The moment Zorath the Silent's words landed, the entire assembly couldn't help but gasp in astonishment. Most of them had heard of Kael—after all, he had annihilated the Renault family. But the Renaults were merely a magical lineage, utterly incomparable to the Holy Temple's "Chosen One," Einar.
In contrast, everyone present had witnessed Einar's strength firsthand and understood just how terrifying he was. Naturally, they had little confidence in Kael.
Yet Zorath the Silent claimed that Kael had just single-handedly defeated seven members of the Crystal Tower—using only two spells!
They were well aware of the Crystal Tower's prowess, especially Roland and Gavin, both formidable tenth-rank experts in their own right. For Kael to crush them so effortlessly spoke volumes about his power.
Bjorn's eyes flickered with surprise. "So Kael is indeed at the tenth rank. But to what degree?"
Even among tenth-rank experts, there were vast disparities. Those who had begun fusing the six elemental forces stood at the pinnacle, taking their first true steps on the path of a Divine Mage!
After reaching the tenth rank, Kael's aura had become deeply restrained, making it impossible for outsiders to gauge his true strength—hence Bjorn's question.
Kael smiled faintly. As elemental energy surged around him, a massive vortex of power instantly formed, drawing all ambient magic toward him like a gravitational epicenter.
Scorching fire elements erupted like a volcanic explosion, finally revealing Kael's full might.
The tent erupted in hushed murmurs as every dignitary's expression shifted subtly, unable to suppress their whispers of awe.
"Peak tenth-rank… and he's already begun fusing fire elements!"
"With such power—and the ease with which he crushed the Crystal Tower's elites—he's truly extraordinary."
"Indeed. To achieve such terrifying strength at his age… He's even younger than Einar by a few years, isn't he? Monstrous. He might genuinely stand a chance against Einar!"
The gathered powerhouses couldn't hide their amazement. Kael's displayed strength far exceeded their expectations—reaching the peak of the tenth rank and initiating elemental fusion was nothing short of breathtaking!
Among the six supreme elements of the world, mastering even one opens an entirely new door—qualifying one to walk the path of a Divine Mage.
Similarly, Einar had also reached the peak of the tenth rank, though he had fused with the element of light.
"Impressive strength indeed," Bjorn admitted, his eyes briefly lighting up at Kael's display before dimming again as he recalled Einar's prowess. "But Einar reigns supreme among the younger generation…" He shook his head slightly.
At that moment, Grand Speaker Berg spoke.
"Bjorn, do not embolden our rivals."
The Grand Speaker descended from his golden seat, his gaze warm yet penetrating as he regarded Kael. "Kael, you are remarkable. Truly remarkable."
The assembly stirred inwardly, their estimation of Kael rising another notch. Praise from the Grand Speaker was rare—his words now unmistakably signaled Kael's importance.
Bjorn stiffened, chastened. "Understood, Grand Speaker," he replied, his tone slightly awkward. In truth, his skepticism was shared by many in the Sacred Council. After witnessing Einar's crushing victories against three of their finest young talents, they had developed a profound—if grudging—respect for the Holy Temple's prodigy.
Yet the Kael before them was no less a monster. He appeared five or six years younger than Einar but had already reached the peak of the tenth rank!
"You honor me too much, Grand Speaker," Kael said with a composed smile.
The Grand Speaker nodded approvingly. "When I first met you, you were merely eighth-rank. Now you stand at the zenith of the tenth, treading the path of a Divine Mage. Among all I've encountered, your talent is peerless."
His words sent another ripple of shock through the crowd. Those familiar with Kael were especially astounded—his ascent from eighth to peak tenth rank was nothing short of terrifying.
The Grand Speaker smiled. "Einar is not to be underestimated, but you are equally extraordinary. Kael, will you fight for our Sacred Council?"
Will you fight for our Sacred Council?!
Kael's answer came without hesitation, his voice resonant with conviction: "It is my honor and duty!"
This was precisely why he had come to Thousand Moon Lake. How could he refuse?
His tone brimmed with confidence, his demeanor utterly unshaken.
The Grand Speaker laughed heartily. "Excellent! Zorath the Silent, draft an edict in my name at once. Three days from now, Kael—Five-Star Executor of the Sacred Council—shall face the Holy Temple's 'Chosen One,' Einar, in battle!"
