Tia Nars could clearly read the meaning in Dean Bruce's eyes. With a quiet sigh, she said, "Had I not been injured a year ago while exploring the Relics, no matter how bold anyone else may be, they wouldn't dare to try and take my position."
"Unfortunately, after I was injured, the power gap between us lessened, and thus, an election became necessary."
Dean Bruce remained calm, not foolish enough to jump into helping someone just because of a few words.
Tia Nars softly continued, "You once killed a member of the Magic Guild, yet you earned Claire Raymond's approval and secured a Soul Blood Oath. It's clear you hold many secrets."
"I don't care about your secrets, as long as you don't bring harm to the Magic Guild. If that's the case, I'll support you. I can even give you the ability to mobilize the resources of the Guild! All I ask is that you cast your vote for me when the time comes."
Dean Bruce raised an eyebrow, surprised, "An Elf who's interested in power?"
"It's not an obsession with power." Tia Nars shook her head and replied, "Years ago, I made a promise to someone—to take care of the Magic Guild. Naturally, I don't want to see it fall into someone else's hands. Until that person returns, I won't step down."
"Well, Guildmaster Tia, it seems you're a woman of loyalty and honor," Dean Bruce responded with a slight smile, taking another sip of the elemental wine while silently feeling the increasing magic power inside him.
Regardless of the conversation, Dean Bruce's primary focus was on dragging things out, hoping to finish the entire cup of wine and gain as much power as possible from it.
Tia Nars smiled back, her voice soft, "The Elven people have always been known for their loyalty. Once we make a promise, no matter if it costs our life, leads to reincarnation, or requires traveling across time and space, we will fulfill it."
Hearing this, Dean Bruce's body stiffened. Time and space? Could it be that the figure who appeared in the moonlight and saved him was an Elf?
No, that couldn't be right. The Elven people have distinct features. Even though Tia Nars was trying to hide it, Dean Bruce could still clearly see her pointed ears and the faint green glow in her eyes.
He hadn't been suspicious before, but once he became doubtful, the signs were easy to recognize.
However, the girl who descended in the moonlight had been unmistakably human.
For a moment, Dean Bruce felt a headache coming on.
Too many strange and mysterious things had happened to him.
Tia Nars didn't say much more, instead changing the topic, "The Magic Guild is quite vast. If you ever need anything, just let me know. As an honorary elder, you have many privileges. Soon, the Secret Realm will be opening, and I'd like to offer you a spot to lead a team. What do you think?"
"Oh? You want me to lead a team?"
Dean Bruce's eyes lit up at the offer. Leading a team essentially meant he could enter the Secret Realm himself. The only question was whether the Secret Realm Tia Nars was talking about was the same one Cyb Louis had mentioned.
If it was the same Secret Realm, Dean Bruce could even sell a spot to someone else, making a nice profit on the side.
With that thought, he asked directly, "Which Secret Realm are we talking about?"
Well, missing out on a good meal would be foolish, so Dean Bruce didn't refuse. He gestured for Prolo Hawthorne to lead the way to the cafeteria.
As they walked, Magic Guild staff members passing by respectfully greeted Dean Bruce, and while he returned their smiles, he couldn't help but overhear some of the chatter around him.
"Have you heard? Something's going on in the capital of the Lane Cloud Empire!"
"I heard that spirits have been causing trouble, kidnapping entire families of some of the ministers, and they've vanished without a trace. They've already started evacuating people from the capital."
"Spirits? No way! How could spirits exist? Even if they did, they wouldn't stand a chance against magic. If I see one, I'll make sure to send it straight back to hell!"
"..."
Hearing this, Dean Bruce shook his head slightly. Ordinary people wouldn't stand a chance against that particular spirit.
Her ability to set up formations was so strong that even Dean Bruce fell into her trap. Fortunately, with the Blade of Thor's Judgment, he was able to defeat the spirit.
[The way information spreads in this magical world is still far too slow. If this were the modern world, that news would have reached us much faster. It shouldn't take a whole month for something like that to be heard.]
Shaking off the thought, Dean Bruce didn't dwell on it much longer as he stepped into the cafeteria.
Being an honorary elder certainly had its perks. As soon as they entered, someone came forward to greet Dean Bruce and Prolo Hawthorne, leading them to a private room on the second floor and handing them a menu.
Dean Bruce skimmed the menu and was quietly astonished. The variety was incredible—even the meat of sixth-tier beasts was available, with many different preparation methods.
As an honorary elder, Dean Bruce could eat for free in the cafeteria, so he didn't hesitate. He ordered the most expensive dish—earth dragon meat—and added a serving of flame drake blood as a drink.
Though it was free, it didn't mean he could order unlimited amounts. The meat of a sixth-tier beast was far too much for two people to finish, but given his prestigious status, the staff noted the order respectfully before leaving.
Once the staff had left, Prolo Hawthorne eagerly spoke up, "Master, the Quicksand Secret Realm is about to open. I'm going in this time too. Hehe, could you teach me a few tricks? I want to perform well!"
"So that's why you've been so eager to please, huh?" Dean Bruce looked at Prolo Hawthorne with an amused expression.
Prolo Hawthorne immediately tensed up, nervously replying, "No, no! Master, I've wanted to be your apprentice ever since you gave me that beating last time! It's not just for that reason."
"Relax," Dean Bruce said with a chuckle. "You've been doing well. Teaching you a spell or two wouldn't hurt. What type of magic are you interested in learning?"
"Really?" Prolo Hawthorne's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'd like to learn defensive magic. I've heard that the Quicksand Secret Realm is full of traps. If I can withstand those traps, I'll be able to go deeper and train more effectively."
"Master, what's the most powerful defensive magic you know?"
Prolo Hawthorne asked, eyes full of hope as he looked at Dean Bruce.