Three days later, Alex received an unexpected ssage from Xiao Hui. The Warlord Skull had slain a human King level on the Featherfolk battlefield. Judging from the human's abilities, it was highly likely they were from the Holy Court.
Alex paused her studies in the mage tower. It seed the Holy Court had set their sights on the Featherfolk, aiming to conquer them, but had stumbled upon the ongoing war between the Undead and the Featherfolk.
However, sothing didn't add up. If their goal was to subdue the Featherfolk, why send a single King level weaker than the Featherfolk chieftain?
While she couldn't be certain of the intruder's identity, one thing was clear: they weren't a mage.
Alex had been secluded in her studies and hadn't heard any news about the Featherfolk. Since the slain individual was undoubtedly human, the most logical conclusion was their affiliation with the Holy Court.
"When was this person killed?" Alex inquired.
"Last midnight. We've already summoned them as an undead. They're a level 7 King level now," Xiao Hui reported.
"Is their body still intact?" Alex pressed.
"It should be. I'll check with the Death Spirit."
A mont later, Xiao Hui confird that the body remained untouched. The battle had taken place on Featherfolk territory, and the undead lacked the capacity to disassemble corpses. Alex deduced that the body was likely abandoned on the battlefield.
"Good. Find two dwarves imdiately and have them deliver the body to Yellowrock City. Rember, it has to be under the pretense of the dwarf kingdom," Alex instructed.
This was a golden opportunity, a gift from the Holy Court to the Mage Guild, and Alex intended to exploit it fully.
The only puzzle was why they had only sent one person.
"Well, no use dwelling on it," Alex muttered, dismissing the thought.
She closed the system interface and returned her attention to the magic book. With all seven spells learned and her new realm ability successfully integrated, she was eager to test her newfound power.
However, Yellowrock City wasn't the place for such trials. For now, she could only continue her studies and further hone her abilities.
"Alex, are you ever going to finish those books?" Ruby whined, scratching at the door with her claws.
She had been cooped up for three days straight and was bored out of her mind.
"Almost done. Be patient," Alex said, assuring her that they would leave Yellowrock City as soon as she finished her studies.
An hour later, a peculiar parchnt materialized on the wooden table before her.
Alex's brow furrowed. This was the Mage Guild's unique communication thod. Why would it be delivered to her?
She picked up the parchnt and read the ssage.
"Co to my mage tower. We need to talk. Make sure you're not followed." It was signed simply, "Celine."
Celine? Nori's mother? What could she possibly want?
Despite her reservations, Alex decided to hear her out. This was Yellowrock City. Surely Celine wouldn't dare to break the rules and harm her here.
Closing her magic book, Alex stood up, activated her Invisibility, and slipped out of the mage tower, leaving a slumbering Ruby oblivious to her departure.
Mage towers in Yellowrock City bore their owner's na, and those currently in use emitted a soft yellow glow. Even without knowing Celine's exact location, Alex could easily identify her tower.
It didn't take long for Alex to find it. The entrance at the base of the tower stood open, concealed from view by a swirling barrier of quicksand magic. While visually impressive, any mage with even a rudintary understanding of earth magic could easily bypass it.
Alex, still invisible, stepped through the barrier, deactivating her Invisibility as she entered Celine's mage tower.
She ascended the spiraling staircase, finally reaching Celine on the third floor.
This floor served as Celine's ditation chamber, a cluttered expanse of books, artifacts, and various magical paraphernalia.
"I didn't expect you to actually co," Celine said, her voice laced with surprise.
She wasn't wearing her mage robes, her attire a form-fitting yet elegant gown that accentuated her figure. She was, as Alex noted, a woman who aged gracefully.
"Why wouldn't I? State your business," Alex retorted, her patience wearing thin.
She harbored no illusions about Celine's animosity towards her. If not for the chance to glean valuable information, Alex wouldn't entertain this eting for a second.
"So it was you, the outsider lord who controls the dwarf kingdom. To think you've infiltrated the Mage Guild," Celine sneered, her gaze fixed on Alex, as if trying to decipher her thoughts.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Alex replied calmly, suppressing her inner turmoil.
Celine had no proof. As long as Alex maintained her innocence, there was nothing Celine could do.
"Don't play coy with . You know about Nori and . The look on his face when he died, a mixture of fear and shock, told he knew you. The others may not believe what he said, but I do. You are the true ruler behind the dwarf kingdom," Celine declared, unwavering in her conviction.
"I'm just an Honorary Mage from Thunder City. The Vice President is fully aware of your accusations. If you bear a grudge because I killed that outsider, take it up with him. Don't you dare slander with baseless accusations. If that's all you have to say, then I'll be on my way."
Alex's words were flawless, leaving no room for argunt. She turned to leave.
"If I report this to the guild, they'll have no choice but to investigate," Celine threatened from behind.
Alex stopped in her tracks and turned back, her expression a mixture of amusent and disdain.
"Be my guest. Do you honestly believe the Vice President would take your word over mine, an Honorary Mage who just made a significant contribution to the guild? You'll be the one facing ruin when the truth cos out."
To Alex's surprise, Celine burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Did I say I was going to report it to the guild? The Vice President is away on guild business. There's no one here. I could kill you right now and bla it on the Shadowlings."
Celine began gathering mana, her intentions clear. She was going to make good on her threat!
She didn't care if Alex was the outsider controlling the dwarf kingdom or not.
"You killed Nori. Now that you're here, you're not leaving alive!"
With a flick of her wrist, Celine unleashed a wave of magic, sealing the entire third floor, trapping Alex inside.
Alex, playing along, feigned terror, backing away until her back hit the cold stone wall, leaving her nowhere to run.
"This is Yellowrock City! You wouldn't dare harm here!"
Celine only grew more emboldened by Alex's fear.
"How naive. Perhaps you'll be more careful in your next life!"
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