Dekan's Unique Way of Thinking

"I'm here to inform you that you've passed the first stage of your top-tier review, bringing you one step closer to officially becoming a top-tier Card Crafter!"

Leren said with a smile, his tone revealing his pride in Dekan.

The first phase of the review mainly involves investigating Dekan's personal growth experience and family relationships.

In other words, it means checking the archives.

Of course, there is also a process of subjective analysis by headquarters.

Logically speaking, given Dekan's card-making style, his ability to create cards in different languages, and his performance in the Shadow World, it's hard not to suspect or even question his background.

The fact that the entire process was completed so quickly and efficiently suggests that President Leren must have provided considerable assistance behind the scenes, unseen by Dekan.

"In the previous top-tier review process, the second stage required a one-on-one interview with a senior official directly under the Card Maker Association headquarters."

President Leren continued.

"... Don't you count?"

"Although I am considered a high-ranking official, I am not directly under headquarters."

"Will it be troublesome for the people who come to investigate me?"

"No, she's not here to interrogate you; you need to see her yourself."

Dekan frowned slightly.

He could tell that the person who was going to investigate him was arrogant.

"Of course you can refuse, but headquarters will send someone else to investigate you, and who knows if the foreign investigator will make things difficult for you."

President Leren clearly understood Dekan's feelings, and instead of being angry at his arrogance, he seemed to understand the spirit that Dekan should have.

"The school will give you a holiday until you complete the review process, and all expenses such as travel and accommodation will be covered."

Professor Arnold added from the side.

Dekan nodded, his expression now much more relaxed.

You should have said so earlier! It's a publicly funded trip, so what's there to hesitate about?

Moreover, regardless of the circumstances, according to Chairman Leren, this arrogant local is at least more convenient than the foreigner in getting things done.

Leren said, "You are going to see the only eighth-tier special- Card Crafter in the Norton Kingdom. Her name is ancient and difficult to express in human language, so we will simply call her Ice Princess."

"..."

As a citizen of the Norton Kingdom, he had certainly heard of the country's most distinguished Card Crafter.

It is said that this Ice Princess is a half-elf who is skilled in ice magic, and many of the powerful cards she creates are related to ice.

They are important figures that ordinary people don't have the opportunity to meet.

But here's the problem.

Isn't Ice Princess at the Tristin Magic Academy?

He had only heard that morning that the Resurrection Church was going to cause trouble at the Tristin Academy, and now he had been assigned there.

Let's examine this further.

The Resurrection Church is likely playing a much larger game.

And it's very likely that I've already been drawn into this game.

What exactly is the mastermind's goal?

And what powerful figures will the Resurrection Church send this time?

Dekan couldn't get an answer right away.

But as he thought about it, Dekan even felt a little excited.

How could I not be happy when a benefactor brings me wealth!

I hope that only top-quality goods will come.

After all, in the real world, the Resurrection Cultist themselves are considered spoils of war.

His mind was racing, but Dekan's expression remained unchanged.

At this point, he shouldn't act as if he knows things he shouldn't know.

All you have to do is play dumb.

"The Ice Princess has a very cold personality. If it weren't for the fact that she belongs to the Norton Kingdom and we have some kind of relationship with her, she wouldn't have agreed to come and investigate you. Be careful not to anger her."

President Leren patiently explained to Dekan.

"Is her temperament... very strange?"

"She doesn't really care about anything. If she finds you annoying, she'll just ignore you. If you anger her, no matter who you are, she'll freeze you into an ice sculpture."

"... Then it shouldn't be a big problem."

Dekan's eyes flickered, as if he had reached some conclusion in an instant through thought.

"You..."

Professor Arnold narrowed his eyes.

Although he hadn't spoken, he had been watching Dekan.

He sensed that Dekan had just estimated his chances of winning against a formidable opponent...

Whose chances of winning are we against?

Ice Princess?

Could this guy be harboring designs on the Ice Princess?!

Professor Arnold suddenly became hesitant to let Dekan go to Tristin.

"Dekan, you must remember, you are going on an exchange visit, not an inspection."

Professor Arnold warned, his tone becoming uncontrollably stern.

He was very worried that Dekan was mistaking other people's academy for the Demon Academy.

That would cause some irreparable and serious accidents.

"Professor, I understand. I don't want to be sent back frozen solid."

Dekan paused, then continued:

"By the way, can I bring Cornelia and Croix along?"

"What do you want to do?!"

Professor Arnold suddenly became alert.

He was already somewhat reluctant to let Dekan visit Tristin Academy.

"The warrior-mage-priest trinity is indispensable."

"You're going to pay a visit, not to challenge the Shadow World!"

Professor Arnold pondered, "Why did you bring your whole gang when you went to see the Ice Princess?"

Besides Cornelia, who's a fairly normal warrior, aren't you two, the priest and mage, acting a little strange?

Who are you trying to torture?

After coughing twice, the professor continued:

"First, they'll be skipping classes for a while, which I find difficult to approve. Also, we didn't report any extra accompanying personnel to the Tristin Magic Academy beforehand. If Cornelia and Croix go, they'll have to stay in hotels outside the academy at their own expense."

"Sigh, whatever, I'll just go alone this time. I feel really unsafe without anyone to protect me..."

Dekan sighed helplessly and muttered to himself.

Professor Arnold's eye twitched slightly upon hearing this.

Is your sense of security built on the insecurity of others?

Furthermore, Professor Arnold strongly suspects that Dekan's purpose in bringing Cornelia and Croix is to target the Ice Princess.

Ordinary students would probably just become toys in the hands of these three.

The only one in Tristin City worthy of their full-scale mobilization is Ice Princess.

Ice Princess?

Even a madman wouldn't have such a thought.

But.

Arnold not only believed that Dekan had the intention to steal, but he also believed that Dekan had the guts to do so!

As the teacher who had the most contact with Dekan, Professor Arnold had already gained some understanding of Dekan's behavioral patterns.

Although Dekan would never intentionally provoke the Ice Princess.

But what if!

In case Ice Princess makes things difficult for Dekan, or actually takes the initiative to use force against Dekan.

Then Dekan would stand on the moral high ground, treat Ice Princess as an enemy he could harm with all his might, and then try every means to make her submit!

The worst-case scenario could lead to a complete breakdown in the friendly relations between the two schools, and could even trigger a turmoil in the Norton Kingdom.

We absolutely cannot let Dekan take his criminal gang with us!