章 30: The Kingmaker
Sigmund shifted his head to face the chief again. "I see your efforts to make this village whole and prosperous. But I also see your weaknesses. Your mage level is a factor that can make you vulnerable to powerful people and potential enemies. I can be your ally if you trust me. As an ally, I can raise your level until you raise Greston into a city. If you wish to be a king, then inform me if you have reached that decision. I can help you expand your territory and eliminate the risks inside the primeval forest except for lives that are worth saving."
The young-looking man stared at the other intensely, waiting for an answer.
"I don't want you to reach that decision immediately. Let me know in two days."
After that speech, silence filled the atmosphere as both parties indulged in their own thoughts.
Eventually, the tall, youthful man garbed in an elegant white robe rose from his seat. Without any warning or incantation, he extended his right hand.
Rafa Libera watched as the extended arm emitted azure light, traveling towards the area of a large swath where the lawn grew. In mere seconds, the light expanded to form a small plant that was rapidly growing into a tall tree. It immediately expanded into a huge tree with a large trunk. As the light continued to radiate, the tree produced flowers of lilac.
In less than a minute, a lilac-bloomed fig tree was planted, standing tall at a hundred meters.
"I leave you this lilac-flowered fig tree as a gift. This releases a large amount of mana for you to use and absorb. You may also use the fruit for that purpose, which is the most potent source for you to raise your level. Eat it once to raise your soul force and mana. It won't have other effects if you consume more than one fruit except for increased vitality. The flowers can be used as an ingredient for a potion to increase your regenerative effect. Utilize it very well."
Rafa Libera watched everything in bewilderment. He could not refute nor could he burst into anger. It was like the other man wanted him to be a simple spectator as he worked wonders right before his eyes.
"You know my intention. It is for you to decide. I will be in Greston for a long time. I want you to know that."
"Why?"
"Didn't I explain it to you? You should do your part very well."
With a smile, Sigmund left a parting remark, "We will meet again."
In an instant, the other man disappeared like a bubble, with no trace at all.
After a few seconds, Rafa Libera sensed his guards approaching while he stared at the large tree before their eyes.
For an hour, he stayed in the gazebo, contemplating the things that occurred. He could not deny that he was not surprised. He could not even accept that his fear of that man was rising. But as he contemplated further the other's intentions, he realized an assurance that he was seeking before from anyone more powerful than him:
"If you wish to be a king, then inform me if you have reached that decision."
"A kingmaker…" the village chief muttered absentmindedly.
After three hours of staying in the gazebo, Rafa Libera heard sounds of clanks of metal slowly rising in decibels as he sensed a group of individuals arriving at the gazebo.
Three persons approaching the building were donning military attire of Greston: leather suits with black metal bracelets on each wrist. The garments were infused with protective mana.
The leader of the group proceeded to trudge toward the village chief while the rest stopped at a distance.
"My Lord!" General Markito Lora, Rafa Libera's Chief Military advisor, and personal general greeted with sincere courtesy but was wearing a complex expression. He knelt on one knee as he awaited his superior's response.
"I hope it's good news."
The general was momentarily stunned, seemingly regretting his decision to personally relay a report.
"I'm afraid it's not." Markito Lora responded with a slight frown. "I apologize my lord, but we have a situation in Griffin Street."
Upon hearing the news, the old chief turned his head to search for his subordinate's eyes which were hiding in an inclined head.
"That's…"
"No one is dead except for the items having disappeared." Lora continued with his report in an even tone, trying not to see his superior's anger.
"How did that happen? Please tell me more. Leave no details. Also, please rise."
"Understood." The general remained submissive but he rose to stand a few meters from the village chief. "When one of my people arrived at the scene, he saw Rocco and Mortino together with their minions lying on the ground unconscious. He forced them to drink potions to bring them back to consciousness. They were shocked to see every item was gone from the facility. They didn't even know how and why. They seemed to have lost certain memory or they have been attacked while all those items were taken away without them seeing the culprits. My men traced for the energy of the culprits left on the scene but they couldn't find any. Even the recording crystals were destroyed."
"What's the proximate time for that incident to have occurred?" The village chief asked with more bewilderment than expressed anger.
"My man went out for lunch and take something from my station. That was before midday. He returned to the facility after two full hours." The general replied. There was no hint of confusion but when he saw the reaction of his superior, his emotion shifted to bafflement.
"I see…" The village briefly stated as if he readily accepted. He recalled something from a surprised guest.
"I know the situation in your village. I know of your desperate desire to ascend to a higher mage level."
"So he also knows that and yet he didn't have second thoughts to reach out his hands." Rafa Libera spoke as his confusion deepened. "I think he forced me to reach a decision even before the allowed date."
Dumbfounded, the general watched his superior speaking, not understanding who the old chief was referring to.
As he raised his head, he saw a golden rectangular card with the words 'Invitation from Chua, Sons and Company' on the table.
"Chief, I am glad you received an invitation from Sigmund Chua."
"Huh?" The old chief was flabbergasted when he looked in the direction of his general's eyes.
'I did not see it here hours ago or perhaps, he dropped it without me noticing it.' Rafa Libera silently said.
"He was here." The village chief retorted.
"My Lord, and that huge tree?" The general already noticed the tree but his mind was focused on sending the urgent report.
"A gift… from him."
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