The mentors were all on equal footing, and there wasn't much difference in strength on the surface, so they interacted quite comfortably. Except for Dean Bruce, who wasn't very familiar with everyone and struggled to keep up with the conversation at first, but after a few exchanges, he quickly blended in.
As the drinks flowed, the topics became bolder, and they occasionally vented about the principal and other leaders. Only a few mentors remained sober, aware of Dean Bruce's close relationship with the principal, so they didn't join in and kept making vague statements to steer clear.
Dean Bruce didn't mind much and chatted with them idly.
Before long, as everyone became tipsy and some male mentors started getting handsy with the hostesses, Alita Miller suddenly stood up, dismissed the hostess next to Dean Bruce, and sat down herself.
Seeing this, the other mentors burst out laughing, teasing the relationship between the two.
Alita Miller had intended to seduce Dean Bruce from the start, so she didn't deny it. Instead, she made an affectionate gesture, rubbing her chest against Dean Bruce's arm.
Seeing that neither of them was embarrassed, the group stopped teasing, though a few male mentors felt quite jealous.
Alita Miller, with her stunning looks, impressive figure, and remarkable abilities, was like a goddess in the eyes of many mentors!
Now, seeing her being so forward with Dean Bruce, it was impossible for them not to be jealous, especially Barnis George, who was so envious that he was grinding his teeth, his gaze turning cold. He even tightened his grip on the hostess, making her cry out in surprise.
Dean Bruce glanced at Alita Miller and asked softly, "Have you found out anything?"
"Giggle, aren't you a bit too eager, young man?" Alita Miller chuckled seductively, pressing her body even closer to Dean Bruce. She lifted her head slightly, her red lips parting as she spoke, the warm breath brushing against Dean Bruce's ear, sending tingles down his spine.
But Dean Bruce, being a man of vast experience, wasn't affected by the sensation at all. He simply stared at Alita Miller indifferently.
Realizing this, Alita Miller felt a bit bored, pouted, and said, "I found out, but the answer... you won't believe it!"
"Oh? Who exactly is behind Xerath Cade?" Dean Bruce wasn't one to be easily frightened. His tone grew serious, his eyes narrowed, and a murderous intent began to surface in his heart.
He was far from being a good-natured person. When faced with those who wanted to kill him, his only thought was to strike first and eliminate the danger in its infancy.
"Are you sure you want to know the answer?" Alita Miller cautioned, "Once you oppose them, every step you take from here on out will become incredibly difficult, like being trapped in a swamp of quicksand, unable to move, and you might even die in it."
Dean Bruce replied calmly, "Don't forget our partnership. Tell me the answer, or our cooperation ends here."
Though Dean Bruce didn't fully understand why Alita Miller and her group were so intent on collaborating with him, the fact that they were made him confident.
As expected, seeing Dean Bruce's unwavering stance, Alita Miller could only shake her head and say, "Xerath Cade takes orders from the Nine Provinces Alliance! In other words, someone among that lofty group wants you dead!"
Hearing this, Dean Bruce couldn't help but frown, his mind filled with doubt.
Since his transmigration, his memories contained no connection to the Nine Provinces Alliance. Neither he nor his parents had ever had dealings with them, so why would those high-ranking rulers want him dead?
Dean Bruce's first instinct was to think Alita Miller was lying, but when he looked down at her, she appeared calm and sincere, not like someone who was deceiving him. Moreover, there would be no benefit for her to lie to him, so he dismissed the thought.
After pondering for a while, Dean Bruce asked, "Where did the information come from?"
"You don't need to worry about that. You just need to know that the information is true," Alita Miller replied with a light smile. "If you really intend to go against the Nine Provinces Alliance, why not join our organization? At the very least, we'll protect you."
Dean Bruce didn't refuse, nor did he agree. After a moment of contemplation, he suddenly asked, "Tell me, what kind of cooperation are you proposing?"
"It's nothing major. We've discovered a powerful relic that contains terrifying magical energy, likely left behind by a top-level mage from millions of years ago! We want to use your unique defensive magic to help us withstand the attacks on the outer perimeter." Alita Miller paused before continuing, "Don't worry, the offensive magic within the relic isn't that strong. With the power contained in your magic, you should be able to handle it."
Dean Bruce frowned slightly and asked, "If the offensive magic isn't strong, why do you need me?"
"We do!" Alita Miller sighed, "Inside that relic, you can't retaliate. If you fight back, the restrictions, magic, and even some mechanisms inside will become extremely powerful. But if you only defend, their attacks will remain weak."
"The problem is, our defensive magic is mostly fixed in one place, or the caster cannot move, which prevents us from continuing to explore deeper without retaliating. But you're different!"
As Alita Miller spoke, she couldn't help but tighten her grip on Dean Bruce's arm, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've seen it with my own eyes—the defensive magic you cast not only neutralizes attacks from all directions but also imposes no limitations on you. The magic even moves with you!"
Now understanding the reason, Dean Bruce felt more at ease. He nodded and said, "Alright, since you've provided me with valuable information, I won't go back on my word. Just let me know when you're ready to explore the relic, and I'll be there."
Alita Miller's face lit up with a smile as she laughed heartily, her large, full breasts trembling and brushing against Dean Bruce. This sight made the male mentors stare in awe.
Even the female mentors couldn't help but twitch at the corners of their mouths, feeling somewhat annoyed. Whenever Alita Miller was present at any gathering, all the men's attention would inevitably be drawn to her, leaving them in the shadows.
However, Alita Miller's formidable abilities meant they usually had to rely on her, so they could only pretend not to notice.
Suddenly, the guest of honor, Sophia, remarked, "I'm a bit curious—before today, Alita, you and Dean didn't seem to have much interaction. How is it that your relationship suddenly became so close? Alita, could it be that you've learned some insider information?"
As soon as she spoke, every mentor, both male and female, turned their gaze towards Dean Bruce and Alita Miller, their eyes filled with curiosity.
Barnis George, feeling a twinge of jealousy, added, "Who doesn't know that Dean has a great relationship with the principal? Could it be that Dean is about to be promoted?"
"That's impossible, right? Dean has only been a mentor for a short time. How could he be promoted so quickly?"
Despite their words, the mentors' eyes were still filled with envy as they looked at Dean Bruce.
This was, after all, a world where the strong preyed on the weak. If a principal wanted to forcefully promote someone, no matter how unlikely it seemed, it could still happen!
Before Dean Bruce could respond, Alita Miller laughed and said, "You guessed right! Dean is about to be promoted, and it's not just any promotion!"
Hearing this, Dean Bruce frowned slightly and looked at Alita Miller with confusion. He himself had no idea about any promotion, so how could Alita Miller confidently make such a claim?
However, in the eyes of the other mentors, his puzzled expression was misinterpreted as displeasure with Alita Miller for revealing the news prematurely.
Just as the mentors were about to ask more questions or start flattering Dean Bruce, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the door. Moments later, the door was violently kicked open, and over a dozen mercenaries, with large blades strapped to their waists and dressed in light armor, stormed in, glaring menacingly at Dean Bruce and the others.
"Which one of you is Dean Bruce? Step forward obediently, or don't blame me, Hels the Mad Blade, for being ruthless!"
As his words fell, the mentors' faces turned pale with fear.