Chapter 95: The Archmage’s Decree

The next morning, with only a faint sliver of pearlescent dawn gracing the horizon, Klein’s knock echoed at the door.

“Get ready. We’re leaving.”

Lia pulled open her door to find Klein clad in a pristine, new black mage’s robe.

The garment was impeccably tailored, intricate golden runes flowing along the collar and cuffs, accentuating his already tall and striking physique, making him appear like a drawn blade.

He offered no further words, merely nodding to Lia before turning and descending the stairs.

They soon arrived before the teleportation array at the base of the tower.

“Step on,” Klein instructed concisely.

Lia complied, moving to the center of the array, with Klein following closely to stand beside her. He raised a hand, and a pure surge of magical power erupted from his fingertips, precisely touching the array’s core node.

Buzz—

The space violently warped, and the surrounding scenery dissolved into a swirling vortex of shimmering light.

Lia felt a sudden lightness, the sensation of weightlessness lasting only a fleeting moment before the solid ground met her feet once more. As the brilliant light receded from her vision, they found themselves in a spacious study.

The room was filled with stacks of parchment scrolls and weighty tomes, a chaotic arrangement that nonetheless hinted at a specific order.

Indeed, upon closer inspection, the mountain of scrolls and heavy texts, though seemingly jumbled, possessed a unique, subtle layering logic.

The air was redolent with the scent of aged paper and ink, mingled with a hint of elegant sandalwood—a fragrance that spoke of time itself.

“Hahahaha, you’ve finally arrived!”

Horace’s hearty laughter boomed from behind a towering pile of books. His neatly groomed grey hair framed a face alight with unconcealed excitement as he peered over a massive desk.

“Come, come, they’ve been waiting for ages!”

Horace strode forward, seizing Lia’s wrist and leading her with brisk steps toward the association’s core area. Klein followed silently, his deep blue eyes scanning their surroundings.

Passing through an ornate gate carved with arcane runes, they entered a long corridor paved with pure white marble.

Along the walls, a series of slowly moving magical images floated, silently narrating the Magic Association’s most glorious, indelible moments in history.

At the far end of the corridor stood a colossal, five-meter-tall double oak door. Carved upon its surface was the gnarled pattern of the World Tree, exuding an ancient and solemn aura.

Horace paused, uncharacteristically straightening his slightly askew collar, the hint of playful embarrassment on his face subtly receding. He extended a hand and pushed open the heavy wooden door.

A soft halo of light spilled forth from within.

Lia instinctively narrowed her eyes. Inside was a magnificent circular hall. Above, the soaring dome displayed a magical firmament depicting the trajectories of stars, their movements distinct and clear.

Twelve colossal pillars, each carved with the totems of different magical factions, stood like silent giants, supporting this space that symbolized immense power.

In the center of the hall, around a massive black circular table, seven or eight figures were already seated. Each figure was enveloped in a hazy glow of magical energy, their faces obscured.

Yet, the profound and unfathomable aura emanating from them pressed down on Lia’s heart like a physical weight, almost stealing her breath.

Without exception, these individuals were all top-tier members of the Magic Association’s Supreme Council—beings who stood at the pinnacle of power in this kingdom. Klein took a subtle step forward, shielding Lia behind him.

“Everyone is here. Let us begin,” an aged voice resonated from the far end of the round table.

Horace cleared his throat, then, holding Lia’s hand, guided her to the center of the circular table, facing all present.

“Esteemed members,”

His voice echoed through the vast hall, carrying an undeniable gravitas.

“Regarding Ms. Lia Farrien’s contributions to the entire magical world over this period, I believe there is no need for me to elaborate.

From the laws of motion to calculus, from universal gravitation to the periodic table, and now, the electromagnetic effect which has overturned the very foundations of both the lightning and magnetic schools of magic—each of her discoveries is sufficient to usher in a new era.”

Horace paused, his gaze sharp and penetrating as he swept over every council member present.

“We have witnessed the collapse of the old era and the dawn of a new one. But at the same time, we have also seen the sharp edge of truth, capable of making those who cling to stagnation pay with their lives.”

His tone grew incredibly solemn.

“To protect the spark of truth, and to acknowledge Ms. Lia Farrien’s immeasurable achievements, the Supreme Council, after an overnight discussion, has made the following resolutions.”

The entire hall was so silent that a pin drop would have been audible. Lia’s heart pounded violently in her chest, and she could sense a subtle tension in Klein’s body beside her.

Horace looked at Lia, his eyes shining with an unprecedented solemnity.

“The first resolution!”

“Given Ms. Lia Farrien’s extraordinary comprehension in magical theory, and the world rule resonance she has gained by expounding truth, her magical and mental power have far surpassed her peers.

