Annihilation (11)

Ang rested and recuperated at the Black Magic Society stronghold for a while. Once his injuries had mostly healed, he began diligently studying magic under David's arrangements.

He was diligent and silent, never fighting for anything, just like Leon had once been when he was always so cautious around David.

The scars left on his face made him look gloomy and frightening. Whenever Black Mages who had not been close to him encountered him in the corridors, they would instinctively step aside, their expressions complicated.

Ang showed no displeasure at this. Instead, he used the excuse of being "deeply traumatized by the loss of his companions" to shut himself away, cultivating alone in his room every day.

This was the best way for him to conceal his identity—it was both understandable and reasonable.

However, this isolation did not last long.

At first, only a few mid-level mages came to visit him. Over the following days, mages who had once kept their distance gradually came to offer their sympathies. Their words were full of concern, and some even brought precious potions and magic scrolls, claiming they were "for the injured."

Ang's heart tightened. He immediately realized that these people had not changed their attitudes out of conscience, but because David had hinted at it.

Clearly, this elderly Archmage valued "Leon" far more than he had ever let on.

As he dealt with the visitors' enthusiasm, Ang privately speculated—could this old man really be grooming Leon as his successor? Or perhaps... did he have some more sinister plan? Was he being treated as some kind of vessel for sacrifice?

The moment the thought arose, Ang shook his head and laughed at himself.

He had indeed sensed genuine concern in David's eyes. Though it was never openly displayed, it was meticulous and sincere,