Just as Leyang had expected, Phoenix’s astonishing talent would inevitably draw unwanted attention—and even jealousy—from certain individuals.
After all, the human heart was the most terrifying thing of all.
Since the assassin had failed the first attempt, another strike was likely imminent. Protecting Phoenix’s safety was now paramount.
Nebis Leyang returned to Glantham Phoenix’s side. She had been anxiously watching the direction he’d left, and rushed forward the moment she saw him unharmed. "Are you injured, Lord Leyang?"
"I’m fine. The assassin fled before I could reach him—too fast." Leyang shook his head, frustration clear.
"Just knowing you’re safe is enough. Let the assassin go—it was too dangerous." Phoenix sighed in relief, her small hand resting lightly over her modest chest.
"Remember what I said earlier?" Leyang’s gaze turned serious. "Your sudden display of talent will make you a target. Many will want you erased. And if you get tangled in royal politics? Attacks like this will only increase."
"What should I do?" Phoenix’s face paled, her voice trembling.
"You dream of becoming a great knightess, don’t you? Fear won’t serve you." Leyang offered a reassuring smile and took her small hand. "Come. We’ll see the Headmaster first. If needed, I’ll protect you myself."
"Mm." Phoenix lowered her head, her ash-green hair fluttering in the wind to reveal a faint blush on her delicate cheeks.
*Damn it. A failed strike? How could a child react that fast?* The masked assassin ground his teeth. *Camila Noble Academy is crawling with magical surveillance. If caught, not just me—my entire faction would be annihilated.* Even against two children, he dared not linger.
Soon, Leyang and Phoenix stood before Headmaster Plan Dominic’s office, recounting the assassination attempt.
"What?!" Plan Dominic’s voice thundered. His snow-white beard and brows bristled like an enraged lion’s mane. An oppressive aura filled the room, making even Leyang tense. "Daring to attack my students within Kamila Noble Academy’s walls? Unforgivable!"
"You protected Phoenix well, Leyang. She is this academy’s future. Her loss would cripple the entire Camila Empire." The Headmaster’s fury cooled into solemn gratitude. "Name your reward."
"I ask only that the academy ensures Phoenix’s safety, Headmaster."
"That is guaranteed—by my name, Plan Dominic." His expression softened. "But a reward you shall have." With a flick of his wrist, a cloth pouch floated into Leyang’s hands. "A Spatial Magic Tool. Its interior holds ten cubic meters. Simply open the bag, point at an object, and command *‘In!’* To retrieve items, say *‘Out!’* Effective range: two meters."
*Spatial Magic Tool!* Leyang’s heart leapt. *Just like the storage rings from my past life!* Ten cubic meters wasn’t vast, but it solved his greatest headache: lugging hunted materials home in person. With this, he could’ve saved years’ worth of resources—enough to exchange for a hundred Small Yala Coins.
"*In!* *Out!*" Leyang tested it with his Mana Crystal, beaming as it vanished and reappeared. "Thank you, Headmaster!"
"Such tools are precious. Never flaunt it."
"Yes, sir."
"Go now. Phoenix, stay." Plan Dominic waved them off.
As Leyang turned to leave, a small hand tugged his sleeve. Phoenix’s big eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "You’re leaving, Lord Leyang?"
"The Headmaster will keep you safe. See you tomorrow." His warm smile eased her worry.
"Tomorrow," she whispered, releasing his sleeve.
*These two... closer than I thought,* Plan Dominic mused. *The poor girl’s terrified—but that Nebis boy? Unnaturally calm. Not like any ordinary child.*
Alone under the gloomy sky, Leyang exhaled slowly. *Free access to Kamila Noble Academy and a Spatial Magic Tool—all in one day.* This saved him countless headaches.
"*Yaaawn~*" He stretched. "Time to train. Back to Block C, Room 33."
For Nebis Leyang, cultivation was rest. Since his rebirth, he’d kept his past life’s discipline—strengthening himself so he’d never be powerless again.
Inside his wooden cabin, he pulled the Mana Crystal from the Spatial Magic Tool. Its dense magical energy hummed against his palms.
*Let’s test this.*
Hands cradling the crystal, he began his breathing technique. A soft glow enveloped his body.
