Kael patted Lone Wolf's shoulder and relayed the details about the Ghostfire Tower. As Lone Wolf listened, his eyes gradually narrowed.
Now, Lone Wolf was utterly devoted to Kael. It was because of Kael that Lone Wolf had avenged himself against the Renault family, and it was also because of Kael that he saw hope for settling his blood feud. After all, the royal family of the Maider Kingdom was Lone Wolf's true enemy!
Anyone who dared oppose Kael would have to answer to Lone Wolf!
With a cold smile, Lone Wolf said respectfully, "Rest assured, my lord. As long as that old man is in my hands, I'll definitely extract useful intelligence for us!"
Kael nodded. He had full confidence in Lone Wolf's methods—it was the Ghostfire Tower's misfortune to have fallen into Lone Wolf's grasp.
Last time, it was Lone Wolf who had pried open the mouths of those two Ghostfire Tower assassins. Kael was certain Lone Wolf wouldn't disappoint him this time either.
With that, Kael handed the Netherghost over to Lone Wolf, who dragged the unconscious body down to the basement of the lord's manor.
The rest was straightforward.
In the council hall of Raife City, all of the city's high-ranking officials—except for Lone Wolf—had gathered to report on the current state of affairs to Kael.
"Senior Brother, ever since news spread of your victory over Einar, Raife City has become a holy land in the hearts of young mages and warriors. Moreover, the Sacred Council has increased its support for us. The city is thriving, and the population is growing rapidly. I believe it won't be long before Raife City becomes a major metropolis with over a million inhabitants!" Grace said excitedly. She had always been the one managing Raife City, and the city's prosperity was the fruit of her labor. Now that Raife City was truly transforming and soaring to new heights, how could she not be overjoyed?
Kael nodded inwardly. After his defeat of Einar, the Grand Speaker had promised that the Sacred Council would fully support Raife City's development. No doubt, the Sacred Council had provided considerable assistance recently.
Both the Sacred Council and Grace, who represented the Ancient Yi Empire, had likely given Kael significant backing.
At this moment, Jett stood up as well. "Additionally, we've expanded our forces. Currently, there are 50,000 elite troops in training under the guidance of Lord Lone Wolf."
Kael acknowledged this with a nod. The decision to expand the army had been made with his approval. However, after discussions with Lone Wolf, they had ultimately agreed to adhere to the principle of maintaining a highly trained, elite force rather than recruiting excessively large numbers.
Grace suddenly smiled, her beautiful eyes curving as she said softly, "There's one last thing."
"Oh?"
"Senior Brother, do you remember the followers I mentioned to you last time?" Grace asked with a smile.
A glint flashed in Kael's eyes. Kael was now a peak tenth-tier mage, on the verge of fusing his second element. Moreover, as a hereditary marquis, his status across the three continents was highly esteemed. According to the continent's customs, Kael was fully qualified to recruit followers—typically warriors who pledged their allegiance to a mage.
"Given that you've now gained fame across the continent, there are quite a few powerful warriors eager to become your followers. I suggest you select a few from among them—it would also strengthen Raife City's forces," Grace advised cheerfully.
Raife City's greatest current weakness was its lack of high-tier combatants. At present, Kael was the only tenth-tier powerhouse in the city, though there were many above the ninth-tier, such as the fifty-odd Unicorn Rhinos.
Recruiting followers was indeed an excellent opportunity—provided those followers were truly loyal to Raife City.
Grace continued, "Senior Brother, tomorrow you can visit Raife City's training grounds. I've already invited many of those who wish to follow you there." Grace's thorough preparations put Kael at ease.
Kael nodded. "Understood."
Grace then went on to detail more of Raife City's recent developments. Kael and Arjun had already observed many of these changes upon their arrival, but hearing Grace's report gave Kael an even clearer understanding of the city's current state.
In short—the situation was excellent!
...
Night fell, and Kael was in his chambers with Amelia.
Kael wrapped his arms around Amelia's slender waist. Her cheeks flushed pink as she leaned lightly against his chest, her starry black eyes shimmering with happiness. "You defeated Einar, and now Raife City is flourishing… It all feels like a dream," she murmured.
