Mica shook her head as he heard the rchant's question.
"No Spirits. The disturbances were caused by a rogue Arcanist. He was injured and used spells and talismans to keep people away while he recovered. He's not a threat to the district anymore."
The rchant blinked, then exhaled heavily. "So it wasn't Spirits… thank the heavens. I don't care what he was, as long as my custors stop running away. But where is he?"
Zhang Wei handed him the mission scroll, signed with their seal. "We sent him away… The Academy will handle the rest. You can tell your neighbors the matter is resolved. Just mark here that we completed the mission… Of course, we will be around for the next two days, so in case another problem cos up, we'll be here to settle it right away."
The rchant was delighted when the three students assured him they would remain in the district for two more days to observe the situation.
"That's wonderful! With Arcanists like you nearby, the people will feel safe again," he said, bowing gratefully before returning to his shop.
But for Zhang Wei, Mica Sato, and Liang Chen, safety was never their true concern.
Two days ant ti to explore, to observe, and to gather more resources.
With the matter settled, they slipped into the city streets, blending with the evening crowd.
Clovis City was vast, its districts were filled with taverns, shops, and markets that catered to every Arcane Path. For the trio, this was an opportunity.
"Finally," Liang Chen muttered as they entered a busy tavern, "a proper al outside the Academy."
They ordered simple dishes… There was rice, roasted at, and herbal broth. Yet even here, their conversation circled back to cultivation.
"These als are fine," Mica said, stirring her bowl, "but they lack the herbs we need. I really want the ginseng as soon as possible. Without them, ditation is slower."
Zhang Wei nodded. "Which is why we need money. We should earn a lot of points this ti and exchange them for resources that we need."
After eating, they moved on to the shops clustered around the eastern district.
One store specialized in various Arcane Stones, another in incense and powders. The trio examined shelves lined with crystals, parchnt talismans, and jars of rare herbs.
As expected, now that the Arcane Path had been opened for all people, more Arcane Shops were being built. After all, the production of Philosopher's Elixirs was also getting faster.
Soon, the group entered a specific shop selling items that Psychich Arts and Transformation Arts Practitioners would want.
The store was called Mind and Body Shop. It was quite a famous store focusing on only two Arcane Paths, so it was not surprising that the three wanted to visit it.
Liang Chen picked up a vial that was on display and saw the price…
"Mind Essence Extract. Just one of these costs more than a week's allowance."
Mica frowned. "Just rember that Farrel Academy only gives its top students one elixir a month. We'll never keep up if we rely on the Academy alone. However, it's already amazing that we're getting five or so a month from the Academy."
Zhang Wei sighed as he set the vial back down. "Which is why missions are essential. Every coin and point we earn goes back into cultivation…"
After confirming the current prices of the items they would need later, they left the shop.
The city's lanterns also started glowing brighter as night fell. Crowds bustled past them as so rchants began closing stalls, while guards continued patrolling, and children were finally returning to their hos.
It was then, as they turned down a quieter street near another Psychic supply shop, that they noticed him.
A young man, carrying a modest satchel of herbs and talismans, walking alone with an earnest expression. His presence was unremarkable at first glance, but he was familiar.
Mica stopped. "Wait… isn't that Cielo?"
Liang Chen turned and nodded.
"The orphan. The one who awakened through a Philosopher's Elixir."
Zhang Wei's tone was calm, but his gaze turned sharp.
"Yes. And rumor says Vale is considering him as a disciple."
Apparently, everyone had already heard rumors that Vale was planning to accept disciples. One for each of the twelve paths.
"If that's true, then this average boy might beco our rival." Mica sighed as they needed to beco Vale's disciples. At the very least, one of them must be able to do it.
The three exchanged glances, their earlier discussion about resources now blending with a new calculation.
Cielo was average in spellcasting, Spirit Strands, and Magic Zone. He had no inherited techniques, no family secrets. Everything he knew ca from the Academy. And yet, his raw ntal Energy was undeniable… It was strong, untad, and perfect for the Psychic Path.
