Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1527 - 525: Shadow Shifting (Part 3)

At the Sword Bearers Branch's airship landing area, a group of individuals stood ready, headed by the imposing figure of Admiral Edward himself.

"Admiral Edward, it's been ages." Rein greeted him with a warm smile.

"Lord Rein..."

"Stop that, Admiral Edward—you're like an elder to me and have always looked out for me, so just call me Rein," Rein interrupted, gesturing dismissively to halt Admiral Edward's response.

"Very well, then, Rein—would you like a quick update on things first?"

"Not necessary, Admiral Edward; brew me some tea instead, and we'll chat afterward."

With those words barely out, Rein vanished right in front of the assembled group.

Admiral Edward's eyes bulged in shock as he scanned the surroundings, yet no sign of him appeared anywhere.

"What... what sort of sorcery was that?"

"Didn't space magic fade into oblivion ages ago?"

A couple of onlookers nearby murmured in hushed tones.

Meanwhile.

Rein materialized abruptly on a nearby street, close to the grand and imposing Church Temple.

Gazing upon the recognizable Ionic pillars, sculptures, and oval-shaped fountain, Rein realized he'd teleported here instantly via his freshly acquired 'Shadow Shifting' technique.

"So, it lets me slip into a hidden dimension for travel—truly an exceptional skill, though it drains a ton of spiritual power." Rein pondered for a moment, grasping the essence of this newfound power.

The temple ahead loomed like it was bracing for battle, heavily fortified, boasting patrols every few paces and watchmen at every tenth. Rein even picked up on a handful of known auras inside.

"With Jennifer and Lagaray safe, it's time to tackle the source of all this trouble."

Now that Rein's spiritual power had advanced to Dawn Late Stage, a mere probe revealed multiple concealed guards blending in with the civilians.

Still, those weren't his main concern.

Concentrating slightly, Rein unleashed his vast spiritual power, spreading it like a scanning wave, covering hundreds of meters. Far beyond mere eyesight, this spiritual sense allowed for profound insight.

Unless someone could block it, Rein could uncover every detail he desired, from a target's pulsing heartbeat inside to the tiniest skin details outside.

"There it is—right in this spot."

In the blink of an eye, Rein faded from his position.

....

Within an opulent estate a few hundred meters distant, Marquis Oronz and his three companions lounged, engaging in casual conversation.

"Marquis, should we keep holding out?"

"A full day gone by, and no sign of the Drum Family folks. I say we strike tonight. Once that stunning lady inks the share transfer deal, hand her over for my personal delight."

"Even as a mere mortal, she's drop-dead gorgeous—such a waste to off her right away." The High Rank Knight who'd badly wounded Viery let out a booming laugh.

"Patience; with the Drum Family showing up, handling this will be straightforward. By the clock, they ought to arrive any minute now." Marquis Oronz took a slow sip of his Bordeaux wine, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Before long, he'd seize back the forfeited stakes in the Axon Auction House's Mingster outlet.

"That Barbarian Tribe lass strikes me as more collectible. If you're not interested, I'll claim her." A Crystallization Wizard from the Isodre School chimed in with a grin.

All at once, a wave of dread hit the four of them, prompting the two Crystallization Wizards to spring from the plush deer-hide couch, their expressions twisted in alarm as they blurted:

"This... this intensity of spiritual power scan—which Dawn Wizard from the Empire has graced Mingster?"

"It surpasses even the Sect Leader's might!"

The Earth Element Crystallization Wizard stared in bewilderment and confusion!

"Yet the real puzzle is, without cause, not even the Imperial Guardian would unleash such a sweeping spiritual power sweep."

"Relax, it couldn't possibly be Rein, could it?" The High Rank Knight paused thoughtfully, then eased back with a chuckle.

"Even if he had the strength, the Nether Sea Goddess has him locked away."

"Perhaps an Evil God incarnation has dropped in?"

"In that case, the Goddess Church and Duke of Minter would be the ones sweating, ha-ha."

Marquis Oronz, though, grew grave, rising to his feet and declaring, "No, this doesn't feel right; that spiritual power pulse seems aimed straight at us."

For the moment the crushing spiritual power brushed against them, it vanished completely.

To put it simply, they could be the intended marks!

"Spot on, but alas, no prize for guessing."

A chilling voice resonated through the chamber.

...