"That's right, Master. I've reached Level 9," Kael said with a smile. The little kitten perched on his back widened its round eyes, gazing at everyone with unconcealed curiosity.
Upon Kael's confirmation, Amelia and Ella couldn't hide the astonishment in their eyes.
Ethan's gaze flickered with a peculiar glint as he swept his eyes over Kael. He noticed that Kael's magical foundation was unbelievably solid, and within his body seemed to lie a mysterious power—one so profound that even Ethan couldn't decipher it. It was terrifying.
A sigh escaped Ethan's lips. In such a short time, the once-clueless novice had transformed into an outstanding mage, even ranking among the most exceptional young magicians on the entire continent.
"As expected of my disciple!" Ethan burst into laughter, shamelessly claiming credit despite having barely taught Kael anything.
Seeing Ethan's familiar demeanor, Kael couldn't help but chuckle. The old man and he had always shared a tacit understanding. Old Ethan was undoubtedly one of the few people Kael trusted most in this world.
Such was the meaning of a mage's legacy.
"Amelia, Ella, how's your progress?" Kael turned his gaze to the two women.
Amelia had now reached mid-Level 8, her cultivation progressing smoothly. Of course, compared to Kael's terrifying speed, her talent, though remarkable, paled in comparison.
Ella, on the other hand, had successfully emerged from seclusion, barely managing to break through to Level 9. Before Kael left, she had already been in closed-door training to advance. After expending a vast number of magic gems and receiving Kael's guidance on magical resonance, she had finally ascended to Level 9, becoming a full-fledged mage of that rank.
However, Ella's foundation was far from stable. Though she had reached Level 9, further progress would prove exceedingly difficult.
It couldn't be helped. As a wandering mage, Ella had already achieved remarkable feats, but her shaky foundation remained her fatal flaw.
Nevertheless, Ella's strength was nothing to scoff at—she was now one of the top-tier combatants of the Laffey Territory.
"When did you arrive, Master?" Kael asked with a smile.
Amelia chuckled lightly and replied, "He showed up just a few days after you left."
Kael nodded, and Old Ethan grinned. "You've accomplished quite a lot in just a few months. Laffey City has developed rapidly, and you've even broken through to become a Level 9 mage."
Rarely receiving Ethan's praise, Kael smiled and asked, "Master, are you planning to stay here long-term this time?"
"What, you little rascal—did you stir up trouble somewhere and need me to clean up your mess?" Ethan retorted with a laugh. He knew Kael all too well, and his words hit the mark.
Kael scratched his head. Of course, he wouldn't rely on Ethan to resolve matters with the Renault Family—that was something he had to handle himself. But with Ethan here, Laffey City now had a Legendary Mage standing guard. Who would dare attack?
Even an eastern superpower like the Guyi Empire only had a handful of Legendary Mages, most of whom remained aloof from politics, merely residing in seclusion. At that level, mages transcended worldly affairs. Typically, only Level 10 or 11 magesinvolved themselves in mundane matters.
"This magic tower of yours isn't half bad. I suppose I could tolerate staying here," Ethan coughed deliberately, though a glint of amusement flashed in his eyes—he was clearly feigning reluctance.
Kael couldn't help but beam with joy. With Ethan holding the fort, he could rest much easier.
"No problem! I'll set aside an entire floor of the tower for your laboratory!" Kael declared.
Ethan smirked and patted Kael's shoulder. As expected of my disciple—he knows exactly what I want. The old man was a mad scientist at heart, obsessed solely with alchemical experiments.
"And don't forget my golden nest, human!" The kitten suddenly piped up, entirely unfazed by the crowd as it reminded Kael of his promised "benefits."
Only then did everyone notice the little feline perched on Kael's back.
With its utterly adorable appearance and haughtily raised chin, the kitten exuded a cheeky charm that only made it more endearing. That irresistibly cute expression left no room for anything but affection.
