Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1537 - 529: Shattering the Boulder with One Blow

In the conference hall of the Isodre School, the senior members looked thunderstruck, frozen stiff in their chairs and taking ages to snap out of it.

A few moments later, their faces displayed a mix of reactions!

Some appeared grave, others wrinkled their foreheads, and a few let out furious curses.

"This youngster is way too bold! We haven't even avenged Harold, yet he has the nerve to show up here!" The elderly wizard who'd just ridiculed Rein leaped to his feet and declared.

"Does he actually believe reaching Dawn Wizard level lets him act without restraint?"

"Let's head over and see what's happening!"

"Sect Leader?" Deputy Sect Leader Malcolm turned toward Stuart, who occupied the main position.

Stuart, observing the unfolding drama, stayed quiet, lost in contemplation.

Still, his grim look revealed that his inner turmoil was anything but serene.

Though he'd prepared contingency plans in advance, truthfully, those were meant for improbable scenarios; he never imagined the foe would truly arrive.

Moreover, as sect leader, he grasped Rein's capabilities far more deeply than anyone else there, realizing Rein possessed power beyond mere epic tier.

The empire's title for the youngest epic powerhouse wasn't hype—it stemmed from genuine combat feats.

"We'll all go together and check it out."

"Young folks often charge ahead hotheadedly; let's aim for a peaceful settlement and yield if we can." Stuart rose gradually as well, his voice steady and composed.

Hmm?

Seek a peaceful resolution?

Yield where feasible?

Stuart's statements caught everyone off guard, from Malcolm to the three Crystalization Peak elder wizards, who stared at the sect leader famed as the 'Shield of Rock,' pondering:

'Has the sun come up in the wrong direction?'

'The typically harsh and unyielding Stuart is showing such restraint?'

...

At the gateway to the Isodre School Station.

A squad of guards remained stunned, as a Third Level Wizard Apprentice slumped to the floor.

When a master strikes, the skill shines through right away.

Rein’s faint Dragon Roar, woven into his message, unleashed force like the sonic witchcraft from a Crystalization Peak wizard, sparking instant turmoil across the Isodre School and putting the whole area into full alert!

Numerous wizards clad in earthy robes sprang from their labs, slumbers, and studies, bolting from their quarters in alarm.

The assorted defensive witch arrays overhead at the station sprang to life all at once!

In an instant, layers of yellowish protective barriers lit up the skies over the station.

But once Stuart and the school's top figures showed up as a group, the gathering of school wizards eased up a bit and dove into chatter:

"His name's Rein, right?"

"I believe I've caught wind of him—the empire's rising talent, the youngest with epic-level combat strength!"

"I've heard the name too, though from this uproar, it doesn't feel like a cordial visit."

...

"Lord Rein, we're thrilled you've made time to grace the Isodre School; we extend a hearty welcome! That said, your latest moves suggest some confusion about our school." Deputy Sect Leader Malcolm addressed him smoothly.

"And who might you be?" Rein inquired.

"I serve as Malcolm, Deputy Sect Leader of the Isodre School."

"Malcolm? Alright, that name rings a bell." Rein gave a nod.

"It's a privilege that Lord Rein knows of me," Malcolm replied, visibly taken aback before his grin widened, offering a slight bow of thanks.

After all, earning a spot in the mind of the empire's youngest epic powerhouse counts as genuine acknowledgment.

"Back in Mingster, two of my followers got slain, and when we nabbed the guilty parties, they claimed you gave the order. Do you own up to it?"

"Consider this a heads-up: your underlings are still breathing, so lying won't help."

Rein’s statements caused Malcolm's face to twist in shock!

"This..." Malcolm's features shifted repeatedly, unsure how to respond, inwardly fuming at his minions' failure to die in the act.

A few seconds passed before Malcolm managed an awkward chuckle, "Lord Rein, this has to be some mix-up. Since you're already here, why not come in for a chat? Let us entertain you as guests should be."

Forcing a grin, Malcolm snuck a peek at Rein’s spot.

Rein caught the glance without delay.

He fully understood what Malcolm was after.

For Rein lingered right beyond the reach of a particular witch array at the Isodre School.

Should he take up the offer, a short step forward would trap him inside the array's zone.

From the faint energy pulses, even a mid-stage High Rank Dawn Wizard might struggle against the setup.

On the flip side.

Malcolm’s reactions and speech baffled plenty of Isodre School wizards, their expressions hinting at 'Something's off here.'

The three elder wizards even eyed Malcolm, conveying 'This clashes with your conference hall tale.'

This prompted Stuart to step in with words.

"Lord Rein, should a real mix-up exist, it could stem from our underlings' folly. We're prepared to offer fitting amends. Care to join us indoors for discussion?" Stuart suggested.

Stuart extended the invite to enter as well, sharing Malcolm's underlying motive.