In the Grand Sage's office, Nahida was rarely seen working at her desk. She was deeply focused, yet she immediately sensed someone's arrival.
"Are you here about the Aranara matter? Sorry—the Akademiya has too many things to deal with right now. If circumstances allow, I won't be able to set out until the day after tomorrow."
"That matter is important as well, but what I want to talk about is something else—I heard that the former Grand Sage Azar and his associates have decided to exile themselves to Avidya Forest?"
"That's correct."
"Since it's exile anyway, why not make it more meaningful? Have them change locations—just like how they once exiled mad scholars to Aaru Village—and send them to the desert to teach knowledge."
Nahida propped her elbow and clasped her fist at the tip of her nose. After some thought, she explained, "It's a good idea, but… I don't quite trust them. Once they leave my sight, I can't guarantee they'll remain as obedient as they appear."
"I see…" Victor Wang said confidently. "You don't need to worry about that. I'll communicate with the people of the desert and have them keep a close watch."
"The Akademiya is also preparing to recruit scholars to teach in the desert. To be honest, placing such a large group of top scholars in the rainforest really is a bit of a waste… Very well, then. While they haven't left yet, I'll issue instructions to the Matra."
"Thank you for the trouble. I can help relay the message."
…
When Victor Wang brought the instruction signed and sealed by Nahida to Cyno, Setaria was there as well, seemingly discussing matters about leaving the Akademiya for the desert.
Seeing Victor Wang, the two paused their conversation. Cyno stepped forward. "I heard you woke up. I was thinking of going to see you—didn't expect you to come on your own."
"Oh? Sounds like you've got something going on too?"
"Yes… Nahida has allocated many resources to develop the desert regions. I've also applied to the Akademiya for several batches of physical books and other related supplies, planning to deliver them to several tribes in the desert as per her instructions. Your ships are still docked in the city, right? You'll probably need to make another trip. If we can make use of that ability called [Sub-Space Creation], we can get the supplies to the desert immediately."
"Perfect timing. I came to you with a similar idea—I want to send Azar and his group to the desert as well."
"Send Azar to the desert?"
"Take a look at this."
"Exile Azar and his group to Aaru Village to assist the Akademiya's educational work in the desert, atoning for their crimes through merit…" After carefully confirming Nahida's new directive, Cyno nodded slightly. "This punishment is still somewhat light, but it does feel much better than before."
"Then it's settled. Once the Akademiya's supplies and Azar's group are ready, just send them directly to my ships."
"And also…" Having made several requests in a row, Cyno scratched the back of his neck a little awkwardly and introduced her to Victor Wang. "This is Setaria. She's from the desert and entered the Akademiya through exceptional academic merit. She's recently decided to return to the desert to work in education. Please take her along as well."
"No problem."
Setaria bowed sincerely. "Thank you."
"Setaria, Azar and those people are all criminals atoning for their sins. In the desert, you don't need to care about their former status—handle everything according to your plan. If they show resistance or abnormal behavior, report it to us immediately," Cyno reminded her carefully.
"Criminals atoning for their sins… To be honest, I also participated more or less in the Grand Sage's plan. But this time, it's for my homeland. No matter what, I won't make mistakes again—and I won't let them make mistakes either."
By the time the Akademiya's supplies and Azar's group squeezed into the Eremite fleet, several hours had already passed.
It was crowded, but at least they were finally going home. And upon learning that four of the Six Sages of the Akademiya—Grand Sage included—would be spending the rest of their lives teaching in the desert, Rahman and the others had no complaints whatsoever.
Hiding [Endless Thirst] beneath his cloak, and right in front of many onlookers, Victor Wang made the entire fleet vanish as if by magic. Then, carrying the cup, he sped toward the desert.
Having come to Sumeru, he also bore the responsibility of selecting Sumeru's person-in-charge for the North Wing, and he pondered this matter throughout the journey.
Alhaitham—the most suitable, yet the least likely.
Cyno—the General Mahamatra. His position was second only to the Grand Sage and the Dendro Archon. He upheld principles firmly when handling official matters and was quite upright. Asking him to join another organization that operated in the shadows—was that really appropriate?
Rahman—quick-witted, but unfortunately without a Vision. His strength was insufficient to handle emergencies. He could be developed into an ordinary member or even a special operations agent, helping expand the pool of regular members in the desert.
Candace—unable to easily leave Aaru Village, so she couldn't be responsible for all of Sumeru. But she could still be brought into the North Wing. After all, the North Wing's motto was "for a better tomorrow," which didn't conflict with Aaru Village's aspirations.
With Rahman and Candace—one in Aaru Village and one in the desert—it would also be easier to supervise Azar and the others.
After delivering the large group to the desert, Victor Wang spoke with Rahman and Candace, then made his way to Port Ormos.
"I've returned all the ships to you. No major damage. I also shouted all the advertising slogans you asked for."
"Good, good! I've already heard about how my ships appeared in Sumeru City like a miracle. Doing business with a major client is truly reassuring—let's work together again next time!"
Letting Dori be the North Wing's person-in-charge in Sumeru… I can't even imagine what that would turn into… better forget it.
Finally, Victor Wang returned to Sumeru City, back to the Bimarstan. Lumine still hadn't woken up. Paimon was awake, though, and Nilou, Dunyarzad, and Dehya were all there as well.
"When Lumine wakes up and Alhaitham and Cyno aren't so busy anymore, let's hold a celebration feast at the Grand Bazaar. We saved a god—this is absolutely, absolutely something worth celebrating!" Nilou announced.
"Sure, I agree."
Nilou—just from organizing the Sabzeruz Festival, one could tell she was thoughtful and had organizational skills, but she was still somewhat innocent. After all, her profession didn't involve fighting and killing.
That left Dehya… Victor Wang looked at her. "Dehya, what are your plans after this?"
"Why ask me all of a sudden? Well… Dunyarzad's illness is cured. I want to spend some time traveling with her, then quit my job with the Homayani family and find work that's a bit less stable—get my body moving again."
A mercenary with wide connections, real strength, an activity range covering both Sumeru and the desert, and a personality with no real flaws… It's you, then.
"There's something I want to discuss with you alone."
"Huh?"
Dehya seemed to recall something. Her honey-colored cheeks flushed faintly as she followed him out—only to discover that the topic of conversation was worlds apart from anything she could have imagined.
"North Wing?"
"It's just another identity. More information channels, mutual assistance among members. Everyone's goal is 'for a better tomorrow.'"
"..."
Seeing Dehya fall silent, Victor Wang explained further. "Ordinary members only need to provide intelligence within their capabilities and when necessary. Capable members should lend a hand when urgent matters arise nearby. As for the person-in-charge… I've never heard exactly what they're supposed to do, but it shouldn't harm your interests. If you agree, the Wingmaster will speak to you directly."
"Lumine… Lumine has known you for a long time. Is she one of your members too?"
"Don't let Lumine know about the organization—that's the Wingmaster's rule. I don't know why either, but trust me: everything the North Wing has done so far has been good."
"Trust you… alright. I'm willing to give it a try."
===BREAK===
Like the story and want more chapters?
Join and support me by joining my Patreon!
[email protected]/SiRoasa