3-14 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

Return Volume Three, Chapter 14~ Something Strange Seems to Have Appeared at Home Author: 汉唐歸來 Last Updated: 2025/8/27 20:30:01 Word Count: 4223 By chance, Wenny noticed Ishtiya's reaction and realized he hadn’t been mistaken. Ishtiya was indeed studying and interested in this civilization. As for why she was interested—that remained unknown. The Marsmo civilization was something Wenny had never heard of. He barely understood the Terris Empire, let alone any other human civilizations that predated the empire. "The Marsmo civilization—I'm guessing most of you haven't heard of it. It was once a powerful civilization located in the central continent, existing for hundreds of years before disappearing for unknown reasons." "Parts of its culture have been integrated into today's human civilization, including some customs. The former sites of the Marsmo civilization still retain many of its habits," the supervising teacher explained. "Besides... Ishtiya, do you have a question?" The teacher paused in their explanation when they saw Ishtiya raise her hand with poise. "According to the regulations of Cary Liman Academy, students can sign up to explore secret realms discovered by the academy. Can first-year students participate in this exploration?" Ishtiya asked calmly, her tone serious. "Typically, only upperclassmen have the opportunity to explore such secret realms," the teacher, holding the textbook, adjusted their glasses. "Why won't the academy give younger students a chance—a chance to prove they are not inferior to older students?" Ishtiya continued her query, her tone remaining steady. Her words instantly resonated with her classmates. To get into Cary Liman Academy, who wasn't a talented genius? Her words struck a chord with their ambitious hearts. What does age matter? Aren’t they all prodigies? If upperclassmen can do it, why can't they? As for Wenny, he was indifferent. Prodigies or not, he only cared about getting through the day. His attitude mirrored Shikondell's next to him, who looked clueless about what was happening. Wenny glanced at Aesphyra and saw that she seemed composed and unperturbed. "This time, the academy is offering an equal opportunity. In previous years, the minimum requirement was second grade, but this year there are changes," the teacher explained. Then the teacher addressed everyone. "Do you know what a deeply buried secret realm is?" the teacher asked. Many students were unsure, unfamiliar with the concept of a deeply buried secret realm; however, this didn't include Ishtiya or Aesphyra. "Are you saying we need to enter a preliminary realm before accessing the main secret realm?" "Yes. Anyone entering needs to first go through a preliminary area to find a key to access the main secret realm, much like a tomb—first entering the antechamber to reach the main burial chamber," the teacher explained. Although this explanation seemed a bit eerie, reminiscent of tomb raids, in a way, discovering a new secret realm did resemble tomb exploration. Firstly, only great civilizations could leave behind secret realms. Secondly, the creators of these secret realms and their descendants were mostly extinct. Therefore, finding and uncovering a secret realm did feel like delving into a tomb where everything inside was unknown. "This could serve as an assessment. Our instructors have calculated that every participant has about three days to find the key. After this, the realm will eliminate those inside. However, with the academy's teleportation token, students would merely be ejected from the realm without harm," the teacher explained. "So, the academy has made an exception and opened it to all students willing to try, as the preliminary realm itself is an elimination test." "Our professional mentors have established a link within the realm and its entrance, ensuring students' safety with the tokens—a common method for secret realm exploration. It's akin to creating a respawn point in a game; failing no longer means death, provided it is set up,” the teacher elucidated. "Anyone who finds a key qualifies to explore the main secret realm," the teacher announced. "Conveniently, a short break is coming up over the weekend. Those interested can sign up after class." The students were visibly eager. With these instructions complete, class resumed. "Wenny, are you interested?" Shikondell asked cutely in a whisper. "Me? You're joking, right? Why go off exploring tombs for no reason? Isn’t a break the perfect time to relax at home?" Wenny casually replied, scratching his ear. Marsmo's secret realm? Did the original plot mention this? Probably not. Forget about it. The story has veered so far off course that one can't pinpoint what butterfly effect caused it. Or perhaps Wenny's very presence is constantly altering the world line. How is one supposed to gauge it? Even knowing the original plot's direction is futile; it’s a different world altogether! Yawning, Wenny completed his morning classes and found himself reunited with the armor class in the afternoon, something he hadn't experienced in a while. "Wenny, it's been a while." Bardos, the top expert in synergy with soul armor, nodded at Wenny in greeting, a friendly atmosphere settling over the class. "Good to see you, Bardos," Wenny nodded, glancing at his seat where Sok and Jaden were chatting. They, too, greeted him with a wave. The armor classmates were all amicable. It didn't take long before Fiekolin, cigarette in mouth, entered, with his usual deadpan stare. "Listen up, brats. Didn’t forget everything I taught over the break, did you?" he opened bluntly. The students were used to Fiekolin’s manner. "Now, everyone’s here, so I'll cut to the chase. You’ve all heard from your other teachers about it, right?" Fiekolin exhaled smoke casually. "About