Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1576 - 543: Top Secret and Promotion (3)

Although Mechanical Land Birds and Mechanical Scythe Claw Dragons absorbed the majority of the foe's direct charges, the varied spider horde's battle prowess had obviously gone beyond what they had foreseen earlier.

Furthermore, the Tutkash School's core troops lurked like a poisonous serpent in hiding, coiled somewhere unseen and poised to unleash their assault. Despite the readiness on their end, constant caution was still required.

"I concur; it would be wiser to begin the total offensive after Crown Rein shows up," the mustached senior wizard from Isodre School remarked, giving a nod of agreement.

Having witnessed Graham's power up close, he naturally refused to downplay the threat. Even relying on the formidable 'Destroyer' as their key asset, they could scarcely hold the line in a deadlock.

Right then, a youthful wizard burst in with a beaming face to deliver the update:

"Sect Leader, delegates from various wizard schools have arrived from the Imperial City, claiming they want to align with the Mechanical Association and are here for inspection and assessment."

"Hmm?" The group traded looks, caught off guard for a second.

"Have other schools signed on this fast?"

"Which ones showed up?" Deputy Sect Leader Bradley pressed right away.

"Representatives from the mid-tier outfits like Rocky Mechanized Workshop and Clay Puppet Secret Technique Institute, plus a bunch of smaller wizard schools, have all dispatched envoys."

"Huh? Weren't those two mid-sized schools on rocky terms with us before..."

"Indeed, reports say that just two days back, Lord Rein had already submitted the association's details to the Empire's Wizard School Union. On top of that, there's word that Lord Rein has been formally elevated to Imperial Guardian."

"What! That's fantastic!" Moria slammed the table hard, his cheeks glowing with thrill.

How many years had passed!

The Bixiu Mechanization School hadn't seen an Imperial Guardian in ages!

"Lord Rein—or rather, Crown Rein—has long outstripped the typical Imperial Guardian in might. Earning this Guardian status is nothing short of fitting." The gray-haired veteran wizard from Isodre School fondled his beard, grinning as he offered his congratulations.

"No surprise then that envoys from other schools arrived so swiftly!" Bradley burst out, the pieces clicking into place.

With joy lighting up every face, abruptly, a young wizard dashed inside wearing a frantic expression, announcing:

"Terrible news, Sect Leader, lords—dire reports just arrived from Talufoto Valley; three full mechanical wizard units have been utterly annihilated!"

"What!"

"Every mechanical unit carried no less than one Mechanical Scythe Claw Dragon and one Mechanical Scream Dragon. Three entire units... all destroyed?"

"That's right, lord; we've dispatched teams for urgent probes. We believe the valley might well be the hidden stronghold of the Tutkash School that we've been hunting!"

"Reach out to Crown Rein at once!"

"Understood, Sect Leader."

....

The following dawn.

Along the Empire's chief thoroughfares, festive lanterns swayed in the breeze as celebrations kicked off. The populace had learned of the grand Empire ritual to welcome the fresh Imperial Guardian, set to unfold at the Royal Arena.

By now, the Royal Arena gleamed with vibrant floral arrangements, its seats packed with Imperial Nobles, elegant noblewomen, and refined ladies.

Surveying the lively spectacle ahead, Rein softly whispered to himself:

"Right now, even the nobles seem just like ordinary folk in the dark."

"Crown Rein, maybe we ought to view it another way. For the majority, not knowing could truly be a blessing," Lambert replied gravely from his position at Rein's side.

The guardians hurrying into the Imperial City from distant spots were quickly ushered to secluded chambers, given confidential briefings, and supplied with extra combat elixirs and restorative potions.

Among the newly appointed, Rein crossed paths with Lambert, who had freshly attained the Sword Saint level.

At that point, the 'Red Queen' Menia ascended elegantly on the royal dais, displaying her poised and regal poise, and declared, "Following consultations with the Royal Family and the Elder Council, I now proclaim the official launch of the induction ceremony for the new Imperial Guardian..."

Menia's declaration hit like icy water on sizzling fat; the whole Royal Arena exploded into frenzy!

Applause

"Leading off is Lord Rein of the Imperial Swordsmen Department... He stands as... the youngest Imperial Guardian ever in the Dragan Empire's annals!"

Rein hadn't anticipated Menia naming him first.

"The youngest Imperial Guardian on record? This... this is incredible!"

"Absolutely, it's remarkable. And this Guardian honor is truly earned. Didn't you catch how Crown Pantoscoke, dubbed 'Storm Cloud', fell to Lord Rein—or Crown Rein—just days ago?"

"Spot on; the Empire shows real fairness here, not basing Imperial Guardian picks on age or rank."

...

The assembled high nobles, noblewomen, and ladies murmured in hushed tones.

"Clap, clap, clap!"

Soon after, fresh applause rang out from somewhere, igniting another wave that pushed the arena's energy to its peak!

"Gratitude to Prince Menia, to the Elder Council, to everyone." In the arena's heart, Rein offered a slight bow to show his thanks.

In that instant, a potent aura surged skyward from the Imperial Palace's core, vast and imposing. Despite the Witch Array's multiple barriers dampening it, all inside the palace sensed it sharply.

"This is...." The nobles on hand froze in confusion.

Yet the primed Imperial Guardians grew solemn, gazing toward the palace's midst, murmuring, "Is the breakthrough underway?"

...