Chapter 58: A Threat?

    Meanwhile...

    In the grand chamber of the capital''s magic tower...

    High above the bustling streets of the city, at the top floor of the tower in the massive room the tower master resided.

    The space was bathed in the soft glow of enchanted crystal orbs, casting shifting patterns on the mosaic floor.

    Shelves laden with ancient tomes and glowing artifacts lined the walls, while the air was filled with the faint hum of active enchantments.

    At the center of the room stood a grand desk made of ebony, its surface cluttered with scrolls, quills, and various magical trinkets.

    Behind the desk sat Tower Master Lucien Eldregarde, a man whose aura radiated both wisdom and power.

    His orange hair, tied neatly at the nape of his neck, glinted under the light of the crystals, and his emerald-green robes, embroidered with golden runes, marked his station as the head of the tower.

    He leaned over an open tome, his green eyes focused as he inscribed notes into its pages with a quill that glowed faintly with arcane energy.

    Lucien was immersed in his work, reviewing the stability of the city''s protective wards—a matter of utmost importance given the recent cases on the northern border. His brow furrowed as he adjusted a sigil etched onto a map of the city before him.

    The sound of footsteps echoed through the chamber, and Lucien''s sharp ears picked up the soft swish of robes approaching. Without looking up, he spoke. "Enter."

    The heavy double doors creaked open, and a young female mage stepped in. She was slender, with raven-black hair tied into a neat bun, and her violet robes, matching her eyes, marked her as an apprentice of the second circle. Clutched in her hands was a sealed letter.

    He shook his head, a faint smile appearing on his face as he thought about the emperor''s recent actions—the celebration that was thrown to honor the courage of his fallen men, how he handed out food to the hungry people and began a massive agricultural project that had brought about food stability and slowly improved the lives of the people of the capital. How he gave his men burials fitting of nobles, attended their funerals, compensated their families, and made a speech about his grand vision.

    And, of course, the fact he improved the structure of the church and the rumors circulating that he had been chosen by the goddess of Justice and Purity and was now a holy swordsman.

    Lucien sighed, his thoughts turning somber once more. "Although it may seem small to you, these changes are a sign of a new empire on the horizon. Although I doubt my words would be able to deter you from the path you have already chosen... So I wanted the emperor to carry out even greater reforms before I would send you my letter."

    "It was almost as if I had predicted something like this would soon happen. Guess I''m not as sharp as I used to be in the old days. I wonder, old friend, how many lives will be shattered by this path you''ve chosen."

    For a long moment, the Tower Master stood there, the weight of his memories and responsibilities pressing heavily on him.

    ...

    Meanwhile...

    Sephira''s footsteps echoed sharply against the stone-paved courtyard as she approached the newcomer, her flowing silk gown shimmering in the sunlight with every step.

    The fitted bodice of her attire enhanced her slender figure, and the slit along her gown revealed glimpses of her toned legs as she moved with the grace of a predator.

    Her eyes narrowed with suspicion, locking onto Sylvana like a hawk surveying its prey.

    "Who is this?" Sephira asked, her voice echoing through the courtyard. Her arms folded under her bust, enhancing her commanding posture.