Chapter 108: Chapter 108: The Treasure Location!
Dean Bruce chuckled lightly and replied, "My abilities are limited. If you can't accomplish it, I doubt I could either."
"No, no, no," Cyb Louis sighed. "The lower your power, the easier it is to do that task. Besides, once you become a mentor at the Saint Laurent Academy, your status will naturally shield you from suspicion."
Hearing this, Dean Bruce could roughly guess what Cyb Louis wanted him to do.
It was nothing more than to investigate matters occurring within the academy!
It seemed that the Saint Laurent Academy was no longer entirely under the control of the Nine Provinces Alliance.
As he pondered this, Dean Bruce didn't let it show. He shook his head and said, "That won't work. What if I make a mistake and get expelled? I'm counting on delving deeper into my studies at the advanced magic academy!"
"…"
Cyb Louis raised an eyebrow, picking up on Dean Bruce's implications. He immediately smiled and said, "Don't worry; it won't be that serious. Furthermore, if you help me, I can grant you the title of advanced mentor, which would certainly make your life at the academy much easier."
"On top of that, I can provide you with a monthly stipend. How does that sound?"
"What kind of stipend?" Dean Bruce asked directly.
"Opportunities to train in the Secret Realm," Cyb Louis replied with a smile. "I know Biber Parson secured you one chance, but my offer is that you can enter every month! Given your current level, access to the Secret Realm for training is worth much more to you than anything else."
At this, Dean Bruce felt a surge of interest.
Of course, he wasn't naive. He understood that if Cyb Louis was willing to offer such generous benefits, the task would likely be quite difficult. But, as they say, fortune favors the bold!
Taking a deep breath, Dean Bruce said, "As long as I'm not discovered, I will help you. If I am discovered, I will halt the plan!"
"Good, no problem!" Cyb Louis readily agreed, smiling as he added, "As for the Secret Realm that Biber mentioned, I'm afraid you'll have to wait a bit. You came at an unfortunate time; it just opened yesterday, and the next opportunity is nearly ten days away."
"Understood." Dean Bruce maintained a calm expression, which surprised Cyb Louis. Curiously, he asked, "Aren't you anxious? The Secret Realm represents a significant opportunity for you!"
"What's the point of being anxious? It won't change anything. I'd rather use this time to do other things."
Dean Bruce's words put Cyb Louis into deep thought.
After a while, he took out a piece of white paper from his pocket. The paper was filled with densely packed text and some red handprints. He said softly, "This is a courtyard I have lying idle. Although it's a bit small, it can comfortably accommodate a few people. Since we've met today, I don't have any gifts for you."
"This courtyard is yours now; the deed is all here, and there will be no issues."
At this, Dean Bruce couldn't help but feel a bit surprised.
Were the wealthy in this world so generous?
To give away an entire property upon their first meeting!
Even if properties weren't particularly valued in this world, buying one would still cost a pretty penny.
Without refusing, Dean Bruce accepted the deed with a faint smile and said, "Since you're being so gracious, Lord Cyb, I won't push it away. If you need anything in the future, feel free to let me know."
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," he added.
"Leaving so soon?"
Cyb Louis looked a bit surprised and said softly, "I was thinking of having someone show you around."
"No need; there will be other opportunities," Dean Bruce replied, shaking his head. "I'll be on my way now. Until next time."
For Dean Bruce, the Nine Provinces Alliance felt like a den of tigers and dragons. Given that his strength wasn't particularly high at the moment, he didn't want to stay here too long.
If he ran into someone assigned to assassinate him, it would be a big problem!
Cyb Louis didn't insist further and smiled as he escorted Dean Bruce out of the office, this time not following him outside.
Dean Bruce didn't mind. After putting away the deed, he strode confidently out, quickly reaching the entrance.
Seeing Dean Bruce and Cyb Louis engaged in light-hearted conversation, the escort who had been responsible for guiding him finally showed a fawning smile. Along with a few other guards, they respectfully bowed as they watched Dean Bruce call over Nicholas William to leave.
