At dawn, outside the gates of Omphalos Academy, Ye Qiong stood on the steps and stretched lazily.
Keleradra was already waiting beside the carriage. She was not wearing her usual blue-and-black formal attire today, having changed into a fitted outfit better suited for movement.
"Headmaster, just how much longer are you going to dawdle?"
Ye Qiong patted down his robes.
"What's the rush? Fasinuo Province isn't going to grow legs and run away."
Keleradra gave a snort.
"I merely refuse to squander my time waiting for others."
Tribbie came out with a notebook still in her hand.
"Headmaster, I'm ready on my end. Shall we teleport directly to the outskirts of Vast Sea City?"
Ye Qiong nodded.
"Let's go."
The three boarded the carriage, and Tribbie opened a portal.
The carriage landed steadily in an open space outside Vast Sea City's eastern gate.
Vast Sea City had been built along the coast. The air carried a salty, damp sea breeze, while the distant waters glittered beneath the light.
Keleradra glanced at the city walls, her expression growing more serious.
"The people from Fasinuo Province are already waiting at the government office on the city's western side."
Ye Qiong did not move at once. Instead, he cast a glance toward the sea.
"No hurry to discuss business. I heard there's an interesting legend about these waters."
Keleradra frowned. "What legend?"
Ye Qiong smiled.
"A sea demon. Vast Sea City has long had a tale that a sea demon lives in these waters, whose singing can make people forget their pain. Some say she is kind, others say she is cruel, but no one has ever truly seen her."
Tribbie nodded as well.
"That's right. Sea demons do exist. Though they are soul beasts, they are more like humans. According to the