I, the All-Class Magus, All My Awakening Skills are LvMax

John maintained a calm exterior, but internally, his heart skipped a beat.

"You're wondering how to deceive me, aren't you?"

Principal Sophia said softly, causing John to involuntarily flash a smile.

"How could that be? I was just considering how to explain everything to you thoroughly, without leaving any details out," John replied, feeling the immense pressure of facing a semigod-tier powerhouse.

This was the true essence of a semigod's intimidating presence, far surpassing the pseudo-semigod he had encountered in the secret realm.

"I don't know why the blackouts occurred. At the time, I was only doing what I thought was necessary. If I have to offer an explanation, it might be due to the natives' interference," John confessed, knowing he couldn't completely lie to a semigod-tier being.

"If I must explain, it seems that the secret realm fragment itself, along with its own power of control and the residual consciousness of its natives, somehow influenced the power of control within the realm."

"I'm not sure why, but it seems that this piece of the secret realm definitely did not want its internal happenings to be observed from outside, which is likely why the blackouts occurred."

John spoke earnestly, and Principal Sophia listened quietly, her lips curling into a faint smile that was hard to interpret—whether it was mockery or something else.

"The secret realm fragment was also once mine, yet I wasn't aware of such narratives. It seems you're the only one who has discovered this," she pointed out, clearly expressing skepticism.

However, John did not elaborate further, merely stating sincerely, "This was my first time entering the secret realm, and I'm not sure why this happened."

His implication was clear: it was his first venture into the secret realm, and naturally, there were things he was unaware of.

Principal Sophia, being the former master of the secret realm, should be more familiar with its workings.

Principal Sophia remained silent for a long while, the atmosphere growing somewhat awkward.

John, half-reclining on the bed, felt his breathing become heavier.

He tried to move his fingers but felt as if a massive weight pinned him down, rendering him immobile.

Was this the oppressive might of a semigod-tier being?

It was so overwhelming that he couldn't move at all, and what was terrifying was that it wasn't even directed at him—he was merely caught in the crossfire.

"You are quite clever," Principal Sophia finally said with a slight upturn of her lips, smiling gently.

She knew why John had responded that way; it was essentially because some things couldn't be verified, so he wasn't worried about being exposed.

"Thank you for the compliment, Principal Sophia," John replied with a light smile.

He wasn't afraid that Sophia would see through the matter, as it was essentially unsolvable.

Indeed, it was his first time entering this secret realm, and naturally, there were things he didn't understand.

If even the former owner was unaware of certain aspects, then he certainly knew no better.

"If the fragment has chosen you as its master, then it is your own good fortune. Take good care of it," Principal Sophia said before preparing to leave the room.

"Principal Sophia," John suddenly called out, just as she was about to exit.

Sophia paused, turning to look at John with a hint of curiosity.

"May I ask you a question?" John asked.

"You may," Sophia responded, pausing in her steps.

"Where did you obtain this secret realm fragment?"

John had thought long and hard about this; given that the secret realm was divided into many fragments, perhaps asking Principal Sophia might provide some clues about the locations of other fragments.

If there were any leads, it would certainly be beneficial.

Sophia looked at him, her expression unreadable, as she considered his question.

"You wish to gather the other fragments?"

Although Principal Sophia posed it as a question, her tone was assertive.

"Yes," John admitted openly.

He never felt there was any shame in this desire.

He wanted the other fragments.

He wanted to see what they would combine into.

Moreover, the secret realm fragment seemed to be connected, in some way, to the place he came from.

He was truly eager to uncover what secrets this fragment held.

Sophia slightly lowered her gaze, "That is something you cannot access at this time."

What did she mean by that?

John was puzzled.

"This fragment was a reward I received upon advancing to semigod-tier. You are currently just a gold-tier."

With that explanation, John immediately understood.

No wonder...

He was merely a gold-tier, and reaching semigod-tier might take who knows how long.

"Is there really no other way?"

John was genuinely anxious.

He desperately wanted the other fragments.

While it might not seem important to others, for him, it was essential to assemble all the fragments and see what they would reveal.

"These secret realm fragments typically have owners, and even if they are unclaimed, acquiring them is extremely difficult," Principal Sophia stated plainly, as if just narrating a fact, her tone detached as if discussing something ordinary.

Yet, her words felt as chilling as ice, uneasy to accept.

Though uncomfortable to hear, John knew there was truth in her words.

His gaze lowered slightly in contemplation.

Waiting until he reached semigod-tier would indeed take far too long.

"Focus on healing for now, don't dwell on these impossibilities. These aren't concerns you should burden yourself with at the moment," Principal Sophia advised before she turned to leave.

As she opened the door, she noticed many nobles still waiting outside.

The nobles subtly checked the room, relieved to see John awake, and then respectfully nodded or bowed as Sophia exited.

Only a few of higher stature gave a slight nod without speaking.

Even if Sophia was a semigod-tier entity, to these nobles, she was merely a principal—powerful, yes, but not beyond the realm of human concerns and weaknesses.

They respected her as a semigod-tier, but they did not fear her.

After such a significant incident at Star Cluster Academy, they expected a proper explanation.

Their respect was due to her status, not out of fear, for they knew, at the end of the day, she was still human—with attachments and vulnerabilities.

Once again, John was left alone in the room.

He glanced at his arm where once there had been a mark.

Where could he possibly find another fragment of the secret realm?

If it indeed required a semigod-tier challenge, it was far too remote a possibility for him.

He had a nagging feeling that Sophia had left some thoughts unspoken.

Was it fear that he couldn't complete such a task, or was it something else?

After leaving the hospital, Principal Sophia went straight back to Star Cluster Academy.

Geoffrey had been waiting in the office, and he sighed in relief upon her arrival.

"Principal, you're back."

"What is it?"

Sophia asked coolly as she took her seat, glancing at Geoffrey and Percival, who both seemed hesitant and on the verge of speaking.

"Principal… did you give your secret realm to John?"

Geoffrey finally ventured, despite his reservations.

Sophia slightly furrowed her brows.

"Who told you that?"