My System Just Exploded, And You Ask Me to Become a God?-Chapter 55 --Prelude to the Banquet

Gazing at the ever-shifting flows of mana surrounding them, Harvey couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

"Gaining access to this new knowledge has truly benefited Senior Leit tremendously. From what I can see, today might be the day he reaches Level 7 mana affinity."

Joad, however, was intently observing the magic arrays encircling Leit, a slight frown forming on his face.

Though the arrays looked proper and refined on the surface, the mana coursing within them was unstable and somewhat hollow.

"Something’s off... The mana around him hasn’t fully been assimilated into his body. Reaching Level 7 mana affinity still has its challenges."

Joad had faced similar issues himself during his own attempt to ascend in mana affinity, so he knew exactly what the problem was.

Although Leit’s mind had started to grasp the concepts of Level 7 after reading the array theory manuscript, his body had clearly yet to catch up with his accelerated thoughts.

Just as that thought passed through his mind, Leit—seated at the center of the arrays—suddenly furrowed his brows. Large beads of sweat dripped from his temples, falling one by one onto the ground below.

It seemed even Leit himself had realized that something wasn’t quite right.

"Sigh... You’re my senior, after all. If I don’t help you, who else will?"

Joad took a few steps back, hiding behind a bush. He quietly released a thread of his mana, guiding it into the surrounding magic arrays.

"I can’t do it anymore!"

Leit was beginning to lose control. The surrounding mana flows had grown chaotic, and he was on the verge of abandoning the breakthrough attempt.

But just then, he sensed something strange—a peculiar mana flow had entered the array.

This unexpected force didn’t disrupt the balance but instead calmed the turbulence within the arrays, guiding them in a gentle rhythm. The waves of energy began to gradually flow into Leit’s body.

"What is this...?"

Leit was surprised, but he quickly realized now was not the time for hesitation.

He refocused himself and began preparing to resume the breakthrough ritual.

At that moment, he resembled a high-powered mana vacuum, drawing in the energy that floated through the surrounding air.

"Whew..."

Joad exhaled in relief. He knew Leit wasn’t an idiot—he wouldn’t let a golden opportunity slip through his fingers.

At this rate, as long as the breakthrough process remained stable, reaching Level 7 mana affinity was as good as done.

However, once the breakthrough was complete, the residual mana would coalesce into a powerful mimic magical beast, launching a retaliatory strike against Leit.

But that was Leit’s battle to fight. If he couldn’t withstand it, then he didn’t deserve to be called a true array mage.

Joad quietly returned to stand beside Harvey, who still looked worried. He gave his brother a pat and said,

"Stop staring, big brother. Biting your fingers raw isn’t going to help Senior Leit right now."

"But still..."

"No buts. Didn’t that monocled guy just invite you to the Nova Banquet? Are you going or not?"

Harvey glanced at Joad, then looked again at Leit in the distance, now in the midst of his breakthrough. After a moment of contemplation, he shook his head.

"No, I just can’t stop worrying about him. Tell that man we might not be able to attend."

"Alright then."

Joad sighed softly, turned around, and began walking back toward the villa.

The Nova Banquet was being held in the side hall of House Rima’s estate, located a short distance away from the main hall where the students were staying.

Seeing that dusk was approaching, Joad picked up the pace and made his way toward the side hall.

But just as he passed through a small garden, a figure suddenly stepped out to block his path.

He looked up and saw that it was Ivy.

He greeted her with a grin, "Hey, the young lady of the house is finally done with her business?"

Ivy gave him a polite smile, folding her hands in front of her like a proper noble.

"Hehe, more or less. And you?"

Joad scratched his head and pointed toward the side hall.

"Me? I’m heading there for a banquet."

"A banquet?"

Ivy’s eyes lit up with curiosity.

"Is it... the Nova Banquet?"

Joad froze for a moment, then asked, "Wait—how did you know? Don’t tell me..."

Ivy clapped her hands with a playful expression.

"Just as you guessed. I’ve been invited too."

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she hesitated for a second, then said,

"By the way, Joad, since we’re heading to the same place... why don’t we go together?"

"Sure, why not."

Joad had no reason to refuse.

He’d been feeling a bit bored walking alone, so having someone to chat with along the way sounded like a great idea.

What puzzled him, though, was that Ivy seemed different from before.

She wasn’t constantly asking him questions about Senior Leit like she used to.

Instead, she started recommending delicious food, fun activities, and famous tourist attractions in the Luminous Pearl Kingdom.

Strangely enough, this change seemed to have started right after Ivy officially became an array mage and her mana affinity began to rise.

"How weird... Why does everyone turn all serene and detached after becoming an array mage? I sure didn’t feel that way back then."

While he pondered this, the two of them arrived at the grand doors of the side hall.

Despite its name, the "side hall" was no less impressive than the main one.

With the deep pockets of House Rima behind it, this so-called side hall rivaled even royal estates in architectural detail and decoration.

The building’s exterior featured a clear Gothic design—its flowing lines and elegant simplicity carried a quiet sense of nobility, clearly crafted by the hands of a true master.

From the idle chatter of the servants at the entrance, Joad learned that this particular hall was typically not open to guests.

Today’s event was a rare exception, all because the heir to the Crimsonflame Marquis was attending in person.

And Vanessa wasn’t the only notable guest.

Once Joad and Ivy crossed the threshold, they were greeted by a hall already full of people.

Most of the attendees bore the classic features of Luminous Pearl Kingdom aristocracy—azure eyes, hair with golden tips, and prominently hooked noses.

As everyone knew, anyone invited by House Rima to such a gathering was either a well-known young talent within the kingdom or a rising star preparing for the upcoming Trial of the Luminous Pearl.

"Joad, over here!"

From a corner of the side hall, Ivy waved to him.

But her call drew more attention than expected—many nearby guests turned their gazes toward her.

"My lady, may I have this dance?"

A well-dressed young noble soon stepped forward, bowing elegantly and inviting Ivy to dance.

Several other young nobles nearby also seemed eager to approach.

It was no surprise. House Rima, with its commercial empire stretching across kingdoms, possessed unimaginable wealth.

And Ivy, as the treasured daughter of the house, had grown into a stunning beauty.

Even marrying into House Rima would likely ensure a life of comfort and luxury.

The young men at the banquet weren’t fools—

If you could earn a fortune lying down, who would want to work for it standing up?

"Let’s go."

Joad stepped forward, pushed aside the noble who had invited Ivy, and attempted to lead her away from the gathering crowd.

The noble was immediately displeased.

Grabbing Joad by the collar, he asked in a cold voice,

"Hey, you... which House are you from?"