C40 Thank You Your Honor

In the afternoon group exam, led by Zhang Xing, their team effortlessly clinched first place. Zhang Xing himself topped the individual scores and was awarded an additional fifty credits, amassing a total of one hundred credits, much to the envy of his peers.

No sooner had they completed the test than Instructor Solina whisked Zhang Xing away.

"Mr. Zhang, are you responsible for injuring Cliff's brother, Glen?"

"No, I'm not!" Zhang Xing feigned bewilderment, his eyes reflecting genuine confusion.

"You still deny it? The incident was witnessed by numerous students in the cafeteria. The Linder family has already approached the President about it," Solina said, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Who actually saw me strike him? Which hand did I supposedly use? Did I employ magic or some other means to harm him? How could someone as young as I am possibly injure him?" Despite the clarity of the situation to everyone else, Zhang Xing couldn't confess.

Admitting to the deed would likely mean the end of his studies at the academy. The Linde family couldn't afford to press the issue; the prestige of the six great academies was immense, and the Linde family, being relatively minor, couldn't afford to make a scene here.

If the academy were to place the blame squarely on his shoulders, then there would be no point in him staying any longer.

"You went too far. Thankfully, Tina was able to administer timely treatment. Glen should recover after a few months of rest at home," Solina continued.

"Moreover, the President personally attended to Glen's head injury. He regained consciousness immediately, which is the only reason the Linder family has decided to drop the matter."

"Just focus on your studies and try to stay out of trouble from now on!"

Hearing this, Zhang Xing breathed a sigh of relief. He pictured the President in his mind: a kind old man with silver hair, a white beard, and a simple gray robe, devoid of any mage insignia. He truly was a good person.

The morning's events had already shown Zhang Xing that the President was a man of justice. Filled with a warm rush of gratitude, he said, "Thank you, President! I appreciate everything!" and bowed deeply to Solina.

"Alright, you can express your thanks to the President in person. He's asked me to escort you to him."

Solina clasped Zhang Xing's hand and made her way to the President's Office.

She was in high spirits, occasionally inquiring about Zhang Xing's history.

Zhang Xing kept his story brief, sharing only a few details about his days in Timber Village and his grandfather's passing.

Realizing Zhang Xing was now an orphan, Solina's heart swelled with compassion.

She wished to take him home and look after him, but she knew Zhang Xing would never consent.

After all, her home was the President's residence—a place where he'd feel out of place.

Moreover, he harbored many secrets. Black Treasure, his mysterious companion, needed to hunt frequently. Despite his desire to accept her offer, he couldn't.

Once at the President's Office, Solina departed.

Zhang Xing tapped lightly on the door, and a commanding voice boomed from within.

"Enter!"

President Jager's delight was evident as he observed Zhang Xing's well-mannered entrance.

Reading the President's expression, Zhang Xing could tell Jager had the spirit of a playful child.

"Your Honor!"

"Thank you for championing justice on my behalf!"

Jager chuckled at the remark.

"So you're suggesting if I hadn't taken your side, I'd be part of the evil faction?"

"Not at all. The opposite of justice isn't necessarily evil—there's also neutrality!"

Zhang Xing animatedly explained, his small hands punctuating his words, his demeanor quite engaging.

"You have a knack for debate, no surprise you earned those fifty credits."

"Take a seat. Do you know why I've summoned you?"

President Jager gestured towards a purple wooden chair adorned with Roland flowers, his tone warm and inviting.