Chinese professors at the Wizarding Academy

To escape Antinoya's pursuit, he must first eliminate Jobeck. Once Jobeck recovers, an even more terrifying hunt awaits him. Moreover, by then, Jobeck will undoubtedly be fully prepared and will not give him any further chances.

Why is it so important to get rid of Joe Baker?

The reason is actually very simple: for the Antinoya family, there are currently only two heirs on the surface.

Although Antinoya clearly has some connection with the Lorian royal family politics, and also has certain connections and background in the outer court.

But in the end, it just means staying in the outer courtyard. As long as it's the outer courtyard, frankly speaking, it's not that important to Gray Tower Academy.

Both Karksar and the Dark Eroder are already second-tier powerhouses. According to the rules of the Gray Tower Academy's outer court, they are not allowed to come to the outer court at will.

Although Grey Tower Academy has a tough school spirit and a terrifying academic atmosphere, in the end, the outer academy is a process that everyone who enters Grey Tower Academy must go through.

The first and second rings are fundamentally different... they are basically two different species. No matter how strong the first ring is, it is worlds apart from the second ring, unless there are some extremely special methods.

The reason why Jobeck was able to have two second-tier powerhouses by his side was because of his talent and potential for future success. Therefore, the Gray Tower Academy was willing to turn a blind eye and arrange for Karksa and the Dark Eroder to be "study companions".

Thinking of this, Gu Chen almost couldn't hold back.

It's strangely similar to Earth...

Some students from wealthy families hire tutors to accompany them in their studies. These tutors are usually very capable and know almost everything that needs to be learned.

The same applies to Grey Tower Academy; wealthy and powerful families can provide "accompanying students" for those who enter Grey Tower Academy.

This identity can offer many conveniences, but of course, it shouldn't be taken too far.

The rules at Grey Tower Academy are simple: students can help their employers with problems, but only those matters that are strongly related to their employers.

"In other words, as long as I kill Joebeck... the Dark Eroders and Kalxa can't attack me. After all, their study partners are dead, so what's the point of studying with them?"

Second-circle wizards are strictly forbidden from entering the inner courtyard of Grey Tower Academy... Karxa and the Dark Eater are also clearly not allowed to enter under normal circumstances, but they are allowed to enter because of their status as "accompanying students".

"The problem right now isn't worrying about being hunted down... but figuring out how to get rid of Joe Baker."

Gu Chen kept his eyes tightly shut, his mind racing...

Sitting idly by and waiting for death is never the solution. When faced with difficulties, you must first take a holistic view, then grasp the main contradictions, and then start thinking of ways to deal with the problem...

Thinking of this, Gu Chen opened his eyes, his gaze resolute.

"I choose dream training."

Ysera seemed to have anticipated this answer. His eyes held a sense of certainty that he had expected it, along with a hint of worry about the choice and a faint, almost imperceptible, appreciation.

Ysera was filled with emotion; the young man before her always reminded her of things from the past, back then…

At that time, there was also a person who looked very similar. The reason why he was willing to help this blood wizard so much was because he saw the shadow of an old friend.

While the source crystal is important, there are other methods, although finding a blood wizard would be the best option...

Especially a wizard like Gu Chen, who can now master three kinds of death powers, is indeed a rare talent.

Dream training methods are, of course, extremely dangerous...

However, those who are able to accomplish things naturally possess a courage that others lack.

Thinking of this, Isela wanted to say something more, but in the end she swallowed her words back.

He sighed softly:

"Alright. Since you've made up your mind, I'll do my best to help you."

"At the same time, don't forget the request we made. I've already helped you a lot. If you fail to fulfill your request, you will face my wrath..."

"I understand, thank you, Teacher Isela."

For wizards, the title of "teacher" is very respectful. Gu Chen initially only called him "senior," but now, he has no choice but to call him "teacher."

The other party had helped him so much, Gu Chen guessed that it was related to some of Isera's personal experiences, but he couldn't ask too many questions.

