The villainous young master just wants to live a Buddhist-like life.

　But right now, the first thing that comes to his mind is a recent case—the case of Victor God, who also once had two souls inside him!

　Is it a similar situation?

　Dark couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

　Pandora saw that he was deep in thought, so she didn't disturb him. Of course, she herself also needed time to sort out her thoughts.

　After a short while, Darke straightened up and said, "The most obvious possibility right now is that she possesses another soul, perhaps belonging to the previous generation's 'Battle Saintess Joan of Arc'!"

　Pandora nodded and said, "I think so too. That's the most reasonable explanation. But if the soul of the previous 'Saintess of the Battlefield, Joan of Arc' is inside Audrey, then wouldn't that mean 'Saintess of the Battlefield, Joan of Arc' is already dead?"

　Dark said, “That’s the problem. The death of such an important person shouldn’t be left unnoticed. Even the grandest funeral wouldn’t be excessive. That would certainly be very beneficial to the Holy Church itself.”

　Pandora said, "I don't pay much attention to those forces, so I really can't speculate."

　Dark said, "It's alright. This matter can be easily investigated. But it's getting late. I'll go and confirm with Professor Sylph tomorrow."

　Pandora said, "Remember to contact me anytime. I'm also somewhat interested in this."

　Dark nodded and said, "Yes."

　The two then spent some time together in the office before getting up and leaving.

　Dark escorted Pandora back to the Magic Academy's tower before turning back.

　"Indeed, both 'Saint Son' Evan Pearson and 'Saintess' Audrey Joan of Arc possess extraordinary qualities."

　Darke, deep in thought, made his way to the tower of the Noble House. Lost in thought, he casually pushed open the tower door.

　Then, in the next instant, countless ribbons and a special colored substance that could stick to the body sprayed towards them.

　The adhesive properties of that substance only last for fifteen minutes, and it falls off naturally without needing to be removed. It even changes color naturally after sticking to the skin, which is quite amazing.

　o

　In a shop on Traveler's Street, strange alchemical toys appear every now and then, and they are quite popular with boys.

　Dark, his face darkening, removed the ribbons and glue from his face, revealing the hateful smiles of Doron, Pistan, and the others.

　What saddened him even more was that in a corner of the common room were a group of young girls including Diana, Rose, and Eudora...

　[April 3rd, 10 PM, in the common room of the Noble House tower, I was pranked by Doron and his gang. I'll remember this grudge!]

　Congratulations on advancing to the quarterfinals!

　The congratulations from Duolong and the others only began to ring out after they had finished laughing. Dak gently cooperated with them, and the students of the same grade frolicked in the old man's lounge for a long time.

　The "Golden Cup" has officially entered the quarterfinals!

　Starting next Friday, the competition will adopt a double-elimination format. The person who emerges from these eight will undoubtedly be the champion!

　After Dak and his classmates had had their fun, they returned to their dormitory.

　Then he saw Aurora sitting inside the dormitory waiting—and of course, a fragrant pigeon stew!

　"Congratulations on advancing." Aurora served him a bowl of pigeon soup and said with a slight shyness.

　Dark sat down and sighed, "Well, luck is also a part of strength, right?" Aurora slightly averted her gaze and said, "Um, you and that person, is there anything between you two...?"

　Dark asked in astonishment, "What...what is that...what?"

　A fiery red flush suddenly rose on Aurora's face, and she lowered her head and said, "It's that one, 'May you have a son soon'."

　"Pfft." Dak almost spat out the pigeon soup.

　He originally thought that someone as intelligent as Aurora wouldn't be affected by Eluri Clarissa's pranks.

　—Didn't Diana, Rose, and Eudora take it seriously? But now it seems that something is wrong with his thinking... No, it's clearly Aurora's thinking that's wrong!

　He raised his head and said seriously, "That was just Senior Eluri's revenge." "Oh." Aurora served another bowl of pigeon soup.

　Dark looked around and suddenly felt a little uneasy.

　Then he suddenly realized what was happening and quickly released the "Curse Cage" seal from Impmon.

　"It's finally out! It smells so good!" Little Devimon exclaimed as he pounced on the pigeon soup.

　Dak smiled slightly, "That tastes just right!"

　After entrusting the task of summoning magical spirits to the "Magic Secretary," Darke then savored the delicious meal.

　After he had eaten about half a bowl, Aurora spoke again, asking about the "Holy Son" and the "Holy Daughter".

　Dark had nothing to hide from her about the two people, so he told her in detail what he had discovered that day.

　Aurora frowned and said, "Two souls in one body? Audrey Jeanne's soul is hidden within her... No, last year when I was still in the City of Freedom, I saw reports about 'Saintess of the Battlefield, Jeanne.' She should still be alive then."

