Golden Mage - Chapter 14
Volume 1, Chapter 14
“Welcome.”
As El and her party entered the Tower of Magi, they were greeted by the magicians’ reception.
El, known as an Expert of the 5th class, had earned enough qualifications to receive a warm welcome at the Tower of Magi.
El approached one of the wizards and spoke, “I have come because Bryon Tower Master wanted to meet me. May I be allowed inside?”
“Oh! Is that so?”
The magician hesitated for a moment, then infused mana into a crystal ball to communicate with the top of the tower.
“Yes, yes,” a voice came through, and the magician looked up, saying to El, “The Tower Master asks you to come in. Please proceed to the top.”
As El ascended the stairs pointed out by the magician, she teleported with a flash of white light. When the light faded, she found herself in a familiar office inside the Tower of Magi.
There, they were greeted by Bryon, with his snowy white beard and hair, wearing a robe.
Bryon extended both hands with a delighted expression, “Welcome. I have been waiting.”
El greeted him first, bowing her head gracefully, “It’s been a while, Tower Master.”
“Ha-ha! You become more beautiful as time passes. It’s as if you’re growing younger.”
“Ho-ho! Tower Master, you flatter me.”
No woman would be displeased with such a compliment.
El smiled back, and Bryon also chuckled.
“Heh-heh, it seems you still like being flattered.”
As Bryon turned his attention to El, he noticed a striking resemblance. It wasn’t just because they were similar in appearance, but also because of the unforgettable encounter they had five years ago.
El greeted first, “It’s been a while, Tower Master.”
“Indeed, it has. You’ve grown so much. Ha-ha!”
Bryon smiled warmly at El. Seeing her filled him with pride and joy.
Mastering the magical formulas passed down by El had made Bryon and his magicians significantly stronger. The fact that he had defeated a Sword Master, who was considered unbeatable by 7th class Masters, was proof of that.
While 7th class Masters and Sword Masters were considered equals in most aspects, the Sword Master always had the upper hand in one-on-one combat because the magic required for dodging attacks and performing moving and double casting was limited to 5th class or lower.
To defeat a Sword Master, at least 6th class magic had to be used, but that required time, and the Sword Master wouldn’t miss the opportunity. Therefore, despite the equal status, the Sword Masters were regarded with greater respect in matters of combat.
However, with his drastically shortened magic formulas, Bryon easily overpowered the Sword Master.
Not just once. Three Sword Masters had already knelt before Bryon’s magic.
When this fact spread across the continent, it caused a stir in the magical community. The event of a 7th class Master defeating a Sword Master, something thought impossible, had occurred.
Due to this, three of the eight 8th class Master Magicians, who were considered a secret even within the continent, had met with Bryon.
News of this spread throughout the continent, making Bryon a subject of interest to all magicians. Under these circumstances, how could Bryon not be curious about El?
Moreover, inviting El this time could further elevate Bryon’s status in the Tower.
Bryon invited El and her companions to take a seat.
“I called you here because I have something to discuss. Please make yourselves comfortable.”
Once they were seated, Bryon turned to El.
“Frankly speaking, I heard that you are the one who developed the Magic Stone.”
“Ah, the Magic Stone? I thought so. What do you mean, Tower Master?”
Bryon nodded, “Well, there are not just a few who are after the Magic Stone. It could be a threat to your safety.”
El nodded in agreement, “That’s right. I haven’t mentioned it, but we’ve been under surveillance for the past few months near our home.”
“Is that true, Elly?”
“Yes, fortunately, they were only observing, and there were no other suspicious movements.”
Upon hearing El’s words, Sylphyr’s expression showed concern. Although there were no other signs of danger, it was evident that they had been under surveillance.
“They might be the ones sent by various towers across the continent. Some of them might have already identified the source.”
“And what exactly are you suggesting, Tower Grandfather? Do you want the Magic Stone?”
El asked directly, knowing that Bryon had some kind of proposition.
“Heh-heh, you are as straightforward as ever. Yes, I do want the Magic Stone.”
El chuckled, “Heh-heh! The Magic Stone is indeed valuable. But, wouldn’t it be too straightforward to just ask for it? Could you be more specific?”
Bryon’s laugh indicated that he found El’s words amusing. Trying to deceive the son of the earth was futile. Indeed, he understood that El had developed the Magic Stone.
Bryon explained further, “I mean it literally. I want you to ‘superficially’ hand over the ownership of the Magic Stone to us. If our Tower of Magi is recognized as the producer of the Magic Stone, other towers will readily accept it. As long as the price of the Magic Stone doesn’t exceed that of the existing towers, they will buy it from us. As you know, magicians spare no expense when acquiring research materials. If we can supply the demand, other towers will pay attention to us.”
“I see.”
El understood what Bryon meant by the term ‘superficially.’ He was suggesting to be their shield in exchange for the Magic Stone.
However, it was clear that this was only a superficial reason. There must be more to Bryon’s words.
Bryon clarified El’s doubts, “Literally, I want you to tell us the secrets of the Magic Stone. Our magicians at the Tower will then produce it and sell it to the top of Devell. As long as you guarantee a profit of five gold per piece, we are content.”
El grinned, “Heh-heh! And you also want to analyze the magic circle, right? Isn’t that so?”
“Heh-heh! Sylphyr, you have raised a fine child. It seems impossible to deceive you. Heh-heh, yes, you are right. I am interested in studying the magic circle. Not to mention that, if we produce the Magic Stone, we will be able to procure it ourselves, isn’t that right? You are safe, and we can gain significant profits.”
“Hmm… that makes sense.”
El glanced at Sylphyr. She wanted to hear her opinion as well, even though she had already made her decision. Sylphyr’s approval would give her peace of mind, as she was still a mother who had to guide her son along the right path.
Seeing El’s gaze, Sylphyr smiled beautifully. She felt a bit melancholic, as her son had already grown up, but she also found comfort in his mature and confident negotiating skills.
“Mother wants to hear Elly’s decision.”
El nodded, confirming her decision.
“Alright then. First, I have a favor to ask.
I would like a manual on sword techniques. I have some books that surpass the Kingdom’s library, so I think there should be manuals on basic and advanced sword techniques. Please give us one of each, tailored for women.”
Kaina’s face turned red, but she was happy that El was making a request on her behalf.
Bryon readily agreed, “Sword techniques? We have plenty of copies, so even if I give you several, it should be fine. I’ll provide all the sword technique manuals in the Tower. However, considering your initial request, I believe you have more to ask.”