110: Dharma Master Graduates
Breath of Life Demi-plane. Half a month has passed since the kingdom's mobilization order.
"Linn, you're really underperforming!" Destiny transformed into her human form, sitting on a horizontal branch of the ancient tree of life, her long legs swinging gently with her dissatisfaction. "With the help of the triple time flow in the breath of life, three whole years... no, nine years inside! You still haven't broken through to the Sky Rank?"
Linn lay lazily on the grass by the divine spring, a blade of grass in his mouth, looking at his huffy companion in the tree. His tone was leisurely: "Don't be in such a hurry, my partner. I can feel it; I'm just one step away. After taking one more bottle of Level 6 potion and going into seclusion for two or three months, I will definitely break through."
A year ago, he successfully brewed a Level 6 potion, achieving a major leap in his magical craft. Over these three years, time had flown within the breath of life, and nine years had already passed. The Dragon Scale Horse population had thrived and multiplied here, growing in scale. The one-thousand-member Dragon Scale Horse Knight Order led by Evan had long since achieved full cooperative combat with their partners. The Wind Wing tribe also flourished; besides the initial ten or so griffons that joined the Guard Army, another thirty or so adult griffons had joined his ranks over the past two years, making this aerial force increasingly robust.
"Then why are you still lying here so leisurely? Go into seclusion quickly!" Destiny plucked a lustrous fruit from the branch and took a crisp bite, the juice seemingly carrying a sense of urgency.
"Wait a few more days." Linn sat up, his gaze fixed on the illusory Sky of the demi-plane. "The kingdom is making big moves; I must first properly arrange the affairs of the territory. Once I step into the Sky Rank, you can also take the opportunity to advance to Legendary. At that time... we will truly have the confidence to speak with the kingdom on equal terms." Over the years, he had been carefully hiding Destiny's existence, fearing the potential greed of the kingdom. Once she became a Legend, with her rare spatial attribute, where in the entire Aolai Kingdom could she not roam freely?
"Alright, alright." Destiny sighed, but her eyes sparkled with longing. "I've been bored to death. If Dolia hadn't been with me these past few years, I really don't know how I would have endured it. I really want to go out soon and see what the outside world has become."
Just then, Linn's mind stirred as he sensed a call from the outside. It was Elise.
He nodded to Destiny and Dolia, who was quietly preening her wings nearby. His figure then vanished from the spot, returning to the study filled with books and dossiers in the real world.
"Young Master, are you there?" Elise's clear and pleasant voice came from outside the door.
"Come in, Elise."
The door was pushed open, and a tall woman with cascading blonde hair walked in. Years of experience as the commander of the Star Sea Mage Corps had stripped away Elise's former greenness. Her temperament had become increasingly noble and composed, with wisdom and majesty gathered between her brows, making her a truly captivating mature woman.
"Young Master, I'm here to report the latest progress of the Mage Corps." Elise had a smile on her lips, her bright smile instantly softening that majesty.
"Seeing your joyful expression, it must be good news." Linn smiled and signaled for her to sit.
"Yes, Young Master!" Elise's voice carried an irrepressible excitement. "It has been three years! The basic academic stage of the Mage Corps has officially ended! Under the territory's resource tilt and the careful guidance of the Sea God Clan instructors, all 300 mage apprentices have been promoted to the Bronze Rank, and their theoretical knowledge of various elemental magics has reached excellent standards. Now, they are a formal mage unit capable of contributing to the Star Sea Territory!"
"Good! Excellent!" Linn clapped his hands in praise, a weight lifting from his heart. Three hundred well-trained mages entering the battlefield would become a key force in changing the tide of war, sharing the immense pressure on the frontline soldiers.
Elise continued her report, her expression turning much more serious: "Additionally, since the kingdom completely closed the slave market last year, I have selected another 500 new students with magical talent from the Slaves purchased later and the children who were not selected previously due to their young age. The second echelon of the Mage Corps has already begun training."
Linn looked at Elise with approval: "You've considered everything very thoroughly, Elise. The Legacy of the Mage Corps is like a fire; new wood must be continuously added to ensure the flames never go out. From now on, let it be a routine to regularly select apprentices to ensure the echelon construction of our magical power."
"I'm very happy to receive Young Master's affirmation." She winked playfully, clearly enjoying the praise, then straightened her expression. "There is one more matter for Young Master to decide. I hope the several magic instructors from the Sea God Clan can continue to stay. Next, I plan to personally lead the first batch of graduated Mage Corps members to participate in practical combat experience, so I'm afraid it will be difficult to manage both the academy and the teaching..."
Linn thought for a moment and then nodded in agreement. "I will handle the communication with the Sea God Clan regarding this. For the instructors who stay, their remuneration can be paid at double the rate. As for the academy, you can hold the title of Honorary Dean, and specific affairs will be handled by a deputy. As for Commander Sebastian, after he breaks through to the Earth Rank, I will sincerely invite him back to the Star Sea Territory to take charge."
"This arrangement is perfect." Elise breathed a sigh of relief. Then, a burning Battle Intent ignited in her deep blue eyes, and she requested firmly, "Young Master, one last thing! I request approval for the Star Sea Mage Corps to participate in this Eastern Landing Operation!"
Linn saw the unquestionable determination and desire in her eyes and smiled readily. "Approved. Elise, the Star Sea Mage Corps was never meant to be a decoration hidden in the rear. From its inception, it was given the mission to expand the territory and clear obstacles. Once the specific combat plan is issued, there will definitely be a place for you."
As the two were further discussing the tactical configuration of the Mage Corps, the study door was pushed open with a "bang," and Clay rushed in with a gust of wind.
"My Lord! There's news!" Clay bowed hurriedly, his face covered in the dust and urgency of long-distance travel.
"Speak quickly!" Linn immediately sat up straight, his gaze like a torch.
"A few days ago, the Griffon Knights squad we sent to Haige City for contact returned and successfully met with Master Payson." Clay spoke quickly. "The Lonsen Family has confirmed they will send ten thousand troops to participate in the Eastern War. Master Payson sent back key intelligence: the main force of the two-nation coalition has officially entered the Great Wilderness Forest. The Early Stage advance was smooth, consecutively defeating several Orc territories and engaging in the first fierce battle with the vanguard of the Dwarf Kingdom. Currently, the coalition has won a small victory. The Dwarf Kingdom is mobilizing a large army and uniting with the Beastman Tribes in the forest, intending to counterattack."
He paused, his voice lowering slightly with a hint of chill: "In addition, Master Payson specifically reminded that it was Count Ailisi and his affiliated faction who strongly advocated and facilitated our Star Sea Territory's responsibility for the Eastern Landing Operation at the previous capital's Noble Assembly."
"As expected... it's him!" A cold light suddenly appeared in Linn's eyes, and his fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white. The air in the study seemed to freeze. That name, along with past schemes and oppression, had long been deeply etched into his bones.
"Iris Family..." He squeezed these words through his teeth, his voice cold and calm, yet containing the power of an impending storm. "It's time for you to repay the debt you owe, with interest. That day won't be far away."
"Clay, notify the high-level officials of Star Sea Territory. We will hold a meeting tomorrow afternoon."
"Yes, My Lord."
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