4. Adventure game? No, no, no—this is a nurturing game.

“Principal, here is this month’s attendance roster for the Academy’s faculty and staff. Please review it.”

In the city cluster forged from gold and gemstones lies the Arcane Academy, nestled beneath the Mak’rel Mountains. Within the central administrative hall of this grandest and most comprehensive institution of higher learning among the Eredar, Principal Ak’mon was deep in thought, contemplating matters of great importance, when a knock interrupted him.

He looked up to see the Academy’s Grand Chancellor, Gara’sum, approaching with a sycophantic smile, bearing a jeweled scroll to report.

In truth, matters like faculty attendance hardly required the Principal’s personal attention—the Academy employed tens of thousands of staff and students alike. No matter how vigorous Ak’mon was, he could not handle such minutiae. Yet, within the system, one must make frequent appearances; Gara’sum understood this well.

Moreover, like Dik, he was an “outsider.”

Dik hailed from the remote governorate of Kro’kuun, a poor backwater, while Gara’sum was somewhat better off, originating from the educational structure subordinate to the Antorus region of the Antoran Plains. Still, both were typical cases of nepotism—unworthy of their ranks but placed within the Academy’s system by Ak’mon himself. Since all power emanated from the Principal, daily obeisance and constant flattery were necessities.

What made Principal Ak’mon truly peculiar was that, though he was obsessed with power and strength, he had no excessive desire for wealth, beauty, or the finer things in life. His daily existence was as austere and bland as that of a monk. The only form of “entertainment” he permitted himself was, outside his busy teaching and administrative duties, to personally test the practical spellcasting skills of outstanding students.

Ak’mon was indeed an ambitious man above base pleasures.

This left court flatterers unsure how to curry favor with him, but Gara’sum had a solution. He had carved out a private training ground for spellcasting practice deep within the quiet rear hills of the Academy, where each week he selected top students from various disciplines to be “honed” personally by the Principal.

This both satisfied Ak’mon’s professional ethic of teaching and nurturing, and met his exacting standards for personal power enhancement.

Flattery was truly an art.

Most would never conceive of such a tactic, but Gara’sum not only thought of it, he even established a “Distinguished Student Reward System” for it. Any student who could provide the Principal with a satisfying test in practical combat was awarded a medal, becoming a prime candidate for graduation honors.

As a result, during Ak’mon’s decades of governance over the Arcane Academy, average academic scores did not notably improve, but the students’ combat prowess grew ever more formidable. This pleased the two Grand Magistrates seated at the ruling council immensely, who approved of Ak’mon’s “innovative teaching methods.”

Capable and adept at flattery, Gara’sum’s political career thereafter was visibly smooth sailing.

Indeed, it transpired as such.

In the “Official History of the Dark Portal,” Gara’sum followed Ak’mon in pledging allegiance to the Burning Legion. Ak’mon became the leader of the Corruptors, while Gara’sum rose to a lesser warlord within the Legion, even renaming himself “Gala’xus” and earning the honorific “Great King.”

Yes, this very man would one day be summoned by the careless gnome warlock Wilfred, who forgot his magical seal in the Silver Arena, forced to confront the demonic overlord endowed with the three artifacts: Ashbringer, Salamani, and Doomhammer.

Yet, at this moment, the Grand Chancellor had no inkling of his future as a grand yet ill-fated demon king. His sole focus was on cheering the recently somber and anxious Principal.

As Ak’mon took the attendance list, his eyes immediately caught a leave request submitted by Deputy Guard Captain Maldran. Upon reading that Maldran intended to return to O’ronar, the largest city in the Mak’rel region, to bring family members for a “vacation” at the Academy, Ak’mon’s eyes narrowed.

He glanced at Gara’sum and said:

“Things seem to be going smoothly with Diak’m.”

“Yes. Who would have thought that country bumpkin actually had the silver tongue to persuade the unyielding Maldran?” Gara’sum replied with a knowing tone.

Clearly aware of Ak’mon’s plans, Gara’sum whispered:

“I spoke with Deputy Captain Maldran. He did not hide that he’s aware of Sachir’s impending coup. He is willing to follow your lead to restore order, but first he must secure his family. After all, O’ronar is the largest city in the region and the stronghold of the Awakener cult. If chaos erupts there, trouble is inevitable.”

