Grand Archon Berg inquired about the Skysoar Technique, his gaze bright yet devoid of any greed or hostility—as though discussing the most mundane matter.
Kael had anticipated the Sacred Council's eventual discovery of the spell and had braced for various reactions—but never had he imagined the Grand Archon himself would seek him out.
"Yes, Your Eminence. The Skysoar Technique was a spell I acquired by chance during an encounter..." Kael promptly explained, weaving a tale of serendipitous discovery.
The Grand Archon nodded, his demeanor still gentle. After a thoughtful pause, he spoke:
"The Sacred Council and the Holy Temple have long been at odds. Yet the Temple holds one advantage we lack—a Griffon Legion."
A Griffon Legion!
Griffons were Seventh-Rank flying magical beasts, notoriously wild and nearly impossible to tame. For the Holy Temple to command such a force made them aerial supremacy incarnate.
"Though our Sacred Council also fields aerial units, they fall short in both numbers and quality. While our mages are stronger and higher-ranked, we remain slightly outmatched in the skies. With flight magic like yours, however, our combat prowess would surpass the Temple entirely..." Berg's tone was measured, his logic irrefutable.
Kael listened intently. The Grand Archon's intent was clear: the Sacred Council needed the Skysoar Technique. Its adoption would catapult their aerial capabilities to new heights.
Kael remained silent, waiting for Berg to continue.
"Kael, if you're willing to contribute this spell, I'm prepared to grant you an additional boon."The Grand Archon smiled. "Name your terms. I'll fulfill them to the best of my ability."
The offer sent Kael's pulse racing.
It was evident Berg and the Sacred Council saw him as a priority investment—so much so that the Grand Archon now treated him as a peer negotiator, inviting him to set his own price!
This was the moment Kael had waited for since first revealing the Skysoar Technique. His fate was now intertwined with the Sacred Council's, and they'd never reject a prodigy of his caliber. That certainty had emboldened him to use the spell openly.
Even if others coveted it, the Council would never seize it by force—only negotiate terms.
Kael's only miscalculation? He'd expected Zorath the Silent to approach him—not the Grand Archon himself.
Seeing Kael's silence, the Grand Archon smiled and spoke again: "Kael, how about I compensate you with gold coins?" Berg's gaze remained serene—after all, a spell like the Skysoar Technique held little value to someone of his cultivation level. For him, flight was effortless.
Kael's heart stirred. He knew the "gold coins" Berg referred to would undoubtedly exceed a million. The offer was tempting, yet he remained quiet.
"Alternatively, I could appoint you as an Honorary Elder of the Sacred Council. Even the nobles of various empires would bow in deference upon meeting you." The Grand Archon spoke patiently.
Honorary Elder of the Sacred Council!
This was no small title. If Kael truly became one, he could practically walk unopposed across the continent—even the highest-ranking nobles would step aside respectfully. Kael recalled that even Ethan had only held the status of an Honorary Elder.
Kael was genuinely tempted. He glanced at the Grand Archon—this unassuming middle-aged man still regarded him with a mentor-like smile, stirring a sense of goodwill in Kael toward the most powerful figure on the Southern Continent.
"I have one more proposal—one I believe will interest you." The Grand Archon spoke again.
Kael blinked. Another offer?
With a wave of his hand, Berg conjured a scroll, unfurling it before Kael.
It was a map—a vast, detailed depiction of the Southern Continent! The Eastern, Southern, and Western lands, the four great empires, the Northern Orc Kingdom, and even the territories controlled by the Shadowwing Mages in the west—all laid out clearly.
As the map hovered before him, the Grand Archon smiled and asked:
"How about I grant you a territory in exchange?"
A territory!
Kael froze. He hadn't expected the Grand Archon to propose something this enticing!
A territory—his own land, his own domain!
Kael's heart raced. He was undeniably tempted.
"At the border between the Gui Empire and the Maed Kingdom lies a territory under the Sacred Council's jurisdiction. I can grant it to you—with the title of Count. How does that sound?" The Grand Archon smiled.
A spell in exchange for a territory! Even Kael was stunned. He hadn't expected the Grand Archon to offer such an extraordinary boon—an actual fiefdom! In this world, titled nobles wielded immense power. Those granted land ruled their domains like kings!
Some even expanded their holdings through conquest, carving out legacies of their own.
The first emperor of the Gui Empire, after all, had risen from a disgraced noble to forge a vast dynasty.
Of course, Kael had no ambitions of conquest. His focus remained on strengthening his power. If he became a Legendary Archmage, even the Gui Emperor would bow before him!
For now, Kael was still reeling from the Grand Archon's offer, his mind racing.
"My deepest gratitude, Your Eminence." The Sacred Council's commitment to nurturing him was undeniable—this land grant proved it.
"No thanks are necessary. If you achieve greatness, let it honor the Sacred Council." Berg's smile was serene.
Then, his tone shifted—formal and commanding.
"Kael, Three-Star Executor of the Sacred Council, heed my decree! By the authority of the Grand Archon, Saint Berg, I bestow upon you the three-thousand-mile territory at the border of the Gui Empire and Maed Kingdom! You are hereby granted the title of Count and promoted to Five-Star Executor of the Shadow Hall!"
His staff glowed faintly as he tapped Kael's shoulder—a symbolic gesture of investiture.
"By your will, Your Eminence. I shall not fail this duty!" Kael bowed deeply, executing a flawless mage's salute.
"Good. This is but a preliminary appointment. The official decree will be delivered by Zorath the Silent in the coming days…" The Grand Archon nodded approvingly. "Kael, this territory is strategically vital—situated between two empires. Guard it well."
"Understood! I shall not disappoint Your Eminence's expectations!" Kael's voice was firm, though his mind blazed with plans.
Should I build a castle first? Or a magic tower?
Yet he also knew—this land grant wasn't without complications. Being a Count-Lord wouldn't be easy…
But no matter how he calculated it, Kael had just struck the deal of a lifetime.
The Skysoar Technique was indeed precious to Kael, but it also made him a target for covetous eyes. Now, with the Sacred Council backing him, he could openly use the spell while reaping immense benefits from the exchange.
Without hesitation, Kael transcribed the incantation and handed it to the Grand Archon. Berg glanced at it, his eyes glinting with recognition. "This is indeed the lost elven Skysoar Technique." A satisfied smile graced his lips.
For a moment, the Grand Archon seemed absorbed in studying the spell, lost in thought. Then, he looked up, his gaze settling on Kael once more.
"Ah, one more small matter." Berg smiled faintly. "While I've granted you a territory, you've only recently joined the Sacred Council. Though your contribution of this spell is significant, many remain unaware of your true strength and potential. Tomorrow, I'll arrange a challenge—a duel against our other Seventh-Rank talents. This will be your opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities. I expect you to perform well."
"Understood, Grand Archon!" Kael replied with a smile. Opponents of the same Seventh Rank?He wasn't the least bit concerned. In his current state, he had every right to be confident.
With a faint nod, the Grand Archon vanished—leaving no trace of his departure for Kael to follow.
A glimmer of determination and resolve flashed in Kael's eyes.
One day, he would reach that level of power—no, surpass it!