To everyone else, Lorin might seem like a prodigy capable of wielding Advanced Magic at such a young age. But the truth? All the power he’d ever used came from his Bookkeeper.

Without the Bookkeeper, Lorin wouldn’t just be unable to cast spells—he wouldn’t even know what magic *was*.

The men who’d charged to interrupt Lorin were now drenched by the gushing lake water, slammed against distant tree trunks. The violent impact knocked them all unconscious.

Lorin stepped back, steadying himself. He pressed a palm lightly against his temple.

Though the power came from the Bookkeeper, it still drained him. Thankfully, this time the toll was small. After a brief dizziness, he returned to normal.

He let out a quiet sigh of relief.

These attackers had come straight for him. Clearly, the Royal Capital was growing unstable—which explained why Xueyi had been so reluctant to let him return.

"Xueyi. Are you alright?" Lorin turned to her. But Xueyi was staring blankly at the severed hem of her robe.

When she didn’t answer, Lorin approached. "Are you hurt?"

Just as he reached for her, an arrow shot from the distant trees—straight at Lorin.

He didn’t notice. But Xueyi reacted instantly, lunging to block it.

The arrow meant for Lorin pierced her shoulder instead.

Pain ripped through her. She sucked in a sharp breath, then collapsed backward.

Lorin caught her just in time. Black blood oozed from the wound.

*Same as last time. Not an ordinary arrow.*

From the trees, a cloaked figure cursed under his breath when he saw Lorin unharmed. He spun to flee.

"You—"

Lorin wanted to chase him. If this assassin escaped, he might return with reinforcements. But Xueyi’s condition chained him in place.

Before the figure could vanish, another cloaked shadow burst from the opposite thicket. A fist slammed into the first man’s abdomen before he could react, sending him crashing to the ground.

*What’s happening?*

Lorin frowned. Both wore concealing cloaks—they could be allies. Yet allies didn’t attack each other.

The newcomer dragged the unconscious assassin toward Lorin.

Lorin tensed. One arm shielded Xueyi; the other gripped the sword she’d dropped earlier.

The figure glanced at the scattered figures Lorin’s magic had scattered. He paused, seemingly surprised. Then he tossed his captive toward the grove.

Pulling back his hood, he grinned. "Yo, brother. Long time no see."

"Zeis?" Lorin recognized the freeloader who’d devoured his supplies in the mountains months ago.

"Rough day, huh?" Zeis whistled, eyeing the unconscious attackers. Even he’d have struggled against so many.

"Should I call you Lorin? Or Second Prince?" He took a swig from his wineskin.

*So he knows my identity too.*

"Why are you here?" Lorin didn’t trust him—but Zeis had just saved them.

"Started with a big contract," Zeis shrugged. "Someone wanted you dead."

"I guessed as much."

"Hey, you fed me once. Figured I’d check how you were doing." He jerked his chin toward the grove. "Followed these idiots here."

Lorin almost smiled. The stranger he’d fed by chance had just saved his life.

Zeis stepped closer, peering at Xueyi in Lorin’s arms. "She’s out cold. You gonna check on her?"

"Their arrows are poisoned." Lorin’s voice tightened. Xueyi’s face was already paling. "Can you help?"

"I patch up cuts. But this?" Zeis shook his head. "I travel alone—I know field medicine. Not poisons." He rolled up his sleeves. "I *can* pull the arrow out. Might slow the poison."

"Do it." Removing the arrow was their only option.

"Hold her tight."

Lorin nodded.

Zeis knelt. One hand braced Xueyi’s shoulder; the other gripped the shaft. After a quick assessment, he yanked it free in one swift motion.

Black blood gushed as Xueyi cried out in pain.

Without hesitation, Lorin bent and sucked the venom from her wound, spitting the black fluid aside. He didn’t stop until the flow lightened.

Zeis stared at Lorin’s stained lips. "You’ve got guts."

Dizziness washed over Lorin—whether from the magic or the poison, he couldn’t tell.

"Get her to the Royal Capital. Find a healer." Zeis scanned the trees. "Their carriage’s nearby. I’ll fetch it."

"Go. I’ll carry Xueyi to the road."

"Shout if trouble comes." Zeis vanished into the foliage.

Lorin hoisted Xueyi onto his back and followed.