Chapter 28: The Church

Chapter 28

The Church

"Reversing images?" Nara didn’t understand what this situation entailed, but Lucien and the others knew how significant such a magic device was!

Typically, these devices were used to review critical events because they were prohibitively expensive and therefore not commonly used. However, the head of the Setter family had mentioned...bringing one to prove that one student had indeed intruded into another’s room!

Instead of focusing on the situation of the student who intruded into another’s room, now everyone was more intrigued by the fact that the Setter family was going to such lengths to assist a scholarship student!

"Isn’t Lord of the Setter family involving himself too much in the situation? Or is there actually a vested interest between him and this scholarship student? Or could it be that he is going to such lengths to tarnish my reputation?"

The renowned sage frowned deeply. This might have ended up with no one being culpable, or at worst, a minor punishment due to the lack of a clear conclusion. However, when the Setter family mentioned the "reversing images magic device," it equated to instant proof and accountability!

Lucien was furious that nothing seemed to be going his way. Why was it so difficult just to protect his only disciple, with all these unanticipated people getting involved?

It wasn’t just the head of the Setter family who came personally! He looked at Medik, who usually kept to himself and seldom interacted with others, even daring to play tricks on him today to help one kid. What was so special about this child!?

"That accusation would indeed clarify whether I am framing someone or if your scholarship student is genuinely at fault." Steven did not fear for Lucien’s power. Even though the other was a genius, didn’t his Setter family have one too?

"Hmph!" Lucien had never been so insulted. He gritted his teeth in anger. However, just when everyone thought the outcome was resolved, the door to the acting director’s office was knocked again.

"Who is it this time!!" Professor Regan was extremely irritated. It wasn’t just the head of the Setter family causing disruptions; now someone else too?

"De-Deputy Director Odin, people from the Church of Light are here," a student at the door shouted out while the door was pushed open as if the newcomer didn’t care about manners at all. He didn’t even give face to the number one institution because his status as a servant of God was evidently higher.

"Oh, have I come here rudely?" The face of the priest serving God showed a slight shock. However, after he finished speaking, a sly smile emerged clearly at the corner of his mouth as if enjoying the situation.

"Father Licharl," Not only Odin but also all the professors in the room had to stand up to pay respect to the other party, including Ellie and Nara.

The status of a priest in this kingdom was very high. They were powerful users of the element of light. For the citizens of this country, they must show utmost respect. If anyone were to oppose them, it would be tantamount to treason!

Ellie pursed her lips after encountering another mysterious character. Characters from the Church of Light also appeared in the novel. However, Lucien was the one to ensure that Nara wasn’t disturbed too much by them. To be accurate, Lucien was the one who disliked the Church of Light the most. He did not appreciate influencing people by faith and preferred to spread truth as a sage seeking knowledge.

However, it was Lucien’s duty to do so, so Nara was not drawn into the church’s beliefs. Yet, in this situation, things were quite different.

In the story, Nara would encounter these people in a couple of years, not until she demonstrated her powers clearly. At that time, the church would take interest. But currently, the church was meddling unnecessarily!

"Father Licharl, may we assist you in any way?" Odin, as the head of the institution, inquired.

"Hmm? Not at all. I merely wished to have a private conversation with Professor Lucien, but upon arriving, I found that he was with you, Odin. So, we came here to meet you all together. I didn’t expect to stumble upon such an interesting situation."

Odin’s eyebrows twitched uncontrollably. It seemed his office was not soundproof after all! Despite the soundproofing spell, both the head of the Setter family and Father Licharl claimed they "happened to overhear" the ongoing discussions.

If it weren’t for the high status of these two, Odin would really like to reprimand them for invading his privacy! ...In the future, he’d need to enhance the defensive magic in his office to prevent the inspections from high-level magic power, especially now that he didn’t expect such important figures to come here to eavesdrop!

"That’s regrettable," Odin managed only a resigned smile, despite his displeasure. The other party was a priest, and who was he to oppose?

"Lord of the Setter family, Acting Director, Professor Lucien, Professor Medik, regarding this incident, let’s say I’ve asked for it. Shouldn’t you all stop pursuing this matter to death? A single person’s mistake is something even God can forgive. So, I’d like you to forgive and start anew with compassion...Can you do that?" Despite his words, his gaze was stern.