“You’re supposed to be a model educator, Chancellor!” Ak’mon slammed the table in displeasure.

“You’re meant to teach government students how to conduct affairs, so watch your language! Go on, record a minor demerit for yourself and deduct one-fifth of your monthly teaching allowance.”

“Oh dear, my apologies, Principal. Your fairness is beyond reproach—a true exemplar for educators like me,” Gara’sum immediately grovelled.

Yet, from his slick little routine, it was clear that his vulgarity was deliberate, designed to give Ak’mon a chance to demonstrate his noble character.

Impressive.

“Progress with Diak’m is good. With the Academy Guards as the vanguard, our strength grows. But Principal, we can no longer delay responding to Sachir’s invitation.”

The Grand Chancellor’s voice grew anxious:

“If you don’t reply soon, they may grow suspicious. According to Diak’m’s reconnaissance, their preparations for the coup are nearly complete. Through my connections, I’ve learned the ruling council’s direct departments have been undergoing frequent personnel changes lately. This must be Sachir’s move.

“Though Mak’rel is prosperous, real power is concentrated in only three districts: O’ronar City, the ruling council, and the Arcane Academy. With O’ronar as his base and the Academy under your control, if he strikes the council, he might well succeed.

“I’ve heard they’ve even begun extending influence toward the Teleportation Courtyard.

“If the capital’s connections to other governorates are severed, aside from Admiral S’vrax’s naval fleet stationed off the Eredas coast, the ruling council’s available forces would be limited to the Grand Magistrates’ personal guards.

“Honestly, my lord, I think Sachir holds the advantage.”

“Precisely because he holds the advantage, our allegiance is merely icing on the cake.”

Ak’mon’s eyes narrowed as he rhythmically tapped the table, idly toying with a grim skull-shaped arcane focus.

“Conversely, only when the two Grand Magistrates perceive the gravity of the situation can our risky gambit yield greater rewards. You know, Krasum, when I met Diak’m last night, he said he believed I could become the third Grand Magistrate of the Eredar, joining Lord Velen and Commander Kil’jaeden in governing our civilization under the symbol of Wisdom...

“After much thought, I see this as a golden opportunity.

“Not only to eliminate Sachir and his claim as leader of the spellcasters, but to simultaneously ascend in power.

“Most importantly, he said something that struck a chord with me.

“Grand Magistrate Velen has increasingly favored the Holy Light doctrine over the years and grown closer to the Naaru who descended upon Argus a millennium ago. It is only a matter of time before he converts from the Great Archmage to the High Priest of the Holy Light.

“If Velen becomes the spiritual leader of the people, the symbol of Wisdom will be vacant.

“At that time, the duumvirate may very well become a triumvirate! That will be my moment!”

“Hmm?”

The Grand Chancellor’s expression darkened immediately.

Not because he doubted Dik’s suggestion, but because... how did the usually dull-witted Diak’m suddenly become so articulate? How on earth did he think to lick the Principal’s boots from such a grand narrative angle?

Damn! I never thought flattery could be this exquisite! This guy’s got hidden depths.

“But that’s too risky, Principal.”

The Grand Chancellor shook his head.

“If it were merely quelling a rebellion, it would be easier. But if we intend to leverage the event to climb politically, you must seize the timing perfectly—allow the uprising to occur, yet prevent it from spiraling beyond control.”

“Indeed, timing is crucial. We must first stabilize Sachir,” Ak’mon said grimly.

“I’ve decided to accept his summons and join the Awakeners. Thus, after victory, we can spin the narrative as ‘lone infiltration, intelligence gathering, righteous betrayal,’ cleansing our reputation and winning the hearts of the Mak’rel populace. Then, through Academy-affiliated institutions in other governorates, you can rally support for me.

“Once Velen resolves to turn from the arcane to the Light, the moment will be ripe!”

“Hm, good idea.”

Gara’sum narrowed his eyes, flicking his jewel-adorned tail.

