Hong Yuan's discussion with Harold lasted only a short while before they returned to the Secret Hall.
"In that case, I'll take my leave."
With a slight gesture to everyone in the hall, Hong Yuan turned and walked out.
For a low-level Awakened, however unusual he might be, such an attitude was decidedly discourteous. Many Spellcasters in the hall could not help frowning, but none spoke up to stop him. Instead, they turned toward the smiling Harold.
Before anyone could ask, Harold nodded lightly. "Rosha has decided to join our High Tower Institute. Please refrain from disturbing him further."
"Oh? What terms did Professor Harold offer him?" Alberto adjusted his glasses and smiled faintly.
"That is no concern of the Arcane Academy, wouldn't you say, Alberto?" Harold replied calmly.
"Of course!" Alberto slapped a hand against his chair's armrest and rose to his feet, sighing as he walked toward the exit.
"I was merely marveling at the High Tower Institute's abundance of talent. Our Arcane Academy truly cannot compare-"
As Alberto left, the representatives of the various powers wore different expressions. Some continued smiling, some remained impassive, and others frowned in thought.
Harold's strength alone was not enough to intimidate them, but the colossal High Tower Institute stood behind him. No faction could afford to disregard that.
Ultimately, Rosha's ability merely allowed apprentices to awaken. It had no effect on their highest-level fighting strength. Was he worth falling out with Harold over?
He simply wasn't worth it!
Before long, everyone in the hall went their separate ways.
"Professor Alberto, please wait." A lean middle-aged man with hawklike eyes, thin lips, and black hair tied into a small braid hurried after the man striding ahead.
Alberto stopped and turned, looking briefly startled. "Ah, Mr. Raven. What can I do for you?"