Chapter 260: There Are Too Many Tsundere Heroines! Ranni handed the wooden Carian Inverted Statue to Bai Shi and began to speak. “On the eastern shore of Liurnia, there is a rather conspicuous structure. You may have seen it before.” Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦·𝘯𝘦𝘵 “That building is the Carian Study Hall, a library that was once a vital location for the Carian Royal Family.” “Now, however, it’s nothing more than a deserted, derelict building.” Ranni sighed faintly. The once-glorious Carian Royal Family had now fallen into decline. Her mother, Queen Rennala of the Full Moon, had once single-handedly led the Carians, building them into a dynasty powerful enough to rival the Erdtree. But now, with Rennala’s mind lost, they had declined together. Had Ranni chosen to lead the many sorcerer-knights and loyal retainers as the Carian princess, there might have been a chance to restore the royal family to its former glory. But that was not her path, and she would not regret the choices she had made. Ranni continued speaking to Bai Shi. “Within that study hall lies a secret path leading to the Divine Tower of Liurnia.” “However, under normal circumstances, there’s no way to open that path. To get there, you need this item.” “The architecture of the Carian Study Hall is quite unique. I trust you'll find it... surprising.” Bai Shi accepted the Carian Inverted Statue, turning it over in his hands. He noticed a slot in the base, just above the wooden effigy's head. This was clearly how the statue connected with the orrery inside. Bai Shi put the statue away and nodded to Ranni. For my numerous victories, this reward is my due! Ranni gave a slight nod, pleased by Bai Shi's forthright acceptance. She disliked being indebted to anyone. Had Bai Shi hesitated or refused, it would have only made her uncomfortable. With that settled, Bai Shi intended to go check on Melina in the Rebirth Amber. However, a conflicted expression flickered across Ranni's face, as if she were hesitating on the verge of saying something more. Ranni must have been truly torn, for even Bai Shi could easily tell she had something else she wanted to say. Yet, she herself seemed unaware that her composure was slipping. Seeing her state, Bai Shi quietly turned his head to wait, feigning interest in the nearby bookshelf to give her the space she needed to gather her thoughts. After a long, internal struggle, Ranni finally spoke up. “Right... there is one more thing.” “You have been to my rise before. After I have gone, feel free to visit and see if there is anything you require.” “Take whatever you like, be it books or other trinkets.” “I have no more need of them. But try not to cause too much damage.” “And... there is another... tower.” “It would be best if you didn’t go there...” Ranni’s voice grew softer and softer, though she tried to maintain a calm facade. Even though she’d said it, her heart was a mess of contradictions, and she hadn’t quite recovered her balance. Bai Shi silently nodded in agreement, though inwardly he was cheering. The other tower Ranni mentioned had to be the last of the Three Sisters—Renna’s Rise. Renna was an alias Ranni had once used, but her true identity was likely Ranni's mentor, the Snow Witch. Inside that tower was a waygate Ranni had left behind. That waygate led to the Ainsel River Main, providing a path to Nokstella, Eternal City. Without using this waygate, one would have to go to the Nameless Eternal City in the Deeproot Depths and take a coffin-boat ride down the Ainsel River Main—a much more troublesome route. The most important thing was that although Ranni seemed conflicted and even told him not to go, she still brought it up herself. For a tsundere like Ranni, the meaning behind such a statement was self-evident. Of course, this was all just Bai Shi's wild speculation. True or not, Ranni’s questline could now continue. Bai Shi agreed and thanked Ranni for her generosity. He then quickly changed the subject. Seeing that Ranni was still a bit flustered, Bai Shi asked, “You said you were preparing to leave. When do you plan to depart?” Hearing Bai Shi return to business, Ranni fully regained her usual composure and replied. “Yes, I am preparing to leave.” “I will notify you when the rebirth is nearly complete, and then I shall depart.” So far, the rebirth was proceeding without any issues. Even if she stayed, there was nothing more for her to do. Besides, once that girl's rebirth was complete, it was best to leave them to themselves. If she were still here, watching them enjoy their reunion after the rebirth, it would be a bit of an eyesore. Ranni continued, “Thanks to you, I no longer have to worry about Blaidd. I leave Master Iji in your care as well.” “It is time I embarked on my own