"Oops~"

After muttering softly to himself, Xueluo placed his hand over his mouth and wiped it.

"What's wrong?" Zerich asked curiously, eyeing Xueluo's suddenly animated expression. "You seem off."

"No, no—it's just a minor hassle," Xueluo replied.

*Well, it's more than minor. Why do things like this always happen to you?*

*Get lost!*

He coughed a few times after the mental shout, then continued. "But if you and the Hymn Guild don't get along, why train new Mages for them?"

"Ever heard of networks?" Zerich drawled, sipping his tea lazily.

"Honestly, I've lost interest in teaching. But my granddaughter—she can't inherit my magic system, yet she's a solid teacher in many ways." He sighed and spread his hands. "So now, for theory classes, she hides behind a thin curtain, pretending to be me. For practicals, she teaches in person."

Zerich refilled both teacups, then raised his with leisure. "I only have Rosalia teach basics. After they join the Hymn Guild, it's not improper for me—as their teacher—to check on them."

...

*So he tracked Edward's arrival this way? Heh. Guess this old man isn't just a pervert.*

"But what if they brag about being your students after leaving?" Xueluo pressed.

Zerich shrugged. "I implant a suggestion: 'Don't reveal Zerich was your recent teacher.' They usually keep quiet."

...

Xueluo took a light sip of tea and a slight breath. "Guess you're not just a creepy old man after all..."

"I survived the greatest Holy War as an independent Mage," Zerich said dryly. "Self-preservation is basic." He set down his cup, paused, then added, "Since you're a Blood Hunter, you haven't studied much magic, right?"

"Ah... I only discovered magic recently."

"Hmm. I'd start lessons now..." Zerich placed a hand on Xueluo's forehead. "But without basics, it's impossible. Join the regular students first."

"Uh, wait—I think—"

Before Xueluo could finish—

*Buzz~*

A loud hum filled the air as something yanked his body upward.

When he snapped to awareness, he was soaring through the sky.

*Boom!*

He slammed hard onto the ground.

*Ah... I'm killing that old man,* Xueluo thought resentfully.

"Shut up, Guya. You're not the narrator."

Limping to his feet, Xueluo wiped dust from his face and took a breath.

He'd landed in a student-filled plaza.

Spotting his sister—Irina—muttering stiffly nearby, he called, "Sister? Where'd you come from?"

"It's your brother, you ungrateful girl—"

Before Xueluo could grumble further, Rosalia stepped forward from the crowd, smiling. "This is Xueluo. Starting today, he's your classmate."