Elden Ring: The Shattering!

A butterfly flaps its wings, and in The Lands Between, it stirs up a small whirlwind, truly echoing that saying:

Many great matters are changed because of a tiny, insignificant grape.

Without Kaelith's courage, the manor would surely fall, and the two Carian Knights would either perish or be locked up by Cuckoo in the dungeon...

Afterward, Cuckoo would delight in the success and strike the Caria stronghold, causing bloodshed, after which the Carian would lose the ability to retaliate.

At that point, Raya Lucaria Academy only needed to lock the gates, letting the two vicious dogs outside tear at each other.

But now, it was different. The royal family still had power, and Raya Lucaria Academy instead needed Cuckoo's legion, fearing they might just pack up and leave...

Yet, despite the necessity, they had to be cautious. They called back all the sorcerers from their previous travels, of course not everyone was willing, but just a few of these battle-hardened sorcerers with rich combat experience would be enough to withstand the storm.

Kaelith seized the opportunity and returned to his old haunt. When he left, he was just an unknown intern, but now, his hands were stained with fresh blood, and his soul had transformed into the Heaven-slaying Sword Demon.

"So, to determine a person's fate, one must observe the historical course, but also rely on one's own efforts."

Kaelith, with a leather bag in hand, followed a sorcerer, looking around. As expected of the knowledge hall, everywhere exuded a subtle yet luxurious atmosphere, with sorcerers in various headscarves scattered around, most of them basking in the sun while reading.

It had a kind of university feel.

Crossing through a world of blood and violence, this sensation made one feel nostalgic, only to discover the Academy's focus and deceit.

Satisfying all living requirements, they were given Rune, yet it was clear they had no intention of letting this traveling sorcerer stay long. Once the war situation turned in their favor, they would be kicked out.

The guide, Kaloros, a student, kept making small talk with him, while Kaelith responded to each, waiting to hear him mention that his travels had only taken him to Limgrave, and his achievements were limited to some bats and wild boars—his enthusiasm was noticeably lacking.

Wherever he went, there was no regard for human rights. Kaelith, however, was content to be here. After passing through the grand Cuckoo cathedral, the two of them passed a large waterwheel towards the second floor of the Academy, where sorcerers were clearly more abundant. All of them hurriedly walked by, clutching books.

"Just finished class?"

"In the afternoon, there's a discussion session in Kaloros' and Radsley's classrooms. You know, the relationship between the two has always been quite poor." The student named Yue Ke shrugged.

Kaelith nodded. Raya Lucaria Academy had clearly written the factional strife on its surface... If it weren't for the Carian royal family, this enemy named "Cuckoo" might have already taken action.

"Compared to a fantasy novel, it's more like the moon inside a clock tower, with five classrooms all facing different directions. It would be strange if there were no contradictions."

He casually exhaled, only to see Yue Ke push open a wooden door. Inside was a long, narrow table, with five or six Sorcerers sitting around it, all wearing headscarves like Kaelith. These people didn't have the scholarly appearance one might expect; instead, a bloody smell hung in the air. Some of them were even admiring short swords on the table, while others wore Magic robes over their armor.

"Senior Roland, these are all sorcerers from your time. Please wait a moment; Director Oritis will be conducting the lottery ceremony shortly."

"The lottery ceremony? Are we still enrolling?"

"No, no, no, it's just to assign a lecturer to you, so you can integrate back into Academy life. I still have things to do, so I'll leave first." After saying this, Yue Ke hurried off, clearly not comfortable being around these wild individuals.

Integrate into Academy life? More like being monitored.

Kaelith sneered and found a seat. He noticed the few gazes directed at him, but he withdrew his attention. The room was filled with an unpleasant atmosphere.

Having seen blood, these sorcerers were reserved and taciturn. Only after leaving this quiet haven would they truly understand how brutal The Lands Between was. The knowledge in books was worthless.

Who the hell just stands there waiting for you to release Magic? The people here all have one hand on their horse's reins, while holding large shields in the other hand, madly wielding Glintstone Magic—this rogue combat style could easily smash a small infantry squad.

No one responded, so Kaelith closed his eyes and took a brief rest, contemplating the path ahead. His purpose for coming to Raya Lucaria Academy was not simply a break; there were four main objectives.

First, to conceal his movements and escape from the Black Knives' assassination.

Second, to use the endless knowledge here as protection, to reveal the mysteries in his mind, so that Ranni wouldn't doubt him.

Third, to stir up chaos within the Academy, conveniently killing a few sorcerers to increase his Intelligence, paving the way to absorb magic and wield swords.

Fourth, to harvest knowledge for himself, to better understand the mysteries he wasn't yet clear on.

The first objective was already achieved—Black Knives, with all their scheming, never expected Kaelith to dare infiltrate their enemy's stronghold...