Noticing this, Nicholas William couldn't help but exclaim, "Teacher, I feel like you gain respect and recognition wherever you go!"
"Because of strength," Dean Bruce replied calmly. "Now, let's get out of the city. I'm looking forward to discovering what that treasure you mentioned really hides!"
"Heh, I won't let you down, teacher!"
Nicholas William scratched his head, ending the conversation as they quickened their pace toward the city gate.
Exiting the city posed no restrictions. The two mounted their horses and spurred them into a gallop, causing the mountains and trees along the road to blur past them.
With Nicholas William leading the way, Dean Bruce didn't have to worry too much. Instead, he opened the system panel to examine the treasure he had just received from Noah Hawthorne.
[Black and White Armor (SS-level treasure): When worn, this armor absorbs energy from sunlight or any light source while in bright conditions. Once charged to a certain level, it can unleash an attack on enemy targets or transform into a light shield to deflect any incoming damage.
In dim conditions, the armor absorbs dark energy, enabling the wearer to become invisible and increasing movement speed.]
[What a great find!]
Seeing the specific effects, Dean Bruce felt a surge of joy. Although it didn't enhance his overall power, its defensive and offensive capabilities, as well as its utility for escape, were immense. Not to mention, the quality of this treasure was exceptional; the armor could withstand a lot of damage!
As they traveled farther from Saint Laurent City, the number of people on the road dwindled. After about half an hour of racing, they encountered no other travelers, only the sounds of birds and distant beast roars.
Nicholas William's expression grew serious; he frequently paused to scan their surroundings, ensuring they were heading in the right direction before continuing on.
As the moonlight faded and dawn broke, Dean Bruce and Nicholas William had nearly crossed the entire forest. Finally, as the sun rose, they arrived at the edge.
It is said to be the edge, but in reality, there is a cliff.
Peering down carefully, Dean Bruce saw the shimmering surface of the water below, reflecting the rising sun. The orange glow gradually filled the entire world.
Continuing his gaze, he spotted an island amidst the flowing waters, featuring a large, completely white palace that appeared significantly worn and damaged.
"This palace is the treasure site you mentioned?"
Dean Bruce narrowed his eyes, feeling a thrill at the sight. Just by the size of the palace, he could imagine how many treasures it might hold!
The only puzzling aspect was that the island was surrounded by water, and they were currently on a cliff—how were they supposed to reach it?
Did they need to jump?
Nicholas William shared his excitement, grinning as he replied, "Yes! According to my memory of the treasure map, all the treasures are hidden inside that palace!"
"Right, I remember there are floating stone steps nearby. We can descend slowly using those, but they're quite small, so the horses won't be able to follow. Let's find a spot to tie them up first."
Dean Bruce didn't refuse. After all, they were surrounded by wilderness, and Firebolt wouldn't starve.
After securing their horses, Dean Bruce and Nicholas William began to walk around the cliff's edge, searching for the floating stone steps.
Not long into their search, Dean Bruce felt a slight shift beneath his feet. Looking down, he saw that the steps were covered in grass. Once triggered, the steps trembled slightly and began to rise, causing some grass to snap away.
"I found it! This is the kind of stone step!" Nicholas William exclaimed, excitement radiating from him as he stepped onto it.
Buzz—
A rumbling sound gradually echoed, and the stone step actually floated into the air, slowly lowering Dean Bruce and Nicholas William toward the opposite cliff.
In no time, the step brought them beside the cliff face, where they could clearly see a protruding rock.
Clearly, it was time to switch steps!
Without hesitation, Dean Bruce jumped onto the outcropping with Nicholas William, causing the original step to return along the path they had come.
The new step trembled beneath their feet, but Dean Bruce's attention was drawn back to the retreating step.
There was nothing unusual about it, nor did he sense any magical energy, which piqued his curiosity about how the movement between the steps was achieved.
Boom—
The step beneath them shook, reminding Dean Bruce to focus. He had to be cautious; a fall from such a height, even into water, could still be fatal!
Fortunately, the mechanism was not a trap. They continued to drift downward step by step, and as the sun fully rose, they finally landed safely on the island.