My System Just Exploded, And You Ask Me to Become a God?-Chapter 13 --The Cotton-Padded Jacket is Leaking

"You're giving me mana stones?"

Joad was stunned. He wondered if he had misheard.

Lena, however, nodded vigorously, her small face full of determination.

"Of course! Joad, don't you need mana stones? To save Marquis Whide, I'll definitely help you!"

She clenched her small fists tightly, as if she had made some kind of firm decision.

"Don't worry, I know where my father keeps the mana stones!"

Joad's mouth twitched, and he quickly waved his hands.

"No, no, Lena, I appreciate your kindness, but that's really not necessary."

What kind of joke was this? Encouraging Lena to steal from the headmaster?

Joad thought this idea was the pinnacle of stupidity!

If he got caught, Simar the headmaster would definitely throw him out of the academy without hesitation.

"Joad, trust me! I'll definitely get the mana stones!"

Before Joad could say anything else, Lena turned and ran off.

She was as fast as the wind, leaving Joad standing there in a daze.

"Lena! Lena!"

Joad called out twice, wanting to chase after her, but Lena had already disappeared into the distance. He could only sigh helplessly.

What a mess.

Forget it, let her do as she pleases—he was definitely going to refuse her anyway.

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

A gentleman loves mana stones but acquires them through proper means. Taking someone else's by stealing? Absolutely not...

Unless, unless there was no evidence left behind!

Alright, Joad had to admit, he was a little curious about how much mana stone stockpile the headmaster actually had.

Maybe there was a more subtle way to find out?

Regardless, Joad was now certain that his peaceful days were over.

With this incident involving Lena, Simar the headmaster would probably start paying attention to him soon.

On top of that, he still had to go to the Fallen Lands every day to guide Ivy and prepare for the upcoming spellbeast tide...

Joad rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

All he had wanted was to quietly develop his skills and make some money.

How did he suddenly become so busy?

Joad sighed, lamenting the hardships of life, and was about to return to his dormitory when he saw two familiar figures walking towards him—Augustin and Archido.

"Joad, what a coincidence, we meet again."

Augustin, as always, wore a kind and gentle smile.

Joad politely returned the greeting.

"Lord Augustin, Mr. Archido, good day."

After a brief exchange, Joad was about to leave when he was distracted by a commotion coming from the academy's dueling arena.

It seemed someone was in a match.

"Sounds lively over there. Want to go take a look?"

Joad hadn't planned to, but since he had nothing better to do, he nodded.

"Sure, let's check it out."

The three of them made their way toward the dueling arena.

By the time they arrived, the area was already packed with students, all craning their necks excitedly to watch the fight.

Joad squeezed into the crowd and immediately saw the combatants—Leit was on the arena.

Leit was battling a young man wearing the mage's robes of Mington Principality.

It was Leit!?

Joad was surprised—he hadn't expected Leit to be dueling here, and even more so, against someone from Mington Principality.

The match had already reached its climax.

Leit wielded his wand with unwavering focus, casting powerful spells with impressive force.

His opponent was no pushover either—another strong mid full-fledged mage.

Joad carefully observed Leit's fighting style.

He noticed that despite being an advanced full-fledged mage, Leit was only using mid-level spells.

What was going on? Why was Leit suppressing his strength?

Joad frowned. With Leit's true capabilities, he could end this match easily. Why was he making it harder for himself?

But soon, Joad realized Leit's intent—

Leit was deliberately training his combat skills!

Even with the same mid-level spells, Leit could maximize their power beyond their normal limits.

No wonder Leit was so highly regarded. His talent was truly remarkable. The mage from Mington Principality didn't stand a chance.

Joad sighed inwardly.

Leit seized an opening, launching a precise magical strike that exploited his opponent's weakness and sent him flying off the arena.

"Nice!"

A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd.

Leit gracefully put away his wand and smiled faintly at the students before stepping down from the arena.

"Joad, you're here."

Leit walked up to Joad and greeted him.

"Oh, right, Joad, the academy has assigned students to participate in the spellbeast tide defense. You're on the list. Let's work together when the time comes."

"Work together?"

Joad was momentarily stunned, then quickly realized Leit was inviting him to join the defense.

"Sure, no problem."

He immediately agreed.

Teaming up with Leit was only beneficial to him.

Leit was strong enough that Joad wouldn't have to worry about anything.

More importantly, working with Leit meant he could focus on scavenging opportunities.

The mana stones harvested from slain spellbeasts were far purer than regular mana stone ores!

"Then it's settled. We'll meet at the academy gate when the time comes."

"I need to go back and study some magic arrays. We might need them during the spellbeast tide."

With that, Leit hurried back toward the Royal Academy, his pace urgent.

Joad watched Leit's retreating figure, sighing inwardly.

Leit was far too straightforward—he had exposed nearly all of his strength in just a simple duel.

Something felt off. It seemed like Mington Principality's people weren't up to anything good.

But whatever, Grand Duke Ilan and the headmaster were here. It wasn't his problem to worry about.

Still... with Leit's talent and strength, he could aim much higher instead of limiting himself to Ilan Principality.

Ilan Principality was decent, but compared to the great kingdoms, it was far behind.

Especially the Luminous Pearl Kingdom—now that was a true sanctuary of magic, gathering countless talented mages and powerful figures.

Joad suddenly thought about the Luminous Pearl Kingdom's trials.

Each year, they hosted a grand trial to recruit the best mages from various principalities. Anyone who excelled in the trial would be admitted into one of Luminous Pearl Kingdom's top academies.

If Leit went to Luminous Pearl Kingdom, with his talent, he would thrive.

He might even become one of the top powerhouses there.

And if that happened, Ilan Principality would gain the protection of Luminous Pearl Kingdom.

More importantly, Joad himself could continue his quiet development without worrying about Ilan Principality's safety.

After all, Ilan Principality's strongest mage was only at the elite mage level.

Joad could handle the current situation, but against more formidable enemies, he would struggle.

"Maybe... I should consider sending Leit to Luminous Pearl Kingdom?"

Joad pondered.

This was something worth serious thought.

Just as Joad was lost in thought—

Suddenly, a deafening boom echoed across the sky.

A burst of violet magical flames exploded high above, dazzling like fireworks yet carrying an ominous premonition.

"That's..."

Joad's head snapped up, his expression turning grim.

"The spellbeast tide is here!"

Someone shouted in panic.

Instantly, the entire Royal Academy erupted into chaos.

Students rushed out of their dormitories, staring at the ominous violet flames in horror.

The spellbeast tide had arrived—sooner than expected!

At that moment, Ilan Principality activated its vast defense systems, its entire military structure moving like a well-oiled machine.

Within Royal Academy, alarms blared as grand scholars and professors took to the skies, flying toward the source of the magical signal.

Joad stood still, watching the unfolding chaos, yet an unsettling thought crept into his mind.

Why did the spellbeast tide always target Ilan Royal Academy?

Every time, without fail, it struck here first.

Could it be... that there was something within the academy the spellbeasts desperately sought?