Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1529 - 526: The Death of an Old Friend (2)

"Splat!"

Marquis Orens' face locked in eternal terror, remorse, and unwillingness as a gruesome blend of red and white, curd-like matter burst from the back of his skull...

"L... Lord Rein, I... I..."

The final Third Level Crystallization Wizard from the Isodre School watched in stunned horror as Rein swiftly eliminated three foes, including an Imperial Marquis, without a second thought, leaving him to stutter helplessly.

"No need to fear, share your origins and reason for being here." Rein offered a reassuring smile to the surviving man.

That gentle smile on Rein's face sparked a rush of profound respect and hope in the man, like a desperate swimmer clutching at a lifeline. In an instant, his words flowed steadily as he hurriedly explained:

"Lord Rein, I'm from the Isodre School, sent by Deputy Sect Leader Malcolm to aid Marquis Orens..."

While he spoke, a intricate emblem on the right side of his Wizard Robe suddenly glimmered faintly.

"Witchcraft transmission? Play it for us." Rein noticed and remarked casually.

"Understood... Lord Rein."

The Crystallization Wizard promptly channeled his spiritual power, summoning a holographic sigil into the air.

This was a recorded dispatch, not a live exchange.

For Third Level Crystallization Wizards, sending messages stands as the standard way to connect.

After all, sustaining instant links demands far more spiritual energy, a choice seldom made by anyone short of Dawn Wizards.

A mature man's voice echoed: "Halt the operation, come back at once."

Those instructions enraged the Third Level Crystallization Wizard!

It was merely thirty minutes too late!

If the alert had arrived just half an hour sooner, things might have turned out differently. But now, with the warning in hand, it proved utterly pointless!

"You've cooperated well, so I'll spare your life for the moment. Soon, guide me to the Shirendil Plateau, straight to the Isodre School's headquarters—any issues with that?"

"N... none at all!" The Crystallization Wizard grasped the situation right away; refusal meant instant death, while showing the path could perhaps buy him a faint shot at living, so he nodded vigorously.

"Excellent."

With those words, Rein softly laid his palm against the man's chest.

A wave of shadowy silver rippled across, gradually encasing the man in a sheath of dark silver alloy.

"L... Lord..."

Panic gripped the man, convinced that Rein meant to finish him off.

"Relax, I know the Wizards of the Isodre School enjoy petrifying their foes into stone statues—maybe metallic ones carry more elegance."

Once the covering fully enveloped him, even his features, Rein thoughtfully left tiny vents by his nose for air.

Rein aimed to confine him, not execute him.

Right then, Rein hoisted the 'metal figure' and blurred into motion, vanishing from the chamber in a flash.

Not long after Rein's departure.

A servant girl clutched a flask of premium liquor and politely rapped on the door repeatedly, met only with silence from within, which piqued her interest.

Thus, she cautiously pushed the door ajar, only to unleash a piercing shriek at the horrifying sight!

"Ah!"

...

In the meantime,

Rein materialized once more, now close to the Temple's gateway.

"Transporting items—no, hauling folks—seems to spike spiritual power drain dramatically?" Rein eyed the metallic form he held, lost in thought.

Earlier, he'd employed his fresh skill 'Shadow Shifting' anew, yet noticed the energy cost skyrocketed when bearing another along.

Reflecting on it, if ferrying people proved simple, Quinnna's worth would soar, and Second Prince Everton wouldn't have parted with Quinnna so readily.

"Thus, for now, this power works best solo."

"Plus, zones shielded by Witch Arrays block direct passage." Rein surveyed the grand Temple and mused.

He'd tried slipping inside before but encountered heavy opposition.

While pushing through by force could work, since this was friendly territory, a rough intrusion wouldn't do, so Rein chose to emerge by the Temple's doorway.

....

Moments later, Rein strolled leisurely into the Temple.

"Captain!" Angus, Evelyn, and Neoro called out with thrilled voices.

"Lord Rein," Punishment Knight Brandel greeted with a warm grin.

"Rein!" The stunning Jennifer gathered her gown's edge and hurried to his side.

Yet she recalled the onlookers present, particularly Lagaray close by, so she stopped short just a couple of paces away, holding back from leaping straight into Rein's arms.

As for the Barbarian warrior Lagaray, a High Rank Fierce Warrior with strong discipline, her lovely features still radiated uncontainable delight.

"Everything's alright, no need to fret."

Rein moved forward first, embracing the lovely lady and soothing her worries.

As a regular person facing Crystallization Wizards and Titled Knights, the strain on Jennifer was beyond measure.

Next, Rein drew Lagaray into an embrace, running his fingers through her smooth locks, and murmured, "You've endured a lot."

"It's nothing, just glad you're safe." True to her barbarian spirit, bold in affection and fury, Lagaray squeezed Rein tightly, planted a kiss on his cheek, and replied.

...

"Lord Brandel, my gratitude for your unwavering support." Rein beamed, advancing to offer his thanks.