Chapter 122 Pre-war Reflections

Mage Man looked at Shao Ke's astonished face and explained with a smile, "These third-tier mages are different from mages like us, hmm! Mainly in their choice of spells."

"Can you tell me more?" Shao Ke continued watching the spell collisions outside the fortress, carefully sensing the fluctuations from each spell.

"Sure." Mage Roman stood beside Shao Ke, also gazing at the dazzling spectacle of spells still clashing out there in those mountain ranges. "They only choose spells with immense power, and for each tier, they select just a few, unlike me, who learns many spells of the same rank."

"You might very well become one of them someday." Mage Roman suddenly grabbed Shao Ke's arm, turning to study his plain, even somewhat unattractive face, and suddenly felt a sense of loss. She worried that after advancing to Third Tier Mage, he might become that kind of mage.

After hearing Mage Roman's explanation, Shao Ke pondered silently for a while. After watching the spells that had streaked across the night sky outside the city vanish, he knew this battle had ended, though he wasn't sure which side had won.

"Mage Roman, how powerful are these third-tier mages? If you encountered one of them, could you withstand them?" Shao Ke looked at the gradually dying flames and finally asked the question that might embarrass the female mage.

"If a third-tier mage from the Desasi Empire attacked me, I'd be easily killed." Mage Roman tightened her grip on Shao Ke's arm, her voice trembling slightly. "Unless one of our own third-tier mages could intervene in time to save me. Otherwise..." She didn't finish, just kept clutching Shao Ke's arm tightly, refusing to loosen her grip at all.

"Remember, on the battlefield, never take excessive action against the enemy's third-tier mages. Especially during fights between their third-tier mages, don't rashly get involved under any circumstances. Otherwise, they could easily kill you first." Mage Roman calmed her fear and reminded Shao Ke of the most crucial thing to watch out for on the battlefield.

"Can you tell me about their origins?" Shao Ke asked uncertainly, knowing the female mage might very well refuse to give a complete answer. "Do I have to reach the Third Rank to learn about this?"

Mage Roman slowly released Shao Ke's arm and apologized, "Yes, you must reach the third tier to understand. Otherwise, knowing too early could hinder your future development!" Then she added softly, "Actually, mages like them rarely appear. I wonder why they've come to the battlefield this time. Could there be some unexpected change?"

The two stood on the city wall a while longer before the female mage suggested returning. It was already very late, and it was getting colder outside, making it unfit for them to just stand around on the battlements, getting chilled by the wind and looking at the night view.

When Shao Ke escorted Mage Roman to the entrance of her barracks and was about to leave, Mage Roman stopped him and said, "Mage Xueye, what was the reason that made you escort me back that night?" Her fair face flushed slightly as she added, "Your true thoughts."

"You looked too tired and upset. You needed a good night's sleep." Shao Ke looked at the female mage's somewhat disheveled white hair and gently smoothed it. "I have to get back. I've got my evening practice to do." He nodded to Mage Roman and turned to leave.

"I thought you might invite me to your quarters," the female mage muttered disappointedly, watching Shao Ke's retreating figure. Only after his silhouette vanished into the darkness did she approach the guard mage on duty, stated her identity, and under the guard's strange gaze, hurried back to her own quarters.

Since that evening when Shao Ke accompanied Mage Roman to the city wall, she asked him to join her there every night for a while. However, they never witnessed another battle outside the city again, likely because all the enemy mage teams that had attacked there had been wiped out, or so Shao Ke guessed.

The calm days saw some ripples as more and more mages left the small courtyard. When Mage Roland bid farewell to Shao Ke with a calm expression, Shao Ke realized how close the war still was.

"Mage Xueye, please keep this letter for me." Mage Roland placed a thick letter in Shao Ke's hand. "If anything happens to me, just mail it. The detailed address is already written on it." He then took out a palm-sized, plain black ironwood box from inside his robe. "And this, please mail it together if needed."

As Shao Ke took the items Mage Roland had entrusted to him, a feeling of unease rose in his heart. "Mage Roland, what's wrong? We're just going to the battlefield. Your behavior makes me uncomfortable."

