Lucian paused as he sensed an unfamiliar presence outside—a second-tier apprentice waiting at his door.
"Master Lucian, I'm a student of Master Homer Bennett," the apprentice said with evident respect when Lucian opened the door. "Master Bennett would like to meet with you and Master Lilia tonight to discuss arrangements for the upcoming joint mission."
"Bennett?" Lucian was momentarily surprised. Homer Bennett was a seasoned third-tier apprentice hailing from a wizard family with a formal sorcerer in its ranks. Lucian himself had little to do with him... except for the two other unfortunate souls also assigned to oversee Cossay Island. Lucian quickly pieced it together.
In his residence to the south of Greybone Academy, Bennett looked darkly at a trembling servant in front of him. "These were the patriarch's exact words?"
"Y-yes..." the servant stammered, cowering on the floor, terrified. Though he was only a commoner and not even a first-tier apprentice, Bennett's oppressive aura made him feel as though his very soul was quivering.
"Damn it, damn it, damn it!" Bennett roared, unleashing a flame missile that instantly turned the unfortunate servant into a charred husk.
After venting his fury, Bennett slowly regained composure, though his clenched fists still tightened and loosened as he struggled to contain his anger.
"That conniving bitch, this wretched family, and this cursed mission!" Bennett cursed under his breath, his eyes glinting with barely contained rage.
Born into the Bourne family, with a rare fourth-grade aptitude, he had once been hailed as a prodigy among his generation—someone with the potential to break through as a full sorcerer. He had once been a favoured successor, lavished with resources and family backing. But three years ago, during his advancement attempt, he'd been sabotaged by a fellow family apprentice. The attempt had failed, and his spirit sea had been irreparably damaged, dooming his chances of ever becoming a full sorcerer.
But when he sought justice from his family, expecting at least some acknowledgment of the betrayal, they had instead redirected his lost resources and status to the very scoundrel who had sabotaged him. He had been unceremoniously cast out from the family's inner circle, his resources slashed by ninety percent, and some of his own magical artifacts repossessed. Once at the pinnacle of third-tier strength, he now ranked only as a middling apprentice.
"Stripped of my own achievements and assets, and now, in the name of family interest, they send me on a suicide mission!" Bennett's eyes grew bloodshot, but he dared not turn his wrath toward the family.
He slammed a fist onto the table, making it shake with a loud bang.
"Master, Master Lucian and Master Lilia have arrived," a young, attractive maid reported in a soft voice, ignoring the scorched corpse on the floor without a flicker of reaction.
"Thank you, Fia. Clean this up for me. I'll personally welcome our guests," Bennett replied with a cheerful smile, as though the dark, angry man from moments ago were someone else entirely.
"Yes, Master." Fia bowed respectfully, her gaze reflecting absolute obedience.
Bennett's eyes lingered on the maid, once his bitter rival but now bound to him as a slave in both body and soul. A cold glint flashed in his gaze.
If he could, he would do the same to the family's "new successor"—make him an obedient servant, just like Fia.
Just wait, Bennett thought, masking his thoughts with a broad, friendly smile as he moved toward the door. I will survive this. I will live to see the day I ascend as a full sorcerer—and when that day comes, I'll see every one of those traitors dead.
Outside, Lucian had just exchanged a polite nod with Lilia, who had arrived moments before him. She responded with a brief nod, her expression stiff, but Lucian didn't mind. They were temporary allies, after all. In the world of sorcery, where most interactions were tinged with indifference, Lilia's reserved demeanour seemed relatively approachable.
What really piqued his interest was the information Bennett had hinted at regarding the mission. Bennett's invitation implied he possessed vital intelligence, though Lucian knew it was likely mixed with some misleading or self-serving details. Even so, any information could prove useful.
"Lucian, Lilia—long time, no see!" A loud, hearty laugh rang out from the residence, which was decorated in an opulent, almost medieval style.
"Bennett," Lucian mused. One of the few third-tier apprentices known for his sociability—unusual in our line of work. Even his students speak well of him. He's regarded as a fairly generous mentor.
Yet, from the lingering impression in his predecessor's memories, Lucian recalled Bennett as someone to watch carefully.
Maintaining a cordial smile, Lucian raised his guard. In the brutal world of sorcery, the few who managed to reach Bennett's level rarely did so without a ruthless streak.
"Come in, come in! I've prepared a fine meal," Bennett greeted warmly, leading Lucian and Lilia inside. "I even secured a few sprites for the occasion. Granted, for third-tier apprentices like us, the mental power boost they provide is negligible, but their flavour is exquisite." He gestured them into his lavishly furnished home with an inviting smile.