The tower masters in the room were totally stunned by Lady Evangeline's bombshell: there are at least three level 3 wizards in the lightning magic tower. And for a master to handle two disciples with the power of a level 3 wizard, the third wizard must be way stronger than even Lord Gandril and Mystara. The burly bald guy was sweating buckets, thinking, 'No wonder their master was able to defeat the grand paladin and the pope at the same time.' And the other tower masters weren't much better off—they all looked like they'd seen a ghost.
Then, clap! Lady Evangeline clapped his hands and said, "Enough with the introductions, Let's get down to business. Let's delve into the crux of why I've called this meeting. It concerns the very reason why the esteemed master of Lord Gandril and Mystara dispatched them to aid us. I trust you've all received word of the recent events sweeping across the continent— the rampage of the magical beast berserk."
The tower masters' faces turned serious.
"It's not merely heightened aggression we're contending with," Lady Evangeline continued, her voice grave. "These beasts have undergone a drastic surge in strength as well. Allow me to illustrate." Lady Evangeline gestured to the middle of the room, and suddenly, a hologram of a four-faced box popped up, playing videos on each side. The footage showed a giant leopard wrecking houses and fields like it was nothing. Three level 1 wizards, judging by their robes, tried to take it down, but they barely scratched it and only managed to scare it off.
"As you're all aware, this leopard is a silver-striped lightning leopard, typically categorized as an early level 1 magic beast. However, despite the combined efforts of one late level 1 wizard and two mid-level counterparts, they only managed to inflict minor injuries. I wish I could say this was an isolated incident, but unfortunately, there are numerous other examples that suggest otherwise." Lady Evangeline said as she showed more videos of stronger magic beasts.
Then she displayed holograms of various beasts before and after this surge in strength. "We've compiled data on their appearances prior to and following this incident," she explained. "As you can see, the beasts have not only doubled or tripled in size, but they've also become significantly stronger and more aggressive."
"Their increased aggression has led to attacks on merchants traveling along roads, even when accompanied by large retinues, as well as on villages and, most critically, on farms and grain-producing fields," She paused, scanning the tower masters' serious expressions.
"I understand that all of us have been striving to calm the populace and protect our grain fields, but the reality is that our manpower is insufficient," Lady Evangeline acknowledged. "Moreover, adding Lord Gandril and Mystara to our ranks wouldn't significantly improve the situation if we continue to divide our focus between defense and grain field protection. That's why I propose initiating an early Magical Beast Extermination operation. With Lord Gandril and Mystara leading the charge, even the possibility of encountering level 3 magic beasts shouldn't deter us."
As soon as Lady Evangeline finished, the other tower masters nodded in agreement, understanding the necessity of the plan.
Then, Lady Evangeline turned to the other tower masters and asked, "What's your take on this?" Even though it sounded like a question, it was more of an instruction, one that the other tower masters couldn't really refuse. But despite the firm tone, they were on board with the plan, recognizing it as their best shot at turning things around.
The thing is, even though the Fulminar Empire was ruled by the lightning magic tower, the other towers controlled smaller kingdoms that were vassals of the Empire. These kingdoms were vital for their resources and income. But with the recent surge in magical beast activity, their resources were taking a hit, and chaos was spreading through their territories.
They simply didn't have enough manpower to protect the grain fields and the villages on the outskirts. But abandoning them wasn't an option either, since the grain fields were the kingdom's food source, and the villages supplied essential magic plants and herbs to the tower. So, focusing on a Magic Beast Extermination would really help slash the threat from those critters, giving them some breathing space.
Just as the tower masters were getting ready to dive into the operation's details, the head of the water magic tower casually raised her hand. "Forgive the interruption," she began, "but we seem to have overlooked another pressing issue which is the sudden aggression of farm animals such as cows, sheep, chickens, and horses. This has not only disrupted trade but also led to a scarcity of tame horses and meat."
"Ah, I nearly overlooked that. Thank you for the reminder, Vivienne," Lady Evangeline said, shooting Vivienne a look that said, 'Hey, you're actually useful.' Vivienne just glared back in response.
After wiping a small smirk off her face, Lady Evangeline displayed a hologram blueprint of a formation in the middle of the hall. "This is the formation developed by Sir Cedric and Sir Zack to address the problem," she explained before passing the floor to Sir Cedric for further elaboration.
Sir Cedric, rising to his feet, expressed his thanks before curtly outlining the formation's function. "In essence," he began, "when activated, this formation can pacify aggressive farm animals, such as horses, almost instantly. We estimate the effect to last for about six months, but recommend reactivating the formation every four months for safety. Additionally, the formation's size can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. I urge you to consult your formation experts for verification. That concludes my explanation. Thank you."
"We need not verify the authenticity of the formation if it comes from Sir Cedric, I cannot express enough gratitude to the Lightning Tower for generously providing us with this solution." The muscular bald tower master declared, rising to his feet and offering a salute to Sir Cedric. The other tower masters echoed their appreciation, expressing their thanks as well.
Zack glanced around at the tower masters, feeling a bit dazed. He had stopped Sir Cedric from getting up and explaining that most of the formation was actually his doing. It would be a real pain, and he knew the other masters might not buy it anyway. Plus, given more time, Sir Cedric could probably whip up something similar. Zack had just done it faster, so he didn't feel the need to brag.
But it was pretty much a given that the other towers would thank the lightning tower for providing the formation. With the level of formation masters they had, it would take months for them to come up with something half as good. With Zack and Sir Cedric, the only two level 3 formation masters on the continent, working together, they churned out this almost flawless formation in less than a week.
