Chapter 367 - Preparations

Diether entered the tower and waited in the receiving room. 

Currently, Calliope's Investigation Team is gathering information within this place due to several mission requests to search for missing Arcanists.

They are most likely here to learn about the activities of these Arcanists within the Tower before they disappeared. Their last activities here might give a clue to find them after all. 

'Ahh… Now that I think about it, the missing people are probably those who were sent to the Dark Elves.' Diether thought as he felt a bit nervous. Of course, it is not guaranteed but there is really a high chance.

'I heard that before they went missing, they still completed outside missions and were seen by many people. They didn't just disappear inside the Tower but during their mission… so it's really hard to find fault at the Tower at this rate.' 

Diether would never think that it has something to do with the Tower if he considers that. However, because of his Master's words, he needed to at least mention this Calliope. She must learn about how dangerous this mission is and she might have to consider stopping at this point. 

With this in mind, Diether remained silent and waited for Calliope's team to come. 

"Knight-Captain Diether! It's rare for you to look for me while you're on a mission as well. Did you finish it already?"

Calliope greeted the young man after seeing him look awkward in the receiving room. The lady still has long black hair as she's not forgetting to dye her crimson hair.

Even though she's already a Sun Fire Knight, her identity as Losea Kingdom's noble might still cause trouble to some people, especially in the northern part of Chodora Kingdom.

"Yes, Lippe… Ehem, Knight Calliope, how's the investigation going?"

Diether asked as she looked at the beautiful lady who approached him with a cheerful face. They were both Knights who practice not just the Sun Fire Sword Art but also another Sword Technique.

It is Kendo for Diether while Praetorian Sword for Calliope. This made them get closer to each other since they have their techniques completely different from the other members of their batch.

Well, it can be said that a lot of people within the Order had misunderstood their relationship but they both didn't bother to correct them as it works well with them anyway.

"Ugh… We're stuck. The people who went missing had month-long missions after all. It means that they had most likely died during their missions. However, I checked most of the missions being given outside and not many of them are dangerous to the extent that could lead to death."

In truth, many of them are just related to crafting, foraging, and array constructions. With such missions, it would be difficult for them to encounter life-threatening situations unless they met some cruel bandits along the way or they were caught by the Evil Cultists somewhere and got sacrificed. 

Calliope explained the problems she had as she even forgot to ask why Diether visited her in the Tower. 

"That's quite suspicious indeed. Even if they meet some bandits, there's no way they wouldn't recognize the Tower's Robe. I'm sure they would think twice before they target an Arcanist." Diether added as he couldn't bring up the Tower's dubious origin.

Since they are within the Arcanist Tower, someone might be listening to their conversation and he can't let them know that. 

Because of this, Diether had to wait until they were outside to mention this. 

"Oh, right. What brings you here?" Calliope finally asked as Diether mentioned his plan to have an adventure in Enetha Empire.

"The Empire?!"

Calliope repeated in surprise. The Enetha Empire is considered to be the strongest human nation and its size is about 10 times larger than the Chodora Kingdom. They have an abundant number of Arcanists at the First-Class who had summoned two or even more Arcana!

Aside from that, Legendary Arcana users or even Mythical Arcana users are abundant in that Empire!

Although that place is said to be a haven for the Arcanists, that place is also dangerous if you don't belong to a certain power even if you have good talents. You need an organization, clan, or guild backing you to survive that place and live a better life. 

"What's with the sudden decision?" Calliope asked as she felt that if Diether goes there, there was no longer a chance for them to meet again.

The Empire is vast and the journey there wouldn't be easy as well. They have to cross the Chaotic Land and Losea Kingdom after all. 

"Well, do you remember about the Sentient Arcana I met before, my master?" Diether asked.

"Ahh! Right, you mentioned that. Our clan also has Sentient Arcana but only the elders and the patriarch are allowed to meet that Arcana."

"That's right. I already found him again and we're planning to find something in the Empire. Since we don't know anything about the Empire, I'm thinking of inviting you to join us."

"Eh? Is that appropriate?"

"Of course… I'm sure that it will be beneficial for you as well. You won't regret it if you join us."

Diether said sincerely.

"But how about my position here?"

"You have Sevdi in your team, right? She should be able to handle it… Anyway, there is also something I'd like to tell you about your mission. It's better if we do it outside together with the other members of your team."

Diether suddenly kept his voice low and he spoke seriously. 

Calliope noticed the change in his stone as she immediately called for every Sun Fire Knight within the tower.

They all went to the stables where the Knight's horses are being kept. 

Diether looked at the members of Calliope's team and noticed that there are only 15 members of this investigation team.

"Diether! Where's Rufus?"

"I thought someone important came to find us. So it's just you."

Sevdi and Kazim greeted Diether differently as soon as they saw him.

The other members just saluted at the higher rank officer and waited for their instructions. 

"Let's all leave this place first before I reveal the truth about your mission… Get on your horses now." Diether said mysteriously but everyone still followed seeing how serious he was. 

Soon, the man revealed what he learned about the Tower as this is the only way he can help them before he leaves this country.