Chapter 1 The Showdown

From the highest point of the Qinston City Arena's VIP stands, Viscount Black Bonn could barely accept the outcome of the battle, decided in mere seconds. He couldn't even fully comprehend how Xia Ya had ended the contest with a flurry of punches and kicks faster than any blade.

The veins on his forehead pulsed wildly as he struggled to suppress the urge to order his men to kill Xia Ya and those two bastards from the Royal Protos Academy of Magic. He gripped the cane he was leaning on.

First, he stared intently at Xia Ya, then shifted his gaze towards Lan Qi and Si De in the distance.

"Professor Meiqi... I'll take care of those two students. You have no objections, do you..."

Viscount Black Bonn's teeth remained clenched, yet he emitted a terrifying, trembling voice.

It was all the fault of those two troublemakers...!!

"No problem."

Meiqi nodded.

"Anyway, you'll become the Governor, and I'll smooth things over in the capital."

Meiqi knew that he should cater to Viscount Black Bonn's mood at this moment.

Viscount Black Bonn nodded, stood up, and walked towards the stands where the dignitaries of the Snowfield Province were gathered, inviting them to join him on the side where Viscount Lewin Qinston was.

The silvery-gleaming arena buildings reflected on the iron railings of the VIP stands. A large and imposing group of nobles slowly gathered and approached. The fragrance of irises mingled with their luxurious attire, shimmering in the winter sunlight of the snowy region, making the atmosphere after the match even more solemn.

As they approached, the people sitting on the side of the stands who had not yet left sensed the change and retreated. The side of the stands where Viscount Lewin Qinston had been sitting gradually became much emptier.

Some people didn't dare to look directly, but looked at the empty arena, pretending to still be watching the closing. Others held their children's hands tightly, reminding them not to make any noise. The stands were instantly shrouded in this sudden silence and repression.

"Lewin, congratulations on finding a good son-in-law, but... wasn't he a little too ruthless?"

Viscount Black Bonn leaned on his cane and stood not far from Lewin Qinston's seat in the aisle.

"I will compensate for the medical expenses."

Lewin Qinston's gaze was only concerned with Xia Ya, who was being cared for by the medical personnel he had arranged at the edge of the arena in the distance. His eyes were full of warmth.

"Medical expenses?! Can you afford it?!"

Looking at Lewin's nonchalant appearance, Viscount Black Bonn's hatred was already difficult to contain.

"About the matter of the Snowfield Province Governor, state your position. If you still want to prevaricate today, don't blame us for becoming enemies in the future!"

The corners of Viscount Black Bonn's mouth curled into a crazy sneer. His clear voice was like a cold dagger, piercing the eardrums of everyone present.

Many of the Qinston City people who had not yet retreated showed horrified expressions.

The lords behind Viscount Black Bonn either looked directly at Lewin Qinston, or looked away with a hint of apology, but always stood on the side of Black Bonn and Professor Meiqi.

Even the common people understood what Viscount Bonn meant.

He was beginning to pressure Viscount Qinston.

The other lords had already agreed to Viscount Black Bonn's appointment as Governor.

If Lewin Qinston still disagreed, then Qinston City, which would become a deadly enemy of Black Bonn, would be excluded from the Snowfield Province and besieged by the Ghost Party.

It was even difficult to guess whether Viscount Black would push the Ghost Party from behind.

It was very likely that what Qinston City was about to encounter was the destruction of the city and the death of its people!

Viscount Black Bonn's gloomy gaze swept over Lan Qi and Si De, and then looked at Professor Meiqi beside him, with a cold smile on the corner of his mouth, as if telling them that no matter what the outcome was, neither of them should think about leaving the Snowfield Province.

For a time, the temperature in the entire arena dropped sharply. Those past discussions and noises had become fleeting clouds. The faces of the Qinston City residents were full of tension and horror. An unspeakable repression permeated the air, and the sound of everyone's heartbeat seemed to be fighting against the surrounding silence. Time seemed to be stretched, and the second hand turned abnormally slowly.

At the core of the entire arena, the lord of Qinston City, dressed in a deep blue embroidered robe, appeared extremely isolated and fragile at this moment.

People were waiting nervously, hoping that he could give a reassuring answer, but the sense of oppression in the atmosphere was getting stronger and stronger, making the whole scene likely to explode completely at any time due to the ignition of a fuse.

However.

Only Lan Qi, who was sitting next to him, gently pressed on Lewin Qinston's shoulder.

Meeting Lewin Qinston's gaze, he seemed to be telling him that he could leave the rest to him.

"Everyone, I'll just say a few words here."

Lan Qi raised his hand. Although the movement was slow, his deep and steady voice gave people a sense of calm like a stable anchor in a storm, causing the other nobles to cast puzzled glances at him.

He took out a few simple sketches from his pocket.

"These are portraits of each department head. If Professor Meiqi is really a high-level official, he should at least recognize some of them, right?"

The nobles didn't plan to pay much attention at first.

But with just one glance, they were attracted and shocked by the paintings in his hand.