journey, down my own path into the dark.” “Speaking of which, fate has truly brought us together. I should also thank Torrent.” “It wasn't long, but my time with you has been... pleasant.” Ranni turned, presenting Bai Shi with her back. But then she turned her head again, giving Bai Shi one last, anxious look. “Right. Remember to wait until after I’ve left before you go to those two places.” Bai Shi nodded in agreement. Although he had planned to grab those items while he had the time, since Ranni had said so, there was no need to rush. After all, that was where Ranni’s true body was. The place likely held special significance for her. There was no rush anyway, so it wasn't a problem. Having said all she needed to say, Ranni floated back into the air and resumed her supine position, reading a book. This time, however, she had her back turned completely to him, so all Bai Shi could see was her silhouette. The book in her hands was held unusually close to her face. Seeing that Ranni was no longer paying him any mind, Bai Shi walked to the center of the Grand Library and approached the Queen of the Full Moon. Inside the Rebirth Amber, Melina's form had almost completely materialized. Through the hazy amber, her figure was indistinct, only a faint outline visible. At this moment, Melina was curled up like a newborn, her beautiful hair floating around her. Looking at the peaceful Melina curled within the Rebirth Amber, Bai Shi’s heart finally relaxed completely. Everything was going smoothly. Speaking of which, it was probably time to have Boc sew some clothes for Melina. He had to have her usual outfit made, and she would need a few spare sets as well. If possible, Bai Shi hoped Boc could make a few prettier ones. He wondered if Boc could create designs like a maid outfit or a sailor uniform if he described the concepts to him... Hm? Wait, without her measurements, he wouldn’t be able to make clothes, would he... Bai Shi felt a headache coming on. It seemed Melina would have to make do with some ill-fitting clothes for a while. Melina's rebirth would still take some time, so Bai Shi didn’t linger in the Grand Library. He planned to head back to the academy to see how Sorceress Sellen was doing. It had been a while. Ranni, who had been secretly watching Bai Shi with her spirit, finally lowered the book she was holding up in front of her face after she saw him teleport away. She rested it on her stomach. Ranni let out a sigh. “...In the end, I still gave it to him.” “The Cursemark of Death... perhaps it will be of some help to him.” “And I even left a path open for him. I wonder if he’ll go...” “No, I told him not to. Based on his behavior so far, he probably won’t go.” “I don’t even know if this was the right thing to do.” Ranni gazed up at the ceiling and closed her eyes. “Hah, what a mess. Why am I so hesitant about something ? Do I want him to come or not...?” “Ranni, oh, Ranni, have you lost yourself in some unrealistic fantasy?” “If this doesn't turn out as you imagined, you'll only have yourself to blame.” “...If he can find the way, if he comes to me, then I suppose I will believe in so-called fate one more time.” Using a Site of Grace, Bai Shi arrived at the Academy of Raya Lucaria. Parts of the academy had already been repaired, but progress was slow due to the lack of professional artisans. Fortunately, the artisans Bai Shi had dispatched from Stormveil Castle had arrived, and the pace of construction had picked up significantly. Bai Shi found Sorceress Sellen upstairs, watching the construction crew at work. Upon seeing Bai Shi, a smile graced her face. “My apprentice, you’ve been terrible. Look how long it’s been since you last visited your teacher.” “It’s not as though I’m some unapproachable witch anymore, is it?” “But... even if you don’t care much for your master, your master has always kept you in her thoughts.” “While you were away, I’ve been diligently helping you rebuild the academy, you know~.” Listening to Sellen's teasing, Bai Shi could only smile and briefly recount his recent experiences. Sellen, who had been joking just a moment ago, immediately grew serious when she heard Bai Shi had entered the Spirit World. Bai Shi hadn't dealt much with matters of the soul, but Sellen was different. She had once used a ritual to place her soul within a primeval glintstone and knew that anything related to the soul was not to be trifled with. Sellen immediately began questioning Bai Shi in detail and even insisted on examining him herself. Only after confirming that Bai Shi’s soul was unharmed, and had in fact grown stronger, did she finally relax. After hearing about Bai Shi's adventure, Sellen spoke in a playful tone. “My, my, I never expected such a thing to happen.” “Next time you go, how about I tag