School Transmigration: I, Chosen as the Saint by Dragons at the Start

43  Chapter43-The Origin of Eerie

"You are indeed very intelligent," Elwin said, somewhat surprised.

Owen shrugged nonchalantly, explaining, "Back in the magic shop, you appeared so quickly and had all the necessary tools at hand. It was easy to guess you were right beside the professor who turned into Eerie."

Elwin, intrigued, urged, "Go on."

Owen's brow furrowed slightly as he confidently stated, "The side effect of the 'Soul Ascension Forbidden Technique' is that it pulls creatures from the abyss into the body, turning the practitioner into an Eerie."

"That's why the professor warned me not to pry into the 'Soul Ascension Forbidden Technique' initially."

Kendo chuckled softly, "A saint indeed, with a keen mind and unrivaled talent. Your guess is quite accurate."

"But why, knowing the side effects of the 'Soul Ascension Forbidden Technique', do the academy's professors still persist in practicing it?" Owen still found it puzzling. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Elwin, lips pursed, eyes gleaming with a longing light, explained, "Owen, it's about becoming a god! It's about completely transforming the level of one's existence."

"You, as a dragon with thousands, even tens of thousands of years of lifespan, naturally wouldn't understand."

"Immortality is a very attractive word for the powerful. So those professors, even knowing that there's a precipice ahead, still step forward without hesitation."

Owen fell silent, realizing he might have been a bit insensitive. The human race on the Novalia continent is quite unique. They are strong, almost on par with the advanced races. But humans have a fatal flaw – their short lifespan. Even someone like Kendo, one of the strongest mages of the human race and headmaster of the academy, has a lifespan of just two or three hundred years. The allure of becoming a god and achieving immortality is indeed immense.

"How many Eeries are there in total?" Owen asked.

"374. The one I have here is the 374th Eerie."

"So many?" Owen frowned, "Didn't the professors leave behind any useful information?"

"Except for the professor who created this forbidden technique, all others who studied it turned into Eeries, without exception. Once they become Eeries, their souls are completely taken over by abyssal creatures. How could they leave any information?"

"Why don't you think about burning the 'Soul Ascension Forbidden Technique' to prevent future harm?"

"It's still a treasure of the academy. It would be a pity to burn it. Besides, some professors in the academy disagree…"

"Heh, it's just that those people can't let go of their selfish desires, right?" Owen sneered, without further mockery. After all, the 'Soul Ascension Forbidden Technique' was now in his space ring.

Elwin pretended not to catch the sarcasm in Owen's words, "It's considered a last resort. Most professors choose this path only when they are on the brink of death."

While they were conversing, Erin ran over and squeezed into Owen's arms, "Master, I thought you were dead. It was really scary just now."

Owen stroked Erin's hair, grinning, "You should know who I am. Besides, here in the academy, the professors wouldn't let anything happen to me."

Erin quickly turned to thank the professors.

Finn seized the opportunity to introduce himself in front of Owen, "Saint, I am Finn Laine, the Second Prince of the Laine Kingdom. You can call me Laine."

"Hello," Owen responded, somewhat indifferently.

"Saint..."

Before he could finish, Owen interrupted, "Just call me Owen."

"...Ahem, Mr. Owen, I have some private matters I'd like to discuss with you. Do you have a moment?"

Owen, already aware of what Finn had in mind, declined outright, "I'm a bit tired today, let's talk some other time."

He bid farewell to the professors and the headmaster, and returned to the tower block. Finn, upon seeing this, couldn't help feeling a bit dejected. Yet, driven by his ambitions, he remained determined to persuade Owen to join his team.

After Finn left, Kendo finally said, "Issue instructions to the academic affairs office to lift the alarm."

"Yes."

"Also, Elwin, I need you to take on a tough task today. Escort Eerie to the containment facility. Keeping it in the academy is not safe."

"Understood. Number 374 Eerie has been severely injured by Owen, meeting the criteria for containment."

