Abyssal Chronicles

Chapter 506 - 507: The Grand Master [2/5]

A new picture of Mengxi will come out with the next chapter. Let me know if you like it, because I might change the story’s cover based on your feedback. Leave your thoughts in the comments of Chapter 01 to tell me if you want it as the new cover or not.

When the fabulously decorated, super fancy carriage (which probably cost more than a small island) pulled up at Luminous Royal Academy’s main entrance, the surrounding air seemed to freeze. An invisible heavy vibe, a bone-chilling cold, and the pungent aroma of month-old cheese spread from the carriage in all directions.

The red-haired teenager waiting at the entrance felt his skin crawl right away.

He was kinda used to this weird, stinky-cheese vibe, so he could handle it.

However, a few of his sidekicks, probably regretting their life choices, practically faceplanted on the ground. Even a few Luminous teachers, who had also come to greet the important guest, looked painfully constipated, resisting the urge to run away screaming.

But then,

When the door of the carriage finally opened, that cheesy smell got even stronger.

Seeing the teachers and his buddies making funny faces, the red-haired teen, known as Prince Eldric from Red Leaf Empire, looked pretty annoyed.

With big, showy steps, Eldric walked up to the carriage, followed by two bodyguards who looked like they wanted to be anywhere but there.

Then,

The prince bowed theatrically and announced,

"Welcome, O Grand Cheese Master!"

…

After a really awkward silence, a voice that sounded like someone talking with a mouthful of chocolate milk came out of the carriage.

"It’s been a while, hasn’t it, Princey boy?"

Then, an elderly figure, decked out in a fancy red-black robe and holding a ridiculously oversized staff, slowly stepped down. He looked like he was a hundred years past retirement, with his stark white hair and skinny frame. However, when he slowly opened his eyes, everyone shivered, including Eldric who looked like he’d just stepped on a Lego.

Those eyes were pitch black, with blood-red pupils that felt... off.

It was like they weren’t looking at a weak old man, but some kind of scary monster pretending to be one.

When the old guy looked at Eldric again with those creepy red eyes, Eldric felt like he needed to catch his breath. It was like the old guy had hidden daggers in his eyes. He then gave this super weird smile that made everyone’s skin crawl.

Taking a few deep breaths to steady his emotions, Eldric respectfully replied:

"It’s been two years since we last met, Grand Master"

That’s right,

The old guy who had just stepped out of the carriage was a big deal in the Red Leaf Empire. This was Borulov-Gronor, a top-level Magus with tons of power and respect. He used to be like third-in-command at the Void Spirit Tower and was pretty much second only to the big boss of that place.

Although Eldric was a prince of the Red Leaf Empire, he had to bow his head respectfully when facing someone as powerful and high-ranking as Borulov. After all, in the entire continent, the strong are always respected.

Eldric was very clear,

With his meager strength and no remarkable achievements, he, the fifth-level prince, could only bow and scrape before an empire pillar like Borulov.

However, Eldric still tried his best to maintain the dignity of the royal family. Seeing his younger brothers and familiar teachers trembling under the oppressive aura of Borulov, Eldric mustered the courage to speak:

"Grand Master, could you please restrain your aura? My younger brothers seem to be struggling to withstand it."

"Hm?"

Upon hearing Eldric’s request, Borulov raised an eyebrow. After confirming that everyone present posed no threat to him, the usually cautious Borulov slowly retracted his released deathly aura and smiled benignly:

"Hehehe, alright, alright, I will restrain myself."

With a light laugh, Borulov lifted his heavy aura from everyone. Instantly, both Eldric’s younger brothers and the several teachers who had come to welcome them all breathed a sigh of relief.

"However, Third Prince,"

"Yes, Grand Master?"

"You are, after all, a prince of the empire, different from ordinary mortals. Having commoners as your followers tarnishes your status."

Borulov glanced sinisterly at a trio nearby, one fat and two thin.

Regarding this, although Eldric was not convinced, he had no choice but to bow his head and acknowledge the other’s words:

"Yes."

"Furthermore..."

"Is there any other issue, Grand Master?"

"I specifically came to Luminous, and Prince Amon, the second prince, did not show up?"

After slightly extending his perception, and confirming that the familiar figure was not nearby, Borulov couldn’t help but show displeasure.

Upon seeing this,

Eldric quickly spoke up to defend his elder brother:

"Grand Master, please calm your anger. Recently, my second brother has been busy dealing with several Abyssal Demon attacks on the border. He might be out investigating right now and didn’t know you were coming, so he couldn’t... come to welcome you."

"Ah? An Abyssal Demon attack? I heard it has something to do with that young lady from the Black Rose family... Did you find out anything?"

"Sorry, my second brother is conducting this investigation secretly. I just happened to learn about it by chance. I don’t really know what the situation is right now."

"I see."

"Uh, Grand Master."

After a slight hesitation, Eldric asked with confusion:

"Grand Master, did you come to Luminous specifically to help my second brother investigate the Abyssal Demon attack?"

"Hmm?"

Hearing this, Borulov was slightly taken aback, but soon revealed a gloomy smile:

"Abyssal Demons? Those creatures are indeed hateful. But... an attack of that scale is not worth my intervention. With Prince Amon’s ability and General Boran’s strength, I believe they can figure it out. However, it seems those attacks are connected to the young lady of the Black Rose family? Now that’s interesting."

"So... are you here to capture that Miss Yu?"

"Capture? You’re joking..."

Borulov coldly glanced at Eldric,

"Although the insects of the Black Rose are irritating, they are still nobility of the Sadik Empire. We can’t just act recklessly. At least not until your Second brother has evidence. Otherwise, it could lead to serious diplomatic issues. But... if that young lady is really involved with the Abyssal Demons, I wouldn’t mind taking matters into my own hands. I’m quite curious about where she got all this knowledge about the Abyssal Demons from. ... I wonder if she knows about the weaknesses of the demon Kings too... if she does... heh heh~..."

As he spoke,

A large shadow holding a giant sword seemed to vaguely appear before Borulov’s eyes, causing the Grand Master to reveal a hateful expression, and the surrounding air began to grow turbulent.

Fortunately, Borulov had strong self-control and quickly calmed his inner emotions.

"Anyway, I am not here to assist the second prince, nor am I here to act against the young Black Rose lady. Especially now, when the relations between Red Leaf and Sadik Empire are so tense. Having this hostage in hand will ensure that Sadik won’t act rashly."

"Then, why are you here?"

"Of course, it’s because of the ranking competition at your academy tomorrow."

"Ranking competition?"

Hearing this answer, Eldric couldn’t help but show a puzzled look. Normally, the empire would send someone to attend the academy’s ranking competition opening ceremony, but it’s usually just a regular minister.

’Why this time…?’

On the other side,

As if realizing the reason for Eldric’s confusion, Borulov disdainfully snorted:

"I couldn’t care less about the ranking competition’s opening ceremony. The reason His Majesty sent me here is solely to prevent that Girl of Destiny from gaining the approval of the Sacred Dragon Heart! If that girly not only gains the approval of the Sacred Dragon Heart but also plans to take it back to the Church, then I... may have to... forcefully twist her will."