"Yes, Grand Speaker!" Zorath the Silent replied eagerly. As Kael's direct superior, if Kael could defeat Einar—or even just hold his own—it would be an immense achievement. And Zorath the Silent would undoubtedly share in the glory!
The Grand Speaker's gaze softened as he turned to Kael. "Kael, I grant your wish. Do not disappoint me."
Kael bowed slightly in the mage's salute. "I will spare no effort."
With the duel officially decreed, the tense atmosphere in the pavilion lifted, replaced by a lighter mood.
The Grand Speaker then engaged Kael in casual conversation, inquiring mainly about the current state of the Ryphy Territory.
"I've heard Ryphy has flourished under your governance. It seems I chose well in appointing you as its lord," the Grand Speaker remarked with a smile.
Kael seized the opportunity. Feigning slight distress, he replied, "Your Excellency, Ryphy was indeed progressing smoothly until recently, when we encountered... a rather vexing issue."
Internally, he mused: Since I've agreed to fight for the Sacred Council, it's only fair to ask for something in return. The matter of the Phantomflame Tower must be resolved!
"Oh?"
Kael glanced meaningfully at their surroundings.
Understanding his intent, the Grand Speaker studied him for a moment before raising a hand. "All of you may withdraw for now—except Zorath the Silent."
At his command, the assembly dispersed, leaving only Zorath the Silent behind. Many councilors couldn't help but envy Zorath's rising favor. Clearly, the Grand Speaker had taken note of his contribution in bringing forth Kael—why else would he single him out to remain?
Ah, if only I'd discovered such a talent first!
Now, only three figures stood within the pavilion: Kael, the Grand Speaker, and Zorath the Silent.
"Kael, what exactly is the matter?"
"Your Excellency, please review this." Kael retrieved the secret correspondence between the Phantomflame Tower and the Renault family from his spatial ring and handed it to the Grand Speaker.
The Grand Speaker accepted the letters and scrutinized them carefully. Suddenly, his brow furrowed deeply. "So the Phantomflame Tower has colluded with the Renaults... It seems the Shadowwing Mages have begun infiltrating the continent's magical lineages."
Kael added, "Your Excellency, I was also attacked by two Phantomflame assassins in the Ryphy Territory. They appear to have targeted me."
A sharp glint flashed in the Grand Speaker's eyes as his expression darkened. "How dare they lay hands on an Executor of the Sacred Council! The Phantomflame Tower has overstepped its bounds!"
His words sent a surge of satisfaction through Kael. Seizing the moment, Zorath the Silent stoked the flames further. "Grand Speaker, the alliance between the Phantomflame Tower and the Renault family cannot be ignored. These Shadowwing Mages have long operated in the shadows, posing a persistent thorn in our side..."
The Shadowwing Mages had always been a faction suppressed by the Sacred Council.
"Kael!"
The Grand Speaker's voice turned icy, yet the words that followed ignited a fire in Kael's heart: "The Phantomflame Tower must be eradicated! Zorath the Silent, I charge you with full authority over this matter. Eliminate all threats to the Ryphy Territory—leave no Shadowwing Mage standing!"
"By your command, Grand Speaker! I will see it done!" Zorath the Silent bowed deeply, his voice ringing with conviction.
Kael could hardly contain his elation. Half his objectives for coming to Thousand Moon Lake had already been achieved. The Grand Speaker's unequivocal stance lifted a tremendous weight from his shoulders.
With the Sacred Council's backing, dealing with the Phantomflame Tower would be far easier. Moreover, having Zorath the Silent—a trusted ally—oversee the operation was an added advantage.
Truly, the Grand Speaker had treated Kael exceptionally well.
Suddenly, the Grand Speaker's demeanor shifted as he smiled. "Now that this matter is settled, Kael, focus on preparing for your duel with Einar in three days. Zorath the Silent, take him to the Earthfire Cavern."
"Take him to the Earthfire Cavern?!" Zorath the Silent exclaimed, visibly stunned.
Earthfire Cavern? Kael was baffled. What was this place that it could provoke such a reaction from Zorath the Silent?