　Dark said, "Reports can be fabricated. Besides, it's been almost a year since then. Anything can happen in a year."

　Aurora said, "Yes."

　Dark said, "There's another reason why I had this idea." Aurora looked up to listen.

　Dak asked, "Do you know the saint?" Aurora nodded, "Yes, I do."

　The so-called "saint" is a human or a subhuman who has awakened divine bloodline.

　The most representative saints of our time are Saint Alvita Dimon, Saint Cynthia Arte, and the principal of the Holy Mystic Academy and the current Pope.

　However, not all saints have the character "saint" in their names. Many saints do not change their names in order to conceal their identities.

　In addition...

　Dark said, "The Holy Church possesses the technology to create saints. The current Pope is an artificial saint created later in life. Artificial saints vary in quality, but they all have shortened lifespans due to the forced implantation of divine bloodlines into their bodies. Although I've never heard of it, the possibility that 'Saintess of the Battlefield, Joan of Arc' is an artificial saint is extremely high. Therefore, even if she dies at her current age due to the exhaustion of her lifespan, it would be within the normal range."

Chapter 882 The Image of a Saintess? Forget it! (4k)

　Chapter 882 The image of the Holy Maiden is no longer needed! (4k)

　"This is the first time I've ever heard of a man-made saint."

　Aurora couldn't hide her surprise, but her quick thinking led her to make further connections.

　"No wonder the saints of the Holy Church are replaced so frequently. Saints should have long lifespans..."

　Dark nodded and said, "To gain power, one must pay a price. In times of war, the technology of creating artificial saints is crucial for artificially generating high-end combat power in a short period of time. However, in times of peace, this technology goes against the natural order. Usually, it will be temporarily banned. But given the foreseeable future, it wouldn't be unreasonable for the Holy Church to secretly restart this technology."

　Aurora said, "Then what about the Holy Son and Holy Daughter of the Holy Church? Are they also..."

　“Holy Sons and Holy Sons…” Dark’s heart stirred, and he said, “Could it be that whether or not one is qualified to undergo the ‘saintification’ transformation is also one of the criteria for selecting saints and saintesses—”

　Aurora pondered, "If that's the case, then the fact that the Holy Church hasn't produced any new Holy Sons or Saints in the past decade or so can be explained. Perhaps the appearance of Evan Pearson and Audrey Joan of Arc is a sign of restarting the technology for creating artificial saints."

　Dark nodded. "That's very likely. But I have a feeling it's more than that. I need to think about it carefully."

　Aurora said, "Leaving aside Evan Pearson's extraordinary qualities, regarding Audrey Joan of Arc, we can first eliminate one option by investigating whether 'Joan of Arc, the Maiden of the Battlefield' still exists."

　Dark said, "That's what I think too. I'll investigate it tomorrow."

　Aurora said, "Let's talk about it tomorrow. Have some soup."

　Dak smiled and said, "Have some soup."

　After taking advantage of her, Dak escorted Aurora out of the dormitory.

　He then sat down and pondered for a long time, almost forgetting to absorb today's "great sin".

　Of course, he still chose to draw "Bliss." After all, that stuff has gone up in price again!

　It's sunny and sunny.

　After reading the newspaper, Dak left his dormitory to find Professor Sylph. Today's *Daily Wise Man* devoted a large section to the Golden Cup main tournament at St. Marian Academy, along with introductions and analyses of the sixteen contestants—of course, focusing on the eight winners.

　For any mage, this is a shortcut to fame. And once they have a reputation, whatever job they pursue after graduation will become much easier.

　In fact, the outstanding graduates of St. Mary's College are usually the type who sit at home waiting for gold bricks to fall from the sky, and they even pick and choose the quality of the gold bricks.

　Dark quickly arrived at Professor Sylph's office and knocked to enter. Professor Sylph seemed to have just arrived as well, watering several potted plants in her office.

　"Good morning, Professor Sylph," Darke greeted, closing the door behind him. "Good morning, Darke."

　Professor Sylph turned around and said, "Is there something going on this morning? I'm going to prepare for the Sorting Ceremony tonight."

　The notification regarding this college division ceremony has actually been sent to all students in the college through the college division cards.

　However, participation in this Sorting Ceremony is not mandatory. If there are special circumstances such as a dungeon quest, you do not need to come.

　Dark entered the room and asked, "Hasn't Principal Arte returned yet?" Professor Sylph replied, "She said she would be back before the Sorting Ceremony begins; she wants to personally host the welcome party for the exchange students."

　Dark said, "So, after the banquet?"

　Professor Sylph said, "After the banquet, a meeting of the 'Serpent of Wisdom' will be held. I will notify everyone individually after the banquet."