That was the only advantage he had, and it was the crucial one.
Liang Chen muttered. "He's indeed a perfect candidate. But outside the Academy… he's vulnerable."
As he said this, he looked at the two…
Mica shook her head, as it might be dangerous to make a move here.
"We don't have to be extre about it. Just play so pranks… What do you think?" Zhang added.
"Hmm… He thinks effort alone will carry him. But maybe we can teach him a lesson."
Zhang Wei couldn't help but smile after hearing this.
"Then let's greet him."
***
The three approached Cielo with polite smiles, masking their true intentions.
"Cielo," Zhang Wei greeted smoothly, "we didn't expect to see you here. What brings you to the eastern district?"
Cielo looked up, surprised but pleased to see familiar faces.
He knew about these three who were talented in their class.
"Ah, Zhang Wei, Mica, Liang! I'm here on a mission too. Since I've already mastered the three foundational spells, the Academy allowed to take one."
Mica tilted her head, feigning curiosity. "Really? What kind of mission?"
Cielo hesitated for a mont, then answered earnestly. "It's… a bit complicated... But I'm tasked to help a man who's lost his mind. The guards say he's harmless most of the ti, but his episodes are dangerous. My role is to stabilize him with Psychic Arts, to ease his mind and prevent him from hurting himself or others."
Liang Chen smirked faintly. "An insane person? That sounds… difficult."
Zhang Wei's eyes glead after hearing this…
'So if you fail, your evaluation will drop. That would make it harder for Vale to consider you as a disciple.' He thought.
Well, it was similar to Liang and Mica's thoughts.
"I hope that you succeed… That sounds difficult." Mica said.
Cielo blinked, not catching the malice behind the words. "Well, yes… but I'll do my best. I believe effort matters."
Mica smiled sweetly. "Then allow us to watch. We're curious how you'll handle it. Maybe we'll learn sothing too."
Cielo nodded without suspicion. "Of course. I don't mind. Tomorrow is the real mission. Tonight, I'm just preparing the talismans and herbs I'll need."
They discussed where to et the next day, agreeing on a quiet square near the district's guard post. With that settled, the three bid him farewell…
However, after that, their smiles faded into cold amusent as they walked away.
"Perfect," Zhang Wei murmured.
"We have to be subtle about this if we target Cielo… As you all know, if he fails, his chances with Vale will vanish."
"Or," Liang Chen added darkly, "we can target the patient instead and make sure he fails."
Mica chuckled softly. "Tomorrow will be interesting."
Later that night, Cielo returned to his inn. He was tired but determined to complete this first mission.
At this ti, he was clutching his satchel of herbs and talismans… All of it were items he would need tomorrow.
As he entered his room, he froze.
Soone was already inside.
A woman sat calmly by the window, her presence was definitely overwhelming. Her long hair even glowed faintly in the lantern light…
"Miss Odessa…" Cielo whispered, recognizing her imdiately.
He didn't expect her to be here.
Odessa, one of the Half‑Immortals, turned her gaze toward him.
She was known for her mastery of both Mystic Arts and Rune Arts, and more importantly, she was a trusted agent of Vale himself.
However, Cielo first learn about her when she was still the Royal Mage with the title of Sky's Strongest, serving the Royals of Millton Kingdom.
"You've grown," she said softly, her voice carrying so warmth…
"I ca to see how you're preparing. Vale is watching you, Cielo. He wants to know if you can succeed in this mission."
Cielo's heart raced. "Lord Vale… is truly considering ?"
Odessa nodded. "Yes. But understand, the Psychic Path is treacherous. Many who walk it lose themselves. You must prove not only your strength, but your heart. Tomorrow's mission is more than a test from the Academy. It is a test from Vale."
Cielo swallowed hard, determination burning in his eyes. "Then I won't fail."
Odessa's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good."
She was genuinely happy about this since she knew very well that more than 90% of Psychic Arts Practitioners were psychopaths…
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