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The Alvarez Empire occupies the entire Western Continent, vast in its territory, and the twelve Spriggan 12, as individuals second only to the emperor and above all others, naturally couldn't all be crowded in the capital.
Most of the Spriggan 12 members spend the vast majority of their time in their territories, inspecting the various cities of this vast empire on behalf of the mysterious emperor.
The remaining few Spriggan 12 members who do not participate in government affairs are either military administrators or wander around the country, only taking action when needed.
In short, the Spriggan 12 rarely gather together, and most of their whereabouts are uncertain. The only one whose location can be confirmed is the Wizard King, who is permanently stationed in the capital.
And now, Noah had stepped into the heart of the Western Continent, the political, military, and magical center of the powerful magic empire of Alvarez—the capital, Vistarion.
As the core of the empire, the capital's scale far surpassed other cities.
With magnificent palaces, towering city walls, and numerous magical facilities, it was the first time Noah, despite his age, had seen such a 'pressurized' city.
The oppressive architectural design perfectly showcased Alvarez's ruling philosophy of 'absolute power.'
As Noah traveled, he found that despite the empire's strength and rich magical atmosphere, the ordinary citizens living under high-pressure rule actually had lives far less happy than the residents of Magnolia.
After a brief stroll around the capital with no special discoveries, Noah went straight to the palace, having ascertained that the Grand Strategist, the Wizard King, handled government affairs there every day.
For decades, the Wizard King truly could be called a pillar of the nation, a diligent and hardworking leader.
It is said that the capital's name, 'Vistarion,' was even chosen by the Wizard King, meaning 'Eternal Sacred Fire,' as he hoped the glory of this nation would continue indefinitely.
Among the people Noah knew, only his old father, Faust, could compare to the Wizard King in terms of governing the country and diligence in state affairs.
Noah swaggered through the main gate of the palace, but the guarding soldiers seemed not to notice him, a stranger.
With a simple application of Magnetic Field Power, Noah could 'become invisible' to those without power.
Although every soldier in Alvarez is a Mage, none of them caught Noah's eye. What if it's a Mage army? Minions are still minions, just bigger cannon fodder.
Noah didn't immediately seek out the Wizard King but instead wandered around the palace, even seeing the emperor's bedchambers.
Unfortunately, the mysterious emperor was nowhere to be found.
As the emperor's palace, it was eerily deserted. If not for the visible traces of daily cleaning, one might have associated it with an ancient cold palace.
This made Noah's imagination run wild.
The emperor hasn't shown his face in decades—perhaps he was killed by the Wizard King long ago. Otherwise, how could the latter have been the Grand Strategist with absolute power for eighty years?
Throughout history, few emperors could tolerate a subject whose prestige surpassed their own.
Just as Noah was about to leave the emperor's bedchambers to explore if the emperor had a harem, a cold voice came from outside the door.
"For Your Excellency to come and go so freely, it seems you do not hold us in much regard."
An old man, cloaked in a dark brown robe bearing the Alvarez Empire's insignia, with wavy white hair and a thick beard, blocked Noah in the palace, leaning on a magic staff.
The old man's deep eyes seemed to penetrate everything in the world, and his gaze towards Noah carried an air of unspoken authority and pressure.
However, Noah appeared completely unconcerned, his nonchalant attitude a stark contrast to the old man's solemnity.
With a smile on his face, Noah said, "To be able to sense my presence, I presume you are the renowned Wizard King, August."
August raised an eyebrow slightly. "Since you know me and still dare to infiltrate the palace, young man, you truly are audacious."
"Hahaha, thank you for the compliment."
Noah wagged his finger. "However, you said one thing wrong. I walked into the palace openly—it's completely different from infiltrating, alright?"
An interesting young man.
August observed Noah, then suddenly reined in the imposing aura he was emitting. Without the oppressive feeling that would make ordinary people's hearts pound, the Grand Strategist appeared amiable.
"Young man, state your purpose, or else I will have no choice but to apprehend you and personally examine your memory."
To start with Memory Magic—he truly lives up to his title of 'Wizard King.' If he hadn't come with a mission, Noah might have tried to test August's strength.
Turning around, Noah found a table in the emperor's bedchambers, pulled over two chairs, and gestured for August to sit.
Such a presumptuous act did not displease August.
Having managed the empire for decades, with the wisdom of this Grand Strategist, it was not difficult to see that Noah was actually here for him, which made August even more curious about the white-haired youth before him.
After August was seated, Noah pulled out two cans of coconut juice he had bought in the city, handed one to August, and then said:
"I am a tourist visiting the Western Continent. Three of my companions have been missing for three or four days, so I would like to ask for your help."
A tourist?
Asking him to find someone?
August was a hundred percent unconvinced. This young man really thinks I'm an old fool to be tricked. This young man isn't honest.
Just as August was grumbling inwardly, two men suddenly burst into the palace, standing to August's left and right behind him.
"Teacher, is he the reason you suddenly put down your work?"
The bespectacled man, with an impeccable expression, spoke in a very respectful tone, as if he would rush forward to fight at August's command.
The other man wore an ugly, somewhat clown-like outfit and observed Noah with an amused look in his eyes.
August waved his hand and said to the bespectacled man, "Invel, how many times have I told you to use my title when working? You and Neinhart, pull up chairs and sit down."
"Yes, Grand Strategist."
Watching Invel and Neinhart sit down obediently, August ignored them and turned to stare intently at Noah. "Young man, let's not joke around. An outside tourist couldn't possibly enter the palace so silently."
"Furthermore, to search for lost companions, one would simply seek help from the local administrators. Isn't it making too much of a fuss to come to me, the Grand Strategist?"
Noah glanced at the bespectacled man, surprised that Invel, the Winter General and one of the Spriggan 12, was also here.
He hadn't heard of Neinhart, the one in the clown-like outfit next to him, but to appear in the palace, he must also be an important figure.
Returning to the main topic, Noah smiled slightly and replied to August, "You truly have keen insight. Actually, I am from Ishgar, and my three lost companions are children who came to the Western Continent to find an elder."
"However, due to some misunderstanding, the elder's child might misunderstand them. I want to avoid conflict, so I could only seek help from someone as virtuous and respected as you."