32 Reine 2 (2/2)
”I have no objections to having wild ambitions… I find myself somewhat impressed. Many must have ridiculed you at the scope of said goal.” Reine's manner became softer as she related her thoughts. ”Ultimately, can you back up your ambitions though? It is easy to declare said goals but can you demonstrate any proof that you have at least achieved some manner of success towards working to your goal?”
Caine replied that the reason he is currently in Aureus's employ was due to the fact that a grade 5 monster core has been promised to him within 3 years. With the appropriate monster core, his strength would increase exponentially as he would be able to control 100 golems for starters and that is just the beginning of him using the core.
”I assume that my spirit beast ability is also beneficial to you?”
”Yes though I am unable to determine the complete scope as no golem mage has ever achieved perfect synchronization with a spirit spider beast.”
”That is fine. Come seek me out after you received this monster core of yours. I wish for a demonstration of your increased strength after the core. I will make the decision as to whether I will spirit contract with you after that.”
”That sounds fair, I shall do so then.”
”Good day to you, ambitious mage.”
”Pleasant journeys back to one's abode, Mistress Reine.”
—
The next week, at the cores workshop…
Ruby and Emerald light twined, glowed and died down.
(Finally, the Spider Queen core and Salamander core is ready)
Edward brushed his forehead with the back of his hand as he put the cores into separate cases.
As he left the workshop, he was beaming from ear to ear as he thought about the reactions the mages would have when they received their cores the next day.
—
Caine and Tiffany were in animated discussions outside the command tent of the Direwolf company the next day before the sun even rose.
One could catch snippets of their conversations which included phrases such as 'messenger last night' and 'cores ready'.
Caine was gesturing animatedly as he went over and over about the properties of a spider queen core.
Tiffany finally had to put her foot down and told Caine to calm down and wait for Edward to arrive.
Caine took several deep breaths before nodding towards Tiffany.
As the sun slowly peeked from the horizon, the steady footfalls of a man could be heard approaching the tent.
”Morning mages, I assume my message got through all right last night.” Edward's eyes twinkled as he greeted the two mages.
The two mages were completely not paying attention to his words but instead their eyes zeroed in onto the two wooden cases that Edward was carrying.
Shaking his head and smiling ruefully, Edward asked the two mages to accompany him into the tent where he will present the cores to the mages.
”I wanted prince Aureus to present the cores to you later in the morning but I also guessed that you may appear before then. Would it be fine if you two were to examine the cores in advance before returning them?” Edward smiled as he opened the case. ”While I do not put much stock into the ceremonial forms, unfortunately it must be observed in this case.”
”We understand, we are the first mage retainers prince Aureus recruited in the outer realm after all. The bestowal of items such as these cores would raise waves in the Eastern magi agencies too. ” Tiffany said as she looked at the ruby-red salamander core. ”We will do this in accordance to the forms.”
Both Edward and Tiffany turned to look towards Caine who appeared to be enraptured by the spirit-blue core in front of him. Tiffany had a gratuitous expression as she gazed on Caine while Edward decided to present the blue core to Caine first.
Caine did a salute over his heart before accepting the core and examining in depth while pulsing his aether core.
Surprisingly, Tiffany's gaze did not return to the core but instead lingered on Caine as he completed his examination of the blue core.
Caine's face broke into a wide smile as he declared ”This is the genuine article.”