what, Mr. Fiekolin?" Sok asked curiously. "Don't play dumb! You know, the new secret realm discovered on an island southeast of the academy?" Fiekolin snapped. "Huh? Really?" Only Sok seemed clueless while the others kept silent. "Oh? Did you nap through your morning classes?" Fiekolin asked knowingly. "Huh, huh? No, Mr. Fiekolin, I was paying close attention, no distractions here," Sok replied, nervousness betraying his lie. "Hahahaha," the others chuckled. "You think I wasn’t once a student too? Fine, I’ll tell you. If you’re eligible, participate; it's a rare opportunity for real combat and secret realm exploration. Think of it as training." "Who's interested in joining? Raise your hand, unless any of you from the tough armor class want to be a coward," Fiekolin challenged. Three of them raised their hands, and seeing this, Sok felt compelled to join, raising his hand as well, somewhat sheepishly. And then, Wenny was left sitting there all alone, looking bewildered and not making a move. "Hmm?" Fiekolin's scrutinizing gaze zeroed in on Wenny, suddenly putting a lot of pressure on him. "Wenny, of all people—you, the one with the highest compatibility in the armor class and a descendant of the Ferris family—are indifferent to this opportunity?" "Uh, teacher, no, that's not it..." Wenny began to explain, only to realize that Fiekolin had somehow moved right in front of him, his eyes bulging wide. "Look at you! Think about your current situation, think about your family's situation. Can you really afford to be complacent? Everyone else in the armor class has the courage and confidence to go; why don’t you?" Fiekolin leaned in, nearly pressing his face to Wenny's, the intimidation palpable. "It's not that, teacher. I have my reasons for not going," Wenny tried to explain. "What reason? Is your head too big to fit through the door?" Fiekolin joked. Big head? Where did he get that idea? Wenny's head wasn't big at all! "No, it's not like that... Honestly, teacher, I'm not well!" Wenny protested, looking innocent. "Not well? What kind of illness? You look fine to me," Fiekolin said, eyeing Wenny up and down. "Teacher, not all illnesses are visible," Wenny lamented. "Then tell me, what's wrong with you?" Fiekolin pressed. "Uh, I have... a cold womb syndrome..." Wenny blurted out, having earlier teased Aesphyra with the same phrase, and accidentally saying it again now. "Huh???!" Not only Fiekolin but everyone else was stunned, with Sok even looking at Wenny with newfound admiration. To avoid going to the secret realm, he came up with such a reason—impressive, truly impressive, Wenny, my brother! "Wrong! I meant anemia! Anemia!" Wenny quickly corrected, not lying this time as he indeed had anemia. "Anemia? I don't see it," Fiekolin said, inspecting Wenny closely. "You look lively and full of energy, not showing any signs of anemia." "Uh…" How could he show proof? He wasn't about to say it was another side of him that had anemia. "Are you messing with me?" "No, teacher, I'm genuinely anemic. I have internal injuries!" Wenny explained. "Ugh, fine, fine, it's your choice anyway. Still, you're a coward with no ambition," Fiekolin scoffed in disdain. "Even when your family's in such a state, you don’t think to push yourself. I look down on you." "I never said I wouldn’t go," Wenny sighed. "I'm just considering." "Alright then, it's your business in the end. Enough chatter, let's start the lesson!" Fiekolin announced. "Also, let me warn you, this semester's mid-term includes practical tests. Better gather some experience, or you might fall behind." With the day at school over, Wenny dragged his tired body home, smelling food as soon as he entered the door. Ah, isn’t the greatest joy after school having someone cook at home? In his previous life, it was his mom; this time, though... Wenny dropped his schoolbooks and dazedly walked to his spot, stomach growling in anticipation. "Hey Wenny, need a napkin? I heard folks with limited smarts can drool uncontrollably for life if it escapes their lips~?" came a teasing voice. "???" Wenny's brain took a moment to process the words, and three large question marks hovered over his head. This didn't seem right. Those words totally didn’t sound like something Shikondell would say. It was more like... Wait, that voice clearly wasn't Shikondell's. It was... Wenny turned his gaze to the side, and sure enough, he saw the familiar figure—white-haired with a large black bow tied at the back of her head. "...!" Wenny’s expression froze instantly. "Wenny, good evening~," Aesphyra said, brushing a lock of hair back with a sweet smile and narrowing her beautiful eyes mischievously. "Who even are you, and how did you sneak in here?!" Wenny shouted in frustration. Finally off duty and looking forward to unwinding in his personal space, only to be tormented by a cheeky white-haired little imp? What was this? Couldn’t he get a moment's peace for once? "Get out! Is this place open to just anyone? You're not welcome in this space!" Wenny pointed angrily at the door. "How rude, Wenny. Is that how you treat a friend who's visiting?" Aesphyra teased nonchalantly. "Visit? Who let you in, who gave you permission?" Wenny laughed angrily. "And this is a boys' dormitory—aren't you worried about the mess?" "Well, if every boy were as sweet and skilled as Dell—smells nice, looks soft, and doesn't bother me—I wouldn't mind~" Aesphyra replied playfully, her intentions clear as day. Oh? So the mask slipped, did it? The world lines realigned, and the troublesome white-haired pixie finally set her sights on his adorable little chef? "Try learning from Dell, Wenny. Maybe be a bit less bothersome. I'm not asking for much—10% of Dell's finesse would suffice~" Aesphyra suggested, resting her cheek in her hand, reminiscent of a lofty, elegant white ragdoll cat.