never get you to join us, but one word from Alita, and here you are!"

Though their words were playful, there was a hint of envy in their eyes.

Who wouldn't want to be adored by the entire academy?

With the goal of gathering information from them in mind, Dean Bruce smiled and said, "It's true that Alita's charm is irresistible, but if it weren't for you all, I wouldn't have agreed. I've been so absorbed in my magical studies lately that I've neglected you all."

In social interactions, it's all about give and take.

With Dean Bruce being so amicable, the other teachers naturally responded in kind. Before long, they were all chatting like old friends as they made their way to the Night Moon Tavern.

Their spot had been reserved in advance, and since they were all seasoned magicians, the tavern's owner had been waiting at the door, ready to greet them with respect and usher them into a luxurious private room.

The room was lined with numerous barrels of fine wine.

"Esteemed teachers, it's an honor to have you in my humble tavern. These barrels contain some of my most cherished vintages, and I hope you'll enjoy them to the fullest."

The owner of the Night Moon Tavern was a woman whose figure wasn't particularly striking—her curves weren't accentuated even by the tight clothing she wore.

The teachers waved her away, signaling her to leave. Soon, a dozen scantily clad girls entered, carrying trays of food and drink.

Noticing this, Dean Bruce couldn't help but frown slightly. This scene felt all too similar to a modern-day nightclub.

Seeing his frown, a burly teacher beside him grinned, placing a large hand on Dean Bruce's shoulder. "First time in a tavern like this, Teacher Dean? Hahaha, you look a little out of place! Don't worry, we've already paid for everything, so feel free to enjoy yourself. You can take your pick of any of the girls here!"

Hearing this, Dean Bruce couldn't help but mentally roll his eyes.

I've had wilder nights in the modern world than you could imagine—this is nothing!

The other teachers burst out laughing, including the female teachers among them.

There was no helping it—this was about social class!

These tavern girls were slaves or commoners, while the teachers had all learned magic and stepped into the ranks of nobility. How could they possibly empathize with the likes of these girls?