All-around teacher at the magic academy

On a dusty, winding road leading to Patton, a large and impressive motorcade slowly made its way through the city.

On either side of the caravan were squads of knights clad in gleaming armor, their armor adorned with distinctive badges that identified them.

At the head of the convoy, a tall figure stood out. The knight had long, jet-black hair that fluttered gently in the wind.

Unlike the other knights' armor, he wore a pure white suit of armor, which stood out conspicuously in the caravan, as if he were an envoy from another world.

The sunlight shone on his armor, reflecting a dazzling light that was almost blinding.

His face was handsome with well-defined features, but his expression was extremely cold, as if covered by a layer of ice, making people afraid to approach him easily.

His gaze was firm and piercing, exuding an undeniable authority. The long sword at his waist, its scabbard inlaid with jewels, gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight, appearing both magnificent and deadly.

A knight cautiously stepped forward, his steps deliberate, clearly showing great respect for the distinguished knight.

He leaned down and whispered in Galli's ear, "Vice Commander, we'll be in Barton soon." Though his voice was low, it couldn't hide the respect in it.

Galli did not turn around to look at him; his gaze remained fixed straight ahead, as if he had already pierced through the city he was about to reach.

He simply replied with three words: "Understood." His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

Galli was secretly puzzled. He didn't understand why Raphael would send him to Barton City. Was there some difficult criminal there that required his personal attention?

He recalled recent news: Oh, right, I heard that a giant beast had appeared in Barton City and even destroyed Duke Adams's mansion.

Was he transferred here to investigate this matter? In his mind, only incidents like this were worth his personal investigation.

As the convoy approached Patton, a rider stood in front of the road, clearly waiting for Galli to arrive.

Galli looked at the waiting knight, frowned, and asked, "What's wrong?"

The knight immediately stepped forward respectfully and replied, "His Highness Raphael said he would like you to investigate something first."

His tone conveyed respect for Gali, while also hinting at the urgency of the mission.

Galli frowned, somewhat displeased. What could be so urgent? He'd barely arrived in Barton and already had to start investigating?

...

Leon sat in his office, the pages of the book in his hand untouched for a long time.

His mood was as gloomy as the weather outside the window, and his restlessness made it impossible for him to concentrate. He sighed and was about to get up and go for a walk to relax his tense nerves when a knock on the door broke the silence inside.

He frowned slightly, wondering who might be coming to see him at this hour. Before he could even speak, the door opened gently.

A figure wearing a heavy coat walked in, his face obscured by shadows. Leon felt the figure was somewhat familiar, but he wasn't sure.

As the newcomer slowly removed his disguise, Leon's brow relaxed, and the tension in his heart eased.

Harvey's face appeared. He walked to Leon's side, his eyes filled with apology, and said softly, "Teacher Leon, I'm sorry."

Leon looked at him, his worry turning into concern. He asked, "Harvey, how is your mother? Is she safe?"

“She has already left Barton,” Harvey replied, a hint of relief in his voice.

"And what about you, Harvey? Why haven't you left yet?" Leon's tone was urgent; he knew all too well the danger Harvey was in staying in Barton.

Harvey lowered his head slightly and replied, "I came back to tell you that Mother was worried that if we left without saying goodbye, it would trouble you."

"I'm relieved to see you all are alright."

Leon's tone revealed deep concern, and his eyes were fixed on Harvey, wanting to confirm that he was truly safe and sound.

"How did you get here? Were you discovered?" he continued, his voice rising unconsciously with worry.

Harvey shook his head, his apology evident on his face. "No, I'm sorry, Professor Leon, I..." His voice trembled slightly, as if he was suppressing his inner turmoil.

"No need to say anything more, it's good that you're alright." Leon interrupted him, not wanting Harvey to feel guilty about this adventure.

“You’d better leave Barton City right away. There are still Knights patrolling inside. If you’re discovered, you really won’t be able to leave.” Leon’s tone became serious. He knew the danger Harvey was facing.

“Yes, I understand.” Harvey nodded in agreement, his eyes sparkling with hope for the future and gratitude for Leon.

“Professor Leon, we’re getting ready to go back. I’ll write to you once we’ve settled down,” Harvey promised, his words tinged with reluctance.

“Okay.” Leon nodded.

"Then I'll leave first."

"Be careful on the road," Leon said softly, his gaze never leaving Harvey.

He stood at the office door, watching Harvey's figure gradually disappear into the distance, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.

Looking at his former student, he silently prayed that Harvey could leave Barton City safely, far away from the strife and danger there.

He hoped Harvey could find a peaceful city, a place where he could let go of the past and start anew, embracing a fresh start in life.

Harvey tightened his coat, trying to make himself less conspicuous in the crowd.

He hurried through the streets of Barton, his steps hurried, with only one thought in his mind: to get out of this place of trouble as soon as possible. His farewell to Professor Leon offered him a sliver of comfort; he knew he couldn't delay any longer and had to act immediately to have any chance of survival.

Fragments of various escape plans kept flashing through his mind. He didn't intend to risk taking the train again, as it was too easy to be monitored and intercepted there.

Perhaps he could try to find a side path, or steal a small boat, and quietly leave along the river.

Just as Harvey was concentrating on thinking about the next course of action, he suddenly sensed something was amiss.

His pace slowed involuntarily as he looked up at a figure not far ahead. The figure was backlit, and the weapon in its hand gleamed coldly in the light and shadow.

Gali gripped his sword, his gaze sharp as a hawk's. He stared directly at the cloaked, face-covering man before him and said coldly, "I smell blood."