Chapter 181 The Villain Lady Arrives 9
What about Miss Vivian?" Tariq asked. He couldn't ignore Vivian's existence. She was an unavoidable obstacle between him and Alice.
Alice shook her head gently, with a hint of helplessness in her eyes: "Ms. Vivian is Alros's fiancée, this is an unchangeable fact. I have never thought of getting in between them, and I don't want to be a burden to anyone."
Seeing this, Alros also explained, "Tariq, I can assure you that Alice is innocent. Our relationship is entirely based on our common pursuit of knowledge and recognition of each other's abilities. As for Vivian, I will properly handle our relationship and will not let anyone get hurt."
As Tariq listened to the two people's words, his doubts gradually dissipated. He looked into Alice's clear eyes, as if he saw the innocent girl in her childhood. He realized that he was almost deceived by the rumors from the outside world and lost the most basic trust in Alice.
"I'm sorry, Alice, I was too impulsive." Tariq apologized sincerely, and a long-lost smile appeared on his face.
"Seeing that you are doing well, I feel relieved. I will study hard in the magic academy and become your pride."
Alice also smiled. She reached out and gently patted Tariq on the shoulder:
"I'm sure you can do it, Tariq. We've always been best friends, haven't we?"
Alros watched this scene, and a warm current surged in his heart. He understood that true friendship and love would not be easily shaken by external interference. He secretly made up his mind to cherish the people in front of him more. Whether it was Alice or Tariq, they were both important and indispensable in his life.
Alice's eyes moved over Tariq, with mixed emotions surging in her heart.
She remembered that in the talent test not long ago, Tariq did not show any special talent to enter the magic academy. At that time, he was just an ordinary boy in the village. He ran in the fields with her and shared a carefree childhood.
Now, he stood here as a brave man. This sudden change surprised and delighted her.
She couldn't help but speak, with a hint of disbelief in her voice: "Tariq, how could you...how could you suddenly become a hero and come to the magic academy?"
Upon hearing this, Tariq smiled innocently. He scratched his head, with a hint of shyness and pride in his eyes:
"In fact, I also find it incredible. That day, a group of people dressed in strange clothes came to the village. They said they were messengers from the capital, looking for the 'hero in the prophecy'. The villagers thought they were liars until they took out an ancient mirror, saying that it could reflect the true appearance of the hero. Guess what? My shadow was reflected in that mirror!"
At this point, Tariq's face was filled with a childlike smile, which was a kind of happiness and excitement of being chosen by fate.
"Afterwards, I was brought to the capital. After a series of tests and training, it was confirmed that I was the hero in the prophecy. His Majesty the King personally received me and gave me this armor. He asked me to come here to learn, saying that he wanted me to become a sharp sword to protect the kingdom."
Alice listened to Tariq's story with tears in her eyes. She was genuinely happy for Tariq. She jumped up suddenly, gesticulating with her hands, her voice trembling slightly with excitement:
"Tariq! You...you really became a hero! This is incredible! I always knew you were brave, but I didn't expect...you really did it!"
She said "really" several times in a row, as if only in this way could she fully express her inner shock and joy.
The students around were also attracted by the sudden bustle and cast curious glances, but they were all attracted by Alice's face full of happiness. They unconsciously slowed down their pace and wanted to find out what was going on.
The third prince, Alros, stood aside, his eyes moving back and forth between Tariq and Alice, his heart also filled with surprise and admiration. He had never thought that this seemingly ordinary civilian boy had such an extraordinary identity.
He smiled, stepped forward, held out his hand, and said sincerely:
"Tariq, welcome to the School of Magic. I have heard about your deeds, which are truly admirable. On behalf of the kingdom, I extend my sincerest congratulations to you."
Tariq quickly returned the greeting. He had never thought that he would have such a close exchange with the distinguished Third Prince, and he couldn't help feeling a little nervous:
"Thank you, Your Highness the Third Prince. I just did what I should do. Please give me your guidance in the future."
Alros nodded, with admiration in his eyes:
"I don't deserve your advice, but we can be friends. Your courage and tenacity are exactly the role models for all of us to learn from. Moreover, I believe in Alice's vision. The friends she values must be extraordinary."
This sentence made Alice's cheeks slightly red. She secretly glanced at Alros, and a warm current surged in her heart. She knew that Alros was giving her and Tariq the greatest support and encouragement in his own way.
"By the way, Tariq, you just got here, you must not have eaten yet? Why don't we go to the academy's restaurant and talk while we eat?"
Alros suggested, his tone full of intimacy and enthusiasm, as if he was inviting an old friend who had not seen him for a long time.
Upon hearing this, Tariq nodded quickly: "That's great, I'm hungry. But...will it be too much trouble for you?"
"How could that be?" Alice answered first, with a smile on her face.
"We are friends, and friends should help each other and share with each other. Come on, I'll take you to try the special dishes of the college restaurant."
As she spoke, she took Tariq's hand and walked towards the restaurant. Alros followed closely behind, and the three of them walked side by side, talking and laughing along the way, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
Inside the restaurant, there was a dazzling array of delicious food, and the aroma was fragrant. Students were sitting or standing, enjoying their lunch time. Alice and Alros took Tariq to an empty seat and began to introduce him to the college's cuisine.
"This is magic bread. Special magic materials are added to it. Eating it can temporarily enhance your mental strength." Alice picked up a piece of golden bread and handed it to Tariq.
Tariq took the bread, took a bite, and really felt refreshed. He couldn't help but exclaimed: "Wow, this bread is so delicious! It has such an effect, it's amazing."
Alros smiled and added: "And this is the academy's signature dish - elemental stew. It combines the power of four basic elements. It is not only delicious, but also can enhance the body's resistance."
As he said that, he served Tariq a bowl of hot stew. Tariq took a bite and felt that the meat was tender and the soup was rich. He seemed to really feel the surge of elemental power and nodded repeatedly.
The three of them ate and talked, the topics ranged from daily life in the magic academy, to their respective dreams and pursuits, to the future and destiny of the kingdom. Although Tariq had just arrived, he quickly integrated into this new environment with his sincerity and courage, and established a deep friendship with Alros and Alice.
After the meal, they strolled along the avenue of the college. The sun shone through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows. Tariq looked ahead, his eyes gleaming with determination:
"Alice, Alros, thank you for your hospitality today. I will cherish this opportunity to study at the Magic Academy and work hard to improve my strength, become a true hero, and protect our kingdom and people."
Alice and Alros smiled at each other, knowing that Tariq had found his own path. They believed that this boy who had grown up with them would shine even brighter in the future.
At this moment, the sky over the Magic Academy was still blue, and the breeze was blowing gently, bringing a hint of coolness and comfort.