The Rich Cultivator-Chapter 247. Reunion with Mana

"We can only keep her alive inside the capsule until we find another solution," Tyler said gravely.

The group had already returned to the Elite Academy of Magic and Technology, where Serena’s condition remained dire. Inside the Time Freezing Capsule, Serena floated peacefully, her life preserved for now by the machine, which was powered by both Aura and Prana Stones.

Tyler handed a storage device filled to the brim with the stones to GG, his expression unreadable.

"Your only task is to take care of Serena," Tyler said. His tone left no room for negotiation, though GG didn’t need any convincing.

GG accepted the device with a solemn nod. She understood the gravity of her responsibility. Serena’s current suffering was, after all, partially her fault.

When GG opened the storage device, her eyes widened in shock. The sheer number of Aura and Prana Stones inside was staggering, far exceeding her expectations. Even with her divine sense, she couldn’t gauge the full extent of the wealth it contained.

Tyler didn’t wait for her reaction. He turned and strode out of the room, his mind already on the next steps.

Behind him, A formation activated around the room, totally concealing it.

Waiting for him outside was Professor Ellen, a middle-aged woman wearing a veil with an air of authority and a presence that turned heads. Her figure, especially her ample chest, only added to her commanding aura. She had been one of the interviewers during admission interview, sitting alongside the Principal and Vice Principal.

Ellen had the third-highest authority in the academy, teaching both Technology and Elements. Her dual expertise made her an invaluable figure within the institution.

"Thank you for your help, Professor Ellen," Tyler said, bowing respectfully.

"It’s nothing," Ellen replied with a warm smile. "You’re a friend of Elowen, after all. Helping you was the least I could do."

Tyler blinked in surprise. "You know Elowen?"

"She’s my daughter," Ellen said casually, enjoying the momentary shock on Tyler’s face.

Elowen is the witch in the south, who studies Stars and Planets. Elowen helped him to form a contract with Mathilda to keep her from leaking the secret.

"You’re her mother?" Tyler asked, his surprise evident.

His gaze slightly shifted to her breast.

’Yub she is not kidding.’ He thought.

Ellen chuckled softly. "I am. But let’s not dwell on that. I didn’t do much to help you today. The real credit goes to the Principal. He’s the one who restrained the Vice Principal. I was merely escorting you all."

Tyler’s curiosity got the better of him. "If the Principal has always been able to keep the Vice Principal in check, why did the Vice Principal try to kill Serena now?"

Ellen’s expression darkened slightly. "It’s because of you."

"Me?"

"The Vice Principal harbors a deep grudge against Serena’s family," Ellen explained. "Years ago, during Project T, her father accidentally caused the death of the Vice Principal’s son. It was a tragic accident, but the Vice Principal never forgave him. He’s been waiting for an opportunity to see Serena’s family suffer.

"Serena only survived this long because the academy is protected by Immortal-Level Arrays. Those arrays made it nearly impossible for him to act openly. But now, with you involved, she might get enough funding to continue her project. That’s why he acted now."

Tyler absorbed the information in silence, his expression thoughtful.

"So," Ellen said after a pause, "what are you planning to do next?"

Tyler’s gaze was steady as he replied, "First, I’m going to rebuild this academy’s facilities. Then, I’ll find a way to bring Head Serena back to consciousness. I won’t stop until she’s on her feet again."

Ellen’s eyes gleamed with interest. "There might be a way to help her walk again. But... it’s not a cure."

Tyler leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "What’s the solution?"

Ellen smiled knowingly, her confidence unmistakable. "Don’t forget—I’m a Professor of Technology, too."

She crossed her arms under her chest, emphasizing her assets. The motion caused the two "giant things," as Tyler privately referred to them, to jiggle slightly.

For a brief moment, Tyler’s eyes flicked downward, unable to resist the distraction. Ellen noticed but said nothing, her mischievous smile growing wider.

"W-what is the solution?" Tyler asked again.

"Hmm... Call me after you’ve renovated the academy," Professor Ellen said, her voice laced with mischief. "I’ll bring those devices. Oh, and don’t forget—you have to pay for them."

With a wink, she turned and left, her confident stride echoing through the corridors.

After sending off Ellen, Tyler wandered back toward the lab. As he walked, his eyes caught on scattered debris along the way.

"Hmm? Where’s the canteen?" he muttered, scratching his head in confusion.

It was odd—he had clearly remembered the canteen being nearby, but now it seemed like the space had been entirely demolished during the academy renovations.

Shaking his head, he decided to head back. Inside the lab, Darla was busy preparing dinner. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air as Zuzia, in her adorable cat form, sat beside her like a well-behaved kitten. Her folded wings added an extra touch of charm.

Tyler joined the girls at the table, and they ate together in comfortable silence.

"Looks like it’s time to focus on expanding our business on the continent," Tyler announced after they finished dinner.

Lily raised an eyebrow, then leaned back in her chair. "Ah... It’s been a year since we joined the academy," she mused aloud, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

Tyler nodded in agreement. "Yeah... We need to finish everything we can this year because once the third year starts, we won’t be able to leave the academy easily."

He wasn’t wrong. The academy’s curriculum for third and fourth years was entirely different. During those years, students were thrust into specialized environments designed to teach them everything. Leaving the academy grounds would become nearly impossible.

"It’s been a year... So that means..." Mathilda began, her voice trailing off.

Tyler smiled faintly, knowing exactly what she was getting at. "That’s right. Our merchant ship should be reaching the continent soon. And it’s time for me to go back and pick up Mana."

A month passed swiftly. The academy was bustling with activity, as renovations were in full swing. Construction crews worked tirelessly to restore damaged facilities, while others expanded the academy grounds.

It wasn’t just the academy itself that saw changes. Tyler had discovered that the vast desert surrounding the academy also belonged to its jurisdiction. Deciding to make full use of the land, he hired professionals to transform the barren expanse into a sprawling garden, complete with streams, lakes, and lush greenery.

The project was ambitious, but Tyler spared no expense. His vision was clear: the academy would become a sanctuary of both knowledge and beauty.

Once the major groundwork was underway, Tyler decided to leave the academy for a brief trip. His destination: Cedar Island.

Arriving at the island, Tyler stepped out of the teleportation hub and immediately felt a rush of wind. Before he could react, a large figure leapt toward him and enveloped him in a warm hug.

It was Mana—in her true form.

Her hands spread wide, casting a shadow over him, while her radiant smile lit up her face. She held Tyler tightly, as if afraid to let go.

"Welcome back," she said, her voice soft yet filled with emotion.

Tyler couldn’t help but smile back. "I’m back."