He looked at the relatively unharmed Karl and Triss, then carefully observed the scene, and asked with a firm tone, "Triss, Sir Karl... did an experimental accident happen here?"
Because there were no signs of a struggle, and the two parties involved were clearly not injured.
Besides an out-of-control experiment, there seemed to be no more reasonable explanation.
Triss sighed helplessly and nodded, "Yes, Fikat, an... unexpected experimental accident."
Kaira's gaze, however, lingered more on Karl and Triss.
Her expression was very complex, a mix of hesitation, awkwardness, and a hint of imperceptible worry.
Her lips moved a few times, as if she wanted to say something to Karl, perhaps an apology... But her long-held pride and self-respect as a sorceress were like shackles, making it difficult for her to humble herself before Karl in front of Triss and Fikat.
These days, she had not simply locked herself in her room, ignoring everything.
The news of Karl being publicly pardoned by the King, granted inheritance rights, and receiving a huge reward had long spread throughout Vizima.
Now, he was the most sought-after person in the King's presence.
In contrast, they, the court sorcerers, were already viewed with suspicion and coldness by Foltest due to the matter of Princess Adda's curse.
They were directly excluded from core gatherings of power, such as the Royal Council a few days prior.
If Karl were to speak ill of her to the King because of past events... Kaira could almost foresee her future, becoming even more difficult in the Temerian court.
She might even be completely marginalized, losing her position as an advisor, her network, sources of information, and that rather substantial income.
Just as Kaira was struggling internally, almost about to humble herself and speak.
"Boom!"
A muffled sound, different from an explosion, with a sense of spatial distortion, came.
In the open space at the center of the laboratory ruins, the air seemed to tear open, and a blazing, constantly rotating orange portal suddenly appeared.
The powerful magical fluctuations made all the sorcerers present stiffen.
Immediately after, with a flash of light, a figure emerged from the portal, it was Hen.
He still had his usual appearance of a serious middle-aged scholar with a mustache, wearing a fur-lined robe.
Fikat's face instantly filled with surprise upon seeing Hen, which then turned into immense respect; he quickly stepped forward a few paces and bowed, "Dean, you're here?"
Hen's demeanor was as calm as ever, only nodding slightly in response.
His gaze swept over the messy scene, and his brow furrowed slightly.
When he saw the unfamiliar Kaira, his brow immediately furrowed imperceptibly.
He glanced at Fikat with a hint of inquiry.
Fikat trembled all over from Hen's glance and quickly shook his head vigorously.
He lowered his voice and eagerly explained, "Dean, it's not me! I absolutely did not leak your previous whereabouts or any information!"
Hen observed Fikat's reaction, secretly releasing his psychokinesis.
After confirming he wasn't lying, he let out an almost inaudible hum and pursued the matter no further.
He turned his head to the side, and when his gaze fell upon Karl, a genuine and gentle smile finally appeared on his serious face.
At this moment, Kaira, standing to the side, was utterly stunned and rooted to the spot, with tumultuous waves churning within her.
The Dean of Ban Ard Academy! A member of the High Council, one of the founders of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers!
How could she not recognize such a legendary, supremely exalted figure?
When they were appointed as royal advisors to Temeria, the final decision came from this Dean and his colleagues.
She had once seen Hen's appearance from afar outside the Gastang Palace meeting hall.
Even the textbooks of the sorcerer academy contained records about this legendary figure.
He... how could he be here? And, it seemed he specifically came for Karl?
How could a young man who had just gained official noble status have any connection with a figure like Hen?
For a moment, countless questions filled Kaira's mind.
But soon, a cold sense of panic seized her.
The only thing about Karl that could attract the attention of the highest echelons of the Brotherhood was probably that lost Alzur spell... Could it be... could Triss have already submitted the spell to the Brotherhood?
And even reported her previous disgraceful attempt to steal Karl's memories?
Thinking of this possibility, Kaira's face instantly turned incredibly pale, and her eyes, looking at Karl and Hen, were filled with fear and unease.
"Teacher."
Karl's natural address of "Teacher" exploded in Kaira's ears like a clap of thunder.
"Tea... Teacher? He called Hen Teacher?! The situation is worse than I thought, when did he become Hen's apprentice?"
Kaira's mind was a mess; she had only been worried about the Alzur spell and the previous unpleasantness.
Now she found that behind Karl stood one of the top entities of the High Council.
This meant that if Karl wanted to pursue the matter, she would face not only the loss of her court position but also potentially severe punishment from within the Brotherhood.
"I'm finished..." This thought lingered in her mind, refusing to leave.
Kaira's distraught and terrified expression, as if she had lost a parent, was naturally seen by Karl.
A hint of mockery arose in his heart: "Now you know fear? Where was that sorceress's arrogance when you were forcing me with psychokinesis earlier?"
Hen's gaze swept over the two of them; he also noticed Kaira's unusual fear and the regret and dread contained in her complex gaze when she looked at Karl.
It seemed that this sorceress he didn't know had some sort of conflict with his newly accepted apprentice, and the rune on Karl's hand had also been activated.
However, Hen did not inquire immediately; he temporarily set aside this observation and turned to Karl.
His tone returned to its usual composure: "Karl, are your bags ready?"
"If everything is in order, I will open the portal now and take you to the Academy to officially begin your magic studies."
"It'll be ready soon, Teacher." Karl nodded, then quickly walked to a collapsed corner of the laboratory.
He deftly pulled out a dust-covered but seemingly sturdy satchel from among the bricks and stones.
Just as Karl was about to turn back to Triss to ask her to find someone to help send the box containing dimeritium to the Academy later.
"Hmm?" Hen suddenly let out a surprised sound.
He tilted his head slightly, his gaze instantly locking onto a corner of the room.
A look of understanding appeared on his face, and he asked with absolute certainty, "Karl, is that box... filled with dimeritium?"
He paused, then explained, "There's an extremely subtle, unnatural decay and distortion in the magical fluctuations here."
"Although very concealed, it cannot escape my perception."
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