Chapter 73: Knowledge Is Greater Than Everything
“You two beautiful young ladies, it’s almost time for class—are you planning to skip?”
Just as the two were chatting idly, a melodious voice like a clear spring rang out.
They turned their heads at the same time. At some point, a graceful figure had appeared beside their table.
“Teacher Daphne?”
Isana was the first to recognize her, her face showing a trace of surprise.
And hearing Isana say that, Erika finally recalled—this woman was one of the three instructors in charge of teaching new students during the entrance ceremony, Daphne Doyle.
It was said that this teacher specialized in explaining magic studies to freshmen.
“Hello, teacher…”
Erika also tried to respond.
Daphne smiled gently. She had a head of jet-black hair and wore a white tight-fitting long dress. Her slim and alluring figure was perfectly accentuated—truly a stunning mature beauty.
Thanks to her flawless appearance, her reputation among new students was sky-high.
On her chest was also a distinct and unique badge.
Erika didn’t recognize it, but Isana saw it clearly.
It was a Chief Mage’s badge. Mage badges were awarded by the state, different from academy badges, and ranked as follows…
Magic Apprentice.
Mage.
Elite Mage.
Chief Mage.
Legendary Archmage.
…
Mage badges were already difficult to obtain, and a Chief Mage represented a position of considerable distinction.
Anyone with a badge of this level would be respected no matter where they went.
It was evident that Daphne was not only beautiful in appearance but also exceptionally powerful—a woman of excellence in every way.
Looking at the two of them with a gentle smile, Daphne’s voice was soft.
“I happened to pass by and saw you two little ones here.
If I’m not mistaken, you must be Erika and Isana. You haven’t attended class for many days now.”
Many days…?
Had it really been that long? Wasn’t it just two days or so…
Erika was a little speechless. There were so many new students at Wode Academy, yet the teachers had such good memory.
Scratching the back of her head awkwardly, Erika replied, “Uh… hehe, teacher, I’ll head to the academy in a bit.”
“And you, Isana?”
Daphne tilted her head slightly, still smiling. “If you don’t go to the academy, the Duke of Daylight won’t be happy.”
“I… I’ll go with Erika.”
“All right.”
With a gentle motion of her slender jade-like hand, Daphne continued in a soft tone, “Today, I happen to be responsible for your compulsory freshman course. I wouldn’t want my students to be late—shall we go together?”
Hearing this, Erika and Isana exchanged a glance.
So it turned out Daphne had come specifically to urge them to attend class…
Helplessly standing up—since the teacher was already here—Erika had no reason to delay any longer. She had planned to attend class today anyway; had she not run into Isana outside the snack shop, she would already be at the academy.
As they exited the snack shop with Daphne, a gust of cold wind blew past. The outside temperature was vastly different from indoors.
The heavy rain marked the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
Isana stood under Erika’s umbrella. Though she now wore Erika’s coat, it did little to shield her from the biting wind.
Her fair skin exposed to the wind and rain made her realize how lightly dressed she was. She shifted bashfully closer to Erika, her cheeks blushing red, looking extremely shy.
Letting out a couple of dry laughs, Erika grinned, “This is the first time I’ve seen you shy, Isana. You’re never like this normally.”
Clutching Erika’s arm tightly with both hands, Isana bit her lip and said bashfully, “I… I came out in my pajamas. I can’t go to the academy like this.”
Saying that, she turned to Daphne.
“Teacher, can I go back and change clothes first…?”
“Of course.”
Daphne looked the part of a gentle big sister. “Isana had a fight with family, didn’t she? Although naughty kids who are late usually get punished, we’ll make an exception today.”
“Thank you, teacher.”
After replying, since the Duke of Daylight’s residence was in the north of the city, the trip wasn’t far. Isana returned Erika’s coat and ran off toward home.
Before leaving, though, she suddenly handed Erika a bottle of red potion.
“This is for you, Erika. Your mother gave it to me yesterday—I didn’t use it all.
It’s really powerful. The wounds disappeared in an instant. Thank your auntie for me.”
“Ah… oh.”
Accepting the potion absentmindedly, Erika blinked.
After Isana left, Daphne glanced down at Erika and briefly examined the potion in her hand. The two began chatting on their way to the academy.
“Erika, did your mother make this potion?”
“Not my mother… a family member did.”
“Can I take a look?”
“Sure.”
Handing over the half-full potion, Erika watched as Daphne studied it for a moment before handing it back.
“Erika, your family is impressive.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because this potion was made using the blood of high-tier creatures.”
Daphne smiled faintly. “If I’m not mistaken, the person who made this potion is likely a hunter or an adventurer.
If it’s a magical beast, generally only fourth-tier or higher beasts have healing abilities. Without being a professional hunter or adventurer, it would be very difficult to collect such blood.”
Hunter? Adventurer?
No, no, no—Erika had never known that Gladys had such an identity.
Beneath the umbrella in the rain, her expression shifted. Her crimson eyes trembled slightly.
“Teacher Daphne… can this potion only be made with blood?”
“Of course. That’s the core of high-tier healing potions. Like if you’re making radish soup, you have to have radishes.”