“However, this means that Diak’m’s role as an undercover agent—already declared dead by outsiders—overlaps with your own. This undoubtedly dilutes your glory. I know you are a merciful leader, but decisive action must be taken at the critical moment.

“Perhaps we should—”

“Diak’m is undoubtedly loyal,” Ak’mon interrupted with a sigh as Gara’sum made a cutting-downward gesture.

“He risks everything for the people’s welfare, dying tragically by fanatic assassins. Such merit deserves sainthood.

“Arrange it.

“Don’t let the loyal suffer too much. Not yet—I need him as a living witness, preferably captured in a heartfelt magical recording.

“As is well known, magical recordings carry timestamps and cannot be forged.”

“Understood. Leave it to me,” the Grand Chancellor nodded.

“I will dispatch the best students to ‘protect’ him, treating this as the final assessment for their distinguished graduate candidacy. You know, those ambitious students will often go to extremes for such honors.

“But since this directly impacts their futures, we cannot interfere too much.”

“Yet, as educators, it is our duty to guide them onto the right path.”

Ak’mon stood and, with his tail swaying, moved to the window. Gazing upon the peaceful Arcane Academy under his rule and the distant Mak’rel Mountains, he clasped his hands behind his back and shook his head.

“Students must remain pure and simple.

“They should not be entangled in affairs beyond their control. Last month, I personally tested a pair of exceptionally gifted sisters...

“I have worked many years and seldom seen such raw talent, made even rarer by their innate telepathy, which amplifies their prowess as arcanists or warlocks. Just as Sachir once recognized my potential, I must leave such treasures to the Eredar civilization.

“Let them go.

“Let them prove their loyalty and then rise with us to greater heights.”

“Yes, Principal!”

————————

Deputy Guard Captain Maldran’s leave request was approved by the Principal, and that afternoon, he set off alone from the Academy’s guard dormitories on his beloved military-tabby sheep.

The Arcane Academy was less than a day’s journey from his hometown of O’ronar. At the speed of these specially trained sheep, Maldran would return by tomorrow afternoon at the latest. Meanwhile, Dik also gained a team of guards to relieve the defense duties, as he had requested earlier.

To avoid drawing attention, Maldran handpicked five exceptionally talented young recruits from the new soldiers for this secret mission.

Though well-intentioned, Dik, weak as he was, was dumbfounded when he saw the five.

The Eredar civilization was truly remarkable!

From a casual selection of five novices, future “Lightforged heroes” had been chosen. Leading them was a serious-faced young Eredar woman, carrying a spear, trying hard to appear competent but whose racing heartbeat Dik could hear even in his weakened state.

“Your name is Faria, isn’t it?”

The future “Blade of the New Moon,” personal guard to the High Priest of the Holy Light Legion, and captain of the elite Lightforged battle squad, who fought in every major campaign of the Legion over millennia.

Beside Faria stood a silent, tall figure with a greatsword, named Tramon.

He would be honored with the title “Light Oath Sword Saint,” a senior Lightforged warrior with a distinguished record who, even after retirement, joined the Seventh Legion in Azeroth for a heroic last stand, sacrificing himself to hold off the Horde army and save key Alliance figures.

The other three, less famous but equally formidable, were Chief Guard Sovos, Lightforged Archmage Emira, and the sharpshooter Barat.

Their future epithets alone spoke volumes—they too became stalwarts of the Holy Light Legion, veterans whose legends were recorded in the “Official History of the Dark Portal.”

NPCs memorable enough for Dik, a hardcore player, to recall by name and deeds were rare; those who left such shining marks on sweeping history were even rarer.

Thus, Dik’s stunned state while “reviewing” his temporary security detail was understandable.

It was like awakening from unconsciousness to find your family had hired bodyguards—and you open your eyes to see Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, along with the gate gods Yuchi Jingde and Qin Shubao standing guard for you.

Absolutely incredible!

In that instant, Dik realized this was no ordinary “epic RPG” game.

No, this was clearly a hero-development game.

These five young recruits, still mere novices without official guard ranks, if nurtured properly, could each dominate any mortal battlefield, capable of defeating scores alone and capturing flags.

