Suppressing his aura back to diamond-tier, Owen scratched his head and sheepishly turned to the two women.
"Mentor, Elaine, I know you both must have a lot of questions for me—like when I broke through to sage-tier and why I've kept it a secret. I can't answer that right now, and I hope you can keep it confidential for me. I don't want to reveal too much just yet. Is that okay?"
Owen's words almost completely silenced the questions bubbling up in Catalina's mind.
She was genuinely curious—how could Owen's progress be so rapid?
Even if he trained day and night without rest, it was impossible to break through to sage-tier in such a short time. But since Owen didn't want to talk about it, Catalina refrained from asking more.
"If you don't want to say, I won't press further. But Owen, now that your strength has been exposed, what if the Wayne and Troy families secretly spread the word..."
"They won't dare. Doing so wouldn't benefit them at all. If they spread the news, they'd have to face my wrath. Although the two families are strong, they still lack top-tier combat power. These families care most about their legacy; they wouldn't risk their family's future for something so meaningless.
Mentor, rest assured, I'll give you an explanation eventually. For now, with the Starlight Duel Tournament and new student admissions coming up, I still need to be present, don't I? If my strength is exposed, the new admissions might not be an issue, but I definitely won't be able to participate in the tournament. And right now, there's no one else in the academy who can shoulder the responsibility, so we need to be patient."
Hearing this, Catalina nodded slightly, sighing, "It's really tough on you, always thinking about the academy."
"It's what I should do—I'm part of the academy, after all. But enough about that. Mentor, I'll need you to visit Fox Academy to handle Elaine's transfer."
"That's no problem. We'll head there right away."
As the conversation shifted to her, Elaine blinked and blushed.
She vividly remembered Owen declaring to Fal and Charles that she was his partner.
Just thinking about it made her heart race...
"Owen..."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"If possible, could you avoid clashing with the headmaster? After all, the headmaster has mentored me for so long, and I think..."
"Don't worry, I understand. I'll try to persuade him. If that doesn't work, we'll find another solution."
...
"You think I'm negotiating with you? Today, whether you want to or not, you're going to release Elaine!"
In the headmaster's office at Fox Academy, Catalina unleashed her full aura, confronting Headmaster Stephen Davies head-on. Owen and Elaine, standing by, were somewhat dumbfounded.
Didn't they agree to avoid conflict?
How had things escalated to this in just a few words?
Three minutes earlier, the trio had just arrived at Fox Academy.
Stephen Davies had immediately sensed Catalina's mana fluctuations and, not daring to be negligent, had invited them into the headmaster's office.
At first, Owen had been the one negotiating, speaking earnestly and trying to persuade Stephen Davies to approve Elaine's transfer application.
He appealed to reason and emotion, but unfortunately, Stephen wasn't swayed and refused outright.
Just as Owen was about to reorganize his thoughts, Catalina stepped in.
"Stephen, you're a grown man—why are you being so petty? Elaine isn't even the top student at Fox Academy in terms of talent or level. What's the big deal if you let her withdraw?"
"Why is Elaine so important to you, Catalina, if she's not the best? Fox Academy has invested significant time, effort, and resources into her over the past two years. You can't just ask me to give her up without any consideration."
"Is it resources you want? Name your price, and I'll give it to you! As for the reason, Elaine and my Owen are in love, at that tender age where emotions are blooming. Isn't that reason enough? Stop arguing and name your price. I must take her with me today!"
As the tension between Catalina and Stephen intensified, Elaine gulped nervously.
"O-Owen, the headmasters... they won't actually fight, will they?"
"Don't worry, Mentor won't let it come to that. Mentor may be blunt, but she doesn't like bullying the weak, especially in situations where she's not entirely in the right."
"Isn't this already bullying the weak? She's practically storming in and taking me..."
"You don't understand Mentor well enough. This is just the beginning. If Mentor didn't care about your feelings, Stephen would already be under the desk by now."
Elaine swallowed hard at the thought.
Under the desk? Could that really be considered not bullying the weak?
"Stephen, my patience is limited. One last time: do you agree or not?"
"I don't agree! Elaine is my student! If you're so determined to bring them together, why not have Owen come to Fox Academy? I'll gladly give him the position of chief!"
"You're just trying to provoke me! Do you really think I won't tear down your Fox Academy?"
"Go ahead! I doubt the Starlight Duel Tournament would tolerate such outrageous behavior from you!"
Stephen stood his ground, showing no signs of backing down to Catalina's pressure.
"You're sure about your refusal?"
