The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Chapter 1293 - 380: Colin's "Opportunistic Theft" (Part 4)

At least for this moment, the proud Duchess seemed to have completely forgotten about social status and was utterly captivated by the brilliance called "wisdom".

Watching Ophelia, who was immersed in the ocean of academics and had even forgotten her own existence, Luo Yan nodded approvingly from a distance.

Very good.

It seems she has gradually come to understand the joy of being submerged in the sea of knowledge, a pleasure that makes one feel like soaring to the heavens yet unable to stop.

The Demon King's biggest threat—

-1!

...

The night was deep, and the professors and students of the Tower of Great Sage had all returned to the dormitory tower, except for one sneaky figure who took the elevator up to the rarely visited upper floors, and swiftly walked to a study at the end of a corridor.

Unlike the bright and vibrant atmosphere of the "Magic Science" laboratory, this place was clearly a study, yet the light was oppressively dim.

The air was filled with the scent of rare ebony and some peculiar incense, heavy velvet curtains blocking all natural light from outside, only a few Magic-powered wall lamps cast their dim glow over the low-key yet luxurious furnishings.

It did not resemble a scholar's study but more like a secret room for a power wielder to weave conspiracies.

A middle-aged Mage with a refined appearance and deep eyes was leisurely sitting behind a vast ebony desk.

This man was none other than the backer of Professor Merk and the president of the Thorne Association, which controlled the shadows that spread like a web throughout the entire High Tower—Professor Arist Thorne.

At this moment, he was gently swirling a Crystal Cup in his hand, savoring the blood-like red liquid inside, with a contented expression as if the troubles of the world had nothing to do with him.

Although he spent most of his time meditating and cultivating the "Breathing and Exhaling Technique" learned from the Void Realm, he occasionally took some time to imitate the Nobles of the Rhode Kingdom and enjoy life.

"Professor."

Merk, standing in front of the desk, lowered his head in respect, not daring to look directly at Professor Arist who was leisurely tasting his wine.

His voice carried a barely noticeable tremor, and after receiving a nod of permission, he continued speaking in a low voice.

"Just now, Professor Hector found me…"

He dared not hide anything, repeating Hector's intentions word for word.

That prominent Prince Colin wanted to take over the 178th Void Realm which had reached its end!

Hector had come to consult him, the "person in charge", hoping he would willingly comply with the Prince's curiosity—since the Void Realm was of no use to him anymore, besides there's someone willing to "take the blame".

As he quietly relayed Hector's request, Merk's heart was racing.

As for the reason, it was naturally due to excitement.

Having botched everything, he had prepared for the worst, perhaps being forever cut off from the Void Realm, yet just when all hope seemed lost, the situation turned… an arrogant Imperial Noble, was planning to take over his mess.

He desperately wanted to immediately agree to Hector's request, yet he was merely the nominal person in charge, without the authority to make decisions.

He could only use the excuse of needing time to consider carefully to send Hector back to await news, while he hurried to report to the true master of the Void Realm.

Upon hearing this unexpected news, Professor Arist's leisurely wine-tasting motion ceased slightly, his cloudy eyes squinting slightly, a look of surprise and amusement on his face.

Taking over the 178th Void Realm?

That's truly… an unexpected development.

He gently placed the goblet back on the desk, producing a crisp sound as it touched the ebony surface, while gazing at Merk, who dared not speak, and fell into thought.

The ink on the Council of Sages' risk warning notice had not yet dried, its contents subtly suggesting that the prince's "aggressive strategy" carried great risk.

Yet, he seemed to ignore it, not only failing to restrain himself in the 440th Void Realm's research but actively choosing to take over the troublesome 178th Void Realm instead?

"Interesting, hehe… truly interesting."

How arrogant!

And how foolish!

A mocking smile appeared on Arist's face.

The Prince seemed completely unaware that the apparent "exception" granted by the Great Sage was essentially setting him up for failure.

Everyone was just waiting for him to make a mistake.

With just a slight misstep, the conservatives in the High Tower would seize the rare opportunity to take the 440th Void Realm away from him!

Arist's gaze deepened, a hint of greed emerged from behind his cloudy eyes.

For him, the 178th Void Realm was already a failed investment, utterly useless.

That Prince Colin was willing to assume responsibility for such a "hot potato", it was nothing but advantageous for him!

As long as Colin failed in the 178th Void Realm project, the 440th Void Realm could rightfully be offered as "compensation" to Master Merk!

As for the chance of Colin's success… it was almost impossible!

According to Merk's research report, the civilization behind the 178th Void Realm had completely discarded spiritualism, becoming extreme materialists.

They not only lacked any faith but viewed the mysteries of the Outer Realm as Evil Spirits, even purging their peers who awakened to Extraordinary Power as traitors.

This civilization had absolutely no chance of redemption, and the collapse of the Void Realm passage was merely a matter of time!

Time could be accelerated, but it could never be reversed!

He lifted his eyes, gazing at the still-anxious Merk before him, and made a decision in an indisputable gentle tone.

"Merk, you did well, not agreeing immediately was correct."

He first offered a gentle reassurance to slightly relax Merk's tense nerves, then changed his tone to deliver the final instruction.

"Go and tell Professor Hector that after thorough consideration, you believe Prince Colin's enthusiasm to relieve the Academic State's burdens is commendable. For the overall interest of the Academic State, and not to disappoint such a genius's passion, you agree to transfer your opportunity to him."

"However—"

"You must participate in the research, witnessing the experiment firsthand, rather than waiting outside for the results."

Arist's voice paused, the smile on his lips deepening, and he added slowly:

"Remember, your demeanor must be noble, ensuring he sees… the sweat you've poured into the 178th Void Realm, and the affection you have for that world."

"Yes! Professor!"

Merk, as if granted amnesty, immediately relaxed his tensed body. He humbly bowed deeply, and when he turned to leave, his steps were a lot lighter than when he came.

The study returned to silence.

Arist picked up the Crystal Cup again, gently swirling the blood-red liquid inside, a cold smile slowly spreading across his lips.

He was eager to see how this naive yet arrogant prince would walk into the web he had intricately woven…

At that moment, the hand holding the goblet froze slightly.

That refined and handsome face twisted unnaturally on one side of the cheek, as if suffering a stroke.

But it was clearly not a stroke.

His lips twitched slightly in a neurotic manner, spitting out a raspy whisper in a tone that was bizarre and completely unlike his own.

"You've done well… get that dangerous guy out of here! I can't stand his stink, he just disgusts me."

That mysterious voice from who knows where resounded in his mind again.

And it seemed to be not just in his mind!

Arist's gaze sharpened suddenly, flashing a trace of madness and struggle, but he forcibly suppressed it. He gritted his teeth, squeezing out two words from between them.

"Shut up… I didn't do this for you!"

"And—"

"Get out of my head!"

The tightly shut curtains stirred without wind!

Arist vaguely saw a shadow through the window glass, like a startled spider, it slipped into the curtain's gap and crawled into the impenetrable night…

That eerie sensation vanished instantly, and his contorted face returned to normal, as if everything that had just happened was a mere illusion.

In the study, only Arist's somewhat rapid breaths were heard, along with the increasingly enticing crimson in the cup.

Everything was like an illusion.

Whether it was the mysterious voice or his crazed soliloquy…