These portraits all had delicate brushstrokes and profound emotions, as if each painting had a story waiting to be discovered. They also seemed to be just a few portraits casually painted by this young man, causing them to imagine and speculate at this moment what kind of masterpieces these drafts would become if they were turned into real paintings!

Even Viscount Black Bonn, in addition to being surprised, couldn't help but have a hint of greed and deeper malice flash in his eyes.

Silence filled the stands.

The other nobles had heard that this young man who had created Xia Ya was a student of the Royal Protos Academy of Magic.

His question targeting Professor Meiqi was very clear. He was openly questioning the authenticity of Professor Meiqi's identity, and was also trying to undermine Black Bonn.

Logically speaking, they should speak up to defend Professor Meiqi at this moment.

But.

Out of selfishness.

The other nobles also wanted to take this opportunity to let Lan Qi identify them.

So they all tacitly chose to pay attention and temporarily remained silent.

"Of course I know their names."

Meiqi's voice was still dignified, without the slightest tremor due to Lan Qi's questioning.

"My question is not their names, but in this school, the power of teachers also has internal levels of definition. From the highest level zero to the lowest level nine, please tell me, what is the corresponding authority level of each of them?"

Lan Qi asked with a calm smile.

Suddenly, Meiqi's expression froze, and his heart beat faster.

He understood that this was a psychological warfare.

He really didn't know if there was this new level rule in the Royal Protos Academy of Magic now.

If he denied it outright, and the other party immediately produced evidence that the school did indeed have a sequence rule, then he would immediately be exposed!

But if he followed what the other party said, the other party could turn around and say that there was no such rule in the school at all.

Damn little beast!

"I'm very sorry, the internal information of teachers cannot be disclosed to the public. You don't have to try to get information from me in order to threaten other teachers."

Meiqi suppressed the anger in his heart and answered with a slight smile.

If he hadn't reacted quickly and come up with a response, he might have been forced into a dead end by the abruptly turning question.

His heart was already filled with murderous intent. After getting through this moment, he must have Viscount Black Bonn kill these two guys quickly to eliminate future troubles!

"Oh? The authority level of our school's teachers is publicly announced, right? All open and transparent."

Lan Qi smiled meaningfully, took out a "Royal Protos Academy of Magic - Enrollment Brochure" from his pocket, and it was the 1798 edition of the Solar Calendar, which was just released this year.

He seemed to be teasing Meiqi from beginning to end, causing Si De, who was sitting behind him, to cover his mouth and smile.

"This is a forgery!!"

Meiqi immediately bit back and pointed to the book in Lan Qi's hand and said.

The reaction must be lightning fast, and any hesitation will make him look guilty.

"You didn't even look at it, how can you say it's a forgery?"

Lan Qi asked in confusion.

The other nobles all twitched their eyes at this point.

The guy holding the enrollment brochure had natural movements just now, but he didn't know how many suggestive fake moves and rhetoric there were. He couldn't tell which sentence was a trap, and what new trap would be led out after answering.

"I've been away from the academy for a while. This is a newly issued brochure. Your attitude is very unfriendly, which will naturally cause my misunderstanding. You must know that you students always try every means to step on the heads of teachers."

Meiqi could only clench his fist and put it in front of his mouth, changing his words as if to relieve his embarrassment, and trying to smooth things over.

"..."

Even so, the other dignitaries began to exchange glances with each other, and they had already begun to suspect Meiqi's authenticity.

There was no problem with Meiqi's logic, but there were many flaws in his continuous reactions that made people less convincing.

Or rather, if a person's identity and status are real, then no matter what kind of test he undergoes, he should not reveal any flaws!

But Lan Qi's test made people feel that there was something wrong with Meiqi.

If Professor Meiqi was really fake, and they had a farce in front of two old students of the Royal Protos Academy of Magic, then they would become a big joke in the capital in the future.

But the problem is that Professor Meiqi's deeds happen to be consistent with a recent figure in the capital... This has been verified by the capital's investigation team.

"May we see this enrollment brochure?"

Finally, a middle-aged noble in a dress stepped forward and asked Lan Qi.

At this moment, everyone knew that this young man was extraordinary. This absolutely calm posture and status made them start to lean towards a fact in their hearts - what this young man said was the truth.

"You?!"

Viscount Black Bonn raised his cane slightly, a little flustered.

Each page of the enrollment brochure has the magic steel seal of the Royal Protos Academy of Magic, and its authenticity is easy to identify.

They have previous years' enrollment brochures for comparison, and the magic steel seal cannot be forged at all unless they can steal the ancient magic tool in the school that can put down this seal.

So.

Under the scrutiny of a group of nobles.

From beginning to end, they did not see Meiqi's information on it.

"There must be information about the department heads in the back."

Viscount Bonn's heart beat faster, and he pointed at the dignitaries who were flipping through the enrollment brochure with his cane.

The result was that Meiqi's name was never seen.

Meiqi's eyes darted left and right, seeming more and more anxious.

"No matter what, Lewin, remember what happened today! One day I will settle the score with you!"

Viscount Black Bonn turned to Lewin Qinston and shouted, with a hint of intention to leave.

