217 Participating? (1/2)
It meant that whoever they brought with them wouldn't need to fight all the previous battles and would straight get into the finals. This was the privilege given only to strong groups.
”Hm... we will participate,” Ozul casually chose to participate, and Irvin realized it immediately because of a slight problem.
”But, Young Master...” Irvin hesitated to say. However, Ozul was in a hurry to go and slack off, ”What is it now?”
”The age limit is actually just 50 years. And below that, we don't have any member capable enough to even hold their ground against others in the finals...” Irvin uttered in low spirits.
”But maybe you can...” Suddenly, his gloominess disappeared as he remembered that their Young Master had yet to reach 50 years of age as well.
However, Ozul shook his head and denied, ”No. I will have things to do. And even if I wanted to participate, do you think they will agree to let a Rank-9 Mage step in the arena?” Irvin realized that he had a valid point and didn't say anything.
In the first place, why would Ozul even reveal to the world that he was still under 35 years? It would cause a commotion everywhere since a Rank-9 Mage under even 80 years was never heard of, much less just 35.
”Don't we have Ra-” Ozul was about to say something but stopped in the middle of his sentence with raised eyebrows.
'I knew I was forgetting something! How could I forget those two...' Ozul had only left them so they could train on their own and improve their mindset. However, with all the work here in the organization, he had completely forgotten about them!
'Oh well... maybe they have grown up a bit,' Ozul shrugged off his mistake. The more time they spent away from his influence, the better their personality would be. At least that was what he believed.
First, it was Raven who had gotten too attached to him. Sure, he wanted people to do almost everything for him, but for that, he would need capable enough people. And he couldn't foresee any successful future for someone devoting their life to another person.
'Sigh... that is my fault as well.' Ozul couldn't help but sigh internally. He might have been able to prevent it, but at that time, he didn't care enough or had his mind focused on other things.
Blaze also needed to think about the situations on his own. After meeting Ozul, he had started to rely too much on him or Raven to understand whatever was going on. It wasn't Blaze's fault that he was born in a small village, but it was his responsibility to learn these things now.
Blaze had the innate affinity with the Ice Element and Raven, he had discovered, had amazing comprehension.
”Young Master?” Irvin spoke as he noticed that Ozul had suddenly started daydreaming.
”Hmm? Oh yes, Irvin. Do you know where that sect is?” Ozul woke up from his thoughts and suddenly asked.
”Which sect, Young Master?” Irvin was confused. How would he know which sect Ozul was talking about?
Ozul tried to remember the name, but it just wouldn't come to his mind,”... You don't know?”
”... Young Master, I can get the information about all the sects, but how would I know which one you are thinking about?” Irvin smiled wryly while internally shaking his head. His young master sometimes asked for impossible things.
”Nevermind. I am going out,” Ozul realized that his questions were indeed not something Irvin would be able to answer since he hadn't told him previously about which sect he had left Raven and Blaze to.
Irvin gave a respectful bow as Ozul walked away.
. . .
'Raymond might know,' Ozul thought as he flew directly towards the headquarters of the Order of Dusk.
He didn't go towards the Ashin family's estate since the Archbishop might or might not be suspicious to the point of spying on them. The chances of anyone under Rank-9 recognizing him with his speed were low, but he could not take the risk.
It didn't take long for Ozul to reach their headquarters. He directly made his way to Raymond's office and opened the door without asking, like he did previously.
*Tak*
”...”
”...”
As he entered, he noticed both Raymond and his secretary who always stayed on the floor below seemed to be looking at him on high alert. The woman had a small blush on her cheeks and her breathing was a little out of place.
Ozul didn't need to read their emotions to know whatever was happening before he opened the door.
However, all three of them collectively chose to ignore it as Ozul took a seat. The woman immediately left the room as well.