Gu Chen respectfully performed a wizard's salute, which was both a sign of his respect and a confirmation of his decision and choice.

Isera nodded, then turned to Ken and Jim and said:

"You two also need to be prepared. When Gu Chen is training in the dream world, you will be responsible for protecting his body."

Ken nodded: "I understand, but Senior Ysera, I..."

"Heh, mind wizards are always so worried."

Ysera smiled faintly, her eyes conveying a sense of expectedness. Mind wizards are always like this, unable to let their guard down around others.

This bald guy has quite a bit of talent... He's the second strongest among the people present, and he's already at the advanced first level.

Isera smiled. After seeing Ken and confirming his strength, she became even more curious about Gu Chen. How did this person manage to pull a high-level first-ring mind wizard onto his pirate ship?

With their abilities, this was truly a death sentence; they were incredibly brave...

"Don't worry, there's a mandate between Gu Chen and me, you can trust me."

"Of course, you don't have to believe me, but there's no other way, is there?"

"Let's start Gu Chen's dream training first."

She walked toward the center of the golden oak grove, where there was a particularly lush patch of golden grass.

Iser stretched her hand, tracing intricate paths in the air. Green magic threads flowed from her fingertips, weaving into a circular magic circle about three meters in diameter.

The pattern of the magic circle was extremely complex; Gu Chen could only recognize a small portion of it…

"Ancient runes representing time, dreams, growth, and cycles...?"

Gu Chen has a good habit: reading. Although he is not good at it, it is never a bad thing to study more.

For example, he can now understand these ancient runes. Ysera's behavior doesn't seem to be a lie; as she said, she is indeed seriously preparing for dream training.

Before long, the circular magic circle was completed, emitting a faint green glow. Upon seeing the circular magic circle, one would feel a sense of disorientation.

Time seemed to slow down... my mind calmed down...

"Smack."

"Lie down inside."

Ysera snapped her fingers, and Gu Chen snapped out of his daze. Then he stretched out his hand and pointed to the center of the magic circle.

Gu Chen lay down as instructed.

The golden grass blades were soft and warm, emitting a faint fragrance. As soon as he lay down, the grass blades began to slowly grow, wrapping around his body and fixing him in the center of the magic circle.

"These are Nightmare Grasses."

Isera explained,

"They secrete a special substance that guides you into a deep meditative state."

"At the same time, they are also conductors of life energy, which will continuously nourish your body during training and slow down the depletion of life force."

He took out a small crystal bottle from his robe, which contained a viscous, amber-colored liquid.

"This is a century-old tree heart dew, extracted from the core of an ancient oak tree."

Isera uncorked the bottle and dripped three drops of liquid onto Gu Chen's forehead.

"It will protect your core consciousness and prevent you from losing yourself in the long dream."

The moment the liquid touched his skin, Gu Chen felt a cool sensation, followed by a warm energy spreading from his forehead throughout his body.

It's a wonderful feeling, like being enveloped in a safe cocoon.

I suddenly felt an urge to fall asleep...

"Now, close your eyes."

Isera's voice became soft and rhythmic, "Relax your breathing and follow my guidance."

Gu Chen closed his eyes and began to regulate his breathing.

He could feel Ysera's magical threads gently touching his consciousness, like a tender guide leading him into the depths of his mind.

Imagine you are standing in front of a door.

Isera's voice echoed in Gu Chen's mind.

"There are three different patterns carved on the door: corrosive vines, manipulative spider webs, and the blade of termination. These are symbols of three forces of death."

As Ysera's words entered his consciousness, the image of that door appeared in Gu Chen's mind... It was made of dark wood, and the patterns Ysera had described were indeed carved on it, lifelike.

"Now, push it away."

Gu Chen reached out and pushed the door open in his mind.

The door hinges creaked slightly, and the door slowly opened—

Behind the door was not a room, but a chaotic space. Three colors of energy flowed and swirled in the air: dark gold, gray mist, and pure black.

