Chapter 114 - 86: Mo Ning, You Know So Much
The other four were Witchcraft Puppets.
Unlike the Black Wood Puppets in the cafeteria, these were taller and more imposing.
Each was clad in heavy armor, not of ordinary steel, but of a faintly glowing Spiritual Metal. Its surface was etched with fine runes, and a single glance revealed its exceptional sturdiness.
Their enclosed helmets concealed their faces, leaving only two narrow slits for eyes. A sinister red glow emanated from these openings, like two burning embers, looking particularly terrifying in the morning light.
Mo Ning’s gaze swept over the puppets, and a chill went through him.
’These are Combat Puppets.’ He had read about them in the records of the Royal Library.
These things could not only use Combat Skills like Warriors and Knights, but they could also cast Level Zero Witchcraft.
They were tireless, fearless, and felt no pain. On the battlefield, they were the most ruthless and efficient of killing machines. In short, they were incredibly powerful.
Just then, the Second Level Apprentice spoke, his voice hoarse and deep. "I am Aya, a Junior Deacon at the plantation.
"If you discover anything unusual in the plantation, or if you get injured, you can contact me through your Guiding Ring."
He paused, his tone filled with cold indifference. "However, you’d best not bother me with trivial matters."
The crowd fell silent.
In just two sentences, everyone had formed an impression of Aya—he was a prickly person.
What Aya said next was a sudden shift in topic.
"Something truly remarkable happened at the academy today."
His hoarse voice held a rare inflection, a hint of something almost solemn.
"A research paper written by a First Level Apprentice has made history by appearing on the cover of the *Shining Light of the Black Tower*. The paper even received praise from a Second Level Wizard. This is an honor for all Apprentices.
"Even though you are new, you are Apprentices all the same, so I felt it necessary to share this good news with you."
A stir went through the crowd.
The newcomers had been at the academy for some time and more or less knew what *The Shine* represented.
Of course, they also knew what it meant for a paper to make the cover, and they certainly understood the significance of receiving praise from a Second Level Wizard.
Mo Ning blinked.
This was the first he was hearing that a Second Level Wizard had also commented on the paper.
Aya then explained why he had brought the matter up:
"My time is precious. While on duty at the plantation today, I intend to carefully study this paper that is said to have earned a Second Level Wizard’s praise."
The Apprentice’s tone turned cold again. "And I hate being disturbed when I am trying to focus on my research."
The crowd fell silent once more.
Mo Ning thought to himself, ’If your attitude were a bit better, I’d be willing to explain the Highway Bridge Technique to you.’
With his paper on the journal’s cover, he finally had a general sense of his own abilities.
He privately estimated that the paper likely surpassed the level of a Second Level Apprentice, so he doubted Aya would be able to understand it.
Aya’s voice grew cold again, like a blade scraping across ice. "So, just do your work quietly. Don’t cause trouble, and don’t go looking for it. Otherwise—"
He drew out the words, his voice hoarse. "Don’t say I didn’t warn you."
The Junior Deacon then pointed deep into the bamboo forest. "Follow this path for a hundred meters. You’ll find the tasks posted by the plantation there. Choose one for yourselves."
Everyone assumed Aya was about to leave.
But then Aya took a step forward. "Oh, right. I almost forgot something."
It was obvious to everyone that his "almost forgetting" was just an act.