By unanimous decision of the Council, she is hereby exceptionally granted the rank of a Three-Ring Official Mage!”

Three Rings!

Lia’s pupils contracted sharply. She had been in the royal capital for barely a year, rising from a complete novice to a Three-Ring Mage—a status that commanded respect in any city! Yet, this was merely the beginning.

“The second resolution!”

Horace’s voice suddenly rose, imbued with an uncontrollable excitement and exhilaration.

“Considering that Ms. Lia Farrien’s contributions have far exceeded the honor that a Three-Ring rank can bear, the Council has decided to establish a brand-new, unique identity for her!”

He took a deep breath, each word like a clap of thunder, resounding through the hall.

“Effective immediately, Lia Farrien shall be bestowed the title of ‘Special Honorary Mage of the Magic Association’! This title will grant her all the privileges and treatment equivalent to a ‘Seven-Ring Archmage’!”

Boom!

Seven-Ring Archmage? These two words crashed into her mind, instantly generating a roar that scattered all other thoughts.

What did that even mean? In this world, the class hierarchy of mages was incredibly strict.

One to Three Rings constituted the basic tier, Four to Six Rings the intermediate tier.

But once one crossed into Seven Rings, they were honored with the title of “Archmage.”

A Seven-Ring Archmage meant owning a mage tower, possessing the authority to mobilize regional resources, and holding a status that required no bowing before the nobility of the royal capital.

Below Seven Rings, all were but ants. And now, she, a nominal Three-Ring Mage, was being granted the status and power of a Seven-Ring Archmage.

This meant that from today onward, any conspiracy or assassination attempt against her would be tantamount to provoking the dignity of a Seven-Ring Archmage!

Those apprentices who harbored resentment over their master’s death, those old factions who viewed her as a heretic and a devil’s lackey… before they acted, they would first have to weigh whether they could withstand the thunderous wrath of a “Seven-Ring Archmage” and the entire Magic Association behind them!

Just as Lia was stunned and lost in thought by this sudden news, an elder of the Council rose from his seat. In his hands, he carried a tray covered with purple-gold silk, walking slowly toward Lia.

“Ms. Farrien.”

He unveiled the silk, revealing a brand-new badge resting quietly on the tray. The badge was crafted from mithril, hexagonal in shape, with three shimmering blue gemstones embedded in its center, representing the Three-Ring Mage rank.

What distinguished it from ordinary badges, however, was a circlet of pure gold olive branches encircling its outer edge. This circlet of olive branches was the unique insignia of a “Special Honorary Mage.”

“From today onward, this will be your proof of identity,” the elder’s voice was gentle yet undeniable.

“It will unlock the association’s treasury of all Seven-Ring privileges for you, bringing you endless resources, but at the same time, it also represents responsibility.”

Lia snapped back to reality. She extended a slightly trembling hand and took the weighty badge. The cold metallic touch brought clarity back to her muddled thoughts.

She lifted her head, her gaze sweeping past the elder before her, across the profound eyes of those seated around the circular table, finally settling on Klein’s profile beside her.

He remained expressionless, but in his deep blue eyes, her reflection, holding the badge, was mirrored—as if harboring a star sea that no one could perceive.

“Lia Farrien accepts the Association’s resolution.” She gripped the badge tightly in her palm and bowed deeply to the circular table. After a brief period of encouragement and conversation, the ceremony quickly concluded, and Horace led them back the way they came.

Even after re-entering the book-filled room, Lia’s emotions remained turbulent.

“Well? Was that surprise big enough?” Horace had returned to his usual self, winking at Lia.

Lia looked at the badge in her hand, solemnly thanking him. “Master Horace, thank you.”

“Thank me for what? You earned all of this yourself,” Horace waved a hand, then lowered his voice, leaning in close to her ear.

“But you must be careful. Those old geezers aren’t to be trifled with. They’ve given you such great benefits; you’ll have debts to repay in certain areas later on.”

A chill ran down Lia’s spine, and she nodded. She understood, of course, that there was no such thing as a free lunch.

Behind this protection lay the entire Magic Association’s investment and expectation for her future achievements. As Klein activated the teleportation array to return to their own mage tower, he suddenly spoke, his voice low.

“The badge suits you well.”

Lia paused, looking up, only to catch a fleeting curve at the corner of his mouth and a pair of blue eyes even deeper than usual.

Klein raised his hand, seemingly intending to do something, but in the end, he merely made a dismissive gesture over her head, leaving her with a meaningful look.

“But don’t forget, it’s merely an external object.” With that, he turned and ascended the stairs with steady steps, leaving the entire space to Lia alone.

Lia stood rooted to the spot, slowly opening her palm. The mithril badge, engraved with golden olive branches, glowed with a pleasing luminescence in the dim secret room.