"Mentor, I've actually never seen the Sect Leader." Rein nodded and said.

No wonder, this Sect Leader of their school always appeared elusive.

"However, Rein, Lord Moria is aware of your joining the school. I informed him long ago. Besides, he is also a Metal Series Wizard, so he is delighted about your addition to the school." Mogaro said with a smile.

"Speaking of the ruins, the current issue is that, according to Lord Moria's conclusion, to enter the core area of the ruins, a rare artifact known as the 'Ancient Tree Heart' is required. With this artifact, he is seventy percent sure of breaking the residual protective witch array."

"Ancient Tree Heart? It seems to be an artifact originating from the elves, right?" Rein thought for a moment and asked.

He had come across related records in ancient texts.

"That's right, actually it's not supposed to be a big problem." Mogaro nodded and said.

"Because the Valziger Ruins are near the Ferdinand Forest, through some hidden trade channels, there is still a chance to trade this artifact with the Elf Clan."

"Hmm? Right next to Ferdinand Forest?" Rein was taken aback upon hearing this.

He hadn't expected that the location of the ruins would be near Ferdinand Forest.

"Yes, but the issue now is that at least two different cult forces have appeared near the ruins. Additionally, there have been problems on the elves' side; the person who used to communicate with our school suddenly went missing." Mogaro frowned and said.

"Is it because of the cult?" Rein slightly frowned and said.

"Yes, very likely. However, the target of the other party is still unclear, whether it's the ruins or the elves." Mogaro nodded and said.

This is also why he approached Rein, knowing that his own disciple is a Fine Gold Swordsman of the Empire, well-versed in various cults and rich in combat experience.

"Mentor, I understand your intention. You want me to make a trip to the ruins to ensure the exploration is safe, correct?"

"Yes, don't be shy, among the Metal Series, you are the strongest fighter."

"Mentor, I don't have any major issues here, additionally, I should be able to have the Sword Holder Headquarters release this mission as a formal task, which could be better."

If there is a chance to find the original Steel Heart Advanced Meditation Method Fourth Layer, it would naturally be Rein's first choice.

"That's wonderful." Mogaro responded immediately, overjoyed, and said.

"I will explain the situation to the Sect Leader later. By the way, Rein, when can you depart?" Mogaro smiled broadly and asked.

"Mentor, is within two days alright?" Rein thought for a moment and said.

He first needed to explain the matter to headquarters; at his level, leaving Imperial City Tamriel requires reporting.

Additionally, he planned to advance his skills in Skin Tanning, enough to reach 11 Skill Points, allowing him to directly use the new witchcraft 'Sawtooth Ring' in combat.

"Great! That's excellent!"

...

Half an hour later.

When Rein returned to his residence after dinner, his dedicated contact Olena came to visit.

In the study.

"Lord Rein, I heard from Major General Tatia about your excellent performance in the Secret Realm, it was truly impressive." The competent middle-aged woman smiled as she praised her superior.

"Thank you, although there were some issues in between, they were ultimately resolved." Rein smiled slightly and said.

"My lord, I came with several pieces of news to report."

"First, some good news. I've received word that since the Emperor is still recovering from his injuries, the Elder Council has decided that this year's ceremony for Earls and above will be postponed, with specific dates to be announced later."

"However, your Earl title has already been granted, and in the next couple of days, someone from the Enfeoffment Committee should come to your residence."

Rein nodded, indicating he understood.

"Secondly, during the opening of the Dragon Valley Secret Realm the day before, multiple locations in the suburbs of Imperial City Tamriel were attacked by cults. Although they were ultimately repelled and eradicated, it was discovered that their ultimate intention was to enter the Secret Realm..."

As Olena explained, Rein nodded.

It all made sense, connecting the entire sequence of events.

"The Avatar of the Nether Sea Goddess was forced to retreat with injuries after being besieged by the Imperial Guardian, but Prince Menia's dragon companion—the Red Dragon Tasa—was severely wounded."

"Oh? Are you sure it was Prince Menia's dragon?"

"The headquarters' intelligence department has confirmed it without error."

"I see." Rein recalled the Red Dragon Scale Prince Menia had given him earlier, which belonged to Red Dragon Tasa.

He wondered if he should visit.

"As for the third matter, currently cult activities are becoming more frequent. Last time you mentioned to me to closely monitor several provinces near Ferdinand Forest, the situation there is out of the ordinary."

"According to intelligence from the local branch, multiple cult forces entered Ferdinand Forest, their suspected target being the Elf Clan."

"Hmm? Explain in detail." Rein raised his eyebrows, straightened up, and asked.

This matched perfectly with what Mentor Mogaro and he had discussed.

"Since Ferdinand Forest is a gathering place for elves, according to the agreement from the founding of the Empire, it cannot be entered freely. Therefore, the exact intentions of these cult forces remain unclear."

"But based on the assessments from the Intelligence Hall, the dominant cult among them is an ancient cult organization known as the Mother Tree Sect, whose history of conflict with the Elf Clan dates back thousands of years."

"As for other cult organizations, they are likely invited by this Mother Tree Sect."

"How long has this been happening?"

"The activities of the Mother Tree Sect in Ferdinand Forest should have started months ago, but were more covert. This recent activity by other cult organizations began entering Ferdinand Forest gradually about a few days ago."

Upon hearing this news, Rein couldn't help but stand up and pace back and forth in the study.

At this moment, he was not worried about the ruins but thought of Anna.

From this perspective, the injury to Anna's aunt, Lady Delana, was likely not accidental but rather a continuation of an attack or assault by the Mother Tree Sect.

This meant Anna's situation was not optimistic!

Should Areda's sisters be sent immediately to Ferdinand Forest?

Not appropriate!

Given their original identity as high-ranking members of the Secret Snake Sect, exposing their whereabouts would likely bring a frenzied assault from the Secret Snake Sect.

Defecting from a cult is difficult to accept even within the Goddess Church, let alone in a cult, and is likely punishable by death!

The sisters would not only fail to save others but could also endanger themselves.

"Does headquarters have any decisions regarding Ferdinand Forest's situation?" Rein stopped pacing and turned to ask.

"Currently still in the discussion stage, as the Elf Ambassador stationed in the Imperial City did not request assistance from the Empire, so headquarters' orders are still to have each province's branch strengthen intel gathering."

"Contact Major General Tatia, say I wish to make a trip to Ferdinand Forest."

....

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