Then Zack noticed the master of the fire magic tower was back to floating above his chair. Earlier, the kid had been sitting properly after Lord Gandril and Mystara showed up, but now he was slowly drifting up again without anyone seeming to notice. Zack was speechless. 'This kid's got some nerve. If those level 3 wizards weren't his clones, he'd probably get attacked for being so disrespectful.'
Aside from that, Zack was still a bit dazed. 'So this is the big disturbance I saw', he thought to himself. He'd seen the increase in magic beast attacks on his badge notifications, but he hadn't realized it was this serious. That's why Sir Cedric had practically begged him to help create the formation, and they'd worked on it like their lives depended on it. Of course, Zack had let go of any grudges and worked happily, especially since the lightning tower had generously compensated him for his efforts.
"There's one more matter to address before we proceed with the details of the magical beast extermination," Lady Evangeline interjected with a serious tone. "You all should be informed about the 'birth of the heroes.' Lord Gandril and Mystara will assist in retrieving the infants and ensuring their safe transport to the towers specializing in their respective elemental affinities."
"I dare say, isn't entrusting such a task to Lord Gandril and Mystara a bit excessive? And, pardon my skepticism, but how can we be certain that you won't simply claim all the babies for yourselves?" voiced the head of the Wind Magic Tower, his words cautious as he navigated the touchy subject, not wanting to step on any Lightning Tower toes. His concerns echoed among the other tower masters, who shared similar worries but hesitated to speak up.
Lady Evangeline didn't bat an eyelash at the question, promptly displaying an image in the center of the hall. "We've detected suspicious movements indicating a significant number of magic beasts converging on the areas where the infants are located," she explained calmly. "Furthermore, our scans have detected fluctuations indicative of level 3 beasts among them. We fear that relying solely on the resources of your respective magic towers may not suffice to repel such a threat."
As the tower masters paled at the news, Lady Evangeline kept going. "In light of this, I suggest that following this meeting, each of you personally retrieves the infants to ensure their safety and swift relocation. Transmit your location signals to us, and we, specifically Lord Gandril and Mystara, will assist you individually. And if you harbor concerns regarding Lord Gandril and Mystara's intentions, I invite you to hear directly from them."
Gandril and Mystara, who had remained silent with closed eyes throughout the meeting, suddenly opened their eyes. Despite not releasing any mana pressure, the intensity of their gaze was enough to make the tower masters feel a distinct sense of pressure.
"I, Gandril, solemnly swear by the mana to refrain from causing direct or indirect harm to the chosen infants and to safely deliver them to their respective elemental towers. Should I fail in this oath, may I forfeit my status as a wizard for eternity."
"I, Mystara, solemnly swear by the mana to refrain from causing direct or indirect harm to the chosen infants and to safely deliver them to their respective elemental towers. Should I fail in this oath, may I forfeit my status as a wizard for eternity."
The tower masters were taken aback by the sudden oath from the level 3 powerhouses. Ignoring the stunned silence that followed, Gandril continued, "We hope this assurance alleviates your concerns. Rest assured, we have been entrusted by our master to ensure the infants' safety."
"Now I will deliver a message directly from our master," Gandril added before closing his eyes once more.
Suddenly, a surge of power emanated from Gandril's body. Before it could reach Lady Evangeline, a barrier materialized around her, protecting her from the surge. With her gaze redirected, she noticed Lord Mystara nodding silently with his characteristic soft smile, though his eyes remained expressionless. Meanwhile, the sound of crackling electricity drew her attention back to Gandril.
She watched as he became enveloped in a swirling mass of electricity, his hair and robes fluttering in its wake. Then, as Gandril opened his eyes again, she saw that his pupils had vanished, replaced by bright blue lights that seemed to pierce through the room.
The other tower masters gritted their teeth, struggling to endure the overwhelming pressure emanating from Lord Gandril.
"Hear ye, hear ye!
In the days ahead, a tale unfolds,
Where darkness creeps and fear beholds.
The moon may bleed, the sun may weep,
As shadows deepen, secrets keep.
In the Forest of Death, where whispers grow,
A great evil stirs, with a deadly glow.
Near the death of what's yet unknown,
A chilling presence, all alone.
But hark! Brave hearts shall rise,
With valor shining in their eyes.
Protect them in their moments frail,
For destiny's scale shall tip the tale.
Yet caution, friends, don't celebrate too soon,
For lurking still, beneath the moon.
Evil's grip, though heroes fight,
The outcome hangs in darkest night.
So heed this prophecy, both grave and true,
The fate of all may rest on you.
In the turmoil's midst, stand tall and clear,
For in unity, there's naught to fear."
Gandril intoned, his voice alternating between cheerful and somber tones. With those cryptic words spoken, Gandril's pressure suddenly dissipated, and the flickering lightning surrounding him vanished. However, he slumped in his throne, slowly fading away—a sign that he had lost consciousness, causing his projection to disappear from the room.
Breaking the stunned silence that had settled over the hall, Mystara, who had remained silent until now, spoke up. "Well, everyone, those were the words our master tasked us with conveying to you. They were implanted into Gandril himself by our master's will. Apparently, even a fraction of our master's power was enough to render us unconscious. Fortunately for me, I was not the chosen messenger," he quipped, trying to lighten the mood. But the solemn atmosphere remained thick in the room. Mystara's monotone delivery only emphasized the seriousness of the situation, leaving no room for laughter.
"Well, now you understand that this disturbance is no ordinary one. A dark future may loom ahead, but take heart, for the heroes will arise. Understand that the chosen infants hold greater importance than initially believed. Protect them with your lives if need be, for the fate of the continent hangs in the balance. That concludes my message. Remember to notify us of your location once you've found the infants. We must ensure their safe arrival at their respective towers."
With those final words, Mystara disconnected from the hall, his figure fading from his throne.