Chapter 370 No One Can Escape

After reading the letter, Shaoke had Lan Wei'er send it out. After some time, Shaoke began to focus his main energy on the black crown, which had greatly helped him in the previous battle. Without this crown, he would never have been able to consecutively unleash those powerful spells so many times. However, this research consumed much of his time and yielded no progress.

One day, as Shaoke once again attempted to transfer the silver light into the crown, the staff given to him by the Blue-robed Mage began to tremble, signifying that the Blue-robed Mage had sent a message. This message greatly delighted Shaoke, for the Blue-robed Mage not only agreed that all the previous books belonged to him but also informed him which of the obtained advancement arrays could be used and what effects they had.

After the initial joy, Shaoke fell into contemplation. He wondered how the Blue-robed Mage had reached a conclusion so quickly and with such detail. However, he kept all these doubts to himself and did not ask.

Retrieving the advancement arrays again, Shaoke decided to accelerate the expansion of his meditation space to prepare for future advancement. During this time, he planned to go nowhere. Thus, time passed slowly amidst the mage's meditation and exchanges of spells with other mages.

One day, while practicing eighth-tier spells in the training ground, a Sixth Tier Mage approached him and handed him a scarlet scroll, which was an invitation from the Bloody Legion. After examining the scroll, Shaoke pondered briefly. He sent a message to Mage Roman and the others, then followed the mage to the top floor of the wizard tower. Here, even an Eighth Tier Mage with weak spell control could not fly at this altitude. Shaoke had tried before; he could barely maintain flight at this height, but could not go too fast, or the chaotic winds would weaken his spell control.

"Welcome, Mage Xueye," came the greeting. The top floor was not as ornate or filled with strange items as Shaoke had imagined. It resembled a large, ordinary living room, empty, with no magical engravings on the walls. In the center stood a huge round table, around which sat dozens of professionals in red armor or robes. Their gazes all fell upon him.

After Shaoke performed a salute, a red-armored warrior spoke loudly: "Mage Xueye, since you have lived here for so long, I think you should help us with some tasks in your free time. What do you think?" The warrior paused briefly, then continued slowly.

"The Violet Family has some allied families who have begun to seek you out," the warrior added. Seeing Shaoke's still calm expression, he continued: "The Orpheus Family is also very dissatisfied with your past actions, but these matters have been suppressed by the military." He looked at Shaoke and added: "I think you understand our meaning."

Shaoke sat calmly. On this round table, he was the only Eighth-order Practitioner, while the majority were Nine-rank Professionals. He couldn't discern the identity of the old warrior at the center, so he couldn't determine his rank, but he estimated the man's strength was definitely above Tenth Tier.

"I will join the military, but I will not join any other organization. I don't want to be bound by anyone. I am just a mage who loves researching spells, seeking knowledge, and exploring the mysteries of this world—an ordinary Spellcaster," Shaoke said, recalling a phrase used by ancient Spellcasters when refusing to join any organization. He used it now.

The old warrior at the center glanced at Shaoke, then took out a scroll and said: "If you don't agree to this condition, leave the Bloody Fortress now. We have already borne great pressure for you." He tossed the scroll to Shaoke, then got up and left. The other professionals followed without further comment.

In the empty hall, only Shaoke remained. After a long while, he examined the scroll. It detailed every place he had gone and everything he had done since the battle ended.

After reading it, the mage lit Arcane Fire and turned the scroll to ashes.

Shaoke returned to Mage Roman and the others, telling them in detail what had happened. He then announced his intention to leave. After he finished, Roman suddenly broke down in tears. She nodded, agreeing to his request. But before he left, she urged him to advance to a Nine-rank Mage as soon as possible. She said nothing else.

After packing a few items, Shaoke tightened his black cloak, picked up his staff, and went through the formalities with the person in charge of the wizard tower. He then flew out of the fortress.

After flying aimlessly for half a day, following the advice of the person in charge, he arrived at a small city. Here, a newly established academy had just been built. Shaoke began teaching there, instructing young children in magical knowledge. He also taught other subjects, such as history and economics. But his main work was to teach talented children spellcasting.

