My Magic Has No Upper Limit

He gestured for them to follow and led the way.

The Marcus Squad followed Sangmik the butler to the most luxurious building in the estate.

Sangmik the butler pushed open the heavy oak doors to the reception hall.

A warm fragrance, a mixture of burning pine and old scrolls, washed over them.

Inside stood a long conference table crafted from a single slab of polished black granite, flanked by seven high-backed chairs on each side.

A great fire roared in the massive stone hearth, filling the room with warmth and bright light.

At the head of the long table, a man sat silhouetted against the light of the fireplace.

Vance Wenmir, the current Patriarch of the Wenmier Clan.

He had dark brown hair, chiseled features, and a high-bridged nose.

"Lord Vance, these are the Adventurers who have accepted the commission," Sangmik the butler said respectfully.

Vance gave a soft grunt, his gaze sweeping over each of them in turn.

"Welcome. I trust you are all clear on the specific objectives of the mission?"

"Yes."

Marcus bowed slightly. "We are to eliminate the Demons in the ruins of Rose Castle and restore peace to the grounds."

"This mission is important... very, very important."

Patriarch Vance planted his hands on the table and rose to his feet.

He didn’t walk toward them. Instead, he slowly paced to the hearth, his gaze drifting to the sword hanging above the mantel.

It had a sharkskin scabbard, a gilded crossguard, and a large ruby embedded in its pommel.

It was, without a doubt, an exceptionally ornate sword.

"This is the heirloom sword of our clan, passed down through generations."

Vance’s voice was deep and low.

"Centuries ago, an ancestral Patriarch wielded this very sword to slay our enemies and purge the land of bandits, winning us the status and honor we hold today."

"I’m not a man who minces words, and I have nothing to hide from you. I imagine you’re aware that the Wenmier Clan has experienced a period of decline."

Vance turned, his gaze sharp.

"For as long as I can remember, I lived in Rose Castle. It had a courtyard large enough to ride a horse in, hundreds of rooms, and gardens that stretched as far as the eye could see."

"But then, due to the incompetence of my father’s generation, we were forced to move out."

"Though people still show me respect to my face, calling me ’my lord,’ I know they’ve always whispered behind my back about the Wenmier Clan’s failures and downfall. I’ve always known..."

"Rose Castle is more than just a childhood memory to me. It represents the honor and dignity of our clan."

Patriarch Vance’s hands slowly clenched into fists, his voice ringing with conviction.

"Now that I am in control of this clan, this is my one chance to restore our glory. I will not allow this decline to continue."

"Therefore, I need your help."

Vance finally looked at the squad, his tone turning earnest.

"Please, help me reclaim this first cornerstone of our family’s legacy. You will earn not only your payment, but the friendship of the Wenmier Clan as well!"

"We understand, Lord Vance. We will do everything in our power." Marcus, seemingly moved by Vance’s passion, spoke with a new solemnity.

"Good."

Patriarch Wenmir nodded. "The disturbances occur at night. For now, get some rest. You will head out this evening."

"As for the Ancient Castle’s precise location and situation, Sangmik the butler will brief you on the details."

After leaving the hall, Sangmik the butler led the group to a side chamber.

An old, yellowed parchment scroll was slowly unrolled across a wide table.

A magnificent complex of buildings was depicted on it in fine, detailed strokes.

"If you would all please look, this is a map of Rose Castle’s interior layout," Sangmik said.

"Jeez... it’s huge..." Maki muttered.

Even as just a drawing, the grandeur of Rose Castle was apparent.

After crossing the outermost moat, one must first pass over a drawbridge.

Then, one arrives at a small, forward arched hall known as the "Outpost Courtyard."

After passing through the arched hall, at the far end of the courtyard, lies a massive stone bridge spanning a deep trench.

Only after crossing the stone bridge does one truly reach the main structure of Rose Castle, which is also the largest and most complex area.

’Looks like the Wenmier Clan’s ancestors were really loaded...’ Gray couldn’t help but think.

Sangmik’s finger moved across the parchment.

"As per the Patriarch’s instructions, to ensure no threats are missed, your sweep will begin at the outer section, the Outpost Courtyard."

"You can follow this old patrol route straight ahead. First, clear any potential threats inside the arched hall, then cross the stone bridge."

"When you reach Rose Castle, do not use the main gate. There is a small path built along the outer wall of the Ancient Castle that spirals upward, leading directly to the top of the tower."

"Once you reach the top of the tower, enter the Ancient Castle through the entrance there and sweep your way down from the top floor."

"And finally... the Underground Tomb."

Sangmik lowered his voice.

"That is your ultimate destination."

"Many generations of Wenmier Clan Patriarchs are buried in the Underground Tomb. Given its age, the cold, sinister aura there has very likely attracted Undead Demons."

"Please, be sure to search the Underground Tomb thoroughly and grant peace to the noble spirits of the Wenmier Clan."

"Understood," the squad members all nodded.

"As Lord Vance said, the mission will begin at night."

Sangmik the butler walked to the door and gave them a slight bow.

"Until then, please rest well. We will prepare guest rooms and food for you."

After Sangmik the butler left, Gray let out a long sigh.

"Seems this mission is a bit more complicated than I expected. I thought we’d just be dealing with some Skeleton Soldiers or Evil Remains."

"They’re Nobility, not idiots. An extra Thirty Gold Coins has to be earned," Maki said.

"Alright, let’s get some rest then," Marcus said. "Get something to eat, take a nap. We’ll regroup at dusk."

...

As the sun began to set, a carriage stood ready at the entrance of the Wenmier Mansion.

The Marcus Squad was rested and ready. Everyone had taken a short nap around noon, and their Spirits were now high.

The meal provided by the Wenmier Clan had also been plentiful and delicious.

Now, they were fully armed. Everyone except Zelir was clad in proper Armor; even Valles wore a suit of Leather Armor for protection.

"Well then, I wish you all a successful mission and a triumphant return."

As they were about to board the carriage, Patriarch Vance himself came to the entrance to see them off.

With a crack of the whip and a shout from the driver, the carriage began to roll toward the deepening twilight of the countryside.

About an hour or two later, the carriage arrived at its destination: the desolate outskirts of Rose Castle.

By now, the sky had grown completely dark.

A bright, full moon peeked out from behind the clouds, casting down a cold, silvery light.