"No, no." Antonidas's voice suddenly became as flustered as a boy's. He looked around for help, his gaze falling on Deren at the table—who was leisurely sipping tea, seemingly indifferent.
Seeing this, Deren raised an eyebrow and slowly put down his teacup. The porcelain clinked against the wooden table, breaking the silence in the room at just the right moment.
"Magic knows no borders," Deren's voice was unhurried, yet carried a peculiar rhythm, "And it transcends race and age, doesn't it?"
Antonidas, as if granted a pardon, nodded repeatedly, his white beard fluttering wildly. "Exactly! The fundamental principle of Dalaran! Arcane is open to everyone!"
"Everyone should have the opportunity to learn magic," Deren continued, a faint smile playing on his lips, "Regardless of wealth, status, or experience." He paused meaningfully, "...
"Absolutely right!" The old mage slammed his hand on the table excitedly, making the teaware clatter. Realizing his lapse, he quickly coughed twice to cover it up, his old face beneath his white beard flushing slightly. "I mean, this idea is absolutely correct. It perfectly aligns with the founding spirit of Dalaran."
Aegwynn's gaze swept back and forth between the two, then suddenly she realized. A glint flashed in her eyes, and a sly smile curved her lips, "Oh," she deliberately drew out, " Antonidas, you little rascal, are you trying to audit my class too?"
The reception room fell silent instantly, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Antonidas's face flushed crimson at a visible speed, from his forehead down to the base of his neck, even the tips of his ears turned pink. He opened his mouth, but only managed a few muffled murmurs, like a goose being choked. The crystal at the tip of his staff flickered with magical energy, casting scattered spots of light on the floor.
Jaina stared wide-eyed at her teacher in disbelief. This Council of Six leader, who held absolute power in Dalaran, this Archmage had once faced the sea of Undead without flinching, was now as embarrassed as an apprentice taking his first spell test, not knowing what to do with his hands and feet.
Deren cleared his throat at the opportune moment. "Education should be provided to all, regardless of background." He picked up the teapot and poured hot tea into everyone's cup. "Anyone who is eager to learn should have the opportunity to learn. Don't you agree, Ms. Aegwynn?"
Aegwynn suddenly burst into laughter, her laughter tinged with mockery. "After living all these years, this is the first time I've ever seen such an old student!" Her laughter shook the ancient books on the bookshelf, causing several particularly old ones to float up on their own, emitting a protective magical aura.
Antonidas was so ashamed he wanted to disappear into the ground. He had studied the books left by Aegwynn for many years, and his reading notes alone filled half of his study. Now, seeing the living legend, his long-suppressed thirst for knowledge was hard to suppress. The old mage lowered his head, like a child who had done something wrong, and tugged at his white beard.
"However," Aegwynn suddenly said seriously, her laughter abruptly ceasing. She walked up to Antonidas, her withered fingers lightly touching his forehead. The instant they touched, a verdant rune appeared in the air, then slowly seeped into the old mage's skin. "The thirst for knowledge deserves respect," her voice suddenly became solemn, "In the name of Magna, I have decided to accept a disciple on behalf of my master. From this day forward, you are my junior brother."
The runes seeped into Antonidas's skin, and the old mage shuddered, his eyes flashing with the same emerald light. He trembled as he touched his forehead, stammering excitedly, "This... this really is... me." His staff fell to the ground with a crisp sound, but he was completely unaware of it.
Jaina quickly supported her swaying teacher, afraid that the elderly woman might faint from the shock. She could feel her teacher's arms trembling slightly, like reeds swaying in the wind. The tranquilizer had done absolutely nothing.
"Don't get too excited." Aegwynn's face hardened, but his eyes softened considerably. "Being my junior isn't easy. You have to submit a magic paper every week, each no less than five thousand words. You also have to regularly go to the Karazhan library to organize ancient texts."
With each item she mentioned, Antonidas nodded vigorously, his white beard swaying back and forth. "Most importantly, keep an eye on Jaina for me. The girl has good talent, but she's too easily swayed by emotions."
"Don't worry, Senior Sister!" Antonidas suddenly straightened up, his loud voice startling Jaina. "I will definitely be strict with him!" He bent down to pick up his staff with such agility that he didn't look like an old man at all, even drawing a cheerful Arcane trajectory in the air.
Jaina couldn't help but chuckle, "Teacher, about the affairs of Dalaran and the Kirin Tor?"
"No rush!" Antonidas had already pulled out his Communication Crystal. "I'll arrange for Krasus to temporarily assume the position. No, forget it, let's just officially appoint him as Speaker!" He rubbed his hands excitedly. "Anyway, I should have retired long ago. From now on, let them hold their own meetings every Wednesday and Friday. If they can't make a decision, they can contact me."
Aegwynn, watching the eager old mage, shook her head helplessly. "And one more thing." She took an ancient silver badge from her sleeve and tossed it to Antonidas. "Take this. It will partially unlock the restrictions in Karazhan for you. Remember not to touch the seventh bookshelf on the right on the third floor; the books there bite."
Antonidas held the badge as if it were a priceless treasure, carefully wiping it with his sleeve. The badge bore an ancient symbol—the personal mark of the first Guardian Alodi. The edges were worn, but the fine craftsmanship was still evident.
"Senior Sister." He tried to call out the title formally, his voice choked with emotion. The old woman, who was over eighty years old, had a childlike joy shining in her eyes at this moment.
Aegwynn waved her hand and turned to walk to the window. "Go ahead. Take care of the mundane matters first." Her tone had returned to calm, but Jaina keenly noticed that the former Guardian's lips were slightly upturned.
Antonidas nodded solemnly and then activated the Teleportation Spell. In the dazzling Arcane Light, the old mage's last image was a deep bow, his white beard almost touching the ground.
Jaina gazed at the spot where her teacher had disappeared and sighed softly, "I've never seen my teacher like this before."
"Because he is a true mage." A hint of approval flashed in Aegwynn's eyes as she gently stroked Jaina's golden hair with unusual tenderness. "Always maintain a thirst for knowledge and a humble heart; that is the secret to longevity on the path of magic."
Deren smiled silently, picked up his teacup, and took a sip. He was content to be a couch potato. Magic and Arcane were too much trouble; as long as Jaina and Oni knew how to use them, that was enough. He could just enjoy his tea, chat a bit, and occasionally fantasize about Lord Wei's achievements. Most importantly, he wanted to serve his Black Dragon wife well and retire as soon as possible.
Second update. This chapter references the story of Lord Wei becoming the junior brother of the Shaolin Abbot.