Zatiel was immersed in his laboratory, crafting runes for 'Secondary Consciousness' and 'Aerial Walk'. He had already gained partial understanding of the 'Transfiguration' rune, lessening the effort required to craft it, but he was still not sufficiently acquainted with it to commence its creation. Moreover, even if he were, the amount of energy required to create a rank 1 rune far exceeded what he currently possessed.
Despite a Neo-demon having superior energy quality and quantity compared to a Magus of the same rank, creating a rank 1 rune is still a formidable task, especially considering 'Transfiguration' is high-grade, and Zatiel is yet to reach the pinnacle of rank 0.
As Zatiel was about to conclude his day, an indifferent voice resonated throughout his house.
"Apprentice Zatiel, Magus Jhon summons you to the fourth floor of the tower. Your immediate presence is required."
The voice, issuing the command as an absolute, departed as abruptly as it arrived, not awaiting a response.
"So, they have finally reached out, sooner than I anticipated. Perhaps I underestimated the significance of the runes. No matter, let's see what they desire."
Zatiel was untroubled by the summoning, perceiving a Rank 1 Magus as commonplace, in contrast to most apprentices who would feel apprehensive due to the mystique surrounding such figures.
However, another inhabitant of the house was far from composed.
"Zatiel! What has transpired? Have you crossed someone? Why is a Magus summoning you?"
Sophia, her face a mask of terror, fired questions rapidly, her fear of Magi evident.
"Relax, it's likely about information on my runes or a potential transaction. There's nothing to fear."
Typically indifferent to such reactions, Zatiel chose to alleviate Sophia's concerns by clarifying the situation.
Sophia, realizing the summon was not for punitive reasons but related to rune crafting, eased her anxiety.
"They might be interested in your crafting methods."
Sophia, though not well-versed in runes, recognized Zatiel's exceptional talent and speculated the Magus might be interested in his methodologies.
"They already possess complete knowledge of my crafting process and abilities."
Zatiel was indifferent about his crafting methods being public knowledge, deeming them mere rank 0 runes, sufficient to dispel suspicions of external assistance.
"How? I haven't disclosed anything about what I observed in your laboratory."
Sophia, aware that no one besides her had access to Zatiel's workspace, was apprehensive he might suspect her of espionage.
"Your perceptiveness leaves much to be desired."
Zatiel teased, seeing her distressed state.
"Hey! What do you mean by that?"
Sophia, no longer anxious, retorted.
Zatiel, pleased to see her relaxed demeanor, proceeded to inquire, "What are Magic Towers?"
Sophia, though puzzled, provided a comprehensive response.
"They serve as Magus headquarters, optimized for meditation and equipped for experiments, while also functioning as fortresses, enhancing the abilities of the controlling Magus."
"Right. Would you allow hundreds within such a valuable asset without precautions?"
Sophia, grasping Zatiel's implication, responded, "So, the entire tower is under surveillance?"
Her gaze scoured the surroundings for hidden devices.
"Nothing is visible, and surveillance is not constant, mostly triggered by proximity to vital areas or when higher-ups seek information on someone. Now, I must depart, but I'll return shortly."
Zatiel exited, unperturbed about the upcoming interaction.
.....
Zatiel promptly arrived at the fourth floor, where a small golem welcomed him and escorted him to Magus Jhon's abode, a structure reminiscent of an apprentice's dwelling, albeit larger and constructed with superior materials.
The golem led him to a large room where a middle-aged man awaited him. Zatiel scrutinized the man as he approached.
'A Rank 1 Elementium Magus. Judging by his magnetic force field's potency, he must have advanced recently. And he's utilizing my runes.'
"Apprentice Zatiel extends greetings to Magus Jhon."
Zatiel bowed, paying respect to the man before him. In his past life, a Rank 1 being was inconsequential, but now, he was no longer the Archdemon but merely Apprentice Zatiel. Nonetheless, his ego didn't preclude him from showing due respect.
'So this is the runemaster. Typically, their progression in power is sluggish, yet his energy already rivals a pseudo-magus despite his youth.'
Jhon's eyes flickered with envy as he assessed Zatiel. Envy from a Magus towards an apprentice seemed unlikely, but given the inherent superiority of Neo-Demons, even to dragons, Jhon's emotions were comprehensible.
"I'll cut to the chase. Arthur's master intended to eliminate you, but I intervened and compelled him to retreat."
Jhon's expression was laden with pride, feeling superior for having, in his perspective, saved Zatiel's life.
'So, he's merely a mediator.' Zatiel was indifferent to Jhon's demeanor; rather, the divulged information intrigued him.
He realized a Magus wouldn't antagonize a peer over an apprentice without external directives. Zatiel maintained an expression of initial fear, transforming into relief upon learning of Arthur's master's expulsion.
"My gratitude to you, Lord Magus."
His face expressed sincere thanks, improving Jhon's mood and enhancing his sense of superiority.
"Your gratitude is noted. I've agreed to extend my protection for five years. Within this period, you must attain the status of a Rank 1 Runemaster and subsequently craft eight runes of my choosing."
Jhon handed a parchment to Zatiel containing a contract reflecting the terms discussed, specifying a certain Clyde as the beneficiary of the runes.
'Accepting seems prudent. Rebuffing may provoke Clyde to drastic measures. While he's not an imminent threat, dealing with him would draw unnecessary attention.'
"I accept your proposition, Lord Magus."
Zatiel signed the contract after ensuring its regularity, which then returned to Jhon's possession.
"Very well, you may depart."
Jhon dismissed Zatiel immediately upon receiving the signed contract. Zatiel, after a courteous bow, exited and made his way back to his dwelling.