"I'm sure. What will you do about it?"
"Three years ago, you borrowed something from Crossbridge Academy. Do I need to remind you what it was? You promised to return it within a year, but you've delayed and delayed. Do you really think Crossbridge Academy is that easygoing? Today, either Elaine or that item must come with me. You choose."
Catalina stepped closer, whispering in Stephen's ear, "How many people have you told about Elaine's succubus bloodline? How do you think that old man in the coffin will react if he finds out?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, Stephen's attitude made a complete 180-degree turn. He quickly snatched Elaine's withdrawal application, stamped it, and handed it to Catalina with a smile.
"Catalina, I was just teasing you. No need to take it so seriously. The application is approved! You're free to leave whenever you like. Shall I have someone escort you?"
"No need."
Catalina smugly raised her chin, stuffing the application into Owen's hands before turning and leading the others out.
Following behind Catalina, Owen couldn't help but wonder.
What was it that made Stephen's attitude change so drastically, causing him to agree so readily?
Noticing Owen's curiosity, Catalina chuckled behind her hand and said, "I'm afraid I can't tell you what he borrowed."
"It must be something that concerns his reputation. Otherwise, he wouldn't have shifted from defiance to submission so quickly. It's amusing to think about, but regardless, our goal was achieved."
As he spoke, Owen gently took Elaine's hand and said softly, "The next step is to submit your enrollment application to Crossbridge Academy."
"Oh, Owen, I was just about to mention that," Catalina suddenly stopped, her tone serious. "I think it's best for Elaine to hold off on choosing a School after she enrolls. After the Starlight Duel Tournament, you should create a new School and have her join it as your student.
Hmm... a forbidden student-teacher romance!"
"...Mentor, when did you develop this kind of taste? I told you to stop reading those scandalous things, and now look at you—your student has surpassed you in level, and if you don't catch up, I'll soon be taking your place as headmaster!"
"What's there to worry about? I'll hand it over to you eventually. If you take over now, I'll be more at ease! Handling all the academy's affairs leaves me with no time to train. I've already decided that once you create your School, I'll transfer some of the academy's authority to you so you can take full charge. Then I can focus on my studies."
Seeing how close and friendly Owen was with Catalina, almost like friends, Elaine couldn't help but feel a bit envious.
Such a good student-teacher relationship—it's no wonder Owen always smiles when he talks about Catalina.
"Elaine, when you arrive at Crossbridge Academy, you can stay at Owen's place for now. Since it's not yet time for new students to move in, the new dormitory building hasn't even started construction. Besides, Owen's mansion is so luxurious it could accommodate dozens of people without issue."
"Ah? Catalina, wouldn't that be a bit inappropriate?"
"What's inappropriate? The academy doesn't forbid students from dating. Many couples even apply to live together, so it's not a problem."
The academy's admission standards require students to be at least eighteen years old and no older than twenty-two, the perfect age for young love to bloom.
As long as the feelings are genuine, there's no need to stop it.
Most academies are pretty open-minded about this.
Of course, there are exceptions, like Fox Academy, which is mostly female apart from the mentor and headmaster.
Moreover, once mages break through to diamond-tier, their lifespans increase significantly.
At master-tier and sage-tier, they can live for hundreds or even thousands of years.
In such a long life, it would be too lonely to remain alone.
"Owen, do you have any objections?"
"None at all."
"Then it's settled. When we get back, I'll start pushing for the Starlight Duel Tournament to
begin. Once the council ends, you can reveal your master-tier level and begin creating your School."
Thinking back to those who questioned whether Owen had the qualifications to start a School, Catalina found it amusing.
With sage-tier level 9 strength, if Owen isn't qualified, then no one is!
"Oh, and about that dragon egg Elaine gave me—it's still in the headmaster's office. When we get back, you should take it with you. I'm curious to see what kind of dragon it will hatch into."
"Mentor, if you're interested..."
"No need. What kind of mentor takes things from their students? It's better for you to keep it. Just let me study it a little when it hatches."
Saying she wasn't tempted would be a lie. After all, it was the only dragon egg in the entire Fallen Dimension, a true treasure.
But since it belonged to Owen, there was no need for her to covet it.
...
An hour later, the trio finally returned to Crossbridge Academy.
Elaine eagerly followed Catalina back to the headmaster's office, where she filled out and submitted her application, which Catalina promptly approved.
Afterward, Catalina guided Elaine to the Chief Mansion where Owen resided.
From the outside, the Chief Mansion was as large as a School building, a standalone villa with a semi-open courtyard. Everyone was allowed to visit, but most didn't.
