Hammer and Astro went back to the Silver Mist region, they can only join after getting the call from the academy they applied.
For Hammer, Gin spoke with Reyna. If there aren't any problems, he will receive his call in a few days. Astro can only wait until one of the academies call him.
As for Gin, he was busy making preparations for his mission. He selected a simple mission: Hunt the Ice-scorpion that formed four cores and obtain its Elemental core.
It's a simple mission but the Ice-scorpions can only be found in the Extreme Snow Region.
The extreme snow region is situated in the southern part of the Human continent, a very dangerous and life-threatening place that only a few dare to venture.
Few places on the Human Continent has been deemed as dangerous. Gin knew of few such places:
Endless Forest that embraces the entire northern part of the continent, Extreme Snow Region, Golden Desert of the East, and the locations where the 5-star ruins are located.
There are various reasons why these places are dangerous and fatal to humans but for the Extreme Snow Region, there are only two reasons.
One - Terrible weather conditions that most humans can't withstand and unfamiliar terrains. Humankind has never set foot inside some of the places within the snow region, they remain unvisited to date.
Two - Magical Beasts that are native to the arctic regions and can survive in chilling weather.
There are even stories that some powerful creatures exist in the core regions. Of course, it's just a myth since no humans have ever seen them.
Anyway, it's better to be safe than sorry. It's a land flourished by unfamiliar beasts that may haven't smelled or seen humans, after all.
As Gin was busy gathering some materials and other stuff, the news of him picking a mission reached the ears of people who want him dead.
--
In one of the Garde-2 student room,
"Brother Ortun, do you think our information will reach Old Man Mesryth's ear?" Adrin asked, biting his nails.
"Don't worry. I heard things weren't peaceful between the upper echelons of the Silver Dragon domain and Old man Mesryth.
If the Ruling family doesn't take any action even after our valuable information, the relationship between them and Old man Mesryth will decline. They knew too.
At least for the sake of stifling his rage, the Silver Dragon domain will do something. We just have to wait for the result." Ortun grinned, showing an evil expression.
Adrin emptied the wine cup and forcefully smashed it against the table. "Pity, I couldn't kill him with my own hands."
The humiliation and disgrace he experienced still flashes before his eyes sometimes. Above all, the disgusted look that Luna gave him is the hardest and worst blow.
He wanted nothing but Gin to disappear from the face of this world.
--
Silverwing Tower, Southaven city.
Halzix massaged his temples to pacify himself, hearing the report from the green-haired man standing before him.
It's a small matter that isn't worth his time but due to a single element—he has to involve in the matter and make a decision, personally.
But, it's not that easy.
On one side Protector Mesryth, a loyal, powerful, and influential figure of the domain. The Silver Dragon domain can't lose both him and the Bluehorn family's strength behind him.
On the other side, Demoness of the Blue Orchid academy, Reyna Moon.
He even forgot about the incident that happened three months back since he has thrown it out of his mind long ago. He even sent Protector Clif to appease the anger of Lady Moon.
But, Old Man Mesryth didn't want to let it go even after he personally made a visit and requested. He understands losing his grandson created an irreconcilable hatred and isn't an easy blow to take.
But, he can't let his actions affect the entire Silver Dragon domain.
Killing that young man named Gin is an effortless thing, but standing behind him is 'her'.
"Who wants to make use of our strength? I have to applaud they have the guts." Halzix chuckled, calming himself.
"It's just some juniors with a good background who has an enmity with that young man." The green-haired man, named Olin replied.
"The youths nowadays are fearless. Daring enough to scheme before the Silver Dragon domain. Warn them, if there's the second time kill them directly."
"Yes," Olin acknowledged.
"Let's talk about that young man...what's his name again?" Halzix asked.
"Gin Reyheart."
"Yes...what do you think about him?" Halzix asked. He knew someone who could attract the attention of Reyna Moon isn't an ordinary person.
Olin knew Halzix is asking whether the young man is a threat or not. "He's just an ordinary young man who trains his physique as he couldn't even awake his spirit seal.
But, over the span of the last six months, his strength soared to a new height. In the Windspear ruin expedition, he defeated the Fiend troops and obtained a transcended-grade technique and Mortal-grade weapon."
"Transcended-grade technique?" Halzix squinted his eyes. It's vital information why didn't others notify him about it.
"Yes, but it's a Physique Cultivation technique and was directly imprinted in his mind," Olin explained.
"Ohh."
Transcended-grade technique is something that deserves their attention. But after hearing it's a Physique cultivation technique he lost his interest.
In truth, the physique cultivation techniques aren't new to them they have some in their treasury too. But it was of no use, as it's laborious to practice and achieve a breakthrough.
"We don't know his exact strength but from the information we gathered, I am sure he can fight some weak seal opening stage practitioners who opened a single hidden Seal.
If he somehow breakthrough to the Seal Opening stage, he's definitely a threat to us." Olin told.
"Protector Clif, what do you think about this matter?" Halzix asked. It's a simple matter to deal with the young man named Gin but the question is, whether they are prepared to face the trouble that comes after.
Old man Clif suddenly emerged next to Halzix and spoke in a raspy voice, "It's up to the Domain master to decide such matters. But I recommend against provoking that girl Reyna.
She's several times stronger than before. We need to display some of our trump cards to defeat her."
"Is she that strong?" Halzix asked, unbelieving.
"Yes. She can defeat me in a few moves If I don't use my Transcendent-grade weapon." Old Man clif said, gently stroking his goatee beard. Unashamed by the fact that he's weaker than her.
"All kinds of geniuses pop up in the continent but why none arise from our domain." Halzix shook his head in disappointment.
"Master Halzix, there are many criminal organizations around the continent. Hiring the best one should solve our current predicament." Olin carefully suggested.
Though Halzix was discontented by the idea that the ancient family like themselves has to resort to such petty measures, he knew he has to do something.
"Good! Hire a powerful, yet low-level organization; their strength shouldn't be too high nor very low.
It should look like an accident and there shouldn't be any traces; none should know it was done by us." Halzix agreed, deliberating for some time.
"Don't worry Master Halzix, I will personally see it through the end," Olin assured and left the Silverwing tower in excitement.
It's the first time Domain Master has entrusted something to him so he will do whatever it takes to finish the matter successfully.
"Protector Clif, when's the next Rulers Convention?" Halzix asked after Olin left the tower.
"It's been nearly four years since the last one occurred, a year remain until the next one." Old man Clif replied.
"The strength of the Human Union has been growing beyond our estimation, under the current President's leadership.
The Human union's been doing a good job keeping his identity a secret from us. I plan on bringing up this issue at the next convention.
I want another clean-up." Halzix stated.
"It's a good idea. No one in the world can resist the strength of eight Ancient families united." Old Man clif commented.
"Did our mole send any word from the Phoenix valley? We need more information about their sacred ground, only then we can make our move." Halzix asked.
"No, but I heard their King Orion was able to bring the revolt under his control. The strength of both the domains has weakened after his bloodbath but their royal family is still the same, powerful.
They are going to open the Phoneix valley, soon. We may know something after that."
"Then it will be too late." Halzix sighed, "Orion is truly a gifted person as others exemplify, capable of stopping the revolt of both the domains."
"Yes," Old man Clif agreed.
Halzix stood up from his seat, walked towards the glass wall, and gazed at the clear blue sky— lost in deep thought, 'The revolution of Phoenix valley, is it related to the Fiends'? If it's them, then they are plotting something big.'