Ragnar's words stunned everyone, including Shen Jingxuan.For several seconds, the arena remained silent.Then someone finally recovered from the initial shock and burst into laughter.Even a legendary senior like Shen Jingxuan was stumped, yet this boy thought he could help?Laughable.“Talk about overestimating his own strength.”“That little victory must have gone to his head. Now he thinks he's omnipotent.”“He should just confess already. He wants to finish Brother Gu off and complete what he started on the stage.”“Even if he doesn't have a mirror, he can still take a piss and check his reflection in a puddle.”Nika tugged anxiously at Ragnar's arm.“What are you doing? If something happens to him while you're treating him, you'll be held responsible.”Ragnar smiled wryly.Whether he helped or not, he would still be held responsible for Gu Tiance's condition.He might as well do everything within his power and face himself with a clear conscience.Even if he chose to be wicked a

Fake?Ragnar's face darkened.He knew exactly how much effort had gone into refining that batch of pills—and how difficult it had been to acquire the raw materials. He had only succeeded because most of the precious ingredients were already stored in the rare medicinal-herb section of his archive.“Nonsense.” Thane turned toward the last speaker. “If it's fake, then why did its fragrance alone heal people's injuries?”“Who knows what tricks he used?” A grudge filled voice answered.“Exactly. I was wondering why he suddenly became generous enough to give away such a rare treasure. It's obviously fake.”“Don't judge others using your own selfish, greedy heart as a measuring stick,” Thane shot back. “Ragnar would never behave like you.”Ragnar barely heard them.His attention remained fixed on Professor Shen, carefully studying her expression and body language.If the pill suddenly wasn't working, could she have swapped it?But he had been watching her the entire time. When could she pos

By the time the students finally filed out of Legend Court, it was already two in the morning.Ragnar wasn't in a hurry to leave. He was curious about the true extent of the elixir's powers. Watching Gu Tiance would have given him a live test subject for his research.However, Shen Jingxuan had blocked everything from view. Of course, he understood her reasoning.The restoration elixir was already miraculous. If word got out that Gu Tiance had suddenly transformed into a terrifying genius after being refined by it, he would become a prime target. Everyone would want him for their own selfish reasons.Fake friends and gold diggers aside, dark forces might try to recruit him. His family's enemies, feeling threatened by his sudden rise, might even attempt to eliminate him.Perhaps he hadn't thought things through before giving Tiance the elixir. He should have requested that Tiance be moved to a side room before administering it.He had been too anxious and hadn't thought that far ahead.

Cold sweat beaded across Nika's upper lip, but she plastered a giant smile across her face.For the first time in more than a decade, she had no idea what to say to Darlene.She had never needed to watch her words around her childhood playmate and study companion. Darlene was the person Nika considered her safe place—the one person with whom she could truly be herself, without having to constantly uphold the rigorous standards expected of the Flower Court's heiress.Someone who understood her perfectly, even when she didn't say a word.She's just upset, Nika told herself.Yes. That had to be it.Darlene was simply feeling down because of her score. Who didn't get moody once in a while?Up ahead, Ragnar noticed that Nika was no longer beside him and glanced back. “Keep up. It's not safe for girls to walk behind at night.”“Tch!” Nika hissed, jumping at the tiny opportunity to escape the awkward silence.Anything was better than this suffocating tension.“I'm a warrior, you know. Not so

They sat around the table, staring at one another as though they had suddenly forgotten how they were supposed to proceed.Just moments ago, the garden had been alive with laughter, banter, and easy conversation. Now, the silence between them felt almost tangible.Thane sighed and shook his head. “Darlene was wrong, but you also went too far.”“Too far?” Ragnar sneered. “If I don't say it, who will?”His palm came down hard against the table, rattling the plates.Mathilda had once been like Darlene—an unsatisfied subordinate who thought life had cheated her and that everything others possessed should have belonged to her. He could almost see history playing out again, but this time, he will never let Nika be a victim.“But she's already feeling inferior and self conscious. Your words might have worsened things.” Ryujin muttered. “Now, it feels as if you had it out for her and have been waiting for a suitable time to strike.”Ragnar let out a humorless chuckle.He reached for a can of