Chapter 683: Windfall from the Heavens and Analysis

Nighttime. Airship.

Inside the cabin, a long rectangular table had been set up with the surrounding area cleared. Hilutiya and the other students had come to the airship carrying the third-years to attend the gathering. Professor Wekos had chestnut-red, messy hair that looked somewhat balding, but he was physically robust. He wore a loose dark green brocade robe with a golden ring-shaped pendant hanging on his chest. Raising his wine glass high, he expressed his welcome to the attending students.

During the event, several teachers and professors reminisced about old times and offered words of encouragement to the students. The atmosphere at the scene was lively and relaxed.

“Then, let us now fully enjoy the food and drinks, spending the evening in music and joy~” Professor Wekos finally announced with a smile, waving his large hand. The table, which had only held tablecloths before, instantly filled with rows of prepared delicacies: crispy, oil-glistening roast suckling pig, golden spice-sprinkled roast goose, neatly cut pastries, sweet and refreshing puddings, fresh fruits, and more—all delicacies of third-tier quality or higher, tempting and delicious. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Hilutiya held a plate, standing by the table with her classmates as she selected her favorite foods while listening to everyone chatter away. After taking a duck leg, a slice of cut meat, a small portion of baked pudding, and some chilled fruit juice, she slowly withdrew and sat down at a small table on the side.

At the main table, Og was still competing with Reginson for the prime part of the roast suckling pig. They decided to settle it with a finger-guessing game, and once again Reginson won, claiming the thick, large hind leg of the pig.

Holding the oily hind leg in one hand and his plate in the other, Reginson walked over with a hearty laugh. Most of the small tables were already occupied, leaving only the one where Hilutiya sat with open seats.

“Chief, mind if I squeeze in?” Seeing the empty spot, his eyes lit up. He called out loudly and walked over. This guy has always been this familiar with everyone, Hilutiya thought. She did not object, merely nodding slightly.

The other party brought his plate over, sat down boldly, and began taking big bites out of the hind leg with a bold and unrestrained manner.

Hilutiya, on the other hand, sipped her fruit juice slowly, continuing to enjoy her food at a leisurely pace. Her gaze occasionally swept across the venue, drawn in by everyone’s laughter and playful chatter.

During the gathering, some third-year students came over to chat, curious about the progress of this year’s cohort. They would occasionally trade small items they had obtained by chance.

“I don’t use this staff much normally. If you want it, I can give it to you directly. Though the core stone in the middle is a bit old; if you want to restore its power, you can replace it with a new one later.” While chatting happily, a third-year student took out a slender staff and handed it over. 【Impact Staff】 (Third Tier · Excellent). It contains a specially made “Impact Gem” that can cast “Impact Technique” and “Shock Technique.” Extremely fast activation and relatively strong power.

“Although it’s not an especially powerful staff, its strength lies in its practicality. It can be activated within a second and is useful for all kinds of sudden situations,” the other party introduced.

“Thank you, Senior!” The student excitedly accepted it. Although he had his own staff and weapons, suddenly gaining a third-tier artifact was still a pleasant surprise.

“Haha, it’s nothing. You can join us on expeditions to the Shadow World in the future. There are many treasures in the lower worlds~” The other party laughed and patted his shoulder.

The atmosphere is really nice, Hilutiya thought.

By now, Reginson had finished the pig leg and everything on his plate and was preparing to get more.

“Chief, watch my spot for me. I’ll be right back.” With that, he carried his plate and charged back into the crowded area around the main table. Hilutiya could only smile helplessly and continue eating what remained on her plate.

A few minutes later, the large-built Reginson returned. Not only had he refilled his own plate with food, but he had also brought back two small baked puddings for Hilutiya.

“Don’t worry, Chief. I specially used napkins to wrap them for you. They’re clean and hygienic.” He placed the baked puddings on the table. Looking at the golden-brown puddings emitting fragrant steam, Hilutiya nodded in thanks but told Reginson there was no need to bring her more, as she could not eat that much.

Afterward, girls like Yime and Perlin came over to join Hilutiya. They gathered behind her chair, chatting among themselves. Reginson, feeling somewhat uncomfortable under their stares, quickly finished eating and fled in a hurry.

“That guy finally left.” One of the girls stood with hands on her hips, watching the direction Reginson had departed, then walked over and cleaned up the chair and table he had just occupied.

“Such a big guy, yet he still squeezed in next to Chief Hedra’s table.” They voiced their grievances on Hilutiya’s behalf.

