In Daniel’s office, a sense of familiarity washed over him as he returned to the place he hadn’t seen in years.
Despite spending more time in Winterrealm than here, deep down, Daniel never truly considered Winterrealm his home.
This office, however, felt like home.
Everything in the office was just as he had left it.
It was clear that someone had been cleaning it regularly; otherwise, a thick layer of dust would have covered everything.
News of Daniel’s return had spread quickly, drawing several visitors to his office, including Isolde and Rowan.
In front of Daniel lay several books—records documenting the changes and developments in the academy and Riverside City over the past few years.
These records had been meticulously compiled by academy staff.
With a quick sweep of his
mind power,
Daniel absorbed the contents, gaining a clear understanding of how the academy had evolved in his absence.
The academy’s development closely mirrored his original vision.
Crossbridge Academy was indeed transforming into the
sanctuary
that people spoke of with reverence.
However, Daniel noticed a problem: the perspective in the reports was too narrow.
The records reflected only a single viewpoint, making it easy to overlook deeper, systemic issues.
This was precisely why Daniel had chosen not to return directly to the academy but to journey alongside Kaylyn instead.
He wanted to observe things from an outsider’s perspective, and his efforts had yielded unexpected insights.
After finishing the records, Daniel looked at Rowan and said, “Overall, you’ve done well.”
As he had envisioned, the academy’s foundation was built upon its homegrown students, with newcomers integrated as affiliates.
This strategy had been executed effectively.
“But there are some issues I hope you’ll pay closer attention to,” Daniel said, pointing to Rowan.
“Yes, Headmaster,” Rowan replied, standing at attention.
“There’s a student named Dez. Has he returned to the academy?”
“He returned recently and confessed his wrongdoings in detail. I’ve already imposed punishment in accordance with academy regulations—” Rowan began but was interrupted by Daniel.
“That’s enough. I don’t need the details,” Daniel said, waving a hand. “Let me be clear: Crossbridge Academy has grown too quickly. In just a few years, we’ve become what people call a
sanctuary.
“But a true sanctuary requires decades—centuries—of gradual development. By accelerating the process, we’ve likely introduced unforeseen issues.
“We can’t let ourselves be blinded by the title of ’sanctuary.’ Instead, we must remain vigilant, uncovering and resolving problems. Being complacent and indulging in our reputation will only lead to our downfall.”
Daniel’s tone sharpened. “Outside these walls, millions of people are living like refugees, and the situation is on the brink of spiraling into chaos. These issues need immediate attention.”
Rowan stepped forward. “Headmaster, we’ve been preparing for this. We’ve been waiting for the right moment.”
He went on to explain the academy’s expansion plans.
Rose, leading the Death Legion, had extended their influence across much of the eastern region, while Reed had established a growing following in the west.
The two forces were steadily forming a dual-front structure, east and west.
Rowan believed it was time for Crossbridge Academy to expand its influence further.
Daniel nodded thoughtfully. “I don’t have much to say about your expansion plans. But I’ll need to handle a very challenging task soon, and it will require mobilizing a significant number of students.”
“You needn’t worry about that, Headmaster,” Rowan assured him. “Over the past few years, Crossbridge Academy has cultivated plenty of exceptional students.”
Daniel’s
colorless forges
were ready. The
Trees of Origin
he had safeguarded in his personal space had also waited long enough.
Now was the time.
As the academy expanded its influence, Daniel could kill two birds with one stone: restore the endangered world and prepare for the challenges that lay ahead.
He was particularly curious to see the so-called
god-like beings
he had heard about and confront the enemy who had ambushed him in the Sacred Time River.
The meeting didn’t last long. Daniel’s primary goal was to highlight the overlooked issues within the academy and Riverside City.
For the most part, Rowan and the others had done an excellent job, and Daniel saw little need to intervene.
Over the six years of his absence, they had grown into capable leaders, no longer reliant on him to manage every detail.
Now, Daniel only needed to provide overarching direction, leaving the rest to his trusted team.
Soon, the office emptied, leaving Daniel alone.
Suddenly, his gaze shifted to a corner.
“You can come out now,” he said.
Nina emerged from a spatial pocket, grinning sheepishly.
“You noticed me? I guess I’m not as sneaky as I thought,” Nina admitted.
“I’ve known you were there for a while,” Daniel replied. “You’ve never been one to sit still.”
“Well, I just wanted to observe and learn how you handle management,” Nina said, feigning innocence.
“And what did you learn?”
“I learned everything! As the chief of Coven, I just need to make the key decisions and let Sarra and Ryze handle the rest!” Nina declared proudly.
Daniel sighed. “You’ve been managing that way all along, haven’t you?”
From the beginning, Nina had delegated most responsibilities to others, starting back in Winterrealm.
Still, Daniel couldn’t help but smile.
While Nina might not be the most hands-on leader, she surrounded herself with capable people like Sarra, who kept things running smoothly.
“By the way, didn’t you say you wanted to go home? How do you have time to be here at the academy?” Daniel asked, recalling her earlier plans.
“I did go home! My parents were so happy to see me,” Nina said, her eyes lighting up. “But when they heard about everything I’ve been doing, they told me to hurry back to school. They think I’m still a child.”
“You don’t say,” Daniel said with a chuckle.
“Headmaster, there’s something else!” Nina suddenly looked conspiratorial.
“What is it?”
“It’s about Green,” she said, lowering her voice. “I think he’s in love—with someone from the academy!”
Daniel blinked in surprise, then smiled.
Green had done an excellent job over the years, and the academy’s progress owed much to his efforts.
If he had found someone special, Daniel had no objections.
A few days later, Daniel stood at the edge of the academy’s tranquil lake.
The time had come to plant the first
Tree of Origin.
This spot, near the students’ dormitories and surrounded by
colorless forges,
was perfect.
The
Tree of Origin
would undoubtedly bring transformative changes to both the academy and the world.
Daniel lingered for a moment, contemplating the future.
Behind him, Nina’s voice broke his thoughts.
“Headmaster, we’re here!”
Daniel turned to see Nina leading a group toward him.
Behind her were the Coven members, as well as Green, who stood beside a shy-looking girl.