The next morning, Sylvus successfully broke through to the Four-Star Sage Archmage level. After finishing his morning routine, he and Meylan opened the shop as usual.
Not long after they had opened, a figure hurriedly rushed into the shop. Sylvus glanced over and noticed that it was none other than Prince Stan, whom he hadn't seen for some time. Sylvus frowned. This guy clearly didn't learn his lesson.
He didn't even line up properly. Sylvus was just about to slap him to death when Stan hurriedly spoke.
"Boss, I'm not here to buy elixirs. My father, the king, sent me with a message."
Stan spoke quickly, fearing that if he didn't finish his sentence, he'd be crippled by Sylvus once again.
"A message? What is it?" Sylvus asked with a frown.
"Boss, my father asked me to inform you that the warriors of the Elf Tribe and the Dwarf Tribe will arrive today. He hopes that you will be cautious," Stan said.
Sylvus was slightly taken aback, not because of the impending arrival of the warriors from the Elf Tribe and Dwarf Tribe, but because Boone had chosen to inform him ahead of time.
"I see. You can leave now," Sylvus said, waving him off. Whether the warriors from the two tribes arrived or not, could they withstand a single slap from him?
Stan nodded hurriedly and left the shop without hesitation, afraid that one wrong word might cost him his life.
"Interesting… is Boone trying to cozy up to me?" Sylvus smiled to himself. While Boone may not have intended it directly, the gesture was close enough.
Though he couldn't openly support any side, Boone knew how this would end: Sylvus would dominate the two tribes. Knowing the result, Boone sending a message like this seemed unnecessary, but it was clearly a way to show goodwill.
By afternoon, several powerful auras appeared outside the Holy City. Leading them was a short, elderly man, no taller than 1.5 meters, with white hair. He rode a Tier-9 Earth Drake. This old man was none other than Ronald, the King of the Dwarf Tribe, a Nine-Star Holy Knight!
Alongside him were more than ten others, the weakest of whom were Platinum Knights, each riding powerful magical beasts exuding immense power.
Not long after, three figures flew out of the Holy City to meet them. They were Boone, Mor, and Masi.
"Ronald, I didn't expect you to arrive so early," Boone said with a smile as he looked at the group in front of him.
But Ronald's expression remained cold. "There's no need for pleasantries, Boone. You know why we're here."
Boone smiled faintly. "Of course, I know. However, this is a personal matter between you and Senior Sylvus. I won't interfere."
Ronald narrowed his eyes and snorted coldly. "I hope that's the case. Where is Prince Mondo?"
"Prince Mondo is in the palace. Please, follow me," Boone said as he and Mor and Masi flew toward the palace.
Ronald nodded to his companions, and they all withdrew their mounts and followed Boone into the palace.
Before long, the group arrived at a courtyard within the palace where Kaemi was anxiously waiting at the entrance. When Kaemi saw them arrive, his eyes lit up, and he quickly knelt down in greeting.
"Prince Mondo is inside, Ronald. I'll leave you to it," Boone said with a smile, turning to leave with Mor and Masi.
Once they had left, Ronald turned to Kaemi and asked in a low voice, "How is Mondo?"
"Your Majesty, the prince's strength has been completely crippled, and even his mount, the Emperor Mammoth, was… eaten. The prince can barely consume any food, and he has lost a lot of weight," Kaemi said hurriedly.
Upon hearing this, the coldness around Ronald grew even more intense. "Outrageous! How dare someone provoke the Dwarf Tribe like this! I'll tear them to pieces right now!"
He was about to summon his mount when an elder beside him stopped him. This elder was Volo, a Nine-Rank Alchemist and the President of the Eslar Alchemist Guild.
"Your Majesty, perhaps we should check on Prince Mondo first. At the very least, we should heal him before taking action," Volo said calmly.
Although Volo wasn't particularly powerful, his status as a Nine-Rank Alchemist was unparalleled, and even the most powerful mages showed him great respect. Sёarch* The nôvelFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
"Fine. We'll see Mondo first, and after he's healed, he'll witness us avenge him with his own eyes," Ronald agreed after a moment of thought.
Kaemi led the way, and the group entered a room filled with the strong scent of medicinal herbs. Mondo lay on the bed, his face pale, his eyes blankly staring at the ceiling. He looked pitiful.
Seeing Mondo in such a miserable state, Ronald's suppressed rage resurfaced, and the stone floor beneath him cracked under the pressure of his aura.
"Grandfather, you've come… You're finally here…" Mondo's voice trembled as he cried out upon seeing Ronald, his tears flowing freely.
"Mondo, I'm sorry I was late. I won't let anyone harm you like this again. Volo is here, and with his skills, he'll definitely heal you," Ronald said, rushing to Mondo's side, his eyes filled with sorrow.
Even though Ronald had many grandchildren, Mondo was his most beloved. Otherwise, he wouldn't have given him the rare Emperor Mammoth as his mount. To him, Mondo was the next King of the Dwarf Tribe.
"Grandfather… my mount is dead too… I've brought shame to the Dwarf Tribe…" Mondo said, his voice full of guilt.
"The mount can be replaced. The important thing is that you're still alive. Lie down and let Volo treat you," Ronald reassured him, then turned to Volo.
"Your Highness, please lie still," Volo said as he approached the bed.
Mondo nodded, feeling more at ease. Though he had been reduced to a cripple, he believed that with Volo's skills, he could be healed.
Volo began channeling his magic into Mondo, scanning his body thoroughly. After about a minute, Volo withdrew his magic, his brows furrowed in concern.
"How is it, Volo?" Ronald asked anxiously.
Volo hesitated before glancing at Mondo, then said, "Your Majesty, I need to speak with you outside. There are some ingredients I require your permission to use."
Ronald's heart sank as he realized the situation was more complicated than he had expected. Nodding, he followed Volo outside.