　Dak nodded and said, "Understood."

　Professor Sylph said, "Have you noticed anything about the exchange students?"

　"That's exactly why I came here," Dark said.

　Professor Sylph perked up and said, "It seems there's been a new discovery. Wait a moment."

　As she spoke, she waved her hand, and countless incantations climbed up the wall, instantly forming a brand new barrier.

　"What is this?" Dark asked in surprise.

　Professor Sylph said, "It's a work by Mitis." Dark said, "Could you get one for my office too?" Professor Sylph said, "Then you'll have to ask her for it yourself." Dark pursed his lips, sat down on the sofa, and said, "Before I explain, I want to know a few things."

　Professor Sylph said, "Speak."

　Dark asked, "Where is Joan of Arc, the one from the previous generation known as the 'Saintess of the Battlefield'?"

　Professor Sylph said, "Joan of Arc? I saw her by chance at the Vatican early last year. What happened?"

　Dark frowned slightly and asked, "So how is she?" Professor Sylph replied, "She's in very good condition, looking well-preserved. And she's not the previous 'Joan of Arc,' but the current 'Joan of Arc.' Although Audrey Joan of Arc inherited the surname Joan, she wasn't given the title 'Joan of Arc.' There's a public announcement ceremony for the handover between these two generations."

　“Is that so? That’s troublesome.” Dark took a breath and said, “Can you confirm that ‘Saintess of the Battlefield, Joan of Arc’ is still alive?”

　Professor Sylph frowned and asked, "Why would you ask that? Is she in danger?"

　“No,” Dark said. “With the help of Senior Pandora, I discovered that there is a second soul hidden inside Audrey.”

　"The second soul is the same as Witt's," Professor Sylph's expression quickly turned serious.

　Dark said, "The specifics are unclear, but unlike with Witt, Audrey should know that she has a second soul inside her."

　Professor Sylph pondered for a moment: "Is this why you asked if that 'Joan of Arc' is still alive? You suspect that she not only inherited Joan of Arc's surname, but also 'Joan of Arc's' soul?"

　Dark nodded and said, "That's right."

　Professor Sylph pondered, "In that case, I haven't been following news about Joan of Arc for quite some time. After all, she's been in seclusion since the war ended. Wait a moment."

　As she spoke, she raised her hand, and a gentle breeze blew by, condensing into a small green sprite in her palm.

　She blew a breath at the little elf, and it transformed back into a wisp of breeze, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

　“We should have the information in about half an hour,” Professor Sylph said. “Tell me if you have any other doubts.”

　Dark frowned slightly and said, "You said before that Joan of Arc was in good condition, and that she didn't look old?"

　Professor Sylph asked doubtfully, "She's old, yet she's still very young." Dark asked doubtfully, "She's not a saint."

　Professor Sylph's eyes darted around, and she instantly understood what Dark meant. She shook her head and said, "The power of 'Joan of Arc' has nothing to do with saints; it has a unique lineage."

　Dark frowned: "So it's not? Then my previous guess was completely wrong. Let me think."

　Professor Sylph smiled and said nothing more. Darke pondered carefully.

　Since the premise that "Joan of Arc" died naturally has been overturned, the probability that the second soul in Audrey's body is "Joan of Arc" instantly drops to an extremely low level.

　But if it wasn't Joan of Arc, then who could it be?

　Puzzled, Dark decided to put it aside for the time being and first talk about the anomalies he had discovered in "Holy Son" Evan Pearson.

　After listening, Professor Sylph was visibly surprised and asked, "What are Norris and the others thinking, mixing multiple energies?"

　Dark asked, "Does the Holy Church have no requirements regarding the nature of the Holy Son's power?" Professor Sylph replied, "Of course there are requirements. Only those possessing the purest light-attribute magic are qualified to become a Holy Son or Holy Daughter. However, this generation's 'Holy Son' has the blood of a hero flowing through his veins, so it's not surprising that he possesses dual powers. But if, as you say, Evan Pearson possesses at least three mixed powers within him, then we definitely need to find a way to confirm that."

　Dark speculated, "Is it possible that one of his purposes in coming to our academy as an exchange student was to find a cure, just like Witt? The three energies seem incompatible, and perhaps we need to find a way to fuse them."

　Professor Sylph glanced at him and said, "But our academy doesn't have anything like a 'Holy Soul Spring'."

　Dark smiled. "But we have a secret passage, don't we?"

　Professor Sylph said, "That's one possibility. But if that's all there is to it, there's no need to stop them."

　Dark laughed and said, "We can't let him have it too easy, otherwise it won't serve its purpose of training. After all, we have to make sure the exchange student learns something."