July 19th—The funeral for the seventy-two victims was held at Palos Magic Academy.

To avoid potential enemy attacks, attendance was kept minimal, with only a few representatives from each academy present.

The rest of the faculty continued their work maintaining the academy’s defenses.

As the funeral bells tolled, the attendees stood before rows of gravestones, hands pressed to their chests, heads bowed in solemn silence.

The temporary burial ground had been set up on the eastern side of Palos Magic Academy. Of the seventy-two victims, only thirty-two were buried there; the other forty bodies would be returned to their families. However, gravestones were still erected for all of them.

White Star, his white hair styled into spikes, lifted his head and spoke to the rows of gravestones:

“Teachers, deans, please rest assured. I, White Star, will do everything in my power to protect Palos Magic Academy with my life.”

Elder Ellison had once been White Star’s mentor, and in private, she always referred to him as "Teacher."

On either side of White Star stood Dean Brian of Vine Academy and Dean Kelly of Crystal Blue Academy, both of whom also declared their resolve.

These two deans had answered the call from Ellison and other elders twenty years ago, surrendering their territories to establish their own magical academies.

Over the past two decades, they had intertwined their fates with Palos Magic Academy.

To them, the academy had become the entirety of their lives.

In the past two days, White Star had received word from the Church’s deacon, Luther, via a voice-carrying raven, that the North County Ruins had become a dead zone.

The Palos Magic Academy’s president and elders who had gone there half a month ago were likely already casualties.

Now, no one would come to aid Palos Magic Academy. Only White Star and the two deans remained, forming a temporary council of elders.

Additionally, some of the academy’s faculty had been selected to form a council of advisors, and each subordinate academy sent one representative to form a council of representatives.

For the time being, the academy would be led by the council of elders, assisted by the council of advisors and the council of representatives.

Together, these three groups would manage the affairs of Palos Magic Academy.

Naturally, Karien was one of the representatives in the council.

“Karien!”

After the funeral, White Star called out to Karien.

Karien removed his black soft hat and turned to ask, “Elder White Star, is there something you need?”

“There are two matters I’d like to consult you about,” White Star replied.

“First, I’d like to purchase a batch of magic-powered rifles from your Mechanical God Church.”

Before Karien could respond, White Star continued,

“As you know, the Chaos Contract ceased functioning starting yesterday. Some of the academy’s magisters have lost their mid to high-level magic abilities.

“This has further weakened our academy’s defenses. Even if they choose to undergo the Elemental Contract and retrain, it will take a long time for them to regain their strength.

Therefore, I believe it is necessary to equip the academy with magic-powered rifles and other magical devices, so that students who are willing to defend the school will have some means of self-defense.”

When White Star had advanced to become a mid-level magister, she had signed the Earth Elemental Contract, so the failure of the Chaos Contract had not affected her greatly.

However, many other faculty members had signed the Chaos Contract with the God of Darkness, causing a significant loss of power.

Karien nodded in understanding and replied,

“The magic-powered rifles are no problem. I can give you the twenty I currently have on hand. When new rifles are produced in a few days, I will submit another batch.”

Karien then added,

“These twenty rifles will be provided free of charge, as a personal donation to the academy. Additionally, I can supply elemental grenades in bulk in a couple of days.

If used correctly, these grenades can also pose a threat to mid-level magisters.”

At the meeting of the three councils (the Elders, Advisors, and Representatives) yesterday, Karien had demonstrated the power of elemental grenades, water grenades, lightning grenades, fire grenades, smoke grenades, and more.

He had also applied to have all academy members capable of engraving magical chips assist with the engraving of magic chips.

After witnessing the power of the elemental grenades, everyone at the meeting had agreed to this request.

Just like King Privet VIII, Palos Magic Academy urgently needed to strengthen its power by any means possible.

“Good!”

In truth, if the Mechanical God Church could provide tens of thousands of elemental grenades, the strength they would add could rival that of dozens of mid- and high-level magisters. Of course, it all depended on how they were used.

