Chapter 77: Casted By My Wife
In the space where the examiners sat, the screens flickered with different scenes from the desolate land. The runes hummed softly, casting a dim, blue glow across the room. The air was cool and still with lingering Originat.
Everyone behaved like meek cats around Seraphina as they had learned of her identity. They knew better than to step out of line. Some sat stiffly in their chairs while others kept their eyes fixed on their screens, not daring to glance her way.
Sylas knew why Seraphina was here. He waved his hand. One of the runes flickered, and the screen changed. Lucien’s figure appeared on it, walking through the rocky wasteland, his steps were steady and calm.
If Lucien knew, he would be speechless. He had tried his best to stay low-key as he didn’t want to draw attention. But it turned out he was the center of attention among the examiners. All because of his wife.
Since he stepped into the swamp, everything had been displayed. His fight with the Stoneclaw Golem. His clash with Ryker. Even Ryker following him afterward. Every single moment had been watched by the examiners. They saw it all.
One of the examiners, a burly man with bronze skin and ram-like horns, leaned forward as his eyes narrowed at the screen. "Who is that young man? His aura is weak. Yet he defeated a Spirit Realm golem without breaking a sweat."
Another examiner, a woman with silver hair and sharp features, tilted her head. "He didn’t even use his full strength. Look at his movements. They were controlled and efficient. I’m sure he’s hiding his true power."
A third examiner, thin and pale, stroked his chin. "And that sword intent... an Origin Realm cultivator shouldn’t be able to wield that. It’s impossible."
They all turned to look at Seraphina. Her eyes were fixed on the screen. On Lucien. A soft, possessive smile played at her lips. Her fingers tapped gently against the armrest, slow and deliberate.
They were expecting her reply, but her silence prompted them to check. Now, seeing such emotions on her face, they realized that their elder might have relations to this young man.
The burly man spoke again, his voice careful. "Elder Seraphina, if I may ask... who is this young man to you?"
Seraphina’s gaze didn’t leave the screen. Her smile widened slightly. "He’s my husband."
The room went silent. The hum of the runes seemed louder in the stillness.
The examiners exchanged glances. They had thought they misheard. Her husband? Shock rippled through them. Some shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Others stared at the screen with new eyes, reassessing the young man they had just been watching.
Sylas coughed when he saw the different expressions on their faces. "He has talent. Hidden talent. But he prefers to stay unnoticed."
He said this as he literally knew nothing about Seraphina’s husband. His words intrigued the examiners.
The silver-haired woman frowned. "Like I said, he seems to be hiding his strength this whole time. If he has such relations with Elder Seraphina, then why?"
Sylas shrugged. "Maybe he doesn’t want attention. Or maybe he’s smart enough to know that showing off gets you killed."
The pale examiner leaned back. "Either way, he’s caught our attention now. Especially with Elder Seraphina watching over him."
Seraphina’s smile widened with a soft giggle. Her eyes sparkled with adoration. "He doesn’t know I’m watching and he thinks he’s being discreet. It’s cute watching him do so."
She reached out and touched the screen, her finger tracing Lucien’s figure slowly, lovingly. "But soon, the world will know his name. They will also know who he belongs to."
Her obsessive actions surprised the examiners. What charms did this young man have that had hooked her like this?
The burly examiner spoke again. "Elder Seraphina, with all due respect... this young man, I can see he’s not just strong for his realm, but he’s special. That sword intent alone would make him a top recruit for the academy. The academy will surely want him."
Sylas nodded. "I’ve been watching him since the second assessment. He didn’t even flinch under my pressure. Most participants collapsed yet he stood there like it was nothing."
The pale examiner added, "And the way he handled that golem. He didn’t waste a single movement. Every strike was calculated. That kind of control doesn’t come from talent alone. It comes from experience."
Seraphina’s eyes gleamed with pride. Her fingers curled against the armrest. A warmth spread through her chest at their words. "Of course. He’s my darling. He’s always been special. No one else compares to him. No one ever will."
Sylas rubbed his chin as he said frustratedly, "The first assessment, he kept a low profile. He didn’t show off. But he passed easily. The second, he didn’t even break a sweat. Now this. He’s not just hiding his strength. He’s just hiding everything."
The burly examiner leaned closer to the screen. "If he enters the academy with this level of control, he’ll rise fast. Very fast. I’m sure numerous teachers will fight over him."
The silver-haired woman smirked. "They won’t get the chance. If Elder Seraphina is watching him, he’s already claimed. No one will dare to interfere."
Seraphina’s smile widened. Her eyes never left the screen. "Claimed. Yes, of course he’s mine. He always has been. And anyone who tries to take him away... they won’t live to regret it."
She let the words hang in the air. The examiners swallowed as they didn’t doubt her.
Seraphina chuckled softly, her voice dripping with adoration. "He still thinks he’s unnoticed. It’s adorable watching him pretend."
She turned to the examiners, her gaze sharp and possessive. "Don’t tell him. Let him keep his little secret. It’s more fun this way. Watching him think he’s hiding when I see every move he makes."
The examiners exchanged glances. Then they nodded. No one would dare to go against her.
The pale examiner whispered to the burly one. "That young man is going to shake things up. With that strength and Elder Seraphina backing him, he’ll become someone important."
The burly one nodded. "I just hope he’s ready for it. Once the academy sees him, there’s no hiding anymore."
Seraphina heard them. Her smile didn’t fade. "He’ll be ready. He’s always been ready. He just doesn’t know it yet."
She leaned back in her seat, her eyes never leaving Lucien’s figure on the screen. Her fingers traced the air, as if she could reach through and touch him. "My darling. My perfect, oblivious darling."
The examiners turned back to their screens, but their attention kept drifting back to the young man walking through the wasteland, unaware of the eyes watching him.