Morick could hardly conceal his horror. He looked at Hong Yuan as though gazing at some incomprehensible monstrosity.
He knew exactly what Lynn, the errand boy in Olivia's office, was capable of. Barely a fifth-level Awakened, yet after eating a single fruit, he had unleashed destructive power comparable to a Lower Resonance Master.
The shocking sight battered Morick's mind. Even with his formidable mental power, he fell into a brief stupor.
Olivia, too, studied Hong Yuan intently, her expression complicated. Even she had fallen somewhat silent.
Only when robes whistled through the air did Vera, Matthew, Helena, and several other professors come flying over, each looking wary. They finally relaxed when they saw Olivia standing in the arena.
"Teacher, what happened?"
Vera descended on a gust of wind and asked.
Olivia glanced over the professors and waved a hand. "Nothing. We were merely testing a new string sorcery. All of you, withdraw and reassure the students."
Testing string sorcery in the dead of night?
Vera and the others looked at Hong Yuan and Morick standing there, then at the unconscious Lynn. They were puzzled, but since Olivia had spoken, they dared not ask more.
"Yes!"
They nodded in acknowledgment, then dispersed.
"Morick, you should go back, too. Don't spread word of tonight's events for now."
Olivia added this instruction, then lightly extended a finger. Lynn's body floated up like a feather. She turned toward Hong Yuan, her expression grave. "Come with me and explain just what momentous deed you accomplished tonight."
With that, Olivia lightly pushed off with her toes and swept Lynn up, flying toward the tower.
Hong Yuan seemed utterly unaware of how great a stir the String Sorcery Fruit had caused. His face remained perfectly calm. Without using any string sorcery, he walked unhurriedly out of the