Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1510 - 519: Emergency Modification_3

"This..." Bradley whispered as he surveyed the small group, "Sect Leader, would it be possible for you and Lord Mogaro to step aside with me for a moment?"

"Hmm? Very well." Moria nodded, though he gave Bradley a look of pure bewilderment.

The two men then followed Bradley quickly to a secluded spot.

With a grave expression, Bradley began, "I have received word that Lord Rein has run into some serious trouble."

"What? Trouble? Is Rein not traveling with Prince Menia on their diplomatic mission to the Federation? How could anything have gone wrong?" Mogaro inquired, his eyes full of skepticism.

"Prince Menia is also in danger! I have confirmed this through several longtime associates," Bradley sighed, shaking his head. "They claim that on their return trip, the Empire Delegation was ambushed by an avatar of the Nether Sea Goddess and a massive force of Sea God Sect zealots."

"What!" Even the usually stoic Sect Leader Moria could not help but stare in shock at the revelation.

"Both of them..." Mogaro gasped, his voice trailing off.

"The details are murky, but intel from the Star Mage’s Platform suggests otherwise. Grand Astromancer Dalain performed a divination which indicated they are both currently alive... however, it appears the Nether Sea Goddess has taken them prisoner."

"This... what is the Empire’s official stance?" Moria asked, attempting to reign in his turbulent emotions.

"Nothing is certain yet," Bradley replied with a slow shake of his head.

"It is no wonder the Empire Wizard School Union put our application on hold! What a pack of vultures!"

Moria grasped the reality of the situation instantly; the established powers preferred to keep the number of large wizard schools to a minimum. No top-tier institution wanted to witness the ascent of a medium-sized Sect.

Previously, they were powerless to stop it because Rein’s displayed Cultivation and power were simply too overwhelming.

Furthermore, the Empire itself is wary of too many large wizard schools emerging. Combined with the calculated meddling of certain factions, a promotion that should have been guaranteed has now fallen into jeopardy.

"Alas! The deep sea remains the primary stronghold of the Sea God Sect; our school's influence is far too limited. Rescuing Rein is an impossible task!" Mogaro, acting as Rein’s mentor, looked visibly pained.

Rein was the disciple he took the most pride in, yet now, knowing his student was in a life-threatening crisis, he found himself unable to mount a rescue. The realization was agonizing.

"The most pressing issue is that the Isodre School has accused us of stealing their designs for the Destroyer Demon Statue. They are demanding that we hand over all related technical documents to the Empire Wizard School Union within fifteen days!" Bradley stated, his voice thick with rage.

"What! The audacity! Those dishonorable bastards!"

"They are kicking us while we are down!" Moria shouted, nearly jumping in fury.

...

At that same moment.

Within the Inner Ring of the Imperial City.

The Snyder family estate.

"Lord Luther, the Snyder family has always enjoyed a prosperous relationship and various collaborations with us. I have been asked by a mutual friend to deliver a message: it is highly probable that your friend Lord Rein has met a tragic end. We hope you will not let your focus linger on certain futile matters."

A middle-aged man, dressed in the refined style of a gentleman, spoke while offering a slight bow.

"Lord Rein is more than just my friend; he has provided the Empire with invaluable service. Is your behavior not crossing a line?" Luther’s face darkened with resentment.

This was the fourth delegation of high-ranking nobles from the Imperial City to arrive, all subtly hinting that the Snyder family should stay out of this business.

Although they arrived under the pretext of discussing commerce, the dialogue inevitably shifted toward his friend Rein. The hidden threat was unmistakable.

Luther would not fear one or two families standing against him.

However, the problem was that this was now the fourth group, and even representatives from the Guardian Family were beginning to appear.

While the Snyder family held the most power in the Marn Province, they were considered a smaller player here in the capital.

Most importantly, he was unsure how to convince his father; his own investigations suggested that Rein might truly never return.

Caught between his loyalty to Rein and the survival and interests of his family, Luther found himself facing a devastating dilemma.

...

A nearly identical scene was unfolding at the Bavarian family estate.

"Lord Halowin, there is no reason to feel remorse for a friend who isn't coming back. You are simply choosing the path that is most beneficial for yourself and your house, are you not?"

"You must realize that our families could engage in much deeper cooperation across many sectors of trade."

"On another note, your father, the Duke of Mingster, seems to be acting a bit... stubborn. To be blunt, we will soon be initiating operations in Mingster, and we expect you to talk sense into him. After all, Mingster Province is your family's sovereign land."

In the reception hall, the man known as 'Bavarian Lance' Halowin stood with a grim expression. He watched the nobleman depart, the man's parting words echoing in the silence.

The messenger was from the Drum Family, and the message was clear: the Bavarian family needed to mind their own business.

"I must seek counsel to find a way through this."

"They are moving against Mingster? But isn't Lord Rein's family already residing within the Imperial City?"

"Regardless of their target, I have to alert my father immediately and prepare for what's coming..." Halowin mused.

...