The Conquerors Path Chapter 977 - 975-Targeted.

The sound of a voice brought Elda back to reality as she spun around to face a teacher who had materialized behind her. She was currently traversing the pedestrian section of the coliseum, a lengthy corridor that served as the primary exit route. In this secluded hallway, Elda recognized the male faculty member immediately.

"Teacher Kovick, is there something you require from me?"

Elda inquired, her voice tinged with confusion. She was well-acquainted with this man; he was one of her instructors. His academic focus centered on the research and interpretation of the continent's history. A human roughly forty years of age, he possessed brown hair and eyes, complemented by a soft, unassuming smile. Elda recalled his power level being around Origin level 5.

He was among the less powerful members of the academy faculty. Maintaining her characteristic gentle smile, Elda waited for him to speak.

"As a matter of fact, yes. I have been deeply immersed in studying the ancestral memories and history of the fairies. I have reached a vital turning point in my research, and I believe your assistance could be instrumental in moving my studies forward."

A flicker of excitement danced in Elda’s eyes at his words. She was constantly seeking methods to enhance her own power, and Kovick’s proposition suggested potential new avenues for her to explore. By connecting with the ancient past, she might uncover ways to unlock her own future potential, perhaps increasing her cultivation in ways she had never considered.

"This won't be without compensation, of course. I can guarantee you significant academic points and a boost to your grades on assignments and exams. It will also serve as a prestigious addition to any future projects you undertake."

The rewards were enticing enough that Elda nodded in agreement.

"Certainly, that sounds like something I would be interested in. When should we begin?"

"Specifics can be handled later. However, if you could accompany me to my research lab right now, we could finalize some immediate details. It is the reason I sought you out so urgently. I am at a critical threshold regarding a specific ancient artefact, and I suspect your presence could help widen the breach I have already made."

Kovick’s explanation caused Elda to knit her brows as she asked, "What sort of breach?"

"My apologies, but I can only elaborate once you see it for yourself. I promise it will be well worth your time."

Elda paused to consider his response. Having no pressing engagements at the moment, she decided the timing was right and accepted.

"Very well, I am free at the moment."

"Excellent."

With that, Kovick began to lead the way, exiting the hallway and heading toward the coliseum's exterior. Elda followed with a smile, her mind still buzzing with the excitement of Austin’s recent duel as they approached the nearest teleportation hub. As was typical, Elda drew the gazes of everyone they passed.

After Kovick covered the transportation fees and they cleared the necessary protocols, they transitioned through the path toward the research wing reserved for faculty. This sector was bustling with professors, students, and various teaching assistants.

The atmosphere here was formal and organized. As they entered the research department building, the air was thick with whispers regarding the recent battle. News of Austin’s improbable triumph had already spread, leaving a wake of astonishment and lingering heat in its path.

Given her empathetic nature, Elda could feel the collective mood of the academy lifting. This was especially true for the original students; this victory provided the morale boost they desperately craved. It brought a much-needed sense of joy to a place that had been plagued by constant troubles throughout the city and the world at large.

Austin’s display of power had garnered him immense support, which pleased Elda greatly. She wore a wide grin as she overheard the praise being heaped upon her brother. Eventually, the pair arrived at Kovick’s research room. He opened the door for Elda, who stepped inside with a composed expression.

The scent of old books filled the air. Elda scanned the room, noting the cluttered arrangement of texts scattered about. A teaching assistant was already inside, greeting them with a polite smile as they entered.

"Welcome, Student Elda. We are thrilled you could join us. Our research will undoubtedly make great strides with your participation."

"The pleasure is mine, Teacher Mansi," she replied.

The assistant was a half-elf in his late twenties, possessing a charming smile, light green hair, and matching eyes. Having worked with Kovick frequently, Elda had interacted with Mansi many times before. Mansi’s grin widened at her greeting as Kovick spoke up.

"Come, allow me to show you our findings."

His voice remained steady as he guided Elda toward the back of the room, where a glowing green orb pulsed with light. Simply looking at it triggered a reaction within Elda’s bloodline, causing a sudden spike in her internal Qi. She moved closer, intrigued.

"This is quite fascinating," she remarked.

Just as Elda drew near, a violent burst of warm light erupted from the orb, striking her directly. Her vision blurred with dizziness for a moment. Within seconds, her eyes widened in terror as she felt a restrictive force clamp down on her bloodline. It was as if she were being severed from the Fairy realm itself; her bond with her fairy, Veronica, was abruptly cut. This unprecedented situation left Elda reeling as she turned to her instructors for help.

"Teacher, I think we—"

She stopped mid-sentence as she saw the malicious smirks on their faces. Instantly, the sense of dread she had felt earlier surged with overwhelming intensity. Her powers were suppressed, and her ability to sense mana had vanished. In a heartbeat, even her connection to her space ring was gone, leaving her with no access to her resources.

"It appears the bloodline sealer was a success," Kovick remarked.

"Enhancing it with fairy dust was a brilliant move, despite the cost," Mansi added.

"Indeed," Kovick agreed. Their exchange confirmed Elda’s worst fear: she had walked straight into a trap. Her expression darkened with fury as she demanded, "What is it you want with me?"

"The question is what *I* want with you," a different voice interjected. A moment later, four individuals emerged from an adjoining room. Two were young students, while the other two were older and far more menacing. These men appeared to be in their mid-forties; though Elda couldn't sense their power directly, an experienced eye would recognize one as a half-step Imperial and the other as a full Imperial.

The two younger males—one human and one lion beastman—wore predatory smiles. Elda could feel the raw lust and greed in their gazes, a sentiment shared by the teachers. It revolted her to the core, making her skin crawl at the thought of being viewed that way by anyone other than Austin.

"You should have just accepted our advances when we were being polite," the human student sneered.

"I’m sorry, but who are you exactly?" Elda asked in a cold, low voice. The young man flinched, his face twisting in anger.

"This bitch..." he hissed.

"Easy now, there's no need to be so sensitive. She is already in our grasp. What could she possibly do?" the lion beastman said, his voice dripping with chilling desire. Despite the crushing pressure surrounding her, Elda did not falter. She held her head high and spoke with grim resolve.

"My family will tear you apart. And my brother will ensure that every one of you pays for this."

Elda’s voice rang with absolute conviction. She struggled to maintain her composure as the tension in the room reached a breaking point. Just as the human youth stepped forward to touch her, a brilliant light exploded from her hairpin, forcefully throwing the boy back.

Before the Imperial-level cultivators could even react, a powerful, low-humming barrier manifested around Elda. It was a shimmering golden dome that provided a sense of warmth and safety.

"Brother..." Elda whispered softly.