Leilin looked at the wary faces around him and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
In the world of wizards, dark wizards and light wizards had always been synonymous with mortal enemies. And here in the sensitive Ganges Plains, the fact that these people hadn't attacked the moment they heard Leilin was a dark wizard meant they really trusted George.
"I left the Dark Wizard Domain years ago. I've been living in Evernight City ever since!" Leilin thought for a moment, then shared a half-truth about his situation. "Besides, I've also been studying at the Four Seasons Garden…"
"See! I knew it! Leilin, someone as brave and kind-hearted as you could never be one of those cruel dark wizards!"
George burst out laughing.
Xirui and the others looked considerably more relaxed as well.
One could only imagine what the thoughts of all those wizards who had died at Leilin's hands would be upon hearing George's words — whether they'd be furious enough to die all over again.
"Oh right, Leilin — are you here because of the Secret Realm too?"
The Ganges Secret Realm was a massive event that had sent shockwaves through the entire South Coast wizarding community. Some basic knowledge about secret realms had spread rapidly, so George and his companions weren't completely in the dark about it.
Leilin caught the worry in George's gaze, along with the subtle glances from the other apprentices, and suddenly realized what they were thinking.
It seemed George had mistaken him for one of those reckless wizard apprentices who didn't know their own limits and were heading to the Ganges Secret Realm hoping to strike it rich through sheer luck.
It was understandable. Ever since news of the secret realm had spread, apprentice wizards driven by dreams of instant wealth had been pouring in from every direction toward the Ganges Secret Realm.
Some of them died along the way. Others lurked desperately around the entrance, unable to find a way in. Still more were forcibly conscripted or tricked by the major powers into serving as cannon fodder.
But a tiny handful of apprentices had luckily managed to obtain some resources and returned safely to places like Evernight City and other wizard gathering points. This only created more buzz, drawing even more apprentices into the fray.
Clearly, George and his group had pegged Leilin as just another such apprentice.
"Leilin…" George hesitated for a moment, apparently choosing his words carefully. "The dangers inside the secret realm are far beyond what apprentices like us can handle. Only the fully-fledged wizards are the real forces in there!"
"A lot of my friends have already fallen in there. You're still young… there's no need to…"
"Just let him go!" Besta spoke up suddenly from the side.
"Maybe Leilin will get lucky and come away with a ton of resources — enough to advance successfully!"
George frowned. How could anyone rely on luck? And Besta was being way too casual about it.
"As it happens… I received an Academy mission, so I have to go to the secret realm," Leilin said with a bitter smile.
"Oh, that explains it… No wonder — I thought there was no way you'd do something so dangerous on your own." George patted his friend's shoulder, a look of sympathy and resignation on his face.
"Well, I guess we're in the same boat now — brothers in misery. We might even get assigned together, since the light wizards have formed a unified alliance inside the secret realm…"
When the others heard that Leilin's situation was roughly the same as theirs — that he'd also been compelled to go to the secret realm — Xirui, Alexander, and the rest showed expressions of shared suffering. It seemed Leilin's plight had struck a chord with them.
This kind of mission was second only to death missions within the Academy. Only those apprentices who lacked connections or had offended someone important would be sent on such tasks.
But in that brief turn of his head, Leilin's sharp eyes caught a fleeting expression Besta had tried hard to conceal — it looked like satisfaction?
"Is this woman still hung up about what happened last time?"
Leilin chuckled to himself inwardly, finding it somewhat amusing.
His level had already left Besta far behind. He had killed more than a few fully-fledged wizards. What kind of waves could a mere apprentice possibly make?
No matter how much Besta bared her claws and fangs in front of him now, to Leilin it was like teasing a little kitten.
"…Anyway, we're heading the same way. Leilin, why don't we travel together?" George made the suggestion.
"…Sure!" Leilin considered it. He still had plenty of time, and at George and the others' pace, they could reach the Ganges Secret Realm before the deadline. So he agreed. He and George had been on good terms before, so he was happy to lend a hand where he could.
Besides, there were a few things with Besta that needed sorting out.
"That's great! Leilin, you're a third-rank apprentice too — that really bumps up our team's strength. We won't have to worry even if we run into bandits!" George looked quite excited.