Ellie clenched her fist secretly. She knew that once Father Licharl arrived, it would end this way. Despite always acting high and mighty, claiming to serve God, they ultimately used God as a pretext for their own purposes. Their real goal in establishing this church was to expand their power to do whatever they wanted!

Unlike Nara, who seemed to see a light ahead, she looked dreamily at the priests. If she became one of them, would she receive such respect too? Even if she did something wrong, no one could hold her accountable. This...seemed to be what she was looking for, wasn’t it?

However, the priests didn’t even glance at her. They only had eyes for her Professor Lucien. Nara could only bow her head again, humbly. She was determined! From now on, she would follow her professor and become someone that these priests were interested in!

Regan and Gwen exchanged looks, both seemingly displeased with the outcome. However, they couldn’t do anything about it. Meanwhile, Odin felt very satisfied; he wanted the result to be just this. When he heard a neutral party with authority speak like this, he was undoubtedly very pleased.

"Father Licharl speaks correctly. Given such guidance, I shall certainly judge this situation based on the teachings of God," Odin turned to the two students.

"Let this matter go since it has caused no harm, but I assure you I will improve the security measures for you. And do not stir any more troubles next time," Odin concluded, refusing to even look at Medik. He avoided the stern gazes of both Medik and the head of the Setter family, then turned to appease the important priest.

"You may go now. Allow me to welcome Father Licharl," Odin gestured with his hand. Many hesitated to leave, but the presence in front of them was not someone they could simply talk back to. Seeing Father Licharl so insistent, both Medik and the Setter family’s head had to walk out.

Lucien was the last to leave with his disciple, his teeth clenched in anger. He knew why Father Licharl had intervened on their behalf—it was because the other party wanted him to serve the church! If in a normal situation, it would be hard to earn a favor from him. Perhaps they had listened until they found he was in a tight spot and thus appeared, pretending that without them, Lucien would definitely face trouble!

"I once respected you as one of those who adhere to ideals and honor, but today has shown me I was wrong about you," Medik stood waiting outside the room, not leaving. He looked disdainfully at Lucien coming out.

"I used to think you disliked complications; today has shown me I was wrong about that, too," Lucien retorted. He looked back at his former classmate who was always quiet and often secluded himself in the corner. Today, he had changed significantly. Yet...he couldn’t say it was a change for the worse.

"Huh," Medik shook his head. The other had no correct argument, so he resorted to this.

The professor’s beautiful face was full of disgust. He had once thought all men disgusting but made an exception for Lucien, a genius who always followed his ideals. He had seen how priests pursued Lucien, who had refused them. He had seen Lucien ignore matters of power but pursue his studies until he returned to this institution to do what he believed in. Medik had great respect for him, but not anymore!

As the tall man led his only female student out to leave, Lucien bit his lip slightly before saying aloofly,

"Next time, I will not let such an incident occur." As he finished, Medik paused—a signal to Lucien that the other had heard—thus, he turned back and led Nara away.

Medik glanced briefly at Lucien. He didn’t expect that at this point, the other would finally admit his mistakes. But seeing Nara who stealthily watched them, Medik’s gaze became stern again.

"Scholarship student, do you have any other business? I came here to discuss a mission sent to the institution. Perhaps you might want to join to earn extra points?" The head of the Setter family called to Ellie, asking her to stay.

Medik paused his stride before nodding at Ellie. He felt pleased that his student had the opportunity to earn extra points from undertaking missions, not just from plant cultivation alone. Given that the points from plants were uncertain and time-consuming, even when he had graduated, he still had to spend much time on missions.

"I recommend that you take on these missions. In the future, you should accept more to earn points as well."

"I understand, Professor." Even though Medik didn’t put it that way, she felt it necessary to speak with this head of the Setter family.

The other party had come to this institution and repeatedly stepped forward to help her. She felt that this great Lord of the Setter family might be able to link her identity with that of a mage. Initially, she feared that his presence here might ruin all her plans, but seeing how he helped her, Ellie was confident that the Setter family was far from foolish.

It must be said that they were indeed the high-ranking nobility!"Then please come this way," Steven smiled after seeing that Ellie was willing to accompany him. They headed to an open area where the head of the Setter family once again made a grand gesture by using a barrier between people from the Setter family and Ellie, preventing anyone from overhearing what they were about to discuss, ensuring utmost privacy!