Realm of Myths and Legends Chapter 1295: Raised Hopes, A Small Test

"Thank you for indulging my trivial requests." Izroth remarked with a casual smile.

"Well, after being confined in that place for 150 years, I suppose I've learned to cherish the simple moments. I'll admit, readjusting to being surrounded by so many people has been a bit of a challenge. So much time has elapsed, and everything and everyone has changed. Naturally, I don't regret the decision I made back then. However, it would be dishonest not to acknowledge that my choices at that time might have been excessively selfish and thoughtless. Therefore, even if changing the past is impossible, I can at least strive to avoid repeating those errors." Hyrell shared, a touch of melancholy coloring his words.

"A commendable perspective. While I can never formally accept you as my master, having agreed to become your student establishes a bond between us that won't easily be broken. The path you've endured so much sacrifice to walk—it's no longer a solitary journey." Izroth stated with a serene tone.

A lighthearted smile graced Hyrell’s features.

"With such reassuring words from my own student, how could I possibly dwell on the past?" Hyrell responded, his expression relaxed.

Following their brief exchange, Izroth summoned Vexpela.

Upon receiving Izroth's assent, the door to the private chamber slid open, and Vexpela entered.

"You summoned me—" Vexpela began, but her words faltered as she laid eyes on Hyrell.

Vexpela immediately clasped her fist in a respectful gesture. "Please forgive my discourtesy, Formation Master Head Hyrell. I am late in offering my greetings. My name is Vexpela, and I oversee the operations of the Golden Treasure House."

Vexpela managed to conceal her nervousness effectively. Encountering Hyrell here was the last thing she had anticipated.

Prior to this day, Hyrell's name had never been uttered within Danaharpe City, let alone any mention of a new Head for the Formation Master Guild. Yet, following the earlier demonstration, any observer with keen insight would have no doubt regarding Hyrell's standing and expertise as a Formation Master.

Indeed, her most impressive accomplishment to date was persuading the highly arrogant Grade Ten Formation Master, known as the Sage of a Thousand Mazes, Elric Gray, to join the Formation Master Guild as its new Vice-Head.

Elric Gray was an individual who held even the previous Head of the Formation Master Guild, a Grade Nine Formation Master, in disdain. Such an arrogant person would never deign to bend the knee or yield ground to another unless they were demonstrably worthy of such deference.

However, the more pressing question occupying Vexpela's mind was the nature of the connection between Hyrell and the Supreme Elder of her Fourth Pavilion. At the very least, their interaction suggested they were not on bad terms, which brought Vexpela a measure of relief.

Still, the most astonishing revelation came from what Vexpela perceived with her unique gift.

Vexpela possessed an innate ability that allowed her to gauge the potential value an individual possessed. And, for the very first time in her life, upon meeting Izroth, Vexpela found herself utterly incapable of calculating his worth through her gift.

Now, for the second time in her life and on the same day, Vexpela had encountered another individual whose value she could not ascertain with her ability. That person, naturally, was the Formation Master Head, Hyrell.

"Oh? This young lady's potential is quite promising. You have a discerning eye." Hyrell commented to Izroth, before turning her attention to Vexpela.

She then added, "Pay me no mind. I am merely ensuring that no one dares to exert pressure on someone under my protection."

Vexpela's eyes widened momentarily in astonishment; however, she maintained a semblance of composure. Despite her efforts to remain calm, it proved challenging for Vexpela to completely mask her reaction, as a slight tremor ran through her body with excitement.

If the Supreme Elder of her Fourth Pavilion was afforded the protection of someone like Hyrell, it signified that he had the backing of the entire Formation Master Guild. This now extended to include the Sage of a Thousand Mazes, Elric Gray. To have the support of two such formidable figures, along with the Formation Master Guild, represented a tremendous advantage for the Fourth Pavilion!

"No, I must not get ahead of myself. Until I understand the precise nature of their connection, I cannot afford to be blinded by a potential that might not materialize," Vexpela cautioned herself as she regained her composure.

Vexpela had grown accustomed to disappointment, as her own family members had frequently usurped the potential she identified. It was this ingrained fear that fueled her current unease and uncertainty.

Izroth sensed the internal conflict and emotional waves Vexpela was experiencing. She had previously confided in him about her siblings' actions and the difficulties she faced due to the lack of maternal support in the succession struggle. Honestly, the fact that she had persevered for so long without succumbing to despair was, in Izroth's view, truly admirable.

Having experienced a life where any good fortune was fleeting, accepting that something positive could endure was a profound challenge. A part of them always braced for loss, viewing it as the inevitable order of things. For such an individual, Izroth understood the most effective approach: to demonstrate through actions rather than mere words.

"From this moment forward, Formation Master Head Hyrell and the Formation Master Guild shall lend their support to the Fourth Pavilion. Should your siblings, or the maternal families and forces backing them, dare to cause you trouble in my absence, do not hesitate for an instant to inform Formation Master Head Hyrell. We will absolutely not permit our people to be bullied by any external party," Izroth declared, his gaze sharp and resolute.

"Vexpela, is it? You may set your mind at ease. While the specifics of the current situation are unknown to me, I place my trust in the discernment of your Fourth Pavilion’s Supreme Elder. However, I must be perfectly clear. Since he has already committed to supporting you, I will not voice any objections. But, the very instant you prove yourself undeserving of such backing—my support will be immediately withdrawn. At that juncture, I shall strongly advise the Supreme Elder to do the same," Hyrell stated with unyielding firmness, her eyes fixed intently on Vexpela.

An immense, almost unbearable pressure descended upon Vexpela’s shoulders. It was merely a look, yet Vexpela felt as though she was on the verge of being completely consumed should she make a single misstep. Nevertheless, Vexpela remained composed, standing respectfully with her fists clasped in front of her.

"There is no need to be excessively severe with her. If my assessment proves to be inaccurate, I will readily accept responsibility for my own flawed perception. Though, I am entirely confident that such an outcome is exceedingly improbable," Izroth remarked in a lighthearted, nonchalant tone.

Hyrell shifted her intense gaze away from Vexpela. In that very moment, it felt as though an immense burden had been lifted from her consciousness.

Although Hyrell had employed no specific techniques or skills against Vexpela, she was undeniably a formidable presence operating at the higher echelons of the legendary realm. For an ordinary individual like Vexpela, even a fleeting glance from Hyrell was sufficient to induce a crushing and overwhelming sensation.