The so-called social gathering was pretty much what Lyr had expected, held in a small tavern.
It had to be said, Aoyuewa was really quite good at socializing. Almost all the new teachers this time had been invited.
All of these people were from noble families, just like Lyr.
But in terms of age, most were a year or two younger than Lyr.
To be precise, they had roughly just graduated from the academy and were immediately assigned to become teachers at the academy.
Around the same time they were starting out, Lyr was still in the Knights, spending his days following Yilu’s older brother, discussing where interesting things were happening.
Back then, going out to subdue disruptive beasts was their favorite pastime.
Looking at the situation now, it felt a bit too peaceful.
Throughout the entire gathering, Lyr just passively agreed with others, listening to them talk about the things they encountered in their respective classes.
It was almost exactly the same as Lyr’s experience; they each had their own headaches.
Comparing it this way, Lyr realized he wasn’t the only one facing such awkward situations, which comforted him a little.
“Lyr, I heard you were in the Knights before and even went to the Frontier? Why did you suddenly come back here?”
The topic shifted as someone turned the conversation towards Lyr.
In their eyes, Lyr seemed either reserved or mature, speaking too little, making them feel like they were isolating him.
“Lyr, are you that amazing?”
To these people who had never been outside, Lyr was like an exotic species, making them curious.
“Some things happened in between, it’s hard to explain clearly in a short time.” Lyr scratched his head.
He couldn’t very well say that his magic power had become weak, which was why he was transferred back from the Frontier.
“Then you must have encountered many Magical Beasts.” One person looked serious. “Have you heard about the inexplicable increase in Magical Beast numbers near the Royal Capital?”
Hearing this, Lyr immediately perked up. This was exactly what he had been curious about since returning.
Until now, he didn’t know what was going on and hadn’t had any time to look into it.
“I just returned to the Royal Capital not long ago, so I’m not very clear. Did something happen in the meantime?”
Lyr had always felt that Magical Beast gatherings couldn’t happen for no reason.
No one could say for sure about this; it seemed the cause still hadn’t been figured out.
“I did hear a little something.” One person lowered his voice. “I heard it from my family; they were involved in the investigation of this Magical Beast appearance incident.”
“What is it?” Lyr asked curiously.
This matter didn’t seem small, even Luoduan had been transferred to deal with it.
“Just this morning, a magic-made deep pit was discovered in a forest not far from the Royal Capital. It’s suspected that some entity used high-level magic there.”
“But the most important thing is, in that pit, the flesh and blood of various Magical Beasts were scattered, dyeing the earth red. Among them, the flesh of one Magical Beast with very strong magic power had even been gnawed on.”
Hearing this, a few people first felt a bit unable to take it, seemingly imagining the scene, vaguely feeling nauseous.
But Lyr, who hadn’t known what to say earlier, not only showed no discomfort but instead became interested.
“Did a powerful Magical Beast appear?” he asked.
This made the people next to him give him strange looks.
“That’s unclear. The area has been sealed off, no one is allowed near, and not much news has leaked out. I only heard it from my family.”
Logically speaking, such a big incident would have already spread throughout the Royal Capital if it hadn’t been deliberately suppressed.
Spreading it freely without knowing the cause could easily cause unnecessary panic. A simple blockade was necessary until the investigation was clear.
“A Dragon?” The only thing Lyr could imagine was that kind of creature.
But if such a creature was being attracted and drawing near, then the matter would be huge.
The few people looked at each other, then smiled and shook their heads. “How could it be that kind of creature? If it were, it would be too terrifying.”
There are only a few known Dragon species. If that kind of creature came to the Royal Capital, things wouldn’t be so calm right now.
Lyr momentarily felt he was being overly nervous.
If such a being were to migrate, there would probably already be rumors, so how could its figure not be found?
While at the Frontier, Lyr had once had the chance to see such a creature, but in the end, he didn’t get his wish, so he always felt some regret.
Now, hearing about a situation similar to when one appears, his thoughts immediately went in that direction.
Just as Lyr also felt his own thoughts were a bit strange, a voice sounded like a ghost.
“No, I’m much more powerful than that ugly creature.”
The voice was melodious and clear, just like that time at the academy. It didn’t simply come from beside his ear but went directly into Lyr’s mind, stirring his soul.
Only this time, the voice had a direction.
After just a brief pause, Lyr sharply turned his head and saw, in the corner of the tavern, a person wearing a cloak standing in the dim light.
The cloak covered her body, and under the hood, her true appearance was indiscernible.
She revealed a faint smile in Lyr’s direction.
“I finally found you. What an unexpected reunion, Nightmare Tongue.”
Lyr could see her mouth moving, but in the noisy tavern, the voice clearly and directly entered his mind.
‘Who are you?’ Lyr instinctively responded to the voice in his mind.
As if their minds were connected, the voice came again. “I am the one who created that magnificent scene you spoke of.”
‘You eliminated those Magical Beasts?’
Lyr was astonished in his heart. If it really was this person, then what level must her magical prowess have reached?
“Constantly asking questions isn’t very polite. If you want to know the answers, come find me.” The cloaked figure turned. Before leaving, she didn’t forget to glance back at Lyr once more. “I know everything you want to know, including the changes currently happening within your body.”
The voice ended, and the person melted into the darkness, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
If the earlier parts only piqued Lyr’s curiosity, that last sentence truly made Lyr pay close attention.
He hadn’t mentioned his recent condition in detail to anyone.
That person acted as if she knew everything, which he couldn’t ignore.
While the others were chatting, Lyr stood up. “Sorry, everyone, I have something to attend to and must excuse myself.”
“Huh?”
Before the others could ask for a reason, Lyr directly left his seat, heading in the direction that person had just gone.