A chorus of gasps filled the chamber—everyone was utterly stunned, their eyes widening in shock.
Even the Grand Archon Berg showed a flicker of surprise. "Zorath the Silent, are you certain it was the Skysoar Technique?" This revelation had even given the Grand Archon pause.
The Skysoar Technique—a long-lost spell!
This news was even more staggering than someone striking the Veilstones, and it immediately drew Berg's full attention. After all, ringing the Veilstones merely confirmed the emergence of a once-in-a-generation genius. No matter how strong Kael was now, his level remained limited...
But the Skysoar Technique was an entirely different matter.
This was a forbidden art, lost to time. Under normal circumstances, only Tenth-Rank mages and warriors could take to the skies, commanding the heavens as their domain. The Skysoar Technique, however, was an exception—it allowed Seventh-Rank mages to soar through the air!
In other words, any mage above the Seventh Rank could fly!
If every Seventh-Rank mage in the Sacred Council mastered this technique, their combat power would become unfathomably vast!
A glint flashed in Grand Archon Berg's eyes—he was clearly weighing the implications.
If Zorath the Silent's words held true, then this boy named Kael was worth prioritizing—absolutely prioritizing!
The Councilors all turned to Zorath the Silent, their gazes tinged with envy. They couldn't help but marvel at his incredible luck—to have discovered such a peerless gem.
"Zorath the Silent... you have done exceptionally well."
For the first time since his arrival, the Grand Archon Berg broke his usual composure—smiling openly and bestowing unreserved praise upon Zorath the Silent.
Zorath the Silent swelled with pride inwardly, silently thanking Kael for his timely appearance.
"Since he eliminated Leif and struck the Veilstones, it stands to reason he deserves greater rewards. Do any of you have suggestions?" Grand Archon Berg swept his gaze across the assembly.
"Though the boy is undeniably talented, the Sacred Council's rules have stood for millennia. Should we really make an exception for one individual? I propose we stick to the original rewards," one Councilor remarked coolly. This was the member in charge of the Council's laws—a rather rigid traditionalist.
"That won't do. A prodigy like this hasn't been seen in the Sacred Council for thousands of years. We can't follow old precedents," Mia shook her head. "Why not grant him access to the Eternal Tower?"
"Open the Eternal Tower to some fledgling? He's just joined the Sacred Council—such preferential treatment is inappropriate!" Bjorn frowned, his voice laced with disapproval.
"Grand Archon, I believe we must reward Kael substantially. This young man is truly exceptional. His potential likely surpasses all others of his generation—even the Holy Temple's 'Chosen One' may not outmatch him..." Zorath the Silent argued.
Grand Archon Berg observed the heated debate, then gave a light cough. Immediately, silence fell.
"Enough. I have made my decision," the Grand Archon stated calmly.
"As you command, Grand Archon." No one dared to speak further.
Once Berg's will was declared, it was law. The Councilors bowed and departed one by one, leaving the magic tower in its usual serene stillness.
Yet in the next instant—all the tower's lights abruptly extinguished.
The Grand Archon's figure vanished without a trace.
Meanwhile, Kael remained in the Eternal Tower, still scouring its shelves for spellbooks. He had uncovered several more valuable tomes—though Orlando's personal notes eluded him, he pored over the texts with undiminished fascination.
The night passed quietly.
The next day arrived. Though Kael longed to remain in the Eternal Tower, he shook his head. "I can't stay any longer—I need to digest what I've learned today. I'll return to the tower in a couple of days. This place is truly remarkable. If I could stay here for an extended period, my strength would skyrocket. It's just... my time here is so limited. Only fifteen days."
A twinge of regret surfaced, but he also recognized how rare an opportunity it was to even set foot in the Eternal Tower.
Absorbing the tower's arcane knowledge, Kael descended leisurely, making his way back to his quarters.
Then—movement.
A surge of power locked onto him.
"Damn it, who dares attack me within the Sacred Council's headquarters?" Reacting instantly, Kael raised his staff. His domain unfurled—crackling violet lightning erupted in a deafening explosion.
Yet his opponent seemed equally adept—a Seventh-Rank mage who had mastered their own domain!
The stranger's domain engulfed Kael like a mountain's weight, pressing down on him with crushing force.
"Incredible... Since when do Seventh-Rank mages possess such strength?" Kael thought, stunned. His Lightning Domain detonated, colliding with the intruder's in a shockwave that rippled through space itself.
Amid the chaos, Kael seized the opening—a cold snort, lightning primed to strike—
But the opponent merely sighed.
A tidal wave of mana drowned Kael completely.
"No—this isn't Seventh-Rank! He's concealing his true power!" Kael tensed, bracing to break free—
Yet the assault ceased abruptly.
"Impressive, boy. Your skills are noteworthy."
The pressure dissipated. Before Kael stood a middle-aged man in white robes, crowned with an unusual headpiece. His features were utterly ordinary—the kind easily lost in a crowd—yet something about him set Kael's instincts blaring with alarm.
"Who is this man?" Kael's guard was at its peak. This person's strength was clearly beyond the Seventh Rank—what had just transpired was merely a test. As for his true level, Kael couldn't begin to fathom.
At the very least, even Zorath the Silent, a Councilor of the Sacred Council, had never subjected Kael to such oppressive pressure!
"You are Kael?" The man's tone carried the weight of certainty, as though he already knew the answer. Kael's heart tightened—this was no chance encounter.
"I am. And you are?" Kael asked, though he doubted the man would reveal his identity.
"I am Berg, Grand Archon of the Sacred Council." The middle-aged man cut straight to the point, his words astonishing yet delivered with such calm authority that they rang undeniably true.
Berg—the Grand Archon of the Sacred Council!
Kael's heart lurched, then steadied. He had anticipated drawing the Sacred Council's attention, but never had he imagined its supreme leader would come personally!
Before him stood arguably the most powerful figure on the continent, yet he carried himself with the unassuming air of an ordinary man. Had Kael not witnessed his terrifying prowess moments ago, he might have doubted.
Even so, a strange sensation lingered. This was the Grand Archon—a being who might have reached the legendary realm of cultivation. The last recorded instance of Berg taking action was over a decade ago, when he had annihilated an entire city held by a Shadowwing Mage faction with a single forbidden spell.
"Your Eminence, to what do I owe this honor?"
The Grand Archon smiled faintly. "Kael, Zorath the Silent spoke highly of your talent. Testing you myself, I find his praise well-founded."
"You flatter me, Your Eminence." Kael felt no room for pride in the presence of such a figure.
"Kael, with your potential, joining the Sacred Council would guarantee our utmost investment in your growth." The words sent a jolt through Kael. Had anyone else spoken them, he might have dismissed it as empty flattery—but this was Berg. His word was law, his promises unbreakable.
"From this day forth, the Eternal Tower is open to you—unrestricted access, whenever you wish." The first decree alone left Kael stunned with elation.
Unlimited entry to the Eternal Tower! This was like manna from heaven!
"My deepest gratitude, Your Eminence!" Kael's thanks were utterly sincere. With the tower's knowledge at his disposal, his strength would soar exponentially. These were the legacies of the Star Monarch himself!
The Grand Archon's smile deepened slightly before he posed his next question. "Kael... you possess the Skysoar Technique?"
Kael tensed. He had known the Sacred Council would discover this eventually—he couldn't hide it forever.
The Grand Archon's gaze remained calm and measured, devoid of hostility or greed as he studied Kael.