Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1532 - 527: Shirendil Plateau (Part 2)

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Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...
Aboard a high-speed airship, Rein pondered the delicate balance of dismantling the Isodre School on the Shirendil Plateau, weighing the risks of a power vacuum against the potential to absorb its earth wizards into the Bixiu Mechanization School for greater strength. Back in Imperial City Tamriel, the school's members labored over repairing the Destroyer demon statue amid discouragement, as only a Fourth Level Dawn Wizard like Rein could fully wield it, while Sect Leader Moria risked a hasty breakthrough to aid their promotion. Joy erupted when word spread of Rein's return, though he had already departed for Mingster Province, prompting Mogaro to halt Moria's attempt; meanwhile, Deputy Sect Leader Bradley received confirmation that the school's promotion issues were resolved.

The earlier problem stemmed from an inspector at the Isodre School who didn't check carefully enough, overlooking the discrepancies between their school's demon statue records and those provided by the Bixiu Mechanization School. This sparked doubts about theft involving the Bixiu Mechanization School.

"Odd, would the Isodre School really act so generously?"

"They obstructed us earlier, yet now they've abruptly given approval? Is a larger scheme lurking ahead for us?"

Bradley stroked his chin, brimming with doubt.

.....

Sword Holder Headquarters.

"Olena, are you telling me Admiral Edward reported that after Lord Rein handled the matter in Mingster, he skipped going back to the Imperial City and headed directly to the Shirendil Plateau?"

Upon hearing this, Major General Tatia rose to her feet for confirmation.

"Indeed, Major General Tatia." Olena gave a nod, equally shocked by the report.

The meaning behind this action was all too clear!

"This is bad, Lord Rein's acting on pure impulse!"

"Things on the Shirendil Plateau are intricate, and Stuart, known as the 'Shield of Rock', stands as a mighty force even among the Empire's epic-level experts."

"On top of that, they hold the edge from their school's home ground, and even the veteran Imperial Guardians must offer deference to the Isodre School in Shirendil."

"I must alert Marshal Alfred without delay."

"This..."

Olena felt her chest clench at Major General Tatia's words, unable to shake off the rising anxiety.

....

At the same time.

Shirendil Plateau.

In the main hall of Nirheim, the Isodre School outpost.

A wizard clad in a brown robe was dutifully briefing an elder enveloped by a hazy earth element barrier.

That elder served as the Sect Leader of the Isodre School, Dawn Wizard Stuart Abel, holder of the 'Shield of Rock' title.

"Alright, Malcolm, did you notify the rest to halt?" Stuart questioned.

"Yes, sir. We've greenlit the Bixiu Mechanization School's advancement request and told the pair dispatched to Mingster to come back at once."

"That said..... the communication officer reports that despite the message, they still haven't shown up."

"Hmm? No return yet?" Stuart's brow creased faintly as he probed.

"Correct, sir. Perhaps Marquis Orens's lavish welcome has kept them enthralled. In truth, Nirheim's leisure options pale beside those in the Imperial City." Malcolm clarified.

Were he in their shoes, he'd savor the nobles' grand reception in the Imperial City too; wizards, after all, share human frailties.

"And Rein? What's his current location?" Stuart queried abruptly.

"Word is, upon reaching the Imperial City, he went straight home, skipping all the follow-up high-level imperial gatherings and feasts."

"Dig deeper!"

"Probe Rein's location? You think he's already reached Mingster?"

"Exactly, I'll handle it now." Malcolm caught on suddenly, his face lighting up with astonishment.

Just then, a youth in a brown wizard robe rushed in and announced, "Sect Leader, Imperial City updates indicate Rein departed the city half a day back and set course for Mingster."

"Half a day prior?"

"Trouble! Does this mean..." Malcolm's face shifted, grasping that the Sect Leader's earlier hunch had probably hit the mark.

"Malcolm, devise a method to follow Rein's trail." Stuart commanded gravely.

"Understood!"

As Malcolm pivoted to depart, Stuart gestured, prompting the young wizard nearby to exit the hall as well.

Once the hall emptied, Stuart mulled briefly before tracing an intricate design in mid-air, one shaped like a spider.

With the design glowing, a weathered voice echoed: "Stuart, what's prompted this direct link today? No fear of the Empire spotting it?"

"Graham, Rein's probably en route to the Shirendil Plateau," Stuart replied gravely, brushing aside the voice's tease.

"Eh? That Rein who slew Staven? The Empire's youngest epic-level powerhouse?" Graham, on the line, sounded stunned upon hearing it.

"That's him."

"But reports claimed he and the 'Red Queen' Menia got beaten and locked up by the Nether Sea Goddess?"

"Those details were wrong."

"Ah, so he's targeting you? Hence, you're seeking my aid?" Graham quickly pieced together the reason for Stuart's outreach.

"I require your assistance against this Rein, and as payment, I'll permit the Tutkash School full control over the western Shirendil Plateau." Stuart declared firmly.

"Insufficient! Throw in the two central Brighton tribes as well." Graham pondered briefly, then grinned while laying out his demand.

"Why crave so many Brightons? Looks like those old tales hold water—you're partnering with the Evil God.....?"

"Just a sorcery trial; the Brightons' giant lineage is what I seek. My ask isn't overreaching, Stuart—mull it over." Graham elaborated.

Meanwhile, he knew Stuart wouldn't stall much, since Rein pursued Stuart and the Isodre School, not his own interests.

He had the luxury of patience.

"Agreed!"