Chapter 44 - 44: What a pain in the ass
"I know, and I didn't come empty-handed. I've confirmed that the new disciple is her weak point. If we manage to get him under our control, she'll do whatever we say." Ragnar spoke in a grave tone, feeling somewhat uncomfortable under William's gaze.
"And how exactly do you plan to do that? Are you seriously suggesting that we make enemies of the Arcane Order? Think before you spout such nonsense, Ragnar." Li Wei retorted dismissively, looking at Ragnar with disdain.
"Li Wei is right. That's not even a viable idea. We're already going to have a complicated relationship with the Arcane Order once we take their most talented member. If we dare touch one of their own, they won't hesitate to unleash their full military power on us. And at that point, not even Lord Solaris could save us." William commented in a serious tone while looking at Ragnar with accusing and disappointed eyes.
"Calm down. I have it all planned out. I've already sent a mole to keep an eye on him. The idea is to use the student life-and-death duels. Since my daughter is now at the Zephyria Border, she won't be able to protect him. We just need to arrange a duel with him and send the most talented of the young generation to face him. That way, we can threaten her to meet our demands."
Feeling the sting of the other two men's stares, Ragnar quickly responded with a serious expression, trying to hide his irritation at the obvious disdain he was receiving—all because of that ungrateful wretch.
"That won't work. For starters, life-and-death duels are incredibly rare in the Arcane Order these days. It's been centuries since one was held. Moreover, both parties have to agree to the duel, and in the case of someone under 300 years old, their tutor also has to consent.
So, it's still a stupid idea. You really did come empty-handed, Ragnar. Even if your foolish plan somehow succeeded, all we'd achieve is painting a massive target on ourselves, and without a doubt, the Arcane Order would tear us apart." Li Wei said, looking at Ragnar as if he were an idiot, explaining with an obviously superior, annoyed tone.
"You bastard, Li Wei! Do you think I'm so stupid that I wouldn't know something so basic? What I'm proposing is—" Ragnar, seething with rage, spoke through gritted teeth, but Li Wei cut him off, replying with a sarcastic and aggressive tone.
"Yes, you're stupid. Because doing it privately or using it as an excuse to get him off the planet is absolute stupidity. Do you think Master Eldurdóttir is so foolish as to leave her disciple unprotected? Do you think the Arcane Order is that easy to play with?!"
"IT'S SIGRÚN LEIFSDOTTIR!!"
Ragnar exploded with fury, standing up and slamming the table hard enough to cause a small tremor, ready to start a deadly fight. But at that moment, William unleashed his mana, simultaneously releasing a crazed killing intent, creating great pressure in the room as he spoke in a grave tone filled with authority.