Chapter 57: Underground Tunnel
Henry was curious about the shopkeeper, but he also wanted to know the purpose of this mission. He followed behind Conrad. Felicia stayed behind and continuously strengthened the entrance.
Her life magic was still too weak, so she had to incrementally cast spells to grow the plants.
Henry heard them chant for a lot of times. He got bored, but he couldn't initiate any conversation since he couldn't ask what they were planning to use the tunnel for.
If they knew he wasn't a part of the mission, he was worried they'd stop letting him follow.
After a few hours, the group slowly raised the tunnel and eventually left the depths.
They came out and looked around. This area was within a forest outside of Virtue City. It was a little higher and allowed them to see a large part of the city.
Henry finally understood.
This tunnel's purpose was to allow the magi of the academy to leave and ambush the people of the Center Empire embedded in Virtue City. After all, it would be easy for the Center Empire to prepare if they saw a lot of magus teachers leaving the academy's gates.
The tunnel was a great way to hide their movements.
"We're done here. We should return and let them deal with these punks."
Gorhei stretched his body. Repeatedly chanting and using up the mana in his body made him tired.
"Do what Felicia did earlier," Conrad said to Henry.
"Sure."
Henry shrugged his shoulders. He waved his hand, and golden light flowed out.
The moment the light touched the soil at the entrance of the tunnel, vegetation rapidly grew. They grew large and hid the tunnel from view.
His casual action, astonishing result, and the ease of which raised the eyebrows of the five. Their curiosity about Henry's identity increased a lot.
"Who are you?" Rex asked.
This student was a little too good. He should be popular. At the very least, he should've heard of him.
Conrad's face darkened. The thing he didn't want to happen was about to.
"Henry, Henry Cloud."
Henry smiled at them. He winked at Conrad, who visibly looked uncomfortable.
"Henry Cloud? Who?"
Marina was confused.
"You're THAT Henry?!" Raphael exclaimed in disbelief. His usual silence in the group evaporated.
"AH!"
Marina and the other magus teachers were enlightened.
They collectively stared at him with shock. It made sense now as to why Henry said he was proficient in all of the elements.
There was a good chance it wasn't a lie. His master must be so high-level that it was easy to teach the different elements to a disciple.
"No wonder…"
Gorhei only had respect in his heart. He had heard a lot about this guy.
It was said that he easily defended himself and his disciple against seven ambushers. He even helped Judy resolve a generational problem her family had.
There was the rumor of him being the Principal's illegitimate son, but no one was able to prove it.
And knowing that Henry was already a High-class magus, he believed that he was destined for greatness. The academy was merely the start of his rise to the top.
"Guys, remember. We still need to inform the Principal that we're done," Samuel said. He was also curious to learn more about Henry, but he knew they needed to get going.
The group of magus teachers had a lot to ask Henry. Unfortunately, they were pressed for time.
"Henry, once you reach the Master-class, I want to duel you," Gorhei smirked.
"I'm not interested." Henry shook his head.
He would gain nothing to duel this person. He didn't even have a good impression of him too.
"You don't want to? I'm the best at Earth magic amogus."
The others looked away. Marina rolled her eyes and sighed. It was Gorhei's tendency to brag.
No one corrected him. It could be seen that he told the truth.
Henry shook his head. Whatever proficiency or understanding he had with Earth magic, it would not be able to compare to him.
Gorhei frowned, and his pride was hurt. He sighed and entered the tunnel first. The others nodded at Henry to show their approval and followed Gorhei.
"Don't worry. He's a good person," Marina said and entered.
Conrad glanced at Henry and did the same.
And so, Henry was left alone outside. He glanced at the city far below.
It was bustling and several carriages left and entered through the main road.
"I don't need to get Felicia…"
Henry could guess that the Center Empire had prepared for another ambush. If Felicia was with him in the city, it would be harder to protect her.
Henry slipped away. He silenced his footsteps and ran down the hill. He wanted to confront the shopkeeper.
A magic weapon that could touch the soul was not a simple one. There had to be a reason why. Henry couldn't remember how it was done, but he knew it could only be done around the higher level.
Henry jogged for ten minutes and arrived at the city. He avoided the main streets and ran through the alleyways.
He was worried he would get spotted by the people of the Center Empire.
He entered a clothing store and bought a hooded cloak. He covered his head and hid his face.
Once he was sure it was perfect, Henry returned to the main road and found the shop.
Instead of seeing the shop's front, it was a restaurant!
Almost a hundred people were dining inside. The servers were shouting, and it was a bit steamy inside.
"What?"
Henry took a step back and looked around him. The shops in the vicinity were exactly the same. The location along the main road was the same too.
He wasn't in the wrong place.
"What's going on here?"
Henry entered the restaurant. He looked around him in confusion.
This restaurant was bustling and popular. It didn't look like it was a new one.
He reached the counter.
"Table for 1?" the young woman asked.
"Wait. Was there a… magic weapon shop here?" Henry asked, very confused.
"Oh! You're the person. Here. Someone left this note for you."
She handed him a small letter. He opened it and read its contents.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone