The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Chapter 1336 - 391: Don't Make the Council Think We're Too Presumptuous (Part 2)

Although this apprentice is insignificant in herself, she seems to have a close friend, who happens to be the daughter of the Castelion family.

And coincidentally, this daughter is also Colin's apprentice.

Furthermore, he vaguely remembers hearing Skein mention that the Duke of Castellion personally entrusted this person to Colin.

A surge of ecstatic joy instantly dispelled all jealousy and resentment in Arist's heart, replaced by a twisted, venomous thought.

This is a perfect opportunity.

Colin ultimately does not belong to the Academic State; the Holy City is his "home."

If trouble breaks out in the backyard, surely he won't be able to leisurely stay in the Northern Wilderness doing his laughable research...

He must bear the wrath of the Castelion family first!

"Arist? Are you listening to me?" Seeing his student seemingly lost in thought, Dousuke glanced at him with concern.

Meeting the concerned gaze of the Great Sage, Arist quickly came back to his senses, responding respectfully and obediently.

"Master... I am contemplating your proposal. Although I would love to personally relieve you of your worries, as you said, we should give more opportunities to the young."

He paused and spoke again.

"I want to recommend someone."

"Oh?" Dousuke smiled gently and said, "I thought you might be interested in doing it yourself."

Arist smiled sheepishly.

"This has been my recent interest... But honestly, I haven't dealt with those young ones for quite some time, I'm not necessarily good at organizing such activities."

Dousuke nodded, indicating his understanding, then asked in a gentle tone.

"So who is the person you recommend?"

Arist feigned contemplation, and after a moment, he answered.

"Merk, he is a Master of the Source Magic School, I've worked with him; his unique insights in management and academic vision have left a strong impression on me. Additionally, in terms of Extraordinary Power, he has a high Gold Level strength, though not as strong as me, he is more than capable of overseeing the Maze Trial for the magic apprentices."

"I believe in his capability and knowledge; he certainly won't let our school down, nor disappoint you!"

"Haha, whether or not it's embarrassing isn't important; it is, after all, just a celebratory event for the young ones, as long as it's lively."

Dousuke chuckled, signaling his disciple to relax a bit, then paused before speaking again.

"I trust your judgment; since you think so highly of him, let him do it."

"... I will convey this good news to him."

Suppressing the fleeting joy and murderous intent in his heart, Arist humbly nodded slightly.

That humility remained as thirty-plus years ago when he first stepped into this Mage Tower, the same humility Skein showed when facing him.

"Mm, I'll leave it to you," Dousuke said casually, then refocused his attention back on tending to his garden.

This was one of the few hobbies he retained even after advancing to a Demigod.

While some tasks can be done better with just a spell, he prefers to nurture his treasures with his own hands.

He enjoys the process more than the outcome.

After exchanging a few more words with his mentor, Arist turned, bowed humbly again, and then left the garden wordlessly.

His steps were steady, his demeanor composed, as if the conversation concerning power and glory just now was merely a casual greeting.

As he passed by a dazzling purple vine, a resplendent Magic Light Butterfly fluttered its phosphorescent wings, lightly landing on a blooming flower.

The flower's core appeared weak and harmless, inviting plucking, but as the butterfly folded its wings, it suddenly opened, like a mouth filled with mucus, swallowing it whole!

However—

The phosphorescent butterfly wasn't ordinary either.

As it was consumed, the radiant flower petals visibly lost their luster, rapidly withered away, ultimately turning silently to ashes.

Arist's silhouette vanished beyond the garden's glass door, leaving the garden in silence with his departure.

Returning to his gardening focus, Great Sage Dousuke hummed an unknown tune slowly as he strolled alongside the flowerbeds.

Upon noticing the wilted remains, his stride briefly paused, showing a faint trace of surprise on his face.

Yet, it was mere surprise.

Though it was indeed his proud creation, there were many such creations in his garden; the loss of one flower was insignificant.

He picked up the silver pruning shears, skillfully snipping the withered vine, treating it as a trivial matter.

Gazing at the ashes scattered in the soil, Dousuke sighed lightly with regret, yet his murky eyes barely held any sentiment of lament.

"What a pity."

...

With the All Souls Festival approaching, even the tower of the Great Sage, known for its rigorous atmosphere, gradually began to exude a festive spirit.

Apprentices gathered in groups, chatting, and the hottest topic without a doubt was the annual grand event—the "Maze Trial."

As a prelude to the Wise Man's Trial, senior mages will join as Maze challengers into the maze designed by high-level masters.

During the challenge, they can earn valuable magical items as rewards within the maze and may receive favor from the masters with their outstanding performance in the maze.