Sovereign of the Ashes

“And you are...?” Sein asked, looking perplexed.

“I’m Selphy, Master Andres’ newest apprentice,” the woman in the white dress replied, smiling warmly.

The gathering’s informal nature lent a relaxed atmosphere to the event. In the Verdant Flame Faction, it appeared that relationships were generally more casual and free-spirited.

Consequently, not everyone was dressed in a traditional, formal magic robe.

Several female mages, like Selphy, wore dresses, while some male mages wore casual tuxedos.

Sein, unfamiliar with such attire, had only overheard bits of conversations about these being the latest fashion trend from the Alveroth the Magic Empire.

Alveroth the Magic Empire was acknowledged as the true heart of the Magus World, a nexus where magic civilization thrived. It was rumored to be home to the most formidable mages in the Magus World, as well as the greatest number of divine towers.

Master Lorianne had once encouraged Sein to explore the Sky City, the Magic Empire, as well as the central areas of the Magus World.

She believed that only by experiencing these places firsthand could Sein truly grasp the overwhelming might of the Magus Civilization, which had subdued countless planes and civilizations, compelling innumerable races and beings into submission.

“Nice to meet you. As you can see, I’m indeed an alchemist,” Sein responded, tucking away his crystal ball.

The fleeting images of alchemical structures within the ball had been a giveaway, allowing Selphy, the observant Rank One mage to accurately infer his specialization.

“Fantastic, I’m also an alchemist. Perhaps we could share insights?” Selphy proposed with a smile.

***

Selphy, the newly accepted thirteenth apprentice of Master Andres, had also been promoted to Rank One mage not too long ago just like Sein.

However, she had made a mistake in referring to Sein as her senior. Sein was actually several years her junior and had only been promoted two years after her.

Upon discovering this, Selphy covered her mouth, unable to conceal her surprise.

“I didn’t expect you to be so young. I thought I was the youngest full-fledged mage in Verdant Flame’s faction,” Selphy exclaimed.

Sein, young yet exuding a mature and composed demeanor, often appeared solemn and intense.

To those unfamiliar with him, it was easy to mistakenly assume he had been a full-fledged mage for several years.

In other words, Sein’s demeanor and maturity significantly belied his youthful appearance, making him seem far older than he actually was.

Selphy seemed like an easygoing person, given her good rapport with many apprentices and grand apprentices in Verdant Flame’s faction.

Her relatively young age and recent promotion made her particularly cherished and doted upon, especially by several younger Rank One male mages, whose glances at her hinted at deeper feelings.

Despite being mages, they were, after all, human, and not immune to forming romantic bonds.

However, such connections tended to become less common after they became full-fledged mages. After all, the pursuit of truth was often solitary and time-consuming.

Many mages spent their lives without producing heirs, unlike knights who placed importance on bloodline continuity.

In the world of mages, the bond between a mentor and an apprentice forged through the transfer of wisdom was sometimes deemed even more significant than familial bonds.

Knowledge is priceless—this was a universal belief among all mages.

Sein held a truly distinctive position within the faction. He was Lorianne’s sole apprentice, who in turn was the most favored apprentice of Lady Feylis.

If Lady Feylis were considered the root of this faction, then figures like Gregory the Second and Bernice the Fourth, along with Lorianne, would represent the larger branches. Andres the Fifth and Holfson the Sixth would then be the smaller branches. These branches then bore leaves like Sein, Selphy, and others.

Thus, Sein was a representative not only of himself, a Rank One mage, but also of Master Lorianne and the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring.

Being Lorianne’s first apprentice came with its challenges. With his peers in the faction already Rank Two and Three mages, Sein knew he had to work diligently to catch up.

Selphy’s presence in the hall made Sein feel less lonely and awkward. Her sociable nature drew other apprentices and grand apprentices from the Verdant Flame faction to engage with them.

While Sein did not form deep connections with them instantly, he succeeded in making their acquaintance.

Remarkably, most of the mages present in this hall were the apprentices of Master Andres and Master Holfson.

The other two masters and their apprentices had yet to arrive.

Several days later, Sein reunited with Master Lorianne.

Accompanying her was a mature woman with turquoise green hair, exuding nobility, and clad in a long, dark-colored dress.

Sein immediately felt immense pressure in her presence.

The woman emanated an enchanting yet intimidating aura, just like a slowly burning verdant green flame.

She was unmistakably Lady Feylis the Verdant Flame, grandmaster of this faction.

Sein had always envisioned his grandmaster as a benevolent-looking old lady, so he was taken aback by her striking beauty.

Lorianne, supporting Lady Feylis by the arm, seemed to be extremely close to her.

Their similar green-hued hair lent them the appearance of a mother and daughter at first glance.

As Lady Feylis made her entrance, the previously lively hall fell silent.

Behind Lorianne and Lady Feylis stood Andres and Holfson, their demeanor humble and respectful.

Their aged appearances formed a stark contrast to the vibrant beauty of the two women in front.

“Gregory and Bernice will be arriving today. The purpose of this gathering is to discuss the upcoming competition over a special low-level plane on the outskirts of the Neisse Star Domain. This plane is unique in its resources and environment, making it particularly suitable for those who practice the Verdant Flame module I’ve taught in this faction.

Rather than involving the Elemental Gate council, I intend for you all to collaborate in claiming this plane as a collective conquest for our faction.”

Although Grandmaster Feylis directed her words to Lorianne, everyone, including Sein, heard her clearly.