857 Tes (1/2)
As they traveled in the forest again, the three of them were even quieter. Fernando was like a human-shaped storm that was about to burst out. The more he held himself back, the more terrifying he was.
The shelter provided to Douglas was an inconspicuous cave, with only the traces of magic circles in the deepest part. The cover was most natural.
”Mr. Douglas, you can stay here for a couple of days. We'll find you again after things are sorted out.” Even though Douglas had been warm and friendly, Lauren still chose to show him enough respect when they said goodbye to each other. He was an archmage after all.
Douglas did not appear to be angered by their treatment. He knocked on the wall of the cave and nodded with the same smile. ”I'm already satisfied that there is a place for me to do my research.”
He was not bothered that they were wary of him. Instead, he was very glad to see that, because most organizations that were not wary of the sorcerers who joined them had been eliminated. He did not wish that the one he was joining was among them, in which case it would be no different from suicide.
Before the fall of Antiffler, he had already learned the cruelties of the situation through his keen observation. Under the temptation and coercion of the Church, it was not unusual for parents to abandon their children, the apprentices to kill their masters, and friends to attack each other. It was even more brutal after the collapse of the Magic Empire. This was because, for most sorcerers, they could not afford any more hesitation. It was either betrayal or death.
”You'd better not run magic experiments. The black-clawed dogs have sharp noses,” Fernando reminded him solemnly, fearing that the archmage from Antiffler would be overconfident.
Douglas took out a thick paper from his magic pouch and put it on a stone table in the cave. ”Rest assured. I have mathematical studies that are enough to drain me.”
”Mathematical research… Are you from the Tower?” Fernando was in a better mood now that the subject at hand was magic. The Tower Geometry was his first frustration when he learned magic. Also, the sorcerers of the Tower were as zealous about mathematics as Douglas.
The sorcerers of the Magic Empire had attached great importance to mathematics since a long time ago because it was closely related to the construction of magic models. However, they still devoted most of their attention to the studies of spells and blood powers. After all, the results of mathematical studies barely proved useful, and few sorcerers were really interested in it. Most of them were members of the Tower.
After the War of Dawn broke out and the Church was winning, fewer and fewer sorcerers had the leisure to study mathematics. At least, Fernando had never seen any guy who was so passionate about mathematics.
Douglas raised his head and said with a self-mocking smile, ”As a matter of fact, I would love to join the Tower, but they did not want someone as queer as me. After the fall of Antiffler, I never saw them again.”
”I'm glad that you are fully aware of your queerness. If you ask fewer questions, you will be a great friend.” Fernando had always been fond of striking other people, even if the guy was an archmage.
Douglas smiled and did not respond to Fernando.
Lauren looked at Fernando and complained to himself. Why do I have to make up for someone else's mistake? Does the guy not know how to talk without sarcasm? His pretty and appealing face is such a waste!
He coughed and said, ”Mr. Douglas, don't mind Fernando. He is a descendant of the savage empire of Aaso, as is evident by his accent. Right, you can make a list of what you need in the next couple of days. If you need anything urgently, you can tell me right now.”
”I don't need anything.” Douglas shook his head and saw Fernando and Lauren off, knowing well that it would be time for his test when they returned.
What would the test be?
...
When they left the woods in silence, Fernando and Lauren did not talk to each other. However, they both changed their route and walked into the city, reaching Viscount Elrealcan's villa. That was their safest shelter that only the leadership of their organization knew. It was also the last place that the night watchers would be suspicious of.
The noble reached out to a senior-rank sorcerer of the Union of Sorcerers in a certain operation before he inherited his title. Then, with the sorcerer's help, he eliminated powerful enemies and earned his title. After that, he made many contributions by the intelligence provided by the Union of Sorcerers and was promoted to be a viscount. He was the first influential noble that the Union of Sorcerers acquired after the new strategy was implemented.
Fernando and Lauren had changed their appearances into those of the valets that everybody was familiar with. When they passed the gate, nobody suspected them because of their identities on the surface.
The old butler remained silent, not asking anything about the guys who often accepted the viscount's special orders.
After he returned to his room, Lauren had just washed his face when he heard Fernando's violent door knocks.
”What's up? Do you want to discuss how to test Douglas?” Lauren asked in confusion. All he wanted was a good rest after a few intense days.
Fernando's spiritual power spread out. He closed the door and roared in a low voice, ”Lauren, we must counterattack!”
”Assassinate Vulture?” Since they discussed it before, Lauren realized it after a brief daze. He said cautiously, ”We need a thorough plan. Should we tempt Vulture with the traces of other people and surround him?”
”No.” Fernando's red eyes were full of solemnity and fury. ”Benson has defected. The black-clawed dogs know very well how many men we have. Maybe before we even surround Vulture, they would surround us first. Also, I'm thinking of taking down Benson at the same time!”
”How is it possible? Benson must be hiding inside the Inquisition. There's no way that we can get him out!” Lauren refused Fernando's proposal without any hesitation. ”Should we wait for more reinforcements from the headquarters?”