Chapter 239: Challenging the Elite of the Mage Tower: An Action that Disrupts the Equilibrium of the Mage Community
The departure of the elite members from the Mage Tower is an oppressive move that disrupts the harmony within the mage society. I will formally raise my objection to the royal family.
- Leader Fraymer of the Flame Tower and the other four Distinguished Masters of the Mage Tower
"Did they flee due to feeling oppressed and pressured, resorting to this?"
Clayton softly chuckled to himself while reading the formal letter he held.
Recalling the response of the Ledios Mage Tower Master when he declared independence, this document seemed more like an excuse.
"They plan to use this as a justification, don't they?"
The temporarily subdued Mage Tower Masters clearly aimed to utilize this situation to lessen royal interference.
Nevertheless, things wouldn't proceed as smoothly as they hoped.
While Clayton was smiling, contemplating the avaricious ruler of the land, a knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Master, as per your instructions, all the mages you summoned have gathered."
Greckk's voice from outside the door brought him back to reality.
"Alright. I'll join them shortly."
It was time to start anew.
And...
'Those assembled here must also be prepared for a fresh beginning.'
A sly grin briefly appeared on his face.
- A single Mage Tower might suffice, but I prefer something beyond the towers...
The excitement of how the mages would react to the nation's sovereign's intentions was exhilarating.
"Have all the mages gathered?"
"Yes, they're in the dining hall. The Master is currently hosting them."
"Great, let's go."
Logan entered the mansion, once belonging to Duke Douglas and later himself. Now it served as a temporary residence for the mages, guarded vigilantly at the entrance.
"Hold it!"
"Your Majesty..."
"Relax. It's fine."
Brushing past the crowd of knights, Logan headed straight to the dining hall.
- His Majesty, the King, has arrived!
Mages dressed in various colored robes parted ways and bowed in unison.
"We welcome Your Majesty."
"We welcome Your Majesty."
Logan, with a gentle smile, strolled amongst them.
The groups of robed individuals sticking together somewhat bothered him, but such issues could be addressed gradually.
For now, he needed to emphasize the importance he placed on this matter.
These individuals were vital assets that would form the core of the 'Magic Corps.'
"Your Majesty, why did you come in person? We were supposed to meet you tomorrow..."
"No, it's alright. When meeting talents shaping the kingdom's future, it's better sooner than later."
With that, Logan approached Clayton, who hastened to greet him, and then took the seat of honor, observing the serene hall.
Meanwhile, the gathered mages regarded him with intense curiosity and a hint of unease in their eyes.
Logan pointed to an elder mage whose eyes gleamed with fervor.
"The intense fire mana emanating from you, you must be Elder Max from the Fire Mage Tower, right?"
"Ah! Please, Your Majesty, your words are too kind for me to bear."
Max immediately knelt at Logan's call, but a slight smile played on his lips, contrary to his words.
The king's knowledge of his name hinted at a promising future.
"I heard you were a contender for the Fire Tower Master, unfairly mistreated. As the nation's king, I couldn't ignore such a regrettable situation and thus summoned you."
"Your kindness knows no bounds."
"And you, are you not Elder Gerald of the Royal Mage Tower?"
"Your... Your Majesty!"
Logan proceeded to comfort and address each 5th circle mage present by name.
Gerald and Rowin from the Royal Mage Tower, Justin from the Water Mage Tower, Ephis from the Wind Mage Tower, Lagon and Aemon from the Earth Mage Tower.
Overlooked Mage Tower elders knelt in reverence, their talents now acknowledged.
"I intend to unite talents like yourselves to bolster our nation. Will you support my vision?"
"We will stand by you, Your Majesty!"
"Absolutely, Your Majesty!"
"Thank you for entrusting us!"
The atmosphere in the dining hall grew warm with their enthusiastic responses.
"Enjoy yourselves today. Tomorrow, we embark on a new journey for the realm!"
"We shall serve with unwavering dedication!"
The mages brimmed with hope as they anticipated leading the new Mage Tower, and the gathering ended in a hopeful ambiance filled with dreams of a promising future.
"The mages' eyes sparkled brightly."
After the banquet, in a rare moment alone with Logan, Clayton cautiously spoke up.
"They did indeed. They will receive the recognition they deserve in the days ahead."
"But Your Majesty, you haven't mentioned the most crucial aspect. Not just a Mage Tower, but a Magic Corps."
"What sets them apart?"
Logan responded with a grin, causing Clayton a slight headache.
"… Do I have to address this?"
"Seems like it."
Logan's smug grin was hard to bear. Reluctantly, Clayton touched his forehead.
'A sharp man like him surely grasps...'
- We are scholars, not tools for combat!
He could already envision the high-ranking mages reacting with fury.
