When the plot-skips players into the game world

Although Mr. Aiwass had taken the morning off, he only planned to skip his classes for today.

He had previously got a slip from his mentor using his teaching assistant status and borrowed a book titled "Ordinary Ritual Studies" from the school library. Now that he had some free time, he could spend a while reading it in his dormitory.

It must be said, the knowledge level at the university was indeed high.

The "secret knowledge" that the Noble Red Society had previously taught Mr. Aiwass through letters was considered common knowledge in this book. It included various common rituals up to the second energy level. Although the original intent of the book was to enable priests to recognize and counter the malevolent rituals used by the Path of Transcendence...

But there was no problem for Mr. Aiwass to learn the use of ritual magic from it.

After having breakfast, Mr. Aiwass concentrated on reading in the second-floor study.

Until an unexpected yet somehow expected visitor arrived.

"Senior Hayna?"

Putting down the book in hand, Mr. Aiwass teased the young girl who had been invited into the study, seated on a sofa on one side: "You see, this time you didn't make an appointment in advance, and your visiting timing is just right, Senior."

It was ten o'clock in the morning outside at that moment.

Finally, she was able to come to see Mr. Aiwass during a decent hour... which pleased him greatly.

"Actually, I didn't used to be late for class that often, right? I don't know what happened..."

Hayna sighed helplessly and quickly moved past the topic: "Anyway, let's not talk about that. I have three things for you this time."

"Three?"

This did surprise Mr. Aiwass: "Do they have to do with the club from yesterday?"

"Yes, one of them is related," Hayna nodded and responded: "Director Kent said he wants to give you another Codex Book as thanks for this incident."

As she spoke, she glanced at the "Ordinary Ritual Studies" on Mr. Aiwass's desk and paused briefly before adding, "Even one from the Path of Transcendence is fine. This book will be fully processed... If you plan to give it to someone, it's best to report that person's name as well, and the Supervisory Bureau will vouch for you. Foreigners too.

"In this way, if that person hasn't broken the law, they won't be arrested by the Supervisory Bureau for studying the knowledge in the Codex Book... even if it's an illegal Path's Codex Book."

"'Thanks,' huh?"

Mr. Aiwass raised an eyebrow: "I thought it would be a 'reward' or 'pacification.' Are you saying I should be ready for another commendation ceremony?"

Hayna gave an awkward smile, unsure of how to respond: "You could also see it as a consolation gift..."

The Supervisory Bureau dared not invite Mr. Aiwass to another "commendation ceremony."

Strictly speaking, a commendation ceremony didn't really concern Mr. Aiwass, who was not part of the three major agencies nor a soldier.

The last commendation ceremony was actually to cover up the inefficiency of the Supervisory Bureau, attempting to partly share Mr. Aiwass's honor and merit with the Bureau. And the previous Codex Book was offered as a bribe to seal Mr. Aiwass's lips.

——Without Mr. Aiwass having to say anything special, simply standing on the award podium and keeping silent would suffice.

This time, they were lucky that no one died. What was meant to be a disaster turned into a great victory by a twist of fate.

However, the royal family was not foolish, especially Princess Isabel who participated personally in this incident... Although the outcome was good, it didn't mean the process was correct.

Therefore, the Supervisory Bureau was supposed to be commended publicly this time, even to be heavily praised in the newspapers.

But in fact, every minister who could be tied to this matter had been interviewed by Her Majesty the Queen last night. Even at this very moment, there was an emergency meeting going on at the Round Table Hall — they usually don't meet on Friday mornings, but this was a special case.

Under these circumstances, the Supervisory Bureau definitely didn't dare make another big fuss. They would much rather the public quickly forget about the matter.

Director Kent had already mentioned this to Hayna. But it wasn't something she found easy to directly discuss with Mr. Aiwass.

——But in fact, Mr. Aiwass knew that this was a very sincere "thank you."

Perhaps Hayna didn't realize what Director Kent meant, but Mr. Aiwass understood.

The real sincerity of the Supervisory Bureau wasn't as simple as giving away a Codex Book — after all, that was something that could be obtained with money and connections, not befitting Mr. Aiwass's achievements.

Their actual intention was to allow Mr. Aiwass to privately recruit a Transcendent subordinate. There was no need for an examination, or even for it to be a legal Path. The Supervisory Bureau could even provide Mr. Aiwass with identity verification... If this subordinate of Mr. Aiwass got into trouble, the Supervisory Bureau wouldn't hassle him but would take responsibility instead.

The Bureau's message was, since Mr. Aiwass had helped them out of a tight spot this time; they would also help Mr. Aiwass with a problem in the future.

This was a rather nice reward indeed.

This calm and steady style... obviously wasn't a promise that Director Kent would dare make on his own.

Had this stirred the higher-ups?

The top manager of the Supervisory Bureau was the Guardian, who was one of the rare fifth-level Transcendents of Avalon. Probably only he would dare to offer such a guarantee that obviously violated the kingdom's laws.

Assured in his mind, Mr. Aiwass knew that Lily's identity could now be officially cleared — she didn't need to hide even if she entered the Path of Adaptation.

Feeling more relaxed, Mr. Aiwass chuckled and casually teased in his deep voice, as seductive as a demon's allure, "But, Senior... since you immediately thought of a Codex Book from the Path of Transcendence. Does it imply that you are actually curious at a subconscious level and wish to delve into it yourself?"

"——Don't talk nonsense, that's not it, I didn't!"

