Chapter 354: Discovery

“Martina is willing to stay by the teacher’s side forever,” Martina said, clinging tighter and rubbing against him.

The other young men watched, swallowing at Martina’s figure, their eyes filled with desire and a hint of jealousy.

They were all wizards from the Eye of the Storm faction but not official members.

Buck was an official member, a powerful second-level wizard.

He had many students, either with backgrounds, wealth, or youth and beauty.

Buck’s female students were essentially his playthings, a fact never hidden.

Women who chose to be his students knew this and were prepared.

Becoming his female student wasn’t easy; looks and figure had to be acceptable.

As a powerful second-level wizard, Buck had enough strength to attract followers.

This was common among wizards, even typical.

His female students received more resources than males, as long as they pleased Buck.

Martina was a favored student recently.

For this trip to the polluted zone, male students paid hefty fees.

Martina paid nothing and received special treatment, envied by others.

But envy couldn’t change things; others could only watch.

Martina’s favored status made her a target for other students’ flattery.

After basking in praise, Buck said, “This ruin has a complex array. What’s inside must be extraordinary. Since my last visit, I’ve studied the array day and night, finally cracking it.”

“The array is extremely difficult, even a third-level array master might struggle.”

Buck exaggerated the castle’s entrance array difficulty to showcase his skills.

“Teacher is amazing!”

“Master Buck’s array skills are unmatched in the Land of Dawn.”

The others flattered him expertly, making Buck pleased.

“Let’s go. Watch how I break the array and learn,” Buck led them to the castle entrance.

Reaching the entrance, Buck’s face darkened seeing the open door.

The others, sensing his mood, fell silent, fearing his anger.

The open door indicated someone had been there, likely taking the treasures.

Buck’s displeasure wasn’t about potential losses.

He knew such castles were residential, unlikely to hold valuable items.

His annoyance stemmed from boasting about the array’s difficulty, claiming even a third-level array master might fail.

The open door was a slap in the face, embarrassing him before his students.

Buck could ignore many things, but not his reputation, especially before students.

“Let’s check inside,” Buck said grimly, entering with the others.

He hoped to find something worthwhile.

The trip couldn’t be wasted.

Inside, they searched from the first to the third floor, like Helag.

Finding nothing valuable, they regrouped after half an hour.

Buck’s face grew darker, realizing the trip was fruitless.

Most frustrating was losing face before students.

With nothing valuable found, Buck’s mood soured further.

Staring at the castle, he finally said, “Let’s go back.”

They prepared to leave.

In the basement, Helag’s heart raced.

He’d concealed his presence, even controlling his breathing, fearing detection.

Though they were wizards, Helag didn’t know their faction.

If not from Seranthiel, they posed a threat.

In the polluted zone, the second-level wizard could kill him unnoticed.

With the castle seemingly looted, finding Helag in the basement would make them suspect he took the treasures.

They’d demand he hand them over, likely draining him dry.

His life wouldn’t be spared.

Even if they were from Seranthiel, Helag wouldn’t reveal himself.

People’s hearts were unpredictable; anything could happen.

Helag was relieved they hadn’t noticed the basement entrance, having covered it when entering.

Their focus was on the castle, ignoring the inconspicuous corner.

As they prepared to leave, Helag thought he’d escaped.

Unexpectedly…

Martina pointed at the lawn, saying, “Teacher, that spot looks different.”

Buck turned, following her direction.

Seeing the lawn, he noticed signs of disturbance, using magic to investigate.

Buck’s face lit up, discovering a basement and someone hiding inside.

“Come out!”

Buck’s magic surged, and a stone hand grabbed Helag, pulling him out.

The stone hand brought Helag before Buck.

Helag, having entered the basement, had reverted to his original form.

Buck was shocked to find someone there.