Anyway, even if there was really a problem with Professor Meiqi and his plan to take office as Governor today failed, there would be plenty of opportunities to contact the Ghost Party and take revenge on these damned guys!

But the next second.

Viscount Bonn, who was about to leave, was stopped by the knights of the Qinston City Knights. Black Bonn's guards were also tense with the knights.

"Lewin?! What do you mean? Is there any law? Do you want to be detrimental to me in front of the other lords?!"

Viscount Black Bonn turned his head and questioned Lewin Qinston with unbearable anger, while looking at the other lords.

But he found that the other nobles were flipping through the enrollment brochure and were completely stunned after seeing a certain page.

After a long silence, no one spoke for him.

The noble holding the book seemed to be out of affection and raised it stiffly, showing it to Viscount Black Bonn.

"Come on, Viscount Bonn, tell me, whose name is signed on the last page of this book."

Lan Qi leaned back in his chair, with a faint smile on his face, and asked, raising his head.

At this moment.

Viscount Bonn's throat trembled, unable to make any sound, only his eyes widened, as if he had seen a ghost.

Only the noble beside him helped him read out those words.

Extremely quiet, yet noisy.

The short name was like a magic sound, surrounding Bonn's ears, unable to dissipate.

Soon, under the order of Lewin Qinston, the guards also arrested Black Bonn, Professor Meiqi, and their guards.

Everything became fast.

Lan Qi had transferred the evidence of Viscount Black Bonn's collusion with the Ghost Party to murder Imperial Earl Xia Ya Candice to Lewin Qinston. Before the traffic was restored, he could be detained in the Qinston City prison according to the regulations.

If Viscount Black Bonn refused to accept it, then he would see him in the Supreme Court of Helrom in the capital later.

The surrounding nobles watched this sudden exposure and change, and did not dare to speak for a long time, only feeling that they had made a big oolong.

The most important thing was that if this man in front of them hadn't come in person, if something happened in the future, none of them would be able to escape the blame!

"I'm sorry, Mr. Loki McCarthy, it was our fault, please forgive us!"

"It's okay, I don't blame you, you are also victims. I will keep this matter confidential for you to avoid damage to your reputation in the capital."

Lan Qi shook his head and raised his hand again to indicate that they didn't need to be too restrained.

"..."

This made the other nobles silent again for a while.

This Loki McCarthy seemed to be a very friendly and amiable person, but he also seemed to be speaking black talk.

He only needs to talk a few times in the school to spread this story among the teachers and noble students. In less than a day, their group of nobles from the Snowfield Province will be engraved on the pillar of shame and whipped...

"I came to the north this time only to launch a series of special rectification plans to address the chaos in the Snowfield Province. Are you willing to support it?"

Lan Qi asked concisely.

"Of course, Mr. McCarthy."

In this situation, none of the nobles responded to Lan Qi with hesitation.

"Very good, how will you address me when you see me in the capital in a month?"

Lan Qi stood up and looked south with his hands behind his back, as if he was looking at Helrom in the capital from afar.

"Governor Loki McCarthy."

Lewin Qinston, who stood up from the side, bowed to Lan Qi, taking the lead.

The other nobles also quickly followed suit one by one.

The position of Governor of the Snowfield Province now only lacks an inauguration ceremony and sending an official letter to the capital.

The principal of the Royal Protos Academy of Magic, such a capable gentleman, is willing to serve as their Governor, not pursuing responsibility, but helping them solve the mess. No matter how he allocates and coordinates the cities, today is the best result for them.

No one dared to say whether they were convinced or not.

They only knew one thing: his noble sense of responsibility and sincerity were absolutely genuine, and he happened to have the matching ability.

This man in front of them may make the Protos Empire great again.

……

Not far away on the arena seats.

"Well, let's add a little favorability to him."

Si De stretched lazily, as if he had just woken up, and the bones on his spine cracked. He felt that with this Saint, he didn't have to worry about anything.

Cat Boss listened to these words, looked at Lan Qi, who was being greeted by a group of nobles and walking away, and then looked at Si De, twisting and turning, afraid to say anything.

"What do you want to say?"

Si De asked with a smile.

Cat Boss hesitated for a while, then looked at Si De.

"You won't... really fall in love with him, will you..."

Cat Boss whispered. It was very worried that Lan Qi would really be favored by the Overlord Church, then even if he escaped back to the Southern Continent, it would not be over.

"I'm raising him as a son. Could it be that I would fall in love with a boy who is so much younger than me? What kind of person do you take me for?"

Only at this moment, Si De's eyes were a little cold, causing Cat Boss to feel a chill. Its dark cat fur stood on end, as if it felt the bone-chilling terror it felt when it first saw this Bishop.

Cat Boss understood.

Although she enjoyed it, she was very clear about the difference between the game and reality. Or rather, her heart had always been extremely cold and had never changed.

"Phew..."

The cat boss, who shrank into a ball after the trembling, couldn't stop the rapid beating of its heart, but secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as Sigrid doesn't fall in love with Lan Qi, then this trip to the Northern Continent won't be a particularly big deal.

There are more than 7,000 words today. Xi's faint, please give me a monthly ticket!

(End of this chapter)