The knight's eyes widened as the figure before him revealed his true nature.
"A mage," he murmured, the word almost lost in the wind.
"I had not expected such power to come to our aid."
He knew the power of the Mages weilded in this world was not something to be trifled with, yet here he was, a mage himself, standing before them. Some of the Mage he knew only send out genes mark Knights to fight, but here he was.
Mages like him were a rarity on the battlefield, preferring the sanctity of their towers and the pursuit of knowledge to the chaos of combat. Yet here was one who had not only fought alongside common men but had led an army of enhanced knights into battle.
Sir Kelix bowed respectfully before Joshua, the awe clear in his gaze.
"Our master, the Mage of the Eastern Tower, would be most intrigued to meet you, Lord Mage. I believe that both of you wish to hear of each other's exploits and learn from each knowledge and wisdom."
Sir Kelix spoke with reverence, his eyes never leaving the figure in white armor.
Joshua is also studying the person in front of him, as these knights have few beastly features.
"Thank you for your invitation, Sir Kelix," Joshua said with a nod, his hand extinguishing the fire in his palm.
"I would be honored to meet with your Archmage."
Sir Kelix's eyes lit up with excitement, and he gestured for his men to prepare for their journey.
"We shall depart for the Eastern Tower at first light," he said, his voice filled with a mix of respect and urgency.
Joshua nodded in understanding and turned to address his 'Noble Knights'.
He had talk with the villagers and giving condolences to those who had lost loved ones, sharing words of comfort and gratitude. They had looked at him with hope, their eyes shining with a mix of fear and admiration.
He also cast [Hypnosis] on Kelix and learned the same knowledge from the elder of this village. The information was vast and intriguing, painting a picture of a land where power was as fickle as the changing seasons. He learned that this land was but a small part of a vast supercontinent called Gayah.
The continent was a tapestry of diverse lands and cultures, each governed by its own set of Mages. The village they had come to the aid of was nestled in the easternmost part of this super continent, a region where the cold winds of winter held sway over the lands.
Joshua pondered the implications of this newfound knowledge as he gazed at the map Kelix had provided. The continent of Gayah was vast, with the village of White Wind just a mere dot on its edge.
There were also 70 Mages stationed in the Eastern Tower, the heart of power in this region, each one a bastion of knowledge and truth. Their combined might kept the surrounding lands safe from the encroaching darkness of the demonic hordes.
Joshua felt a thrill of excitement at the prospect of meeting these enigmatic figures. Could they be the key to unlocking the secrets of this world, to unlock new power that he be looking for?
He knew he had to tread carefully. The Mages of Mageck were not to be underestimated.
Kelix also told him about the local ruler, Branson Lewis, a regular human who had been appointed by the Mages to govern this part of the land. Joshua's curiosity grew; a non-mage holding such a position.
---
As dawn approached, the villagers gathered around the town square, eager to see the mysterious mage and his knights off. Sir Kelix and his men had spent the night spreading tales of the battle, exaggerating the numbers of demons slain.
The 'Noble Knights', now clean of snow and gleaming under the first light of day, stood at attention around Joshua, their presence an unspoken testament to his power. The villagers whispered among themselves, casting nervous glances at the towering figures, their awe tinged with fear.
"We leave for the Eastern Tower," Joshua announced, his voice carrying over the murmurs.
The villagers parted, making way for the group of 'Noble Knights' and their enigmatic master. They marched out of the village, leaving a trail of crunching footsteps in the fresh snow.
The trek to the Eastern Tower was long and arduous, the landscape a constant reminder of the battle that had taken place the night before. The snow had turned pink in places, a grim reminder of the villager's blood that had been shed.
After a few hours of travel, they reached an outpost manned by a small contingent of Sir Kelix's men. The knights looked exhausted, but their faces lit up with relief upon seeing their commander and the mysterious mage who had aided them.
Kelix led the group to the outpost.
The outpost was a bastion of warmth and activity in the frozen wilderness, a stark contrast to the quiet village they had left behind. The journey there had been tense, with every member of the party aware of the potential dangers lurking beneath the freshly fallen snow.