As for the remaining three, based on his observations, Raya Lucaria Academy was the perfect place—everywhere you looked, there were moving versions of "six core pillars."

After a moment, the small door to another room opened, and a Sorcerer instructor entered, followed by a group of interns not wearing headscarves, both male and female, each carrying various delicious dishes.

Interns here were essentially servants. Those who failed to pass the assessments for an extended period were referred to as "waste stones." The delicious food and the sight of beautiful female interns helped to lighten the tense atmosphere, with laughter filling the room. Some even attempted to flirt with the female interns.

In the end, it was just the way of the world. These traveling Sorcerers were no longer simple scholars. Kaelith glanced around... There, beside him, someone lifted off their robe, revealing their long, slender legs, and the female intern did not resist, only offering an awkward smile.

Kaelith, of course, remained still. It wasn't that he was too noble, but in front of him was a burly, bald man—how could he act?

He took a closer look. How did that person seem familiar?

*Cough cough,* "You all go out first." Oritis could no longer stand it. He knocked on the table and ushered the interns out, then looked around the room of oddities. His blood pressure immediately rose.

These Sorcerers, with their complex experiences, how could they possibly look at anything with regard to the academy's training? He could only endure their presence as they were needed.

"Everyone must be tired, so please eat while listening to my lecture." The instructor waved his hand, and the sound of headscarves being removed filled the air. He looked around at the faces, some filled with ferocity, others with scarred expressions and twitching lips. He mentally steeled himself and prepared his lecture notes.

First, he thanked the Sorcerers for responding to the Academy's summons, then began discussing how critical this upcoming war was… Meanwhile, he threw out phrases like "the advantage is ours" and "victory is within reach." As he continued, his voice grew louder, filling the room. After some time, a few Sorcerers with their heads down eating dry food raised their hands.

"Director, when will we flatten the Carian?"

"After taking the stronghold, how will the loot be distributed?"

"We haven't received any subsidies in years—what are we going to do about that?"

Having already entertained several groups of Sorcerers, Oritis barely had time to respond. When he finally managed to reply, he silently cursed Lleó for the troublesome proposal. Before they even finished dealing with Carian, the Academy was already plagued by chaos and resentment.

Once he answered those questions, he gestured for an intern to bring over a jar, clapped his hands to regain their attention. "Ahem, according to the Academy's arrangements, a teacher will be assigned to you all through the lottery ceremony. If there are any questions, you may ask them."

"Teacher? I don't need one. Those people haven't even killed anyone—how can they be worthy?"

"Exactly. Besides the Sea Demon classroom, I don't accept anyone else."

Immediately, someone began to drum and cheer, but this time Oritis did not back down. He coldly said, "There is no room for negotiation. Either accept it, or leave."

Indifferently, Kaelith curled his lips, silently thinking that it would be impossible to separate these bizarre flowers; he feared that the Academy would directly collapse from within.

The authority of the instructor still remained, and after a long struggle, the Sorcerer group finally accepted the situation and no longer protested. Oritis nodded with satisfaction and reached into the jar to draw lots.

"Pork Durant, belonging to the dual sage classroom, Level 1 instructor Oliveira is your teacher."

"Donald Mai Fu, belonging to the Olli Venice classroom, Level 2 instructor Traore is your teacher."

...

As expected, there was no mention of the Radsley classroom.

The so-called Radsley classroom was like an ape and the moon—naturally inclined toward the Carian royal family, now completely shunned in madness.

Kaelith remained indifferent, watching the helpless instructors take the new students away. After a few minutes, he finally heard his own name.

"Roland Heinberg." The instructor paused, looked at the slightly dignified student, and nodded in satisfaction. "Kaloros classroom, the intern instructor Sellen is your teacher."

Who did you say??

Kaelith, who had stood up, froze in place, and his expression changed when he heard the name.

The witch Sellen, how is she still at the Academy??

"Why aren't you going to meet your instructor?" The instructor urged from over there.

With no time to think, Kaelith walked toward the small door and saw from afar a female Sorcerer wearing a headscarf, her slender figure standing there. She reached up to adjust the scarf around her chin and was scrutinizing this new student.

Kaelith silently observed her, unsure of what to say, and then he heard a voice, which sounded slightly mature.

"You look proper, so consider me your mentor, and study hard. I'll tell you up front, I am very strict."

After saying this, she decisively turned around and began walking away. After a few steps, she turned her head and looked back at Kaelith, who was still standing in place, stunned.

"What are you dazed for? Hurry up and follow me. We're starting lessons today."

Beneath the headscarf, Kaelith's expression was complex. In truth, he wanted to ask one question:

"Professor Sellen, you're not planning to make me your stepping stone, are you?"