Chapter 20: Within the Vault of Heaven

Feeling the bizarre sights along the way, Le Kai’s face did not display the exuberance typical of most youths. This earned a slight nod of approval from the professor, who was quite impressed, though also somewhat concerned. Was this boy, who spent his days hunting mutant beasts, turning into a little monster himself?

Though the streets were crowded with strange vehicles, the captain led the way and all made room for them. Well-dressed individuals, who appeared to be successful people, leaned out of their windows in curiosity, trying to glimpse who could be riding in the professor’s battered Shark; after all, it was rare for the captain of the city guard to personally clear a path for anyone.

The mayor’s residence was naturally situated at the most prosperous and central golden district. Though it was called the city government, in reality it was his private mansion. In the heart of the city, where land was precious, he occupied an entire skyscraper by himself. No one knew which room he actually lived in, and over two hundred elite soldiers guarded his safety. The surrounding buildings were tall, yet none could threaten this eighteen-story tower; what seemed like an ordinary structure was actually enveloped by a formidable shield, reminiscent of the sky itself. Even missiles could not damage it.

This was, without doubt, the safest place in all of Flower City.

At the entrance was a plaza, lush with greenery, and a musical fountain at the center. Next to the fountain stood a towering statue: a middle-aged man clad in imposing armor, a longsword hanging from his waist, his eyes sharp as an eagle’s, his hand resting on the sword’s hilt, gazing into the distance as if preparing to conquer the world.

Le Kai was certain this was not anyone he’d read about in history books; this could only be the conqueror of this planet, the scion of some mysterious family.

“Teacher, what’s your relationship with the mayor? Why have we come so far to visit him?” Le Kai finally voiced his confusion. The Shark had been speeding for hours, covering a distance far greater than anything he’d seen in years of wandering the wilderness.

The professor smiled faintly. “I thought you would wait until we got home to ask. The mayor? He’s merely an ordinary friend of mine.”

Le Kai looked dejectedly at the guards standing before the city government. They held weapons he’d only ever seen in comic books, watching all approaching vehicles and pedestrians with alert eyes. The atmosphere felt tense and unusual.

The professor’s brows furrowed slightly, his wise gaze sweeping the area.

After parking the Shark, the professor and Le Kai got out. The captain was visibly surprised to see Le Kai emerge from the professor’s car. Though he wanted to ask why the professor had brought a wild child along, he didn’t dare voice his question.

“Teacher, you’ve finally returned! I was so worried these days. Seeing you safe, I am truly glad.” As they approached the elevator, its doors suddenly opened. Out stepped a man in his late thirties, dressed in a luxurious suit, a pair of refined glasses perched on his nose—several grades above the professor’s own. He exuded the air of a cultured gentleman.

Just as the captain had described, seeing the professor, the man’s face lit up with excitement. He strode forward, and just as Le Kai expected him to give the professor a grand embrace, Mayor Lanska stopped three steps ahead and bowed deeply.

The mayor, bowing to the professor?

Le Kai glanced at his teacher, puzzled. Hadn’t the professor said such a gesture was reserved only for elders one deeply respected? Clearly, their relationship was not as casual as the professor claimed.

Sure enough, the professor replied coolly, “Lanska, I am not your teacher. There’s no need for such formalities.”

Lanska smiled with embarrassment. “Forgive me, Professor. I will continue to strive for your approval, and hope one day to become your student.”

What? Continue to strive to become the professor’s student?

Le Kai wondered if he’d misheard. Was there really someone who longed so desperately to be the professor’s pupil? Did he have a penchant for suffering? Did he not know how ruthless the old man could be when disciplining his students? Le Kai himself had learned that lesson well these past years.

The professor had no intention of discussing the matter further and asked directly, “I notice heavy security here, as if something has happened. What is it?”

Lanska straightened up, glanced at Le Kai in surprise, and replied, “It’s nothing serious, you needn’t worry. The city government’s defenses are nearly as strong as the Sky Shield. Even if a thousand attackers stormed the place, they couldn’t breach it. Please rest assured and make yourself comfortable here. By the way, this is...?”

To be brought here by the professor, and to remain so composed in the face of such a scene, puzzled Lanska, prompting him to inquire.

“My student.”

The words fell like thunder, shocking the usually unflappable mayor. He stared at Le Kai in disbelief. All his life, he had yearned to be accepted as the professor’s student, working tirelessly for years, but the professor had always ignored him. Becoming the professor’s pupil was his greatest dream. Now, a wild child had surpassed him; the blow was hard to accept.

But he knew well the professor’s temperament—once he made a decision, no one could change it.

“Hello, I’m Lanska. I look forward to your guidance.” True to his gentlemanly demeanor, Lanska recovered quickly, bending slightly and smiling broadly as he extended his hand, showing not the slightest disdain for Le Kai’s ragged, beggar-like appearance.

Lanska’s warm smile melted some of Le Kai’s hostility. He extended his small hand, neither submissive nor arrogant. “Hello, Uncle, my name is Le Kai. Le, as in happiness; Kai, as in joy.”

The surrounding guards widened their eyes in disbelief. The captain swallowed nervously, relieved he hadn’t done anything disrespectful earlier. Who would have thought the wild child was the professor’s student? Had he offended him, his coveted post as captain would surely be lost.

The guards were even more astonished. Though Mayor Lanska was approachable with his own citizens, he maintained a conqueror’s attitude toward the local slaves, never showing such courtesy to any wild child.

Le Kai felt no pride; instead, he was slightly ashamed to be shaking hands with the enemy. In the books he’d read, that would make him a traitor! Yet Lanska possessed a certain charm; his ability to forge connections was remarkable. Upon learning Le Kai was the professor’s student, his affection was obvious, with not a hint of insincerity.

Though Le Kai’s reading had instilled some patriotism and national spirit, he was still just a child, with little experience among people, and not truly a fervent nationalist. Besides, even if the regime were overthrown, who could say if the city’s residents would be grateful?

Under Lanska’s deliberate efforts to win him over, Le Kai gradually warmed to him.