Chapter 233: The God of Hunger, Ferderica (4)
The great and mighty Mage Tower was no ordinary structure, but a monumental spire, its blueprints drawn centuries ago by the Tower Master himself, a feat so astonishing that many called it the artificial World Tree” For countless years, this place had been the meeting ground of all the continent’s mages, its prestige and power standing head and shoulders above any other institution. To rise through the Tower was to earn the world’s recognition.
High above, in a small chamber atop that legendary tower, a man was currently engaged in a bizarre ritual. His head was pressed to the floor, waist raised awkwardly high, balancing himself on the tips of his toes. His hands were locked behind his back, his posture almost comically humiliating. It looked for all the world like he was a child being punished for some mischief.
Anyone who knew the man’s true identity would have doubted their eyes at the sight.
That man was Elian, the first disciple of the Tower Master. He was the Tower Master’s prized pupil, the only mage truly qualified to inherit the sum of his master’s magical knowledge, and widely expected to become the next head of the great tower.
His power matched his reputation. Elian had achieved the rank of Hero, standing among the mightiest spellcasters alive, and his unique blend of personal ability and prestigious lineage ensured that no one on the continent, not even the Saintess of the Sun God, would treat him without utmost deference.
Yet, here he was, enduring a punishment more suited to a naughty child than a legendary mage.
The reason, however, became clear the moment one looked at the small, withered figure sitting astride Elian’s back.
“My dear dear disciple...,” The lich muttered. He perched on Elian’s waist, the Tower Master himself, spoke with languid displeasure, his raspy voice filling the room. “I am in a terrible mood, you know.”
“Why this time, Master?” Elian asked him, voice strained with effort.
“My carefully woven information manipulation has been ruined,” the Tower Master complained.
“Is it about that barbarian?” Elian replied, already guessing.
“So you know.”