"Yes, we're just going to the battlefield." Mage Roland strained to make his smile look less forced. "I'm just being cautious. After all, this battle is different from before. There's no protection from soldiers this time; it's all mages against mages. And the spells I've mastered aren't very suitable for direct combat."

After saying all this in one breath, Mage Roland again expressed his hope that Shao Ke would fulfill his request if anything happened to him, as it was very important.

The two mages, who had arrived here together, chatted a bit more. Then, after giving a formal salute to Shao Ke, Mage Roland left.

"Mage Roland, after you return, let's go relax at the tavern together." Shao Ke called out to Mage Roland's back. "Good luck! Remember, be careful of the enemy's third-tier mages on the battlefield. Don't draw their attention. You must remember, they are very powerful."

Mage Roland paused briefly, turned his head to smile at Shao Ke, and then left the courtyard to find the team he would be assigned to, as he had to join them on the battlefield outside the city that very day.

Not many days after Mage Roland left, Shao Ke received a notice from the military department, summoning him to the large hall. After inquiring with the messenger mage, Shao Ke learned he was about to face new battles.

The large hall used for military meetings was packed with mages. Due to the lack of space, all the mages were standing, and even the chairs around the long table had been removed to make more room. Only the seat for the Seventh Tier Mage remained.

Shao Ke quickly spotted the white-haired Mage Roman and slowly made his way over. "Mage Roman, why do you all have to be here as well?"

The female mage was pleased to see Shao Ke find her. She moved closer to him, avoiding the jostling from other mages around. "We're here to see the strength of our future teammates, so we can plan our combat strategies in advance."

"Did those third-tier mages you mentioned not come?" Shao Ke stood on tiptoe to scan the surroundings but didn't notice any mages who felt particularly special.

The female mage tugged at Shao Ke's arm, signaling him to stop looking. "They'll join the team only when it's time to depart."

After chatting a bit more, the Seventh Tier Mage, who had been sitting at the long table, suddenly released his powerful mental energy, instantly silencing the low conversations among the mages.

Under the overwhelming mental pressure, the mages quickly quieted down. The mage nodded in satisfaction and announced loudly, "Tomorrow, you will leave the fortress to battle the mages of the Desasi Empire outside. Now, let me briefly explain the situation beyond the walls."

The mage proceeded to give an overview, the content largely similar to what Mage Roman had described. Finally, he said, "If you get separated from your team, try to retreat toward the rear. The chances of encountering friendly forces are higher there. Lastly, good luck to you all!"

After having the attending third-tier mages select their future teammates, the Seventh Tier Mage hastily concluded the brief meeting.

Mage Roman ultimately selected two female mages and several male mages to form a team of over a dozen with Shao Ke. Shao Ke assisted Mage Roman in recording the spells mastered by each new member one by one. Then, everyone gathered for detailed discussions. Mage Roman hoped this method would help foster familiarity among them, enabling the best possible coordination on the battlefield.

Shao Ke quietly watched from the side as Mage Roman meticulously explained various aspects of the upcoming battlefield to the new teammates. His mind, however, began to wander. He thought of Mage Roland, who had just gone to the battlefield not long ago, then recalled the escape from some time ago. Chaotic images flashed through his mind like scenes from a movie in a past life, finally settling on Francis Wodun, who remained in the imperial capital.

Lost in reminiscence, he silently watched Mage Roman, still surrounded by the new teammates. After a while, he noticed that while explaining things to the mages, Mage Roman always wore a slight frown, as if troubled by some persistent problem.

Temporarily setting aside his memories, Shao Ke observed Mage Roman more closely and realized her smiles seemed forced. This reminded him of her somewhat unusual behavior during their recent time together.

The dozen or so mages discussed with Mage Roman for the entire afternoon. Only after nightfall did Mage Roman signal for them to leave. "Everyone, make sure to get proper rest! Because even during camp at night in the wilderness, battles can occur. This is no lie." After setting the meeting point for the next day, she finally allowed the newly acquainted mages to disperse.