Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1442 - 494: Ressero Canyon

"I have no issues with that arrangement, provided those are the terms."

"With two Crowns on-site, I suspect Lord Rein will find it impossible to seize any data regarding Ancient Goblin Technology for himself." The pipe-smoking elder gave a slow nod of consent after reflecting for a moment.

Despite his agreement, the elder’s expression betrayed his lingering hesitation.

It appeared he was only compromising because of the firm position Vice Speaker Bertrand had taken earlier.

Observing the shift in the room, the military general considered the proposal before nodding as well. "If we can secure the participation of these two Crowns, the success of the rescue mission is much more certain. I have heard rumors of Lord Rein's formidable combat prowess, so I also give my approval."

"Then the matter is decided!" A smile finally broke across Bertrand’s face.

"Councilor Trena, I shall leave the remaining details in your hands."

"Understood, Vice Chairman."

Councilor Trena, looking as elegant as ever, gave a polite nod. While her outward appearance remained composed, she felt a genuine sense of relief deep inside.

She had a strong intuition that Lord Rein would have sought out those ruins regardless of whether the council granted permission.

...

Inside a lavish, private villa at the National Guest Manor.

"Rein, are you truly planning to venture alone into an unexplored Ancient Goblin Empire ruin in Zetaya?" Menia looked at Rein, unable to hide his astonishment.

"That is correct, Prince Menia. This journey is vital to my Advanced Meditation Method. Perhaps this will help clarify things," Rein replied with total sincerity.

He placed an ancient sheepskin map onto the coffee table, a relic originally recovered from the Valziger School ruins.

Rein had spent time considering how to gain Menia's approval before this meeting.

He decided that revealing a portion of the truth regarding his Cultivation was the best path forward.

To a Dawn Wizard, an Advanced Meditation Method is an essential lifeline; denying a Wizard the chance to complete it is equivalent to destroying their future path.

No Dawn Wizard would ever stand for such a hindrance.

Menia examined the parchment with interest, surprised by Rein's resources.

"I am impressed you possess such a rare map."

"The Advanced Meditation Method you are practicing is 'Steel Heart,' is it not?"

"It is, Prince Menia," Rein confirmed.

Rein wasn't shocked that Menia recognized the specific technique belonging to the Bixiu Mechanization School.

"I see. I was under the impression that the 'Steel Heart' technique from the Bixiu Mechanization School stopped at the Fourth Layer. I never suspected the Fifth Layer could be found here."

"In principle, Rein, I support your desire to go. However, I cannot allow it right now. The region is currently far too perilous," Menia stated, shaking his head.

Rein was caught off guard. He hadn't expected Menia to agree to the trip while simultaneously delaying his departure.

Noticing Rein's confusion, Menia began to elaborate:

"Imperial intelligence agents have already sent word that these ruins likely served as the capital of the Ancient Goblin Empire. The risks involved in exploring them are extreme."

"Reliable reports indicate that the Federation has already lost several elite exploration squads in that area."

"Because of this, I advise you to wait until we have gathered more data on the ruins before you set out."

Rein was surprised to learn that Menia was already so well-informed about the site.

After a brief silence, Rein countered:

"Prince Menia, the continuation of the Advanced Meditation Method I seek is likely held by a corpse within those ruins. The Federation doesn't need to map the entire site to find it; it could be stumbled upon at any moment."

"If the Federation secures it first, what sort of steep price would I have to pay to get it from them?"

"A fair point..." Menia’s eyes shifted as he grasped the logic.

It was true. If the Federation held the technique and used it as leverage, few Dawn Wizards would be able to turn them down.

"How do you intend to gain entry to the site?"

"I plan to accept the invitation from Councilor Trena to visit the Heidelberg Duchy. Since Zetaya City is located within Heidelberg, I can use the visit as a cover to find an opening."

"If the plan works, I will be waiting for your delegation by the time you reach Zetaya."

"It seems you and the lady councilor have become quite close, Rein," Menia remarked with a playful smirk.

"I... well..." Rein stammered, unsure how to respond to the teasing.

"Since the Federation has claimed the ruins, they will certainly have them heavily guarded, making a quiet entry difficult." Menia moved back to the serious matter at hand.

"Take this Transforming Ring. By focusing on a specific person's image, you can take on their exact likeness." Menia pulled a ring from his finger and offered it to Rein.

"I... thank you, Prince Menia." Rein paused for a second before taking the gift.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion at Menia's extraordinary generosity toward him.

"When is your departure scheduled?"

"With your blessing, I would like to leave early tomorrow morning."

"Very well. Stay alert. We shall reunite in Zetaya," Menia said with a nod.

"Thank you, Prince Menia. I will be extremely cautious."

....

Trena had a hectic night ahead of her.

After visiting both Crown Terrio and Crown Hernandez in quick succession, she moved quickly to contact Rein.

Once the preparations were finalized, a sleek, long-range airship carrying Rein and his party roared toward the south at dawn.