In the southern region of the kingdom, where most of the organizations originated stands one of the tallest towers that's only second to the Tower Master's building in that region. And that belongs to the organization called, Iron Blood.
They are a group of radical mages that don't want to be tied down by the Tower Masters and their authority, most of the people in the kingdom call them, the Black Tower. And just like any other organization, they have already caught wind of William's achievement.
"We cannot just sit here and do nothing. That brat found an answer to the Void Mages' condition. Think about how easy it would be for us to get them on our side and rebel. There are more Void Mages than all other kinds of mages combined. This is an opportunity for us!" a man with half of his face burnt suggested.
Unlike the various Towers, the disciples do not have a uniform to follow and only their executives have the right to wear matching clothes to show their superiority compared to others.
"Yes. That is a good suggestion, I will not lie. But have you already forgotten how it all ended the last time you did something out of our jurisdiction? The Blue Tower Master blasted a spell that burned half of your face as a warning. That shit can't even be healed with healing spells. As long as that tower stands beside us, we cannot act as much as we want. That is how the kingdom wants to keep us in check."
The busy atmosphere disappeared after the man spoke. His authority exceeds them as the right hand of their tower, the Vice-Master. "We must listen to what Master has to say first before we speak our minds." He turned to his side and bows his head as someone wearing a mask and iron gloves reaching all the way to his elbow like an arm guard.
The moment he appeared, all of the executives stands up and bow kneel before his presence. "We greet the Master." They all greeted in unison. They are so uniform that when the Master gestured them to take a seat, they all moved and sat in complete unison.
"I heard Mr. Garan's suggestion. It is a good one, I must say. Winning the Void Mages' favor to join us is indeed a great plan. But the problem is just as Kayle pointed out. I have moved the way I want for everything up until now but this time, I will require everyone's suggestion. Mr. Garan has already spoken his mind, what about the others?" he spoke with a husky voice but that did not bother them.
On the contrary, they are greatly moved that he had not only appeared before them, he also spoke with them.
"In that case, I would also like to propose what I have in mind, Master." A man with a blindfold initiated. "Very well. Go on."
"We all know that the Blue Tower Master is the one that's keeping us in check, being one of the few Primordial Mages in the entire world, he is expected to be strong. So how about we start attacking him from the smallest point? His disciples for example. We can slowly convert them to come to our side. Surely, most of them are ambitious and with a little proposal, they will come to our side." He suggested.
All of them are speechless. It was a plan filled with stupidity. It is written on all of their faces but none of them dared to utter a word in their Master's presence. "Hmmm, that is a really stupid plan, Mister Roan. Surely, you have something in mind to do to successfully achieve that."
It's just as their master says and they easily agreed without hesitation. Roan flashed a smile and added, "We have to target the ones that have great ambitions, not for the kingdom but themselves. The world is not perfect. There will be those that are bound to be like that, we must aim for those people." His voice sounded reliable.
He somehow speaks the truth. They all know that not everyone inside the Towers are good-natured people. Some did it for fame, and money and some do illegal things. Those are the people that Roan was referring to. People can easily be swayed by their goals.
Their master claps his hand. This is an eye opener to the rest of the executives and soon, they clap their hands as well.
"Great plan, Mister Roan. Those people are indeed good targets. If an armor is attacked at a certain point, it is bound to be weakened and the weapon can pierce through it. Though we must take measures to remain undetected, I will consider it." He congratulated Roan who proudly smiles at the others after looking down on his plan.
"See that, bastards? The master just praised me. How dare all of you look down on me earlier. Eat your words!" he said to himself. "Now then, is there anyone that wants to propose something else?" they all turned to look at each other. Then a man with his arms crossed speaks up,
"I want to hunt that brat down. Everything will be easy as long as we have him in our hands. I will gladly hunt him myself. If anyone is willing to join me, I would gladly welcome them." He boldly said with a stern tone. "Hoh~ looks like Ander aims for the Void Mage which makes sense since you are the only one with the spell that can successfully trick anyone. Even now, you are using it."
The confidence on Ander's face disappeared the moment their master figured out that he is actually not with them. His master's voice sent shivers down his spine as if he is looking directly at his soul. "I apologize, Master. There is something I need to do. Hence, I cannot attend the meeting personally."
Their master pardoned him knowing that what he is doing is for the sake of their Tower after all. "Anyone else has a suggestion?"
That was all, none of the suggested anything after Ander. And because of that, he distributed everyone to achieve the suggested plans. He made the other executives help the three to immobilize easily. "I will expect an update every month so do everything you can."
He left the meeting room and went to his chambers to rest. That is when all of them can act however they want.
"That was intense. To think that the master met with us. It is such a great honor." Most of them are delighted to see the one they are serving and others are less enthusiastic about it since it is not their first time seeing him.
"I guess we are in this together, Ander. When do you plan to leave for that town?" Surfer, a fellow executive asked. "As soon as possible. We cannot drag things for long. The pressure from the Blue Tower is too great. If we cannot break away from it then we will not be able to even in the future. We must act now that an opportunity appeared." The executives smile and agreed.
They all discussed and elaborated their plans to each other before leaving the meeting room to do their part.
TAK! TAK! TAK! TAK! TAK! TAK! NEIGH!
"So this is Ryod, the southern region of the kingdom," Mark said to himself as his carriage enter the toll gates. "Wait for me, William. I will surely beat you soon." He said with a smile.