Chapter 16
Vivian slowly stood up and gave a light greeting to Theodore.
Adrian didn't even bother and only looked straight at him.
They were currently in Theodore's office on the fifth floor of the academy.
"Please, have a seat."
Adrian waved his hand dismissively and asked,
"Where is Azek?"
"He is in the infirmary isolation room right now."
"I want to see him."
"I will have someone guide you there shortly, but beware that you can't approach him, for now I can reassure you."
Theodore took out a mana crystal and gently tapped on it. Water flowed out, forming a sphere in front of Adrian. Inside it was an image of Azek lying down.
Adrian's eyes flashed red for a moment. He immediately rubbed them.
"This was recorded before the meeting. He is still unconscious, and we suspect he has entered the waiting period."
Adrian didn't say anything.
"We are currently erecting a sensitivity barrier inside the academy with the help of Cardinal Magnus to find the source of contamination. If you wish, you may accompany us."
Vivian slightly shifted her posture and stood up.
"I appreciate the offer, but we have no reason to work as free labor. We will be accompanying Azek during this time. Please excuse us."
She turned and headed out the door. Adrian Willowheart followed behind her.
Theodore gave a bitter smile and immediately headed toward the South Tower.
Zing.
Sparks generated inside the mana crystal orb, and a barrier began forming. After a few adjustments, the final version was ready.
The cardinal looked at the academy from the tower window. He had to cover the entire academy with a holy power barrier without disrupting the mana barrier.
Preparations were complete. Professors were already in position, and five other priests had arrived to supplement the necessary power.
Azek was still lying unconscious on the bed. Vivian watched from the infirmary office window.
Adrian had placed a chair some distance from Azek and looked at his son in deep thought.
Although the professor in charge had opposed their stay, Vivian had immediately silenced him by asking why they were stopping people who had spent their lives killing monsters and facing constant danger of poisoning. The professor had been left speechless. After all, they didn't have the authority to oppose the Willowheart family's unbending stance.
In the end, protection amulets were arranged, and several precautions were laid out before they were allowed to remain in the office.
Piiii—
An alarm went off, and the magic barrier began expanding. Within it, a silver shield started forming from the four towers as its origin points.
The four priests stationed at each tower continuously supplied holy power to sustain the barrier.
The entire process was completed in twenty minutes.
Bishop Cession looked at the small crystal orb in front of him — a miniature version of the barrier.
A red dot began glowing in the North Tower.
Another faint red dot pointed toward the infirmary.
Professor Sevile saw the bishop's expression and followed his gaze. He immediately crushed a mana crystal to send a ripple signal toward the North Tower.
Methilia was standing guard in the North Tower with Professor Ashvile.
A small smile could be seen on her face.
Soon, they noticed the signal.
Methilia was standing at the top level. She glanced at the signal and immediately jumped down.
When she reached the fourth-level staircase, Ashvile was already standing there.
Black veins formed a closed bundle, entrapping something inside.
"You're here."
Ashvile looked at her with blue eyes.
Methilia nodded.
"That was fast."
"I suppose so." Ashvile looked at Methilia's lack of reaction and a fleeting thought came to her mind, she looked at her with a trace of concern and confusion.
maybe she was overthinking.
A tinge of disappointment had appeared on Methilia's face.
Zriiiing.
A metallic sound echoed as Vivian stood at the infirmary door, sword in hand.
"What is the meaning of this, Professor Sevile?"
Her eyes radiated cold, murderous intent.
"I suggest you step aside, Miss Vivian. I need to confirm something."
Sevile stood in front of the door with Bishop Elion.
"And after confirming, he will be disposed of immediately, won't he?"
"I hope you can trust my word that I have no intention of doing so right now."
"So you would do it in the future?"
Sevile sighed.
"Marquis, I need you to understand that we must follow protocol. Or are you suggesting you are willing to make Cardinal Magnus your mortal enemy?"
It was a clear threat.
Vivian tensed.
Adrian was still sitting in the chair beside Azek, emotionless.
He sighed.
"Sevile, I need your word that this is only confirmation. My son has not shown any symptoms."
"Marquis Adrian," Sevile said, "you have my word that this is only for confirmation of mana poisoning — nothing else."
"Vivian."
The marquis called out.
Vivian sheathed her sword and stepped aside, though her glare remained fixed on the bishop.
Elion shrugged and entered.
He examined Azek closely. Holy power poured out and intertwined within him.
The bishop monitored carefully before slowly withdrawing the holy power.
Sevile asked,
"What do you think?"
"He is definitely contaminated, but the source is minimal. It almost feels as though the poison hasn't moved beyond his heart. I cannot be certain."
Adrian and Vivian's eyes lit with hope.
"But it is too early to conclude that he will not develop symptoms later," the bishop continued.
Sevile nodded.
The barrier had already confirmed two sources. One was Azek. The other one was contained within the North Tower.
Now they had to find the actual root.
And the only clue lay in the North Tower.
Sevile's eyes narrowed slightly.