The voice outside was unmistakable — Zorath the Silent, Kael's direct superior from the Sacred Convocation's Shadow Sanctum.
Kael opened the door to reveal the towering figure. Even among the many warriors Kael had encountered, Zorath's stature remained unparalleled. His meticulously groomed beard twitched comically as he spoke, though Kael dared not laugh. The man radiated power comparable to Ethan's enigmatic might; their previous "assessment" had clearly been a restrained demonstration.
"Welcome. Please, come in." Kael gestured courteously.
"Took me ages to find this hovel." Zorath boomed, surveying the modest quarters. "No servants? Spartan living suits you."
Their banter flowed easily. Zorath's jovial demeanor belied his status. "Ethan mentioned you've reached mid-sixth-tier. Knew I spotted a gem!" His laugh rumbled like distant thunder, genuine pride underscoring the words.
After Kael's obligatory humility, Zorath produced three crystalline vials. "Personal rewards for your progress."
Frost Lotus Nectar — Kael recognized the luminescent liquid instantly. Though his Ice Marrow-enhanced physique rendered its benefits redundant, Amelia's impending breakthrough made one vial invaluable.
"Keep these hidden from that alchemical vulture Ethan," Zorath warned with mock severity. "He'd drain my reserves dry."
Kael chuckled, recalling Ethan's covetous gaze during their last encounter. "What brings you here, sir?"
"Austin's invited me to spectate your Grand Tournament." Zorath shrugged. "Seems even the Convocation takes interest in Yanhua's little contests."
Kael's eyebrows shot up. The tournament's prestige indeed transcended borders if it drew Sacred Convocation luminaries. Zorath's attendance signaled far-reaching implications — and heightened stakes.
Zorath the Silent fixed Kael with a penetrating gaze, his tone grave. "You must secure a top-three position at the Grand Tournament. My expectations weigh heavily on this."
Kael frowned. Why did Zorath emphasize this ranking repeatedly?
After a weighted pause, Zorath leaned forward. "The time has come to unveil truths about the Sacred Convocation. But first—" He flashed a cryptic grin. "Join me for a concert."
Concert? What relevance does that hold? Kael stifled a groan but complied.
Dressed in civilian robes rather than mage attire, Kael followed Zorath to Yanhua Island's St. Ethano Concert Hall — a gilded marvel of arched ceilings and velvet drapery. The private balcony seats afforded a panoramic view of the packed auditorium.
As the lights dimmed, an announcer's voice resonated: "Welcome Sophia, tonight's virtuoso!"
Kael's breath hitched. The woman gliding onto stage was none other than Sophia, the Myriad Exchange's beguiling manager who'd brokered his first lucrative Mana Source Elixir sale.
Resplendent in a crimson evening gown that accentuated her curves, Sophia settled gracefully before the grand piano. Her jade-like fingers caressed the keys, unleashing a torrent of haunting melodies that enraptured the audience.
"Surprised?" Zorath murmured, observing Kael's stunned expression. "The Myriad Exchange's rose has thorns — and talents beyond commerce."
Sophia's performance transcended mere music. Each note pulsed with subtle mana harmonics, weaving an enchantment only perceptible to attuned mages. Kael's Ice Marrow-enhanced senses tingled — this was no ordinary recital.
"A virtuoso in both commerce and music," Kael murmured, astonished by Sophia's technical mastery. Though his own musical literacy proved limited, even he recognized the artistry behind her cascading arpeggios. Beside him, Zorath swayed with eyes closed, wholly absorbed.
Why drag me here? Kael puzzled as the final notes faded.
"Impressive, no?" Zorath remarked, gesturing at the opulent hall. "St. Ethano Concert Hall — Yanhua's crown jewel of acoustics. Oh, and a Sacred Convocation asset."
Kael nearly choked. "This place belongs to the Convocation?"
"Tentacles reach into every crevice." Zorath smirked. "Now, about Sophia..."
Kael recounted their Myriad Exchange encounter.
"Ah, but her true role?" Zorath lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Shadow Sanctum operative. Spymaster for Yanhua's intelligence web. That identity token I gave you? Present it to her for any... discreet needs."
The revelation staggered Kael. The Myriad Exchange's glamorous face doubled as a covert architect? Sophia's lingering glance toward their balcony now carried unsettling implications.
Zorath's chuckle rumbled like distant thunder. "Surprises abound when Convocation shadows stretch."
"Since you already know her public identity, this simplifies matters," Zorath continued. "She'll serve as your conduit to me here on Yanhua Island."
Kael nodded silently, reassessing the Sacred Convocation's pervasive influence. This concert hall isn't just a venue—it's a nerve center.
Zorath's grip tightened on Kael's shoulder. "Now, the true purpose behind my tournament mandate."
Leaning closer, Kael focused.
"While the Sacred Convocation remains humanity's paramount power—even kings heed our Grand Chancellor's decrees—our dominance faces new threats." Zorath's joviality evaporated. "The Sanctum's rise accelerates. Those zealots peddling 'divine radiance' recruit masses, particularly young prodigies. Their momentum… unsettles us."
Kael's mind raced. The Sanctum—a theocratic colossus rivaling the Convocation, akin to medieval Christendom—had long been a counterbalance. But this admission of vulnerability shocked him.
"Hence our stake in Yanhua's Grand Tournament." Zorath's voice dropped to a blade's edge. "Sanctum agents infiltrate the ranks. Your top-three finish isn't mere prestige—it's a strategic counterstrike."
The revelation crystallized. This wasn't a competition—it was a proxy war.