Chapter One Hundred Fifty-Eight: My Crouching Dragon and Phoenix Chicks

After Osiris left for Saint Oak, Louis stayed at court for a while. Bored and restless, upon seeing Bach giving lessons to the young prince, he couldn’t resist stepping in as a makeshift grand scholar of Sorendo University. Once he started, there was no turning back.

At first, only Helen, who Louis had forcibly brought along, joined the class. Soon, the court magicians began attending, and eventually, even the court sorcerers would sneak in daily to listen—though they understood nothing.

This situation gave Louis much to ponder. He realized he wasn’t cut out for teaching everyone; that was the magicians’ role. He was better suited to teaching the magicians themselves. Only when instructing them did he feel the ease of guiding an apprentice.

Forbidden sorcerers never taught hand-in-hand. Everyone studied on their own, with the grand magister providing direction, solving difficult problems, and assigning tasks.

What was most lacking, then, was proper teaching material. Given Bach and the others’ knowledge, they already met the standards of apprentices and could fully comprehend the forbidden arts. Louis would only need to offer occasional guidance, freeing himself to gather the magical riches scattered across the world.

Whether it was Anthony’s preserved textbooks, the knowledge of various deities, intriguing experimental specimens, or the myriad secrets and mysteries of this world—these were all treasures of magic.

As for politics and reform, Francisco was firmly in charge of the big picture. Louis, an old sorcerer healer, knew little of politics and was best suited to handling difficult and rare ailments.

Thus, he was fit to be a leisurely king, pursuing more meaningful endeavors—or simply roaming freely.

One day, Archie informed Louis that matters were nearly settled. Moreover, it seemed the king intended to appoint Louis as a court sorcerer, also assigning him to tutor Osiris and Delphinia.

Louis found this agreeable; an occasional lesson for them was fine. He gladly accepted.

“By the way, what about Harold? Has the Ministry of Magic softened its stance?” Louis asked.

He planned to rescue Harold—who could come out anytime—but now was an excellent chance to clear his name. If the king’s endorsement could lift the so-called “wanted” and “public enemy” labels, all would be well.

“Ah, I nearly forgot. After the king mentioned it, there was much controversy in the Ministry of Magic. But with the vigorous push from Director of the Demon Prison and Senator Paul of the Magic Council, Mr. Harold was acquitted a few days ago. According to plan, he should be visiting His Majesty with the Magic Association today.”

Louis couldn’t help but marvel at Archie’s efficiency—this fellow had likely paved the way with money for a smooth path.

After some banter, Louis hung up and headed to the study to check on Helen and the young prince’s lessons. Upon entering, he was greeted by lively applause and cheers—a bustling scene.

Looking up, he saw a comical, rotund man in a tall hat and tailcoat.

This jovial gentleman was enthusiastically performing magic tricks for Helen and the young prince, who were utterly thrilled. The surrounding attendants watched in astonishment, whispering that the Magic Association president’s skill far surpassed that of the court sorcerers.

“Oh—allow me to introduce myself,” the Magic Association president said upon noticing Louis. He tipped his hat politely with a gentleman’s bow. “I am Harold, president of the Magic Association of England.”

Harold then shook Louis’s hand with courteous restraint. “I met His Majesty this morning and heard you’re the head of the Special Mystical Affairs Office. I came specially to pay my respects—I heard from Bach and the others that the magicians owe you their gratitude these days.”

“You’re too kind, Mr. Harold,” Louis replied with equal politeness. “I’ve long heard about you from Mr. Bach and have wanted to meet the Association’s president—your reputation precedes you. I’m delighted by your visit today. We’ll be working together in the future; I look forward to your guidance.”

“Please, please,” Harold smiled politely but whispered under his breath, “Boss, don’t pretend—those books Bach has are definitely from you. You didn’t even bother changing ‘Ross’ as the author’s name!”

“Ahem. Hehehe, likewise, likewise,” Louis replied, chuckling.

After some light-hearted chitchat, Harold invited Louis to visit the Magic Association that afternoon. Some old friends had unexpectedly returned, and Harold wanted to introduce them—true powerhouses.

This surprised Louis. After Harold recounted the deeds of five individuals, Louis was profoundly shocked—among them was Edward, the great vampiric magician who had once sailed with “Little Conch” and led a team escaping from an ancient god. This vampire was over five centuries old.

The others were humans, less aged than Edward but equally legendary—genuine “archmages” from Francisco’s era.

“They’ve been living quietly in the Ministry of Magic for years, but I recognized them when they were sent here—one is even my former president,” Harold said wistfully.

Louis’s heart leapt with joy—these were his hidden dragons and phoenixes! And five of them had come at once.

So, Harold was the hidden dragon, the old president the phoenix, and the other four were the four guardians?

Louis felt a surge of excitement—his great cause was destined for success!

Harold mentioned that these five brought over thirty others, all former elite members of the Magic Association. According to him, they were Bach’s predecessors.

These veterans were mostly over fifty, nearing retirement, and had belonged to a top-secret generation of agents from a bygone era. The Ministry dared not deploy them casually, so they were assigned to a retirement department.

By the time Francisco’s era ended and new blood replaced the old in the Ministry, these super agents had faded into history, their retirement fully underway.

Since almost no one remembered their exploits, the Ministry’s foolish senior officials casually transferred these “retirees” to the Magic Association.

This was a boon for the Association.

The only downside was that, for various reasons, these elders had lost their youthful zeal and ideals, becoming somewhat unprofessional.

Harold sighed at this, feeling the bittersweet passage of time.

“But their experience is invaluable. When you go to Silent Harbor, they will surely be of great help.”

“I’ll be there this afternoon,” Louis said, invigorated. This trip to Silent Harbor might even mean encountering ancient gods—extra hands were desperately needed. Meeting these hidden dragons and phoenixes was a must.

Louis couldn’t help but look forward to it.

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