Ivy, driven by rage, confronts Baron Bollorick, responsible for the massacre in Thrim village. Her relentless fury terrifies Andrias and Viviane as the trio storms the Baron’s castle, declaring anyone defending him guilty of treason. Inside, they are met with a horrifying sight: the Baron’s son, Edel, has been grotesquely transformed by black magic in a failed attempt to save his life. The grief-stricken Baron admits he made a desperate deal with a mysterious robed figure, leading to this tragic outcome. Before Ivy can act, Andrias shocks everyone by hurling a spear into the creature’s eye, ending the confrontation. With the Baron arrested, the group returns to the academy to give their testimonies. Despite the grim nature of the mission, Andrias is praised for his heroism, which thrusts him into the spotlight. Soon after, Andrias and Lucia visit the prestigious Rodlen Magic Tower, where they encounter the tower master, Bart Alven. Bart mocks Andrias, comparing him to his father and belittling his abilities. Despite the sharp insults, Andrias remains composed while Lucia introduces herself. Bart lectures them about reputation and demonstrates his incredible magic prowess by casting a space manipulation spell that leaves Lucia in awe. Bart teleports them to the potion examination hall, where he tastes their potion and correctly identifies all the ingredients. When Lucia adds the final components, Bart is impressed but soon turns his attention to Andrias, questioning his involvement. Lucia defends Andrias, stating that he was instrumental in the potion’s creation. Bart, skeptical, puts Andrias to the test in the tower’s laboratory. Under Bart’s watchful eye, Andrias successfully recreates the potion and answers Bart’s questions with precision, impressing everyone present. As tensions rise, Bart removes his blindfold, revealing piercing blue eyes, and questions Andrias’s true identity. Andrias asserts his identity confidently, which amuses Bart. He then proposes a bet: if Andrias can create another potion within a year, Bart will pay off his family’s debt; if not, Andrias will be expelled from the academy. Andrias accepts the high-stakes challenge, determined to prove himself. Meanwhile, beneath the academy, a vampire empowered by crimson mana awakens. With a crazed smile, she focuses her thoughts on Andrias, anticipating their inevitable encounter.Returning to the academy, Andrias reflects on his situation, frustrated by the uselessness of the mysterious Page of Sloth. He considers consulting Charon about it. Upon arriving, Andrias senses he is being watched, unaware that the Lunatic Vampire, Angela, is observing him from the shadows. Later, Andrias meets with Charon, who sarcastically comments on his newfound fame. Annoyed by Andrias’s secret potion research, Charon takes him through a portal, arriving at a destroyed chamber where the vampire prisoner has escaped. Charon, enraged, accuses Andrias of tampering with the restraints, but Andrias denies it. Secretly, Andrias enjoys seeing Charon’s frustration. As he leaves, Angela ambushes him. Hanging from a tree, she taunts him, curious about the strange smell she senses from him. Demonstrating her newfound strength, Angela reveals she didn’t escape by force but by using another method. After an ominous conversation, she slams Andrias into a tree, leaving him in pain and shock. She promises they will meet again soon before vanishing, leaving Andrias confused and frightened. The next day, Diene Alven and her friend Juulich are having tea at the Delusion dormitory. Diene is excitedly discussing knights, especially admiring Lord Philip. Juulich changes the topic to Lucia Everlast, who recently passed the magic tower’s potion examination. Diene is amazed and refers to Lucia as a "sleeping dragon" for her hidden talents. Juulich shows Diene a picture of Andrias and Lucia together, which surprises Diene, prompting her to investigate if the "untalented" Andrias has truly changed. At the academy, Andrias and Lucia attend a potion-making class. Lucia notices Andrias wearing many layers of clothes and asks why. He hides the truth-that he’s concealing a scar from Angela’s attack the previous night. Their conversation is interrupted by Professor Vauban, who sarcastically comments on Andrias’s potion research, implying he deserves credit. Andrias, in a clever retort, sarcastically thanks the professor for his advice on ingredients that would have ruined the potion.He grows angry, accusing Andrias of overstepping, but Andrias brushes it off and walks away. Lucia steps in to de-escalate the situation, explaining that while they learned the basics in his class, they conducted their own research. Her calm and respectful explanation flusters the professor, leaving him embarrassed. As the situation diffuses, Andrias admires Lucia’s ability to handle the professor with grace. Although puzzled by her actions, he feels grateful for her support.
19 сен 2024
