Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1562 - 538: Crisis and Search

Rein cast a swift look over the paperwork: ".... request to advance to a major Wizard School, ready to assume the related duties and commitments..."

The forms, topped with seals from the Dragan Empire and the Wizard School Union, followed a standard template. Rein, without any qualms, promptly added his signature.

"Your Majesty Rein, if you would follow me. After your school upgrades to a major Wizard School, a new location can be requested. Usually, the Empire assigns a territory in the borderlands as the base for a major Wizard School."

"Oh?" Rein lifted a brow, displaying curiosity.

Even though he had pondered the Shirendil Plateau as a choice, that didn't hinder him from learning the details.

In short order, the party reached a chamber on the second level of the Union's main building.

Upon stepping inside, Rein spotted a massive chart affixed to the wall—a comprehensive layout of the Dragan Empire's lands. It took the shape of a crooked oval, dotted with assorted icons in the border zones.

Rein recognized that those icons stood for major Wizard Schools.

Yet, linking up the zones highlighted by these icons, aside from coastal strips, failed to create an unbroken chain across the Empire's borders. Vast stretches remained unmarked.

Clearly, this showed that the Dragan Empire, even with the might of major Wizard Schools, couldn't fully extend its influence to the borders. This matched Rein's knowledge, since numerous border regions in the Empire were barren of resources, hazardous, and thinly settled, making them unworthy of heavy Empire backing.

Moreover, Rein observed certain spots not at the borders but deep inside the Empire's core that also bore icons for major Wizard Schools.

"Your Majesty Perkins, what's the current number of major Wizard Schools in the Empire?" Rein inquired offhandedly.

"Counting yours, the Empire now boasts fourteen major Wizard Schools. For example, the Serafen School, which I'm part of, sits in the Pampas Grassland northwest of the Empire, and the Heladon School occupies the Erlis Lowland in the south... The Isodre School holds the Shirendil Plateau..."

Perkins explained them thoroughly.

"I see." Rein nodded, deep in thought.

"But your tally is off. It ought to be thirteen, since the Isodre School's downgrade request is likely in progress."

"Hmm?"

All those in the room bulged their eyes, staring at Rein in baffled astonishment, Perkins included, even as an Imperial Guardian.

Demotion application?

Why on earth would the Isodre School seek demotion?

The key issue was, if this held true, wouldn't it be utmost confidential for the Isodre School? How did Your Majesty Rein find out?

"Could it be that you..." In a flash, Perkins remembered a particular hearsay and blurted it out.

Yet Rein offered no clarification. Flashing a faint grin, he shifted topics, questioning, "So, what about those two major Wizard Schools inside the Empire's core?"

"Ah, that... It's the Chronos School's base—the Hammerfall Mountains, famed as a Deadland, wrapped in swirling black mists. To avert unexpected shifts, the Empire designated such a spot, overseen by a major Wizard School."

Hammerfall Mountains?

As for the swirling black mists, Rein recalled them well. He had skirted Hammerfall Fortress during his journey to the Frostwind Prairie.

For Rein, the danger of watching over such a Deadland rivaled that of the Shirendil Plateau. The latter at least offered insight into enemy counts and strengths, whereas a Deadland like this brimmed with unknowns.

"Your Majesty Perkins, on behalf of the Bixiu Mechanization School, I select the Shirendil Plateau as our base."

The moment Rein concluded, silence gripped the room, so profound a pin could be heard falling!

Those gathered gazed at Rein with odd looks, seeming to convey: This is brutally harsh, not just downgrading the Isodre School but claiming their turf too?

Noting their faces, Rein let a small smile play, fully grasping their error.

"Incidentally, Your Majesty Perkins, one other matter. I've formed a group called the Mechanical Association. Per the rules, it must be filed with the Empire and the Wizard School Union."

"At present, the group's members consist solely of the Bixiu Mechanization School and the Isodre School. I'd like the Union to spread word of this, so any schools, large or small, keen on building mechanical beings can learn about it."

"Mechanical Association?"

"This... Sure! No issue." Confronted by Rein, Perkins couldn't say no, so after a quick pause, he agreed with a nod.

"Much obliged! I'd be grateful, Your Majesty Perkins. For any further steps, feel free to reach out to me or Ms. Olena whenever." Rein gestured toward Olena beside him and added.

"You honor me, Your Majesty Rein."

...

Exiting the Union hall alongside Rein, Audrey and Alicia remained stunned. Had the school upgrade and site pick wrapped up this fast?

Under usual circumstances, doesn't it demand a battle prowess check first, followed by a dedicated school upgrade mission? Site choices normally involve several Union debates, dragging on for at least ten days to half a month before settling, yet this time...

....

Departing the Wizard School Union, Rein's carriage turned toward the Sword Holder Headquarters.

As Rein hadn't shown up at the Sword Holder Headquarters in ages, he planned to confer with Marshal Alfred on this visit.