Shaoke had not originally wanted to come here, but the advice of the wizard tower's person in charge tempted him. Teaching as an instructor here was very safe, as no noble or mage family dared to cause trouble in an imperial academy. Such academies often became refuges for professionals fleeing their enemies. However, coming here required submitting a copy of one's spell record. The higher the professional's rank, the fewer constraints they faced. Shaoke could come and go freely because he was the highest-ranked professional in this academy.

Although Shaoke had been expelled from the Bloody Fortress due to negotiations with the Bloody Legion's leaders, Mage Roman and the others still came to visit him periodically. Though their time together was brief, they all enjoyed it. Shaoke settled down here, preparing for his advancement to Ninth Rank.

One day, while teaching dozens of young people with spellcasting potential about magic script, the Seventh Tier Mage, the dean, approached him. "Honorable Mage, the Academy City wishes to invite you to teach there." He handed Shaoke a document bearing the seal of the city lord and dozens of magical stamps from various academies, confirming its authenticity.

Shaoke glanced at the document and handed it back to the dean. "Please decline for me. I won't go there." He waved his hand and continued teaching the young students.

The young students loved Shaoke's lessons, not only because his explanations were comprehensive and detailed but also because he was very kind. They would ask him about anything, even young female spellcasters consulting him about emotional problems.

Batch after batch of young people left the small city after becoming qualified junior spellcasters. But as time passed, more children came, and Shaoke taught an increasing number of them. However, none knew his true name, respectfully calling him "Shadow Mage." He was almost always wrapped in a black cloak, and only when two or three female mages visited him did the children have a chance to see his face. Such occasions were rare, no more than two or three times a year.

Many students left the academy, but few returned. In the twenty-plus years Shaoke had been there, only one young spellcaster came back to visit. The rest never returned.

"Teacher, can't I really know your name?" a young female spellcaster asked, sitting cross-legged under a huge tree like Shaoke did. They were in the northernmost small city of the empire, not far from the Misty Forest. Although blizzards often occurred, the mages' robes protected them from the snow. Now a blizzard had begun, and this Third Rank female mage's arrival surprised Shaoke. She was the first female professional to return since leaving.

"Remember, try not to let too many people know your true name, because some spells can cause you great harm through it," Shaoke said, catching a snowflake and letting it melt in his hand. His own teacher had told him this, but he hadn't paid attention then because he had never found such records in books.

He added: "Young one, I've erased all your records from the academy. From now on, use a false name. It will benefit you." The young female spellcaster nodded, but Shaoke didn't know if she truly remembered. It was no longer his concern.

"Teacher, the students who left the academy have formed an alliance called the Storm Alliance," the young female spellcaster said, taking out a silver-white token inlaid with simple magic script. "We named it after the academy. I hope that's alright." She smiled and added: "From now on, every batch of students leaving will receive such a token. Over time, our organization will grow stronger." She smiled proudly. She was among the first batch of students Shaoke taught. In just twenty years, she had become a Third Rank mage—no small feat for an ordinary talent.

"Follow me," Shaoke said, standing up and tightening his cloak. He gestured for her to return to the academy. Although puzzled, the Third Rank female mage followed quickly. Over time, the academy had expanded three or four times. Although the empire had built many academies in various cities, the Storm Academy in this small city had become renowned in over a dozen surrounding cities, because it produced the most mages and professionals. The reason many high-rank professionals gathered here to teach will be gradually revealed later.

Everyone in the academy knew Shaoke, as he often sat under the large tree outside. He had taught many spellcasters. A nine-story wizard tower stood at the center of the academy. Shaoke led the Third Rank female mage inside after showing identification to the old guard at the gate. The old man nodded and let them pass, then leaned back against the wall engraved with countless magic patterns, stroking a black wooden staff that was polished but worn.

