Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1548 - 533: The Association and Misgivings (Part 2)

Instead of replying right away to the elderly wizard, Rein paused thoughtfully and then inquired:

"Oh yeah, I recall you were gathering minerals earlier? Logically, since you focus on earth witchcraft, there shouldn't be a need for that many rare ones."

"Lord Rein, the circumstances are like this: a few years back, hordes of alien spiders started overwhelming the Shirendil Plateau, and handling those swarms proves far from simple. Our school even endured heavy losses."

"Plus, our library holds plenty of blueprints for making constructs, so we figured we'd attempt puppets against the alien spider swarms. From the trials, rock and clay puppets didn't work as well as those made from metal."

"I understand," Rein said with a nod.

In the meantime, a well-developed strategy had started taking shape in his thoughts.

After looking around just now, he noticed the wizards from the Isodre School felt a deep attachment to their institution. Even following this upheaval, merging them straight into the Bixiu Mechanization School appeared improbable.

Besides, forcing such an issue wouldn't work. No matter if it could succeed, supposing it did, without their true desire to integrate, it would spark all sorts of clashes with the existing Bixiu Mechanization School wizards.

That outcome would clash with his prior ideas and hopes.

Considering the present conditions, setting up a construct alliance of a cooperative kind first made sense, gradually drawing them in and separating influences. Once the moment arrived, matters would sort themselves out smoothly.

"I don't believe the Isodre School needs to move. I've long planned to form a group for mechanical and construct works, aimed at exchanging construct insights and joint protection. The Bixiu Mechanization School already exists," Rein explained.

"Should you choose to participate, with a pact for shared defense, I'm confident the dangers from the Tutkash School or elsewhere can be handled. I'll drop by the Shirendil Plateau from time to time."

Upon catching the initial words of Rein's offer, the pair of ancient wizards grasped his intent immediately; as true veterans, they recognized this went beyond a mere association, resembling a defense pact popular among lesser wizard organizations.

Furthermore, without a Dawn Wizard in the current Isodre School, joining would mean leadership naturally shifting to Rein.

Yet, the final segment of Rein's words lit up the gazes of the two elderly wizards.

While shifting their base was possible, for a major wizard school, such a move would invite hordes of foes to their gates. With their tangled ties and rivalries, and their power waning, rivals would eagerly seize the opportunity to strike.

Rein's suggestion felt like providing a secure refuge.

On top of that, the Isodre School had rooted itself on the Shirendil Plateau over a millennium, turning it into their true home. Unsurprisingly, the majority of its wizards resisted departing.

"That sounds fantastic!"

"Joint defense? Exchanging construct knowledge?"

Even as the two old wizards prepared to consent, the nearby Isodre School wizards had begun buzzing with thrilled chatter.

The duo shared a glance before bowing deeply to Rein in respect, "This is indeed a fine opportunity. Speaking for the Isodre School, we'd like to become part of the construct association under Lord Rein's guidance."

"Excellent, that's perfect." Rein nodded, a smile crossing his face.

In truth, he harbored another aim: deploying construct builds to offset the Evil God Nael Breccan's edge through vast numbers of alien spider swarms.

Solely depending on the Bixiu Mechanization School wizards wouldn't suffice; they lacked the manpower. However, combining forces with the Isodre School wizards, and equipping each with multiple constructs for broad sweeps, ought to swiftly eradicate the alien spiders skilled at burrowing below ground.

What's more, this approach could steadily uncover the precise spot of the hidden Tutkash School, allowing their total eradication.

He anticipated they'd deliver another unexpected boon in due course.

....

Right then, the massive airship overhead drew close and commenced a gentle descent.

A number of top empire officials stepped down the ramp one after another, starting with Elder Ivan, whom Rein had encountered previously, then Pantoscoke, Marshal Alfred, and one unfamiliar marshal.

Seeing this, the Isodre School wizards felt stunned, assuming these arrivals meant trouble for them.

But quickly, they sensed the reality diverged from their fears.

Prior to Elder Ivan uttering a word, Pantoscoke surveyed the cratered terrain like a meteor strike site and the massive Gorlon remains, then burst out with feeling:

"Lord Rein, you've overstepped bounds. Putting aside who's right or wrong, did you think about how fighting Stuttgart might doom the city of Nirheim?"

"Oh, and where's Stuttgart?" Pantoscoke abruptly recalled and scanned the area.

"That must be your Stuttgart right there," Rein indicated the blackened body lying nearby on the earth.

"What! Rein, you... you really slew him!" Pantoscoke reacted with shock mixed with joy.

Overwhelmed by how Rein's might clearly exceeded expectations.

He realized that, despite his own power edging out Stuttgart's a bit, taking down Stuttgart here at the Isodre School base would prove incredibly tough, as it served as the foe's stronghold.