Thinking

A young girl appeared in his mind as vividly as a 3D model.

Diana.

A third-rank mage from the magic array branch.

She possessed the ability to analyze third-rank magic circuits, but only at the most basic level.

She had not yet learned to layer or modify them.

From this alone, Collins could tell the gap between himself and this girl was considerable.

Mitt.

A third-rank rune mage.

He could already analyze fourth-rank magic formulas.

From this, it seemed the boy’s talent slightly surpassed that of his sister.

“Is this all the information?”

Entis cast a sidelong glance at his son.

Slok gave a wry smile.

“Mage Sean has only been here a few months.

How much more could those children possibly reveal to me?”

“But, based on my experience, the most difficult to deal with should be that boy named Mitt.”

Following Slok’s gaze, Collins met Mitt’s eyes.

This boy, whose beauty was no less than his sister’s, smiled gently at Collins.

Politeness and refinement radiated plainly from his expression.

It stood in sharp contrast to his sister’s provocative stare.

“I agree with Uncle’s judgment.”

Slok continued:

“So, if it were up to me, I would let Diana—the girl—step up first to probe for Mitt.

After all, she’s younger than Collins, and being a girl, if she makes a few requests that aren’t excessive, out of courtesy Collins wouldn’t be able to refuse.”

“If she wins, that’s ideal.

If she loses, as long as she holds on for a while and forces Collins to reveal more of his trump cards, then by tomorrow when Mitt challenges him, their chances of victory will be greatest.”

Entis nodded, agreeing with his son’s assessment.

The meeting would last two days.

For Collins, as a mid-rank mage, facing challenges from two low-rank mages, losing even once would count as his defeat.

Thus, the other side didn’t need to aim for two victories.

They could simply use the win-lose format to play their little tricks.

This wasn’t necessarily disgraceful scheming.

When facing a force far stronger than oneself, blindly charging forward instead of using flanking maneuvers would only seem foolish.

As Collins had said, the other side surely looked down on him.

But they definitely weren’t fools.

Even if the two children were foolish, sitting beside them was still a great mage.

“What should we do, then?”

Slok leaned closer to Entis.

Entis shook his head.

“We are locals here, the hosts.

If the other side doesn’t strike first, it would lower our dignity to act rashly.

Right now, we hold the advantage—let’s just wait and see.”

Slok fell silent.

Collins noticed a sternly dressed host step onto the stage.

The man gave a slight bow to everyone, his severe expression softening into a polite, friendly smile that still maintained formality.

“Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this government-hosted meeting.

I am Kona, Director of the National Legal Office—just a minor official by reputation.

I hope none of you will look down on me for my humble status.”

Polite, restrained smiles appeared among the audience.

Kona clapped his hands, gesturing for silence.

At once, the hall grew quiet.

Kona cleared his throat.

“This time, aside from necessary government assignments, there is also a major announcement to inform everyone of in advance.

I can guarantee this is an unprecedented piece of good news—truly worth nationwide celebration.”

Slok gave a cold laugh, then closed his eyes.

Entis tilted his gaze slightly, a trace of sorrow flickering in his eyes, before turning back.

By now, Director Kona had set aside that so-called great news and begun outlining the magical research tasks the government had assigned for the coming year.

Only then did Collins realize that most present were highly renowned mages.

Many were deans, professors, or researchers from prestigious universities.

“When this meeting is over, how about I take you to meet some of the figures of this land?”

Entis offered kindly, but Collins shook his head slightly.

Seeing his clear refusal, Entis’s eyes once again revealed a hint of sorrow.

But since Collins’s rejection was so firm, Entis could not force him.

The great mage, strongest in the region, closed his eyes.

When the hall had finally quieted down again, the host at last unveiled the highlight of the gathering.

“Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce—seated over there, exuding authority with every glance, clearly a dragon among men—the great mage from the Holy City of Magic, Bailing Metropolis: Grand Mage Sean!”

Applause erupted in waves.

Sean rose with a smile, casually waved his hand, and bowed deeply to all the mages below.