‘Hold on a second, sub-faction? There is no such thing in Warzone… Well, faction creation didn’t exist too but I ended up making one, is the game elements changing? There is also no buttons for yes or no, it doesn’t seem like something that could be handled with a push of a button anyway.’ Connor thought, although there were no buttons, he referred them as one.

“Old man, before that… I have a question.” Connor said.

‘I wonder what kind of a place that Exiled Isles he said because for sure I don’t want to be someone else’s lackey. Especially with the system acting in a way it shouldn’t have.’

“What is The Exiled Isles you mentioned?”

Aldren froze for a second. This kid did not know about The Exiled Isles, not to mention he had offered him to join Special Division which most mages in the kingdom would love to. The division had very experienced mages to help them train on top of being given a lot of funds for their research and gear, but this youth in front of him had asked about The Exiled Isles instead of accepting his offer.

‘I need to make sure they join us.’ Aldren thought, he wanted to exaggerate most details about the isles to scare him.

“On the barren lands of the far west, no nation or kingdom rules there, some people even call it ‘The Forbidden Lands’ rumours say that no nation can flourish as the ground is so infertile, but there is a place called The Exiled Isles there. It is managed by several organizations that are backed by the four kingdoms. Although the area is supposed to be neutral, there are many underground organizations pulling the strings. Behind the city of Carcer are tens… if not hundreds of islands. The city itself is rotten to its core, starvation and crime are normal things, being mugged while walking or even killed while walking is a normal occurrence in Carcer. The islands are not any better, filled with more detestable beings, not even worthy of being called human. The smell in the region is filled with pure death.” Aldren spoke in an eerie voice. Although he didn’t see Carcer or the Exiled Isles himself before, he had heard some of the stories from the other mages, soldiers and nobles who had visited that place.

‘Killing is a normal occurrence in Carcer? Death is in the air? You can kill and get away with it? Filled with prisoners who are there for doing nasty stuff?’ Connor thought as he rubbed his hands.

Connor wore a huge smile, put his left hand behind his back, on his waist and slightly put his right arm in front of his chest in a horizontal manner before bowing towards Aldren.

“Oh great Archmage, this useless, detestable one would like to be sent to The Exiled Isles.” Connor had finally said it.

‘Old man, you are literally sending me to the place I would love to go. I must thank you for giving me the best farming spot in the whole continent. Hell, I will be even doing a good deed by ensuring none of those people ever manage to get out of Carcer.’ Connor was grinning as he thought of the amount of reputation points he could get by just spending a day there.

Aldren and Elicia was shocked. While Miles had an expressionless face, he was ready to follow Connor anywhere.

Connor quickly stood up straight and stopped bowing as he looked at Aldren right in the eye.

“Oh great Lord Archmage, I have chosen my path. I will not join you.” Connor repeated himself.

Aldren and Elicia were both in a stupor. It took them quite a while to regain their consciousness. Elicia didn’t speak a word while Aldren stuttered while asking.

“Ar-ar-are you sure? It’s a very, very, extremely dangerous place.” Aldren retaliated. He wasn't angry because his offer was rejected he was rather shocked greatly.

“Yes, I am sure. I would like to have my punishment in Carcer or the islands. Any of them are okay.” Connor replied.

Aldren didn’t continue the debate, he could feel that Connor was firm on his choice. On top of that, there was a way he could observe Connor’s real strength. His lips twitched upwards for a split second.

“If that is your choice, what about you, Mister Miles?” Aldren asked Miles.

“I only listen to my commanding officer, sir. And you are definitely not my commanding officer.” Miles rebutted. Slightly bowing his head for a second.

Aldren was bewildered at the level of loyalty he had for Connor. He was literally willing to die for him!

“So be it. I wish you good luck.” Aldren said in an honest manner. But in his mind, he had other plans for them. He would definitely let them go to the Exiled Isles, although it was some extra work. He had to talk with several people to guarantee their ‘sentence’.

Aldren waved his hand toward Elicia and they quickly left the cell room.

“Well, that was easy.” Connor said to Miles.

To make sure the guard doesn’t hear it, Miles approached Connor and leaned towards his ear to whisper.

“Commander, why are we going to such place?” Miles asked with a very silent tone. Connor with a grin on his face, answered. “Miles, do you remember when I said we can’t make an enemy out of a kingdom, yet?”

Miles nodded in response.

Connor continued. “But what if it was not a kingdom? And was some random organization?”

Miles’ eyes widened.

….

Inside the carriage located outside the garrison

Elicia spoke up after several minutes of silence. “Master, why did you attempt to recruit them into our division? They don’t even have the tiniest amount of magic in their bodies.” she asked.

Aldren laughed. “They might not have magic, but the reports say otherwise. In any case, I wanted to test them out in the Special Division, see if we can get any information out of them. I didn’t expect to be rejected almost immediately. Those two must be crazy to be wanting to head to Carcer.” he stroked his beard.

“Elicia, I want you to head out on a mission.” Aldren said sternly.

“I am all ears, master.” Elicia replied.

“Head to Carcer, watch over those two and observe their powers. Make sure to keep a note of everything. Also, try to get them back here in one piece if anything occurs.” Aldren spoke.

“But... Carcer... “ Elicia trembled slightly, although she was a mage who could defend herself from some petty thugs, the thought of heading to the wrecked city filled with ‘beasts’ was not something she would like to have.

Aldren gave her a solemn look in the eye.

“Understood, master. I’ll head to Carcer with them.” Elicia said.