This was a city nestled among the mountains. As a crucial passage through the Mu Diao Mountain Range, it held high strategic value. Once occupied, it effectively controlled the supply line of the western front; thus, the city never lacked garrisons.
Similarly, being at a traffic hub, it saw many merchants coming and going, and its population was complex. Mountain folk, roaming outlaws, bandits... all sorts of forces gathered here. Even though the Kolon military had captured the city, they lacked the surplus energy to eradicate these elements. This, precisely, created the conditions for assassination.
The fog in the surrounding mountain forests was thick. Especially in recent times, each morning Luo Ta City would be enveloped in a dense fog. It was so thick that one could not see their own fingers, and it would only disperse slowly by noon.
「South City's poor district.」
Du Lu, dressed as a merchant, stood with his hands behind his back. He knocked on a door, gathering everyone in an open area.
"I have already contacted the agents Gando arranged here. They will introduce us to our assassination target and assist us in completing the mission. Some of you are participating in an operation for the first time and might not be familiar with your teammates. Let's introduce ourselves first so it will be more convenient to coordinate later."
"Yes." An elderly man with white facial hair nodded. "I'll start!"
He stroked his beard and smiled. "Most of my friends from the Order of the Star don't know me. My name is Bankroft, a member of the League Exploration Team. I'm here temporarily for certain reasons to participate with you in this operation. Intermediate Wizard Apprentice, skilled in Shape Energy Magic, and I've also studied Puppetry Technique."
Shape Energy Magic manipulates various energies to create desired effects, akin to creating something from nothing. Most spells of Shape Power Magic can produce spectacular effects, and such spells can also cause significant damage. Arcane Missiles, Magic Flying Arrows, and Chain Lightning, for example, are all types of Shape Power Magic. Therefore, Wizards proficient in Shape Energy Magic are generally adept at combat. Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up.
Initially, some had been displeased by the presence of an outsider, but now smiles appeared on their faces. Given Bankroft's age and proficiency in witchcraft, his abilities certainly ranked him among the top Intermediate Wizard Apprentices. Perhaps he was not inferior to some Advanced Wizard Apprentices. After all, becoming an Advanced Wizard Apprentice was one thing; constructing complete Magic Models was another. The few young Advanced Wizard Apprentices in the Order of the Star probably hadn't had time to construct many Magic Models yet.
A couple stepped forward together. They had been members since the Order of the Star was first established, so everyone present recognized them.
Ben was tall with thick silver hair; his facial features were sharp, and his eyes clear and penetrating. His good upbringing lent his bearing an air of solemnity and grace.
Xue Li's eyes were bright and her blonde hair smooth. She wore a simple, elegant dress, resembling a blooming flower. A smile always graced her face. Her demeanor was sunny and warm, and she was clearly very satisfied with her husband.
Ben and Xue Li had always been a model couple within the Order of the Star.
"We are both Intermediate Wizard Apprentices, majoring in the Natural School's Life Discipline," Ben said. "Xue Li has also studied Bloodline Magic; she possesses a trace of Druid bloodline."
"Druid?" someone exclaimed in surprise. "The Guardians of nature, embodiments of the forest? So Xue Li actually has such a bloodline!"
Elves, Druids, Vampires... all had appeared in Wizard records, but very few people had actually seen them. Hearing that Xue Li possessed Druid bloodline was quite a surprise to many.
Xue Li smiled and nodded.
A young man stepped forward. "I'm Nelli," he said. "I advanced to Intermediate Wizard Apprentice last year. I was formerly a thief, and I major in Illusion Technique."
Nelli was thin and had a common face, easily overlooked in a crowd. His background was also unfortunate, but no one would laugh at him. This was because he possessed a very rare Level Two Wizard Talent, just like Modili and Oma. Even though he had started on the Wizard's path late, he had advanced quickly to Intermediate Wizard Apprentice and had a promising future. He was not yet a member of the Order of the Star, but after this mission, he probably would be.
A tall, robust, and handsome young man stepped out from the crowd. Placing a hand on his chest, he bowed slightly. "Gavin," he introduced himself. "Intermediate Wizard Apprentice and a Knight. I specialize in the Natural School's Earth Discipline and am fairly skilled in protective witchcraft."
"Amy." Gavin turned his head to look at the girl beside him. "Your turn."
Gavin's appearance and demeanor arguably made him the most distinguished among the men present; even the married Xue Li cast admiring glances his way. But Amy didn't seem interested in him, only managing an awkward smile in response to his friendly greeting.
"I'm Amy, an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice. I major in the Natural School's Wind Discipline and own a Magic Creature." As she spoke, she called out 'Little Wind,' her Magic Creature, introducing it to the others. This update is available on NovєlFіre.net
"That's everyone." Du Lu nodded. "Once the people from the Gando Kingdom arrive, we'll plan how to..."
"Wait!" Amy suddenly raised her hand, interjecting, "Carl hasn't arrived yet."
"Carl?" Du Lu's expression darkened. He certainly hadn't forgotten Carl. Before coming, Hibell had specifically instructed him to take good care of her junior brother. But now it was the agreed-upon day, and Carl still hadn't arrived.
Is he planning to reap the rewards without putting in any effort?
Does he really think that just because Hibell is his senior sister, he has that much pull?