Lins grasped the Longsword, his desire to become a Knight growing even stronger in his heart.
Growing stronger and then venturing into the Lime Mountain Range to search for signs of Asuna became the goal Lins set for himself.
Knight Level strength is not enough; at least it has to be Great Knight Level.
This is still too far off for Lins right now, but he believes that as long as he puts in enough effort, there will come a day when he achieves it.
...
Sea Stone City.
This is the Imperial Capital of the Noen Kingdom, heavily guarded by troops, and home to many powerful beings.
Within Sea Stone City lies a Caster Academy, primarily established to train excellent Casters and cultivate talent for the Noen Kingdom.
Sifler is over three hundred years old this year and he is the dean of Sea Stone Mage Academy as well as a powerful Magic Master.
Those who are above High-tier Spellcaster are known as Magic Masters, and there aren't many in the entire Noen Kingdom.
Sifler sat in his office, holding a letter in his hand.
This letter is from Oberstein at the border, and the King had it sent to him for assistance.
The letter was written by the border commander Tyrion, detailing the events concerning the Lime Mountain Range.
From the disappearance of an initial Mountain Patrol Team to the unsuccessful search by hundreds and the silence of the hundreds of Adventurers who entered the Lime Mountain Range.
Sifler carefully read through the letter, formulating some speculations in his mind.
In his view, it was probable that a relic had surfaced in that area of Lime Mountain Range.
And it was likely to be a magical relic.
Only under such circumstances could a possibility arise that everyone who entered would disappear.
Among those Adventurers, quite a few were Casters; no ordinary relic could trap all these Casters.
Based on the descriptions in the letter, not a single person managed to escape, indicating that it wasn't a simple relic.
According to the information, at least Initial-tier Casters are required to explore such a place.
Sifler sighed; he needed to sit tight in Sea Stone City to protect the safety of its people and couldn't go personally.
In his youth, he explored many such relics.
There were naturally plenty of dangers, but also many opportunities.
If he hadn't encountered so many fortuitous events in his youth, he wouldn't have reached this point.
Sifler thought for a moment and called for one of his students.
Half an hour later.
A long-haired man entered the office, dressed in lavish clothes, adorned with a Longsword at his waist, handsome features, and a perpetual confident smile on his face.
This was Sifler's most prized student, Cole.
Cole was a nobleman who demonstrated astonishing talent in the path of Knight training from a young age.
At the tender age of thirteen, he had already become a Great Knight.
Later sent to the Caster Academy, he displayed incredible Caster talent, catching Sifler's eye and becoming his student.
At fifteen, Cole became an Initial-tier Caster.
The news spread, shocking the entire kingdom, and he was regarded as the future Guardian of the kingdom.
At twenty-five, Cole became a Middle-tier Caster.
Starting that year, he traveled the world, experiencing many things and meeting powerful individuals from various races.
After five years, Cole returned to Sea Stone City.
"Teacher!" Cole respectfully bowed.
Sifler looked at the tall figure before him with much pride.
Cole grew up under his guidance, and it was he who led him on the path of a Caster.
Sifler believed that Cole might be the only one in the entire Noen Kingdom with the potential to reach the Great Mage level.
Sifler had grown old, recognizing that his potential had reached its limit.
He clearly knew that he would remain at this level for the rest of his life, unable to ever touch the threshold of becoming a Great Mage.
But Cole was different; his talent was truly astonishing, surpassing Sifler's own youthful prospects.
Sifler placed great hope in Cole. Since he couldn't become a Great Mage himself, nurturing a Great Mage would mean no regrets in this life.
Yet, the path to becoming a Great Mage is not easy; Sifler deeply understood the difficulties involved.
This path is tough, filled with many hardships.
Cole's journey was too smooth without facing many obstacles.
Sifler considered that the situation in the Lime Mountain Range might be an excellent opportunity for training.
Cole's Middle-tier Caster strength was perfect for a trial in the Lime Mountain Range.
Sifler did not believe that Cole would perish there.
If even Cole would perish there, wouldn't that mean that it would at least require a Magic Master to explore the relic?
A Magic Master to explore?
Sifler smiled at the thought, realizing that he was overthinking it.
Oberstein was a place he visited in his youth, just a common border town with nothing particularly remarkable nearby.
The relic in the Lime Mountain Range probably surfaced because the Witch Array gradually failed over time.
Sifler assumed that those who disappeared might not necessarily be dead; they could be trapped within the relic.
Once Cole arrives, goes into the relic, and claims the fortuitous treasure, he can rescue those inside.
At that time, not only would Cole gain the resources within the relic, but he would also earn immense prestige.
"Teacher, what's the matter?" Cole asked upon seeing Sifler smile.
Sifler concealed his smile, knowing that while he had laid the path for Cole, he couldn't appear too relaxed.
Cole was still young; despite his talent and strength, he lacked experience.
Relics are indeed dangerous; Cole mustn't become complacent.
Sifler handed over the letter, speaking in a low voice, "Take a look at this letter."
Cole took the letter and read it carefully.
He looked up, "What does Teacher think is the reason?"
"I suspect a relic has emerged there," Sifler stated.
Cole contemplated for a moment before saying, "Did Teacher call me to investigate this situation?"
Sifler nodded, "Correct, given your abilities, exploring these relics should be no problem. My only concern is your lack of experience, which could put you at a disadvantage amid the various complexities of a relic."
"Rest assured, Teacher, it's precisely because I lack experience that I need to go through this, isn't it?" Cole replied with confidence.
Sifler was still a little uneasy, "Hmm, once you're there, you must be cautious with everything."
"Teacher, I'm no longer the child I used to be. I'm already a Middle-tier Caster now; even if I can't accomplish the task, do you think I'd end up trapped in a relic?" Cole asserted.
Sifler considered this; even if there are dangers within the relic,
With Cole's abilities, he would surely be able to escape; relics that can trap a Middle-tier Caster are rare.
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