"Tissaia, you would never have guessed that..."
"This child... he mastered his first attack spell, the fireball technique, in less than half a day!"
"This talent... truly, even better than I was back then!" Hen's voice became slightly lighter.
He directly gave a very high evaluation, even comparing his own qualifications as a source sorcerer.
When Tissaia heard this, a rare flicker of surprise crossed her calm face.
She knew Hen's character well; he would never exaggerate in such matters.
And for him to praise him so highly, this young man named Karl was probably truly talented.
She couldn't help but feel happy for this old friend, her tone softening: "Less than half a day? ... Unbelievable."
"If that's the case, then he truly is a hope for the Brotherhood's future. Congratulations... Hen, on finding such a wonderful heir."
The two old friends, who had weathered a long period together, briefly exchanged a few words about recent events.
Mid-sentence, Tissaia's voice dropped slightly, and she asked with concern: "Your... has your heart condition worsened lately?"
The smile on Hen's face became a bit more restrained, and he touched his chest, his tone quite calm.
"I can still hold on a little longer, but it's not good."
"The symptoms caused by the irreversible aging of the body are not so easily alleviated..."
He paused, a hint of despair in his voice: "Tissaia, if... if I should pass away first one day."
"This young man, Karl... perhaps I should ask you to look after him and teach him more."
"I won't be able to see the day he grows up and stands alone, even supporting the Brotherhood and driving reforms..."
Hearing Hen's almost lonely words, Tissaia was silent for a moment, understanding that Hen's physical condition had always been a hidden threat.
Even the best healers of the Brotherhood couldn't cure Hen, only barely alleviate the pain.
But hearing it from Hen himself, her heart still felt heavy, and she tried to comfort him in a calm tone: "Don't say that, Hen."
"In the Golden Age, there was no shortage of sorcerers who greatly extended their lifespans after mastering the power of djinns, even approaching those who knew its secrets."
"You are a source sorcerer; your life will never end at five hundred years."
Hearing this, Hen just smiled weakly; he understood that Tissaia was comforting him.
Djinns, who existed in legends and possessed the power to distort reality and grant wishes, were so rare.
How could one be found and calmly controlled? This hope was too faint.
But he didn't dismiss his old friend's kindness, instead thanking her sincerely: "Thank you, Tissaia. I hope so."
......
The next day—the Temerian royal palace, audience hall.
Keira was dressed as usual and arrived at the hall on time in her most luxurious gown.
She was ready to perform her duties as a royal advisor, assisting Foltest in handling the affairs of the time.
And today was her turn to be on duty; the rest of the time, Fercart and Triss would take turns.
However, as soon as she entered the corridor, she noticed an unusual atmosphere.
She saw a middle-aged male sorcerer in the standard dark robe of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers, an unfamiliar face.
He was respectfully handing a parchment document, sealed with wax, to Foltest on the throne.
Keira's heart suddenly gave a "clench," and a premonition of doom instantly gripped her heart.
She forced herself to calm down, quickened her pace, and approached Foltest's throne.
Foltest took the document, his expression as indifferent as ever, and he didn't even glance twice at Keira.
But a flicker of something indescribable, different from usual, passed through his sharp brown eyes—like a scrutinizing gaze and... purity.
He turned his head and nodded at Keira towards the male sorcerer who was quietly waiting nearby.
He said in a normal tone: "This is Miss Keira Metz, the sorceress you are looking for."
The male sorcerer immediately turned to Keira upon hearing this, his face expressionless, as if wearing a mask.
He unfolded the parchment in his hand and began to read in a clear, cold, dispassionate tone.
"In the name of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers and all its members, the current member, Keira Metz, having violated the fundamental laws of the Brotherhood, is hereby officially punished."
"It has been confirmed that Keira Metz recently intentionally used telekinesis against a sorcerer in the capital of Temeria."
"Attempting to illegally steal his personal memories and cause harm to the other party—this egregious behavior is supported by convincing evidence."
"The ruling is as follows: First, immediately dismiss Keira Metz from her position as an advisor to the royal family."
"Second, from today, you must leave the city of Vizima within three days and shall not return without permission."
"Third, permanently forbid Keira Metz from providing magical advice or services to any kingdom, duchy, or other dignitaries."
"This ruling takes effect immediately!"
Every word was like a cold hammer, striking Keira's heart.
After hearing it, her mind went blank, the blood drained from her face instantly, and her eyes became vacant, as if all her strength had been drained.
"No... It's not like that... I..." She subconsciously wanted to deny it, trying to put up a last-ditch fight.
"Miss Metz! If you have any objections to the Magic Society's ruling..." The man suddenly interrupted her, his voice becoming slightly sharper, a flicker of disgust in his eyes.
"According to the law, you may cast a Mind Projection spell on the spot to publicly display fragments of your memory of recent events."
"If it turns out you were indeed falsely accused, all punishments will be immediately revoked, and the false accuser will be held accountable."
He stared at Keira and spoke word by word: "But if the memory confirms your crime..."
"Then, according to the law, the punishment will be intensified. Do you wish to exercise this right?"
Mind projection? Show memories?
Keira seemed to have been struck by lightning, her entire body frozen in place.
Her mind instantly flashed back to how she had secretly cast the spell, how Karl had seen through her, how she had gotten angry and wanted to force him with more powerful spells.
And how could those memories become public? It would only make her even more disgraced and guilty.
The words she had tried to spit out stuck in her throat; she couldn't utter half a word more.
Her legs went weak, and she could no longer bear the weight of her body.
With a "thud," she collapsed onto the cold, smooth stone floor in despair, her eyes vacant, as if her soul had been taken away.
When the male sorcerer saw Keira's appearance, he understood in his heart.
He didn't look at her anymore, turned to Foltest, and bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty, I have troubled you with the internal affairs of the Brotherhood. The ruling has been delivered. Farewell."
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