Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1576 - 543: Top Secret and Promotion (3)

Although the Mechanical Land Birds and Mechanical Scythe Claw Dragons absorbed the majority of the foe's direct charges, the diverse spider horde's battle prowess had obviously outstripped what they had foreseen earlier.

The Tutkash School's core troops lurked like a poisonous serpent in the shadows, hidden and poised to unleash their assault. Even with defenses set up here, constant watchfulness remained crucial.

"I agree, it would be more prudent to launch the full-scale attack once Crown Rein arrives," the mustached elder from Isodre School declared with a nod.

He had witnessed Graham's power up close and thus refused to downplay the threat. Despite wielding the formidable 'Destroyer' as their key asset, they could scarcely hold the line in a deadlock.

Just then, a youthful wizard burst in with an elated face to deliver the update:

"Sect Leader, envoys from various wizard schools have arrived from the Imperial City, claiming they want to align with the Mechanical Association and seek to inspect and assess it."

"Hmm?" The group traded puzzled looks, caught off guard for a second.

"Have other schools signed on this fast?"

"Which ones showed up?" Deputy Sect Leader Bradley pressed right away.

"Representatives from the mid-tier outfits Rocky Mechanized Workshop and Clay Puppet Secret Technique Institute, plus a bunch of minor wizard schools, all dispatched their people."

"Huh? Those two mid-sized schools had rocky relations with us before..."

"Indeed, rumors say that two days back, Lord Rein had already submitted the association's details to the Empire's Wizard School Union. On top of that, reports indicate Lord Rein has been elevated to Imperial Guardian for real."

"What! That's fantastic!" Moria slammed the table hard, his cheeks burning with thrill.

How many years had passed!

Years had flown by since Bixiu Mechanization School last claimed an Imperial Guardian!

"Lord Rein, or rather Crown Rein, possesses might that eclipses a typical Imperial Guardian. Earning this Guardian status is nothing short of fitting." The gray-haired Isodre School elder twirled his beard, grinning as he offered his well-wishes.

"No surprise other schools' reps arrived in a flash!" Bradley burst out, the pieces clicking for him.

While delight lit up every face, abruptly, a frantic young wizard dashed inside and announced:

"Dire report, Sect Leader, lords—terrible tidings from Talufoto Valley: three full mechanical wizard teams have been utterly annihilated!"

"What!"

"Every team boasted at least a single Mechanical Scythe Claw Dragon and a Mechanical Scream Dragon. Three teams... all eradicated?"

"Affirmative, lord—we've dispatched scouts for urgent probes. We believe that valley hides the elusive Tutkash School stronghold we've hunted!"

"Reach out to Crown Rein without delay!"

"Right away, Sect Leader."

....

The dawn of the following day.

Along the Empire's grand thoroughfares, festive lanterns dangled in honor. Word had spread to the masses about the Empire's grand rite to welcome the fresh Imperial Guardian, set for the Royal Arena.

By now, the Royal Arena gleamed with floral adornments, its seats packed with Imperial Nobles, elegant noblewomen, and refined ladies.

Surveying the lively spectacle ahead, Rein whispered under his breath:

"Right now, even the nobles resemble clueless everyday folk."

"Crown Rein, maybe we ought to view it another way. For the average soul, not knowing could truly be a mercy," Lambert replied gravely from his spot at Rein's side.

Guardians hurrying into the Imperial City from afar were quickly ushered to secluded chambers, given confidential briefings, and supplied with extra combat elixirs and restorative draughts.

Among the latest recruits, Rein crossed paths with Lambert, who had freshly attained Sword Saint status.

Up on the royal dais, the 'Red Queen' Menia stood with poised elegance and regal poise, declaring, "Following consultations with the Royal Family and the Elder Council, I hereby proclaim the official launch of the induction rite for the new Imperial Guardian..."

Menia's declaration ignited the Royal Arena like oil meeting flames; the whole venue exploded in fervor!

Thunderous applause

"Leading the list is Lord Rein of the Imperial Swordsmen Department... He stands as... the youngest Imperial Guardian ever in the Dragan Empire's annals!"

Rein hadn't anticipated Menia spotlighting him first.

"The youngest Imperial Guardian ever? This... this is incredible!"

"Absolutely, it's a feat. And this honor is earned fair and square. Recall how Crown Pantoscoke, dubbed 'Storm Cloud', fell to Lord Rein—or Crown Rein—just days prior?"

"Spot on, the Empire shows true fairness here, ignoring age or rank for Imperial Guardian picks."

...

The assembled high nobles, noblewomen, and ladies buzzed in hushed chatter.

"Clap, clap, clap!"

Soon, fresh applause rang out, igniting another wave that peaked the arena's energy!

"My thanks to Prince Menia, to the Elder Council, to everyone." In the arena's heart, Rein offered a modest bow of appreciation.

Suddenly, a potent aura surged from the Imperial Palace's core, vast and imposing. Though muted by the Witch Array's barriers, all in the palace sensed its weight.

"This is...." The nobles on hand froze in confusion.

Yet the primed Imperial Guardians grew solemn, eyes fixed on the palace's midst, murmuring, "Is the breakthrough underway?"

...