Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1532 - 527: Shirendil Plateau (Part 2)

Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...

Rein pondered the consequences of dismantling the Isodre School on the Shirendil Plateau during his airship journey, weighing the risk of a power vacuum against the potential to absorb its earth wizards into the Bixiu Mechanization School. In the Imperial City's assembly hall, Bixiu members toiled over the Destroyer demon statue's repairs amid growing discouragement, as its full power required a Fourth Level Dawn Wizard—beyond even Sect Leader Moria's Crystalization Peak—while Moria steeled himself for a hasty breakthrough attempt. Joy erupted when Audrey announced Rein's return, spurring Mogaro to intervene and stop the risky endeavor, just as Bradley learned the school's promotion hurdles had cleared once more.

The earlier problem arose because an Isodre School inspector didn't examine things closely enough, missing the gaps between his school's demon statue records and the ones handed in by the Bixiu Mechanization School. That oversight sparked theft accusations against the Bixiu Mechanization School.

"How peculiar, is the Isodre School really being this generous?"

"They kept blocking us earlier, yet now they've abruptly given approval? Might a larger scheme be lurking ahead for us?"

Bradley stroked his chin, brimming with doubt.

.....

Sword Holder Headquarters.

"Olena, are you telling me Admiral Edward reported that after Lord Rein handled the matter in Mingster, he skipped heading back to the Imperial City and went directly to the Shirendil Plateau?"

Major General Tatia rose to her feet upon hearing this update, seeking confirmation.

"That's right, Major General Tatia." Olena gave a nod, equally shocked by the report.

The implications of such an action were all too clear!

"This is bad, Lord Rein's acting far too rashly!"

"The Shirendil Plateau's circumstances are intricate, and Stuart, known as the 'Shield of Rock', ranks as a mighty force even among the Empire's epic-level experts."

"On top of that, the opponents hold the upper hand with their school's home ground, where even veteran Imperial Guardians must offer deference to the Isodre School at Shirendil."

"I must alert Marshal Alfred without delay."

"This..."

Olena's chest tightened as she heard Major General Tatia's words, unable to shake off her growing anxiety.

....

At the same time.

Shirendil Plateau.

Within the central chamber of the Nirheim, Isodre School outpost.

A wizard clad in a brown robe was dutifully briefing an elder enveloped by a hazy earth element barrier.

That elder served as the Sect Leader of the Isodre School, the Dawn Wizard Stuart Abel, honored with the moniker 'Shield of Rock'.

"Indeed, Malcolm, have you notified the rest to halt operations?" Stuart questioned.

"I did, sir. We've greenlit the Bixiu Mechanization School’s advancement request and called back the two agents dispatched to Mingster right away."

"That said... the communication team reports that despite the alert, they still haven't shown up."

"Eh? They haven't come back?" Stuart's brow furrowed lightly as he probed.

"Correct, sir. Perhaps Marquis Orens' lavish welcome has them hooked. In contrast to the Imperial City's vibrant scene, Nirheim's diversions feel somewhat sparse." Malcolm offered his take.

Were he in their shoes, he'd savor the elite nobles' hospitality in the Imperial City too; wizards remain mortal, after all.

"And what of Rein? What's his current location?" Stuart queried abruptly.

"Word is, upon reaching the Imperial City, he headed straight home, bypassing the follow-up high-level imperial gatherings and feasts."

"Dig deeper!"

"Probe Rein's movements? Do you think Rein might have already reached Mingster?"

"Exactly, I'll handle it at once." Malcolm caught on suddenly, his face lighting up with astonishment.

Just then, a youth in a brown wizard robe rushed in and announced, "Sect Leader, updates from the Imperial City indicate Rein departed the capital half a day prior and set course for Mingster."

"Half a day earlier?"

"Trouble! Could it mean..." Malcolm's features shifted, grasping that the Sect Leader's earlier hunch was probably spot on.

"Malcolm, devise a method to monitor Rein's position." Stuart commanded gravely.

"Understood!"

As Malcolm pivoted to depart, Stuart gestured, prompting the young wizard beside him to exit the chamber too.

Once the room cleared, Stuart mulled things over briefly before sketching an intricate design in mid-air. It resembled a spider's web.

With the design glowing, a timeless voice echoed: "Stuart, what's prompted this direct reach-out today? Not worried about the Empire catching wind?"

"Graham, it seems that Rein is en route to the Shirendil Plateau," Stuart replied gravely, brushing aside the teasing tone.

"Oh? That Rein who slew Staven? The Empire's youngest epic-level powerhouse?" Graham, on the receiving end, sounded equally stunned.

"That's him."

"Didn't reports claim he and the 'Red Queen' Menia got beaten and locked up by the Nether Sea Goddess?"

"Those details were wrong."

"Got it, so you're warning he's targeting you? Thus, you're seeking my aid?" Graham quickly pieced together the reason for Stuart's outreach.

"I require your assistance against this Rein, and as payment, I'll permit the Tutkash School full private oversight of the western Shirendil Plateau." Stuart declared firmly.

"Insufficient! Throw in the two Brighton clans from the central area as well." Graham pondered briefly, then grinned while laying out his demand.

"Why crave so many Brightons? Looks like those old whispers hold truth—you're partnering with the Evil God...?"

"Just a sorcery trial; I require the colossal lineage from the Brightons. My ask isn't overreaching, Stuart—mull it over at leisure." Graham clarified.

Internally, he knew Stuart wouldn't stall long, since Rein pursued Stuart and the Isodre School, not his own interests.

He had the luxury of patience.

"Agreed!"