The Golem Mage Chapter 1123: Another Scheming Old Man.

“Well, you seem even more excited than I am about this change I’m about to get used to,” Alec remarked, his gaze fixed on the elder before him.

“Well, who wouldn’t be happy about securing the champion of one of the smaller islands for their region? You see, the Wilderness has suffered the loss of far too many lords recently, necessitating my personal recruitment efforts. That’s just how dire the situation has become,” the old man explained.

Though his words suggested a high-ranking position, he still hadn't disclosed his true rank. Nevertheless, Alec offered him respect, sensing the powerful aura of a Tier 7 mage emanating from the man.

Alec, however, suspected the man was concealing something. Despite having encountered numerous formidable Tier 7 mages, none had instilled the same unsettling feeling as this elder, who was clad in what appeared to be beggar's rags.

“Well, senior, is there any way you could arrange for all eight of us to have our lands situated close to one another?” Alec inquired, and in the next instant, the old man erupted into laughter.

“If it were any other region, they might have struggled to accommodate all eight of you and place you in close proximity. However, such a predicament doesn't exist within the Wilderness Regions. The one thing we certainly don't lack is ample land. You truly are my lucky charm, Alec, bringing along seven other exceptional lords,” the old man declared, raising the scroll before him to locate Alec’s name.

“Very well, allow me to examine the lands that are situated adjacent to each other,” the man stated before extending his hand into the air.

Instantly, a vast map materialized before them, akin to a holographic projection, and he commenced his scrutiny. Green, grey, and red patches were scattered across the map, though the verdant areas were not particularly numerous.

The crimson expanses were slightly more prevalent than the green, while the grey territories were by far the most abundant. However, a commonality among them was the presence of a tiny green dot within each grey patch on the map.

In that briefest of moments, Alec had already begun employing his own understanding to decipher the map. He rapidly connected the dots and concluded that the green sections represented lands still under the dominion of human lords.

Consequently, the red areas must signify lands already seized by abyss lords, and as for the grey zones, they likely indicated territories currently devoid of any lord.

“What are your thoughts on this option?” the old man finally posed, pointing to one of the grey points on the map. It was notably larger than most of the surrounding territories, with eight other smaller lands bordering it, though one of them was tinged with a crimson hue.

Immediately, Alec regarded the old man, attempting to discern his underlying intentions.

“The final landmass adjacent to yours is currently under the control of a High Orc race. This is merely one of their lesser lords, yet they have inflicted considerable suffering upon the Wilderness. My decision to send you and your seven companions there is not without reason. It is my hope that, by some miracle, your group and you will be able to halt their advance deeper into human territory,” the old man confessed with a nervous smile, finally revealing his true agenda.

Alec, in response, met him with a placid expression that unmistakably conveyed:

‘So, you’re tossing us straight into the fire, are you?’

“I presume that if you are assigning us to that location, you believe we possess sufficient strength to repel the High Orc lord who has taken command of that city, correct?” Alec questioned.

“He is merely a Tier 8 lord, supported by approximately fifty Tier 7 subordinates and a multitude more below that realm. However, you will not be facing low-ranking orcs. They seldom permit their younger kin to venture far from their domains,” the old man responded.

Upon hearing this, Alec's brow furrowed. He had not anticipated the man would present such a formidable challenge to him and his group. Yet, he recognized that if he truly desired all eight of them to remain in close proximity, he had no alternative but to accept the old man’s proposal. Even though it was evident the man was maneuvering him into a conflict, despite possessing limited knowledge of the Wilderness Region, he felt that rejecting this offer would inevitably lead to their separation across vast distances, presenting a considerable obstacle for him to assist them.

Alec harbored no pleasure in any of this. His sole aspiration had been to cultivate in secrecy and peace, yet even with an F-grade evaluation, he had somehow attracted the attention of the suspicious elder before him.

“We accept. I cannot guarantee that we will completely halt their invasion, but I can pledge to exert every effort to try and bring it to an end,” Alec declared, and the old man nodded in approval of Alec’s resolve.

“In that case, what are the particulars I need to be aware of—” Alec was on the verge of posing questions regarding the various details he deemed essential, but it was apparent the man had grown weary of his inquiries.

“Alright! That concludes our discussion. Fear not. Upon arrival at your designated city and synchronization of your lord token with your town hall, all necessary information shall be duly provided,” the elder declared, positioned between the two individuals. He then placed a golden token, each inscribed with unique emblems, into their palms.

“However—” Arthur commenced his inquiry, but the old man’s demeanor abruptly shifted to one of sternness. Alec, observing this, quickly faced Arthur, subtly signaling him to suppress his current interrogations.

“Now that you promising new lords of the Wilderness have arrived, depart and bring me honor,” the old man proclaimed, striking his staff upon the ground. A grand doorway materialized before him.

He then stepped aside, motioning for Alec and his companions to proceed. Despite Alec’s lingering skepticism regarding the old man and the inexplicable display of power beyond a Tier 7 mage’s capabilities, he chose not to dwell on these concerns.

He surmised that the individual’s intention was for them to confront the High Orcs. Consequently, it was unlikely he wished them any harm. Yet, the question of why the old man couldn't resolve the issue himself lingered. Considering the old man's apparent high standing, Alec concluded this was likely the explanation.

Upon opening the door, Alec beheld a portal of swirling purple and black hues. Without significant hesitation, he stepped through, his group following close behind.