บท 20: Grand Magister Faylen

They rode back to the village so they could transfer to Avalon and return the wand. Madlad pulled his horse up next Lucan's while they trotted along.

"When your level gets a bit higher you and Silent should join us for the monthly competitions. You managed to make decent contributions today even though your level is only in the 20's. If you ever want to try one let us know and we can give the qualifier a whirl."

"Sounds like fun, but right now I really need to focus on leveling. I am definitly interested though."

The monthly competition was a TV show that aired in the real world. Every in-game month would have a few events with prizes. There were always 2 solo events, a party of five event, the fourth event was either for 10 person teams or 40 person raids. Qualifiers would be open for the whole month. If the participants made it into the top 5% they would be deemed as having passed the qualifier and earned the right to appear at the main competition.

The competitions ranged from dungeon runs, to capture flag tournaments, sometimes it was even non-combat competitions like puzzle labyrinths and other competitions that pitted the contestant's minds against each other. One of the solo events always had to do with professions. Alchemy competitions or blacksmiths forging against other blacksmiths. The monthly competition was a great place to see amazing things happen.

An hour later they arrived in Avalon, they headed to the royal estate to seek a meeting with the King's magical research department.

The best part about being a virtual character was the blood and guts they were covered in disappeared 5 minutes after the fight. As they walked up the stairs to the palace entrance Lucan tugged the cloak hanging from his shoulders, it changed from black to a swirl of purple and a translucent blue. It was Raze's national colors.

Lucan was taken aback for a moment. Heaven's Kiss and 4 others were being walked out of the palace by an important looking man.

"Thanking you again for clearing out the bandits in goblin forest, they have been a nuisance to the surrounding villages for months."

"It was no trouble Grand Magister." Heaven's Kiss replied.

A scrawny man with a scraggly beard pushed forward.

"The magical research department would gladly buy any magical paraphernalia you recovered from the bandits. Anything at all." The man desperately pleaded.

"I am sorry, Like I told the Grand Magister. The bandits must have destroyed their cash of treasure when they saw our overwhelming force. By the time we arrived all the valuables were in ruins. We already turned over everything that could be salvaged." Heaven's Kiss explained before saying goodbye. Her group turned to walk down the steps, she saw Lucan and smirked while she whispered. "You were a bit too late, better luck next time."

Lucan let out a loud laugh that attracted the attention of the scraggily man and the Grand Magister. "Watch this."

Lucan looked at the bearded man and spoke telepathically. "The guild takes all contracts seriously. Your prototype has been recovered; I assume this is not a proper place to speak about these matters." Lucan saw a smile take over the man's face.

Lucan turned to the Grand Magister. "If I could trouble you for a moment, let me introduce myself. I am Lucan Quilldrake, and-."

The Grand Magister interrupted Lucan. "Are you aware there is currently a standing order to bring in Lucan Quilldrake for questioning?"

"Umm… I had no idea, what is the problem?"

Heaven's Kiss who had took Lucan's advice of watching him was having a good laugh with her friends. While Madlad and company were scratching their heads.

The Grand Magister continued. "Our sources of information are great and it is believed that you are the one who created a tunnel to the Shadow realm outside of the cities limits."

Lucan awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, that was me."

"And what are your intentions Lord Quilldrake? The High Council is aware you have recently become Lord of Shadowsweep and now we presume you have connected your territory to ours. Overnight we gained a new border in our nation's capital and here you are walking into our royal estate."

"I see your point. But Shadow sweep is but a poor farming village of just over 2,000 people. I should have sought your permission first, but I am still new to being a Lord. The title accompanied my appointment as Raze's hand. I am sure you are aware that Raze controls 40% of the Shadow Realm. In his territory, times are peaceful and tranquil. What I seek most is supplies to further the village I manage. In the future perhaps you could recommend certain people where I might be able to send a large amount of gold to buy basic supplies. What I seek most is a cooperative relationship."

The Grand Magister had a bit of a smile now. "Can you prove your words to be true? If Raze is really your patron I have no reason to suspect your neutrality, and if that is the case, I too would like to seek a cooperative relationship."

Lucan held out his left arm and waved his hand over the inside of his wrist. An 'R' was formed from murky shadows that swirled under his skin.

"I am familiar with the mark of Raze and no longer doubt you." The Grand Magister said with a smile. "Are you like your Master in regards to not requiring your acolytes to be loyal to you?"

"That is correct. I see becoming an acolyte as having permission to enter the store. I could care less what you do with what is bought as long as you don't use it against me. If you try and kill me I probably won't sell to you anymore. It depends on the situation."

The Grand Magister nodded happily.

It was Lucan's turn to look back and smirk at Heaven's Kiss. Then Lucan suddenly clutched his head.

"Oh dear, I forgot in my confusion." Lucan said, with a fake surprise. "I came here to return this." He said pulling out a necklace covered with blue gems.

"The royal necklace." The Grand Magister said with wide and excited eyes. "I thought it was destroyed."

"After I left the city my shadow and I went to take a look around and explore the land. We were set on by bandits who thought we were easily marks. Outnumbered 8 to 2 it was a struggle when 3 kind citizens from your wonderful Country helped saved our lives and purses. Silent and I owe a debt of gratitude to Madlad, Lucy Evermore and Vanslaughterfest. I found the necklace on the bandits and they let me know it belonged to the royal family so we came straight here to see it was returned to its proper home." Lucan said.

"Ah, fantastic. Vanslaughterfest, Lucy Evermore and Madlad, you have done your country proud I will see that you are properly rewarded. I am sure all 5 of you are tired after your ordeal, some knights returned from the Western front this morning and we are having a banquet why don't you join us and we can celebrate the return of the Royal Sapphire necklace."

"We would be honored." Madlad said, bowing excitedly.

"Grand Magister, my Master mentioned in passing that you have a great magical research department, would it be possible for us to see it. I know I would enjoy that." Lucan said while getting nods from the others.

"That is no problem, I am a bit busy today, but Glen can show you around, he is the head of magical research." The Grand magister said, motioning to the bearded man before giving his goodbyes. "I will have your rewards ready at the banquet so make sure to stop by before leaving. Lucan, there is also a few people I would like to introduce you to. And Lucan, feel free to call me Faylen."

After the magister left, Lucan turned back to Heaven's Kiss. "Oh no, you defeated a whole cave full of bandits and got walked out while I got beat up by a handful of bandits and get invited to a banquet by Faylen. Now scram before I have the guards clean this rabble off the stairs." He said while waving her group away.

Heaven stomped down the stairs fuming mad but didn't say a word.

Silent let out a deep breath. "I don't think she noticed me."

"Does your sister not know you play?" Madlad asked.

"Well, umm… no, she doesn't."

"Then are you going to be fine if we get picked for a monthly competition?" Lucan asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I assume it's not anonymous." Lucan said.

"That is correct." Madlad answered.

"It will be fine, what are you so afraid of?" Lucan asked the panicking Silent Night.

"You will have to tell your family you play eventually." Lucy added. "The competition could be a great platform to do that."

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