"Tissaia, you'll never guess…"
"That child… he mastered his first offensive spell, a Fireball, in less than half a day!"
"This talent… honestly, it's even better than mine was back then!" Hen's voice was noticeably lighter.
He gave an extremely high evaluation, even comparing it to his own aptitude as a magical source.
Upon hearing this, a rare look of surprise appeared on Tissaia's usually calm face.
She knew Hen's character well; he would never exaggerate such matters.
And for him to praise someone so highly, that young man named Karl must truly possess extraordinary talent.
She couldn't help but feel happy for her old friend, and her tone softened considerably: "Less than half a day?… Unbelievable."
"If that's true, then he is indeed the future hope of the Brotherhood. Congratulations, Hen, on finding such an outstanding successor."
The two old friends, who had lived through long years, exchanged a few more words about their recent situations.
Midway through, Tissaia's tone became somewhat somber. She asked with concern: "Your… heart condition, has it worsened recently?"
Hen's smile faded slightly. He touched his chest, his tone relatively calm.
"I can hold on for a while longer. It's an old problem."
"The illness caused by irreversible aging of the body isn't so easy to alleviate…"
He paused, a hint of imperceptible desolation in his voice: "Tissaia, if… if I go first one day."
"This child, Karl… I might have to ask you to look after and guide him more."
"I won't live to see the day he grows up to stand on his own, or even support the Brotherhood and drive reforms…"
Hearing Hen's words, which were almost like entrusting his child, Tissaia fell silent for a moment. She knew Hen's physical condition had always been a hidden danger.
Even the most skilled healing sorcerers of the Brotherhood couldn't cure Hen, only barely alleviate his pain.
But hearing Hen speak like this, her heart still felt heavy. She tried to comfort him with a calm voice: "Don't say that, Hen."
"Before the Golden Age, there were not a few sorcerers whose lifespans were greatly extended after mastering the power of Djinni, even approaching those of the Conjunctioners."
"You are a top-tier magical source; your lifespan will certainly not stop at five hundred years."
Hen merely smiled faintly after hearing this. He knew Tissaia was trying to comfort him.
How rare and difficult to find were Djinni, those spirits existing in legends, possessing the power to twist reality and grant wishes?
And how could they be easily found and controlled? This hope was too slim.
But he didn't reject his old friend's kindness, only sincerely thanked her: "Thank you, Tissaia. I hope so."
...The next day, Temeria Royal Palace, Audience Hall.
Keira, as usual, was meticulously dressed, wearing her most opulent gown, and arrived punctually at the hall.
She was ready to fulfill her duties as Royal Advisor, assisting Foltest with the day's affairs.
Today happened to be her turn on duty; at other times, Fikat and Triss took turns.
However, as soon as she stepped into the hall, she sensed an unusual atmosphere.
She saw a middle-aged male sorcerer, dressed in the standard dark robes of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers, with an unfamiliar face.
He was respectfully presenting a parchment document sealed with wax to Foltest on the throne.
Keira's heart suddenly sank, and an ominous premonition instantly gripped her.
She forced herself to remain calm, quickened her steps, and approached Foltest's throne.
Foltest accepted the document, his expression as impassive as ever, not even sparing Keira a glance.
But in his sharp brown eyes, there seemed to be an unspoken meaning, more than usual, like scrutiny or some kind of… understanding.
He turned his head and subtly gestured towards Keira with his chin, addressing the male sorcerer standing silently beside him.
He said in a normal tone: "This is Lady Keira Metz, the sorceress you are looking for."
The male sorcerer immediately turned to Keira. His face was expressionless, as if he were wearing a mask.
He unfolded the parchment in his hand and began to read in a clear, cold, emotionless tone.
"In the name of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers and all its members, the member Keira Metz is hereby formally sanctioned for violating the core laws of the Brotherhood."
"It has been verified that Keira Metz recently, in the capital of Temeria, deliberately used psychokinesis on a spellcaster."
"She attempted to illegally steal his private memories and also attempted to harm him. The behavior was egregious, and the evidence is conclusive."
"The ruling is as follows: One, Keira Metz's position as Royal Advisor is immediately revoked."
"Two, effective today, she is ordered to leave Vizima within three days and is forbidden from re-entering without permission."
"Three, Keira Metz is permanently prohibited from providing magical consultation or services to any kingdom, duchy, or other dignitary."
"This ruling takes effect immediately!"
Every word was like a cold hammer, striking heavily at Keira's heart.
After she finished listening, her mind went blank, the color instantly drained from her face, her eyes unfocused, as if all her strength had been drawn out.
"No… that's not how it is… I…" She instinctively tried to deny it, attempting a last struggle.
"Lady Metz! If you have any objection to the Conclave's ruling…" The male sorcerer abruptly interrupted her, his voice sharpening, a flicker of disgust in his eyes.
"According to the law, you may immediately cast a Mental Projection spell to publicly display the relevant memory fragments of recent events."
"If the facts prove that you were indeed falsely accused, all sanctions will be immediately revoked, and the accuser will be held accountable."
He stared intently at Keira, saying each word distinctly: "However, if the displayed memories confirm your guilt…"
"Then, according to the law, the sanctions will be increased. Do you wish to exercise this right?"
Mental Projection? Display memories?
Keira stiffened, as if struck by lightning.
Her mind instantly flashed through the scenes of how she secretly cast spells, how Karl saw through her, how she became enraged and tried to force him with stronger magic.
And how could these memories be made public? That would only bring her more shame and worsen her crime.
Her attempts to argue were completely stuck in her throat; she couldn't utter another word.
Her legs gave way, no longer able to support her weight.
With a thud, she collapsed dejectedly onto the cold, smooth stone floor, her eyes vacant, as if her soul had been extracted.
Seeing Keira in this state, the male sorcerer understood.
He no longer looked at her, turning to Foltest and respectfully performing a mage's bow.
"Your Majesty, the internal affairs of the Brotherhood have disturbed you. The ruling has been delivered. I bid you farewell."
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