It took about half an hour for Michael to explain the creation of the Reborn company before Seberus finally calmed down.
"You know,' Michael quipped, "for an 8-star wizard with the title of Tranquil Blazing King of Fire, you're surprisingly adept at water."
Seberus sat in his chair, still fanning himself to calm down.
"It's your fault," Seberus said, shooting him a glare. "Who would have thought that you're the one who created Reborn Chess? I thought it was some reclusive sage, someone older and wiser than me…"
Everyone in the Magic Tower had believed that the owner of Reborn was a hermit, a hidden master who had recused himself from the world. But now, that image was shattered—replaced by Michael's sly grin.
"What kind of monstrous genius are you?" Severus grumbled. "Magic, Business, Supreme Skill… you have everything, don't you? What a cheat!"
Seberus could only curse his own talent. Even though he was once hailed as the most talented fire mage in the world, even he felt like an amateur in front of Michael. This was what true genius looked like.
Michael clapped his hands together. "Alright, let's get back to business. Now that I have beaten you, can I count on your help with the Sewer System?" Michael asked, expectant of Seberus's answer.
The old man nodded his head exasperatedly.
He was still a little bit bitter after his loss against Michael. He never thought he had never imagined that he was fighting against the very creator of Reborn Chess—of course, he was going to lose!
"Good!" Michael pumped his fist. "I'll tell Castelle know that we can start the project as soon as possible."
But before he could leave, Seberus raised his hand and stopped Michael in his tracks.
"Wait a minute," he said. "There's still a little bit of a problem with the River Dames."
Seberus then waved his hand, and a parchment paper with a drawn sketch of some kind of monster appeared in his hands.
"We've been getting reports that people have noticed a slimy beast lurking in the river. We've dispatched some mages to take care of it, but we've yet to destroy the monster."
"It's best if you let us take care of it for a few more days before you start the construction."
The Tower Master handed Michael the parchment paper, showing him the supposed monstrous beast that was hiding in the depths of the River Dames.
The silhouette showed a creature that seemed to be made of sludge, its form composed of garbage and waste. It had no legs, only long arms, which were raised in the air as if it was deliberately trying to scare anyone who saw it.
As soon as Michael saw this image, ChatJK2's voice echoed in his mind.
[Skill: Superior Golden Nose activated.]
The creature's silhouette suddenly began glowing gold out of nowhere.
And judging from Seberus' indifference, it seemed that Michael was the only one who could see this strange light.
[There is a high likelihood that the creature in the River Dames possesses a high talent aptitude.] said ChatJK2.
Michael would have never expected his new skill to show its use so soon. Not only that, he didn't even think that monstrous beings could be awakened using his Supreme Talent.
Are you saying I can awaken the talent of this creature? Michael asked.
[Yes. All living beings have the potential to have their latent talent awakened.]
Having this option opened up so many possibilities for Michael. It immediately made him want to greet this creature and see what kind of talent a monster could awaken.
And because of his Supreme Skill, he could also obtain that creature's skill for himself, just like how he had obtained the Superior Golden Nose.
He then turned to Seberus. "Tower Master, can I be the one to take care of that situation?"
The old man carefully looked at Michael. He could see the overflowing amount of mana particles that were being absorbed by the kid every second. He knew he didn't have to worry about the kid.
"It might be dangerous," Seberus still warned. "I know you can take care of yourself, but you don't have to take unnecessary risks."
Michael waved off his concern. "It's fine. Besides, I will also need to survey the bridge so that I can adjust the plans for the sewer system."
Seberus thought for a moment. Then, without warning, he raised a hand and fired off a single fireball in Michael's direction.
It was a 4-star spell—destructive enough to blast through solid brick walls.
But the moment it reached the ten-year-old Michael, a shimmering, prismatic barrier flared to life around his body.
The fireball struck the shield, its energetic fiery mana surging hungrily, trying to burn through the shield.
But before it could even inflict any damage, water mana emerged from within the shield and extinguished the flames in an instant. Steam hissed into the air, leaving no trace of the attack.
Seberus sighed. Despite being only ten years old, Michael was already more skilled than most adult wizards. It was utterly absurd.
"Fine, you can go. But always exercise caution."
Michael grinned. "Thanks for your help, Tower Master. I appreciate it! I'll try to visit the Tower Magic often—just to beat you at Reborn chess again!"
Seberus shooed Michael away. "As long as you don't give me a heart attack again, you're welcome here anytime."
Taking a sip of water, Seberus let out a breath of relief and calmed himself down. At least, the troublesome kid would finally leave his room.
But just as Michael reached the door, he turned back to say one last thing.
"Oh, and I forgot to tell you. I'm not just a quadruple-talent mage. I can use all the elements, not just four. I think it's called Unity or whatever. Anyway, bye!"
"MICHAEL!!!!"
That was the day that a rumored waterspout suddenly erupted from the top of the Magic Tower, drenching the innocent people walking below.
It was followed by a series of violent coughs and what seemed to be an angry man cursing the heavens for their unfairness.