In the heart of the forest, a majestic mansion stood proudly at the centre, guarded by numerous sentinels donning fierce expressions as they patrolled the surroundings.
While conducting their rounds, a sudden gust of wind swept through, prompting them all to halt abruptly.
"Did someone pass by?" queried one of the guards, a cruel glint flickering in his eyes.
"Even if no one passed, the master has instructed us to be vigilant and report any intrusion immediately."
The guards, in unison, produced bells and began ringing them, although the bells produced more of a resounding "dong" from within the mansion rather than a traditional ring.
This resonant sound caused the entire mansion to illuminate, and individuals emerged with furrowed brows.
Simultaneously, a scream pierced the air from one of the castle's corners.
In response to the screams, a myriad of spells were unleashed ruthlessly and simultaneously, without a moment's hesitation.
Dust billowed from the ground, obscuring the entire scene.
However, the onslaught continued unabated, spells descending like an impending apocalypse in a terrifying pressure that even distorted the air itself.
Some of the spells were weak, comparable to the power of a wizard apprentice. But, the same couldn't be said for others, as tier one and even tier two spells descended upon the area.
"Halt," a stern voice suddenly commanded, bringing the chaotic display to an abrupt stop.
An old man, his face filled with wrinkles, emerged wearing a tuxedo suit and a top hat, sporting a cold expression. His gaze shimmered with cunningness.
"Why did you come here, Noah?" the old man roared.
A chuckle emanated from inside the dust as a shadowy figure revealed himself. Noah looked at all the people surrounding him with a sneer on his face.
The other's glanced at each other with a strange glint in their eyes.
...
After Noah returned to his own place, he erupted with rage, which soon calmed down in under a minute.
"I was initially planning it after William became a tier two wizard; however, should I execute my plan right now?" he questioned with a strange expression on his face.
"No, let's wait a little longer for that. If there is really no solution, then I would have to do it. As for those Steele family, be prepared for you to incur my wrath."
As Noah was hatching his plans, the same could be said in another place as well, but it was a celebratory feast instead.
The eighth elder had a smile on his face as he was drinking his fine wine from the cup.
He had, of course, heard about the incurable poison of William and couldn't be happier.
"You guys can leave now," he suddenly said while he looked at the women who were all dancing in front of him with seductive clothing that thinly covered their bodies.
"Yes, master." The five women bowed and hurriedly left the place, quickening their steps.
After the elder was alone, he heaved a sigh of relief, only to cough due to old age.
"Lucas was the one who was supposed to be for my body, but now he is dead. I need another person for it..." His eyes narrowed, thinking of William.
"If I can take over his body, then not only would I gain a youthful body but also the high-grade mental space. At that time, to hell with the village, I will escape instead."
He thought with a cruel smirk on his face. The reason why he even chose to sacrifice his precious lifespan was to gain more power, only to later realise the preciousness of life.
"I don't give a damn about this village. I will go to higher places after I gain his body."