Grand Warlock: My System Gave Me Infinite Classes

"No wonder she won." Andrey looked at him with some concern. "But now I'm afraid Cynthia has marked you. She's not someone easy to deal with."

"This sort of thing isn't worth worrying over. Once you show your potential, someone's bound to take notice." Robb waved it off casually.

"Rather than worry about her petty tricks, it's better to focus on the certification. As long as I pass the Potion Master exam, many of our current issues will be resolved."

The two chatted a bit more about their progress and recent happenings in the academy. Andrey eventually stood up to leave.

"I won't interrupt your prep then. If you need anything at all, just send word."

Robb walked him to the door. "You too, focus on preparing for your awakening ritual. That's the real test."

After seeing Andrey off and closing the door, Robb was about to resume his evening practice when a shadow of unease passed through him.

Cynthia's hostility wasn't the real problem, Oliver was.

That gray-robed youth who always wore a perfect smile… what secrets did he hide?

…

Oliver's laboratory sat atop the academy's most remote tower. Few apprentices dared come near.

The tower itself was crumbling, with dark purple vines crawling across its walls, rumored to be a failed botanical experiment that devours any small creature it touches.

Though the outside appeared unremarkable, the inside told a different story.

Following Oliver through a wooden door etched with strange symbols, Cynthia's expression had already shifted drastically from the one she wore at the plaza.

The twisted rage from earlier had completely faded, replaced by deep calculation and cold detachment.

"Well, we should be beyond the reach of those annoying surveillance eyes now."

Cynthia gracefully removed her cloak and hung it beside the door.

The motion was fluid and composed, as if the woman who had screamed in public earlier was just a discarded disguise.

"So, you'd better have a good reason for stopping me from retaliating," she said coldly, stepping close, close enough to feel each other's breath.

Oliver took a subtle step back, pretending to retrieve something, tactfully widening the distance.

That flawless face maintained its practiced smile, though a flicker of caution passed through his eyes.

"If you'd lost control back there, it would've only drawn more attention to Talisa," he said evenly.

"And haven't you wondered why that low-born peasant could train a basic she-leopard slave to that level so quickly?"

Cynthia snorted but didn't answer. Instead, she slid behind Oliver, pressing her body slightly against his back.

"You're always so composed, Oliver. I wonder, what would it take to crack that icy mask of yours?"

Her fingers brushed lightly over his hand, predator's intent flashing in her eyes.

Oliver's back stiffened for a moment, a flicker of revulsion in his gaze quickly masked.

With a casual gesture of adjusting his sleeves, he stepped aside politely.

"My mask? You misunderstand. It's just called composure."

He moved to a cabinet across the room. "In Black Mist Forest, emotions are a luxury. Especially for people like us."

Cynthia squinted at him, amused. "You're afraid of me, Oliver."

"Afraid?" Oliver chuckled, eyes cold. "Cautious is more accurate. I know your gift well. If I were to fall into your bed, I'd end up like the rest of your puppets."

Rather than anger, Cynthia gave a pleased smirk. "You're well-informed. Few High Apprentices even grasp my true ability."

"Then let's talk business," Oliver suggested calmly as he opened a cupboard.

"I never break a promise."

He lifted a crystal vial filled with a faint violet liquid, shimmering under the light.

"Elixir of Ecstasy. The latest formula," he said without emotion. "Thirty percent more potent, fifty percent fewer side effects."

Cynthia's pupils dilated slightly, her body unconsciously leaning closer. But she quickly composed herself.

"Seems our partnership is still rewarding."

Oliver handed her the vial and clapped his hands.

A hidden door creaked open. A tall, grotesque figure stepped inside.

Over two meters tall, the stitched abomination had diseased greenish skin and scars covering its body.

Its form was misshapen, extra organs had been crudely grafted on, each radiating unnatural energy.

"A custom-modified experimental body," Oliver said calmly, like describing a vase. "Every organ enhanced for sensory response. Use the elixir first, the experience will be… unprecedented."

Cynthia stood and circled the thing, eyes gleaming with perverse intrigue.

"Not bad. But don't think this settles our deal."

She turned sharply, menace in her gaze.

Oliver nodded and moved to another hidden chamber, revealing rows of carefully labeled magical reagents.

"Everything's here, illegal potions, sensory stimulants, and that item you've been asking about…"

He pointed to a black box at the bottom.

Cynthia's eyes lit up. She rushed forward and opened the box with care.

Inside lay a black crystal, crawling with what looked like tiny living worms.

"Sin-Domain Black Crystal," she whispered, eyes full of greed. "You actually got one?"

"I always keep my word," Oliver said smoothly. "Provided you keep delivering those 'materials.'"

"Relax," Cynthia grinned. "This year's stock will be even better. Those ignorant young slaves always provide the purest resentment crystals."

She carefully closed the box again. It wasn't time to activate it just yet.

The two exchanged eerie smiles, the air between them thick with something dark and unspeakable.

Oliver moved to the window, gazing toward the student dormitories.

"By the way," he said, "stay quiet for a while. Especially don't mess with Robb, or that prince the royal family promised to you."