along? I wouldn’t want to miss out on something so interesting.” Bai Shi shook his head, declining her offer. “No need. Teacher, you should stay here and help me look after the academy.” “That place isn't much of a challenge for me.” Although Sellen had said it jokingly, Bai Shi knew that if he had agreed, she would have insisted on going. But Bai Shi would never let her go. He didn't want his teacher to suffer the constant soul damage there. Seeing Bai Shi refuse, Sellen didn't insist and instead started talking about recent events at the academy. “My apprentice, thanks to the construction crew from Stormveil, the academy is being repaired at a rapid pace every day.” “In another two days or so, it should be restored to its former glory.” Bai Shi looked down at the hard-working Tarnished below and nodded. The construction crew was composed of able-bodied Tarnished, which meant they could deploy quickly and had reached the academy in a short time. Moreover, thanks to their constant work renovating Stormveil, their efficiency was quite impressive. Just then, Bai Shi noticed a living dead in the crew, which surprised him. For this living dead to be here, it must have been exceptionally good at its job to have been brought along as an exception. A saint of civil engineering in the body of a living dead? Truly astounding. But Bai Shi didn’t pay it much mind. In the end, it was just a peculiar living dead. Speaking of construction, Sellen pulled Bai Shi aside and pointed towards a towering structure. This tower stood in the center of the academy, rising from an unknown base, piercing through the entire academy and straight into the clouds. Sellen looked at the tall tower and said: “At the top of that great belfry, there should be the greatest and most important sorcerous domain in the academy’s history—the Sphere of the Conspectus.” “In the past, this magical field covered the entire academy.” “It was a vivid, successful experiment that was like a spark of sudden comprehension. To put it dramatically, it could turn a baby who can't yet walk into a sorcerer in an instant.” “It’s safe to say that the academy's past glory was inseparable from the blessing of the Sphere of the Conspectus.” “But for some unknown reason, it has completely malfunctioned and no longer provides such an effect.” “I searched all over the academy before, but I couldn’t find any path that leads up there.” “Now that you’ve learned gravity magic and can use it in concert with storms, you should be able to fly there, right?” “Why don’t you go up and take a look, my apprentice?” Bai Shi nodded. The buff from the Sphere of the Conspectus was indeed powerful. It covered the entire academy, and anyone within its bounds could enjoy the benefits. This was a percentage-based magic buff. In real-world terms, it directly increased one's intelligence, which was incredibly effective for both learning and researching sorcery. Even an ordinary sorcerer would receive a significant boost, and the benefits for masters would likely be even greater. This was something that absolutely had to be repaired. And Bai Shi could indeed fly now. If that didn't work, he could always call Selinsax for help. This time, however, Bai Shi planned to take the path from the game. The one through the Academy Crystal Cave, where the two Crystallians were. Mainly because Bai Shi was very curious to meet those Crystallians. The Crystallians were a species one could communicate with. They had connections with the academy and certain other factions, and there were even forms like the Putrescent Crystallian. Perhaps he should make contact with them and see what this so-called "wisdom of stone" truly was. Before he left, Bai Shi asked about the movements of the Cuckoo Knights. Although the Cuckoos had pledged their allegiance, Bai Shi didn't trust them completely. As an army that had existed since the time of the Nox, always wary of the academy, they wouldn't submit so easily. Besides, Bai Shi needed to supervise their behavior and ensure they didn't engage in any more wicked deeds. Unfortunately, the academy's surveillance of the outside world was limited to parts of the Lakes and a few specific locations. For instance, the place where Sellen had been imprisoned. Therefore, tracking the Cuckoos' movements was difficult. Perhaps this was a condition the Cuckoos had demanded in the past to avoid becoming complete vassals of the academy. Judging by the Cuckoos' behavior when the construction crew arrived, they seemed to be acting normally. But it was impossible to know if it was just an act. Bai Shi felt he needed to see for himself what they were really like. Good news, the makeup exam has lots of problems you can solve with formulas. Bad news, got nervous halfway through and forgot the formulas.