"This is yours," Shaoke said, choosing a room and entering. It was not large, but the walls were covered with dozens of portraits painted by master artists. Since the painters were from the academy, it cost little.

Shaoke pointed to a portrait on the wall: "These are images of the outstanding students from various disciplines. No names, only brief accounts of their achievements. These will be your future honors." He fell silent, and the Third Rank female mage stood quietly, gazing at the picture.

"We privately call you Shadow Mage," the young mage said apologetically. Shaoke took out an ordinary engraving tool and carved beneath her portrait:

"Twenty years after leaving the academy, she returned with the Storm organization's emblem. At this time, she had become a Third Rank spellcaster—a spellcaster capable of establishing her own family."

After carving, Shaoke shook his head: "I know these things. It doesn't matter. In fact, I like the title." He chuckled softly.

They didn't talk long. Shaoke left, and the female spellcaster continued to study the portraits. They were very useful to her, as her loose organization needed people of various professions, including merchants and bards.

As Shaoke left the wizard tower, the old guard whispered: "Honorable Shadow Mage, when will you deliver the student you promised me? I've waited over ten years." He bowed respectfully.

"After some time, when new young people come, I will find you the most talented one. Anything else?" Shaoke asked, looking at the old man, also an Eighth Tier mage who had failed to advance to Ninth Tier. Many high-rank professionals now gathered in academies because they had failed their advancement and survived. Some succeeded, but they were few. That was beyond Shaoke's understanding.

Why didn't these failed professionals return to teach in their own families? That was also beyond him. Now the academy had seven or eight failed Eighth-order Practitioners teaching young children.

"Nothing else. Perhaps I should establish my own family, so I won't worry about my knowledge disappearing with my death," the old man sighed, then curled up against the wall, caressing his black staff.

Shaoke stood silently for a moment, then turned and left, returning to sit under the large tree outside the academy, spreading his spirit to comprehend the world, seeking more visual records of ancient spellcasters and their casting techniques.

Now, mages could easily perceive the visual records of ancient spellcasters. Over time, Shaoke gradually obtained some records of ancient spellcasters. Though sparse and repetitive, over long periods he gained much knowledge about them.

The young female spellcaster stayed only ten days, leaving after the blizzard ended. During that time, she asked Shaoke many spell questions, and he answered in detail. Before she left, Shaoke reminded her: "I think your organization's members can hold gatherings to discuss spells and other knowledge. It will benefit you greatly."

He took out an early magic bag containing some potions and crystals and gave it to her. "A mage needs not only powerful attack spells but also knowledge. My teacher told me that a strong mage can not only defeat enemies but also defeat scholars with knowledge." He added: "A mage without extensive knowledge cannot be considered a qualified spellcaster. Interact with other professionals—it won't harm you." He waved for her to leave.

The Third Rank female mage saluted again and left with the magic bag. The short time she spent under Shaoke's guidance taught her more than the five years she had studied as a youth. She kept this in her heart, intending to repay Shaoke when she could.

After she left, Shaoke thought about the academy he had left long ago. He suddenly wanted to return and see it. But that was just an idea; he couldn't implement it now, as he felt he was nearing the standard for advancing to Ninth Rank. He wanted to advance before leaving the academy, for safety.

When the blizzard ended, new students arrived from towns and other cities. Every year at this time, many young people and children came. After simple tests, they were assigned professions based on their talents or interests. This was the busiest time for teachers like Shaoke. Even though he was an Eighth Tier mage, the shortage of teachers forced him to personally test the children.

One after another, young children were tested by Shaoke and some Low-rank Mages. The children's talents were confirmed correctly, showing that the mages in the towns hadn't been lazy. After a full day, the children's talents were finalized. Shaoke arranged accommodations according to their talents and gave their parents a small sum of money as compensation. The children studied here without paying a single Blue Feather Silver Coin, and upon leaving, the empire would give them a small amount of gold as starting funds.

All these changes were due to the empire's strength. In Shaoke's time, those who received free imperial support had to pay heavy conditions. Now, there were fewer restrictions.