Chapter 438: Trouble Arrives

Chapter 438: Trouble Arrives

Thud, thud, thud! Clang, clang, clang!

Fully armed Northern Dark Guards surrounded the entrance of the Mage Tower.

Drawing countless curious gazes from the surrounding crowd.

This was the first time anyone had witnessed such a spectacle.

"Who dares to act so recklessly at the door of the Mage Tower?"

Soon, mages appeared at the tower's entrance, confronting the Northern Dark Guards who had encircled them.

The atmosphere was tense, swords drawn and bows strung.

This was the first time the Mage Tower had ever been blocked at its own doorstep.

It was as if someone were dragging the tower's dignity through the mud.

No proud mage could possibly tolerate such an insult.

Mages began pouring out of the tower one after another.

"Who gave you the audacity to surround the Mage Tower?"

"You have one minute to disappear from my sight, or don't blame me for taking action."

"This is outrageous! Do you still regard the Maple Leaf City Mage Tower with any respect at all!"

...

Outraged voices filled the air as everyone indignantly drew their staves, preparing for battle.

They would not yield—not even slightly.

Every member of the Northern Dark Guards was clad in full armor, their expressions hidden from view.

Facing the furious accusations of numerous mages, they all gripped their weapons tightly, ready for combat at any moment.

Even they felt immense pressure.

After all, these people before them represented the pinnacle of power in Maple Leaf City.

More than half of the city's mages hailed from this very tower.

Even within the Royal Mage Instruction Corps, many had once studied here before leaving to join the royal ranks.

The commander of the Northern Dark Guards stepped forward and shouted loudly, "Esteemed Mages, please remain calm. We are not here to target the Mage Tower."

"In fact, we've come not for battle, but to welcome a distinguished guest from your tower."

Hearing this, the gathered crowd let out a collective sigh of relief.

But soon, curiosity rekindled—just who was this important figure that required such an elaborate reception?

Luo Ta stood among the crowd, gazing at the armored guards outside, his brow furrowed.

His instincts told him it wasn't that simple.

This formation looked nothing like a welcoming party.

It resembled more of an escort—or perhaps even a capture.

Just who warranted such a grand display?

What great person did the Mage Tower house?

Suddenly, a name flashed through Luo Ta's mind.

"Li Wei."

Besides Li Wei, he couldn't think of anyone else whom the commander might refer to as a "distinguished guest."

If there was another possibility, it might be Torresta.

But Torresta hadn't left the tower in decades.

Nor had he ever made enemies beyond its walls.

It was unlikely the commander referred to him.

Martin stepped forward and asked the guard commander directly, "Whom exactly are you seeking?"

The commander replied firmly, "Archmage Li Wei."

Martin's eyes narrowed upon hearing the name.

He'd heard that Li Wei had returned—and become an Archmage no less.

When he first received the news, he found it hard to believe.

He hadn't yet had the chance to see Li Wei with his own eyes.

Now, learning that the Northern Dark Guards sought him specifically, Martin quickly turned to those nearby.

"Has Li Wei returned?"

Quickly, Luo Ta approached Martin and whispered softly, "Yes, he came back today—early this morning."

"He went out briefly and only just returned recently."

"As soon as he arrived, these men showed up—it seems likely something happened during his absence."

Martin nodded slowly, understanding dawning on him.

He looked toward the commander and said, "Very well. I shall inform Archmage Li Wei of this matter."

"To prevent misunderstandings and avoid negative consequences, I must ask you all to withdraw for now."

The commander shook his head decisively. "Impossible. We cannot leave until we meet Archmage Li Wei personally."

Martin frowned deeply, feeling slighted by their dismissive attitude.

They clearly held him in little regard.

He focused inward for a moment, sensing the commander’s strength, then sighed helplessly.

The man before him was actually a Fifth-Tier Swordmaster.

Outmatched in strength, Martin lacked even the right to stand firm.

Reluctantly, he said, "I will convey your request to Archmage Li Wei. Whether he chooses to receive you is beyond my control."

"But until then, I must ask you to step aside and allow normal entry and exit for members of the Mage Tower."

This time, the commander agreed.

Nodding curtly, he said simply, "Agreed."

With a wave of his hand, the soldiers parted neatly to either side of the entrance, standing rigidly in formation.

Arms ready, blades unsheathed.

Though they cleared a path and ceased blocking the doorway,

the intimidating presence of their formation would deter any ordinary soul from daring to pass.

Martin exchanged glances with Luo Ta, both helpless.

In the end, they could only send Luo Ta to find Li Wei and report what had transpired.

Arriving at the third floor, Rota sought out the magical steward, hoping to contact Levi.

He had no right to ascend to the sixth floor.

"Magical steward, please help me get in touch with Levi," Rota said.

Scarcely had the words left his mouth when Levi stepped forth from a golden portal.

Hearing the commotion, Rota turned his head and looked toward Levi.

Seeing him, he exhaled slightly in relief, only to tense up again immediately after.

He didn't know what Levi had been doing outside.

Why had it caused such an uproar among the Northern Mystery Shadow Guards?

Rota hurried over to Levi and said, "Levi, those people outside are saying they want to see you."

In his urgency, Rota had forgotten Levi's identity as a great mage.

It was as though he were speaking to the familiar Levi of old times.

Levi nodded and replied, "I know. I'll go see them."

He understood why the Northern Mystery Shadow Guards had come.

It was undoubtedly about the matter at Dragonfall Slope once again.

This time, the Shadow Guards had blocked the entrance of the Mage Tower itself.

Levi knew that this issue could not be left unresolved.

Delaying it further would serve no purpose.

Might as well meet Oats in person and see exactly what he intended by making such a grand fuss.

Levi walked outside, and Rota quickly followed in his footsteps.

Rota noticed that Levi was walking unusually fast—he had to jog lightly to keep pace.

Preoccupied with other thoughts, he failed to notice these unusual details.

The crowd took note of Levi’s arrival.

One by one, they made way for him.

Many faces showed excitement and curiosity as they gazed upon Levi,

eager to catch a glimpse of the prodigious mage who had emerged from the Mage Tower.

Levi approached the commander of the Northern Mystery Shadow Guards and cast a glance at the guards stationed outside the gate.

He said, "Let's go. I’ll return with you. You may leave now."

The commander of the Shadow Guards gave a nod and issued orders for withdrawal.

Gurgle-gurgle.

A carriage rolled up to the front entrance of the Mage Tower, and the commander personally opened the door for Levi.

Extending his hand in invitation, he said, "Great Mage Levi, please enter the carriage."

Levi glanced at him and stepped inside.

The commander lowered the curtain and commanded, "Return to the royal palace."

Thud-thud-thud!

The Northern Mystery Shadow Guards marched in perfect formation, escorting the carriage carrying Levi toward the royal palace.

The ignorant onlookers, witnessing the grand treatment accorded to Levi, all wore envious expressions.

They sighed naively, wondering aloud, “When will such honor befall me?”

(End of Chapter)