Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1529 - 526: The Death of an Old Friend (2)

"Splat!"

A messy spray of crimson and pale, tofu-resembling material burst from the back of his skull, locking Marquis Orens' face in eternal terror, remorse, and unwillingness...

"L... Lord Rein, I... I..."

The final Third Level Crystallization Wizard from the Isodre School, witnessing Rein slay three individuals in mere moments—including an Imperial Marquis without a second thought—stuttered in utter shock.

"Don’t be afraid, tell me your background and why you’re here." Rein smiled, speaking to the remaining survivor.

That smile on Rein’s face suddenly filled the man with immense pride and reassurance, like a desperate swimmer clutching a lifeline. In an instant, his stuttering ceased, and he hurriedly explained:

"Lord Rein, I come from the Isodre School, under orders from Deputy Sect Leader Malcolm, to assist Marquis Orens..."

While he spoke, a intricate emblem on the right side of his Wizard Robe suddenly glowed faintly.

"Witchcraft communication? Let’s hear it." Rein noticed and remarked.

"Yes... Lord Rein."

The Crystallization Wizard promptly channeled his spiritual power, causing a holographic sigil to materialize in the air.

It turned out to be a recorded message, not live interaction.

For Third Level Crystallization Wizards, the typical way to communicate remains through sent messages.

After all, sustaining live links demands far more spiritual power, something seldom attempted by anyone short of Dawn Wizards.

A voice belonging to a middle-aged man echoed: "Abort mission, return immediately."

Those words enraged the Third Level Crystallization Wizard!

It was only half an hour too late!

If the warning had arrived just thirty minutes sooner, things would have turned out so much better. But now, arriving after the fact, it proved worthless!

"You’ve been cooperative, so I don’t need to kill you for now. Later, escort me to the Shirendil Plateau, to the base of the Isodre School, any problems?"

"N... no problem!" The Crystallization Wizard grasped the implication right away; refusal meant instant death, while guiding the way back could provide a faint hope of living, so he nodded vigorously.

"Very good."

With those words, Rein softly laid his hand on the man’s chest.

A wave of dark silver shimmered past, and gradually, a coating of dark silver metal began enveloping the man.

"L... Lord..."

Panic gripped the man, convinced that Rein was about to take his life.

"Don’t be afraid, I heard the Wizards of the Isodre School like to turn enemies into stone sculptures, perhaps metal sculptures are more aesthetic."

Once the man was completely encased, face included, Rein ensured two tiny vents remained by his nostrils for breathing.

Rein aimed to confine him, not execute him.

Right then, Rein hoisted the 'metal sculpture' and blurred his form, vanishing from the chamber yet again.

Not long after Rein departed.

A servant girl clutched a flask of premium liquor and politely rapped on the door repeatedly, receiving no reply from within, which sparked her interest.

Thus, she cautiously pushed the door open, and the sight inside prompted a shriek from her!

"Ah!"

...

At the same time,

Rein reappeared, now close to the Temple's doorway.

"Carrying objects, no, carrying people through, does spiritual power consumption increase greatly?" Rein examined the metal figure he held, lost in thought.

Moments earlier, he had employed his recently acquired skill 'Shadow Shifting' anew, yet observed that transporting another person caused spiritual power drain to multiply exponentially.

It made sense; if hauling people were simple, Quinnna’s usefulness would skyrocket, and Second Prince Everton wouldn’t have surrendered Quinnna so readily.

"So, currently this ability is mainly suitable for personal use."

"Additionally, areas protected by Witch Arrays cannot be directly traversed." Rein eyed the grand Temple and reflected.

Earlier, he had tried to phase inside but encountered strong opposition.

While breaking through by force could work, since it was friendly territory, a rough intrusion wouldn’t do, so Rein chose to emerge near the Temple entrance.

....

Minutes passed, and Rein strolled into the Temple without a care.

"Captain!" Angus, Evelyn, and Neoro called out with excitement.

"Lord Rein," Punishment Knight Brandel greeted with a grin.

"Rein!" The lovely Jennifer raised the edge of her gown and hurried to Rein’s side.

Yet she recalled the onlookers present, particularly Lagaray close by, so she stopped short just two paces away, avoiding a direct leap into Rein’s arms.

As for the Barbarian girl Lagaray, a High Rank Fierce Warrior with solid discipline, her attractive features still betrayed uncontainable delight.

"Don’t worry, I’m fine."

Rein took the initiative to approach and embrace the stunning lady, soothing her concerns.

The strain Jennifer endured as a regular person against Crystallization Wizards and Titled Knights was beyond measure.

Next, Rein drew Lagaray into a hug, ran his fingers through her smooth locks, and murmured, "You’ve worked hard."

"Not at all, it’s good that you’re back." True to her barbarian roots, Lagaray expressed her affections boldly, squeezing Rein tight before planting a kiss on his cheek.

...

"Lord Brandel, thank you for not hesitating to help." Rein grinned, moving forward to offer his thanks.