361 The Safeguard (2/2)
The tone of Alferris really resembled that of Fernando.
”I'm not just promising you a fake hope. I'll pay you every month,” said Lucien. He was saying so because right now he was already relatively rich. The cost of buying the experiment materials was covered by the fund for the institution, and Lucien's monthly share of profit from Holm Mineral and Harvest was already close to three thousand.
At the same time, after becoming a senior-rank arcanist, Lucien was getting three hundred and eighty arcana points from the Congress. Lucien was also getting three hundred from the Will of Elements. Plus the one thousand and five hundred arcana points that Lucien was getting from Arcana Review Board, his income was no less than that of most senior-rank mages.
Lucien was going to receive a few highest honors, so there was no need for him to make any magic items recently, and thus the cost was saved. So even if he was going to hire a dragon, Lucien would still have enough money for his future senior-rank rites and the construction of his own magic tower.
”I'm expensive,” Alferris emphasized. Then it stuck out its red tongue and licked at Lucien's hand using moderate strength, ”Boss, how much do you want to pay me?”
”Two thousand Thales every month. When I am not out of Allyn and when I don't need you to be my experiment subject, you're totally free. So you can earn some more shiny gold coins from other people if you want.” Lucien's tone was very tempting.
”Really? And I can also borrow your rings, amulets, and medals when you become an archmage?!” Alferris' big eyes were shining, and it fiercely pulled out a piece of parchment from beneath its belly and said, ”Boss, let's sign a hundred-year compact!”
Lucien was very happy. It was really worth the money he spent to have a dragon whose illusion level was very likely to be the seventh circle as his guard!
”If you are okay with it… Can I pay you in arcana points?” asked Lucien. He guessed that Alferris would prefer to receive shining coins and pieces of jewelry.
”Arcana points? No problem! I can use the points to buy the gems and crystals I like!” Like doing magic, Alferris pulled out a magic badge on which there were seven circles, and, at the same time, it looked at Lucien confusedly, ”You don't like using arcana points? It's so convenient!”
Lucien felt that he was quite out of date.
After signing the compact, Alferris licked the piece of parchment and folded it carefully. Using the childish voice, it said, ”Boss, I need to finish my last compact now.”
”But you said…” Lucien was a bit speechless.
”Almost, almost! Up to five days!” Alferris blinked and waved his claw. In a second, Alferris had already run out of Lucien's office.
Lucien was just standing there, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
...
Three days later.
Lucien received the notice from the Will of Elements that he was invited to attend the meeting held in the Holm Royal Magic Tower to discuss the Holm Crown prize, and they had also informed him how to get to the magic tower using Hathaway's demiplane.
”Mr. Evans, for your safety, I have to follow you,” said Bellak.
Lucien nodded. He and Bellak arrived at the top floor of the Will of Elements' magic tower in Allyn and then turned on the magic circle. The dim light shone.
After feeling a great dizziness, Lucien and Bellak arrived at the land which was seemingly surrounded by the starry sky. The stars were dyed with all the colors, just like the different elements. Up and down, the land had colors of green, yellow, red, gold and more.
Not far away from them, there was a very high tower directly extending to the starry sky. It was the magic tower of Hathaway, the Lord of Elements.
Lucien and Bellak did not have the time to appreciate the breath-taking view in the demiplane. They walked to the other side of the magic tower and activated the magic circle there.
When the light disappeared and when they could see everything in front of them again, they were already on the top floor of the Holm Royal Magic Tower.