"Don't worry—I'm only asking you to monitor the Phantom Spire's movements. I won't act unless I'm absolutely certain of success," Kael reassured them.
The Phantom Spire was no Reynolds Family. Dealing with them required extreme caution. However, as a Darkwing Mage faction, they rarely operated openly, which at least gave Kael some breathing room.
Yet Kael knew their silence only underscored their danger. The Phantom Spire was likely biding its time, waiting to strike at a critical moment. Naturally, he had to prepare for every contingency.
Still, Kael was confident. As his strength grew, so too would his ability to stand against the Phantom Spire.
Amelia and Grace nodded in understanding.
"Time is short, so I'll keep this brief. Laifei Territory is in your hands," Kael said. He couldn't afford delays—the longer he stayed, the higher the chance the Reynolds Family might learn of recent events.
After a few hurried final instructions, Kael soared into the sky. Now that he had reached the tenth-tier, he no longer needed Levitation Magic; his sheer mana potency allowed him to traverse the heavens freely.
To Amelia and Grace, he vanished in the blink of an eye, his figure shrinking to a speck before disappearing into the horizon.
The fifty Unicorn Rhinos retreated into Kael's contract space, while the kitten perched on his shoulder. In moments, Laifei Territory faded into the distance behind them.
Additionally, Kael donned Toms' Mask. After all, the Reynolds were a major noble house of the Mead Kingdom—prudence was essential.
"Ah, bliss!" The kitten cradled several gold coins in its paws, eyes shimmering with contentment. These were the coins Kael had given it earlier, and the little creature was thoroughly pleased.
Traveling at full speed with the kitten in tow, Kael soon arrived at the borders of the Mead Kingdom. Unlike New Deland Province, where the Water Dragon's Secret Realm was located, the Reynolds Family's territory lay in Sage Province—one of the most prosperous regions in the kingdom.
Upon entering Sage Province, Kael passed through inspections without issue. By revealing his identity as a mage, he was granted unimpeded passage. After all, any mage above the fifth-tier commanded immense respect and admiration across the continent.
"So this is Mooncrest City of Sage Province?" The kitten craned its neck, taking in the sights. The city was indeed magnificent and imposing, far grander than Laifei City. Its walls towered dozens of meters high, a testament to Mooncrest's status as one of the Mead Kingdom's most flourishing metropolises. Truly extraordinary.
If one day Laifei City could match such splendor, it would undoubtedly become a shining jewel of the continent.
But given Laifei's rapid development, Kael was confident that day would come soon.
As Kael and the kitten strolled through the city, passersby cast awe-filled and wary glances their way. Kael's aura alone marked him as a powerful and enigmatic mage—someone not to be trifled with.
Kael merely shrugged. He couldn't care less about the gawking crowd. His objective was clear: the Reynolds Family.
The Reynolds' estate occupied the heart of the city, practically its epicenter. Though not the official rulers of Mooncrest, their influence was near-absolute, their authority rivaling that of the city lord himself.
Inside the Reynolds Family Estate
The Reynolds' manor was vast—a labyrinth of opulence, adorned with crystals and magical materials at every turn. Truly befitting a prestigious magical family of the Mead Kingdom, their heritage ran deep.
In the grand hall, only two figures stood.
One wore a pale blue robe, his demeanor imposing, his brow tightly furrowed as if troubled by some weighty matter. This mage, radiating authority, was none other than Orc, the current patriarch of the Reynolds Family.
Orc was a powerhouse, having reached the tenth-tier years ago. Now, he stood at the peak of the tenth-tier!
His fingers tapped rhythmically on the table as he pondered, his expression grim. "Zev has been gone for two days, yet there's been no word."
Beside him stood another formidable figure—a tall, dignified man in his forties, also a mage.
His magical energy surged thickly around him, and elemental spirits seemed to favor him instinctively. Another tenth-tier expert!
So, the Reynolds Family had three tenth-tier mages in total: Zev, Patriarch Orc (a peak tenth-tier), and this middle-aged man.
Indeed, the Reynolds were no pushovers. As one of the Mead Kingdom's foremost magical families, their foundation was rock-solid. Three tenth-tier mages under one roof? That alone was enough to shake the continent.
For context, even renowned magical factions like the Crystal Spire or the Emerald Tower had only a handful of tenth-tier mages at best.
"Patriarch, could something have happened to Zev? Had I known, I would've gone with him," the middle-aged man said, worry lacing his voice.
"Unlikely. Zev has been a tenth-tier mage for years—experienced and steady. That's why I sent him to Laifei City without hesitation. But you, Carman, are different. You've only recently broken through to the tenth-tier. Your foundation still needs time to solidify." Orc's fingers continued their absent tapping as he spoke calmly.
So, this man was Carman, another Reynolds clansman—newly ascended to the tenth-tier, his magical foundation still unsteady.
Yet, even so, his power was terrifying. After all, the gap between the ninth-tier and tenth-tier was vast.
"Zev should be fine, but caution is always wise. Carman, dispatch some of our clansmen to monitor Laifei City closely. Report any anomalies immediately!" Orc remained vigilant, his voice measured.
"Understood, Patriarch!" Carman bowed respectfully.
As the two conversed, a deafening explosion suddenly rocked the Reynolds estate!
BOOM!
The blast sent both Orc and Carman lurching to their feet in alarm.
"What was that?!" Carman instinctively gripped his staff, his brow furrowing.
Outside the manor stood Kael.
Hovering mid-air, his expression icy, Kael unleashed a tidal wave of mana—so overwhelming that elemental energy within a several-kilometer radius converged toward him like a funnel, swirling in joyous turbulence.
The earlier tremor had been nothing more than a casual strike from him, yet it had shaken the entire Reynolds compound.
The commotion didn't just startle the Reynolds—it drew crowds of onlookers: warriors, mages, and commoners alike. Yet without exception, they kept their distance, watching from afar.
"W-What's happening? Someone actually dares to provoke the Reynolds on their own turf? Does this brat not know Mooncrest belongs to them?!" A warrior in his thirties muttered, dumbfounded.
In Mooncrest, the Reynolds were untouchable—a local dynasty with decades of dominance, far beyond the reach of any upstart family.
As Kael descended, landing just outside the manor, a whirlpool of mana churned around him, its density leaving bystanders gaping.
"How can someone so young wield such terrifying power? Is he a ninth-tier mage?!" An elderly mage with snow-white hair trembled, his worldview shattered. To him, a youth rivaling ninth-tier prowess was the limits of his imagination.
Others scoffed. "What does strength matter? Offend the Reynolds, and there's no way out. In Mooncrest, their word outweighs even the Mead King's! This fool's doomed—pity such talent wasted on suicide!"
Most spectators shook their heads, unanimously writing Kael off.
Kael ignored them all. His gaze remained fixed on the manor as he bellowed, his voice infused with mana, thundering across kilometers:
"Are the Reynolds all cowards hiding in their shells? Or is there one among you with the spine to face me?!"
The crowd collectively gasped, their eyes widening as if staring at a dead man walking. Damn, since when did suicidal maniacs like this exist?!