Hayna hastily protested, springing up from the sofa as if scalded, "At most, I'm just a bit interested in alchemy..."

"Don't worry, don't rush. It was just a joke, I know," Mr. Aiwass soothed Hayna.

This somewhat goofy senior was indeed amusing, bouncing at the slightest poke.

With such an almost completely guileless disposition, to become the head of the student council... her academic achievements aside, it was probably because the number of her supporters far outweighed her detractors.

Their relationship had gradually become more familiar,, and Aiwass could now tease Hayna with a joke without upsetting her. But if she was just slightly frightened, her reaction was quite significant,, which made Aiwass enjoy teasing her even more.

To appease Hayna, Aiwass casually pulled out a dark red book from the desk beside him and handed it to Hayna with a smile, "Look, what is this?"

Hayna sat up straight on the couch and took the book, discovering it was the long-coveted "Alchemy Cipher" she had been thinking about.

"We had an agreement before—look, I've kept my promise. You don't have classes today,, right? Then you might as well read it here."

Aiwass invited, "You can sit next to me, and if there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me."

Hayna was clearly tempted.

She took the "Alchemy Cipher" and subconsciously sat down beside Aiwass.

Aiwass casually asked, "Speaking of which, when can I go get my 'consolation prize'?"

"Tonight or tomorrow is fine,, wait for you to get home and then come to pick it up. Set a time, and I'll take you there then."

Hayna spoke earnestly, volunteering information and even adding actively, "Because you have to go to White Queen District to pick it up. Red Queen District is still in a state of chaos,, Gordon and the new Director are meeting in the Round Table Hall."

"...Let's not set a time then,, I'm afraid."

"Afraid of what! I definitely won't be late this time!" Hayna said a bit embarrassedly.

"How about this, Senior. After that class in the afternoon, come back home with me," Aiwass invited.

"After Lily sends me home,, let her go with you to The Association to choose the Codex Book," Aiwass invited.

"You want to give one to Miss Lily? That works... I'll take you home, and after Miss Lily picks out a book,, I'll take her back," Hayna pondered.

"I might as well stay with you today and protect you," Hayna decided. "Otherwise,, if you get hurt, Chief Inspector Edward will definitely blame me."

"That won't be necessary? Those Demon Scholars already failed once yesterday,, and if they were to take action again, they probably wouldn't choose now," Aiwass said with a laugh.

"That's related to the other two issues…"

Hayna became serious, turned around, and earnestly lowered her head to Aiwass, "Please help me, Mr. Aiwass!"

"What happened?"

Aiwass turned back in surprise, "Just say what you need. If I can help, I definitely will."

This was not mere social courtesy; he was serious. It was Aiwass's way of handling matters.

If a friend had approached him for help and was that sincere,, Aiwass would assist if at all possible, even if it were a bit troublesome or risky.

So, Hayna recounted the challenge posed by Department Head Meg and the matter of the "Portable Alchemy Bomb" to Aiwass in detail.

"Department Head Meg?"

Aiwass was a bit surprised, "Is the old lady planning to take you as her apprentice? She is Avalon's strongest!"

"...Is the Department Head that strong?"

Hayna's eyes widened as well.

She knew Department Head Meg was very powerful,, having single-handedly quelled a war, and she also knew that the next president would be a student of Meg's. But she hadn't realized that Meg was actually the strongest in Avalon!

"Of course," Aiwass nodded.

…Moreover, the old lady was famously discerning and possessed the arrogant heart characteristic of the Path of Authority.

Even though she seemed kind and cheerful, Meg would smile at anyone. Her smile did not denote friendliness—those whom Meg disdained would receive no favor, no matter how much they flattered her. Her heart was as fierce as that of a lion or tiger.

If Meg found Hayna appealing,, it meant that Hayna had at least the potential for a Path that could reach the fifth Energy Level… which was on par with Miss Assassin.

Of course, advancing in the Ritual Studies was very random, and even with potential, success wasn't guaranteed… but those without the corresponding talent would definitely not advance. Some individuals could study Transcendent knowledge for a decade and still struggle to attain the first occupational level. For example, the "King" Aiwass encountered during his first advancement ritual, who was in his thirties or forties and still attempting to reach the second Energy Level.

—And he even failed!

Seeing how adeptly the King marketed himself, it was probably not his first failure.

"Given that Department Head Meg holds you in such regard,, you can't disappoint her."

Aiwass promptly replied, "I'll help with this."

Helping others as oneself. This could also be considered an investment,, and a surefire one at that.

After all, he was originally going to resolve this matter himself; it was merely a matter of giving some credit to Hayna. When it comes to reputation, a little can go a long way,, but too much can become burdensome… it too has diminishing marginal utility.

If Hayna could become an apprentice to Meg, then perhaps he could also have some influence with her.

After all, one of the direct causes of Avalon's downfall was the death of Meg.

If Aiwass could persuade the stubborn old lady to postpone her advancement ritual for a while, then he could truly claim to have changed history. And Aiwass would then have more time to develop.

"…But what about Mr. Sherlock?"

Aiwass was interested in another point, "Didn't Department Head Meg also ask you to bring him along?"

During the last ritual instance, Sherlock had too little information and couldn't provide much help. Now that they were on Sherlock's home turf, Aiwass was quite curious to see just how effective a fully operational Sherlock could be.

Unfortunately, this wish of his wouldn't likely be fulfilled in the short term—

"That's the third issue," Hayna answered gravely, "Mr. Sherlock was attacked last night."

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