“What is the second matter?”

White Star had mentioned consulting on two matters.

Taking a deep breath, White Star said,

“I wish to take Mia as my apprentice.”

For a moment, Karien was stunned, then a look of joy spread across his face. “Are you serious?”

While Karien’s magical devices could enhance Mia’s power, the improvements were limited to low-level magic at this stage. Even with all the equipment, Mia’s power would remain constrained.

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Moreover, Mia’s talent was extraordinary. She shouldn’t be limited to magical devices; she needed to cultivate her personal strength.

White Star smiled and said,

“That child has great potential. With the current upheaval in Durant Kingdom, Mia cannot attend the Magic University, but she must not neglect her training. So, I will teach her myself.”

After thinking for a moment, Karien nodded and said,

“I will tell Mia. I’m sure she’ll be very happy.”

“Thank you for taking care of this.”

After confirming these two matters with Karien, White Star hurried off to handle other matters.

Karien watched her leave, and as he pondered, he began to understand White Star’s intentions.

In this critical moment, White Star was busier than anyone. Taking on an apprentice at such a time would inevitably consume some of her time and energy.

It was clear that White Star admired Mia. However, she could have waited until the situation stabilized before taking on an apprentice.

Karien believed the primary reason White Star proposed this now was to solidify the relationship between the academy and the Mechanical God Church.

Currently, Karien, along with his management of Red Leaf Academy, represented the Mechanical God Church to a large extent.

Though the church was offering the greatest help to Palos Magic Academy in its time of need, White Star’s understanding of the Mechanical God Church was still limited.

As the highest authority at the academy, it was normal for White Star to feel some uncertainty about an unknown church.

By taking Mia as an apprentice, White Star hoped to use it as a bridge to further understand the Mechanical God Church.

Karien was more than happy to facilitate this, as the interests of the Mechanical God Church and the academy were aligned.

After putting on his hat, Karien left the cemetery.

When he passed by the main campus teaching building, he paused and turned back toward it.

With a somber expression, Karien walked into a public classroom on the first floor. He passed the lectern and made his way to the seating area, finding a spot to sit. He then stared at the lectern, lost in thought.

Uncertain how much time had passed, the back door of the classroom opened, and an elderly janitor walked in with a broom.

Noticing Karien seated, the janitor reminded,

“Sir, today’s lecture has been canceled.”

Karien, holding a letter of appointment, slowly lowered his head, murmuring,

“I know…

I know…”

“White Star wants to take me as a student?”

When Mia heard this from Karien, she was initially excited but quickly became confused.

“Why now?”

Mia understood that White Star was currently bearing the heavy burden of the entire Palos Magic Academy, so it seemed odd to take on a student at such a time.

Mia’s reaction was much faster than Karien had expected. She didn’t immediately respond when Karien asked all the students from both the practical and theoretical groups to gather together.

Once everyone had arrived, Karien informed them about the Mechanical God Church.

At first, Mia and the others were surprised, but soon they understood. After all, when Karien had provided them with various magical devices and elemental coins in the past, it had already been beyond what a typical teacher could do.

However, since Karien had never explained how he had managed it, they had all been left guessing.

Before, they had been focused on training to prevent the collapse of Red Leaf Academy. But privately, Mia, Jack, and the others had wondered just how their teacher had managed it.

At one point, they even thought Karien was being supported by a rich woman. Now, hearing about the Mechanical God Church, it didn’t seem too shocking.

The students’ calm reactions caught Karien a bit off guard. Looking at them, he continued:

“The Mechanical God Church enables ordinary people to wield magic. This is the path that suits me best.”

Jack, whose skin was dark, scratched his head and asked,

“So, teacher, if we’re using the Mechanical God Church’s magical devices, does that mean we’re also followers of the church?”

For Jack, whose magical talent was low, there was no future elsewhere. So, he had already decided to follow Karien for life.

If Karien was a follower of the Mechanical God Church, Jack figured that would make him something of a follower too.

“Whether or not you become followers is up to you,” Karien replied, looking at the students.

