Perplexed by the angelic warning, the ancient mage temporarily ceased his attempts at direct contact. But then, he encountered Vellok. In Vellok, the mage recognized an elemental talent that almost close to his own and a purity of light he had only ever sensed in his fleeting, repulsed attempts to contact angels. From his millennia of research and those brief, chilling angelic encounters, the mage understood one crucial thing: beings like Vellok, with their untainted light, were considered the "most beloved souls" by the angels.
This revelation ignited a new, sinister plan within the mage. He lavished Vellok with attention, showering him with what appeared to be genuine love and guidance. He even stooped to actions far beneath his usual disdain for lesser beings, taking the time to teach Vellok concepts of morality and kindness. All of this was a calculated charade, a meticulous waiting game for the opportune moment.
