The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Chapter 1251 - 370: An Unexpected Complication (4)

"...I knew that Prince was just a show-off! Great, now he's messed things up, hasn't he!"

Finn looked up in confusion, staring at the senior, especially not understanding the "see, I'm really smart" expression on his face.

You didn't say that before...

Failing to register the confusion in Finn's eyes, Kurs felt his criticism wasn't sharp enough and hadn't caught Ilana's attention, so he added another sentence.

"Talking about Platinum Level strength, I wonder if it's true. No one's going to test a Prince's strength, are they? Has anyone seen him use magic above Bronze Level in class? As for Science, I think it's a waste of time!"

His baseless speculation managed to draw Ilana's attention.

She gently put down the book in her hand and spoke in a tone that left no room for argument.

"Senior Kurs, I believe Master Colin must have his reasons for doing this. As for your criticism of his theories... if you feel it's a waste of time, why not spend your time on more valuable things?"

Kurs's face stiffened.

Of course, he was too embarrassed to admit he didn't want to listen to that boring science class at all, and the only reason he went was because someone else was in that class.

But more than the difficult explanation, he was furious that a mere Preparatory Student would dare to challenge him, a Mage.

"Ha, already speaking up for him, huh? Seems like you've developed quite quickly," Kurs uttered a sarcastic remark in a fit of anger, "But it makes sense; after all, he gave you so many benefits. Am I right? Assistant Ilana, or should I consider a different title for you?"

He regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth, but it was too late to take them back, and doing so would make him lose face.

Ilana looked at Kurs in shock, her gaze first filled with surprise, then turning to a hint of pity, "What happened for you to become this way?"

Seeing the atmosphere turn sour, Finn hurriedly tried to mediate.

"Everyone calm down... Master Colin's approach is indeed a bit... uh, inappropriate? But I think Ilana is right; he isn't obligated to disclose research details to outsiders, is he? It's his research... As for the benefits, I believe Ilana isn't defending him because of that—"

"Enough!"

Kurs, swollen with jealousy, roughly interrupted Finn's words, puffing out his chest, presenting himself as a defender of truth.

"I've always been this way! I'm glad you get to know me anew. Also, this is the Academic State, not the Holy City! Not the Rhode Kingdom's castle! Whether a Prince or a Duke, to me, they're all just scholars, and no one is beyond criticism!"

The noisy commotion drew dissatisfied glances.

Though Kurs kept his voice low, it still reached the ears of nearby apprentices engrossed in self-study.

What he said wasn't wrong theoretically; in the Academic State, one doesn't need to care about status, at least nominally, but that doesn't mean they have to listen to an incompetent ranting guy.

Ilana was amused by Kurs's hypocritical rhetoric.

He didn't realize he wasn't just offending Prince Colin, but also those interested in his theories.

She retorted incisively.

"Then at least criticize specific issues, or do you have better ideas, like how exactly to research the Void Realm, instead of dismissing everything with baseless guesses."

She paused, her gaze turning icier, like the howling winter wind outside the Tower of Great Sage.

"Also, don't think so highly of yourself; you dare to speak like this only because Prince Colin is very nice, even if you badmouth him behind his back, he won't retaliate. Making harsh remarks in the safest place is no heroic deed. I wish you'd have the same guts in front of Professor Hector; he's not a Duke or a Prince, so feel free to criticize him boldly."

"I..."

Kurs's face flushed red instantly, stubbornly standing his ground despite his inner insecurity.

"I, how would I know how to research the Void Realm? I'm just an apprentice without a chance to even touch that thing! And... why would I criticize Professor Hector? I think everything he does is right! I wouldn't be able to praise him enough!"

Finn dared not try to mediate anymore.

Ilana was right; Prince Colin is indeed good and never makes things difficult for students, but Professor Hector is another story.

Regarding how petty the old man is, even among us newcomers, such rumors spread.

Word has it that last month, a young man was punished to clean an entire Magic Potion laboratory for merely privately complaining about too many tasks.

And he wasn't allowed to use Demon Statues or rely on Magic's strength.

Seeing Kurs's cowardly yet stubborn appearance, the last trace of disdain flashed in Ilana's eyes, tossing a sarcastic remark.

"Is that so? Even if he made you lie in the snow like a dog, claiming it's 'training your will'? And at last hypocritically saying it's for your own good? Winter recruitment isn't something new after the first day; don't tell me you entered three years ago with a recommendation letter, spared from experiencing Professor Hector's kindness."

Her voice wasn't loud, yet it clearly reached Kurs's ears.

"At least... Prince Colin thinks that's wrong!"

Those were his words in the first class, though many apprentices don't remember or have long forgotten them.

Once finished, Ilana no longer looked at Kurs's face, which had turned bloodless due to anger, neatly packed her book, and left without a backward glance.