Archmage Arlen led Max to the living room. As they sat, Archmage Arlen poured Max's tea cup with his porcelain tea pot that was imbued with runes that constantly heated the tea inside.
Max was respectful and polite, grabbing the tea cup and sipping it with etiquette he learned before.
He remained silent until Archmage Arlen initiated the conversation.
"By far, you are the most talented person I have ever met. Who would have thought I'd discover you in a backward place like this?"
Max politely placed the tea cup on the and bowed deeply. "Thank you for the compliment, Teacher."
"It's not just a compliment, it's a fact." Archmage Arlen sighed.
He turned towards his left, gazing at the open window, reflecting the fog marshlands.
He said, "I was born in the Dunmarrow capital. As a noble and heir of a mage family, I've been labeled as a genius. At the age of 12, I became an arcane caster. At the age of 18, I became a rune mage. At the age of 25, I became an Archmage.
I'm now 28 and the people surrounding me already believe that I can reach the rank of Mystic Casters.
My growth is unparalleled. Even the Emperor has acknowledged me.
However, I soon realized that under the threat of monsters and demons, growth is useless if you won't reach the peak.
A state where you can defend against yourself from the assaults of monsters and invasion of demons.
In other words, me alone is not enough to defend myself, my families, and humanity as a whole. I need allies."
Archmage Arlen turned towards Max with a saddened expression on his face.
"I hope you can grow stronger, far stronger than me. Although you've started late, your talent won't fade as you grow older. If you are born as a genius, then you will die as a genius."
Max was quite stunned. He did not expect that Archmage Arlen would suddenly express his sentiments and his expectations for Max.
As Max was about to respond, a feminine voice echoed in his mind, accompanied by a wall of text to manifest beside Archmage Arlen.
[Your relationship status with Archmage Arlen deepened.
From "Friendly" level to "Trusted" level.
At the Trusted level of relationship status, you can now access restricted information, high-value quests, large discounts, and he may defend you if he perceives that you are in a perilous state.]
The system's announcement was completely out of Max's expectations.
However, for an Archmage to issue a main quest mission to a player would definitely require a Trusted level of relationship status between the two, at least.
Max rejoiced inwardly.
Does that mean that the main class quest is guaranteed, then?
Realizing he had not replied for more than three seconds, Max stammered. "I-I'm sorry, Teacher. I-I was just surprised.
However."
His facial expression turned somber.
He replied in a solemn tone, "Don't worry. I will grow stronger. I will fight against demons and monsters. Kill them since they deserve it."
Max vowed to fight against demons and monsters, but did not include protecting humanity.
For him, not every human was the same, they did not deserve to be protected.
He already lost trust in humanity the moment he got betrayed.
However, he swore to protect his family—the only humans deserved to be protected by him.
Archmage Arlen gazed at Max in long silence and had a slight idea about his reason for not including vowing to protect humanity.
However, as long as he had reason to protect, even if it was only his family, it was more than enough reason to motivate himself to grow stronger.
Archmage Arlen nodded at Max's response, acknowledging his vow.
Suddenly, he chuckled and said, "Forgive me. I wasn't used to expressing myself."
Max simply smiled and said nothing.
Archmage Arlen was silent for a while before saying, "If you manage to become an Arcane Caster, I will reward you. Also, I will grant you a mission afterwards."
Archmage Arlen hesitated for sometime until he finally decided not to hide it. "There have been unusual mana disturbances I've detected around the village. Minor spellcasting occasionally behaves unpredictably. I suspect there's a demon trying to invade the village. As much as I would like to investigate myself, it would be better if others, or you do it."
Max was surprised. This is it!
He asked, "Why is that, Teacher?"
Archmage Arlen was silent for a while and said, "Because if there's really a demon that invades this village, they'll instantly acknowledge my presence and be more wary of me, so it'll be difficult for me to catch them. Although they might have already known about your presence and your relationship status with me, as long as we hide most of your abilities, they will become careless and you will strike them at that time."
After Archmage Arlen finished with his words, a system's notification echoed to Max's mind and a wall of texts manifested in front of him.
[You have triggered a Main Quest Chain: Whispers Beneath the Marsh.
Quest Type: Village Main Quest
Location: Greyfen Village
Recommended Class: Arcane Caster
Recommended Rank: Tier 1
Quest Length: Multi-stage investigation chain.
Primary Objective: Identify and eliminate a Contract Demon infiltration within the village.
To trigger the first stage of the quest, please meet the recommended class and rank first.]
Max's eyes sparkled with excitement.
This is the main quest that I have to complete.
Archmage Arlen interrupted Max's thoughts.
"You are already more than ready for the class advancement for elemental type, but if you want to advance into Arcane Caster class, you have to reach mana sensitivity intermediate level proficiency first.
But, I think it will only be a matter of time before you achieve it.
Earlier, I was asking you what you needed to know, but I didn't think you'd instantly grasp the subjects I've taught you earlier.
You even managed to draw five different spell structures in the span of five minutes.
In other words, I have nothing to teach you unless you've ascended into the Arcane Caster Class."