"Is there... really a living dragon inside this?" Elaine swallowed nervously, cautiously moving closer. She lightly tapped on the surface of the dragon egg, but the scorching heat made her quickly withdraw her hand in pain.
"It's so hot!"
"That's normal. This thing has been soaking in lava for who knows how long, but I can confirm that there is life inside. Elaine, I intend to give this dragon egg to you."
Hearing this, Elaine suddenly looked up, staring at Owen in astonishment.
"This... this doesn't seem right, Owen. After all, you found the dragon egg, and it's so valuable. I really can't accept it!"
"Don't be so quick to refuse, Elaine. Think about it. After we return, you'll be leaving Fox Academy to join Crossbridge Academy. Then, we'll figure out how to hatch the dragon egg together, so technically, the dragon egg belongs to both of us."
After hearing Owen's explanation, Elaine nodded thoughtfully, then smiled and accepted, "Alright then, what do you need me to do?"
"It's simple. Later, you take the dragon egg and leave first. Staying here might attract unwanted attention, but don't worry, I've already asked Emily to inform the mentor about this. The mentor will be arriving at the Tower soon, and once you're outside, the mentor will naturally protect you."
"What about you? Aren't you leaving with me?"
"I can't leave just yet. There are still some things I need to take care of, but don't worry, we'll meet at Crossbridge Academy soon."
By now, Emily should have reached the mentor, and the mentor should be arriving at the Tower any moment now...
...
"Emily, are you sure that Owen said he found a dragon egg with signs of life inside?"
"I'm sure, Headmistress! That's exactly what Chief Owen asked me to relay to you. He also said that he hopes you can protect Elaine. Chief Owen has already given the dragon egg to Elaine, and Elaine has expressed her willingness to join Crossbridge Academy!"
Under normal circumstances, whether Elaine joined or not would have been a significant concern for Catalina. After all, the succubus bloodline within Elaine marked her as extraordinary, and with proper training, she was destined to become a pillar of strength in the future.
But in the face of a living dragon egg, Elaine's status seemed rather insignificant.
"I see. But why are you the only one here? Where are the others?"
"I don't know. Andrew and the others should still be on the sixth floor of the Tower. As for Chief Owen, he's been acting alone, so we're not sure."
"Did you encounter any strange people in the Tower? For instance, someone claiming to be from another dimension."
At these words, Emily's eyes lit up.
"Headmistress, how did you know? We encountered ten people on the fourth floor who claimed to be from the Ascended Dimension. According to the rules of the fourth floor, ten of our people were selected to fight them in a ring match."
"As I suspected..."
It wasn't her imagination. The Ascended Dimension had indeed infiltrated the Tower, and they did so quite openly.
"A ring match... How did it go? How strong were they?"
"All ten of them were diamond-tier mages, so the situation wasn't optimistic. Before Chief Owen stepped in, only Farms had won a match. But once Chief Owen entered the arena, it was a complete sweep!"
As she said this, Emily's eyes were filled with pride.
"Even the strongest of them, a diamond-tier level 9 mage, couldn't gain any advantage against Chief Owen. But strangely, they suddenly vanished afterward."
"Vanished? Can you be more specific?"
"Yes, that person named Tina was still fighting with Chief Owen when a light portal appeared behind her and forcibly pulled her away, ending the battle abruptly. But if you ask me, Chief Owen would have definitely won."
Hearing this, Catalina was still somewhat puzzled. Her beloved apprentice had always been attentive to Emily, putting in a lot of effort over the past year. Yet, for some reason, Emily had remained cold toward Owen.
Catalina had even spoken to Owen about this matter multiple times, hoping he would focus more on his studies. Although Owen didn't openly defy her, he couldn't let go of his attachment to Emily.
But now, it seemed that things weren't as they appeared?
Emily's words were full of admiration for Owen, and she mentioned him constantly, far from a cold attitude.
However, Catalina wasn't interested in meddling in the affairs of the young ones. At least Owen hadn't neglected his studies this year, and that was enough.
"Alright, I understand. Do you want to stay here or return to the airship?"
"Hmm... I'll head back to the airship, Headmistress. I am quite exhausted."
"That's fine. Go and rest; leave the rest to me."
As Catalina spoke, she saw a young girl emerging from the entrance of the Tower, carrying an enormous egg about three meters tall. Catalina's pupils dilated in shock.
There was no mistaking it—this was definitely a dragon!
And just as Owen said, the life inside the dragon egg might still be alive.
How extraordinary!
Dragons had been extinct for a thousand years, and as one of the most powerful spellbeast species, their reputation was legendary. To see one in person today left Catalina astonished.
Catalina recognized Elaine, and Elaine naturally recognized Catalina.
Elaine had always idolized Catalina, aspiring to become a powerful woman like her and tirelessly pursuing that goal. Now, seeing Catalina in person, she was so excited she could barely speak!
"Headmistress Catalina, it's an honor to meet you! I'm Elaine, the chief of Fox Academy."
Elaine, usually so carefree, only showed such restraint in front of Owen and Catalina, like a young girl meeting her idol, nervous to the point of trembling.
"Hello, Elaine. I've been watching you for a while and have often thought about recruiting you from Fox Academy. I heard from Emily that you're interested in joining Crossbridge Academy. It's a wise choice."
"R-really? Thank you, Headmistress Catalina! I won't let you down!"
"No need to be so nervous. You can relax. Speaking of which, where is Owen? Did he say when he would be coming out?"
Elaine shook her head helplessly and said, "Owen said he had things to handle and might not return for a while. He also said he hopes Headmistress Catalina can keep the dragon egg..."
Before she could finish, Catalina extended her hand and touched Elaine's forehead, and Elaine suddenly found herself unable to speak!
Catalina quickly inscribed some words on the ground with her spiritual energy, and when Elaine saw them, her heart skipped a beat.
"The ornament on your waist is imprinted with an eavesdropping spell. Our conversation might be being monitored. I understand what you were going to say. I will take the dragon egg back to the academy. Once you arrive at Crossbridge Academy, I will return it to you."
The ornament on her waist—Elaine remembered it well. It was a gift from her mentor, who claimed it could enhance the power of shadow magic, though only by about ten percent.
Elaine had worn this ornament all along. Did that mean the dragon egg's existence was already known?
The thought sent a cold shiver down Elaine's spine.
Catalina noticed Elaine's thoughts and continued, "You needn't worry. I have already made my stance clear, and since I will take the dragon egg, any ill-intentioned individuals won't be able to do anything to you."
After erasing the words on the ground, Catalina lifted the restriction on Elaine, allowing her to speak again.
"T-thank you for the warning, Headmistress Catalina."
"Don't mention it. Whether you choose to stay here or return to Fox Academy is up to you. But if I were you, I would recommend going back for now. After all, at this moment, you are still a student of Fox Academy."
"I understand. Thank you for the advice, Headmistress Catalina."
"Advice is too strong a word; it's just a bit of experience."