Chapter 312 - 145: Sorry, I Refuse
Monitoring...
’It seems the monitoring only triggers an alert upon promotion. I wonder if it will pop up at other times in the future.’
Wei’en made a mental note of it. Once his runology level was high enough, he would try to study the runic structure and function of the Meditation Technique.
"BUZZ... BUZZ..."
Hearing the sound, Wei’en rose and stood before the communicator.
Soon, the golden patterns on the black trophy flickered with flowing light, and red dots could be faintly seen glowing within it.
’Hidden nodes?’
’Looks like this communicator has runes to prevent others from dismantling and studying it.’
Then, two figures in black robes—let’s call them "people" for now, both Wizards—appeared, flanking the trophy.
One was rather short and wore a hood. Based on the exposed part of his chin, Wei’en could tell he was likely an Undead Mage, a common sight in the Ghost Soul School.
The other was taller, but his face, no matter how you looked at it, was the head of a wolf...
’Uh, a Werewolf Mage?’
’Or a Wizard from the Blood Spirit School who has undergone flesh-and-blood modification?’
Moreover, their images weren’t as illusory as those on a normal communicator. Wei’en could even faintly sense a dangerous aura emanating from the two of them.
It was a suppression that seemed to stem from the very level of Origin, making him subconsciously want to lower his head.
’Origin?’
Wei’en secretly used his innate talent, converting his toughness level into Origin Power. His Origin Power instantly shot up from 337 to 500, which was just enough to dispel the strange sense of oppression.
’A Wizard’s Origin Power has this kind of effect?’
’Or is it that only Origin Power from the same source has this kind of oppressive ability?’
"Good afternoon, esteemed Great Mages. I am Wei’en Loft."
After meeting their gazes for a few moments, Wei’en performed a respectful Wizard’s salute. Until he understood their purpose, he intended to remain polite.
"Good afternoon, Wei’en Mage."
The short Skeleton Mage’s voice sounded like grinding bones, with a hint of splintering fragments. "I am the dean of the Feng Enliso Research Center, Josue Sexton. You may call me Dean Josue."
"Amidich Fried," the other wolf-headed Wizard said, his voice deep and tinged with a cold indifference, as if he were very reluctant to be meeting with Wei’en.
"Understood, Dean Josue, Director Amidich."
Wei’en calmly raised his head, looking the two Great Mages directly in the eye as he silently waited for them to speak.
"Director Amidich, I told you a Wizard as exceptionally talented as Wei’en Mage wouldn’t be intimidated by you," Dean Josue chuckled.
"Dean Josue, please don’t waste my time or yours. As I understand it, your research isn’t proceeding smoothly."
"Oh?" The red light in Dean Josue’s skeletal eye sockets flickered. "It seems Director Amidich is not very satisfied with our Research Center’s progress?"
"My apologies, but that is the truth." Amidich gave a slight bow, though his tone held no apology whatsoever.
"Heh heh... Director Amidich, I will pay you a visit at the Ice Castle later."
"I’ll be waiting."
Director Amidich’s tone was still stiff, but his words would have been more convincing if his wolf head hadn’t twitched and bared its fangs.
A flicker of amusement crossed Wei’en’s eyes. ’Are these two about to start fighting right now?’
"Alright, that’s enough of that," Dean Josue said, turning to Wei’en. "My apologies, Wei’en Mage. Thank you for your patience."
"It’s no problem."
’If he hadn’t spoken up, I would’ve been perfectly happy to watch them fight. That would have been quite a show.’
"First of all, congratulations on your promotion to Official Mage. I trust you’ve already seen the rewards issued by the administration."
Wei’en nodded without a word, waiting for him to continue.
"I hope those little trinkets, worthless as they are, might have brightened your mood. After all, what just happened in Caster... was quite splendid."
’Splendid?’
’Just what I’d expect from the Ghost Soul School. They never disappoint.’
Dean Josue let out a few clattering laughs. "I’m actually here to convey the Ghost Soul School’s official commendation..."
Wei’en asked, surprised, "A commendation?"
"That’s right! It’s a commendation for the bravery you displayed during the Caster incident, as well as for the knowledge you demonstrated through the many innovative spells you used in combat."
Now Wei’en was genuinely surprised by the Ghost Soul School’s methods.
Ordinarily, even if the school wasn’t going to be overly harsh, he would have expected a warning at the very least.
After all, not only had he drawn the full hatred of the Vasquez People, but he had also managed to get the Dawn Church to issue a warrant for his arrest. Surely that must have had some repercussions for the Ghost Soul School.
But he never expected them to ignore all of that and instead praise his "bravery" and "knowledge of Magic"...
’Yes, that’s the Ghost Soul School for you.’
"And that’s not all," Dean Josue paused, glancing at Amidich with a strange laugh. "Director Amidich here will also be expressing his gratitude for your special contribution to the Intelligence Department."
’Special contribution... Another term that fits the Ghost Soul School’s style perfectly.’
Director Amidich took over, stating coldly, "Due to your performance in this incident, applications to the Intelligence Department’s various stations have increased by thirty percent. For this, we are bestowing upon you the title of ’Outstanding Intelligence Officer.’"
Wei’en raised an eyebrow. ’Did I hear that right?’
’The title of "Outstanding Intelligence Officer?"’
’What the hell am I supposed to do with that?!’
"That’s it?" Even Dean Josue seemed a bit dumbfounded, unable to stop himself from asking.
"You will also be rewarded with five hundred gold pounds and five opportunities to obtain intelligence from the Intelligence Department for free." After speaking, Director Amidich shot a pointed look at Josue and spat out two words: "That’s it."