Chapter Eighty: Ascending Yuan Mountain

Flora took quite a while to compose herself, during which Carlo waited patiently and quietly. At last, Flora nodded in satisfaction and then asked Carlo, “How has Udi been lately?”

At the mention of that name, Carlo, who had been so calm moments before, couldn’t help but raise her hand to her forehead. She replied, “He’s been showing signs of wanting to run away from home again these past few days, so my father and I have been taking turns watching over him. He already ran away once over two months ago, but just like the last times, he came back as soon as he ran out of money.”

Listening to Carlo’s tone, which verged on complaint, Flora couldn’t help but let a faint smile touch her lips. Then, collecting her expression, she sighed softly, “That poor child. Don’t keep such a close eye on him. If he wants to see the world, let him go. If he wants to take risks, let him try. How can a fledgling learn to soar if it never leaves its mother’s side? Besides, his abilities are sufficient for him to take care of himself.”

“I’d actually like to go adventuring with Brother Udi too. There’s nothing wrong with that—her strength isn’t an issue at all. I’m just worried he’s too naive and will get cheated,” said Carlo, not the least bit embarrassed to call someone who looked like a five- or six-year-old child her “brother.” She glanced nervously at Flora’s expression and added, “It’s just that my own abilities are too weak; instead of helping, I’d only become a burden to Brother Udi. If only I could learn the Storm Spirit Meditation Technique, then I could—”

“That’s enough!” Flora’s voice cut her off coldly. “The Storm Spirit Meditation Technique is the Clark family’s most closely guarded secret. It is absolutely forbidden to teach it to outsiders!”

“But why is Brother Udi allowed—”

“Carlo Oriana!” Flora interrupted her niece again. “Do you know why your family is able to live so comfortably in the capital, and why you’re able to study at Grim Academy?”

“It’s all thanks to your support, Auntie!” Carlo replied sweetly, though inwardly she seethed, thinking, “Isn’t it just because you latched onto that old man?”

“Hmph! But do you know why, though Vice Principal Healy has had countless women in his life, I am the only one who has remained by his side?” Flora continued.

“Of course, because Auntie is the most charming one,” Carlo quickly replied.

“No, it’s because I am not greedy.” Flora’s tone rose sharply. “What belongs to me, I’ll take. What doesn’t belong to me, I not only won’t reach for, I won’t even think about it. What I should know, I’ll listen to. What I shouldn’t know, even if I hear it, I won’t remember a thing! In this world, it’s not how smart or beautiful you are that gives you a good life, but knowing exactly what you’re worth!”

Carlo kept nodding obediently, but Flora could still see the indifference in her eyes, and perhaps even a trace of... contempt?

This sparked a quiet anger in Flora, making her tone even more severe. Suddenly, she pointed to the mountain visible from the window, towards the outer academy, and asked, “Do you know what mountain that is?”

Carlo wasn’t sure why her aunt brought up the mountain, but she answered, “Isn’t that the Outer Academy’s mountain? I heard other students call it Ascension Mountain.”

“That’s right, that’s Ascension Mountain—the path from the outer academy to the inner academy. But not everyone can ascend on that mountain. Some have left their bones there. It’s all because of their insatiable desires! They wanted more, and in the end, they lost even their lives.”

While Flora was using Ascension Mountain as a lesson for her niece, Andy was also hearing tales about that mountain from someone else.

That person was Olev Barov. After Andy lured away the Gale Eagle flock, Olev and the members of the embassy arrived safely in the capital. After presenting their gifts to the queen, Olev lingered with the Barov family. Soon after, he began inquiring about Andy.

As one of the four great families, the Barovs had an extensive information network. They quickly learned about Andy from the Speake overseer. Olev then headed to the outer academy where Andy lived, arriving just as Andy was returning from borrowing books at the library. The two enjoyed a warm reunion.

During their conversation, Olev suddenly pointed mysteriously at the mountain outside and asked Andy, “Do you know what that mountain is called?”

No matter how Andy looked at Olev’s expression, it seemed shifty, but he answered truthfully, “I don’t know.”

“Ascension Mountain!”

“Ascension Mountain? Why such a strange name?” Andy asked, puzzled.

“The name says it all—it’s the mountain you climb to ascend from the outer to the inner academy. Just wander around it a couple of times and you’ll be promoted, oh yes,” Olev replied, grinning all the more roguishly.

“Oh, that sounds magical. Should I go take a walk there, then?”

Upon hearing this, Olev’s smile grew even brighter. “You? No way! Even if you did, that’s not really their taste. And even if you were their taste, you’re not good-looking enough... Ah, what the hell is that? Quick, put it out!”

Andy, hearing Olev’s words, which clearly hinted at something improper, responded just as he would with his little cousin, lighting a “head torch” atop Olev’s head. The fright brought Olev to his senses, making him much more docile.

Afterward, Andy listened as Olev recounted the origin of Ascension Mountain.

That place wasn’t always called Ascension Mountain; its original name had long been forgotten. But then something happened there, and the mountain’s name changed forever.

It began when a few noble youths, feeling sentimental, decided to drink and make merry on the mountain. By chance, they came across a beautiful girl wandering there for reasons unknown. Emboldened by drink, they egged each other on, rushed her, and dragged her into a nearby grove...

Afterward, the girl's family came to the outer academy seeking justice. To minimize the scandal, the academy promised to admit her to the inner academy without examination and waive her tuition for three years. Both sides quickly came to an agreement, and as for holding the culprits accountable, that matter was quietly dropped.

Though the academy tried to suppress the news, such stories spread like wildfire. Soon, the entire academy knew, and the mountain became known as Ascension Mountain.

Over time, the mountain gained a reputation for mystery, especially at night, turning into a favorite spot for couples.

But that wasn’t the end. The same group of troublemakers, emboldened by the lack of consequences, grew even more brazen. On a dark, windy night, they attacked two girls who were out walking together, carried them onto the mountain, and woke them up.

The girls begged for mercy, but the boys were unmoved, joking that they would help the girls “ascend” tonight...

The academy soon learned of the incident, as those boys were already under close watch. Still, the response came too late. The girls, far stronger-willed, had leapt to their deaths from the mountain’s summit.

Afterward, those boys were expelled from the outer academy, and the matter was once again quietly buried. However, another version of the story circulated—some said that during negotiations for compensation, the girls couldn’t come to terms with the academy and the noble heirs, and so never left the mountain alive.

Regardless, security on Ascension Mountain is now much tighter, as the Disciplinary Office has made it a priority for patrol.

At first, Andy had just thought to listen to the tale for amusement, but as Olev continued, he found himself growing angry. He declared to Olev that if he ever encountered those scoundrels, he’d have them all castrated and sent to the palace.

After saying this, Andy stared pointedly at Olev’s lower half. His look and his tone, which was no joke, made Olev feel a chill between his legs. Using the lateness of the hour as an excuse, Olev hurriedly took his leave.

After Olev departed, Andy realized that it was already late and Katherine still hadn’t returned.

Since Andy began studying the basics, Katherine had stopped attending classes with the younger children and instead roamed freely about the academy, her student card hanging around her neck.

Andy searched the villa but found no sign of Katherine. However, he did find a note she’d left for him.

It was scrawled in large, clumsy letters on a sheet of white paper, written with her cat’s paw: “Gone to the mountain to play!”