Ruling 2

"The deputy workshop master already tried contacting them. They said the item had already been used. It was a one-time mage credential—it would disappear as soon as it was used."

A nearby catfolk guard answered cautiously.

At that moment, several young catfolk girls who had been kicked to the ground whimpered and hurriedly fled.

"What!? It was used!?"

After pacing back and forth irritably several times, McLaren realized that this matter involved someone at the dean's level. Ordinary means would no longer be enough to settle it.

Kenhart was no pushover. He was also a renowned figure of real power within the academy. Moreover, he was ruthless and vicious, completely different from those mages McLaren had tricked before.

After pacing back and forth a few more times, McLaren knew that what was done could not be undone. The irritation on his face finally turned into resolve.

"No choice. Bring me the communication rune stone!" he roared.

Several catfolk guards hurried away to fetch the communication rune stone for him.

"At this point, there's only one way." McLaren knew the matter had blown up. He could not cover it up on his own.

"I can only find someone who can handle this."

Though he did not want to keep relying on the connections behind him, this time he truly could not handle it.

As long as that person stepped forward, Kenhart would not dare do anything, no matter what.

"McLaren!!" A massive sonic shockwave suddenly spread through the surrounding space.

Tangible ripples of sound continuously surged and spread through the air in expanding rings.

The pool water was shaken into splashing spray, churning violently.

An oval white portal rapidly expanded open in the empty ground behind McLaren.

From within the portal, a gaunt mage in black robes stepped out with a