Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1476 - 507: Terrio’s Decision (2)

"I appreciate your cooperation, Congressman Nelson. You truly prioritize the Federation's best interests. I am confident that during next year's election for Federation Speaker, the Military Department will provide you with significant backing."

Nelson responded with a look of contentment, "You have my thanks, General Randall. It is all for the glory of the Federation! To our success!"

"To our success!"

Their glasses met with a soft chime, and they drained the contents in a single motion.

...

Inside the cavern outpost of Ressero Canyon.

Rein sat within a grand, central tent, sipping tea while conversing with Sword Saint Terrio and several others.

Their peace was interrupted when Haleem walked in, a look of concern on his face. "Lord Hernandez, an emergency dispatch just arrived from the high command. Giant sea beasts are reportedly raiding the coastline near the Andor Duchy. You are ordered to provide immediate reinforcements; they request you depart by the end of the day."

"Why such a rush?" Sword Saint Terrio questioned, his brow furrowing as he listened to the report.

He sensed a faint inconsistency in the timing.

"It likely stems from the fact that my abilities are most effective near the ocean, and Andor isn't far from our current position. The logic seems sound. My only regret is that I cannot spend more time discussing Cultivation and Dao with Lord Rein," Hernandez noted.

Seeing no cause for alarm, Hernandez smiled and took the dispatch from Haleem's hand.

After all, while the Federation boasts many Water Element Wizards, only five have reached the Fourth Level Dawn stage, and he happened to be the one stationed closest to the incident.

"Lord Hernandez, our conversations have been very enlightening for me as well. I look forward to our paths crossing again in the future," Rein said, offering a polite smile.

Beside them, Sword Saint Terrio spoke to Hernandez again, "It still feels unnecessarily hurried. By all rights, you should be granted a period of recovery after your last mission. Has the crisis escalated that quickly?"

"That is a possibility," Hernandez replied with a nod.

"Lord Terrio, there is also a confidential, urgent message for you." Haleem passed a second note over to the Sword Saint.

"Oh?" Terrio's eyebrows twitched as he quickly scanned the contents.

"Don't tell me you've been assigned a mission as well?" Hernandez joked.

"No, this concerns representatives from the Empire Military Department. They are arriving to investigate the power levels of the mechanical automatons and goblin remains found within the ruins."

"That makes sense. Since the combat on the lower levels was primarily handled by you and Lord Rein—and Lord Rein's status makes him unsuitable for a formal debrief—the responsibility falls to you."

"I had hoped you might accompany me back so I’d have a powerful ally by my side, but it seems that plan is ruined," Hernandez said with a chuckle.

"Lord Haleem, if you would be so kind as to handle the logistics, I will begin my preparations to leave."

"Wait a moment, Lord Hernandez, another report has just come through."

Haleem smiled at Hernandez before turning his attention to Rein:

"Lord Rein, the Empire's diplomatic party has departed from the capital, Anthor. They are currently en route to Zetaya and should reach the city by tomorrow morning."

"Is that so?" Rein's interest was piqued; the timing was ideal.

Having achieved all his goals for this ruin exploration and gained much more than expected, he was ready to return.

"Do you plan to head for Zetaya today or wait until tomorrow? If you choose to leave now, you can travel alongside Lord Hernandez and myself. Furthermore, I could act as your guide through Zetaya."

"Are you also departing, Lord Haleem?" Rein asked, surprised.

Both Terrio and Hernandez shifted their gaze toward Haleem upon hearing this.

"Indeed. Lord Rein, I owe you a debt of gratitude. Witnessing your Metal Series Dawn Killing Move gave me a profound realization. I believe I am ready to attempt a breakthrough to the Dawn Level."

"Because of this, I submitted a request yesterday to return to Anthor immediately," Haleem explained, his face beaming with joy.

"You have my congratulations, Lord Haleem. I shall depart early so I can travel with you and Lord Hernandez," Rein said, returning the smile.

The journey from Ressero Canyon to Zetaya would take several hours. By leaving now, Rein could see the sights of the city, rest for the evening, and be ready to meet the delegation the following morning.

"Congratulations, Haleem," Hernandez added.

"It explains why your aura has felt different these past two days. Well done, Haleem," Sword Saint Terrio remarked warmly.

"I am honored by your well-wishes," Haleem replied, clearly elated to be acknowledged by three epic-level experts.

...

Half a day after Rein and the others had gone.

A party of five individuals arrived at the cavern camp.

Two men led the group, encased in massive, gleaming silver Knight Armor decorated with gold filigree. Carrying heavy Tower Shields, they looked every bit the formidable Heavy Knights. Behind them was a woman with a lithe, athletic build, wearing dark leather armor and carrying a massive bow.

The second woman also wore leather gear, though a black hood obscured most of her face, leaving only her sharp, watchful eyes visible. Though small in stature, her movements were exceptionally fluid and quick.

This group of four acted as a guard for a middle-aged man positioned in the center, who wore a crimson Wizard Robe.

The man gripped a dark red wand, his hair styled perfectly. He held his chin high, his face etched with a clear sense of superiority.

Spotting Sword Saint Terrio, a faint smile touched his lips. "Lord Terrio, it has been quite some time!"

"Welcome, Lord Alvin. You’ve made better time than I anticipated," Terrio greeted him with a polite nod.

Alvin was a Fire Element Dawn Wizard formerly tied to the Military Department. While Terrio didn't know him well, he was aware of the man's infamous arrogance; Alvin was known for claiming that anyone below the epic-level was essentially trash.