"I'm here to inform you that you've passed the first stage of the special review. You're one step closer to officially becoming a Special Class Card Maker!" Leyun said with a smile, his tone filled with pride for Dekan.
The first stage of the review mainly involved investigating Dekan's personal growth experiences and family relationships - a file check, in other words. There was also a subjective analysis process conducted by the headquarters.
In theory, Dekan's card crafting style, his ability in crafting cards in a different language, and his performance in the Shadow Worlds would raise suspicions and questions. The fact that the entire process was completed so quickly and efficiently suggested that President Leyun had likely provided considerable assistance behind the scenes.
"In the previous special review processes, the second stage would involve a one-on-one interview conducted by a senior official directly affiliated with the Card Makers Association headquarters," President Leyun continued.
"...Aren't you one?" Dekan asked.
"Although I am a senior official, I am not directly affiliated with the headquarters."
"Wouldn’t it be troublesome for the person reviewing me then?"
"No, because she wouldn’t be coming over to review you. Instead, you will have to meet her in person."
Dekan frowned slightly. He sensed that the person reviewing him was quite formidable.
"Of course, you can refuse. But then, the headquarters will send someone else to review you. At that time, it's uncertain whether the reviewing officer from a foreign country will make things difficult for you."
President Leyun seemed to understand Dekan's mood, not getting angry at his arrogance but rather showing understanding of Dekan's expected attitude.
"The school will grant you leave until you complete the review, and all expenses, including travel and accommodation, will be covered," Professor Arnold added.
Dekan nodded, his expression already quite relaxed. If it was a funded trip, what was there to hesitate about?
Moreover, no matter what, according to President Leyun, dealing with this somewhat arrogant local person should be more convenient than dealing with someone from a foreign country.
"You'll be meeting the only eighth-tier Special Class Card Maker in the Norton Kingdom. She has an ancient name that's difficult to express in human language, so we simply call her the Ice Princess," Leyun said.
"..."
As a person from the Norton Kingdom, Dekan had naturally heard of the most prestigious card maker in the country. It was said that the Ice Princess was a half-elf, skilled in ice magic, and many of her powerful cards were related to ice. She was a figure that ordinary people rarely had the chance to meet.
But here was the problem.
Wasn't the Ice Princess in the Tristin Magic Academy?
He had just heard in the morning that the Resurgence Church was planning something at the Tristin Academy, and now he was assigned to go there.
Thinking about it carefully, the Resurgence Church was probably playing a bigger game this time. And he was likely already arranged to be a part of this game.
What was the ultimate goal of the hidden hand behind all this?
And what kind of powerful individuals would the Resurgence Church deploy this time?
For a moment, Dekan couldn't find the answers.
However, as he thought about it, Dekan even felt a bit excited. When a benefactor brings wealth, how can one not be happy?
Hopefully, only top-quality goods would arrive.
In the real world, Resurgence Church members themselves were considered spoils of war.
His mind was active, but Dekan's expression remained unchanged. At this time, he shouldn't show any signs of knowing things he shouldn't know. It was best to just act ignorant.
"The Ice Princess has a very cold personality. If it weren't for her belonging to the Norton Kingdom and having some connection with our branch, she wouldn't have agreed to review you. Be careful not to anger her during the meeting."
President Leyun patiently explained to Dekan.
"Is her temperament... peculiar?" Dekan asked.
"She's just not very concerned about anything. If she finds you annoying, she'll simply ignore you. If you happen to provoke her, no matter who you are, she'll turn you into an ice sculpture."
"... Shouldn't be a problem then."
Dekan's eyes flickered, as if he had come to a conclusion through his thoughts.
"You..."
Professor Arnold squinted his eyes. Even though he hadn't spoken until now, he had been observing Dekan.
He felt that Dekan had just estimated the chances of facing a formidable opponent...
Facing whom?
The Ice Princess?
Could this guy be harboring intentions towards the Ice Princess?!
Professor Arnold suddenly became a bit hesitant about sending Dekan to Tristin City.
"Dekan, you must remember, you are going for an exchange visit and not an inspection," Professor Arnold cautioned, his tone becoming somewhat stern and difficult to control.
He was very concerned that Dekan might treat the other academy as if it were a demon academy. That could lead to irreparable and serious accidents.
"Professor, I understand. I don't want to be turned into an ice sculpture and sent back," Dekan paused and continued, "By the way, can I bring Cornelia and Croix along?"
"What are you planning?!" Professor Arnold suddenly became alert.
He was already having second thoughts about letting Dekan visit Tristin Magic Academy.
"The trinity of warrior, mage and priest is indispensable."
"You're going for a visit, not challenging a Shadow World!"
Professor Arnold pondered, wondering why Dekan would bring his team along when meeting the Ice Princess.
Moreover, except for Cornelia, who was a relatively normal warrior, these remaining priest and mage seemed a bit off.
Who are they trying to torment?
After clearing his throat a couple of times, the professor continued, "Firstly, they would have to miss a considerable amount of classes. I find it hard to approve. Additionally, we didn't inform Tristin Magic Academy beforehand about extra companions. If Cornelia and Croix go, they'll have to stay at an inn outside the academy and cover their own expenses."
"Well, forget it. I'll go alone this time with no one to protect me. This feels quite unsafe..."
Dekan sighed helplessly, murmuring softly.
Professor Arnold's eye twitched at his words.
Is your sense of security built on the insecurity of others?
Furthermore, Professor Arnold strongly suspected that Dekan's real target for bringing Cornelia and Croix along was the Ice Princess.
Ordinary students would probably end up as playthings in the hands of these three.
In Tristin City, the only one worthy of their concerted effort was likely the Ice Princess.
Provoke the Ice Princess?
Even a lunatic wouldn't have such thoughts.
However.
Not only did Arnold believe Dekan had such intentions, he also believed Dekan had the audacity!
As the teacher who interacted with Dekan the most, Professor Arnold had begun to understand Dekan's behavioral patterns.
Although Dekan would never actively provoke the Ice Princess, in the worst-case scenario, if she troubled Dekan or even resorted to violence, Dekan would stand on the moral high ground and treat the Ice Princess as an enemy he could fully exploit. He would then find ways to make her submit!
The most severe situation could lead to the complete breakdown of friendly relations between the two schools, or even incite turmoil in the Norton Kingdom.
Dekan must not be allowed to bring his criminal crew along!
