With Xerath Kayd no longer causing trouble, the Vega Forest became much quieter and safer. Not to mention, the beasts that had been flung away by the Compassion of Heaven and Earth spell were now injured and posed little threat to the group of apprentices.
As night fell, the students had yet to encounter any danger.
Dean Bruce was content to trail behind them at a distance, reading by the light of the moon.
He had no choice—Joan Michelle's talent was extraordinary, and it wouldn't be long before she fully mastered the Compassion of Heaven and Earth spell. To stay ahead, Dean Bruce needed to study the world's magical systems and blend them with his modern knowledge, ensuring that he could keep deceiving those around him without arousing suspicion.
After all, the longer this went on, the more likely it was that someone would notice if he didn't have a firm grasp of the basics. How could he continue to fool everyone if he didn't even know the fundamental theories?
"Hehe"
Suddenly, a soft, clear laugh echoed through the night, pulling Dean Bruce's attention away from his book.
He looked toward the sound and froze, his eyes widening in shock.
Under the moonlight, by a gently rippling stream, a beautiful woman was bathing. Her pale arms lifted gracefully, and water cascaded down her smooth skin, making her appear almost like a goddess in the moonlight.
The water shimmered around her as Alita Miller cupped her hands over her chest, the perfect curves of her body fully displayed under Dean Bruce's gaze, causing his breath to quicken involuntarily.
Noticing his reaction, Alita laughed softly. "Well, at least you're still a man. But a real man wouldn't be spending his night engrossed in a book; he'd be admiring a beautiful woman instead."
Dean Bruce rolled his eyes. "Alita, you certainly have confidence in yourself."
On Earth, in the modern era, women had countless ways to seduce men. Dean Bruce wasn't about to fall for any of them. He was momentarily taken aback by the sight but not genuinely tempted.
This made Alita frown, her confidence shaken.
For over ten years, her allure had never failed, yet today Dean Bruce had resisted her twice!
Her expression grew more serious as she locked eyes with Dean Bruce, frustration and determination rising within her.
She couldn't believe it—how could she fail to seduce a young man like him?
Seeing Alita remain silent, still holding her chest and standing in the stream, Dean Bruce decided it was time to get to the point and send her on her way. "So, Alita, what brings you here? You must have something you need from me."
"Indeed," Alita said with a smile, suddenly standing up. The water flowed down her flawless body, her figure fully illuminated by the moonlight, leaving nothing to the imagination.
Even though Alita wasn't young, her body remained as firm and youthful as ever. Her every movement caused her ample bosom to bounce slightly, sending droplets of water scattering—a sight that could captivate any man's heart.
Alita Miller parted her lips slightly, her voice dripping with allure. "If you agree, afterward, you can do whatever you want with me, dear."
Dean Bruce, however, remained unfazed. "I'm afraid I lack the strength to be of any help."
It wasn't humility or an attempt to hide his abilities; rather, Alita Miller's strange behavior made him wary. He had no desire to get involved in whatever scheme she was concocting.
Rebuffed once more, Alita bit her lip, her expression turning pitiful, her voice laced with faux vulnerability. "Dean, you clearly possess the ability to cast spells instantaneously and have mastered high-level magic. Why would you say such a thing? Do I really disgust you that much?"
Dean Bruce nodded. "You're right. I find you very unpleasant."
Alita Miller was stunned. She opened her mouth to speak several times but couldn't find the words.
Seeing her like this, Dean Bruce couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. [You think you can outwit me with these cheap tricks? You wouldn't even stand a chance against the most basic manipulators on Earth.]
After failing to seduce him and then playing the victim, Alita took a deep breath, her expression turning serious. "You've been hiding your true abilities at the academy all along, haven't you? Now I'm really curious—who exactly are you, and what's your real identity?"
Dean Bruce countered, "And what about you? Who are you, really? Why are you hiding out in a small-town magic academy?"
Alita's breath caught. She realized that no matter what she said, Dean Bruce would find a way to turn it against her.
After a long pause, Alita spoke more seriously. "I'm sure you're wondering why someone tried to kill you, aren't you?"
For once, Dean Bruce didn't respond immediately. He furrowed his brow, focusing intently on Alita Miller.
Seeing this, Alita finally breathed a sigh of relief. She had found Dean Bruce's weak spot.
She continued softly, "I have connections with… an information network. If you agree to work with me, I can have them investigate who's behind the attack on you."
"Don't worry; I'm not trying to trick you, nor am I making empty promises. The man who tried to kill you, Xerath Kayd, was from the Black Hawk Assassin Guild. We have the means to uncover everything about him."
Now, Dean Bruce's skepticism began to wane.
If she knew about Xerath Kayd's affiliation, she might really be able to find out more.
After a moment of thought, Dean Bruce shook his head. "Give me the information first, and then we can talk about working together. I'm not about to help you out only for you to disappear on me afterward."
"..."
Alita hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but we'll need to make a pact. Once we find out why you were targeted, you'll assist me in investigating a certain place."
"Deal."
Dean Bruce agreed without hesitation. With the high-level magic of The Compassion of Heaven and Earth at his disposal, along with his magical artifacts and scrolls, he felt confident in his ability to handle whatever came next.
After all, no matter how mysterious Alita Miller might be or how much she was hiding, at best, she was at the level of a Grand Magus—well within Dean Bruce's ability to handle.
As for anyone of a higher level?
If she truly possessed that kind of power, she could have easily swept through the entire city of Notting on her own. There would have been no need for her to hide her identity.
Even though he had agreed to the deal, a sense of urgency stirred deep within Dean Bruce—a drive to grow stronger.
[Once this assessment is over and I'm back, I need to start working on getting more people to follow my lead, earn those rewards, and increase my strength,] Dean Bruce thought, clenching his fists. [Relying on my own power is always safer than depending on others!]
"You know, for someone who looks so young, you're surprisingly difficult to deal with," Alita Miller said, noticing the thoughtful expression on Dean Bruce's face. She couldn't help but ask, "How old are you really?"
Dean Bruce shot her a glance and responded coolly, "When you have the information, how will you let me know?"
"…"
Alita Miller sighed. "Am I really getting old? I'm standing right here in front of you, and you still keep your guard up? Do I really have no effect on you at all?"
Seeing Dean Bruce remain stoic and silent, Alita Miller decided to drop the issue. She nodded and said, "Once I've found out the reason, I'll come to you myself."
She paused, then extended her right hand over the water.
Buzz…
A soft hum resonated as the water rippled, and the silver-white waves began to transform into a shimmering fabric, wrapping around Alita's hand. In just a few breaths, a luxurious and elegant mage's robe adorned her body.
This sight made Dean Bruce's eyes light up.
The transformation was almost like something out of a dream—it was incredibly cool!
Alita Miller floated above the water, her bare feet barely touching the surface. Her entire demeanor had shifted from the seductive woman trying to tempt Dean Bruce earlier to someone of pure grace, as if she were a heavenly angel.
"Little one, I'll remember you. You're the first man to reject me so many times! One day, you'll be the one begging…," Alita's voice trailed off into a playful laugh as she gracefully disappeared into the moonlit night.