Chapter Thirty-Eight: An Extra Laborer

“That was the cry of the Frostwing Eagle. Frostwing Eagles are solitary magical beasts. We’ve hunted one before—shall we deal with this one as well before leaving?” Gene’s face lit up with excitement as he glanced around and posed the question.

The magical crystal core of a Frostwing Eagle is of the fourth tier, and its price far surpasses that of the Windblade Demon Wolf. Though the group had struggled to slay one previously, they now possessed the experience needed. At Gene’s suggestion, everyone paused, and Vannie turned to Han Shuo and asked, “Brian, what do you think?”

“A fortune lies before us. I say we should claim it,” Han Shuo replied, scratching his head with a broad, bashful smile.

“Very well, everyone prepare yourselves. Once we obtain the Frostwing Eagle’s crystal core, we’ll return to the academy. If our Necromancy Department secures two fourth-tier magical beast cores, the other departments will have no reason to look down upon us.” Vannie nodded, issuing her instructions.

At her words, the group seemed to recall the humiliation they’d suffered before, each of them moving with renewed determination, following Han Shuo and Vannie toward the source of the eagle’s cry.

Han Shuo strode at the front, taking on the role of leader, and the others accepted this without question. Unbeknownst to them, their perception of Han Shuo had already begun to shift. No one dared treat him as a mere errand boy any longer; their gazes now carried a hint of reverence.

They hurried along, tracking the sound of the Frostwing Eagle, and soon reached its location—only to be stunned by the spectacle before them.

Bathed in the bright, silvery moonlight, they saw a tall, handsome young man with disheveled silver hair and sharp sword-like brows, holding a longsword and locked in combat with the Frostwing Eagle in the sky.

He wore a simple warrior’s garb, with gleaming silver armor covering his shoulders and chest, resembling a knight. As he swung his sword, milky white energy erupted, dazzling and bright, striking the eagle and eliciting shrill cries.

“Oh my, milky white battle energy! He’s an Earth Knight! And… he’s so handsome!” Bella exclaimed, her eyes fixed adoringly on the Earth Knight, utterly enchanted.

Several other female students were equally captivated, their eyes shining as they watched him effortlessly take on the Frostwing Eagle.

Han Shuo furrowed his brow, astonished by the Earth Knight’s strength. The last time, it had taken twelve of them to bring down a Frostwing Eagle, and even then it was a challenge. Yet here was this knight, battling the creature alone with ease, his milky white energy sending the eagle into subdued cries.

A burst of milky white battle energy shot upward, targeting the battered Frostwing Eagle. Sensing danger, the eagle tried to escape, its wings flapping desperately.

At that moment, the Earth Knight, who had stood firmly on the ground, suddenly accelerated and leaped skyward. His sword traced a shining arc across the eagle’s abdomen, and with a heartrending screech, the Frostwing Eagle faltered and finally fell helplessly from the sky.

“So cool!” Bella’s eyes sparkled as she giggled dreamily.

The Earth Knight approached the eagle’s corpse, deftly retrieved its magical beast core with the tip of his sword, then, smiling, strode over to Han Shuo and the others. After scanning the group with his keen gaze, he bowed elegantly and said, “Knight Clark, at your service, esteemed magicians.”

“Hello, Clark! You’re amazing—slaying a Frostwing Eagle alone, that’s incredible!” Bella replied with a reserved, gentle laugh, her demeanor transformed.

Yet Clark’s gaze did not linger on Bella, instead focusing on Vannie, as though awaiting her response, leaving Bella somewhat embarrassed.

“We are teachers and students from Babylon Academy of Magic and Martial Arts, here for a trial in the Dark Forest. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Clark,” Vannie replied, her expression unchanged, bowing slightly in return and smiling.

“So that’s it. I’m here for a trial as well. The magical beasts here are formidable—perfect for honing one’s skills. I didn’t expect to encounter you all, though,” Clark replied, smiling at Vannie, his gaze carrying a strange undertone that unsettled Han Shuo.

