Elite Mages' Academy

“Tunguska event?”

Xiao Lin did not know if he was mistaken, but when he said the phrase, he suddenly felt as if the atmosphere in the entire banquet hall had changed. There seemed to be a lot of gazes directed at him, but when he looked around in confusion, the few Russian men in the hall seemed to just be drinking vodka and chatting, and there did not seem to be any change.

Xiao Lin furrowed his eyebrows, not saying anything. The woman named Diana seemed to have a very ordinary expression as she praised in an exaggerated manner, “It seems like you’re a studious person. No one among us takes part in history lessons. You should know that our academy only believes in absolute strength, not knowledge, so those books in the library are all filled with dust and cobwebs.”

“Since you know the books are filled with dust, you must be someone who regularly goes to the library?” Xiao Lin asked.

Diana did not express any displeasure, and happily smiled. “It seems like we’re quite alike. I know a thing or two about the Tunguska explosion, but regretfully, most of the information regarding the explosion is considered a high-level secret, even on the grounds of Voyna Akademiya.”

Xiao Lin felt some regret, but it was still within his expectations. If the details regarding the explosion were like he thought, then the Russian academy would naturally not have it open to the public.

Diana smiled as she said, “But, my clearances have coincidentally allowed me to look at some of the secrets. Even though I can’t see the important parts, I still know more than regular folk. If you’re interested, let’s go outside for a chat. It’s too hot here.”

Looking at that woman whose cheeks were reddened by the alcohol, he felt like the woman’s eyes were exuding charm. Xiao Lin started to hesitate, but after mulling over it, his desire to explore the topic took over as he slowly nodded in agreement.

After the two of them left, a few gazes shot over as the conversations that were a mix of Mandarin and Russian started to lower down in volume.

“Do your students from Dawn Academy take a big interest in the Tunguska explosion?”

“The student union has no right to interfere in the hobbies of students.”

“There are different kinds of hobbies, but some things shouldn’t be touched by new students.”

“We’ll naturally control this ourselves, so you don’t have to worry about it.”

“I hope that’s the case.”

…

Since it was night time, the temperature outside the hall had greatly lowered. Xiao Lin did not mind since he was in his casual attire, but the Russian woman next to him only had a thin dress on. She shivered under the clear and cold moonlight. From the perspective of Chinese beauty standards, that woman was not extremely beautiful, but be it her aura or her actions, they all exuded a sense of charm that could not be ignored.

Xiao Lin was about to offer his jacket when he stopped, unhappily saying, “Is there a need for this? If you can participate in the friendly match, you should at least be Black Iron-rank, or even Bronze. How could you be afraid of just a little wind chill? I just want to understand the history of your academy. If it’s going to be difficult for you, then I won’t disturb you anymore.”

Diana crossed her arms as she helplessly asked, “Let me ask you a personal question. You’re single, right?” Her tone was very certain.

As a virgin over twenty years of age, Xiao Lin felt a sense of awkwardness. He did not deny it or agree.

Diana treated it as him acknowledging it, so she shrugged and mumbled, “So, it is the case.”

Xiao Lin was speechless at the woman’s jumping logic.

“Ha, cute little virgin. It seems like I hit a sore spot. Let’s change the topic then. Since you participated in the banquet, you should be a tournament participant. I’m very curious, so tell me, why did you participate?” Diana’s tone was more normal. Her observational skills were very sharp, and when she noticed Xiao Lin was not happy, she immediately stopped her teasing, causing him to not truly be angry at her.

Xiao Lin knew she was deliberately changing the topic, but he still answered, “For the rewards. Isn’t that obvious? I hear the final prize is an Eternal Fruit. It’s able to make someone’s ability increase by a great amount. Who wouldn’t be interested?”

“Men just like to fight and kill. How dull.” Diana shook her head.

“Why did you participate then?”

“Me? No no, I didn’t participate voluntarily. I was forced, so I hope those guys aren’t hoping that I will use my full power!” Diana clenched her teeth as she spoke, but after her earlier performance, Xiao Lin could not be certain if that woman was acting or actually being sincere.

However, Xiao Lin’s sense of alertness suddenly increased. He found that his interest had been piqued by her words, and he almost forgot his main reason for coming over. He also noticed from Diana’s words that the woman in front of him was definitely no ordinary person.

Since the woman had been forced to participate, it meant that she was definitely a talent holder, and a very strong one at that!

“It doesn’t seem like you understand Tunguska that much. If the matter is a secret even at the Russian academy, how could you have the clearance to read it as a first-year student?” Xiao Lin immediately pulled the topic back.

“That’s right. You’d at least need to be the dean to read that kind of stuff, so how could I know about it?” Diana’s face had a teasing smile on.

“So, you were lying to me. Then, I…”

“No, I didn’t lie to you. I do know more than a regular person about Tunguska. Even those old folks in the academy might not know as much as I do.” Diana fluttered her eyes before saying, “I forgot to introduce myself. I come from the town of Tula, a rich and beautiful little town in Russia.”

Xiao Lin looked at her, not understanding.

Diana slapped her forehead, adding, “You should properly learn your geography. The town of Tula is at the center of the Evenk Autonomous Okrug, and the Tunguska Event took place there.”

Xiao Lin widened his eyes, realizing what the woman was saying.

Diana smiled and said, “What’s different from the others is that my understanding of Tunguska isn’t from any books of legends, but from my own experience! Actually, to some degree, the fact that I can enter the academy is due in large part to the explosion all those years ago.”