Youve returned, Joshua?

Yes, mother, I have returned. Joshua grinned from ear to ear as Lucia greeted him with a warm smile. There was nothing hed missed more than this, and the memory was excruciating every time. Even now, as he gazed at his mother, it seemed like a dream.

I will protect you this time.

Thank you, Sir Cain, for looking after my needy son. Lucia gracefully bowed her head.

Oh no, Lady Lucia. Cain scratched his head, flustered, and waved his hand. Rather, I am eternally grateful to the Young Master for allowing me to serve him. Lucia gave him a dubious look. It may be a little rude of me to say so, but my Lady has a great son.

Oh! Lucia beamed. She was so preoccupied with her work at the Dukes mansions that Lucia didnt pay much attention to Joshua. As a mother, she felt bad for her sonbut it seemed that Joshua had blossomed into a great young man. Who wouldnt be proud?

Lucia strode towards the kitchen with an undisguisable bounce to her step. Have you two eaten? Its been a long time since Ive had the opportunity to demonstrate my skills.

Lady Lucia! My wordTheres a maid. You should utilize the staff the Duke gave

Joshua stopped Cain with a raised hand and a tiny shake of his head. I hate to say it, but my mother is a fantastic cook; her lamb soup, in particular, is Joshua took a deep breath and shot Cain a thumbs-up. Its something to look forward to.

Cain watched Lucia disappear into the kitchen. That aside I have a question. That ringdoes it contain the heritage of the Orbis family? Does it have any unique powers? It appears completely ordinary.

A unique object has to be reawakened in a unique way. Joshua held the ring up. Right now, its just sealed.

Just then, as if responding to Joshuas comments, the ring floated upwards and shook the air. Its outer surface peeled away, allowing strangely-shaped characters to emerge.

Runes?! Are these runes?! How does the young master know about the runes? They should be the sole knowledge of powerful wizards!

A rune was more than just a character; each rune possessed a unique ability on its own, which could not be acquired simply by copying their appearance. Only high-ranking wizards of at least Fifth-Class, calculating complex mathematics formulae, could make a real rune appear.

And Joshua was casually reciting them

Is he truly a magic swordsman? Cains astonishment swelled.

Joshua felt like dying. I was ready, but He bit his lip, eyes darting from place to place with intense focus.

Contrary to Cains belief, the runes didnt fall from his lips so lightly. These runes were not the same as those used by the wizardsif any of them saw this, their eyes would roll backwards and pass out. This was an ancient rune language.

This is the last one.

. Joshua spat out the final rune.

A swarm of pure white lights exploded forth as the resonating air reached a crescendo, engulfing their surroundings in a blinding light.

In the very center of Igrant, a marvelous, pure ivory tower stretched into the sky, buttressed by skyscrapers on three sides. This was the holy land of wizards, the Magic Tower.

At the top of the Tower was a large round table with exactly seven chairs around itthe meeting spot of the seven highest-ranking wizards in the Tower, known as the Seven Magicians. They gathered at this table to handle the Towers most critical issues.

The meetings were a rare occurrence, given the strongly individualistic impulses of the busy wizards. However, they were gathered now, for the first time in a very long time.

An old, crooked man with a bent back sat at the tables highest point. His long white robe draped over his wizened body, and his long beard fell all the way to his frail chest. At first glance, he looked too weak to even move himself.

But no one on the continent could ignore him. He was, without a doubt, first among the Seven Magicians. After all, he was the leader of the Seven, Ian Teon Murray.

Ians immaculate gray eyes darted around the table. The Red Flame, Thunderstorm, and Voids seats are empty Whats going on with these empty seats I see?

A middle-aged man on Ians left with an unruly, haphazard beard responded with a heavy voice. As you are aware, Red Flame and Void are always out of reach. Even if we could reach them, its difficult to make them come here. The Thunderstorm, however, I believe, left for the capital yesterday. I also believe he sends his greetings to everyone here.

Tsk. Ian clicked his tongue in displeasure. This is the start of our twenty-seventh regular meeting. Despite the fact that there are only four of us, the meeting cannot be postponed. There is an agenda item on the schedule: the conferences main agenda is the Primordial Stone.

The man on the left remained expressionless, but the other two peoples bored expressions roused with interest.

A man in his early thirties opened his mouth. Why are we talking about this again?

...Be courteous, Storm. This is a plenary session.

Yes sir Will do, old man Earth. Storm pouted his lips.

This is a rarity, Ian said. The one who doesnt even show his nose is here.

Well said, my LordI mean, as the High Magician said, we have an issue to solve. I believe I heard a rumor that the Magma has vanished.

Not only has the Magma vanished, so has Bronto.

What The young mans eyes widened. Do you have any other information?

An attractive middle-aged woman spoke up for the first time. She had pure white hair and blue eyes like a lake, befitting the owner of the Frozen Seat. Only the Magicians Tower has access to information on the Primordial Stones A leak would be a serious issue, wouldnt it?

Its exactly as you say, Ian replied. Although there is some information regarding the individual who took the Magma, it is unknown whether Bronto truly rose into the sky or was returned to the ground.

That Thunderstorm guy left suddenly, the young man mused. Does he have anything to do with this, or is he just trying to find out more?

Its not that there isnt any information, replied Earth, the middle-aged man. Im not sure if it has anything to do with Bronto, but there was another odd bit of information.

What is it?

There are rumors that a magical swordsman appeared near Brontos location.

Oh, a magical swordsman? The young man licked his lips.

What do you mean?! The woman kicked her chair aside and leapt to her feet. Did he show up?

Unfortunately, it isnt him. This time, the magical swordsman Earth spoke in hushed tones. They say hes only nine years old this year.

Whawhat?

Oh my god

...There is no definitive information, Ian said. But, did I mention that Bronto was discovered in the Avalon Empire?

Yes.

Marcus, keep an eye on Magma. Ask Thunderstorm to help, if you want. Even if Magma was discovered, theres little we could do about it.

Thats fine. MarcusEarthnodded his head.

And Theta, I say this because youre still young: dont be conceited. People wont merely pass by if you make a mistake in your haste, no matter how great you are. I know this from experience.

Do you think Im causing accidents every day? Theta, the Storm, pouted.

Frozen shouted excitedly, Could it be his descendant? I cant imagine a lifetime without a magical swordsman!

Really Ian sighed. I think youre jumping to conclusions.

Theres no denying that hes his descendant, but its more likely that theyre unrelated.

The womans head snapped around to face Marcus. Why?

According to the rumors, its the son of Duke Aden von Agnus.

A flash of surprise cut through the womans dazed expression. If its Aden von Agnus, perhaps

Ian slammed his fist against the table and swept his eyes over the Magicians. At this point, nothing is certain. Please keep an eye on the situation and refrain from taking rash actions.

All right.

Everyone, get out of here.

With Ians abrupt ending, the three stood up and walked out, leaving Ian alone at the pinnacle of the Tower.

The world is changing at a breakneck pace. Whether this is good or bad remains to be seen