I became a god through archaeology in the Wizarding World.

As the noise subsided, the backstage lounge of the arena was far from peaceful.

The air was filled with the faint minty scent of the advanced recovery potion.

There's no more assessment for Rhodes today; the next one is in two days.

Rhodes was sitting on a bench. Although his bare upper body had returned to its normal skin color, the explosive power contained in his muscle lines was still visible.

Before him, the bloodline instructor Galon was gesturing wildly with the parchment forms in his hand, like a salesman.

"Rhodes, once you sign this document, you'll be a core apprentice of the Bloodline Law Academy! You'll receive a monthly stipend of fifty magic stones, your own laboratory, and you can even apply to undergo a baptism in the Blood Pool! That's an opportunity countless people dream of!"

A longing gleamed in Galon's eyes.

In his view, Rhodes' wild atavistic bloodline was like a rough diamond, which, with a little polishing, would become the future flagship of the bloodline system.

Nearby, Professor Isaac huddled in a corner, clutching the teaching assistant contract he hadn't even warmed yet, looking utterly dejected.

He knew that a department like the history department, which was supposed to be a quiet, unambitious institution, couldn't possibly retain such a monster.

Rod took the application form and glanced at the generous terms.

If it were the old Rhodes, he might have agreed without hesitation.

But now, his goal is not just to become an apprentice.

The excavation of the underground ruins is at a crucial moment; it is a deal between him and the king, and also the source of his greater power.

If they moved to the Bloodline Tower, although they would have more resources, they would also be subject to stricter surveillance and would not be able to freely enter and exit the underground.

"Master Galon, your kindness makes me feel unworthy."

Rhodes slowly put down the parchment, a hint of embarrassment and... on his face.

"But I can't leave the history department."

"What?!"

Instructor Galon stared wide-eyed, as if he'd heard an unbelievable joke: "Child, did you just hit your head? What future do you have staying in that dusty, tattered place? Do you want to spend your whole life carrying stones?"

"No, mentor."

Rhodes stood up, his gaze fixed on Professor Isaac in the corner, his eyes hardening: "When I was at my lowest point, starving to death, it was Professor Isaac who took me in. Although I have awakened my bloodline, I cannot abandon him during his most difficult time; that would be betrayal."

After these words were spoken, the lounge fell silent for a few seconds.

Professor Isaac suddenly looked up, tears streaming down his face.

He never expected that this usually taciturn assistant would be so loyal and devoted!

Even the mentor Galon was stunned. In the wizarding world where profit is paramount, such foolish loyalty is rarer than a unicorn.

But the admiration in his eyes only deepened.

A student who values ​​relationships is much easier to manage than an ungrateful wretch.

"Good! Well done, you haven't forgotten your roots!"

Mentor Galon patted Rhodes on the shoulder forcefully and laughed heartily, "Since you insist, I can't be the villain who breaks you up. How about this, I'll give you a special privilege."

The old man waved his hand dismissively: "Your student status will be under the Bloodline Department, and you'll enjoy the benefits of a core apprentice. However, you can continue to live in the History Department and serve as Professor Isaac's teaching assistant. But you must come to the Bloodline Tower three times a week for guidance. How does that sound?"

This is exactly what Rhodes wanted.

They gained the protection and resources of the bloodline system, retained the freedom of the history system, and could continue to explore underground.

"Thank you for your generosity, mentor." Rhodes bowed deeply, a slight smile playing on his lips in the shadows.

Just then, the door to the lounge was pushed open.

A tall man in a law enforcement uniform walked in.

He had a similar profile to Brutus, but his eyes were more sinister and cold.

Kruger Ironhands, the vice-captain of the enforcement team, is also Brut's older brother.

The atmosphere in the room instantly turned cold.

"Mentor Galon."

Kruger bowed slightly as a sign of respect, then his serpentine eyes locked onto Rhodes.

"Congratulations, Rhodes Apprentice. I never expected that a golden phoenix could emerge from the ruins of the History Department."

His voice was calm, but everyone could hear the suppressed killing intent beneath: "My brother Brutus died in the Misty Forest, supposedly from a monster attack. Now, seeing your strength... I suddenly feel that the monster might have had a human face."

This is a blatant accusation, and Rhodes had anticipated this when he decided to reveal his strength.

Instructor Galon frowned, about to speak up in defense of his new student.

Rhodes stepped out first.

Instead of backing down, he met Kruger's gaze and took a step forward.

"Captain Kruger."

Rhodes' voice was steady, but tinged with a hint of provocation: "I'm also sorry about the accident in the forest. If you have any suspicions, you're welcome to investigate at any time. However..."

He raised his right hand, lightly flicking non-existent dust off his sleeve with his fingertips, and said meaningfully, "Next time, it's best not to send that kind of trash who can't even beat a magical beast. After all, I'm not in a good mood these days."

Kruger's pupils contracted sharply.

He never expected that this newcomer would dare to threaten him to his face!

But seeing the mentor Galon standing behind Rhodes, and Rhodes' right hand that had once shattered the Wind Barrier, Kruger forcibly suppressed the urge to attack.

"very good."

Kruger sneered, turned, and left: "The future is long, Rhodes. I hope your bloodline will always protect you."

Rhodes's gaze gradually turned cold as he watched Kruger's departing figure until the man completely disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Deep in his mind, the tremors of the "Species Atlas" did not cease with Kruger's departure; instead, they grew increasingly cold and viscous, like a slippery venomous snake slowly crawling along his spine.

Rod was very familiar with this feeling.

That was the aura he occasionally sensed when he was moving corpses in the Necromancer's guild—pure death and malice.

"Not Kruger..."

Alarm bells rang in Rhodes' mind: "Someone else is watching me."

After thinking for a while, Rhodes shook his head, exchanged a few more pleasantries with his two mentors, and then left the room.