Upon their arrival, the soldiers at the outpost snapped to attention at the sight of Sir Kelix. Their eyes widened when they saw the golden 'Noble Knights' in tow, and whispers of awe and fear rippled through their ranks.
Kelix wasted no time in recounting the events at White Wind, his words painting a picture of a powerful mage and his unstoppable knights.
The outpost captain, Marcus who had feathers sticking on top of his head, listened intently, his gaze flickering over to Joshua with a hint of skepticism.
"A mage and his knights, you say?" he questioned, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
"And they helped you fight off the demons?"
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
"Yes," Kelix affirmed, his voice filled with admiration for the Mage.
"Joshua D. Carter, a mage of unparalleled skill, and his knights saved the village from certain doom. We must inform the Archmage of their valor and offer them our support."
Marcus nodded gravely, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.
"I will guide sir Mage and his knights to the Eastern Tower," Kelix said, his tone firm.
Marcus nodded in agreement and turned to address the newcomers,
"Welcome, Sir Joshua and your noble knights. The Eastern Tower is a bastion of knowledge and power, and your arrival is most welcome."
With those words, Marcus let them pass as Kelix guide them through the snowy plains.
The journey to the Eastern Tower was a two-day trek across the frozen lands of the supercontinent of Gayah. The snowfall had ceased, leaving behind a pristine, untouched landscape that stretched out into the horizon.
The 'Noble Knights' marched tirelessly beside their master, their golden armor glinting in the cold sunlight.
Sir Kelix looked at the stoic figures with a mix of admiration and concern.
"I apologize, lord Joshua," he said, his breath misting in the chilly air.
"Our horses are not bred to carry the weight of your noble knights."
Sir Kelix's apology was sincere as he glanced over at the 'Noble Knights', their golden armor reflecting the harsh light of the winter sun.
"Your concern is appreciated, Sir Kelix," Joshua replied, his voice steady despite the biting chill.
"But as you see, my knights do not require the aid of horses. Their endurance is not that of mere mortals."
Joshua gestured to his 'Noble Knights', who remained unfazed by the cold and the journey's rigors.
He silently thought of his 'Noble Knights' and their unique genetic modifications. Their second heart pumped a specially designed blood that could handle the cold and their enhanced muscles allowed for unparalleled endurance.
"Indeed, their strength and resilience are quite remarkable," Kelix murmured, clearly impressed by the knights' ability to keep pace with the horses.
Joshua even thought of having genetically altered horses that could handle the knights' weight. It was an intriguing idea, to bond these creatures to his knights just like he had tamed the fiery salamander. The salamander, now named Ignis, had become a fiercely loyal companion and a powerful ally.
The journey to the Eastern Tower was uneventful, the only sounds the crunch of snow beneath their boots and the steady rhythm of the knights' breathing. The frozen landscape was a serene canvas, unblemished by the chaos they had left behind.
During their travels, Joshua couldn't help but muse on the potential of genetic modification. The idea of creating a horse that could bear the weight of his 'Noble Knights' and match their endurance was tantalizing. With two hearts, it would be an animal of unparalleled stamina.
But his thoughts didn't stop at horses. His mind wandered to Ignis, his fiery salamander companion. The transformation into a creature of legend, a Western dragon, was a tempting prospect. The salamander's fiery nature and its bond with him made it the perfect candidate for such a change. The dragon could become a symbol of his power and a weapon capable of turning the tide of battle.
Joshua is looking forward to create this companion beast that could match the might of his 'Noble Knights'. He envisioned them charging into battle side by side, a spectacle that would strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.
"Lord Joshua, we had arrive," Sir Kelix announced as the Eastern Tower loomed into view, its spires piercing the sky like shards of ice.
Joshua looked upon the tower, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. It was a bastion of power, a bastion of knowledge that could hold the key to his understanding of this new world.
"The Tower Master will be eager to meet you," Sir Kelix said, his voice filled with awe.