“But in the coming period, we may have to fight against the Fallen faction or forces supported by the Fallen faction.

Red Leaf Academy is our home, and we must protect it. So, I would indeed like for you to join the Mechanical God Church, to gain strength and protect our home.”

Sali, with his thick eyebrows, spoke up:

“If you join any church, we’ll join it too, teacher!”

The other students chimed in, especially Zorky from the theoretical group. For him, the Mechanical God Church seemed to be the best way forward.

“As the school prepares for battle, I’ve arranged for cooperation with White Star and the others.

In the next month, we’ll provide 10,000 magic rifles and tens of thousands of elemental grenades. That’s why I had Zorky and the others help with chip engraving,” Karien continued.

Mia then began to understand, asking:

“So, this is also why White Star wants to take me as a student now?”

“It’s one of the reasons,” Karien replied without hiding anything, but he added, “White Star does indeed think highly of you.

Since you can’t go to the Magic University right now, following White Star will allow you to make quicker progress.”

Mia nodded and said,

“Got it. I’ll work hard!”

She understood that her training under White Star and her potential role as a follower of the Mechanical God Church would help her forge a better relationship with White Star.

After explaining the situation regarding the Mechanical God Church, Karien assigned tasks to the students.

“Mia, you can report to White Star tomorrow. Try to sign the magic contract as soon as possible.

Since the Chaos Contract is no longer effective, you’ll likely have to sign with the Wind Elemental Spirit. I’m sure White Star knows better how to guide you.”

“Okay!” Mia nodded again, and the golden ponytail at the back of her head bounced.

Turning to Zorky, who wore glasses, Karien continued:

“As for you, keep up the work with the chip engraving.

When the magic rifles are ready, you’ll be responsible for assembling the chip components. The workload will be heavy, so I appreciate your efforts.”

Zorky pushed up his glasses with his index finger and smiled,

“We’re doing this to defend our school, our home. No matter how hard it gets, it’s all worth it!”

“Well said!” Karien smiled and then turned to Jack, Sali, and the other practical students.

“You’ll be coming with me outside the school tomorrow.

It’s time to mobilize the people and start forming an army!”

On July 20th, the Duke of North County’s army advanced south into the Sha Tian territory and clashed with the Earl of Sha Tian’s forces.

Sha Tian territory was located between Central County and North County, characterized mostly by mountainous desert terrain. Though the land was barren, the people were tough, and the army fought bravely.

The Earl of Sha Tian had been a general who fought alongside King Privet VIII to overthrow Privet VI. Politically, he sided firmly with King Privet VIII, and in terms of religious beliefs, he had no particular faction.

After the first battle, although the Earl’s forces suffered heavy losses, they used the terrain to their advantage, slowing down the Duke of North County’s advance and buying the King more time.

In addition to the Earl, other noble lords who had followed King Privet VIII also sent troops to the royal capital to heed the King’s call.

However, most other lords either stayed passive or were already leaning toward supporting the Fallen faction.

Among them was the Duke of Mist County.

Durant Kingdom had six counties in total. The four largest counties—East, West, South, and North—had been established early on. Due to warfare and territorial adjustments, two more counties, Sha and Mist, were added.

The counties were positioned on the outer borders of the kingdom, serving as buffers and were governed by dukes, essentially equivalent to principalities, though some barons were still appointed within the counties.

The inner regions of the kingdom, however, didn’t have counties but were divided into a variety of earldoms and baronies.

Before Palos Magic Academy was established, it had been a barony, with its twelve subordinate estates transformed into various colleges.

Mist County alone had dozens of baronies like this.

When Karien realized the Duke of Mist County was subtly leaning toward the Fallen faction, he knew he had to act quickly to gain the support of the people in Mist County.

However, since Mist County was so large, Karien couldn’t cover it all at once. He decided to begin by infiltrating one barony at a time.

With Jack and Sali in tow, Karien headed toward the nearby Goose Feather Barony, which was relatively close to Palos Magic Academy.