Chapter 309
"Is that so?" she asked, her voice soft but laced with the weight of her power. "Because I find it strange that this boar—one imbued with magic—was felled by something that left no trace of magical interference. Only steam residue." Her eyes flashed as she emphasized the last two words.
The ratman felt a cold sweat form on his fur as the mage’s stare bore into him. His mind raced. He had to say something—anything—to divert her suspicion without giving himself away.
"I... I don’t know about any steam or magic," he replied, his voice shaking just enough to sound convincing. "I’m just a worker. All I had was this," he added, lifting the now-broken rake beside him as proof of his helplessness. "I couldn’t have done anything to that beast."
The mage stared at him for what felt like an eternity, her eyes narrowing as if she could sense there was more to the story. Then, after a tense pause, she slowly stood up.
"Perhaps you’re telling the truth," she said, though her tone suggested she wasn’t entirely convinced. Her gaze flickered back to the ground, as if she could still feel the presence of something—or someone—below.
The mage waved her hand, gesturing for the Ratman to walk away. Watching his retreating back, she whispered to the guard captain, "Keep him under watch. I want to know where he goes and who he speaks to."
The captain, who had been smiling, adopted a cold expression as he stared at the Ratman before responding, "Understood."
Now alone, the female mage placed her green hand on the boar and smiled. "It seems those rodents have made some improvements." At the same time, a cold look appeared in her eyes. "To be able to disrupt the mana flow is a dangerous thing to possess, especially at this moment."
She released her staff, letting it float beside her as she sent a wave of light toward the boar, effortlessly lifting it. She then began walking away.