Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1569 - 541: Darien Yueling

The break of dawn on the following day.

Rein had scarcely risen from bed when he noticed Olena’s early arrival at the estate.

"Lord Rein, you've been named the Imperial Guardian!" Without waiting for any question from Rein, Olena dashed forward with eager steps, her voice brimming with thrill.

"I worried your bloodline might cause some issues..." Midway in her words, she caught herself and clamped her lips shut, aware it wasn't the right thing to say.

Having learned of the development from Menia beforehand, Rein remained composed and unruffled.

With a gentle smile, Rein replied, "The announcement arrived quicker than I'd anticipated."

"You were already aware?" Olena's excitement hadn't dimmed as she continued speaking.

"Only moments before you, Olena. Would you like to share breakfast with me?"

"My thanks, Lord Rein, but I've eaten already. Incidentally, are you familiar with the perks of serving as an Imperial Guardian?" Olena beamed while she asked.

"Hmm... I haven't delved into the specifics just yet," Rein mentioned, as he took his morning meal.

"An Inner Ring Mansion will be yours, plus the rank of Duke... Naturally, such comforts and honors may not mean much to you, Lord Rein."

"The two benefits that follow could catch your attention, though."

"To start, you'll have the chance for a direct bond selection with a Giant Dragon, but you'll need to request it ahead and expect a reply in three days."

"Really? I figured we'd hold off until September?" Rein arched a brow, appearing genuinely taken aback.

"That's not required at all, Lord Rein."

"In that case, kindly arrange it for me."

"Of course, Lord Rein."

"On top of that, you gain the right to pick one treasure from the Empire’s vault as your reward—be it a witchcraft, potion, or witch artifact that appeals to you."

"Is that so? Excellent. Might I visit right away?" Rein set aside his utensils, dabbed at his mouth with a napkin, and inquired.

Rein felt keen curiosity about whether the Empire held any potent potions to boost spiritual power at a high level.

In theory, something like the Ancient Dragon Soul Potion ought to be present in the Empire's stores, and likely in multiples.

Securing one would advance his Fifth Layer of the Advanced Meditation Method considerably.

Beyond that, any other rare elixirs would give him a solid target for his upcoming pursuits.

"This instant? Hold on a second, and I'll submit the request for you immediately."

"Take your time," Rein responded, a faint grin on his face.

Moments later, Olena hurried back and announced, "Lord Rein, I've secured the slot; we can proceed to the Empire’s treasury whenever you're ready."

"Appreciate it, Olena."

"Serving you is my privilege." With a toss of her hair, Olena dipped into a slight curtsy as she replied.

They had no sooner settled into the carriage than Rein's features shifted subtly—he'd detected a signal from the Communication Rune Stone he'd handed to Hamadi.

After a quick deliberation, Rein chose to respond without delay.

"Olena, I must excuse myself briefly."

"Eh?"

Before Olena could utter a word, Rein blinked out of sight within the carriage.

The abrupt disappearance stunned Olena, leaving her staring wide-eyed with her mouth agape in astonishment.

Despite her involvement in numerous Imperial Swordsmen missions and her seasoned background, seeing Rein dissolve into nothing right there floored her.

"This..."

"Incredible—does Lord Rein command the ancient space witchcraft that's been lost to time?" Olena finally whispered to herself after recovering.

…

In that instant, Rein employed 'Shadow Shifting' to materialize abruptly in the study of Second Prince Everton’s residence.

He scanned the area swiftly, then let a smile creep across his lips.

Thanks to his Dawn Peak senses, he easily spotted the concealed entrance behind the bookshelf.

Bypassing any effort to fiddle with the device's workings, Rein activated 'Shadow Shifting' once more to slip into the hidden room boasting a teleportation witch array.

"There it is—exactly as suspected."

Rein gazed at the floor's teleportation witch array, its faint glow pulsing softly, and grinned.

For the average Wizard confronting this setup, entry into the Secret Realm proved impossible, leaving them helpless onlookers.

Access demanded knowledge of the entry Spell for the Secret Realm to activate the teleportation witch array.

Strictly speaking, labeling it a Spell fell short; it served more as an activator. At its core lay a precise wave frequency, akin to a key. Just as locks demand a distinctly shaped key to unlock, this required its match.

"Now, time to breach this Small Secret Realm by force; fingers crossed its defenses hold strong," Rein muttered softly.

The instant after, he vanished anew, pushing through a certain bubble-like barrier within an enigmatic three-dimensional realm.

At the same time.

Everton, fresh into the Imperial Palace, sensed a tremor from his Waist Bag that twisted his expression in alarm: "Trouble—someone's breaching the Secret Realm!"

He spun on his heel and raced back to the carriage, barking, "Make haste to the mansion!"

"What?" Buchanan, traveling with him, appeared puzzled, given the importance of the gathering with key Royal Family elders that the Second Prince had arranged.

Yet, catching the panic etched on his highness's face, he grasped the gravity and affirmed, "Right away, your highness..."

…

A vast, shadowy stone chamber greeted Rein's gaze, its corridors flanked by enormous cylindrical vats. Inside them drifted various grotesque limbs and organs. Nearby, teams of odd Dragon-men prowled on patrol.