Chapter 41

Chapter 41

What did you say?

The threatening glare from Elder Clayton of the Earth Tower caused the subordinate mage who came to deliver the order to shrink even further.

All ten disciples under Greck are ahh! Im just the messenger, Elder!

His fierce look made it so only his disciples could smile back at him in the tower, and Clayton, who usually tried to smile as much as possible, barely managed to contain the surge of killing intent at the subordinate mages reaction.

Yeah, I know. Im aware. The tower master, this guy until the very end

It wasnt the fault of the guy delivering the message. The bad one had to be the tower master.

Clayton sighed deeply and forced his anger down.

To where? For how long?

He asked, hoping that the tower master at least had a shred of conscience.

Its the Macline territory, in the southwest countryside. The construction period is half a year

What?

Despite the calm tone, the mana and killing intent that rapidly filled the room was overwhelming.

Elder Claytons impassive face did not show it, but the strength of the anger within him was palpable, and the subordinate mage clutched his chest.

*Cough* Elder!

Hmm. This is rather regrettable.

Once again, Clayton barely suppressed his anger and allowed the subordinate mage to regain his breath.

The mage had barely come to his senses before Clayton approached with a grim face and asked,

So, is that absurdno, is that order truly without falsehood?

Yes, yes! Of course.

Huuh. I see.

Another deep breath from Clayton and the killing intent soared once more, causing the innocent subordinate mages complexion to change constantly.

Alright, you may go now.

Th-thank you!

Clang!

The mage dashed out of the room, making a ruckus, with Claytons menacing gaze following him.

Of course, the anger wasnt directed at the mage, but rather the true instigator of the order.

Macline? A territory Ive never heard of, and for as long as half a year? Hah.

So far, it had been continuous but short-term stints to the outskirts of Grang.

And just when he thought those stints were getting slightly longer, now it seemed they were being sent externally for good.

All were 20-somethings, at an age ripe for development, and his disciples were instead stuck doing labor without training.

Radios, tower master of the Earth Tower. You really want to do this?

Everything started after he reached the 5th circle and became an elder a year ago.

Only 50 years old and already at the 5th circle. Although his age didnt quite fit the term elder, the rules didnt forbid him from becoming one.

The disciples of his competitors, who vied for the position of tower master in the previous generation, must have been displeased with his position being threatened.

Yes, he could understand that much. Clayton comprehended up to there.

But to touch my disciples, even if not me? To this extent?

He had tried to be patient, but this was too much.

His disciples couldnt even train or research, nor find time to rest, due to all the field work being pushed onto them by the tower master.

And now, they had just returned this morning, only to be assigned another such long-distance assignment straight away.

Its time to sort this out once and for all.

Elder Clayton of the Earth Tower kicked the room door and left with a look of fury.

* * *

These are?

Logan glanced at the tower master with a grim look, and the tower master nodded with a smile.

Yes. These are the young men who will assist the young master for half a year. Greck, arent you their representative? Greet him. This is Logan Macline, the young master. Youll be working for him for the next six months.

Huuh. I am Greck, a 3rd circle mage. Please take good care of me.

Greck, who looked like he could be in his thirties, stepped forward to represent the ten mages, and let out a sigh with a brief greeting.

More than anything, what caught the eye were the deep shadows under his eyes and his pale complexion.

Not only him, but the others behind him looked equally worn.

I am Logan Macline.

After exchanging names and sending the young mages off for a moment, Logan spoke with a cringed face,

They look like theyre about to collapse any moment, tower master. Are these really the right people?

They might look tired, but they are our most experienced young talent in construction. They will fulfill their roles.

As the unexpected quarrel stretched on, Logan quietly derived the necessary information from their conversation.

This was it.

Logan realized why such a favorable contract was so easily penned.

It was the internal conflict of the tower that became a stroke of luck for him.

If you dont like the tower masters orders, you and your disciples are free to leave now.

Ha! Is that supposed to be a serious statement?

As Claytons anger rose, and mana visibly surged, the tower masters mana also started exploding in response.

Vroom.

The same earthy tones, yet entirely different auras of mana clashed, shaking the entire room.

Wow!

The sight of a confrontation between high-level mages promised to be interesting, but

Thats not the issue now.

With a clearer picture of their situation, Logans unease faded. And what needed to be done?

He quickly took out his identification badge and stamped it at the bottom of the contract.

Bam!

Now, with this, the contract is established. The ten standing there, follow me.

The poised voice cut through the tense atmosphere, drawing everyones eyes towards Logan.

Ah! You two Well, do as you please. The contract is still valid even with a new tower master, right?

But on Logans face holding up the contract, there was only a smile.

The two opposing mages looked flabbergasted at Logan.

Yet, their responses were starkly different.

Cough. Im sorry you had to see such an ugly sight. Very well. The scrolls will be sent as soon as they are ready.

Tower master. I havent finished talking!

Elder Clayton! Are you really going to resort to force in front of an official contract of the Earth Tower? Remember your status!

Interrupted by Rumeruns words, Clayton glared at him with eyes that could spit fire, but the words were not incorrect.

Claytons face trembled with unresolved anger, but he reluctantly retracted his gaze and stepped back.

Watching him, both the tower master and Rumerun smiled, but Clayton uttered an unexpected declaration.

Fine! Then I will follow my disciples.

Clayton!

An elder intending to follow a construction site and neglect the towers dignity!

Dignity of the tower comes after my disciples! My kids, who cant even rest because of some ruthless scoundrels, I will go with them to expedite the work so they can rest.

Truly willful. If thats how you insist Well, do as you please. A 5th circle mage in construction.

The cold exchange between the tower master and the elder seemed to conclude there, but there remained a crucial issue.

Uh Both of you? I have no intention to employ a 5th circle mage.

With Logans words, the mages gazes turned back to him.

Why would a construction project need a 5th circle mage? Its a waste of money.

The labor costs of a mage above the 5th circle were astronomical.

There were terrifying rumors about a starting price of 1 million gold, and Logan had no intention of such wasteful spending.

Absolutely not!

As Logan prepared to decisively cut off any objection, something unexpected happened.

I simply intend to help with my disciples work. I do not plan to take any money for it. My goal is to facilitate the quick completion of the work.

Hearing those blissful words like music from heaven, Logan immediately bowed at a 90-degree angle.

We will serve you in the best way, Elder. How would you like your carriage to be prepared?

The sudden shift in demeanor even caused Claytons grim face to briefly blank in surprise.

A simple one would suffice, my lord.

I will prepare it so that you can travel comfortably.

Who was the employer, and who was the laborer?

While everyone gazed in bewilderment, Logan simply beamed.

Aha! Top-notch staff for free!

With a 5th circle mage, to the extent that the originally intended collapse scrolls were virtually unnecessary.

Therefore, Logan could readily nod to Claytons next words.

Just give us one more day. My disciples need to rest up before we depart.

Of course. I also have things to settle.

The contract with the tower was a jackpot, and Logans smile showed no signs of fading.