Arjun gave a wry smile and explained, "I attended an auction in Thunder City, the capital of the Azure Orchid Kingdom, and saw an exceptional staff—this very one!" He had no reservations with Kael and promptly showed him the staff in his hand.
The Azure Orchid Kingdom was one of the four great human kingdoms, located in the Western Continent of the three major landmasses. However, it was sparsely populated and not as prosperous as the Eastern or Southern Continents.
Kael's eyes gleamed as he focused on the staff in Arjun's grasp. It was a vibrant emerald green, resembling polished jade, with magic elements swirling visibly around it—clearly no ordinary artifact. The staff's tip was embedded with a large magic crystal. Though its purity couldn't compare to Kael's own staff, it was still an impressive piece.
For most mages, this would undoubtedly be considered a top-tier staff, significantly enhancing spellcasting efficiency.
Arjun sighed, his expression bitter. "You know, after our adventure in the Water Dragon Secret Realm, I came into a bit of wealth—over a million gold coins. I figured it was time to upgrade my staff. Coincidentally, the 'Jadeite Staff' was the final auction item in Thunder City's grand auction! I won it for two million gold, but in the process, I offended Netherghost during the bidding. He tailed me afterward, biding his time until we reached this desolate area before ambushing me… Ugh." He shook his head in frustration.
Truthfully, the Western Continent, where the Azure Orchid Kingdom was located, was a region of tangled factions, with many Darkwing Mage organizations entrenched there. It was no surprise Arjun had drawn Netherghost's attention.
"This is all my fault for being careless!" Arjun lamented.
Kael chuckled lightly and patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Just bad luck. Be more cautious next time."
Arjun nodded helplessly, then suddenly studied Kael with a curious gaze. "So… what should I call you? Idris, or…?"
It was clear Kael had concealed his identity—likely his real name as well.
"I'm Kael," he replied.
Arjun's eyes widened abruptly, his mouth falling slightly open. "Kael?! You're Kael?!"
"What's wrong?" Kael was puzzled by his reaction. Had Arjun heard of him before?
Arjun clenched his fists tightly, excitement flashing across his face. "Kael… You're theKael? The one who defeated the Temple's Holy Son, Einar?!"
Kael was momentarily taken aback—news of his victory over Einar had spread so quickly. Then again, it made sense. With major factions gathered at Moonmirror Lake, the event had undoubtedly drawn the attention of the entire continent. Every ripple of activity there had likely already reached the Tri-Continental Human Alliance.
"Just a while ago, we were exploring the Water Dragon Secret Realm together, and now you've already defeated Einar…" Arjun sighed, marveling at life's unpredictability.
Kael chuckled. "And you've reached the ninth-level mage tier yourself." Arjun had also progressed since their last meeting, now a ninth-level mage—a talent level that was quite impressive across the three continents.
Arjun shook his head ruefully. "Still far behind you. Destroying the Reynolds Family, defeating Einar, becoming the strongest among the younger generation of the Sacred Council… Kael, you have no idea how much of a sensation you've become. You're practically a living legend, the subject of bards' ballads across the land…"
Kael blinked, surprised by the exaggeration.
But in truth, it wasn't unwarranted. Kael's rise had been nothing short of meteoric—a young lord whose feats carried the weight of myth. Defeating Einar alone was enough to etch his name into history.
"You've probably got half the continent's maidens swooning over you by now. Hah! If I told anyone I knew you, they'd think I'd lost my mind!" Arjun grinned, genuinely happy for his friend. Their bond ran deep.
Kael smiled but soon turned serious. "Arjun, what are your plans now? Where will you go?"
Arjun's expression darkened. "Where can I go? I'm no wandering mage, but after crossing the Ghostfire Spire, returning home would only bring disaster to my family. They're too small to withstand that kind of retaliation. I'll have to lie low somewhere…" His voice was heavy. Surviving today was one thing, but offending the Spire meant a lifetime of caution. One misstep, and his entire lineage could be erased.
Kael grinned and clapped Arjun on the shoulder. "How about coming to my territory—Leif City?"
"You'd take me in? Aren't you afraid of the Ghostfire Spire?" Arjun's eyes widened. "Their influence is massive. Even you might struggle to withstand them. Sure, you're backed by the Sacred Council, but they won't hesitate to defy its authority."
Kael smiled faintly. "The Ghostfire Spire and I were already mortal enemies. And with the Sacred Council's support, I plan to eradicate them when the time is right." Arjun was trustworthy, and since he was now locked in a life-or-death struggle with the Spire, Kael saw no reason to hide his intentions.
Arjun's expression brightened. He thumped his chest resolutely. "Kael, I'm with you!"
Kael nodded in satisfaction. Arjun was talented—a ninth-level mage. While he might not be a game-changer, he'd still be a valuable ally.
"Good. Then let's head to Leif City!"
With that, the two figures vanished into the horizon as streaks of light.
Outside Leif City
Arjun gaped at the bustling streets, marveling. "This is incredible. I'd heard Leif Territory was once a barren wasteland, but you've transformed it into… this!" In truth, even Kael was stunned by the changes.
Nearly two months had passed since he'd left for Moonmirror Lake, and in that time, Leif City had undergone yet another metamorphosis.
Every day, it evolved.
As Kael and Arjun walked through the city, snippets of conversation about Kael's exploits reached their ears. Tales of his deeds had spread like wildfire, spun into increasingly exaggerated versions—some so outlandish they made Kael cringe.
Now, Kael was undeniably Leif City's proudest legend. He even spotted mages and warriors who'd traveled far just to visit, drawn by his fame.
"See? I told you—you're a full-blown celebrity now. The whole continent's buzzing about you," Arjun whispered, though their low profiles kept them unnoticed.
Kael sighed. He'd been thrust into the spotlight, for better or worse. Still, fame had its perks—Leif City's rapid development and easier recruitment of talent among them.
The streets teemed with life: merchants, travelers, and crowds jostling shoulder-to-shoulder. Kael noted the city's ongoing expansion, no doubt orchestrated by his junior apprentice sister.
Kael led Arjun to the lord's manor. After revealing his identity, a guard immediately rushed inside to announce, "The lord has returned! The lord has returned!"
A stir rippled through the manor, and soon, everyone from the council hall hurried out to greet Kael.
"Greetings, Marquis!" Kael's status was no longer what it once was—he was now a hereditary marquis.
"Senior Brother!"
"Kael!"
A chorus of different addresses rang out as familiar faces beamed at him, their eyes alight with joy.
Of course, they all knew about Kael's victory over Einar and his newfound fame across the continent. His return had everyone buzzing with excitement.
For Lone Wolf and Jett, the thrill was palpable. The stronger Kael grew, the brighter their own futures shone. Following him was a path to prosperity!
As for Amelia and Grace, their happiness was simpler—pure delight at Kael's achievements.
With a smile, Kael acknowledged everyone before introducing Arjun, who officially became a member of Leif City.
"Lone Wolf, I need a favor," Kael said after catching up, pulling the man aside.
"At your command, my lord!"
Kael's eyes narrowed. He wanted Lone Wolf to extract information about the Ghostfire Spire from the unconscious gray-robed mage, Netherghost.