"This is so beautiful..."
Compared to the Chief Mansion at Fox Academy, this was like night and day!
As Fox Academy's former chief, Elaine didn't have her own private residence and shared a dormitory with other students.
It's no wonder Crossbridge Academy has held the title of the strongest academy for so many years. The quality of its students and its wealth are unmatched.
Owen had already taken the dragon egg back to the Chief Mansion. Eager to see him, Elaine quickly ran into the courtyard.
And so, three pairs of eyes, each with their own charm, met.
Fiona first looked at the visitor, Emily, then at Elaine, her expression darkening.
"What are you doing here? No, why are you at Crossbridge Academy?"
"Because I transferred here. The headmaster approved my application, Fifi. Where's Owen?"
"Don't call me Fifi. We've only met twice! And why are you looking for Master Owen?"
"The headmaster said I should stay at Owen's Chief Mansion. What do you think I'm here for?"
At this, Emily couldn't help but glance at Elaine, shock flashing in her eyes.
They're already living together?
While I'm still trying to get Fiona's approval, this woman has gone straight to moving into the Chief Mansion. How outrageous!
How could the headmaster make such a decision? Isn't she pushing Owen into a pit of fire?
"Fifi, it looks like we'll be seeing a lot of each other. If you don't believe me, Owen can confirm it."
"...Go on in. Emily, you too. The chief just got back; he's probably sunbathing in the courtyard."
Fiona was a bit upset.
She used to take pride in being the only girl who shared a room with Owen.
After all, no matter how excited the other girls outside were, they couldn't match her unique advantage.
But now, Elaine's sudden appearance had shattered Fiona's advantage.
And Master Owen seemed to care a lot about Elaine...
"No, I can't just sit back and do nothing!"
Fiona knew her own combat ability. Against Elaine, she stood no chance. She needed an ally.
And Emily was the perfect choice!
On the one hand, she was always hanging around, trying to get Owen's attention. On the other hand, Emily was easy to manipulate.
As for Emily, her thoughts were simple: as long as she could see Owen, she'd be happy.
The three girls, each with their own motives, gathered at the Chief Mansion and entered the inner courtyard, where they found Owen lying down, petting a cat.
"Owen, I'm back!"
"Elaine, that was quick. It looks like Mentor didn't give you a hard time."
"Not at all! The headmaster said she'd approve it even if I didn't write a single word on the application."
"Well, we did agree on this beforehand."
Owen stood up, setting the cat down, and turned around, only to be dumbfounded when he saw the three girls walking together.
He could understand Fiona and Elaine being here, but Emily...
"Chief Owen, I'm here to report on some work."
"That's fine. Actually, you could have reported it to Andrew, but since you're here, I'll hear you out."
And just like that, Emily was at a loss.
Report on work? What work?
She had only joined the student council a few days ago and had barely participated in the meetings!
Emily had only said that to give herself a legitimate reason to be here. Fiona and Elaine were living here, but she had to come up with an excuse to see Owen. It made her feel a little sad.
She could have lived in the Chief Mansion too, but she had pushed Owen away time and time again.
Thinking of this, Emily sighed softly and stammered, "These past few days, Vice President Andrew has discussed many things... about... about..."
Seeing Emily struggling, unable to make up anything, Owen sighed with a helpless smile.
"You forgot so quickly? That's okay. I'll have Andrew summarize it tomorrow. From now on, you can handle the reports. You'll just have to go back and forth between the student council and the Chief Mansion, which might be a bit of a hassle."
"It's no trouble at all!"
Seeing Emily's eager eyes, Owen nodded slightly, thinking to himself.
'She's such a good kid. Why isn't she a bit smarter?'
Emily felt a bit wronged.
She wasn't dumb—just not good at handling things and a bit slow to react. At most, she was dull, not stupid!
"Anyway, let's head inside. Fifi, you've worked hard today."
"It's no trouble, Master Owen. I'm happy to do it."
Hearing Fiona's cheerful tone, the gloom that had hung over her disappeared, and she happily went inside to prepare dinner.
Meanwhile, Owen led Emily and Elaine to the reception room.
"So, Emily, why don't you join the new School after some time? If I remember correctly, your mana core has dual wind and fire attributes. Wind strengthens fire, and fire fuels wind. If utilized correctly, your strength and spell power will significantly increase.
The only problem is... Headmaster Felix might not agree. After all, Fire School doesn't have many good students right now, and Felix mentor has placed all his hopes on you."