The group fell into silence, each reflecting on the recent clash where both Owen and Eerie were left battered. Owen had joined the academy less than half a year ago and was already able to confront an Eerie. His terrifying strength and even more potential were now a focus of everyone's attention.

Eldrich's eyes flickered, breaking the silence, "Headmaster, the age of chaos has begun. Shouldn't our Grand Magus Academy start looking for a way out?"

"A way out? You mean to form an alliance with the Dragon Race?" Kendo asked, his tone leisurely, not looking at Eldrich.

"I believe the Dragon Race has a brighter future than the Angel Race," Eldrich stated candidly.

"Less of such talk in the future. Our human race never participates in racial conflicts. That's how we've grown from weakness to strength over thousands of years," Kendo said, his eyes flashing, seemingly unruffled by the chaotic times.

With Kendo's response, Eldrich chose not to say more.

The following days became routine, with Owen continuing his diligent studies. He absorbed knowledge like a sponge in the Grand Magus Academy's library.

There were two significant changes. The first was that wherever Owen went, he became the center of attention. Students, regardless of age, would silently make way for him, and even those engaged in lively conversations would fall silent upon his approach, resuming only after he had left. Ever since he crushed Joey of the Angel Race in front of the headmaster, he had become a feared figure among his peers. That moment had clearly left a deep impression on them.

Owen enjoyed the solitude; after all, socializing wasn't what he sought. Becoming stronger was the only truth in this world, as evident from the changes in his classmates' attitudes.

The second notable change involved the esteemed Second Prince of the Laine Kingdom. Finn was a shining figure in the academy, being a royal prince. Many students sought to connect with this influential figure.

Among the myriad students of the academy, Finn had eyes only for Owen. He clung to Owen like a persistent shadow, gradually becoming his "sidekick." Whether in class or training, Finn was always the first to find Owen, asking him to do various tasks. Initially, Owen was resistant, but he couldn't deny Finn's usefulness. A second prince came with resources beyond the reach of ordinary people, so Owen allowed Finn to stay by his side. Finn ran errands for Owen, buying materials, organizing books, and even tidying up his room. No matter how tiring or difficult the task, Finn undertook it silently without complaint.

In the library, Owen sat quietly at a desk, engrossed in an ancient and complex magical tome. Just then, a series of light footsteps approached. Owen looked up to see Finn smiling as he walked towards him.

"Hey, Mr. Owen, need me to find some materials for you?" Finn asked enthusiastically.

Owen responded without expression, "I need some information on spatial magic."

Finn's eyebrows raised, instantly understanding Owen's request, and nodded without hesitation. He quickly started searching the nearby shelves, while Owen continued to focus on his reading.

After a while, Finn found the materials Owen needed and walked straight to Owen's table. He placed the materials on the table in front of Owen and said with a friendly smile, "I hope these materials are helpful to you. If there's anything else you need, just let me know. I'll do my best to assist you, Mr. Owen!"

"Okay."

It was only as the sun set and the evening light streamed through the windows that Owen emerged from the book "Introduction to the Basics of Spatial Magic." Finn stood by Owen's side, like a loyal guardian.

Seeing Owen close his book, Finn immediately flashed a smile, "Mr. Owen, are you going to have dinner?"

Owen waved his hand slightly and let out a deep breath, "For these two months, you've been constantly by my side. Honestly, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't moved."

Finn's eyes lit up, filled with anticipation. "My efforts over these two months haven't been in vain!"

Owen paused in thought, then looked earnestly at Finn, "I can help you."

If it weren't for his status as a prince, Finn might have jumped up in excitement. With Owen's assistance in the secret realm, his chances of outperforming his brothers exceeded eighty percent!

"Thank you, sir..."

"Don't thank me yet. Although I'm willing to help, it's not unconditional," Owen interjected.

Finn promptly replied, "You can set any conditions. As long as it's within my power, I'll fulfill them."

"Good, let's establish three rules. First, our relationship is limited to cooperation within the secret realm. I have no interest in your royal family's power struggles."

"No problem," Finn answered quickly.

"Second, since this is an employment relationship, you must offer me terms that I find compelling."

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