The Conquerors Path Chapter 977 - 975-Targeted.

The sound of a voice brought Elda back to reality as she spun around to face a teacher who had materialized behind her. She was currently traversing the promenade of the coliseum, a lengthy path leading toward the exit. The area functioned more like a secluded, private hallway. Elda fixed her gaze on the male educator, a man she recognized immediately.

"Teacher Kovick, is there something you require of me?"

Elda inquired, her voice tinged with confusion. This was a man she was quite familiar with, as he conducted her classes. His academic focus was primarily the study and deep understanding of the continent's history. He was a human male, roughly forty years of age, possessing brown hair and eyes, and he usually wore a subtle, gentle smile. Elda had previously noted his power level, which hovered around Origin level 5.

He was among the weaker members of the academy's faculty. Maintaining her own characteristic, polite smile, Elda waited for him to respond.

"In fact, there is. I have been immersed in research regarding the history and ancestral memories of the fairies. I've reached a vital breakthrough in my understanding, and I believe your assistance could be the key to advancing my studies further."

Her eyes sparkled at his words; she was always searching for methods to refine her power. Kovick's proposal suggested potential avenues she might explore for her own growth. By connecting with the ancient past, she might uncover new ways to forge her future, perhaps unlocking her power in ways she hadn't yet considered.

"This won't be without compensation. I can guarantee a significant boost to your academic points and an increase in your marks for assignments and exams. It will also serve as a prestigious addition to any future projects you undertake."

These incentives were appealing to Elda, who nodded and gave her answer.

"Certainly, that sounds like something I would be interested in. When should we begin?"

"We can go over the specific details later. However, if we could go to my research laboratory right now, we can handle some immediate tasks. That is why I sought you out so urgently. I am at a critical juncture with a particular ancient artefact, and I suspect your presence might help stabilize the opening I have achieved."

Kovick explained, causing Elda to knit her brows as she questioned him.

"What sort of opening?"

"I apologize, but I can only elaborate once you see it. I promise you, it will be worth your time."

Elda paused to consider the offer. Since she had no pressing matters to attend to, she decided the timing was right and accepted.

"Very well, I am free at the moment."

"Excellent."

Following that remark, Kovick began to lead the way, exiting the hallway and heading toward the coliseum's exterior. Elda followed with a smile, her thoughts still buzzing with the intensity of Austin’s recent battle as they arrived at one of the nearby teleportation hubs. As was the norm, Elda drew the wandering eyes of everyone they passed.

After Kovick covered the transportation fees and they cleared the necessary protocols, they transitioned through the path. They walked toward the sector where the faculty conducted their research. This area was bustling with various professors, students, and teaching assistants.

The atmosphere here was formal and orderly. They entered a building dedicated to the various research departments. As they moved through the halls, whispers of the recent duel were everywhere—news of Austin’s improbable triumph had spread like wildfire. The shock and the lingering heat of his performance were the talk of the academy.

Being naturally empathetic, Elda could sense the mood of the environment improving. For the original students especially, this victory was the beacon of hope they had been craving. It fostered a sense of joy that was desperately needed after the string of crises that had plagued the city, the academy, and the world at large.

Austin's display of prowess had generated a massive wave of support. Elda wore a broad smile, heartened by the praise being heaped upon her brother. Eventually, the pair arrived at Kovick’s research room. He opened the door for Elda, who stepped inside with a calm expression.

The distinct scent of old paper and ink filled the air. Elda scanned the room, noticing stacks of books scattered about. A teaching assistant was already inside, greeting them with a faint smile as they entered.

"Welcome, Student Elda. We are thrilled you could join us. Our research will surely make great strides with your participation."

"The pleasure is mine, Teacher Mansi."

The assistant was another male in his late twenties, possessing a charming smile, light green hair, and green eyes. He was a half-elf named Mansi. As Kovick’s assistant, Elda had dealt with him many times before. Mansi’s smile widened at her greeting, and Kovick gestured for her to follow.

"Come, let me show you what we have discovered."

His voice remained steady as he guided Elda toward the back of the room, where a specific orb sat pulsing with a vibrant green light. Just looking at it triggered a reaction in Elda’s bloodline; she felt a sudden internal surge. She moved closer to examine it, asking:

"This is fascinating."

Just as Elda drew near, a violent burst of warm light erupted from the orb, striking her with force. Her vision swam and her head spun for a moment. Within seconds, her eyes dilated in terror as she felt a restriction clamp down on her bloodline. It was as if she were being severed from the Fairy realm. Her ability to summon her fairy, Veronica, was gone. This unprecedented situation terrified her, and she turned to the teachers for help.

"Teacher, I feel we—"

She couldn't finish the thought. As she turned, she saw the malicious, mocking grins on their faces. Instantly, the sense of dread she had felt earlier spiked to an unbearable level. Her powers were suppressed. She couldn't even sense the surrounding mana. In a heartbeat, she realized she had even lost the connection to her spatial ring, leaving her with no resources.

"It appears the bloodline sealer was a success," Kovick remarked.

"The idea to fortify it with fairy dust was brilliant, even if the cost was high," Mansi added.

"Indeed," Kovick agreed. Their words confirmed Elda's worst fear: she had walked straight into a trap. Her face paled as she demanded:

"What is it you want with me?"

Her voice burned with suppressed rage.

"The question is what *I* want with you."

A new voice echoed through the room. A moment later, four figures emerged from an adjoining chamber. Two were young students, while the other two were older and far more menacing. These two men appeared to be in their mid-forties. Though Elda’s senses were dulled, an experienced eye would recognize one as a half-step Imperial and the other as a full Imperial stage expert.

Of the two youths, one was human and the other a beastman of the lion tribe. Both wore smirks, but Elda could easily detect the raw lust and greed in their gaze. The teachers shared the same look, which sickened her to her core. The thought of being viewed this way by anyone other than Austin made her skin crawl.

"You should have just accepted our advances when we were being polite," the human youth sneered.

"I'm sorry, who are you exactly?"

Elda’s cold response caused the young man to falter. His face twisted in anger.

"This bitch..." he growled.

"Relax, don't be so thin-skinned. She is already in our grasp. What can she possibly do?" the lion beastman interjected, his voice chilling. His desire was palpable. Despite the overwhelming pressure, Elda did not break. She kept her chin up and spoke with grim determination.

"My family will ruin you. And my brother will ensure that every one of you pays the price."

Elda spoke with absolute conviction. She fought to keep her composure, but the air in the room was thick with malice and intent. She knew she was in grave danger. When the human youth stepped forward to touch her, a brilliant light suddenly detonated from her hairpin, throwing the young man backward.

Before the Imperial expert could even react, a powerful, low-humming barrier manifested around Elda. It was a golden shield that enveloped her in safety. As the barrier took hold, a familiar warmth washed over her.

"Brother..." Elda whispered.