They sometimes separate, sometimes collide, and each contact generates subtle ripples of energy.

"This is the energy map inside your arm," Isera's voice came from all directions. "In reality, they are separated by a sealed structure, but here, in the dream, you can safely observe and experiment with them."

Gu Chen's consciousness floated in this space.

He could clearly perceive the different characteristics of the three forces. The Soul-Eating Death Aura was warm and greedy, constantly trying to erode everything around it; the Necromantic Magic was cold and flexible, wandering around as if it had a self-awareness; and the Dark Fragments were heavy and stable, radiating an undeniable will to end.

"The first step is to try contacting them individually," Isera instructed. "Don't rush to establish a connection; get to know their personalities first."

"character……?"

The thought had barely entered his consciousness when it began to linger in his dreams, even though Gu Chen didn't voice this question aloud.

Ysera replied:

"Personality is a concise description. If you want something more complex, I can go on for tens of thousands of words in the style of a Grey Tower Academy paper, and finally, after rambling on for tens of thousands of words, I'll say the few hundred words that are really important."

"Simply put, it's the characteristics of several magical forces."

"Okay, teacher..."

The sound echoed continuously in the dream... it even produced a reverberation.

Okay, okay... okay...

Following the instructions, Gu Chen's consciousness slowly drifted toward the nearest wisp of soul-corroding death energy.

As he approached, the dark golden energy flow coiled around him like a snake that had spotted its prey.

A familiar corrosive sensation wafted over, but it was very faint, as if it were testing the waters.

Next, Gu Chen came into contact with necromantic magic. The gray, misty energy seemed even more intelligent, like a cunning predator. It did not directly approach Gu Chen, but kept its distance, as if observing him. Only when Gu Chen actively released friendly intentions did it cautiously approach.

Finally, there was the Dark Fragment, a pure black energy block that remained motionless. Even when Gu Chen's consciousness passed directly through it, there was no reaction.

It's like a cold stone, neither rejecting nor welcoming any contact.

It just stayed there, but even though it did nothing and had no effect, Gu Chen's consciousness still felt a sense of... fear when it came into contact with the darkness.

"Be careful, the dark is dangerous."

"Did you feel it?"

Ysera's voice rang out.

"Different deaths have different personalities."

"Corruption is the active predator, manipulation is the cautious observer, and termination is the passive recipient."

"But... even if darkness does nothing, there will be people who covet its power, chase after it, and try to control it."

"……madness."

Isera's voice explained, initially full of guidance and academic tone, but in the last sentence, her displeasure and a hint of... pain were clearly revealed.

Gu Chen nodded in his mind.

He didn't have the ability to understand Ysera's affairs yet, but the words he taught himself led to new discoveries, which gave Gu Chen a deeper understanding of the three powers.

"Now let's try to establish an initial connection."

Isela continued,

"You don't need to pursue complete control; you just need to let them recognize your will."

This process was more difficult than Gu Chen had imagined.

The Soul-Eating Death Aura is the easiest to connect with because it inherently craves to be used; Necromantic Magic requires continuous mental communication, like building trust with a wary beast; Dark Fragments are the most difficult... It truly accepts all comers, but the problem is that as soon as Gu Chen gets close, a sense of fear surges up from the depths of his soul.

"Fear is normal; overcome it."

"Fear means you revere it...that's right, revere the darkness, not be a megalomaniac."

He tried his best to overcome it... and slowly, with each attempt, the fear was buried deep in his heart.

In dreams, there is no concept of time. It may seem like only a second has passed, or several hours, or even days, nights, years, or decades have passed...

Or perhaps a million years?

After an unknown amount of time, Gu Chen finally established a basic connection with the three powers.

Now, he can use his mind to guide them to make simple movements and changes.

"Very good." Isera's voice was full of approval.

"The next crucial step is to try to understand the commonalities among the three forces."