Azalea - Temperance and Caution.
In the dim light, the candle sconces on the walls cast an orange-yellow glow. The elders of the academy sat around a massive circular conference table, their expressions grim.
Elder Alden, dressed in a dark robe, frowned and began to speak, "Everyone, we are facing an unprecedentedly severe situation. We don't even know where these people come from or their purpose in attacking the academy and killing."
"Their attire is also peculiar, something we've never seen before," Elwin replied thoughtfully from beside him.
"Should we report this to the king?" a cautious elder with glasses asked.
"Shouldn't we? Strange people have appeared on this land; shouldn't he be responsible? Don't forget how he begged us for help years ago, and afterward, acted as if we didn't exist and suppressed us everywhere!" Elwin immediately stood up, slamming the table, and shouting angrily. The king of the Solan Empire was the only ruler of this land. After achieving unification, he enacted a series of laws to restrain mages, even banning magic in some places. Elwin had no good feelings toward this king who looked down on mages.
"Calm down, I was just asking," the elder shrank back instantly, seemingly frightened.
"But after those laws, the number of rogue mages decreased, and the overall atmosphere improved," a norser elder defended.
"Hmph, did I say he was wrong?" Realizing he was a bit too aggressive, Elwin crossed his arms and sat down, ignoring the awkwardness of the others.
"So, who should we send?" The elders exchanged glances, unable to decide.
"Naturally, it should be Nors and Cecellia. Elder Yu adopted them, didn't he?" A sly-looking elder suggested with a calculating gleam in his eyes.
"Bastard, they're just children, and you want to send them off? What if something happens to them on the way? How will you explain that?" Elwin immediately opposed, refusing to let them go.
"Heh, isn't it time for them to gain experience? Otherwise, how can they live up to the star badges they wear?" Mark sneered.
"Don't think I don't know your intentions. You've been eyeing Nors's sword for years. Are you trying to send him to his death? Are you despicable?" Elwin stood up again, pointing at Mark. It was well-known that Mark coveted Nors's sword, but Elder Yu had dealt with him harshly.
"Why are you so angry, Elwin? Don't tell me you're not tempted? I don't believe it," Mark replied, giving Elwin a contemptuous look.
"Say that again if you dare!" Elwin was already furious, putting his right foot on the table. "What, you want to fight?" Mark glared back, equally defiant. The air seemed to crackle with invisible sparks. The two continued to argue loudly, their voices echoing in the conference room. The other elders exchanged glances, not daring to intervene.
"Enough!" Alden growled, slamming his left hand onto the stone table, causing the nearby elders to worry about his hand.
"Elder Yu is gone, but I'm still here," Alden declared coldly. He and Elder Yu were good friends, and he would not let anyone bully Yu's adopted children.
"Heh, now that you're the Dean, you can abuse your power to protect them," Mark sneered.
"You can challenge me if you dare," Alden's deep voice formed a massive pressure, like an invisible mountain weighing down on Mark. Mark's breathing quickened, the air thickening, making every movement a struggle. He remembered that Alden was already a Dao-ranked mage. After Elder Yu's death, Alden naturally took the Dean's position.
Mark barely maintained his composure, trying to keep a semblance of dignity. He gritted his teeth, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes. When the pressure lifted, he collapsed into his chair, gasping for breath, no longer daring to provoke. The powerful aura had subdued everyone, and silence fell over the conference room.
After a moment of silence, Alden spoke slowly, "They are indeed the most suitable candidates, and their strength is sufficient. Many Star-ranked mages have also died." He stopped Elwin, who still had objections.
"If you're worried, let your son go with them. They'll have company on the road."
"Heh, if you say so, my daughter will definitely want to go too."
"Fine, it's decided. Activate the magical defense array and seal off the academy until the situation is resolved."
In the central garden of the academy, the elders and students gathered. They surrounded the sealed sword in the garden's center. This sword was not only a symbol of the academy but also a powerful sealing artifact. Everyone had a duty to protect it from being destroyed.
As the elders chanted spells, the sword began to glow with brilliant runes, a soft blue light flowing over it. Then, a beam of light shot from the sword's tip, forming a massive magical barrier over the academy. This barrier expanded until it covered the entire academy, enveloping it in a faint blue glow, an invisible wall that prevented entry and exit.
In this magnificent scene, Nors looked up at the forming array in silence, completely isolated from the outside world.
"Ethan, where were you just now? You missed the elders casting the massive array. It was amazing," Alex noticed Ethan and patted his shoulder.
"Checking on my plants," Ethan smiled at Alex.
"Don't worry, I heard it covers the whole academy, so your beloved plants will be fine," Alex assured confidently.
"Nors, Cecellia, and the rest of you, come with me. There's something we need to discuss," Alden said, turning to leave.
Nors and Cecellia exchanged glances, then followed Elder Alden, along with Alex and the others who were summoned. Alex walked casually, hands behind his head. He nudged Nors, "Hey, what's he calling us for?" He was a bit afraid of Alden, who was much stricter than Elder Yu.
"Not sure, probably something important," Nors replied.
"Watch your step, monkey!" Scarlett scolded Alex for almost tripping on the stairs.
"Oh..." Alex walked properly.
They walked through the corridors and arrived at a conference room. Elder Alden sat at the end of the table. Nors and Cecellia sat together calmly, followed by Scarlett and Alex. Alex slouched in his chair, looking relaxed, while Scarlett couldn't bear to look at him. Ethan sat gently to Alex's right.
Cecellia asked softly, "Elder, is it about the unidentified people?" The group exchanged tense glances, knowing this was serious.
Alden nodded, "Yes, the situation is unclear. We need someone to report to the Solan Empire. You have been chosen and will leave tomorrow."
Nors was about to respond when the door opened, and a raspy voice interrupted.
"Well, everyone is here." It was Mark. Ignoring the surprised looks, he casually pulled out a chair and sat down rudely.
"What do you want?" Alden's displeased voice echoed. What was Mark up to?
Mark's eyes darted to Nors, pretending to be concerned, "Nors, where's your companion spirit?"
"Asleep, anything else?" Nors replied indifferently.
Ignoring Nors's coldness, Mark continued, "I heard your companion spirit can use legendary healing magic. Why not leave it here, just in case?"
As expected.
Nors sneered, "My companion spirit is shy and doesn't like strangers. Besides, its magic is weak, just barely usable."
Mark's smile stiffened, but he persisted, "Oh, really? But think of the greater good. With such powerful healing magic, we would all feel more secure, right?"
The old bastard wanted to force Nors to hand over his companion spirit!
Alex wanted to retort, but Alden coldly interrupted, "Mark, I have matters to discuss with them. If you have Norsing else, please leave." His gaze was stern, his patience wearing thin.
Mark fell silent, leaving the room with a look of discontent. As the door closed behind him, his face turned dark. He muttered curses under his breath, "Alden, acting all high and mighty as Dean." He sneered and continued to mutter, "We'll see about that!"