Chapter 78: Secrets and Stares

Words : 1036 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 78: Secrets and Stares Like Dominic, Vundo had also once been Quintus’s teacher in magic control. Though truthfully, Quintus had never been a very gifted student when it came to magic. Magic, in general, referred to the release of magical power through direct casting, the use of spells through structured formulas, and healing techniques. It also included alchemy, which involved making enchanted tools and potions, as well as beast taming, which allowed someone to control over magical beast. "I can’t imagine Dominic would ever agree to it," Quintus said at last. "Even if I forced the order, it would only create more problems down the line. He doesn’t care about pleasing those in power or fearing authority. He’s not interested in titles or status either. That’s why he speaks so directly, without holding anything back. If we push him too hard, and he turns against us, he’ll become very difficult to deal with in the future." Vundo let out a delighted "Ho, ho, ho," clearly amused. Quintus only frowned deeper. "And that’s exactly why you like him, isn’t it?" the old man said with a knowing smile. "To think such a straightforward man could come from parents like his... Or maybe it’s because they left him alone and never interfered. He became the man he is on his own. It’s good to have someone dependable like him around, but still... what should we do?" "You really won’t give this up, will you?" "This kind of chance may never come again." The old master’s gray eyes, with a slight bluish tint, sparkled like a young boy’s. Seeing that relentless curiosity shining in them, Quintus let out his sixth heavy sigh of the day. And then, the next day, the only one sitting across from Quintus in his office was Dominic, his cold gaze fixed on him. Even though Quintus had firmly reminded him multiple times to bring the boy named Shiao Yi along, he had come alone. Quintus exchanged glances with Vundo, who was sitting beside the window, next to the desk, the shutters open to let in the light. "Did Shiao Yi not come with you?" Quintus asked. In response, he received a single sharp glance—so cold it could freeze fire. Quintus was technically his superior, one of the highest-ranking officials in the military, holding a position equal to that of the Prime Minister. When Quintus glared at someone, people usually froze up in fear. It wasn’t just his status—it was also the weight of his authority and his real power. He prided himself on that. But this man showed no reaction at all. He didn’t care about promotions, didn’t care about possessions. He held no fear of loss, and that made him strong in a way others weren’t. He had no interest in anything. Not even in himself. His only purpose was to fight. That was why he feared nothing. Not even the king. He was truly the Iron Knight, one who seemed to reject everything around him. And now, this same man had taken a boy as his partner. The gentle look he gave that boy had shocked everyone who knew him. It was like witnessing a miracle. And yet, the looks he gave everyone else had only grown harsher. It felt as though he was baring his fangs to protect the boy. Quintus cleared his throat with a sharp cough. It wouldn’t do for the Supreme Commander to appear intimidated by the Knight Captain. That would be shameful. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a sympathetic expression from Vundo. That only irritated him more. Who did Vundo think caused this awkward situation in the first place? He didn’t get to sit there acting like it wasn’t his doing. That calm, detached look on his face was getting on Quintus’s nerves. "This is all because of Vundo’s request," Quintus said, trying to defend himself. "I wasn’t exactly thrilled about it either. But he insisted, said it had to happen." Quintus shot a quick glance at Vundo. There was no way he was going to let the old man sit there with that calm expression. It might have been a little childish, but if he had to keep enduring that piercing stare from Dominic, it was going to give him a stomach ulcer. He felt it was only fair that the old man should share some of the pressure. Dominic’s sharp gaze slowly shifted to Vundo. Even though Vundo had once been his mentor in magic, Dominic showed him no deference. But the crafty old fox that Vundo was, he coolly avoided direct eye contact and let the icy stare slide off him without reacting. "Captain Dominic," Vundo said without hesitation, "that boy named Shiao Yi—he’s not from this world, is he?" Quintus buried his face in his hand. What a direct and reckless question. Looking sideways, he saw Dominic flinch slightly. So even he could be rattled. Though the knight said nothing, his silence spoke louder than words—it was as good as a confession. "Teleporting instantly, moving objects without touching them... Are those powers because of the world he came from?" Vundo pressed, leaning in slightly. "It’s too late to hide it. I saw it with my own eyes. And I’ve heard it from Aaron as well. He said the boy had experienced something called ’tele-something’—whatever it’s called." Dominic’s eyes began to glow fiercely. One look at his face, and it was clear—if they made a wrong move, he might really try to kill them. Out of the corner of his eye, Quintus noticed Vundo weaving a subtle barrier spell. Clearly, the old mage sensed the murderous intent too. "Calm down, Dominic," Quintus said firmly. "Everything about Shiao Yi stays between us. No one else will hear a word of this. If it became known that a person from another world with strange powers was here, it would cause chaos. Not just in the royal capital, but throughout the entire kingdom—maybe even in other countries. You know how uncontrollable rumors are. They grow wild, take on lives of their own, and who knows what kind of disaster that could cause. Shiao Yi’s safety would also be at serious risk."

Chapter 78: Secrets and Stares

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