Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1476 - 507: Terrio’s Decision (2)

"I recognize your efforts, Congressman Nelson; you truly prioritize the Federation's best interests. I am confident that the Military Department will provide you with significant backing during next year's election for Federation Speaker."

"My thanks, General Randall. It is all for the glory of the Federation! To your health!" Nelson responded, his face beaming with a satisfied grin.

"Cheers!"

The two men lightly tapped their glasses together before draining the contents in a single gulp!

...

Deep within Ressero Canyon, at the cave encampment.

Inside a lavish central tent, Rein was sipping tea and engaging in conversation with Sword Saint Terrio and several others.

Their peace was interrupted when Haleem walked in, wearing a deep scowl. "Lord Hernandez, an emergency directive has just arrived from the high command. Giant sea beasts are reportedly raiding the coastline near the Andor Duchy. You are ordered to provide immediate reinforcements; they expect you to depart today if possible."

"Is the situation truly that dire?" Sword Saint Terrio asked, his brow furrowing as he paused his chat with Rein.

A faint sense of suspicion flickered in his mind.

"It likely stems from the fact that my abilities are most effective near the ocean, and the Andor Duchy is relatively close. The logic behind the orders seems sound. My only regret is that I cannot spend more time trading insights with Lord Rein," Hernandez remarked.

Sensing nothing out of the ordinary, Hernandez smiled and took the dispatch from Haleem’s hand.

While the Federation counted many Water Element Wizards among its ranks, only five had attained the Fourth Level Dawn rank, and he happened to be the one stationed nearest to the crisis.

"Lord Hernandez, our discussions have been highly beneficial to me as well. I look forward to our next encounter," Rein said, offering a polite smile.

Standing nearby, Sword Saint Terrio turned to Hernandez and cautioned, "It feels incredibly rushed to me. Normally, Hernandez, you would be granted a period of rest after completing a mission. Has the threat intensified beyond expectations?"

"That is certainly a possibility," Hernandez replied with a nod.

"Lord Terrio, there is also an urgent, top-secret message for you." Haleem presented a second note to the Sword Saint.

"Oh?" Terrio’s eyebrows twitched as he quickly unfurled the paper to scan its contents.

"Don't tell me you’ve been assigned a mission as well?" Hernandez joked.

"Not exactly. It says representatives from the Empire Military Department are arriving. They wish to investigate the capabilities of the mechanical constructs and the goblin remains found within the ruins."

"That makes sense. Since the combat on the lower levels primarily involved you and Lord Rein—and Lord Rein’s status makes him unsuitable for a formal debrief—the responsibility falls to you."

"I was secretly hoping you could travel back with me so I’d have a powerful ally by my side, but it looks like that plan is ruined," Hernandez noted with a chuckle.

"Lord Haleem, if you would be so kind as to make the arrangements, I shall prepare for my departure immediately."

"Wait a moment, Lord Hernandez. I have just received another update."

Haleem flashed a smile at Hernandez before addressing Rein:

"Lord Rein, the Empire Delegation has already left the capital city of Anthor. They are currently en route to Zetaya and are scheduled to arrive by early tomorrow morning."

"Is that so?" Rein’s interest was piqued; this was convenient timing.

Since he had achieved his goals for this ruin exploration and gained several unexpected rewards, he was ready to head home.

"Do you intend to leave for Zetaya today or wait until tomorrow? I suggest that if you depart today, you can travel alongside Lord Hernandez and me. Furthermore, I could give you a tour of Zetaya’s sights."

"Are you leaving us as well, Lord Haleem?" Rein inquired, surprised.

Upon hearing that Haleem intended to depart, both Terrio and Hernandez shifted their attention toward him.

"Haha, Lord Rein, I actually owe you a debt of gratitude. Observing your Metal Series Dawn Killing Move provided me with immense inspiration. I feel I am now ready to attempt a breakthrough to the Dawn Level."

"Because of this, I submitted a request yesterday to return to Anthor at the earliest opportunity," Haleem explained, his face glowing with excitement.

"You have my congratulations, Lord Haleem. I will leave early so I may travel in the company of you and Lord Hernandez," Rein answered with a smile.

The journey from Ressero Canyon to Zetaya took a few hours. By leaving now, he could explore the city, get a full night's sleep, and meet the delegation the following morning.

"Well done, Haleem," Hernandez said, offering his congratulations.

"I thought I noticed your aura shifting over the last couple of days. Congratulations indeed, Haleem," Sword Saint Terrio added with a grin.

"I am honored by your kind words." Haleem was visibly thrilled to be congratulated by three epic-level elites.

...

Roughly half a day after Rein and the others had departed.

A party of five individuals arrived at the cave camp.

Within this group were two men clad in massive, gleaming silver plate armor etched with gold patterns. Carrying heavy Tower Shields, they looked every bit like elite Heavy Knights. Behind them was a woman armed with a longbow; she wore dark leather armor that complemented her athletic and attractive frame.

The second woman was also dressed in leather, though a black hood obscured half her face, leaving only a pair of sharp, vigilant eyes visible. Though she was small in stature, her movements were fluid and quick.

These four formed a protective circle around a middle-aged man wearing a vibrant red Wizard Robe.

This man gripped a dark red wand. His hair was perfectly styled, and he carried himself with a lifted chin and a clear air of superiority.

When he spotted Sword Saint Terrio, a faint smirk touched his lips. "Lord Terrio, it has been quite some time!"

"Lord Alvin, you are welcome here. You reached us much faster than I anticipated," Terrio replied, maintaining a polite smile.

Alvin was a Fire Element Dawn Wizard who served the Military Department. While Terrio didn't know him well, he was aware of the man’s infamous arrogance—Alvin was known for claiming that anyone lacking epic-level power was essentially trash.