Marcus's Threat—Monster?

Andre appeared at the restaurant entrance at some point, still maintaining his elegant aristocratic bearing, but his eyes carried an unquestionable authority.

The Candidate Apprentices glanced at one another, then quickly dispersed tactfully.

Although secular noble status was worthless here, as the Thirteenth Prince of the Farouk Kingdom, Andre still represented a force that could not be underestimated—at least not by Candidate Apprentices like them.

"These guys..." Andre walked over to Ron and chuckled.

"When Darund mutated yesterday, every one of them hid in their rooms without even daring to open the doors. Now they've all come running out to curry favor."

Ron nodded slightly. "I really have no interest in associating with these people. Thanks for helping me out, Andre."

"Then let's go somewhere quieter." Andre smiled as he invited him.

"I happen to have some freshly baked muffins over there. They're definitely better than this black bread."

The two of them arrived at Andre's room, which was clearly much better furnished than those of the other Candidate Apprentices.

Several steaming muffins sat on a small table, accompanied by a pot of fragrant flower tea.

"Speaking of which..." Andre poured Ron some tea and smiled.

"I didn't expect you to actually defeat Darund after he mutated into a monster—and with a wooden sword, no less. It's a shame I wasn't in the dormitory area at the time. Otherwise, I should have come to lend you a hand."

Ron lifted the teacup and took a sip. "I was just lucky."

"Lucky?" Andre looked at him with amusement.

"You've become more and more modest lately. Back in the Royal Capital, if you'd achieved something like this, you probably would have bragged about it throughout the entire city, right?"

Hearing the tease, Ron shook his head helplessly. "That's all in the past."

"True enough." Andre picked up a muffin and took a bite, a probing look flashing through his eyes.

"But seriously, the changes in you lately have been astonishing. You practice the Corona Breathing Technique every day, spend your time studying in the Herb Shop, and now you've even grasped the Conception of a Sonic Spell."

He paused, then looked at Ron with a faintly mocking smile.

"If I hadn't watched you step by step to where you are today, I'd almost suspect that some powerful entity had possessed you."

"Possessed?" Ron's heart stirred as he recalled his Dual Soul talent, but he remained calm on the surface.

"I just don't want to wait here to die."

"Indeed." Andre's expression suddenly turned serious. "But you need to be careful lately, especially around Marcus."

Ron set down his teacup. "Why?"

"Although that fellow is only an ordinary Primary Apprentice, he has an elder brother behind him who is about to break through and become a Formal Wizard—Oliver."

The blond youth's voice grew very low.

"Within the School, Oliver is a veteran High-level Apprentice at the same level as Lord Holt. He has also made considerable achievements in the study of Curse Witchcraft."

He paused, seemingly weighing his words.

"It's precisely because he has such a powerful backer that Marcus dares to act so recklessly. Most of the Candidate Apprentices he takes as servants end up as materials for his brother's spell experiments."

Ron fell into thought. No wonder Emily had suffered such a miserable fate after pledging herself to Marcus. Perhaps the moment she chose that path, her ending had already been decided.

"So..." Andre's tone grew even more solemn.

"You've been attracting too much attention lately. Marcus may only be a Primary Apprentice himself, but his brother Oliver has recently been studying some extremely strange special spells, which seem to involve the extraction of spiritual power."

He spoke meaningfully.

"With the talent and potential you've displayed, it's very likely that the brothers will set their sights on you. Although Mrs. Allen and Lord Holt are here, it's still best to be careful."

"I understand."

Ron nodded. He had noticed long ago that the Apprentice who liked collecting "beautiful female servants" often cast sinister looks in his direction.

"But don't worry too much." Andre's elegant smile returned.

"With those two people you know around, he shouldn't dare act too openly. Besides..."

He looked at Ron tentatively. "Given the strength you've displayed, even if he really made a move, he probably wouldn't gain much."

Ron smiled without taking up the subject, turning instead to ask about something else. "By the way, has there been any new information from the market lately?"

"You mean those black-market merchants?" Andre shook his head. "They seem to have become much more restrained since what happened with Darund. However..."

His gaze turned deep as he looked out the window. "This peace probably won't last long. As the assessment deadline draws closer, those with nowhere left to turn will eventually take desperate risks."

"You're right." Ron looked at the gradually darkening sky outside, silently making his calculations.

What happened with Darund had affected him deeply. Although his progress had been fairly smooth so far, time was still pressing.

He needed to grasp the Conception of the Sonic Spell as soon as possible while continuing to improve his abilities in other areas.

"It's getting late." Andre stood up. "You probably have things of your own to take care of, right?"

Ron nodded, gathered his belongings, and prepared to leave.

His next step was to study the notes Darund had left behind and try to advance the incomplete embryonic form of the Sonic Spell to a new level.

At the doorway, Andre suddenly called his name. "Ron."

"What is it?"

"Did you know?" A hint of amusement appeared on Andre's face. "I'm actually somewhat relieved that I never had any serious conflict with you back in the Royal Capital."

Ron froze for a moment, then immediately understood what he meant.

"Don't worry. That spoiled heir died on the way here to the Black Mist Forest." He half-turned and replied flatly.

"Yes." Andre looked at him meaningfully. "In his place is a terrifying monster that no one can fathom."

Hearing that description, Ron couldn't help laughing dryly. "A monster?"

This world was one where the strong preyed on the weak. If he wanted to survive here, perhaps he really did have no choice but to turn into a monster.

He turned and left Andre's room. Outside, the corridor was already shrouded in twilight.

The tangled shadows along the roadside looked like the hooked claws of ghosts beneath the dim sky.

Occasional probing gazes still came from those around him, filled with barely restrained hostility, but Ron no longer cared.

All he needed to do now was continue growing stronger until he was powerful enough to completely control his own fate in this cruel world.

Any coveting or scheming would turn to nothing before the face of power.