Weapon seller in the world of magic-Chapter 819

When they first heard about the accident, they had all prepared for the worst. The fact that he survived felt like a miracle they never took for granted. Each of them silently looked forward to the day all five brothers could sit together again.

Qin Xufeng cleared his throat, breaking the heaviness. "By the way, Third Brother, how is your company holding up? There's been a wave of global hacking incidents lately. Europe and North America seem to be hit the hardest."

Han Lin perked up. "Yeah, it's everywhere on the news. Scandals exposed, lawsuits piling up, CEOs resigning or getting fired. Some are even under police investigation now."

"My company hasn't been affected at all," Jin Di said calmly. After a pause, he added, "Come to think of it, none of the companies affiliated with Jin Corporation were hit either. That might explain why so few domestic companies were affected."

"That's good news," Qin Xufeng said.

"It's not just businesses," Wang Yingjie added. "Research institutions and universities have been breached, too. The political scandals are the worst. New reports surface every day, and no clear pattern has been identified yet. The hacker seems to be striking at random. I can't tell what his goal is."

Han Lin scoffed. "Isn't it obvious? Justice. Honestly, I kind of admire him. Those people deserved to be exposed. What was the hacker's name again?"

"Krakkan," Jin Di replied.

"Yes, him!" Han Lin said enthusiastically. "Krakkan is cool. I heard he didn't even profit from it. He just wants to expose evildoers."

Qin Xufeng sighed and shook his head. "Fourth Brother, don't idolize him. He's a wanted criminal now. Authorities worldwide are hunting him. If he truly cared about justice, he should have worked with law enforcement instead of dumping everything publicly. The chaos he caused is severe. Stock markets are crashing, riots breaking out, even rumors of assassinations connected to the exposed scandals."

Wang Yingjie turned to Jin Di. "What's your take, Third Brother?"

Jin Di wiped the sweat from his neck with his towel. "I agree with the analysts who say he doesn't care about justice. He surfaced only about a year ago. This is about attention, about making a name for himself."

Qin Xufeng nodded. "Regardless of his motives, I'm just glad he left Jin Corporation alone."

"En," Jin Di agreed.

Wang Yingjie nodded as well.

Han Lin muttered under his breath, "I still think Krakkan is cool."

*****

The delicate notes of traditional koto music drifted through the private room, light and airy, like footsteps brushing fallen bamboo leaves.

Elena sat composed on a plush leather seat within the refined space, one hand cupping a porcelain teacup.

The warm blend of Gyokuro and dried sakura blossoms carried a gentle fragrance that soothed the nerves, though her posture remained straight and alert. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

The restaurant's design balanced clean modern lines with classic Japanese elements, creating an atmosphere that felt both serene and quietly formidable.

By the door, Song Yuqing stood motionless, her expression calm and unreadable. For now, only the two of them occupied the room.

A soft knock sounded.

Song Yuqing opened the door, allowing three people to enter. A server led two foreign guests inside before bowing and withdrawing.

The older man commanded attention the moment he stepped in.

Though advanced in age, he stood tall and straight, his presence solid and unyielding. Snow-white hair framed his head, flowing seamlessly into a thick beard and mustache of the same color.

Deep lines etched his face, but his eyes remained sharp and penetrating, carrying the weight of decades of authority. At his side walked a petite blonde woman in her middle years, her smile gentle and practiced, as though kindness were second nature to her.

Elena rose at once, offering a polite, welcoming smile. She glanced briefly at Song Yuqing and gave a small nod. Song Yuqing bowed in return before quietly leaving the room, closing the door behind her.

The blonde woman stepped forward first, extending her hand. She spoke in German, her tone warm and professional. "Hello. My name is Giulia Moretti. You must be Miss Xiulan Zhang. We've spoken on the phone before. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

"The pleasure is mine, Madame Moretti," Elena replied smoothly in fluent German as she accepted the handshake.

Giulia then turned slightly and gestured toward the older man. "This is Professor Erwan Dupont, Headmaster of Cross Academy."

Elena inclined her head respectfully before shaking his hand. "Professor Dupont, it is an honor to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to travel all the way from Switzerland to see me despite your busy schedule."