"How can this kitten talk...?" Even the usually icy Ella couldn't resist the kitten's charm, her eyes lighting up slightly as she spoke.
"I am no ordinary creature—I bear the bloodline of dragons! How dare you, a mere human, address me so disrespectfully!" The kitten leaped up from Kael's shoulder, glaring indignantly at Ella, clearly displeased with being called "little kitten."
"She's a... dragon-cat I picked up outside. She can speak naturally," Kael explained, wiping cold sweat from his brow.
"You're the one who got picked up, you stinky Kael! Now give me my golden nest!"The kitten immediately redirected its fury toward Kael.
Completely exasperated, Kael could only change the subject.
"Master, what about Junior Sister Grace? Did she come with you?" Kael asked. Since Ethan was here, Grace should have accompanied him. Yet there was no sign of her in the magic tower, which puzzled him.
"Grace did come, but she's not in the tower." At the mention of Grace, Ethan smiled. Both Grace and Kael were his prized disciples.
Amelia and Ella's expressions shifted slightly when Grace was brought up, their gazes turning somewhat peculiar.
Noticing Amelia's reaction, Kael grew curious. **"What about Grace?"** Where else would Grace be if not cultivating in the magic tower?
"Little Sister Grace is at the City Lord's Manor," Amelia replied with a knowing smile.
The City Lord's Manor? What was Grace doing there? Unless...
"I see you've noticed the state of Laffey City. In the days since you left, Grace has been handling all internal affairs—and she's done an exceptional job. Truly worthy of being the Guyi Empire's first heir," Amelia added with a laugh.
Kael's eyes widened.
So the smooth governance and prosperity of the Laffey Territory were all Grace's doing!
A true administrative genius!
After his initial surprise, Kael found it made sense. As the Guyi Empire's first heir, Grace had undoubtedly been groomed since childhood. With the empire historically ruled by queens, her ability to manage Laffey Territory so efficiently was hardly surprising.
Moreover, Grace was the Guyi Empire's young princess—its future queen. Most of the merchant groups and factions operating in Laffey Territory were tied to the empire. Who would dare disrespect her?
Thus, Grace's success in steering Laffey Territory to prosperity was perfectly explainable.
"Who would've thought Grace would be such a tremendous help!" Kael had long worried that the Laffey Territory lacked a competent administrator despite its capable generals. Now, with Grace here, his concerns were completely put to rest—her skills were more than sufficient.
"Then I must go see Junior Sister Grace!" Kael laughed, turning to the others. **"Let's all head over together."**
Old Ethan nodded, stroking his white beard, while Amelia and Ella naturally had no objections. Only the kitten kept muttering in Kael's ear about its golden nest...
Kael could only chuckle helplessly, pacifying the little creature with a promise to build its nest immediately. This finally perked the kitten back up.
The moment Kael appeared at the City Lord's Manor, Jett, Lone Wolf, and Finn hurried to greet him.
"Greetings, Lord Count!" They bowed before raising their heads. But when they took a closer look at Kael, their hearts shuddered. Though all three were formidable warriors in their own right, they now found Kael utterly inscrutable. Despite not emitting a trace of magic, his presence alone weighed heavily upon them.
Level 9!
The thought flashed through Lone Wolf, Jett, and Finn's minds simultaneously, sending a jolt of awe through them. Kael had reached Level 9! His rate of advancement was nothing short of terrifying.
"Lone Wolf!" Kael handed the kitten to Amelia for safekeeping, then gestured for Lone Wolf to approach.
The man complied without hesitation. **"Your orders, Lord Count?"** Bound not only by the master-servant contract but also by Kael's overwhelming strength, Lone Wolf dared not show the slightest disrespect.
"Have you heard of the Renault Family?" Kael asked. This was his most pressing concern—the Renaults were a thorn in his side, a threat that had to be eradicated.
At the mention of the name, a surge of hateful fury ignited in Lone Wolf's eyes.