“Is it the Bloodline Alterator?”
Ivan’s expression remained unchanged, but he noticed something unusual about the other’s eyes, which resembled those of a magic creature rather than a human’s. He was unsure which type of magic creature the eyes belonged to, or what drawbacks this bloodline might have.
Soon, Vice President Angus appeared, and others quickly suppressed their stray thoughts.
True to expectations, Angus mentioned the recent turmoil, verbally criticized Barny and others, and issued certain punishments. His demeanor was mild—it seemed he didn’t take the recent chaos to heart.
Finally, he emphasized safety issues again.
“We are all sensible sorcerers who understand when to advance or retreat. I will not dwell on the safety measures since you all understand them. Do any of you have further questions?”
“I have something I’m unsure about, not sure if I should mention it.”
As others prepared to leave, someone actually spoke up, forcing the elders to pause their movements, ready for some drama.
“Sorcerer Yosef, we are all among friends here. If you have doubts, feel free to speak,” Angus signaled him to continue.
“Then I’ll speak frankly. I think that an artifact like the ‘Light of Wisdom’ should not be held by a beginner of the Space-type, due to serious safety risks that could lead to uncontrollable consequences, perhaps even worse than today’s events. It’s something we must guard against.”
Yosef was quite blunt, clearly directing his criticism at a specific elder.
Hearing his comment, everyone exchanged glances, unsure of who he was targeting.
However, Yosef’s unguarded gaze made it clear—he meant a certain elder who had recently gained significant renown and was honored as a ‘master.’
“Being skilled in Enchantment of energy modeling, he has no direct connection to the Space-type, and moreover, he might not be more proficient than most of us here,” Yosef continued.
“Sorry, I tend to be quite direct.”
Observing his unapologetic face, several people frowned slightly, contemplating the implications of his words.
It was undeniable that having the Light of Wisdom in Sorcerer Ivan’s hands involved various dangers inherent to spatial exploration.
“You’re spouting nonsense! If you’re so capable, try inventing a Formation like the Black Magic Wind Fire Array yourself. If you can’t, better keep your mouth shut because you’re not worthy,” Mendenez stood up and cursed.
“With that logic, none of us elders would be worthy to speak with him. What a high and mighty attitude,” Yosef said sarcastically with a chuckle, “No wonder that person hasn’t tried to explain himself, right?”
“Silence!”
Seeing the commotion below start to grow, Angus, changing from his previous mild manner, his expression grew serious and somewhat dangerous.
As the only Level 3 Sorcerer present, capable of overpowering any elder, his displeasure quickly quelled the disturbance below, and even Yosef quieted down.
“Ivan, what’s your opinion?”
“From the words of Elder Yosef, it’s clear he believes my skills in Enchantment are inferior to his, whether in Space or energy modeling. I am curious to know on what basis he makes this claim. Is it because he has been in the guild longer than I, or is it because of his newly transplanted wild beast eyes, or perhaps because he learned something from my Black Magic Wind Fire Array?”
Hearing the Vice President’s inquiry, Ivan didn’t hesitate to retort sharply.
In any case, he couldn’t just hand over the Light of Wisdom so easily. How would he then maintain his position within the School of Space?
“You—”
A flash of anger crossed Yosef’s face, but he quickly suppressed it. He had been waiting for exactly these words from Ivan: “The basis is simple. Why don’t you and I step up and compare our skills right here with the Vice President and the elders as witnesses? Who is superior will be clear for all to see. Do you dare?”
“Heh,” Ivan smirked.
“What are you laughing at? Are you scared?” Yosef stared at him disapprovingly.
“Heh, who do you think you are to demand that two elders compare their skills just because you say so, and presumably by the method you prefer? In the words of Elder Mendenez, you’re not worthy yet. Stop playing these little tricks; everyone here is too smart to be fooled by them,” Ivan mockingly said.
Mendenez nodded vigorously in agreement from the side.
“I am merely considering everyone’s safety,” Yosef stammered, his face wavering slightly before he forced himself to continue. “All your talk can’t hide the fact that you’re afraid to compete.”
“Enough, enough. We all belong to the same school; let’s not damage the camaraderie among colleagues. I’ll give you a chance,” Ivan said, looking towards Angus for any objection and continued:
“Elder Yosef, tell me, is this comparison something you strongly request?” Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire
“Yes,” Yosef hesitated for two seconds before nodding.
“In that case, you should show some sincerity, so everyone is motivated to participate. As for the method of comparison, your idea is too rash and doesn’t align with our sorcerers’ or guild’s style. How about we limit it to one year and compete in the field of new inventions involving the Space-type, open for all elders to participate? Vice President, what do you think of this proposal?” Ivan spoke calmly.
“I think this proposal is excellent; the guild values innovation, and the appraisal contest is a prime example,” Angus surveyed the room and expressed his approval. “If there is a large number of participants, the school could offer a special recognition, consider it a small internal appraisal within our School of Space.”
“Elder Yosef, what do you think?” Ivan asked timely.
“I concur. I’ll prepare that ‘sincerity’ well, and ensure everyone is satisfied.” With the Vice President’s endorsement, what more could Yosef say? Regardless of his private thoughts, he couldn’t publicly object.
Things had taken an unexpected turn, yet his objective was seemingly accomplished.
He refused to believe he could be outmatched in spatial enchantment by someone who had joined the school just a few years ago.
“Gentlemen, do you mind if I join too?” Sorcerer Barny spoke up; the recent mishap had left him wanting to redeem his honor.
“I’ll join in the fun too.”
“Count me in.”
“——“
One after another, elders expressed their intention to participate. Soon, including Ivan and Yosef, six elders were set to compete.
As for others, knowing their limitations and wishing to avoid embarrassment by failing to produce good new works, they chose not to step forward.
Ivan wasn’t vague either; once the Vice President announced the meeting adjourned, he stepped forward to hand back the Light of Wisdom, clearly showing he wasn’t monopolizing it.
Vice President Angus immediately stated that all participants could apply to him, allowing them to take the artifact home for a month of contemplation.
Leaving the sorcerer tower, Mendenez followed Ivan to the front of the Rapid Wood Tower, eagerly asking,
“Are you truly confident you’ll win?”
“Of course, beating Yosef definitely won’t be a problem.”
“I must remind you, his new eyes come from a star-marked frog, a legendary space-type creature.”
“That’s alright.”
Regarding new inventions, Ivan feared no one.
He had already planned to use the Light of Wisdom all along, agreeing to Yosef’s proposal had merely been taking advantage of the situation.