Hearing what the Lich in disguise just said, the atmosphere in the room became a decree colder than it was before.
"Master Velkir, I disagree with this decision." Azrael said with a harsh tone, his eyes burning fiercely with mana.
"And of what basic is you disagreement of?" Velkir said with his cold voice.
"It's off from the risk involved in that mission. Not only are we talking to face a Magus, but the main ruler of the Arcana kingdom. A 5th-tier who appeared amidst the highest of magic."
"If we were to fight him somewhere out of the open, I wouldn't have been disagreeing. But fighting him on his magic tower, a man with the resources of a whole kingdom? I simply don't see the viability of that suicide mission. Someone like you, Master Velkir, should already know of this no?"
Having his decision be questioned, Velkir didn't feel much of anything and simply showed a small smile.
"That's indeed the case, Azrael. Fighting a magic caster on his territory is one of the stupidest things that someone could do. And considering who owns the place that we will be raiding, it is understandable to question my decision."
"In fact, I would even find it all the weirder if you haven't done so. Fighting a 5th-tier inside a magic tower is close to impossible for us. Even someone of the same tier as the tower master will find it difficult to realize against the Magus."
Sartan who was listening from the side, scoffed out aloud to show his disapproval of Velkir's words.
He found the word impossible to be some sort of challenge.
Just like when he surpassed his own race and achieved what was said to be impossible. Killing the Magus and Conjuring his tower.
A achievement worthy for a future king!
Danzel in turn shook his head internally at Sartan.
If Velkir and even Azrael say that it is impossible, then that was a matter of fact.
The others were of the same opinion.
While he noted this piece of information for the future, Velkir continued.
"But that's only the case if we enter the tower while the master is at home. As the day when we raid the magic tower comes, I can confirm to everyone that the "Magus of the Tower", wouldn't be pressed."
Turning towards Azrael, Velkir's blank eyes burned with gray mana.
"If that were the case, will you still be in disagreement, Azrael?"
"No, Master Velkir." Azrael said while closing his eyes and resting on his seat.
Moving his gaze towards the frowning Agares, Velkir continued.
"Our main mission in that tower will be of claiming its core, in the worst possible scenario, destroying the core will also count as a success, though with less profit..."
"When the day arrives, we will split into two teams. Those who entered inside the tower to complete the mission and those who stay and hold off the armies of Arcana from interrupting the first team.
"The first team who will be responsible for claiming the core will be the following."
Raising his staff, Velkir started to point at the member of the first team.
"Agares and Vanessa."
"The members of the second team will be me, Azrael, Sartan, Danzel, and Shiro."
"Velkir-!" Agares raised up from his seat, only to be interrupted by Velkir.
"My decision has been decided, Agares. Among us, you two are strong enough to endure the arrays and traps of the magic tower. Where I and Azrael are at our strongest against the armies. Sartan is too unreliable to join you two." He said, receiving Sartan's scoff.
"As for Shiro, though she has talent, she is still a 3rd-tier with inexperience. For that reason, I will keep her on my side during the battle and guarantee her safety, unless you want her to come with you to the tower. Though I doubt you want that" Velkir said with a chilling voice.
Making Agares sh*t up.
He would love to stay outside beside his granddaughter and keep her safe just as he promised his daughter. But refusing to help at the tower might break the deal with Velkir. And considering that Shiro's condition has been working, he couldn't refuse.
That, and he was also in debt to the staff.
"I will do as you say..." Agares managed to say, with a voice that tell that he was unwilling.
"As for Danzel...he should be able to endure to some certain extent the tower and unlike Shiro, he has fighting experience. If it weren't for the fact that he is of the 3rd-tier, I would even send him to help you two."
'In other words, I will be looked after like Shiro because I am too weak...' Danzel grumbled internally.
He wouldn't say that he had an overwhelming pride for his strength, as he would do anything to win and survive a fight. But being babysitted made even him feel bitter.
"This is everything that I had to discuss with you."
Tapping his staff to the floor and creating a small echo appear through the room, the magic barriers that were placed before crumpled and became visible before disappearing.
"Our first fight will be in a few days, till then prepare and...rest accordingly."
Rising up from his seat, Velkir left the room with the other soon to follow, including Danzel.
Knowing that he had not much time left, he rushed to his rune to make some final judgments in his armor, in particular carving the [Rune of Intimidating Will] in his helmet and finishing the request of Sartan and Vanessa.
Though for now, he decided to finish his armor first before carving out the other runes.
According to Velkir, the first fight didn't sound as dangerous as the raid of the tower.
If he was lucky, he could carve the [Rune of Intimidating Will] at the [Bad] quality.
Not optimal, but far better than the other runes that he had carved on his helmet.
"There is no time, I might as well start-"
"Hey, Danzel! I heard that you called for me!" Vanessa said while coming into his room with overflowing enthusiasm.
Seeing that, Danzel cursed internally.
"I did indeed tell you brother to send you here..."
'A few hours ago.' Danzel added in his head.
"Does that mean that you can finally carve the runes?"
Nodding his head, Vanessa's purple eyes brightened up.
"Great!"
Throwing her cloak to the ground, revealing her almost naked body, her private parts covered by black bandages that were in fact a artifact far stronger than some steel.
Several black bandages started coming under the already existing ones, but instead of them crawling on her skin, the bandages seemed to float around her whole body as if they were about to cover her whole.
And Danzel expects to see what she once mention to happend of how this artifact covers her whole body and such.
But what happend next came to be unexpected.
The black bandages seemingly floated to the air, instead of attaching to her skin, they started to fall to the ground as if the magic that kept them floating was canceling.
Resulting in Vanessa's whole body being exposed in front of Danzel.
No hint of embarrassment and neither shiness was on her face, instead, she stood tall, prideful about showing her perfect body.
"..."
Danzel stared in silence at her before looking towards the artifact on the ground.
His previous plan of a few seconds ago was completely out of the window.
'No all plans go according to the plan He sighed internally.
***
At the same time, in the magic tower of the Magus.
Inside a circular room with no windows in sight, brightened up only by artificial light.
There were 3 different platforms with several small pulls of water.
The lower the platform, the more pools were to be seen. A device that was able to project one whole body and voice from far distances using the water of the pool
Marking those with political power and being titled as a Great Mage. The title is given only to the 3rd-tier magic casters.
On the middle floor, only those who possess the title of an Archmage could be projected.
And at the very top, the pools were made out of some kind of gold-like metal, containing crystal clear water where the rulers of Arcana would be projected. The 5th-tier magic caster, containing the title of Magus.
But the master of the tower did not need to project himself in his own home.
Currently standing at the top of the platform with his physical body, looking down on a single figure projected on the middle platform.
The Magus of the Tower opened his mouth behind his mask.
"Archmage of the mercenary organization, named Durendal, Nevvan. The Arcane is in need of your service at the borders."
The pool that projected an old man with a long white beard and a staff in his hand, nodded his head.
"As you wish, Magus of the Tower."