Most importantly, despite his current pathetic, breathless state, these future heroes would bow deeply and sincerely address him as “Captain” and “Senior.”

Ha! That’s the prestige of being a senior guard officer—even if his captaincy was essentially a lucky break.

“Cough cough.”

Dik coughed weakly, using rough sign language to express that he was injured and unable to speak, but thanked them for their protection.

Emira, still studying at the Academy as an arcanist, quickly stepped forward. With practiced skill, she cast the “Mental Sight” spell Ak’mon had used the previous night, enabling Dik’s mind to temporarily resonate with the five, replacing verbal communication.

“Thank you for your protection at this critical time, brave warriors. Be proud of the courage and righteousness you have shown in these dark hours,” Dik said, adopting a kindly, teacherly demeanor.

“Not every recruit dares accept Deputy Captain Maldran’s temporary assignment. Do you understand your responsibilities?”

“We do, Captain Diak’m,” answered Faria nervously, leading the group.

“Deputy Captain Maldran told us to ensure your safety until his return. He said this concerns the stability of the entire Mak’rel region and that you hold secrets powerful enough to influence our nation’s future.”

“Indeed,” Dik smiled. “But for your own peace of mind, I won’t burden you with the full truth.”

“Maldran said this mission counts for academic credit, so I...” Emira blurted out, embarrassed.

Others shook their heads in resignation, while Dik gave her a meaningful look.

Looking at the young Eredar woman clearly lacking confidence and somewhat insecure, he sighed.

“Even though I’ve only been a guard captain at the Arcane Academy for thirty years, I’ve heard of your ‘fame,’ Emira—the arcanist who has failed and repeated grades twelve times and still hasn’t been dismissed. Not just at the Academy, but even the solitary shepherds in Kro’kuun’s petrified forest know your story.

“You’re definitely the kind who might be tempted by ‘credits’ to take on dangerous tasks. You need this reward more than anyone else.”

“Waaah...” Emira broke down.

This future Light Oath Archmage was fiercely determined to graduate despite her struggles—a determination so strong that even two millennia later, when she returned to the ruined Academy, she still grumbled about it.

But how to put it...

It wasn’t for lack of effort.

Otherwise, Ak’mon, with his unforgiving standards, would have expelled her after her first repetition.

Her talent was sufficient to study at the Academy’s main campus, but her fragile psyche and a streak of bad luck held her back.

At least four of her twelve failures were due to inexplicable dangers encountered while rescuing others, causing her to miss exams—so Ak’mon mercifully turned a blind eye.

She was clever, hardworking, kind, and courageous—a prime candidate even Commander Kil’jaeden couldn’t fault.

Failing exams was no big deal. Just retake them.

With such a kind senior sister present, the Academy’s often ruthless ambition-driven students were somewhat tempered.

Emira was a legend and mascot at the Academy. Some despised her, but none hated her.

Now, seeing her volunteering for guard duty, she seemed to have given up on graduating and sought another path.

This was unfortunate for the Academy, but good for Dik.

“You have little to do here,” Dik said to the “Fierce Five.”

“Help me up. This courtyard is secluded and large enough. As a senior guard officer and your senior, I’ll instruct your martial skills.

“And you, Emira!

“Don’t lose heart over past setbacks. Even if you can’t become a distinguished arcanist, your spellcasting talent is evident. I have one suggestion—have you considered becoming a priest of the Holy Light?

“Though I know the Holy Light doctrine has clashed many times with traditional arcane paths over the past millennium, since Grand Magistrate Velen himself favors the Light and plans to embrace it, you should follow him—serve the Light’s righteousness, healing and protecting the souls and bodies of the Eredar.

“Given your character, this might be a better path for you. And no one says you can’t continue to study arcane secrets while serving the Light.”

“Eh? Is that possible? But the Academy tutors said...” Emira hesitated.

“Considering you’ve already been held back twelve times under their tutelage, maybe it’s time to try a new path.

“So, child, tell me:

“Do you trust them, or do you trust me?”

Ps:

Thanks to brother Frostfang Claw of the Silver Alliance—ten extra chapters are included in the ongoing release; thanks to brother Armored Pass for his support—extra chapters are also counted in the current surge of releases.