“Alright, it’s not a big deal.” The young lady shook her head, soothing them.

“Did you all suddenly come over for something?” She turned her head curiously.

“It’s like this—the representative from the third-years wants to meet you,” Yime leaned down and whispered in the girl’s ear. “That representative might have feelings for you and wants to pursue the Chief.” Her warm breath made Hilutiya’s ear tickle slightly.

“I see.” Hilutiya recalled the scene when she arrived that afternoon. There had indeed been a blond youth standing beside Professor Wekos, and the professor had specially introduced him.

“Is his name Fenden?” The girl lightly rested her fingers on her chin in thought.

“Yes, that’s him.”

“I understand.” Hilutiya blinked her captivating black eyes, suddenly realizing the situation.

It seemed that part of the reason this gathering was being held was because of her. Professor Wekos was probably trying to introduce a potential match for his disciple and create a suitable opportunity.

Although she had no particular feelings toward the youth, considering Professor Wekos’s face, it would not be good to appear too cold.

Well, she might as well meet him. Even if she was going to refuse, it was better to let him give up sooner rather than later. Dragging it out would not be ideal.

Afterward, Hilutiya put away her empty plate, stood up, and walked toward the location Yime had mentioned—the upper deck of the airship. At this time, one could enjoy the evening breeze and gaze at the starry night sky. It was quite a nice spot for a rendezvous.

The location was well chosen, unfortunately Hilutiya had no intention of a date. She brought several students with her as they headed up together.

Climbing the staircase along the small building, the night wind gradually grew stronger. The sound of flapping sails came from overhead.

Hilutiya kept one hand on the railing and raised the other to shield her hair and skirt from the disheveling evening breeze as she stepped onto the upper deck.

A tall, handsome young man was already standing not far away. Beside him was a small round table with lit candles, paired with fine wine and glass cups.

Upon seeing Hilutiya come up, he first brightened with joy and took a few steps forward. But when he saw the figures appearing one after another behind the girl, his expression gradually stiffened and his raised steps halted.

Hilutiya found it somewhat amusing. Wondering if she had hurt his feelings, she had the others behind her stop where they were and walked over alone.

“Good evening, Senior Fenden.” She lightly placed her hands behind her back to hold down her wind-blown hair and skirt, smiling as she spoke.

“Good evening, Hedra.” The other party had also recovered and responded with a normal smile.

“The night scenery tonight is lovely, and the view here is quite nice too.” Hilutiya continued, her gaze shifting to the small candlelit table. Hearing this, the other party was stunned for a moment before nodding with slight excitement, perhaps feeling there was still hope.

“I might be overthinking, but I’m still very grateful for Senior’s kind intentions.” Hilutiya took a step forward, looking at the tall youth. “I know that Senior is an outstanding person, but I haven’t thought about matters of romance yet, so I cannot invest in that aspect.”

“I’m truly sorry for disappointing you tonight.” She shook her head.

“However, I am still very grateful that Senior hosted this gathering, allowing everyone to enjoy such a happy evening. If there is anything in other areas where I can help Senior in the future, please feel free to find me.”

“This…” Although he was somewhat disappointed, facing such a cute and beautiful girl, how could he possibly get angry?

It was simply that she really had no interest in him, Fenden thought.

The two chatted briefly afterward. Hilutiya waved goodbye and led the students who had followed her down the stairs.

Back in the banquet hall below, the dining tables had already been cleared. Many students had gathered to play chess or card battle games, creating a lively scene.

Even with differences in rank and strength, there was not much gap between upperclassmen and underclassmen in games. The relaxed atmosphere quickly helped everyone become familiar with one another. Seeing Hilutiya return to the hall, someone waved to her.

“Chief Hedra, over here~”

Hilutiya walked over.

“Want to play a round with us?” Marg excitedly raised the deck in her hand.

“The winner can get some pretty good rewards~”

Hilutiya’s gaze shifted to the various cards scattered on the table. They were marked with costs and effects, used to simulate creatures and spells from Tier 1 to 8. It looked quite rich and interesting.

“Alright, but you’ll have to teach me first.”

Afterward, Hilutiya listened to the explanation, then sat down and picked up a beautiful card inscribed with an epigram.

【Tirayan Young Cavalry】 (First Tier · Castle), [Attack 2, Life 1]

“These youths chase each other in the wind. This is their game, and also their training to become qualified knights in the future.”