White Tower.
The Council Chamber.
A meeting is in progress.
Three magi, each wearing red magus robes, sit side by side.
They are a diverse trio: in the center sits an elderly man with a white beard, on his left is a thin-faced man with sunken eyes, and on his right is a cheerful-looking man in his forties with a portly figure.
Across from them sits a man from the Citizens Assembly Hall, dressed in the garb of a councilman. A balding middle-aged man.
"Do you magi understand what you're talking about?"
The councilman slams his hand on the table, roaring loudly.
His name is Fred Derrick, a temporary representative elected by the Citizen Council of the Alliance.
Fred is here to interrogate White Tower on their recent, seemingly deranged decision.
"We are well aware, Councilman Derrick," replies the gaunt-faced magus calmly.
"Then you owe me, you owe the Citizens Assembly Hall an explanation!" Fred Derrick's eyes bulge, his face turning increasingly red with fury.
Just four hours ago.
The White Tower informed the Alliance Citizens Assembly Hall that they would officially notify the northern Pangboton Kingdom tomorrow morning—White Tower has chosen to surrender.
As a token of good faith, the White Tower would dismantle ten magus towers on critical border points.
Dismantling these towers would essentially cede territory to the North—a move the Citizens Assembly Hall could not tolerate.
A representative was rapidly elected to confront the White Tower.
"A Temporal magus saw a disaster unfolding in a 'Prophetic Illusion.' It originates from the Eastern Archipelago. If left unchecked, it will be an existential threat to us all. Therefore, we must focus all our resources against this emerging peril from the Eastern Archipelago," says the elder magus in the center.
"Temporal magus, you're not talking about that young girl from the Church of Light, are you?"
Fred Derrick seemed to hear the joke of the century. "Honorable magi, do you actually realize what you're saying? A childish utterance from an underage girl born in the Church of Light scares you into this state?"
"In truth, it's not just the Prophecy Spell that has alerted us to the impending calamity; our contacts in the Eastern Archipelago have also relayed disconcerting news," the jovial, portly magus spoke.
"Of course, Councilman, as you're not a member of our White Tower, I won't go into the details," he continued, his face always a canvas of light-heartedness.
"I represent the Assembly; I have a right to full disclosure. You insult me!" Fred Derrick erupted in rage.
The portly magus, still smiling, said, "Councilman, you misunderstand. I've always spoken in this manner. If you doubt, you may ask around about what sort of person Red-robed Magus Maples is."
Maples?!
Fred Derrick's expression tightened.
Jack Maples, one of the most gifted magi in White Tower in the last twenty years.
A mere year after awakening his magus bloodline, he was chosen as the 'Son of White Tower'.
Even more impressively, his breakthrough had caused the Bloodline Clock at the pinnacle of White Tower to ring six times—he had a golden bloodline.
Rumor had it, he had a high likelihood of becoming an Epic Magus.
"I apologize for my earlier rudeness, your honor," Derrick lowered his head. Even a councilman from a prestigious family dare not offend a potential Epic Magus.
"But I still need a clearer explanation; otherwise, the opposition in the Assembly will remain strident," Derrick said.
The gaunt-cheeked magus spoke, "Tell them, a 'tainted-beast' is awakening."
"What are tainted-beasts?" Derrick asked.
"When the Ancient Fallen roamed the earth, they shed corruption. Some Spellbeasts consumed this corruption, giving rise to these tainted-beasts," the elder magus briefly explained the origins.
Derrick wanted to inquire about what an 'Ancient Fallen' was, but the magi seemed disinclined to elaborate further.
"Is a tainted-beast truly so formidable that we must make such significant concessions to the Kingdom in the North?" Derrick asked.
"If we had more magi in golden robes, or even a single one in white, the tainted-beast would hardly be an issue. But we don't," Maples answered with a smile.
"Very well, I hope we can withstand the public's wrath," Derrick bowed his head.
Surrendering to the Kingdom in the North was an unequivocal humiliation.
The tide of public opinion wouldn't crash against the White Tower because they had magi; the Citizens Assembly Hall had none.
