Chapter 625 Shadi Cayetano (3)

’Are they acting like Research Institute No. 66 is the only one in the entire Feng Enliso Research Center?’

"Dean, why don’t you start by telling us about the report? What exactly does it say?"

Compared to before, however, a sense of foreboding had already started to grow in the Great Mages’ hearts.

’No way, right?’

’That Little Mage couldn’t have possibly produced a research report in just one month that’s as valuable as the "Source Characteristic Fusion" project, could he?’

’That’s... impossible!’

Otherwise, they, the Great Mages, would be too ashamed to show their faces in the entire Wizard School.

Josue looked at the Great Mages, whose expressions had subtly changed, and let out a few crisp laughs. "This report is incredibly valuable, enough to be compared to the ’Source Characteristic Fusion’ project."

"Not only that, but its appearance will have a massive impact on our Wizard School. It might even... even make the Mechanical School unable to sit still."

"Unfortunately, this report cannot be disclosed to you at this time."

"What!?"

"If it’s so valuable, why can’t it be disclosed?"

The Great Mages exchanged glances, their hearts filled with both shock and doubt.

They were shocked that Dean Josue had given it such a high evaluation. But that was also the source of their doubt. If it was truly so valuable, shouldn’t they, the heads of the research institutes, be allowed to see it?

"CLACK CLACK CLACK..."

Josue lowered his head slightly, the shadows casting his crystalline skull in darkness. Amidst his unstoppable laughter, he forced out a sentence with a grating sound: "Of course, it’s because your clearance is too low!"

"Ah?!"

"Clearance..."

"N-no way... Dean, are you saying that this report can only be viewed by Wizards at or above the Legendary rank?"

An older Great Mage, remembering something that had happened in the past, had his expression change drastically.

A similar situation had occurred before. It only ever happened when the Wizard School produced a major research breakthrough...

’Could it be that the value of the report on the table is truly as Josue said, enough to change the entire Wizard School?’

"That is the fact. You should all go back for now. I must contact the Boras Legend immediately and tell him about this."

Josue waved his hand, dismissing everyone present.

At that moment, he could finally relax.

’From now on, I can give more funding to Number 66, and I doubt anyone will object.’

’If anyone dares to question it, they can just produce a research report of the same caliber. If not... I’ll crush them!’

"This..."

"Alright, let’s wait for the results from the Boras Legend. If he approves it, we’ll naturally get to see it when it’s used to compete against the Shadow School."

"True, let’s head back for now..."

If it were truly as valuable as the Shadow School’s report, they believed the Boras Legend would make it public.

Likewise, if it didn’t have that value, the Wizard School would never have assigned it a Legendary-level viewing clearance.

For Great Mages like them who had lived for a very long time, it was just a matter of waiting another day.

Before long, only Josue and Teresa were left in the office.

"Please thank Director Wei’en for me, Teresa."

"I will."

Teresa’s face lit up with a smile. She knew their research institute was about to cause a stir throughout the entire Wizard School, and that Director Wei’en would finally establish a firm foothold.

’From now on, if anyone dares to slander Director Wei’en, I’ll have a reason to take action!’

"Dean, I also brought a Mechanical Undead and a Rune Array Board Card, just as the Director instructed. You should present them to Master Boras as well..."

"Excellent!"

Josue’s mood improved, and the bones of his face seemed to grow even more crystalline. He nodded and said, "Rest assured, no matter the outcome, what I just promised you will not change. From now on, the funding allocated to your research institute will be doubled, and all materials will be supplied with priority."

"Then I’ll thank you in advance on Director Wei’en’s behalf..."

"There’s no need for thanks. With the value of this report, I’m sure your family wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to invest in him, even if I didn’t say a thing, right?"

Teresa subconsciously adjusted her gold-framed glasses. "I wouldn’t know about that. After all, those are family decisions."

The two points of red light deep within Josue’s hollow eye sockets flickered slightly. He let out a few clacking laughs and said no more.

"Let’s leave it at that for now. I’ll inform you when there’s a result."

"Understood. Goodbye, Dean."

Teresa left Research Institute No. 1 in high spirits. ’Let’s see who dares to gossip about the Director now!’

However, although the Great Mages hadn’t seen the specific research report, from the moment they left, a rumor began to spread throughout the Ghost Soul School: "Wei’en, the new Director of the Research Institute, has produced a research report comparable to that of the Shadow School."

For a time, it wasn’t just the heads of the major research centers who were restless; even some Legendary Mages wanted to see its contents.

And the name Wei’en Loft once again resounded through the Ghost Soul School, becoming known to every Ghost Mage at a speed far exceeding the last incident with Caster...

...

...

「Aleksey Island, Shop District.」

Wei’en looked up at the black flame symbol before him, which matched the one on the chest of his Wizard Robe.

The passing sailors, pirates, and nobles all lowered their voices and slowed their steps when passing by the outposts of the several Wizard Schools here.

This behavior gave him a strange feeling.

’In their hearts, do the Wizard Schools command their respect?’

’Or is it fear!’

"That person... he looks familiar. I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before."

"Of course he’s familiar. His picture has appeared in the Cordo Gazette many times recently."