"At the look of things, they do not seem to be planning to bring dinner," Atopulde said lightly, casting a glance at the bars that had fallen into silence since nightfall.
"Mm," Lillian nodded without saying much.
From last night until now, not to mention food, the inspectors hadn't even given her and Atbolde a drop of water.
Although, for a Second Rank Wizard like Atbolde, going without food or water for ten days was not a big issue, and even as a First Rank Wizard, she could manage.
But this was undoubtedly a veiled threat, a show of dominance.
Atbolde looked at Lillian, having many questions in mind, yet he slowly closed his eyes to conserve energy.
Under the effect of the temporary prison, they were unable to use the magic power within their bodies or release their spiritual power.
At the same time, multiple memory crystals continuously recorded their every move.
Such an environment was obviously not suitable for conversation.
The first day passed like this, relatively easy on the whole.
However, both Atbolde and Lillian knew very well that this was just the beginning, just a brief calm before the storm.
The deep darkness of night swiftly faded away at dawn as if meeting its natural predator, leaving only a vast mist and transparent icicles hanging from the eaves.
The second day arrived, and there was still no news from Colin.
Meanwhile, the inspectors did not come all morning.
Nor in the afternoon or the evening…
After leaving them to hang for two full days, on the morning of the fourth day, Rice and Ralph came to the temporary prison again with a group of inspectors.
But this time, Rice suddenly put away his usual smiley demeanor and turned serious.
He started off aggressively as soon as he arrived outside the temporary prison:
"Atbolde, we have found conclusive evidence that you and your students lured Yasi Hidosh into a premeditated ambush and then killed him; do you admit your guilt?!"
Atbolde's heart sank—what had to come would always come.
He slowly got up and shook his head at Rice.
…
Meanwhile, in a massive Wizard Tower.
Colin slowly walked into the huge research lab located on the second floor.
After a series of difficult efforts, he finally got an opportunity—to come here, to meet someone.
Entering the large research lab, a tall curly-haired man stood with his back to him, writing something on a silver-white alloy high desk.
The pen, glowing with Spiritual Light, and the coarse paper made a rustling sound as they rubbed against each other.
In front of the man, several naked figures floated, both male and female, all bearing marks of dissection.
Upon seeing this figure, the anxiety lingering on Colin's brow eased somewhat.
He thought about it, decided not to speak yet, and patiently waited.
After a while, the tall curly-haired man finally stopped writing. He rubbed his brow and his face was filled with deep fatigue.
Slowly raising his head, he put on a smile and said to Colin, "Colin Leonard, I understand this period has been tough for you."
"Good morning, Nois City Lord," Colin greeted respectfully.
Nois chuckled and continued, saying, "I've been informed about your situation. It seems I was a bit negligent; I hope you won't blame me for deliberately hiding your 'Heroic Wizard' status."
Colin pondered and did not answer whether he blamed him or not, instead he calmly responded, "The City Lord must have had greater considerations to make such a choice."
Nois scrutinized him briefly, then let go of his hand, and the feather pen instantly transformed into points of light that disappeared into the air. He walked out from behind the high desk toward Colin.
"I remember when we last met you were a First Rank Intermediate Wizard, but now you've advanced to First Rank Advanced, and your body's foundation has also been strengthened—seems like you've reaped quite a bounty in the Elf Kingdom."
Without waiting for a reply, Nois started making small talk, which, complemented by his scholarly curly hair, made him seem quite amiable.
Colin looked unsure about Nois's intentions and just nodded slightly.
He wasn't worried about Nois discerning his identity as a First Rank Knight, since, strictly speaking, Fighting Aura and Blood Energy were two different types of energy.
Moreover, from his entry till now, he had never felt Nois's prying eyes.
Perhaps he couldn't feel it, but Colin preferred to believe that Nois was adhering to his own principles, unwilling to engage in such impolite behavior.
"Also, that Second Rank Summon Fire Element, truly impressive. I remember at First Rank Advanced I could barely stutter through two Second Rank witchcrafts," Nois continued, smiling pleasantly at Colin's slightly stunned expression and adding, "Of course, I was nearly thirty then, not as young as you."
Colin was unsure how to continue the conversation; he had thought that despite Nois's scholarly appearance, his character would likely be profoundly stern and the conversation between them would be brief and straightforward, ending quickly.
But now the situation was different.
"Did you create and improve that witchcraft to Summon Second Rank Fire Element yourself?" Nois further asked.
"…Yes," Colin paused, then nodded in response.
"Impressive," praised Nois. "Can you tell me about the underlying principles of your improvements?"
"Mainly changes in the magic power control center—I increased its number," Colin briefly explained, then added, "Nois City Lord, my mentor and senior sister…"