With Lumen out, things proceeded smoothly. It was fairly easy for Z to kill Abyssals with the help of Lumen's power, purity, since it was the bane of the Abyssals' existence. Therefore, he merely sat back and protected his team. Their quest continued as they traveled deeper into the forest where they encountered more Abyssals.
"Things are quietly progressing," Z said which earned an intense stare from Lea and Henry. "You are joking," Z said.
"Why did you say it again?" Lea asked in disbelief.
"To prove a point."
"Is the point, you are a stubborn fool?" Henry said with a long sigh after seeing a group of individuals head their way.
"You have got to be kidding me," Z said while looking at the group in utter disbelief.
"Knock it out, they are acquaintances," Noel said. "How are you, Professor Meyer?"
"We are doing great, Professor Noel. I did not know The South Celestial Academy is now training their students?" the green-haired professor with yellow eyes subtly mocked.
"Well, it is not just The East Celestial Academy that needs to power up," Noel rebutted.
Meyer's eyes twitched a little as although they were above The South Celestial Academy, they were still at the lower half of the standings.
"If this is your team, then we probably don't need that much power-up," a student with red eyes and long canine fangs said.
"Why don't you come and prove yourself!?" Yndrei said while posing to fight.
"Oh? Do you think I am scared of a little Dragonoid?" the fanged student responded in kind.
"Let us keep it civil. We do not want any severe injuries," Meyer said while looking at Yndrei, clearly implying that the latter would suffer major damages.
"That is right. Besides, no one wants to see a lizard and a dog fight," Z remarked after jumping out of Lumen.
"Why are you mocking our side too?" Lea whispered to him.
"A little bird tamer dares to but in? What force did you even come from?" the fanged student asked.
"Certainly not a dog's den."
"You! Professor Meyer, that kid just mocked the great Lupus Sanguis Empire. Please allow me to challenge him!"
"Oh? Look at the dog asking his owner for permission."
The group of Meyer was in shock at Z's forwardness and attitude. They were accustomed to subtly implying their points as they could not openly provoke others for it would cause a great loss for their respective forces.
There are countless complex treaties that were formed to maintain the Peaceful Era. There, it stated that no force should provoke or attack another first lest inquiring heavy penalties.
"Are you a representative of your force?" Meyer asked, but Z ignored him instead. This pissed Meyer to no end as he had never seen a student as belligerent as Z. In the end, he shifted his gaze to Noel before asking, "Is this how The South Celestial Academy raise their students?"
"Professor Meyer, do not blame the academy for you not being able to win against a student in an argument," Noel smirked.
"How uncultured," Meyer said with fiery eyes. 'Tsk! It would be difficult to prove that that child provoked our academy since there is no evidence of it. However, I can still create a formal motion and have him receive disciplinary action if he is not the representative of his force. Who the hell is this kid even?' he thought.
"Incor, if Professor Noel approves your challenge, then I would not have any reason to prevent you," Meyer said.
"Thank you, sir," Incor said while looking at Noel with an expectant gaze.
'These kids are powerful. I do not know the full extent of Z's powers, but he is a strong kid as well,' Noel thought while staring at Z.
"I am not in the mood to fight with a dog today," Z said with a condescending look.
Incor glared at him before smirking and saying, "Phrase it in any way you want. At the end of the day, you are a coward!"
"Dog-tempered, indeed." Z mocked before leaping back to Lumen. His gaze did not detach from the group even after riding Lumen. He was looking at them with a complicated gaze, unsure of what to do.
(Lumen, that girl in their group. You can feel it too, right?)
(Yes, Z. She definitely exudes the vibes of those from the Zen Continent.)
(Why is she in The East Celestial Academy? More importantly, how is she exuding purity that rivals yours?)
(There is definitely a story behind this. In any case, she is definitely a force to be reckoned with. She is watching you as well.)
(Hmm, talents are truly everywhere.)
(Is she the reason why you did not fight that kid?)
(It is as if you do not know me at all.) Z communicated through Arcane.
"Sir Z is not a coward. You are just unworthy to fight him," Gale said with a resolute expression. Everyone was surprised to see him speak up for Z, especially Luna, and Henry. They were together for a while and saw how Z constantly teased Gale, unaware of how close the two were.
"What did you say? How is it that nobodies that I don't know are the one who is talking?" Incor said with an annoyed face.
"This meeting had not been the best, but let us remain civil and keep our calm," Lea finally mediated while looking at Gale with a curious face. 'I would have mediated a lot earlier if not for Z always putting on a show I do not understand. Now, Gale is dragged into this mess, alas,' she thought.
"The Heiress of En Dives makes a great point. Let us let the bygones go and call it a day," a man with a body the texture of the leaves said with a wide smile.
"Uquir!" Incor protested; however, it was dismissed by Uquir which made him even more annoyed. Meanwhile, Z had already snuck into the back of the group and chatted with the girl that piqued his interest.
"Well, Aheli, let us meet again at the Celestial Welcome," Z said while hopping back at Lumen.
"I am looking forward to our battle then," Aheli responded with a soft and gentle smile.