Chapter 588: Chapter 381: Return_2
However, Shelley seemed not to feel this awkwardness at all and spoke quite naturally, as if they hadn’t been apart for six months, but merely a day or two.
In fact, to Shelley, half a year might indeed be no different from a day or two.
"Alright," Colin nodded, quickly walked to the side, and began to check whether there were suitable tasks available.
Unfortunately, after setting the filter criteria, he suddenly discovered that although it had been a month since his last visit, there were only two new tasks, neither of which was in his area of expertise.
’Perhaps the more suitable tasks have already been taken by others,’ he thought.
Turning off the holographic screen, Colin shook his head and walked over to Shelley.
The two stood side by side as they entered the familiar True Knowledge Society laboratory.
Though it wasn’t noon, both the laboratory and the Shelley in front of him made Colin feel as though time had reversed back to six months ago.
"Where are you stationed now?"
The words Shelley spoke brought Colin back to reality.
After all, if it were the past, Shelley would never engage in any conversation unrelated to knowledge.
But now, perhaps due to the experiences in the Extreme North, Shelley was also asking such questions.
"The School has assigned me a mandatory stationing task, I’m now in the Roon Kingdom."
Roon Kingdom... Shelley’s eyes flickered slightly.
"And you, why did you return to Neustadt so late? Weren’t you supposed to come back after the long winter was over?" Colin continued to ask.
"Because of the long winter, this year’s long winter was particularly long," Shelley explained.
"But if I remember correctly, the long winter should have ended two months ago."
Colin, who had kept up with the news, knew that this year’s long winter in the Extreme North was especially prolonged, but it had ended in April, and now it was almost July.
"There were some other circumstances," Shelley said after a moment of silence, clearly not wishing to elaborate.
Colin understood and did not press further, but instead asked curiously, "How is the boy doing?"
He wanted to know how the boy from Ancient North Village, who had lost his wife, was faring. Had he managed to set foot on the path of becoming a Wizard?
Yet what came from Shelley’s mouth was the cold reply, "Dead."
Colin’s expression froze for a moment, and after a brief silence, he pursed his lips and said, "What a pity."
He should have anticipated this outcome.
Life didn’t have that many miracles, and this year’s long winter was particularly harsh; that ordinary boy, after all, was unable to change his own fate.
"This year’s lengthy long winter brought me some troubles. By the time I dealt with the past, he was already lying in the snow,"
Shelley added.
Colin gave her a look.
Shelley had removed her disguise, reverting to her original appearance. Her shoulder-length hair was like satin, her skin so pale it was nearly transparent, her eyes, a clear blue like water, combined with her petite frame - like the most intricate creation of the Creator, possessing an unreal beauty akin to a magnificent doll.
But it seemed that compared to before, Shelley’s face appeared paler, making her look somewhat frail.
It seemed the troubles mentioned by Shelley were not as trivial as she portrayed in her words.
Speaking of which, the True Knowledge Society has seemed rather deserted recently. Before I left Neustadt, it had been a long time since I last saw another member,"
Colin continued, reigning in his emotions.
The True Knowledge Society was indeed an enigmatic organization, with regulations so lax they could be considered the loosest of all.
Colin had been a part of it for quite a while now, yet had never been subjected to any constraints, let alone seen any organized activities among members; so much so that he only knew Shelley, who had processed his membership application, and Ocasie, who had brought him here, as members of the True Knowledge Society.
Of course, these were not important matters. As long as the True Knowledge Society could provide him with the resources he needed, that was all that mattered.
In fact, the True Knowledge Society had indeed done so, but the current situation was indeed worrisome for Colin.
"I haven’t heard of any members leaving the True Knowledge Society," Colin mused, "it seems they’ve simply moved to a different place to pursue knowledge."
Wizard Shelley heard the worry behind Colin’s words and affirmed strongly, "The True Knowledge Society will not disband, and the True Knowledge Library will always be here."
"Then I’m relieved," Colin sighed with relief and smiled, "Let’s discuss your issue, I don’t have much time left in Neustadt City."
His tone held a touch of regret and helplessness, "I’m now in the Roon Kingdom, and I fear I can’t discuss knowledge with you daily as before."
Shelley smiled inwardly but did not show it outwardly, instead posing questions about knowledge.
Be it in any world or any profession, holidays are always too brief.
Before Colin could adjust, it was already time to return.
Three days later.
Inside the True Knowledge Society, Colin bid farewell to Shelley.
"Goodbye," said Shelley, her face still calm and even indifferently so.
"Goodbye." But Colin was already accustomed to it; he simply nodded and turned to walk out of the True Knowledge Society.
To be honest, he still missed those days when he could discuss knowledge with Shelley every noon. At first, it didn’t seem like much, but eventually, it had become a routine.
But after all, the world is full of uncertainties.
And so, Colin set out from Neustadt City, flying toward the Roon Kingdom.
As for Lillian and her mentor, they actually wanted to see him off again, but Colin declined, arguing that since he would return every month, it would be too much trouble to have farewells each time.
...
"Lady Ice, the preparations are almost complete, we just wait for the final test to pass, and then we can begin implementation."
In the underground of True Knowledge Society Castle, a grey-robed witch was reporting to Shelley.
"Mm," Shelley nodded gently, and from her robes, she pulled a stack of manuscript paper and handed it to the witch, "Here is the new revision plan; I’ve had some new inspirations in recent days. Before the final test, make another batch based on this and include them in the test."
"As you wish, my lady," the witch did not hesitate at all, taking the papers with both hands.
After skimming through them, the witch exclaimed, "You are truly deserving of the title, Lady Ice. The new design looks like it will mark a significant improvement!"
"It’s not my achievement alone; some of the inspiration came from others." A fleeting, almost imperceptible smile appeared on Shelley’s face.
"Are you referring to... the new member of the True Knowledge Society?" The witch asked curiously.
"Mm," Shelley nodded calmly, not hiding anything.
"That individual is indeed remarkable. It’s just a pity... they do not wish to join the Truth Society."
"Everyone has their pursuit; one cannot force others," said Shelley calmly, as if recalling something before adding, "If he doesn’t want to join the Truth Society, then he is just a member of the True Knowledge Society, and it has nothing to do with us.
Forget what I just said; do you understand? The new design came solely from me."
The grey-robed witch was taken aback, surprised by Shelley’s rare seriousness.
"This world is decaying, like a building on the verge of collapse. On the surface, it maintains its dignity, but within, its structure is already loose."
Shelley glanced at her, emphasizing in a remote and tranquil tone, conveying a profound and surging power.
"We have decided to start the transformation from the smallest of details. The journey we must take is bound to be long, and these sparks we scatter may turn into a raging inferno in years to come, offering rebirth to the world.
Or perhaps, at some point in the future, they might suddenly be extinguished by the piercing cold wind, even to the point of shattering us."
"But in this process, we must ensure that anyone with good will towards the Truth Society, if they are not willing, will not be struck by the cold wind."
The witch’s expression turned solemn, and she nodded gravely.
"I understand, Lady Ice. I swear I will not leak any of this information."
Shelley nodded lightly, her gaze drifting in the direction of the Roon Kingdom.