"The meeting is adjourned," the elderly magus announced.
"Then, I take my leave, honorable magi," Derrick stood up.
"Oh, almost forgot," Maples suddenly called to Derrick who was preparing to depart. "Councilman, do inform your fellow assemblymen—if they have children sitting for the academy exams the day after tomorrow—to be mentally prepared. There's been a minor rule change."
"What sort of change?" Derrick asked.
"Our endearing headmaster, after hearing the grim news, believes the examinees should finish their tests promptly. The ones to be eliminated will be done so swiftly, and the ones to be enrolled should get in quickly," Maples shrugged, "In essence, he doesn't want too many people gathered at the academy."
"Thank you for the warning," Derrick removed his hat and gave a gentleman's bow.
Turning to leave, he closed the grand doors behind him. The chamber fell into a fleeting silence.
The gaunt-cheeked magus took out a report, his eyes reflecting approval. "Major Reno Regava from the port district sent a report. An intermediate 2nd ring magus encountered dark magi at sea. The outcome was rather favorable; he hunted down two fallen ones and captured the Death Ship."
"An impressive feat; he's eligible for this year's 'Son of White Tower' examination," Maples chuckled.
"But the records show he resigned from the magus guild two days ago," said the gaunt-cheeked magus.
"Why?" Maples expressed astonishment.
"The reason might be here," the gaunt-cheeked magus took out another document, his eyes flickering. "This is his guild resignation form."
With a flick of his wrist, the gaunt-cheeked magus sent the document flying towards Maples, as if it had grown wings.
Upon catching it, Maples' lips quivered ever so slightly.
"His mentor is Catherine Latovia?!"
"Yes, the very woman none of us wanted to consider," said the gaunt-cheeked magus.
"Maples, bring that child to me," the elder who had maintained his silence thus far finally spoke.
"Of course, Elder Doe," Maples replied respectfully.
The elder stood, and as he did, the cuff of his red magus robe was revealed. On it were unmistakably nine white rings.
...
Deep into the night, while the majority of San Sorus' residents were nestled in the sanctuary of dreams, a lavish estate came alive.
Members of the Padorn family were gathered in the family's secret chamber, discussing matters of urgency.
Darwin Padorn was among them, seated in the last chair, closest to the door.
Yet, a smug expression was etched on Darwin's face.
The assembly consisted of the family's core members—some were Advanced Magi, while others were members of the Citizen Council.
Darwin was the weakest among them, but also the youngest.
His presence in this meeting signified his rising stature as one of the future core members of the Padorn family.
A middle-aged man began to speak, "Darwin, you were summoned here because there is something of vital importance that you must be made aware of. Listen closely."
"I will, Father," Darwin nodded.
Mozart Padorn nodded in satisfaction, sweeping his gaze across the hall before saying, "We have received two pieces of news from the Council today."
"First, the White Tower is planning to surrender to the Kingdom in the North, apparently due to the emergence of a tainted-beast in the Eastern Archipelago."
"What even is a tainted-beast? Ah, never mind, it doesn't concern us. Even if the end of the world is nigh, it's for the magi of the White Tower to deal with; their towers are the tallest, after all," one Padorn chuckled.
Laughter rippled through the rest of the Padorns in agreement.
"However, the surrender by the White Tower is significant, and we should consider what business opportunities it might create for us," another Padorn pointed out.
Heads nodded in collective assent.
"I was thinking the same," Mozart Padorn acknowledged before continuing, "The second matter is that, due to this tainted-beast, the academy wishes to quickly disperse the crowd gathered there. Thus, this year's entrance exam will likely be completed within a single day."
Finishing, Mozart turned his attention to Darwin, "Tomorrow, you should carry that item with you."
"With it, you will accomplish two tasks. First, prevent Miss Howard from passing the exam one final time; second, eliminate that mongrel Bairon to avenge Dave!"
"I will, Father," Darwin said solemnly.
The mere thought of wielding the treasure stored in the family vault made his blood run hot with anticipation.