Chapter 51: Placing First in The Gravity Run
"I-I’ve really been born at the same time as an Archmage," a high-ranking Teacher said, his tone complex. "How unpredictable life can be sometimes..."
While smiling brighter than the sun, Dean Lionheart let his vocal cords rumble, his voice thundering out like a drum:
"The time for the Final Trial is up! I will now announce those of you who have passed, and under what prerequisites you have done so!"
As the Dean did just that, while occasionally stealing glances at Jin, an old man and a young, cute girl were also staring at the star of the show.
But contrary to the beaming attitudes of everyone around them, the old man wore a melancholic look on his face. Because of him, the young white-haired girl by his side was also making a forlorn expression.
"Unfortunate. Unfortunate indeed," the old man sighed. "The other kingdoms certainly won’t permit the continual existence of this young hero. By tomorrow, he’ll likely be lying dead in some alleyway, with his status as the Crown Prince hardly mattering."
"Is... is there really nothing we can do to save him, Grandpa...?" The young white-haired girl tugged on his ethereal robes, her large doe eyes practically begging him to help Jin.
Petting her head, the old man said, "I may be almost unrivaled under the Archmage Realm, but I am not the only one like this. And before risking my life against those of the same level, my foremost priority is to protect you, Siya. Your mother entrusted your safety to me before ascending, after all."
"Momma?" Siya, being only ten years old, didn’t remember much of her mother. However, she knew that she was strong—even stronger than her grandfather.
Siya also knew that her mother ascended the Staircase to Heaven nearly half a decade ago. But since taking that final step past the Limit Mage Realm, she had never returned.
"Grandpa..." Siya gave puppy-dog eyes, pleading with her whole being. "Protect him...?"
Silence...