Flink's gaze slid over Reyn, Zoltan, and finally settled on Roger. His brows twitched almost imperceptibly.
Roger's pupils narrowed, and he snorted softly.
The atmosphere on the balcony grew a bit tense.
Reyn, observing discreetly with the Eye of the Soul, caught the half-elf's hostility toward Roger and immediately understood: Flink saw Roger as a rival.
The Silver Star Duchess, however, seemed oblivious.
"This is Flink," she introduced, "my guard captain and most loyal companion. For many years, he has helped me lead the Secret Flame Guard."
Then she turned to Flink:
"And these are Roger, Reyn, and Zoltan—my friends. If not for them uncovering the Shadow Blade conspiracy in time, Longsand would have suffered far greater damage."
"I thank you three for your contribution to protecting the lady and Longsand," Flink stepped forward and bowed formally.
His manners were impeccable, his expression sincere—nothing to criticize.
However, Roger didn't like his words. Flink spoke as if he were almost the master here.
Others called Delaersha "Duchess" or "Your Grace," but Flink addressed her as "Lady," emphasizing their close relationship.
It was clear enough anyway: this half-elf had served the Silver Star Duchess for many years, was devoted to her, strong, and handsome. Who would believe there was nothing between them?
Obviously, Flink, as guard captain, was also the Silver Star Duchess's favorite.
To put it bluntly—her lover.
Roger stared silently at Flink for several seconds, then shifted his gaze to the Silver Star Duchess, but ultimately said nothing.
Reyn felt it was time for him to leave and was about to say goodbye when magical fluctuations stirred in the room again.
Turning, he saw two people emerging from the teleportation circle in the room.
One was a tall, sturdy middle-aged man in silver armor, with a two-handed sword on his back. He strode firmly and confidently, his steps echoing heavily across the floor like a small awakened giant.
Reyn glanced at his soul—it was a twelfth-level legendary Great Swordmaster.
Beside him stood an elf.
A pure-blooded elf, very beautiful, with emerald-green hair and long pointed ears. Her figure was light and graceful, radiating a powerful magical aura.
Obviously, a forest elf.
Through the Eye of the Soul, Reyn saw that this forest elf was a legendary-level mage. Judging by her soul's power, she was equivalent to a tenth-level mage!
Approaching, both said respectfully:
"Your Grace, Duchess."
"Teacher."
The Silver Star Duchess nodded and introduced them to Reyn, Roger, and Zoltan.
The legendary Great Swordmaster was named Tien Hobbraid.
He was the commander of the Silver Armor Knight Order, had served the Silver Star Duchess for many years, earned numerous awards, and been granted the title of count. He was one of her most trusted vassals.
The forest elf Alamia was the Silver Star Duchess's youngest disciple. She possessed outstanding talent, rarely appeared publicly in the Mage Tower, but enjoyed great trust from the Duchess.
When the Duchess left the Mage Tower, Alamia managed its affairs.
Reyn marveled inwardly. The might and resources of a Holy Spiritual Mage were truly immeasurable.
Right here before him stood three legendary figures: a sixteenth-level Trickster Mage, a twelfth-level Great Swordmaster, and a tenth-level elven mage.
And there were two more legendaries absent: Felion, chief of the Public Safety Service, a legendary Magic Swordsman, and another of the Duchess's disciples, the deputy dean of Silverstar Academy whom Reyn had met before—an fourteenth-level Elementalist.
Not to mention the hundreds of sub-legendary mages in the Tower.
Over a dozen high-rank mages alone!
Such a powerful organization was one of the Empire's supreme forces, unshakable by ordinary foes.
Next, the Silver Star Duchess was about to discuss the restoration of the Silverstar district with her close aides.
Reyn exchanged a glance with Roger—it was time for them to go.
At that moment, someone else teleported into the room.
It was Viola.
Her appearance instantly drew the eyes of everyone present, especially the men. Whether they knew her or not, all were stunned by her beauty.
Viola spotted Reyn immediately, and a joyful smile bloomed on her face, one capable of intoxicating anyone.
Roger and Zoltan saw Viola for the first time and instantly realized this stunningly beautiful half-elf was Reyn's girl.
They subtly gave Reyn a thumbs-up.
Viola approached, enveloping everyone in a light fragrance. First, she addressed the Silver Star Duchess:
"Lady."
