The Grand Archon of the Sacred Council was likely the most powerful and influential figure on the Southern Continent, as well as one of the most unfathomably profound in cultivation.
At this moment, Berg stood at the center, and all the other Councilors instinctively lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze. His eyes weren't sharp, yet they seemed to pierce straight into the soul—as if capable of seeing through everything within a person's heart, carrying an inexplicable magic of their own.
"Zorath the Silent, was it you who sounded the Council Bell?" Berg smiled faintly, his tone gentle.
"Yes, Grand Archon." Zorath the Silent dared not overstep, replying with deference.
"Good. Then speak." Berg's smile remained, showing no displeasure at the interruption of his seclusion. With a mere flick of his hand—
The world around them shifted instantly.
In the blink of an eye, the scenery transformed. They now stood inside a magic tower, gathered around a round table illuminated by arcane lamps.
"This is the Grand Archon Berg's personal tower!" Zorath the Silent's heart tightened in realization. With just a casual gesture, Berg had teleported them all—proof that his power had grown even more refined.
The other mages exchanged uneasy glances. None of them had sensed any preparation before being whisked away. The sheer terrifying mastery of Berg's abilities was undeniable.
They took their seats around the table—the very place where the Sacred Council convened to discuss matters of utmost importance.
"Zorath the Silent, out with it. What's this about?" Bjorn demanded. As the Councilor overseeing the Sacred Council's Arcane Sanctum, he held considerable authority—and no small amount of friction with Zorath the Silent.
After a glance at the Grand Archon, Zorath the Silent cleared his throat.
"I've gathered everyone—and the Grand Archon—today for several matters. First… concerning that Leif."
"Leif? That Seventh-Rank Shadowwing Mage?" Bjorn's voice dripped with disdain.
The other Councilors wore similar expressions of indifference. Clearly, they considered a mere Seventh-Rank mage unworthy of their attention. Only Berg remained impassive, revealing nothing.
Bjorn leaned back in his chair, eyes half-lidded, exhaling a derisive snort. Many shared his sentiment—Zorath the Silent was making a mountain out of a molehill. What could a lowly Seventh-Rank mage possibly do?
Zorath the Silent smirked inwardly. Laugh now. You'll be shocked soon enough.
"Of course, it's not that simple." He chuckled. "Our intelligence—shared with the Holy Temple—was flawed. Leif had other plans in the Ancient Ruins. I must admit, he's a genius among Shadowwing Mages. Somehow, he discovered a method to control the undead—and turned the ruins into his personal undead breeding ground..."
His explanation made Bjorn and the others raise their eyebrows sharply.
"The fact that Leif could control the undead means we cannot allow him to grow unchecked. Otherwise, he might have become a real problem."
"Fortunately, among the young talents we sent this time, there was one named Kael who turned the tide—slaying Leif and eliminating this lurking threat," Zorath the Silent announced.
"Someone killed Leif?" The Councilors showed mild interest. After all, no matter how strong Leif was, he remained just a Seventh-Rank mage. Killing him only proved the boy had decent talent and strength—nothing more.
Bjorn frowned deeply. "Zorath the Silent, so what if it was a Seventh-Rank Shadowwing Mage? Even with undead manipulation, such a man couldn't have stirred much trouble on the continent. As for the boy who killed Leif, we've already decided on his reward. If he did well, just give him a bit more. Why bother summoning us?"
His dissatisfaction was understandable. As a Councilor of the Sacred Council, Bjorn's cultivation level spoke for itself. At his level, it was like a colossal beast paying no mind to ants. An ant that could kill another ant was still just an ant—hardly noteworthy.
"If he could slay Leif, his talent must be remarkable. I wonder how old he is…" Councilor Mia, the stunningly beautiful mage, offered a fair comment.
Mia was one of the most influential figures in the Sacred Council—its youngest Councilor in history. Her methods were formidable; she had once challenged several other Councilors and emerged victorious, granting her significant sway among them.
Zorath the Silent smiled, feigning nonchalance. "Oh, the boy is about eighteen this year…"
"Eighteen?!" A collective gasp arose. Even Mia exclaimed, "Eighteen? At his age, I had just barely reached the Seventh Rank. Truly a prodigy…"
"Hmph. A genius? The Sacred Council isn't short on those," Bjorn retorted, though even he couldn't hide his surprise. "Even if this boy is as talented as you say, just bring him to headquarters for special training. No need for such a fuss."
A few other Councilors nodded in agreement. By Zorath's account, the boy was indeed a rare talent. But even so, disturbing the Grand Archon's seclusion over this seemed excessive.
Only the Grand Archon remained expressionless, as if entirely unfazed.
Zorath the Silent smirked inwardly, relishing their mix of shock and dismissiveness. Just wait. Soon, your jaws will drop.
"After bringing the boy named Kael to headquarters, as per protocol, I first took him to the first level of the Eternal Tower for the initiation trial—along with two others," Zorath the Silent said with a faint smile.
"The boy effortlessly struck the Goldstone... and then, within a single breath, rang the Miststone three consecutive times! As for his companions, they nearly succeeded in striking the Miststone as well." A trace of mischievous amusement flickered across his face.
The Miststone had been struck!
A ripple of unrest spread through the quiet chamber. Nearly every Councilor's eyes lit up. Three strikes on the Miststone in one breath—such talent was undeniably extraordinary. Even his companions were remarkable. The last time a newcomer had rung the Miststone was... how many years ago?
Seeing their reactions finally shift, Zorath the Silent smirked inwardly.
"But that's not all." He raised a hand, signaling for silence.
The chamber fell deathly quiet, every ear trained on his next words. Gone was their earlier composure—now, they listened with rapt attention. Only the Grand Archon remained as impassive as ever.
"After attempting the Miststone, the boy then tried to strike the Veilstones... And he succeeded." Zorath the Silent declared, meeting their stunned gazes head-on.
"What?!"
"Impossible!"
The Veilstones—stones that had never been struck before—had been rung!
This... couldn't be real!
Skepticism flooded their expressions. Even the Grand Archon, Berg, opened his eyes, his calm gaze settling on Zorath the Silent with silent inquiry.
Thrilled by their shock—and the Grand Archon's attention—Zorath the Silent bowed slightly.
"Grand Archon, I swear this is the absolute truth. I would never dare lie to you. Moreover, the first level of the Eternal Tower has Mirror Crystals. You need only review them to verify my words."
A heavy silence followed.
The Councilors struggled to process this earth-shattering revelation. After a long pause, the Grand Archon gave a slow nod.
"Zorath the Silent... you have done well."
The praise sent a surge of triumph through Zorath the Silent. Kael, you're my lucky star! He knew this merit would earn him the Grand Archon's favor.
The other Councilors exchanged glances. A youth who could strike the Veilstones—what a terrifying prodigy. Such talent must be nurtured at all costs. What rewards would the Grand Archon bestow? And Zorath the Silent... what incredible fortune to have discovered such a rare gem.
"Ah, one more thing, Grand Archon," Zorath the Silent added casually. "When passing the Veilstones trial, the boy used... the long-lost Skysoar Technique."
"WHAT?!"
The chamber erupted.