Amelia had been a witness to Kael's growth—one of the very first people he had met upon arriving in this world.
That Kael had triumphed over Einar filled Amelia with genuine joy and pride. This man never ceased to amaze her, always accomplishing what others deemed impossible.
Kael smiled faintly, unconsciously tightening his embrace around Amelia while taking her small hand in his. With a sigh, he said, "Yes, our home is finally starting to take shape."
"By the way, what were you discussing with Lone Wolf earlier? It seemed quite serious," Amelia suddenly asked, her keen observation having picked up on the unusual exchange between Kael and Lone Wolf.
At the mention of the Ghostfire Tower, a cold glint flickered briefly in Kael's eyes before he softened his expression to reassure her. "It's nothing to worry about—just some insignificant troublemakers." He didn't want Amelia to be troubled by such matters.
Amelia sighed inwardly, a trace of melancholy in her eyes. As Kael's strength grew at an astonishing pace, she increasingly felt left behind. "I'm still too weak to be of any help," she murmured. Though she had already reached the peak of the eighth tier—placing her among the elite of her peers—her relatively short cultivation time meant she couldn't compare to true powerhouses.
"Who said you can't help?" Kael chuckled, pulling her delicate figure closer.
"What are you doing—" Amelia met Kael's teasing gaze, her face flushing as she averted her eyes in embarrassment.
"You can help me right now," Kael replied with meaningful amusement, his suggestive look lingering on her before leaning in for a kiss…
"You—!" Amelia's cheeks burned crimson, her protest muffled as her lips were sealed, leaving only a few faint, incoherent murmurs…
...
Early the next morning.
Kael rose from bed, leaving Amelia still asleep beside him. Her long lashes trembled slightly, a faint blush lingering on her cheeks.
Moving quietly, Kael slipped out of the room and sought out Lone Wolf.
"My lord!" Lone Wolf saluted Kael. He had been waiting in the council hall since dawn, clearly with news to report. Spotting Kael, his eyes brightened. "My lord, I interrogated the Netherghost last night and have uncovered critical intelligence!"
Kael's gaze sharpened. "Let's head to the basement."
In the dim underground chamber, they found the Netherghost on the brink of death, his breathing shallow. At the sight of Kael and Lone Wolf, his eyes—once filled with hatred—now held only fear. He flinched, unable to meet Lone Wolf's gaze. It seemed Lone Wolf had broken him thoroughly.
That man truly had a ruthless way with prisoners.
"Tell me everything you know about the Ghostfire Tower!" Lone Wolf sneered coldly.
"Y-yes," the Netherghost nodded weakly, avoiding Lone Wolf's gaze. "The Ghostfire Tower is located west of the Canglan Kingdom, within the Blackwind Mountain Range. It's a minor faction under the Darkwing Mages' organization, with roughly a thousand members..." Under Lone Wolf's piercing stare, the Netherghost dared not lie and began detailing the Ghostfire Tower's operations.
Only now did Kael learn that the Ghostfire Tower was hidden in the Blackwind Mountains of the Canglan Kingdom. Previously, his intelligence on them had been sparse.
The two assassins he had captured earlier were mere disposable pawns of the Ghostfire Tower—tools, nothing more. They weren't even qualified to enter the Tower's headquarters, let alone know its location. But this Netherghost was entirely different. As one of the Ghostfire Tower's four elders, he was a core figure who held critical knowledge.
Kael frowned. The Blackwind Mountains of Canglan Kingdom—this was troublesome. The treacherous terrain made it an ideal stronghold for the Darkwing Mages.
"How many tenth-tier or stronger experts are in the Ghostfire Tower?" Kael demanded icily. This was his primary concern—the true strength of their enemies.
The Netherghost swallowed hard, his voice frail and halting. "The Ghostfire Tower's hierarchy is led by the Tower Master, followed by us four elders. I... am the weakest among them, currently at the early eleventh-tier. The other three elders all surpass me, though none have reached mid-eleventh-tier."
"And the Tower Master?"