Then her gaze returned to Reyn, filled with genuine concern.
"Reyn, you're not hurt?" she asked softly.
"No," Reyn smiled back and turned to the Duchess: "Your Grace, allow me to take my leave."
Roger and Zoltan also prepared to depart.
"Very well. Once I handle these matters, we'll talk more," the Silver Star Duchess didn't detain them. She glanced at Roger as if wanting to say something but fell silent, adding only: "Viola, see them out."
Roger, however, showed no desire to stay and resolutely turned toward the exit.
The four stepped onto the teleportation platform and instantly transported to the main hall on the Mage Tower's ground floor.
At that moment, the hall and its exits were guarded by mages. Over twenty Secret Flame Guard members under two high-rank mages mounted on magical leopards watched every Tower exit.
The mages immediately noticed the quartet.
They knew Viola, so their gazes focused on the three strangers—Reyn, Roger, and Zoltan.
Viola approached them, exchanged a few words, and they were quickly waved through.
Exiting the Tower, they passed the massive crater in the square and entered Silverstar Academy grounds. Only here did Reyn find time to introduce Viola to Roger and Zoltan.
Viola greeted them with her characteristic grace.
She was a bit curious: Reyn's friends were no ordinary folk—a dwarf and a legendary witcher.
Reyn had never mentioned them before.
"I've long heard of the beauty of the 'Violet House' proprietress," Zoltan teased with a smirk, "and today I finally saw her in person. Those chatterboxes didn't lie this time, tsk-tsk…"
"No wonder you've stopped dropping by the tavern lately," the dwarf winked at Reyn.
Roger was terse.
Reyn noticed his unusual state but didn't know how to console him.
Silverstar Academy was also patrolled by mages everywhere. Many students gathered in groups of two or three, quietly discussing the night's events.
Halfway through, Reyn spotted a familiar figure in the crowd.
"Phyllis."
It was the first time Reyn had seen Phyllis since that trade fair.
She still had her mop of curly red hair, looked majestic in her luxurious enchanted robe and with several enchanted items—very conspicuous in the crowd.
But now Phyllis showed none of the arrogance from the fair. She stood modestly behind a middle-aged mage.
This middle-aged mage had a pleasant appearance and warm gaze, inviting trust.
Several other mages stood nearby, including high-rank ones like Phyllis. All were richly dressed, with multiple enchanted items, surrounding the middle-aged mage as they quietly discussed something.
Viola also noticed the group and recognized Phyllis.
She turned to Reyn, Roger, and Zoltan and explained:
"These are mages from the floating city Pallas; they've come for a visit. The one in the center is Lord Winslow, a mid-rank legendary Psionicist, disciple of the Red Stone Duke. And Phyllis is his disciple."
"A legendary Psionicist…"
Reyn was a bit surprised.
"They're still in Longsand? Didn't leave?" As he spoke, he discreetly activated the Eye of the Soul and looked at Winslow, wanting to examine the Psionicist's soul elements.
In that instant, a blinding white light flashed before Reyn's eyes, searing his vision.
His head buzzed, his soul shuddered. Not only did he see nothing useful, but he lost his sight as if blinded.
Tears streamed from his eyes.
"Damn! What the hell?!"
Reyn was shocked. If not for the Protection of Truth's defense, this soul backlash could have cost him dearly.
He barely suppressed the stinging in his eyes and took a few more steps. His vision finally restored.
Viola noticed his odd state, supported his arm, and asked quietly:
"What's wrong?"
"Suddenly felt unwell. Probably tired; haven't rested in ages," Reyn took a deep breath. His head still buzzed like after a "Mental Blast," splitting with pain.
But this pain was nothing compared to the shock of the soul backlash.
With his current soul power, he could observe legendary Superhumans without issue. He'd looked at Flink, a top legendary Trickster Mage, and nothing happened.
This Winslow had struck him like that—he definitely wasn't a mid-legendary Psionicist.
Reyn saw only one explanation: he'd just looked at a Holy Spiritual Mage!
But who could it be?
The entire Auriens Empire had only twelve Holy Spiritual Mages, each a great and renowned figure. The birth of each was an imperial-scale event. They couldn't just appear out of nowhere.
Mages from the floating city Pallas…