Chapter 86

Chapter 86

"Is this the young one Mr. Adams favors?" John Wenlexi lowered his voice, leaning closer to President Kepi. This third-year student of the Imperial Knight Academy bore the dignified air of a noble descendant. Though the Wenlexi family had not entered the ranks of the royal collateral line, their tenuous thread of royal blood had secured them generations of service to the imperial household, allowing John glimpses into royal secrets—such as the Crown Prince's near-obsessive admiration for Mr. Adams, yearning to become his closest confidant.

A faint, enigmatic smile played on Kepi's lips as his gaze swept over Evan not far away. The library was, after all, a public space with constant foot traffic, and Evan had never made any particular effort to conceal his actions. Over time, whispers had begun to circulate: "The freshman tournament champion has become the Library Director's lover." Everyone present was a worldly adult; even if some might privately think of terms like 'quid pro quo,' they knew to maintain decorum in front of the person concerned. However, given that Mr. Adams was the Dawn Club's faculty advisor, such gossip was ultimately in poor taste. Interestingly, despite Kepi's usual flippant facade, he held etiquette and propriety in high regard deep down. The glance he shot John now carried a silent critique of the impropriety.

John keenly sensed that his topic had not elicited a positive response from the group; the atmosphere grew slightly tense. Without changing his expression, he picked up his wine glass, took a small sip of the red wine, watching the deep crimson liquid ripple delicately. Then, swirling the glass casually, he shifted the subject: "The Academy's expedition team recently made a significant discovery—a new ruin from the previous civilization on the new continent. They're now planning to select a batch of senior students for a field training there."

Hearing this, Kepi's lips curled downward slightly as he snorted disdainfully. "If we go, at best we'd serve as protection and combat personnel. With bad luck, we might just become cannon fodder." His eyes held a cold edge, clearly unimpressed by this opportunity. "You must know, this world once hosted a wizard civilization capable of harnessing supernatural powers for themselves—extremely dangerous. No one can say whether the laboratories sealed by those wizards will bring a once-in-a-millennium opportunity to explorers or a disaster that could destroy them."

John raised an eyebrow slightly, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "You don't want to go? Many people would jump at such a chance."

Kepi shrugged, his expression indifferent. "I'm only Sequence 8, and I'm about to graduate soon. Rather than risking the unknown, I'd better focus on grooming a successor. After that, I need to prepare early to join the military and figure out what suitable gifts to give my future superiors in the army." With that, he leaned back in his chair, posture relaxed, as if he already had a clear plan for his future path and remained unmoved by the lure of the mysterious ruins.

Initially, Evan had been full of anticipation for this meticulously prepared dance party, or rather salon, hoping it would conclude perfectly in a harmonious and joyful atmosphere. Every detail, from the exquisite table arrangements to the soothing music, had been carefully considered, and success seemed within reach.

However, fate had other plans. Just as the guests were chatting and laughing, the atmosphere gradually warming, a red-haired youth intruded upon the harmonious scene. Clutching a wine glass, the youth staggered forward as if wrestling with an invisible force, laboriously making his way toward Evan. A pungent smell of alcohol emanated from him, causing nearby guests to unconsciously frown, and the elegant conversations briefly ceased.

Following the sound, Evan saw the youth's flushed cheeks, and his heart sank. He recognized him as one of the club's newly admitted probationary members, a still somewhat immature second-year student. In such a dignified and refined setting, the youth's drunken state was truly shocking.

In an instant, Evan's estimation of the youth plummeted. He knew well that alcohol was a corrosive agent for self-control, easily prying open the dark boxes of human nature. His eyes grew sharper, mentally sounding the alarm for any potential unexpected situations, ready to deal with this loss of control.

The red-haired youth staggered, his gaze unfocused and tinged with provocation, heading straight for Evan. Reeking of strong alcohol, his tongue slurring, he loudly blurted out: "You're that Noah?" The glazed eyes and foul breath made Evan instinctively frown, a wave of disgust rising within him.

Evan quickly adjusted his stance, his gaze sharp as a hawk's, instantly scanning the red-haired youth's body. Relying on keen insight, he observed the tension and movement of the other's muscles. Based on experience, he judged that this person's profession was most likely combat-related. However, given the youth's current drunken, unsteady state, Evan privately calculated that with his own skills, he could easily evade any sudden attack. Thus, he responded impassively, "What is it?" His tone was flat yet laced with vigilance.

The red-haired youth let out a loud belch, his face showing a malicious expression as he pulled his lips into a mocking smile. "Got cozy with the instructor, feeling pretty cocky, huh?" As he spoke, the glass in his hand wobbled slightly, the wine inside sloshing as if about to spill at any moment.

Evan's anger ignited instantly; the red-haired youth's unreasonable provocation was more than he could tolerate. In a flash, he moved like a leopard poised to strike, springing up from the soft sofa with lightning speed. His movements were agile and fluid, closing the distance to the red-haired youth in the blink of an eye. Before the other could react, a gleaming dagger was already pressed precisely against the major artery in the red-haired youth's neck. The cold steel against his skin sobered the youth instantly, as if doused with a bucket of icy water. His blood seemed to freeze, his whole body stiffening in place, not daring to breathe.

The surrounding crowd fell silent, the previously lively party atmosphere instantly freezing. Everyone turned curious glances their way, eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation, as if watching a thrilling drama. No one spoke up to intervene, all waiting to see how this conflict would unfold.

The Dawn Club had always adhered to the principle of "strength commands respect." Politeness and gentleness were not universally accepted currencies here; strength was the key to earning respect. At this moment, Evan's decisive and fierce counterattack undoubtedly demonstrated his toughness and capability to the crowd. Appreciation flickered in the eyes of those around him; they silently approved of his swift action, and naturally, no one would think to stop him.

Evan leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. The slightly hoarse yet deep and powerful tone of his changing voice now carried a strong menace: "Senior, one should use their brain before acting. I believe that's a basic rule of conduct anyone who's been educated should understand. Don't you think?" Each word fell like a hammer, striking the red-haired youth's heart.

Terrified, the red-haired youth's eyes were filled with fear and regret, his body trembling slightly, not daring to move an inch. He knew perfectly well that the slightest wrong move could cause Evan's dagger to slice his artery, with unthinkable consequences.

Seeing that the deterrent effect had been achieved, Evan curled his lips into a cold smile and slowly withdrew the dagger. Then, he politely offered an apologetic smile to the other seniors around, his demeanor proper and measured. Next, he walked with composed steps to a nearby coffee table. On it were arranged delicate, small cakes, cute in shape and enticing in color. Although Evan wasn't particularly fond of sweets normally, after the tense confrontation, these pastries seemed especially pleasing to his eye.

Evan could tell at a glance that these snacks had been brought from the dining hall, as the familiar paper takeout bag was sitting right beside them.