“Teacher Vannie, now that the Frostwing Eagle has been slain, I think we should head back,” Han Shuo said, watching Clark closely. Suddenly he realized the source of his discomfort: Clark’s gaze toward Vannie was reminiscent of Gene’s, though less overt, but it was clear—Clark was drawn to Vannie’s beauty.

“Yes, Teacher Vannie. It’s getting more dangerous, and for the students’ safety, we should return to the academy,” Gene agreed, his own gaze toward Clark tinged with hostility.

With both Han Shuo and Gene speaking up, Vannie nodded, about to agree when Clark smiled and interjected, “If you esteemed magicians don’t mind, I would be honored to accompany you. Traveling together would benefit us all, and reduce the dangers. Would you accept my company?”

“Yes! If an Earth Knight joins us, our gains this time will surely surpass those of the Light Department!” Before Vannie could respond, Bella’s face lit up and she exclaimed eagerly.

Encouraged by Bella, several female students voiced their agreement, while Lisa alone remained indifferent, her gaze fixed oddly on Han Shuo. The male students remained silent, appearing unconcerned.

Clark’s offer, coupled with Bella’s enthusiasm, made Vannie hesitate. Bella’s mention of outshining the Light Department stirred her even more.

Don’t accept, don’t accept—smiling faces hide ill intentions, that fellow is clearly up to something. Please don’t agree, Han Shuo thought silently, watching Vannie.

“All right, then. Thank you, Clark. With you—a powerful Earth Knight—among us, you’ll surely be a great help,” Vannie said after a moment’s hesitation.

Han Shuo felt deeply disappointed, though his face betrayed nothing. Instead, he cried out, “Ah, we’ve been tracking that Frostwing Eagle, but you’ve already slain it. Oh, a fourth-tier magical beast core—gone just like that.”

Clark looked surprised, glancing at Han Shuo with confusion. “You were pursuing this Frostwing Eagle?”

Han Shuo nodded emphatically, feigning regret. “Yes, but you got it first.”

Vannie was taken aback by Han Shuo’s words, shooting him a reproachful look, about to explain when Clark hesitated, visibly pained as he took out the Frostwing Eagle’s crystal core and handed it to Vannie with a strained smile. “I see. In that case, please accept this. Teacher Vannie, you must take it.”

“Of course, we will!” Han Shuo stepped forward, and before Vannie could reply, he had already taken the crystal core from Clark and passed it to Lisa, smiling broadly. “Haha, Knight Clark is truly generous! He’s given us a fourth-tier magical beast core so freely—I’m sure he’ll be just as generous in the trials ahead.”

Lisa’s eyes sparkled as she accepted the core without hesitation, nodding approvingly at Han Shuo and discreetly giving him a thumbs-up.

Vannie had meant to clarify the situation, but in the blink of an eye, the crystal core was already in Lisa’s pocket. She could only shake her head, casting an exasperated glance at Han Shuo and Lisa, but said nothing more.

The fourth-tier magical beast core was worth over a hundred gold coins—a fortune for any minor noble. For Han Shuo to secure it so easily from Clark, no wonder Clark looked so pained.

“Teacher Vannie, now that this noble and generous Earth Knight has joined us, I suggest we venture deeper south. There are surely even stronger magical beasts there. If we obtain a third-tier core, we’ll be able to hold our heads high in the academy,” Han Shuo encouraged Vannie, thinking that since Clark dared covet his woman, he would make him work for free; such a strong knight should not go unused.

Hearing the prospect of outshining the other departments, Vannie’s spirits lifted instantly. She nodded with a bright smile, saying, “Very well, let’s press deeper south. Noble Knight Clark, we’ll depend on you for protection.”

Clark bowed humbly, smiling courteously. “It’s no trouble at all. I’m delighted to be of service.”

If he insists on staying, let’s see if I don’t wear him out—watching Clark, Han Shuo was thoroughly annoyed, his mind already scheming vicious plots.