Holding the mana core in her hand, Ajani's gaze turned icy. "No one has ever refused a gift from me. What do you mean by this?"
"I don't believe that was the attitude of someone giving a gift," Bairon replied with a hint of a smirk. "Moreover, I have a good idea of what you'd like me to do with it, but I won't be absorbing the mana within."
A touch of annoyance clouded Ajani's face. "Drawing from mana can indeed be harmful, but when weighed against your life, isn't it more important?"
"It's precisely because life is important that one shouldn't absorb mana," Bairon chuckled.
It wasn't just "somewhat harmful"; it was profoundly dangerous.
Otherwise, Lady Charlotte wouldn't have warned him, and the side effects of the "Flesh" had already served as a clear warning to Bairon.
"That's a choice you've made," Ajani responded, pocketing the mana core.
A thought seemed to occur to her as she inquired, "Not many magi, even in the White Tower, are aware of the risks of mana. Who taught you?"
Magus Towers constructed by the magus guild in various city-states of the alliance were always pristine white.
Yet, when a Battle Magus spoke of the "White Tower", they could only be referring to the magus guild's headquarters located in the capital of the Provincial Alliance, San Sorus.
That tower was the tallest on the entire continent and was home to the finest Battle Magi of the Provincial Alliance.
"My teacher?" Bairon pondered.
Mentioning Rueel's name was out of the question.
Ajani was astute—realizing Bairon's impending duel with his illegitimate son, she'd deduce that Rueel couldn't possibly be Bairon's mentor.
Furthermore, Bairon viewed Rueel with such disdain that he didn't want any association with him.
"His name is Old John," Bairon finally said.
"If you don't want to share, that's fine." Recognizing the mundane name, Ajani chose not to press further.
She then stated, "In five days, I'll attend the duel at the Magus Tower. As a Son of the White Tower, it's my duty to oversee and ensure the fairness of actions by Chief Stewards in Magus Towers everywhere."
"But since the duel is already set, and you've refused my goodwill, I can only wish you luck!" Ajani added with a hint of finality.
"Thank you for your blessings, esteemed magus," Bairon replied, taking Evelyn's hand and turning to leave.
As Ajani remounted her steed, she suddenly realized that the Intermediate Magus hadn't mentioned his name. "He's been ignoring me the entire time!" Ajani exclaimed, gritting her teeth in irritation.
...
Magus Tower, first floor.
Within a secluded reception room, an air of intense dissatisfaction permeated.
"This is a blatant disrespect towards the Church of Light! Why should I, of all people, be made to wait in this tiny room on the first floor of the Magus Tower?" Priest Matthew Hampton of the Church of Light paced the confined ten-square-meter space, his hair disheveled in his agitation.
Yet, as discontented as he was, Matthew showed no intention of leaving the room.
Within the Provincial Alliance, the Church of Light's position was somewhat awkward.
Firstly, they worshipped one of the Ancient Seven Gods.
However, after the era of Millennium Darkness, very few still believed that the Seven Gods could save the world.
Secondly, with Magus Towers spread throughout the Provincial Alliance, residents could simply approach the magi with gold coins for assistance.
Their services were efficient, swift, and transparently priced, further diminishing the church's influence.
Yet, the Church of Light persisted.
This was largely because they assigned a Chanting Magus to every church, serving in the capacity of a priest.
Nobles, merchants, and even the magi of Magus Tower were keen to befriend a Chanting Magus skilled in healing arts – after all, illness and injury could befall anyone.
Matthew Hampton was one such priest.
Thus, when Sailport built its church, the community coexisted harmoniously, at least in Matthew's eyes.
As a mid-level Chanting Magus, he found the Magus Tower coming to him for help more often than he needed them.
But things had changed.
A magus with the rare Red Bloodline had emerged from the Magus Tower.
Before a Master Battle Magus, a Intermediate Chanting Magus's status paled in comparison.
Not wanting to tarnish his reputation with the Magus Tower any further, Matthew took a deep breath and restrained his anger.
"Father Hampton, perhaps you should take a seat and rest. Maybe Rueel, the Chief Steward, is occupied with urgent matters," William Jona, who had arrived around the same time, suggested.
Beside him sat a young girl, dressed in finery – the dazzling jewel of Sailport, the sixteen-year-old Anna Jona.
Due to the room's suffocating heat and confined space, beads of sweat formed on Anna's forehead.
