CHAPTER 126: CHAPTER 125: THE LAST STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMEL’S BACK

"Actually, what we’re discussing is the lightning element, just some professional knowledge."

Ethan explained.

Rowena revived in full force, "Ha! I knew it, you sneaky cat still trying to fool me, am I really that easy to deceive? Don’t forget, I’ve been on dozens of dates and can spot a novice right away—ouch, mama, don’t scratch the face, scratch anywhere but the face!"

Ethan saw Teacher Cat dart out like a cannonball, both paws flying, forcing Rowena to cover her head in surrender.

He could only marvel at Rowena, who even managed to rattle the usually calm Teacher Cat.

"You advanced your ice element too?"

Ave was shocked, her golden hair bowed in disbelief, as a trace of sadness quietly spread through Ethan’s living room—a former companion on the same level now changed, separated by a sorrowful barrier.

Ethan had explained his elemental shaping magic to her; he could only practice one type of elemental magic at a time, discussing lightning meant he had completed his ice element training.

But this... It was just too fast, wasn’t it?

Lindong mentioned he had only been practicing elemental magic for two years and had upgraded both fire and ice elements in that time! Throughout history, Ave couldn’t think of anyone whose talent could match Ethan’s.

So, she maintained her earlier opinion.

Ethan wasn’t a human, they really should implement "Empire Truth"!

Ethan extended his left hand, conjuring a pale blue arc of electricity, the "crackling" sound distracted the rolling Rowena on the floor, who was then swatted on the nose by a cat paw. Thankfully, Teacher Cat held back at the last moment, sparing her a scar.

Through recent discussions with Lindong, the mastery of the lightning chain skill was successfully raised to the introductory level, now applicable in magical technology, yet in the process, he discovered an unusual way to increase its proficiency.

While ice arrow and fireball skill needed constant casting or defeating dark creatures to increase proficiency, lightning chain increased when Lindong, dressed in a maid uniform, snuggled against his arm, and it didn’t even require casting!

When Ethan shared his astounding discovery that "seeing a teacher in maid attire increases my understanding of lightning elements," he earned a disbelieving eye roll from Lindong.

Nonetheless, Lindong continued to wear that maid uniform, even before leaving Gear City, she insisted he go to the clothing store to buy several more sets, the uniform designs were identical except for the color of the stockings.

In Lindong’s words, "Since it aids your practice, as your teacher, I should naturally assist you," but Ethan always felt she didn’t truly believe him, and truthfully, even he found the reasoning flimsy, no magic book in the academy related to lightning elements would ever say watching maid uniforms aids practice.

But it was true, he was speaking the truth.

Ethan was an honest person.

"By the way," Ave suddenly remembered something, "Did you sell an ice arrow scroll to that rich and naive young noble in Fireplace Bay?"

"He was Old Sen Magic Scroll Shop’s first major customer, providing important startup funding for me."

Ethan certainly remembered that pure-hearted noble ally from the same camp; if he visited the shop again, he could be granted a VIP card, just like the "Founder’s Pack" from games he played before.

Purchasing magical items would offer certain discounts, but more importantly, it symbolized status.

Ethan asked, "Has he visited the shop?"

"No, he’s unable to come personally due to some matters, but he sent a letter through someone."

Ave pushed the still-sealed letter toward Ethan, the courier hurried so much she felt a vague sense of foreboding.

Ethan opened the envelope and started reading the contents.

In the letter, the pure-hearted noble affectionately referred to him as Old Sen and highly praised the magic scrolls he crafted, having witnessed the power of three-in-one ice arrows at sea, they returned to their homeland and used these ice arrow scrolls to quell sea monster disasters in coastal cities.

They had already sent invitations to the Empire’s Astrology Guild, hoping to recruit magicians skilled in spatial magic to create teleportation nodes to Fireplace Bay, allowing further collaboration in the future.

The letter was not easy to deliver to the shop, the noble had entrusted his most trusted aide to travel to the Empire, employing teleportation magic to deliver the letter to Fireplace Bay.

The noble expressed regret, as the letter did not bring good news for them.

When Ethan read the next passage, he froze.

Henry VI, also one of the greatest knights in the Empire’s history, had recently passed away.

"What does the letter say?"

Ave noticed the change in Ethan’s expression and urgently asked.

"It says His Majesty Henry has passed away."

The apartment fell silent, and after a long pause, Ave burst out, "Prank, right?"

Despite the Empire’s decay rooted deeply, Henry VI was her guide and once her model.

"Probably around the night your death news spread, unable to confirm the authenticity of the information."

Yet Ethan inclined to believe the letter was accurate, it was hard to believe anyone would go to such lengths to convey a false message.

But the Empire hadn’t yet announced the news of His Majesty Henry’s passing, indicating someone had blocked the information.

The letter’s true purpose wasn’t merely delivering news, but warning him.

Empire hosts a group of parasites, wielding unimaginable power and wealth.

Henry VI’s death news was hinted by these parasites to them, in fact, the parasites divulged it to others, including the Empire’s enemies.

He also heard the Knight Commander died in battle against Evil God’s Followers.

Perhaps soon, enemy troops would press heavily on the border.

The noble expressed regret in the letter, though he argued strenuously, decision-makers seemed to regard the Empire’s fate sealed, and he faced house arrest due to his stance.

The letter was an attempt to establish favorable relations with Old Sen, not as a dialogue between countries, but inviting Old Sen to live in the Western Continent in his personal name, promising he would be esteemed.

"It’s the Lofic Consortium."

Identifying the "parasites" wasn’t difficult, they had long shown craving for war, having made similar invitations to him.

Move to the Western Continent.

After the Knight Commander’s death news spread, Henry VI’s death would undoubtedly be the last straw to crush the camel.

War is about to erupt.