913 Headquarters (1/2)
In the middle of Newtlud, on a huge snowy mountain.
A translucent magic shield spread across the mountain peak and covered the palace beneath, keeping it as warm as if it were springtime despite the ice-cold snow and wind outside.
It was almost impossible to build such a palace on top of a snowy mountain, even with the current level of technology. However, with sorcery, it became possible.
This was the headquarters of the Newtlud Sorcerer Congress—White Sanctuary.
Seven out of the thirteen representatives stayed in the palace all year round. But it had much more than that. The Philosopher's Book, which sealed the root of all sorcerers, was kept here as well.
Of course, very few people knew.
But to Representative Heinze, it was nothing significant.
With a flash of light, four figures appeared on the snow-white plaza.
”We've reached the White Sanctuary!” Heinze looked at the translucent sky. ”This place uses the ultimate protection magic and magic nullification barriers, and only the Thirteen Representatives have the jurisdiction to cast spells inside.”
Whether unintentionally or not, he revealed the White Sanctuary's various defensive measures to Fang Yuan.
”It's nice that you still have the mood to take care of your 'good friend', Heinze!”
Parker winked at Heinze. ”Prepare for the hearing! Oh right… I forgot to mention that congress passed a motion while you were on your mission. From now on, everyone, including the representatives, is deprived of the right to cast spells inside the White Sanctuary during the hearing investigation!”
”You…” Heinze's face turned red, half-feigning his anger. ”Are you planning on treating me like a prisoner?”
”Not at all. You are still one of the thirteen before the hearing, but you aren't allowed to leave the Sanctuary. You should enjoy your last moments of freedom…”
Parker laughed coldly.
This is slightly troublesome… If I'm restricted from casting spells, leaving will be difficult!
This plaza only permitted entrance but not exit, so when external sorcerers teleported to the headquarters, they could only leave via a few fixed exit points.
However, since he was unable to cast spells freely, one of the escape routes in his plan was no longer feasible.
”Since I'm still a representative, arrange a room for my Red Shirt deacon. It must be the best!” Heinze ordered one of the sorcerers nearby and then gave Fang Yuan a look. ”I'll come to find you in a while.”
”…”
Although he knew that Heinze was acting, he still felt goosebumps.
”Hmph!”
Parker and Sheldon were visibly uncomfortable by Heinze's actions as well. They snorted and walked away separately.
At this point, they did not fear that Heinze would escape. On the contrary, deep down, they even wanted Heinze to do something stupid of his own accord.
They spared even less thought for a small fry Red Shirt deacon like Fang Yuan.
”There are three days left until the hearing. I'll see you tonight! There are a few useful things in the headquarters, such as the Sorcery Library, so you can take a look.”
After speaking to Fang Yuan, Heinze immediately headed down another corridor. It was obvious that he was trying to get in touch with a few acquaintances to get a read on the situation.
”The promotion of Red Shirt deacons has always been settled at the branches. It is only when they advance to Purple Robe sorcerers that they need to go to the headquarters for 'advanced studies'…”
Fang Yuan was well aware that advanced studies merely meant remembering a few high-level spells.
As long as they were not fools, anyone would be able to accomplish it.
However, due to Heinze's merits, he had managed to enjoy the treatment of Purple Robe sorcerers before becoming one.
Before the actual trial, Heinze was still one of the Thirteen Representatives. Along with his connections and allies, he could at least manage this for Fang Yuan.
Even his opponents would not pester him over such trivial matters.
However, things could very well be different after the dust settled.
Even the most insignificant matter would become irrefutable evidence!
After Heinze had brought Fang Yuan to the palace, he had dumped him.
Fang Yuan was quite pleased with the situation. He could leisurely tour the White Sanctuary, and as long as he did not try to enter a few sensitive areas, no one would pay attention to him.
”Walls and pillars made from ice. And this pattern, this is very classy…”
Fang Yuan arrived at a place and scrutinized the patterns on a wall.
There was even the portrait of a man made from the convergence of snowflakes on the ice wall.
”Prague Dorif!”
Just as he was looking intently at the portrait, he heard a clear voice.
Fang Yuan turned around and saw a sorceress.
She was of average height and had a ponytail. She was holding a stack of documents, and coupled with a pair of round black-rimmed glasses, she had the air of an intellectual.
Fang Yuan did not respond.
The sorceress continued, ”He was the first president of the Sorcerer Congress. He also established the system of the Thirteen Representatives during his time!”
”I see…” Fang Yuan nodded. ”Do you know where the Sorcery Library is? I would like to check out the material on some spells…”
”Go straight ahead, take a left turn, and then take a right turn,” the sorceress replied with a little more respect in her tone. ”Sir, are you a Purple Robe sorcerer who is here for your promotion?”