It was evident that he would bear the burden of quelling their resistance entirely.
Clayton couldn't help but smile wryly as he broached a topic he knew would discomfort Logan.
"Your Majesty, do you now comprehend the strain on the budget?"
"… As you're aware. But why do you ask...?"
"Truth is, besides the mages we invited, there's a considerable interest in joining the 'McLaine Mage Tower.' Just based on numbers, it's more than double the invited individuals. I fear the allocated budget may fall short..."
At this revelation, Logan faltered, and Clayton felt a small but potent sense of satisfaction.
"Twice?"
"Yes. If we accept them, the numbers could escalate further. It appears the corruption within the Mage Towers accumulated over the years is more severe than anticipated."
Such a scenario would swiftly materialize the Magic Corps they envisioned.
However, could the royal household, already stretching its finances, afford to welcome twice the number of mages, who would be costly assets?
'It will be a challenge.'
Even Clayton found the prospect daunting.
Nonetheless...
"What if we turn them away?"
"The establishment of our Magic Corps could face substantial delays. Perhaps indefinitely..."
Clayton's voice trailed off, but Logan grasped his implicit warning immediately.
"… Would the kingdom be perceived as playing favorites based on influence?"
"Yes. Mages tend to have larger egos than you might think."
"Sigh…"
With a sigh, Logan rested his head in his hands.
Mage cultivation methods, dam construction, military expansion.
Considering the projects he had initiated, expenses were already substantial.
- Rejecting them could lead even the citizens of McLaine, your homeland, to turn against you.
Dwayne's somber caution suddenly came to mind, and Logan sighed deeply as he contemplated the sky.
Yet...
"Invite them all."
"What?!"
"The more resources we have at our disposal, the sooner we can avert potential losses. Since we've embarked on this path, we must proceed swiftly."
With no room for debate, Clayton reluctantly nodded, biting his tongue.
Before long, over 200 mages from all five Great Mage Towers flocked to McLaine's residence, eager to pledge themselves to the cause.
Primarily intermediate-grade mages of the 3rd to 4th circles, along with younger practitioners.
Clayton welcomed them with mixed emotions.
Of course, the road ahead for these supportive mages wasn't all smooth sailing.
A week later, gathered at the palace, the mages were informed they wouldn't join the McLaine Mage Tower but the McLaine Magic Corps, sending them into an initial state of shock.
"Corps?"
"A military unit, you say?"
"Us?"
The mages whispered uneasily among themselves until the king, their employer, delivered the final blow.
- You will be part of the McLaine Magic Corps, not the Mage Tower.
- Military training will be necessary.
This unexpected news left the mages dumbfounded.
Not a single mage present had left their Mage Tower without voicing some discontent.
Now, leaving at this juncture?
It would guarantee a life as wandering mercenary mages.
Ultimately, they reluctantly engaged in the Magic Corps training.
Even mages nearing sixty, with white beards, were no exception.
As they underwent training, they became the subject of gossip and ridicule among those who hadn't joined the corps.
However, despondency was short-lived, and with time, content smiles began to adorn the faces of the Magic Corps mages.
Through combat training, mages stuck in lower circles began surpassing their limits.
Physical training, deemed unsuitable for mana users, when combined with magical techniques, revealed unexplored territories for mages of this era. It sparked growth that enabled them to evolve.
"Did you foresee this outcome?"
"Didn't you mention it yourself, Clayton? By dedicating yourself to your studies and giving your all, both you and your students have progressed."
"Well, yes, but…"
While Logan credited Clayton, he had an inkling of the potential outcomes.
'The Magic Corps. Its effectiveness has been proven by the Empire.'
This military branch, established by the Empire to harness mages' unique abilities in combat, exhibited an unusual trend: as mages engaged in more battles and training, they rapidly improved their skills, and after a decade of warfare, mages vied for spots in magic corps units.
Nevertheless, Logan didn't comprehend the exact reasons or principles behind this.
It was merely an effort to strengthen the nation's lacking military power.
Now that it was yielding results beyond expectations, his elation was palpable.
Yet, there were repercussions.
"Your Majesty. Do you now grasp the daunting nature of budgeting?"
Dwayne, with his weary eyes, chuckled ominously.
Seeing his formidable advisor in such a state, Logan could only offer a wry smile in response.
Before him was a meal too humble for a king: merely a simple soup and bread.
"Until the farming and dam construction are completed, meat will be scarce."
"Is this truly necessary, Dwayne?"
"Should I throw that question back at you, Your Majesty? Was all this truly needed?"
Dwayne's intense gaze seemed on the verge of erupting if faced with further complaints from Logan.
"Ahem."
Logan knew he had brought this upon himself.
He could only sigh and consume the meager soup as he pondered the repercussions of his decisions.