They approached the city gates, the guards snapping to attention as they recognized the insignia on Kelix's armor. The 'Noble Knights' marched behind them, their golden forms reflecting in the polished steel of the gate. The city bustled with activity despite the late hour, a testament to the urgency of the war against the demonic hordes.
Kelix strode forward, his voice carrying the weight of his title. "Guards, I bring a mage of great power wishing an audience with the Tower Master. He is called Lord Joshua."
The guards exchanged skeptical glances but did not question the knight's command. They swung the gates open, allowing the procession to pass through the cobblestone streets lined with tall, ancient buildings. The city was a fusion of old western world charm and new-age innovation, with magical constructs weaving through the architecture like living vines. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the faint hum of unknown energy.
As they approached the Eastern Tower, its grandeur grew more apparent with every step. The tower was a masterpiece of crystalline stone, shimmering with an inner light that danced along the frostbitten edges.
It was a beacon of hope and protection in a world plagued by darkness.
"This is as far as we can go," Sir Kelix informed him, his eyes filled with a mix of awe and regret.
"Only Mages are allowed to enter the Tower. I will secure lodging for the knights and myself. You must go alone to meet with the Tower Master."
Sir Kelix's words were a firm reminder of the world's rules, but they didn't deter Joshua. He nodded in understanding and instructed the 'Noble Knights' to follow Kelix to the inn.
"Secure our lodgings and rest," he told them. "I'll join you once I've met with the Tower Master."
The 'Noble Knights' nodded in unison, their golden armor glinting in the light as they followed Kelix.
Joshua watched them go before turning his attention to the tower. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the encounter that awaited him. As he approached the tower, the guards at the gates eyed him curiously but allowed him to pass without question.
Inside the tower, the walls were lined with ancient tomes and scrolls, the scent of ink and parchment mingling with the faint smell of incense. The floors were made of polished marble, the intricate patterns reflecting the soft glow of the magical orbs that illuminated the chamber.
Joshua was met by an ethereal figure, a woman so beautiful and radiant that she seemed to be made of light itself. She greeted him with a smile, her eyes flickering with curiosity.
"Welcome, traveler," she said, her voice like the tinkle of a thousand chimes.
"I am the Tower Spirit of the Eastern Tower, and I am here to guide and assist the Tower Mage."
The woman spoke with an otherworldly grace, her form shimmering with an aura that seemed to dance on the edge of visibility.
"What business brings you to the Eastern Tower?" she inquired, her gaze searching his.
Joshua took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving hers.
"I seek an audience with the Tower Mage," he said, his voice steady despite his racing thoughts.
In his mind, the mention of the Tower Spirit reminds him of Nexus, who he had create through the use of [Blood and Spirit Attachment]. He wondered if they use the same method as his.
"Sir, do you have any identification that confirms your status as a mage?" the Tower spirit inquired, her gaze unwavering.
Joshua paused, his mind racing.
"I do not possess the traditional identification of a mage," he admitted, "but my power speaks for itself."
With that, Joshua raised his hand, and a ball of fire appear from his fingertips to the ground before him, the flames crackling and hissing as it dissipated.
The Tower Spirit's eyes widened, and she nodded in understanding. She flicker and disappeared for a brief moment, leaving behind a trail of shimmering light. The silence that followed was thick with anticipation, the air crackling with the unspoken power that hung in the air.
Joshua waited, his heart beating a steady rhythm in his chest. The Tower Spirit's sudden absence left the chamber feeling eerily empty, the echoes of their conversation bouncing off the ancient stone walls.
He took the time to study the intricate carvings that adorned the walls, depicting scenes of epic battles between humans and mythical beasts. The artistry was breathtaking, each stroke telling a story of valor and sorcery.
In the quiet, he heard the faintest whisper of footsteps approaching. He turned, expecting to see the Tower Spirit, but instead, a stunning woman with flowing silver hair and piercing blue eyes emerged from the shadows. Her attire was a blend of silk and light, a soft blue that complemented her ethereal aura.
"Who are you?" the woman asked, her voice melodic and filled with a hint of amusement.
"Your power is unmistakable, but your spell casting... unprecedented."