Professor Dupont studied her for a brief moment before nodding. "I've been looking forward to this meeting, Miss Zhang."

They took their seats.

The server returned to pour tea for the guests and collect their orders before departing once more.

When the dishes arrived, conversation flowed easily, drifting from casual observations about culture and travel to light comparisons between countries. Giulia carried most of the discussion, her voice cheerful, while Professor Dupont listened more than he spoke.

Once the meal was finished, the tone subtly shifted.

"Miss Zhang," Giulia began, her expression turning formal, "the Headmaster and I are here today, with me acting in my role as admissions counselor, to formally invite you to become a student of Cross Academy." She slid a thick envelope across the table.

"Thank you," Elena said, accepting it. She opened the envelope and scanned its contents: an official offer, enrollment forms, and supporting documents.

"As you may already know," Giulia continued, "Cross Academy is a unique institution. Nothing comparable exists elsewhere in the world. Since its founding two hundred and fifty years ago, we have upheld its original mission: to gather the most talented individuals across disciplines, regardless of background. Enrollment is never requested. It is offered. Miss Zhang, do you know why we chose to extend this invitation to you?"

"Yes," Elena replied without hesitation.

Professor Dupont finally spoke again, his voice measured and stern. "Your recent activities have caused considerable disruption worldwide. Speaking as an individual, I find your actions reckless and lacking restraint. However," he continued, eyes narrowing slightly, "as Headmaster of Cross Academy, I recognize skill when I see it. We value ability above all else. Motivation and reputation are irrelevant. We provide the environment; growth depends on the student."

Elena bowed her head slightly in acknowledgment.

"You say you understand why we are here," Professor Dupont said. "Then tell me. Why did we seek you out?"

"Because my methods resemble those of someone you once knew," Elena answered. "Someone important to Cross Academy."

A faint spark lit the professor's eyes. "Correct. Krakkan, what is your connection to Fantom?"

Elena inhaled deeply, once, then again, steadying herself. "Fantom taught me everything I know about hacking and computers," she said. "She was my master."

Professor Dupont nodded, unsurprised. "And do you know Fantom's true identity?"

"Yes."

The room waited.

Nearly a full minute passed before Elena spoke again, her voice lowered and stripped of emotion. "Fantom was Veronika Vetrova. A former student of Cross Academy. And she's dead."

Silence fell like a heavy curtain.

Professor Dupont closed his eyes briefly and exhaled. "Yes. A tragic life," he said quietly. "She was among the most brilliant minds I have ever encountered. Cross Academy will always take pride in her legacy."

Elena's hands curled into fists beneath the table, trembling for a heartbeat before she forced them still.

The professor's gaze returned to her. "Yet her skills live on through you. That is why we are here. Tell me, Miss Zhang. Did you deliberately stir global chaos to draw our attention?"

"Yes, sir," Elena replied evenly. "I want an education, but I refuse to waste time in a conventional institution."

He inclined his head. "Your academic history is… unimpressive. Fortunately, we do not judge by grades. Talent is not always reflected in report cards. You are unmistakably Miss Vetrova's disciple. Your abilities in hacking are exceptional, and your command of languages is equally remarkable. As requested, you will not be enrolled in our Computer Science program. Instead, you will enter the Foreign Languages program, with a minor focus on Business Administration. Given who trained you, there is little we can teach you in hacking. In fact, your master shaped much of our current computer curriculum herself."

He turned slightly toward Giulia, signaling her to continue.

Giulia smiled. "Miss Zhang, would you be willing to accept our offer to become a student of Cross Academy?"

"It would be my honor," Elena answered without hesitation.

"Excellent," Giulia said brightly. "Please complete the forms and prepare the required documents. The Headmaster and I will remain in the country for a week to finalize your enrollment. Should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me."

"Thank you, Professor Dupont. Thank you, Madame Moretti," Elena said sincerely.

For the first time, the severity in Professor Dupont's eyes softened. A trace of approval surfaced beneath his stern exterior. "Miss Xiulan Zhang," he said, "on behalf of Cross Academy, I welcome you."