Warlock Apprentice

Inside the circular library.

”We have all seen your performance; your repentant heart is truly sincere. Next time we meet Master Tyson, we will collectively advocate for you and plead on your behalf.” The always hunchbacked old scholar stroked his white beard while patting Shalu on the shoulder.

The old scholar’s words also prompted nods of agreement from the other scholars around him. Shalu had recently been helping them in the library, organizing documents and compiling the annals of Originheart City, and they were all very satisfied with Shalu’s performance.

Moreover, tales of prodigal sons returning are delightful to narrate, and if penned by them, these stories could be written into books, even turned into stage plays to be passed down.

This would be a great boost to their reputations as well.

Therefore, they were all pleased to see Shalu’s repentance, even more eagerly so than Shalu himself.

The recognition of the crowd brought a grateful expression to Shalu’s face: ”Thank you all. Master Tyson has actually been very kind to me. He calls it a punishment, but it’s really just a lesson in introspection. I am also very thankful to Master Tyson.”

After Shalu finished, the surrounding scholars expressed their admiration: ”You understand Master Tyson’s good intentions and the importance of introspection, and that alone shows your remorse. I believe Master Tyson will understand you as well.”

Shalu nodded in appreciation.

However, as he cast his eyes down, a sneer flashed across them. These stale scholars really lacked insight, which suits him just fine. He might not be able to persuade Tyson himself, but perhaps these men could.

Even if Tyson still doesn’t let him off, he could at least drive a wedge between these men. Perhaps even turn a few against each other.

With this thought, Shalu let out a sneer when no one was looking.

”Your expression changes so quickly, just like you’re acting. Are you an actor?” Suddenly, a young girl’s voice sounded beside him.

”Who?” Shalu jumped, and looking up, saw a little girl in red squatting on the ground, gazing at him with an innocent expression while supporting her chin.

Shalu recognized this little girl in red; her name was Shanni, who had recently been frequenting the library. She seemed to be Jon’s student, studying singing at the Marine Theater.

”Shalu, what are you talking about?” The old scholar who had praised him earlier, previously engrossed in organizing documents, looked over with confusion upon hearing Shalu’s exclamation.

Shalu hastily waved his hand: ”Nothing, just playing around with Shanni.”

After replying, Shalu turned back to show Shanni some ”kindness,” but when he turned his head, Shanni was nowhere to be seen. He looked around and finally found Shanni by Jon’s side.

Shanni was smiling at him, but her smile carried a hint of mockery. Jon also looked at him, not smiling, but his eyes were full of profound meaning.

Not daring to meet Jon’s gaze, Shalu feared him the most in the entire library. For some reason, he always felt as though Jon could see through everything. Every time he made eye contact with Jon, Shalu felt as if all the secrets in his heart were exposed under the sun, giving him an uneasy feeling of having nowhere to hide.

Dodging Jon’s gaze, Shalu pondered secretly: Has Jon already discovered his thoughts?

Even if he had been found out, it likely wouldn’t matter. Jon didn’t seem to be the type to gossip about others.

Relieved, Shalu continued with the tedious and uninteresting task of document sorting. Time flew by, and as the sky outside darkened and the light of stars and moon shone through the windows, reflecting sparks of light, the scholars one by one returned home to rest.

Jon and Shanni were the last to leave. Before leaving, Shanni waved to Shalu: ”See you tomorrow, the brother who can act so well.”

Shanni’s innocent tone carried a strange edge when she spoke, sending a chill down Shalu’s spine, unlike anything he felt even when facing the monster that had once inhabited him.

Shalu’s face darkened as he watched Shanni slowly walk away, not daring to mutter under his breath until her figure had disappeared: ”That damn brat...”

Not long after they left, the sound of ”tap tap tap” footsteps echoed through the corridor outside.

Shalu knew that the footsteps must be coming from the guards.

He was not allowed to leave the Library, spending the days alongside the old Scholars sorting materials, and at night, he would be escorted back to his cell by the guards.

The cell he was staying in was actually just like a prison, with only a bed. Cramped and narrow, without any windows, the only ventilation hole was palm-sized on the iron Door.

Shalu despised the cell. In order to leave it, he promised Tyson that he wouldn’t reveal his activities during this time, which granted him the opportunity to assist the old Scholars with their materials during the day.

”Just endure a little longer, once I have completely turned those bookworms to my side, I’ll have the chance to leave this place.” Shalu’s eyes shimmered with a hidden light as he waited for the guards to come in and take him back to his cell.

Creak—

The Door was pushed open.

The ones who entered were indeed the two guards he was familiar with. Shalu immediately conjured up a flattering smile and greeted them as usual.

Normally, the guards might not be that friendly, but at the sight of Shalu’s smile, they would at least nod in acknowledgement. However, today was strange; the two guards wore stern expressions, not even a twitch at the corner of their mouths.

While Shalu was puzzled, two more people emerged from behind the guards.

Bathed in the soft white moonlight streaming in, Shalu recognized the faces of the newcomers.

”Ah, the noble masters of the new world, and young master Tyson.” Shalu bowed respectfully.

The visitors were none other than Angel and Frode.

Shalu was nervous inside, unsure why they had come. He had heard a rumor that Shanni seemed to have a close relationship with young master Tyson... Could it be that damn kid, after leaving, had snitched on him to them?

If he truly had been snitched on, what should he do? Shalu’s mind raced, contemplating his potential responses.

However, all the countermeasures Shalu thought of ultimately went to waste. He did not even get a response from Angel and Frode before being restrained by the guards and blindfolded...

Shalu felt as though he was being led out of the Library; he didn’t know where he would be taken to next. His repeated questioning and even pleading received no response whatsoever.

Apart from feeling the immense force on his shoulders as he was forcibly gripped by the guards, his world was engulfed in darkness.

Late on, he could not even feel the force of the guards gripping him anymore.

”Huh? No one’s holding me?” Shalu moved, feeling as if his hands had become free. A look of joy flashed across his face as he quickly reached out to pull off the blindfold covering his eyes.

As he pulled off the blindfold, Shalu caught a glimpse of Frode’s figure, but in the next second, he felt like he was plummeting from a high-rise building, falling into the Abyss.

”Could it be that I was taken to the top of the Sky Tower and pushed off?” Panic flashed across Shalu’s expression, while once again his sight was plunged into chaotic darkness.

It was only after the sensation of falling from a building vanished that Shalu slowly regained his senses.

—It seems there’s no pain. Am I not dead?

While Shalu was contemplating this in his mind, a strange and ethereal fragrance wafted into his nostrils.