19 Lucien Roberts' Visit to the Santania School

"Stage 7 techniques? Can I actually learn something that high-level?" Wendy was visibly shaken.

Even though she had excelled in her latest exams and held Alex Watson in high regard, old self-doubts die hard. Deep inside, Wendy still viewed herself as the least likely to succeed. How could someone like her be worthy of learning such advanced techniques?

Noticing Wendy's flustered and overwhelmed look, Alex gave a resigned smile, "You're my only student, Wendy. Who else would I teach?"

This reassurance warmed Wendy's heart, prompting a goofy grin. For the first time since starting school, she felt genuinely supported by a teacher. So this is what it feels like to have a mentor!

But soon, her thoughts drifted to Isabella Roberts, the new addition to the Omni-Class. With Isabella's remarkable abilities, it seemed inevitable that Alex would shift his focus towards her eventually. The thought of becoming less important gnawed at Wendy, though she quickly shook off such notions.

Wendy, stop it! Being taught by Mr. Watson is a privilege. To even think of competing with a prodigy like Isabella for his attention! With her priorities realigned, Wendy felt more at peace.

Meanwhile, Alex was oblivious to her internal turmoil and began the lesson in earnest, "You've nearly perfected the Divine Light Mastery. You don't need much instruction from me now; just keep up your current practice, and the technique will evolve on its own. The new technique I'm about to teach, called 'Mortal God Curse,' is listed as a combat technique in the encyclopedias."

Wendy tensed up at this. "But Mr. Watson, I'm trained as a Blesser. Is it appropriate for me to take on something so challenging?"

Alex just chuckled lightly, "Remember what I told you? Blessers are meant to lead the charge. What's wrong with having a little combat knowledge?"

Stumped, Wendy couldn't muster a response.

"The core idea behind the 'Mortal God Curse' involves using our physical bodies to tap into divine power temporarily—just a small fraction, really. But even that fraction qualifies it as a stage 7 technique."

Wendy looked eager to learn more.

Yet, Alex's following remarks threw her for a loop once more, "This technique, though potent, is fundamentally flawed. The true essence of 'Mortal God Curse' isn't about timidly borrowing divine power for fleeting moments of battle. Rather, it's about conditioning our bodies to harness this power independently, growing stronger without any divine crutch. I've revised many inaccuracies in the original technique. Forget the old ways and follow my instructions instead."

"Roger that!" Wendy affirmed, ready to embrace this new challenge.

Wendy gave an eager nod, wholeheartedly placing her trust in Alex. Whatever Mr. Watson instructs, I'll follow!

...

As two days whisked away, students began trickling back into Santania School.

One afternoon, a particularly striking group caught everyone's attention, halting bystanders in their tracks.

"Look, are those people from the Roberts family? Such an elaborate show!"

"My gosh, are they moving into the school with all those bags?"

"I wish I had been born into such a fortunate family."

Leading the procession was Lucien Roberts, Isabella's third brother, walking with a confident air. Behind him were twelve bodyguards in uniform, each carrying elaborate gifts. The sheer extravagance of the packaging spoke volumes about their value.

Isabella, meanwhile, wore a look of discomfort. "Dad did mention maintaining proper decorum, but this seems excessively flamboyant. It's quite embarrassing."

She recalled her initial enrollment in Warrior Class A, when her eldest brother, Michel Roberts, had accompanied her in a much more understated manner.

Responding to his sister's reluctance, Lucien stated confidently, "Isabella, you're seeking a mentor. We must make a significant impression! Simply handing over a card as Michel did lacks presence! How else will others understand the depth of the Roberts family's respect for education and mentorship?"

"Alright, if it makes you happy."

They quickly reached Alex' office and knocked softly. When Alex opened the door to such a crowd, he was visibly puzzled. What is this? Lucien, too, was taken aback. Is this really Isabella's new teacher? He looks so young, and somewhat... underwhelming? Has my little sister been misled by this pretty face?

Doubt crossed Lucien's mind as Isabella hurried to explain, "Mr. Watson, these are the mentorship gifts my father insisted we present to you. Please accept them."

Soon, the office was overwhelmed with packages. "From the Roberts family to Teacher Alex Watson, mentorship gifts including: A pair of millennium-old lingzhi mushrooms! Millennium-old ginseng roots! A golden silk armor suit! Two bottles of Blood Revival Pills! …"

Soon, the gifts covered Alex's desk, nearly obscuring his view. Alex, seeing the array of gifts, hesitated before querying, "Isabella, as you are still only an observer, wouldn't accepting these gifts be somewhat improper?"

It seemed he might decline them. Isabella quickly reassured, "Mr. Watson, my father anticipated your concerns and asked me to make it clear that these are merely formal gestures from our family, essentially a welcoming gift. Once I formally join the class, we will organize a proper mentorship celebration. We hope you will grace it with your presence."

Alex slightly nodded in understanding. Benefits presented with such formality are hard to refuse. "Then, I'll graciously accept, thank you."

Yet, Lucien interjected, stepping in front of Alex and Isabella with a slightly unfriendly tone, "Wait! The mentorship gift is indeed from my father, but as her elder brother, I have a responsibility to ensure it's well-received. Mr. Watson, might I request the honor of a brief demonstration of your abilities?"

Alex slightly lifted an eyebrow, recognizing the challenge. It seems this member of the Roberts family wants to see if he is qualified to accept these gifts.

At this moment, Lucien's profile had already surfaced in the Divine Library. After quickly reviewing it, Alex smiled faintly and said, "You are Mr. Roberts, I presume. I tend to be quite straightforward, so please don't be offended."

Lucien inwardly sneered, thinking Alex was reluctant to accept the challenge. However, Alex's next statement left him utterly taken aback, "If it's instruction you need, perhaps my student would be more than adequate."