The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Chapter 1335 - 391: Let's Not Let the Council Think We're Too Forward

Colin...

That name again.

A slight crack appeared on the humble mask of Arist's face in an instant.

He raised his head in bewilderment, almost blurting out in retort.

"Why?"

His heart was full of shock and anger.

A prince of the Empire who has been here in the Academic State for less than half a year, why would the Council of Sages entrust such tremendous power into his hands!

Even to balance the factions within the thirteen Mage Towers, there are plenty of seasoned, neutral scholars in the state to choose from!

And why... why him?

Arist's heart roared silently, unable to discern whether he was envious of those rich resources or simply jealous of that guy getting everything he dreamed of in such a short time.

Twenty years ago, as the most outstanding new-generation Void Realm researcher of this Mage Tower and the only mage who advanced to Diamond Level through resources in the Void Realm, no one doubted his academic talent and status.

Yet even for a genius like him, it took a full five years to get his first Void Realm of his own!

And——

The most difficult thing for him to accept was that the proposal to reutilize those frozen resources was submitted by him to the council!

Faced with Arist's almost lost inquiry, Dousuke just smiled kindly, his tone gentle.

"Didn't he do well?"

That understated sentence was like a heavy blow, hard hitting Arist's self-esteem, leaving him speechless.

Seemingly anticipating his reaction, the Great Sage's voice became heavy and heartfelt.

"Arist, sometimes we need to learn to look ahead, give the young more opportunities. I know you might feel dissatisfied with such arrangements, which is why I particularly tell you privately... hoping you understand."

Arist remained silent.

He slowly bowed his head, hiding all the unwillingness and venom into the shadows, fists clenched unconsciously.

Focused on tending to the plants, Dousuke seemed not to see Arist's clenched fists.

He put down the scissors, took the nearby watering can, and leisurely watered the silver moon grass beside him with the sweet spring filled with the moon's essence.

"I know you have always been proud," he did not turn around, his tone remained common and kind, yet seemingly seeing his face, "Seeing a young person so easily stand on the platform you once strived for relentlessly, your heart inevitably feels waves."

Arist suddenly loosened his fists, humbly lowering his head.

"Master, you exaggerated, I did not..."

"No need to explain, I can understand," Dousuke gently smiled, his voice carrying a bit of an elder's warmth and a bit of advice.

"But I still have to say, your perspective should be broader. Prince Colin is a noble of the Empire and a rare genius, these two identities seldom appear in the same person. Building good relations with him benefits both you and our Source Magic School. Being more tolerant towards him is an investment for our future... you know, I always see you as my successor, why fuss over such a small gain and loss?"

If it was ten years ago, hearing this sentence would hardly hide the joy on Arist's face.

But he's heard this sentence for ten years already, even with meticulous pretenses, it was hard to show an excited expression.

Dousuke put down the crystal pot in his hand, finally turned around, still wearing a gentle smile as if talking about a trivial family affair.

"Let's not talk about this. I called you today not only to inform you of the council's arrangement but also for another matter."

Arist did not speak, silently waiting for the Great Sage to continue.

Dousuke paused, continued.

"Recently, Brass Pass is in a critical situation, the Empire hopes I can go and help, I need to leave the Academic State for a while, probably not back until next month."

Arist, absent-mindedly, casually asked

"... Is it serious?"

"Not serious, just going to help, might not even need my intervention."

Speaking here, Dousuke chuckled, the originally stern tone suddenly relaxed again.

"This year's All Souls Festival is approaching, by custom, our Source Magic School is responsible for this Maze Trial. I heard you have been quite close to the apprentices recently, why not take full charge of it, just consider it as a relaxation."

The Maze Trial differs from the Wise Man's Trial, the latter being the graduation assessment for magic apprentices, while the former is more akin to a student sporting event.

Though some professors or masters might select favored magic apprentices from the festival for cultivation, someone like Arist, who wields real power as an academic gatekeeper, shows little interest in such activities.

It's much like the annual winter enrollment.

After all, he doesn't need like Professor Hector to bury himself in academia while striving to prove his presence in the Tower of Great Sage.

However——

Arist suddenly raised his head, an almost imperceptible spark flashed in those eyes hidden in shadows.

Right...

He has been busy accumulating the power of faith lately, almost forgetting the Maze Trial was such a big event.

He immediately recalled Skein's report from a few days ago——a talented apprentice under Colin seemed to have encountered trouble.