The staggering bet of a hundred thousand gold coins instantly silenced the crowd. Everyone gaped at this breathtakingly beautiful woman, utterly awestruck by Amelia's bold move. For a moment, the betting hall fell so quiet one could hear a pin drop.
"Damn it! A goddess-like beauty loaded with gold? The heavens aren't fair!" The gamblers erupted in hushed whispers after the initial shock, though none dared speak above a murmur.
"Idiot! That's Amelia, the top beauty from the Warrior Academy! Open your damned eyes!"
The combination of peerless beauty and vast wealth became an irresistible focal point, commanding everyone's attention.
Kael was momentarily stunned by Amelia's action. She spoke truth - after their study expedition, he'd sold the magic crystals and treasures obtained from Captain Samuel, dividing the profits equally among their group. Amelia's share, combined with her savings, truly represented her entire fortune.
"I'll win." Overwhelmed by her devotion, Kael met her starry gaze with a warm smile.
"It's Kael!" Recognition spread through the crowd, particularly among Yanhua Academy's School of Magic students. The revelation of Kael and Amelia standing together sparked sudden understanding - their close relationship suggested Amelia's confidence in Kael's hidden strengths against Korgoth.
This realization threw the gamblers into fresh uncertainty.
"Let's go."
Amelia and Kael swiftly departed the betting area, the intensity of envious stares making even Kael's normally thick skin prickle with discomfort.
Toms stood rooted in frustration. Having intimate knowledge of Kael's true capabilities, the master thief had specifically designed the odds to profit from public misconception. Amelia's intervention now threatened to ruin his scheme.
"Amelia just doomed Toms to bankruptcy," Kael chuckled with grim satisfaction. "If I win, that old rascal will be weeping over thirty thousand gold coins."
Amelia's lips curved in a faint smile - an accidental masterstroke.
Kael explained, "Those first bets on Korgoth? All plants hired by Toms to sway the crowd. Your massive wager shattered his entire scheme..."
"Such underhanded tactics." Though intelligent, Amelia remained unfamiliar with gambling machinations, her intervention purely coincidental.
As twilight approached, Kael and Amelia strolled through the academy grounds. Despite tomorrow's formidable challenge, Kael found unusual serenity in her company, their harmonious pacing mirroring his calm resolve.
They parted at nightfall. Returning to his dormitory, Kael froze at the courtyard entrance - someone had been waiting for him long before his arrival.
"Your Lordship, you've finally arrived!" The speaker was a silver-haired elderly man who nodded respectfully at Kael. Kael recognized him—he was Simon's old steward!
"Does Lord Simon need me for something?" Kael asked, puzzled. He couldn't imagine what urgent matter would require his presence so late.
"Indeed. Please follow me, Your Lordship." The steward bowed and guided Kael into a carriage.
The carriage raced through the night until they reached Simon's estate, where Simon himself stood waiting at the gates, face alight with joy. Beside him, Victor bounced with excitement, as if celebrating a monumental occasion. Kael's heart stirred—he had an inkling of the news.
Leaping from the carriage, Simon greeted him with booming laughter: "Brother Kael! You've arrived at last!"
"What has brought such delight to Lord Simon and Victor?" Kael grinned.
"A miracle, Lord Kael!" Victor blurted, barely containing himself. "My mana deficiency is fully cured! I'm now a third-tier mage!"
Over the past months, Kael had meticulously treated Victor's condition. To hear of this breakthrough thrilled him.
"Congratulations, Victor!" Kael clapped the young man's shoulder. He'd always felt sympathy for the once-tormented soul.
"All thanks to you…" Victor's voice trembled with gratitude. The transition from outcast to ordinary mage—let alone a promising one—left him dizzy with newfound hope.
Kael's spirits lifted. Victor's recovery had exceeded even his expectations.
"Let me examine you again." Kael smiled.
Victor obediently extended his arm. Channeling his apothecary's spiritual energy, Kael probed Victor's meridians. The once-congested mana pathways now flowed unimpeded. With decent innate talent and Simon's unwavering support, Victor might yet rival his peers in magical prowess.
"Your mana deficiency is truly gone, Victor."
The confirmation sent Simon and Victor into fresh euphoria. Victor's repeated cries of "savior" grew so effusive that Kael flushed slightly—after all, his initial aid had been motivated by the promise of mine rights, not pure altruism.
"Stay awhile, Brother Kael!" Simon urged. "The Medicine King will join us shortly to celebrate!"
Kael obliged politely. Soon, the venerable Medicine King arrived, his laughter preceding him.
"Young friend Kael! I watched your match today. Such remarkable growth—youthful brilliance indeed!" The old sage cut straight to the praise.
"You're competing in the Grand Martial Assembly?" Simon asked, intrigued.
"I am." Kael nodded.
"In mere months, you've advanced astonishingly," observed the Medicine King, his keen eyes narrowing. "And now you carry an aura even I cannot decipher. More fortuitous encounters, I presume?" Though renowned as an apothecary, the sage's cultivation depth was equally formidable.
Kael chuckled inwardly. The "mysterious aura" the Medicine King referred to was undoubtedly the Millennium Ice Soul cloaked by the Concealing Elixir provided by Ethan, which had masked his entire body—hence the Medicine King's inability to detect it.
"Young friend Kael," the Medicine King continued kindly, "I've heard this year's Grand Martial Assembly holds greater significance and fiercer competition than ever. You must prepare thoroughly…" His words hinted at deeper knowledge of the event's secrets. Kael accepted the advice with a grateful nod.
After exchanging pleasantries with the Medicine King and Simon late into the night, Kael finally took his leave.
Alone in the estate, Victor turned to Simon. "Father, Savior Kael is competing in the Grand Martial Assembly. Shouldn't we assist him?"
Simon pondered. "I share your thoughts, but he prefers discretion. Misplaced help could backfire."
"I have an idea…" Victor leaned closer, devising a plan fueled by deep gratitude. His strategy earned Simon's repeated nods of approval.
Unbeknownst to Kael, his act of healing had forged an unshakable bond with Simon and Victor. Now, Simon—leader of Yanhua Island's most powerful faction, the Black Dragon Syndicate—quietly mobilized resources to reciprocate the favor.