"I heard that the most famous prodigy of the Plantagenet Kingdom, someone named Alice, is in the capital," Francis said.
"Hmph! When the tiger is away, the monkey becomes king! Let her be arrogant for a few days. The next time I see her, I'll trample her beneath my feet and show her how strong I am!"
Alan couldn't help but chuckle.
Gayle covered his face with his hand, clearly at a loss for words at Francis' audacity.
Just then, brilliant flashes of lightning streaked through the air like frenzied silver serpents, descending from the void above.
The usually reserved Alice made her move.
Before Francis could even react, his entire body was enveloped by lightning. The searing pain of the thunder tearing through his body nearly caused him to lose consciousness. Smoke rose from his charred figure.
And this was only the beginning.
As Francis tried to recover and retaliate, even more terrifying lightning surged down from above. The frenzied elements lashed against him, leaving his skin cracked and bleeding. His screams grew louder and more pitiful.
"Ahhh!"
"Ahhhh!"
Outside the valley, Francis absorbed every bolt of lightning like a lightning rod.
His skin was almost entirely carbonized, as black as coal freshly mined from the ground. Black smoke billowed from his mouth and nose.
What followed was akin to a wrestling match.
Alice used Francis' body like a sandbag, repeatedly slamming him into the ground. His entire frame seemed to stretch unnaturally, as if he'd become a piece of dough.
After half an hour of this relentless pummeling, Francis lay on the ground, wheezing black smoke and unable to utter a single word.
Alice calmly wiped her hands with a handkerchief, then looked at Alan with a serene expression.
"Shall we take a walk?"
Alan smiled and nodded.
Lying on the ground, Francis clenched his fists tightly as he watched Alice's retreating figure. His eyes burned with unwillingness.
Beaten so thoroughly, Francis refused to accept defeat.
"I let my guard down this time! I'll remember this humiliation and repay it tenfold someday!"
Grinding his teeth, Francis struggled to stand, determination etched across his face.
Seeing this, Gayle shook his head and said, "I'd advise you to let it go."
Francis retorted angrily, "Let it go? No matter who she is or what background she has, I'll settle this grudge, even if it kills me!"
Gayle chuckled.
"Fine. I'll be your witness. Remember, her name is Alice—the same Alice you just called the greatest prodigy in the Plantagenet Kingdom."
Francis' mouth twitched, and then his eyes rolled back as he collapsed, unconscious.
"Where's that bravado from earlier? Playing dead now? Who was it just now saying they'd trample her and show her their strength?"
Seeing that Francis remained unresponsive, Gayle sighed and grabbed his leg, dragging him toward the valley.
On a forest path.
Alice and Alan walked together, the morning sunlight shining down on them.
Alice seemed bathed in a golden glow, radiating a divine beauty that made her appear like an angel descended to earth.
Alan couldn't help but glance at her a few more times.
Alice suddenly spoke.
"I originally thought it was certain you'd join Lioncrest Academy. I didn't expect all these twists and turns."
Alan sighed. "Indeed. Life is unpredictable, full of surprises. But it's all in the past now."
Alice nodded, her bright eyes gazing into the distance.
"I'm leaving the Plantagenet Kingdom."
Leaving the Plantagenet Kingdom?!
Alan's usually calm heart rippled with emotion.
"I came here to say goodbye," Alice said, stepping closer to him.
Alan could see the flawless fairness of her skin and catch a faint, sweet fragrance emanating from her. His thoughts momentarily scattered.
"Many people probably think I'm overestimating you," Alice said, her gaze fixed on Alan, just inches away.
"But I'm certain everyone is underestimating you. Perhaps even I've underestimated you. I don't know why, but I sense an unprecedented danger from you."
"In the Plantagenet Kingdom, it's almost impossible for anyone to make me feel threatened. But from you, I do, and it's a danger I can't quite describe."
Alan listened silently, increasingly aware of how extraordinary Alice was.
"With your talent and temperament, I believe it won't be long after I leave before you become a nightmare for many prodigies."
"And with your boldness and passion, in this kingdom that values diplomacy and smooth-talking, I worry the Plantagenet Kingdom might face chaos because of you."
"Then again, it might also achieve unprecedented prosperity because of you."
"I hope that after I leave, you can look out for the Plantagenet Kingdom in my place," Alice said, her eyes earnest as she looked at Alan.
Alan spread his hands.
"You're putting too much faith in me!"
Alice smiled slightly.
"So, does that mean you agree?"
Recalling their past interactions, a firm resolve rose in Alan's heart.
"As long as it's within my power, I'll look after the Plantagenet Kingdom."
Alice smiled warmly.
"Many mages today no longer believe in promises, thinking them foolish. But I've always believed one should keep their word and live boldly and passionately."
"Besides, do you know what else I like about you?"
Alan froze.
Alice chuckled softly, walking ahead.
Alan paused briefly before snapping out of his daze and hurrying after her.
Alice stopped and took a scroll from her storage ring, handing it to Alan.
"Near Ironblood City, some ancient noble forces discovered a hidden realm, a small world created by a forbidden magus."
"It's since been stabilized by those nobles. In about a month, you can use this scroll to enter."
"I'm not a magus, so this opportunity doesn't mean much to me. But for you, it could bring immense rewards."
"Additionally, I've received reliable information that the hidden realm is located on an ancient battlefield. The accumulated soul energy over the years must have nurtured many treasures beneficial to the soul. These could help both you and Isabella with her mysterious illness."
"But it's not all good news. Hidden realms are inherently dangerous, and top talents from other kingdoms will also participate. The risks will be immense."
Hearing this, Alan accepted the scroll.
After all, it might play a crucial role in his future.
"Until we meet again," Alice said decisively.
"Will we meet again?" Alan asked.
Alice hesitated.
"My rank will only grow, and the places I go will become more perilous…"
Before she could finish, Alan declared firmly,
"I'll catch up to you and surpass you!"
Alice's gaze wavered.
"I hope when we meet again, you'll still have this confidence, and we'll fight once more."
With that, Alice turned and left.
Watching her gradually disappear, Alan took out the ring she had given him and glanced at the scroll in his other hand, smiling foolishly.
Reflecting on their past—how they had fought and how she now cared for him—he couldn't help but feel moved.
A woman like her, how many exist in the world?
And he seemed to be one of the very few fortunate enough to know her.
Now that she was gone, he felt a sense of loss he couldn't describe.
Could it be that he liked her?
The thought struck him suddenly.
Having never experienced love before, he wasn't sure what it felt like, but being with Alice brought him an unparalleled sense of comfort.
Clenching the ring and scroll tightly, he resolved to cherish them.
At that moment, a figure appeared before Alan.
He looked up to see a noblewoman in a golden mage's robe, exuding a powerful aura that weighed heavily on him.
She was a mage of considerable strength—likely the protector who always accompanied Alice.
Alan composed himself.
The noblewoman introduced herself.
"My name is Barbara. I am the lady's protector."
Alan nodded.
"Is there something you need, Senior?"
Barbara hesitated briefly before speaking.
"What I'm about to say might hurt you, but it is the truth."