Chapter 374: Heading to the Eastern Realms

This grand chamber was entirely different from the localized portal room he had used to travel to his home world. Because thousands of students and faculty members utilized these specific gateways simultaneously, the chamber was massive, featuring a towering, permanent runic archway that crackled with stabilizing blue energy.

The three old men were standing near the active portal, loudly bickering with each other.

Solomon walked closer and heard the Grandmaster yelling. "Why are you even still here, Cedric?! You are not traveling to the Eastern Realms! You should have gone back to Mistril an hour ago!"

"Ohohoho!Cedric threw his head back and laughed out loud. "I have come to properly see off my dear, old friend whom I have not seen in over a decade! I cannot just leave without a proper farewell!"

[Vaelen: the grumpy GM and the jolly wizard.]

[trenthay: they act like an old married couple.]

[Joshua_Swofford: the trio is so chaotic.]

Cedric and Sword Pavilion Master Wu turned to each other and flawlessly executed their signature, echoing handshake. The Grandmaster crossed his arms and shook his head, looking exhausted, as if he already knew exactly what was coming next.

Cedric and Wu burst into laughter, pointing their fingers directly at the Grandmaster.

"Look at him, Wu!" Cedric mocked loudly. "We are out here traveling the realms, doing exactly what we want, pursuing our passions, researching arcane mysteries, and constantly growing stronger! Meanwhile, Gustav is permanently stuck behind a desk stamping paperwork!"

"It is a true tragedy!" Wu agreed, wiping a fake tear from his eye. "If this bureaucratic nightmare continues, we might just surpass him and become significantly stronger than the great Grandmaster!"

The Grandmaster scoffed, his eye twitching. "Never in a million years. Neither of you has ever won a single spar against me in your entire lives, and you never will. You can continue dreaming in your respective towers."

[Name_Not_Listed: GM pulling rank!]

[Grapers: the lore goes deep. GM is secretly the strongest.]

[Eric_Shepherd: I want to see them fight so bad.]

[Frendscham: old man banter is the best.]

The playful atmosphere suddenly shifted. Cedric dropped his booming laugh, his expression turning entirely serious as he looked at the Sword Pavilion Master.

"Be incredibly careful regarding what is currently happening in the Eastern Realms, Wu," Cedric warned, his voice dropping. "The shadows are moving faster than we anticipated."

Wu nodded firmly, his own demeanor hardening into that of a seasoned warlord. "There is no need to worry, Cedric. As long as the Azure Dragon Sect stands, and the Pavilion Masters hold the line, no evil force can shake the foundation of the Eastern Realms."

Wu then turned to Gustav, silently expecting his oldest friend to say something meaningful before his departure.

The Grandmaster remained perfectly still, acting grumpy and behaving like a stubborn tsundere. He looked away, refusing to make eye contact, and simply muttered, "Just make sure you take proper care of Solomon."

Wu and the Grandmaster briefly locked eyes, an unspoken understanding passing between them. They both knew exactly what context that simple request carried.

"And Wu," the Grandmaster added, his tone softening slightly. "If the situation actually deteriorates, simply send word. The academy will immediately deploy reinforcements to handle the sect matters."

Wu offered a final, respectful nod and stepped backward, passing seamlessly through the glowing blue portal.

Solomon lingered behind for a few seconds. He looked at the Grandmaster and offered a genuine nod. "Thank you for everything, Grandmaster."

He then turned to Cedric, shifting awkwardly on his boots, unsure of exactly how to say goodbye to the eccentric wizard.

Cedric smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling behind his white beard. "Do not worry about Elizabeth, my boy. I will personally ensure she becomes an absolute master of her craft."

[Ron_Selby: W WIZARD!]

[TallicaStew: Cedric is the ultimate wingman.]

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[Dakota_Smith: Elizabeth is in good hands.]

[Ferald: Solo Man secured the bag for his girl.]

Solomon smiled, offered a respectful bow, and stepped through the portal, disappearing into the blue light to return to the Martial World.

Now, only the Grandmaster and Cedric remained in the chamber.

The Grandmaster turned on his heel and began walking toward the heavy exit doors. Cedric slowly followed behind him, his wooden staff tapping rhythmically against the stone floor.

"You need to be careful, Gustav," Cedric warned quietly.

The Grandmaster stopped walking. He turned around, a deeply confused and curious look crossing his face. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

"The Holy Empire is actively targeting the academy," Cedric revealed, his gaze piercing. "They will do everything in their political and militaristic power to tear this institution down."

"They have been desperately trying to do that for centuries, Cedric," the Grandmaster scoffed dismissively. "And they will never succeed as long as I am the Grandmaster of this academy."

"It is entirely different now," Cedric argued, stepping closer. "The Holy Empire has begun to make highly aggressive, unprecedented diplomatic moves. I heard from Wu about their recent attempt to claim the Azure Kingdom as their own. They wanted their influence in the Eastern Realms! They are actively forging dark deals and forming quiet alliances with the other realms and independent worlds ever since the sudden death of the previous Holy Emperor."

The Grandmaster narrowed his eyes. "What is there to worry about? I am here. The full might of the Live Streaming Academy is here. Our global allies are standing by. And most importantly... Balzac is here."

Cedric gripped his staff tightly. "You know exactly what I am talking about, Gustav. I am talking about Solomon. He is a Millennium Student. You know what that title entails. You know the catastrophic, world-breaking events that will inevitably follow in his wake."

The Grandmaster’s expression turned as cold and hard as his age.

"I am completely prepared for everything this time, Cedric," the Grandmaster stated, his voice echoing with absolute, terrifying conviction. "I swear to you, the same tragedy that befell the last Millennium Student will never occur again. Never."