Low-level dark magic apprentice Ilk was not wealthy.
Or rather, there were no rich individuals within the circle of low-level magical apprentices to begin with. Aside from the Pale Mask that piqued Sene's interest, the only items he extracted from Ilk's charred corpse were a low-level crystal, its elemental power halved, and several pieces of Black Gold—Morsobla City's currency—damaged by the corrosive acid.
"It seems this deadbeat did well in the plantation; he even had an energy crystal on him," Sene murmured, examining the orange-hued crystal in his hand. Unfortunately, it was an earth-type crystal, not the fire-type that would have suited him better.
As Sene finished collecting his spoils, the sound of approaching footsteps alerted him to the arrival of other apprentices drawn to the commotion.
Now, a dozen or so dark magic apprentices stood at a distance on either side of the path through the white crow trees. While not overly abundant, there were enough apprentices in Morsobla City to gather a crowd. Their swift arrival was attributed not only to the recent burst of powerful magic but also to the anguished screams of Ilk just before his death.
Moreover, this area was relatively close to where the apprentices resided.
When classes weren't in session, the majority of apprentices stayed within their dorms, meditating to gather magical power or spending academy points to borrow relevant tomes from the public library.
Upon sensing the residual magical fluctuations from high-level spells, the group of apprentices remained at a distance from Sene, pointing and whispering among themselves.
In the Dark Magic Academy, strength ruled supreme. These apprentices were predominantly low-level, with several being mere beginners. Naturally, they dared not approach Sene, who had just unleashed a wave of high-level magical energy.
However, one apprentice stood out among the rest. A girl with long, light yellow hair.
Tall and striking, her polished black boots conveyed a sense of confidence and authority, even as she wore a black robe.
This girl, Sene recognized, was none other than Liliana—a prominent figure in the academy. As a high-level apprentice, she ranked among the top ten in overall strength within the academy's apprentice circle. Like Sene, she had also been taken under the wing of a formal dark sorcerer.
The only difference was that Liliana's mentor held the title of Vice Dean of the academy.
"Oh? Why does a strong acid staff made by Master Mosido end up in your hands?" Liliana questioned as she approached, disregarding the burned corpse before her and focusing on Sene.
Liliana was considerably older than Sene, and her tall stature made her appear at least half a head taller than him.
Faced with the inquiry of this powerful apprentice, Sene tucked his staff away and respectfully replied, "I have been accepted as an apprentice by Master Mosido, and this is a gift he personally bestowed upon me."
Clearly, Liliana wasn't in the same league as the dead Ilk. Sene understood that the stakes were different amidst a powerful apprentice like her, and he wouldn't dare be negligent.
Upon hearing Sene's answer, a flicker of regret crossed Liliana's face.
It was evident that moments ago, this formidable dark magic apprentice had harbored thoughts of killing and robbing him.
Had this staff been merely a reward for a task taken from Master Mosido, Liliana would have felt no guilt in taking it from Sene's hands.
The saying "a person with merit may be punished for possessing a treasure" echoed true in such circumstances.
However, since Sene had officially become an apprentice under Master Mosido, even someone of Liliana's status would hesitate to forcibly take the staff from him.
Though others might be ignorant, Liliana knew full well that Master Mosido was known for his protectiveness over his apprentices. Given his status as an alchemist, even her mentor would treat him with respect if they met.
Though she couldn't steal the staff outright, Liliana obviously had no intention of letting Sene go easily. With a sly smile, she continued, "You might not know, but that low-level apprentice you just killed was highly regarded by Master Kaithsen, who's responsible for the plantation.
While they haven't officially formed an apprentice-mentor bond yet, it's only a matter of time before he becomes one of Kaithsen's students. Even that low-level magical mask you have was a gift from Kaithsen."
Liliana's light laughter made Sene's face fall, his previously calm demeanor giving way to anxiety.
Attracting the attention of a powerful formal dark sorcerer in Morsobla City was akin to courting disaster.
The only source of comfort was that he had officially become a disciple of Master Mosido. He could only hope that Master Mosido would shield him from the pressure exerted by Master Kaithsen.
Nonetheless, the thought of being targeted by a dark sorcerer still made Sene feel uneasy.
Liliana observed the changes in Sene's expression, and if there were no immediate benefits to be had, she showed no interest in lingering.
"Clack clack clack!" She sauntered away in her boots, leaving the gathered low-level apprentices wary not to obstruct her path.
Though Liliana had departed, Sene's troubles were far from over.
While dark sorcerers did not mind apprentices clashing among themselves, killing within the academy was a different matter that could bring substantial trouble.
Suddenly, a half-meter-tall owl with jet-black wings swooped down. Its elemental aura and presence were even more imposing than Liliana's.
This was an academy overseer, tasked with maintaining order, and they only descended to address situations after serious incidents unfolded.
"Apprentice! You have violated Article 17 of the regulations of the Dark Magic Academy in Morsobla City. According to the orders from Principal Dadarong…" the owl's sharp, peculiar voice began to echo.
However, before it could finish the lengthy reprimand, Sene pulled out the emblem given to him by Master Mosido—a magical badge.
The appearance of the magic badge silenced the owl's piercing voice instantly.
The academy's rules were ultimately established by the formal dark sorcerers. As an apprentice of a great dark sorcerer, Sene killing a low-level apprentice with no influential connections meant that the overseers had little motivation to intervene.
Moreover, Sene added, "In light of this incident, it was a justified counterattack since he attacked me first."