Covering her mouth, Daphne giggled. “Was that a good metaphor? I actually really like eating radishes.”
“I hate radishes…”
Erika replied offhandedly, her expression gradually dimming as the red in her eyes glimmered faintly.
It was obvious now—Gladys had used her own blood to make these potions.
She had once told Erika that dragons possessed extremely strong regeneration. Now, with how often she made these potions, there was no doubt—they were made with dragon blood.
Using her own blood to make potions, bleeding so much… didn’t it hurt?
Of course it did! Even if one could recover, the weakness and pain surely remained!
No wonder Gladys had looked so pale these past few days!
She had been using her blood all along to make these potions—to support them!
The more she thought, the worse Erika’s expression became…
Noticing the change, Daphne looked somewhat curious, but tactfully didn’t press the issue. Instead, she changed the subject.
“Erika isn’t originally from the Aarlan Empire, is she?”
“Mm… teacher, how do you know?”
“I’ve read your file.”
Daphne kept smiling. “I’m not originally from the Aarlan Empire either, but to be a good teacher, I make sure to understand my students well.”
“You’re new too?”
“Sort of. I immigrated from the south and have been in the Aarlan Empire for several years—this is just my first time being a teacher.”
“Then why did you want to become a teacher?” Erika asked.
“To better pass on and teach knowledge.”
Daphne specialized in teaching magical knowledge and didn’t usually engage in physical training like Vanessa.
“And what about you, Erika? Since you’re not from the Aarlan Empire, you probably don’t share the local customs. What made you decide to attend Wode Academy?”
“To train.”
“And then?”
“And then…”
When asked that, Erika paused for a moment, then softly replied, “To better protect myself, I suppose.”
“Is that so? Erika, you’re so cute—I don’t think anyone would bully you.”
“Oftentimes, you can only rely on yourself.”
Erika teased, “Being pretty doesn’t put food on the table.”
“Erika, you’re really impressive.”
“Hm?”
“I told you, didn’t I?” Daphne smiled as always. “I read your file. You just arrived in the Imperial Capital, and your only family is a relative named Gladys. You used to live in the north.
The records show your family is harmonious, with no unfortunate circumstances.
Children from such environments usually lead carefree lives.
Yet even so, Erika wants to become stronger. Isn’t that impressive?”
These words left Erika speechless. She squinted slightly at Daphne.
This woman… cared this much about her students?
But if she already knew, why ask just now? Was she teasing her for fun?
Seeing Erika fall silent, Daphne waved her hand and let out a couple of dry laughs. “Hehe, just kidding. Don’t mind me, Erika—I just really enjoy chatting with young people. Consider what I said nonsense.
I know everyone has their own reasons for wanting to grow stronger. Maybe Erika has others too.
Sorry, I shouldn’t have made wild guesses.”
“Ah… teacher, you don’t need to apologize.”
Erika also laughed awkwardly and changed the topic, “Teacher, since you’ve been in the Aarlan Empire for years now, how did you get used to life here?”
Thinking briefly, Daphne answered, “About two years now. The scenery here is beautiful. And this is the Imperial Capital—my knowledge can be put to good use. I like it here.
Alright, Erika, we’re almost at the academy. Head to the classroom first—I’m going to prepare some materials for today’s compulsory course.”
“Oh, okay.”
As they entered Wode Academy, Daphne began to part ways with Erika. Before leaving, she reminded her again.
“This compulsory class is not one to zone out in, okay? You new students might regret it—because this class might help many of you take your strength to the next level.”
“Teacher, aren’t you just teaching knowledge?”
“Yes, but sometimes, knowledge is greater than everything.”
Leaving that sentence behind, Daphne walked off.
Erika made her way alone toward the teaching building, still preoccupied with thoughts of the healing potion.
As her emotions shifted, her small hands clenched tightly—so much that she began to sweat…
…
Wode Academy had many old teaching buildings, grand and scholarly in appearance, with decades of history. Erika knew which building was designated for freshmen.
She glanced at the towering hallways and then made her way toward the new teaching block.
It was different—the outer walls were mostly covered in red tiles, interspersed with white tiles, forming a sharp contrast with the older white-walled buildings, giving it an even more majestic air.
Class hadn’t started yet, so the area was filled with new students.
Among them, Erika was noticeably younger. With her playful yet adorably beautiful looks, she instantly drew attention.
“Hey, look! There’s a beautiful white-haired girl over there!”
“I think I saw her at the entrance ceremony—her name might be Erika.”
“Erika? I heard there’s a popular freshman by that name.”
“No kidding, what would a non-freshman be doing here?”
“Should we go talk to her? I can’t hold back anymore.”
“Idiot, class is about to start—get to the classroom unless you want to be punished.”
…
Actually, those were some of the more polite comments. Some of the less tasteful new students were even making crude remarks about Erika’s figure and chest…
Erika was already used to such chatter. She simply ignored it.
Just as she was about to enter the freshman classroom, her steps suddenly halted.
…
Her pupils contracted slightly. Her entire expression changed dramatically, her gaze fixed on a faint figure in the crowd ahead.
That person looked like…Jocelyn!?