"We've suffered enough in this cramped space, Mr. William," Matthew responded, pushing open the door with force. A breeze swept in, cooling the room instantly.
"He really should have come down by now," William remarked, glancing at his gold pocket watch with evident annoyance. They'd been waiting for over three hours.
At that moment, a magus entered the room, lifting his chin with an arrogant demeanor.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began loftily, "Chief Steward Rueel will receive you on the third floor."
"Did he know in advance how stifling it would be in here?" Matthew remarked with a cold huff.
"If you're not pleased, you can always leave," the magus responded with a smirk. "Those were the exact words of Chief Steward Rueel."
"Thank you for Chief Steward Rueel's concern, but I would still like to meet with him," Matthew replied, barely concealing his frustration.
Matthew was indeed displeased, but leaving wasn't an option.
The Red Bloodline was a rarity in Sailport, one that might not surface for centuries.
Lawrence, with this lineage, was a pivotal figure to win over and curry favor with for the church's interests in the region.
"Then please, follow me," the magus said, chuckling.
Soon after, under the guidance of the magus, Matthew and his companions found themselves on the third floor, in a room far more spacious and comfortable.
Before entering, Matthew whispered to William, "Are you truly considering giving Anna's hand in marriage to Lawrence? I've heard he's not the easiest man to get along with."
"Marriage has a way of maturing a man, Father," William responded with a grin.
Matthew sighed, "I hope so."
Upon entering, they saw Rueel engrossed in some paperwork.
Without offering them a seat, Rueel kept them standing.
For half an hour, they stood there, until Rueel finally finished and looked up with a smile, "Father, I've heard you have a deep appreciation for literature. Could you tell me if this letter I've written meets the mark?"
Before yesterday, Rueel would've shown deference upon meeting Matthew.
But now, he was asking Matthew to review his documents as if he were a mere servant.
So, he had us wait for three hours in that suffocating, cramped room just to write this blasted letter?
Matthew thought, suppressing his anger.
Drawing upon the unique skill priests possessed to shift demeanors effortlessly, he put on a smiling face, "I'd be delighted to assist you."
Matthew glanced down at the letter.
It was addressed to the San Sorus Magus Guild headquarters, requesting the White Tower to acknowledge Lawrence's awakening of the Red Bloodline.
San Sorus had seen its fair share of prodigies, and the once-in-a-century Red Bloodline of Sailport might be considered a mere second-tier in their eyes.
Had Rueel lost his senses?
"Impressive, isn't it?" Rueel asked with a sly smile.
"Remarkably so. Your literary prowess surpasses even mine, Chief Steward," Matthew complimented, choking back his distaste.
"I've always believed that," Rueel chortled, "or else I wouldn't have such an exceptional son like Lawrence."
Matthew and William exchanged glances, mutual embarrassment evident in their eyes.
"Well, enough pleasantries," Rueel's tone shifted, becoming more businesslike. "Let's discuss some pressing matters."
Matthew and William straightened their stances, anticipating the forthcoming demands.
"Firstly, Mr. Matthew, I would like you to break your habit of visiting the Shadeveil Mountains only once a month. From now on, you will stay on the mountains for a full fifteen days every month," Rueel declared.
"Fifteen days? Why such a lengthy duration?" Matthew questioned.
"Because Bairon will meet his end in five days," Rueel said with a cold huff. "Although that foolish cur is dispensable, he's been rather useful. Without him guarding the ruins' entrance in the Shadeveil Mountains, Magus Tower will have to dispatch an additional ten magi. And I don't want them meeting untimely deaths."
"And the church's Mass?" Matthew probed further.
"Joshua can take over. Besides, you barely have a handful of believers to begin with," Rueel laughed, finding amusement in the idea of leaving the Mass to an acolyte. "Consider this a favor, given our past relations. Otherwise, I'd have added another ten days. You should be grateful."
"Or perhaps you plan to resist the soon-to-be Master Battle Magus?" Rueel fixed his gaze intently on Matthew.
After a moment of struggle, Matthew relented, "I agree."
"Good." A smug smile appeared on Rueel's face as he turned to William.
William Jona was about to introduce his daughter when Rueel interrupted, "As for you, Mr. William, even though Lawrence has awakened the Red Bloodline, ascending to a Master requires vast resources. And accumulating those resources demands a solid backing of gold coins."
"I'm more than happy to sponsor," William replied with a smile.
"Excellent. You own eight shipyards. I'll be needing five of them," Rueel stated.