Aureus paced the room as he stated his evaluation that in order to unite the outer realm, having the strength to overcome a 4 starred force is a necessity. He continued that the situation may change after the beast tide attacks hence all powers are forced to be passive for the time being. It is a good time for preparation.

Aureus came to a stop and announced his intentions of recruiting the Direwolf tribe of the Arctine ranges.

“Highness, why the Direwolf tribe? With the core refiner, we could recruit even stronger spirit beast tribes to our banner.” Johan asked.

Aureus answered that the Direwolf tribe is compatible with Everdawn‘s current situation and the potential resources in the Arctine ranges due to the banning of human expansion in the ranges by the Arctine tribes.

Aureus then cupped his chin as he further mused that the Direwolf tribe is a good first recruit. Should an overlord tribe submit to his banners why would lesser tribes object? After all, the Logi Dominion has built a part of their strength based on their numerous connections with the spirit beast tribes of the Inner realm.

Johan and Tarin were nodding as Aureus explained.

“I shall go after the lowest hanging fruit then, I propose we monopolize the monster core trading in Everdawn.” Johan said. Johan then went on further and said he has a lead by the name of Brandon. An up and comer trader dealing in high end monster cores.

“Brandon? One year ago?” Aureus seemed surprised.

“Someone you know, Highness?”

“Probably not, Brandon is a common enough name. I was thinking of another Brandon I know.”

“I understand that this will be trying upon us all with our already ongoing duties. Nevertheless, I expect full effort from all of you. Dismissed.”

Tarin, Johan and Edward all cupped their fists towards Aureus before leaving the study.

—

4 Starred forces, hmm. Edward was pondering as he decided to head to The Dancing Boar.

Separating and eliminating enemies individually is the basics of the basics in war. I wonder is it possible in this case for the other two powers in the outer realm.

Ahh well, I wonder what is the menu on The Dancing Boar today. I hope their roasted boar meat in on today.

As Edward entered The Dancing Boar, he noticed that the taproom was filled to the brim with off-duty mercenaries.

Excellent, looks like I will be able to hear some rumors and eat boar meat at the same time.

Edward saw an empty single table beside a couple’s table.

Edward sat down and ordered a portion of boar meat and a mug of the strongest ale the inn had.

Edward glanced at the couple beside him and noticed that the lady sitting beside him was red-haired and seemed possessed of a fiery demeanor.

A man with indigo pupils sitting opposite looked fit and erudite. Both wore mage apparel with a small silver mercenary emblem on the cuffs.

B rank mercenaries.

I wonder who the top dog in this relationship is. Edward idly wondered as he waited for his food and drink.

—

“Caine, on the topic of home, I was wondering why did you leave such a comfortable place as the MagiTech Institute golem artificing branch?”

“Heard it is literally a paradise for people who can craft golems over there.” The red-haired lady asked as they wolfed down on the boar meat.

“I have a dream I wish to achieve no matter what,” Caine replied as his eyes glimmered.

“Do share,” The red-haired lady looked intrigued.

“I wish to elevate the Golem magic branch into being considered as a primary magic branch.”

“Huh??? That is impossible. It has been agreed that the Golem magic branch are already near maxing their potential already.”

“Just because many people agree on a single thing, it doesn’t make that particular thing a truth, does it?”

“Alright, I am interested. What are your plans?”

“There are various plans but first, I wish to be a strategical class Magi before the gates reopen.”

“That isn’t a class that one can achieve just because one wishes though. Even with my aptitude and skillset, I am classed as a tactical class asset with a low probability of developing into a strategic asset.”

“It is not as if the order does the assessment to spite the mages. They too wish for more strategical class magi to appear throughout the three realms.”

“I am not looking down on you Caine, just that with your aether core rating, that might not be realistic even with your bloodline ability. In my lifetime at the Magi Order, I never heard of even a mage below an aether core rating of 9 ever becoming a strategic class asset. With yours, it may be far wiser to aim for tactical class. As long as your aether core continues growing in your first century, I am sure you would have no problem becoming a tactical class mage.”

“Don’t get me wrong , the resources that I would be able to access as a strategical class magi is welcome indeed. Even without them, I still intend on elevating the Golem magi branch. If I am able to achieve that, I am quite sure that I will be classed as a strategical asset, regardless.”

“That is true.”

“It is my belief that one day, Golems will be able to rule the battlefield through their presence alone and affect the strategic picture of a power. When that day arrives, the Golem magi branch becoming regarded as a primary magic branch is not far off.”

The red-haired lady looked half admiring and half exasperated as Caine related his ambition.

“O great Golem Mage, please do not forget about your fellow poor little fire mage at that point in time. I may need your great protection when that day arrives.” The red-haired lady was adopting a servile manner as she made her request.

“Please, I will be happy enough if you do not incinerate me with an ill-aimed fireball on accident during our next job, Tif” Caine did not even bat his eyes as he retorted.

Tif instantly straightened “Come on, it was just a small mistake that one time. You dodged it with ease. No harm, no foul.”

“You came close to ending the brightest prospect of the Golem magi branch that day. Such potential greatness, gone in a fireball. What a waste it would have been.” Caine said as he shuddered.

“I wish more mages in the Magi Order had your attitude and perspective on aether cores not being the end all and be all of a mage’s potential. There is such a huge emphasis on aether core rating back home, one would believe that the rating would determine your life as a mage.”

Caine‘s expression clouded over as Tif went on.

Catching his change in expression, Tif seemed to realize something.

“Sorry, I must have brought up some bad memories. It couldn’t have been easy for you with your rating to be hanging out with the mages.”

Caine laughed and replied in a carefree manner “Not at all, I cannot remember anything at all. I can only recall I had plenty of great friends and mentors at the Golem Artificing Branch.”

“This boar meat and mashed potatoes is delicious, no wonder this establishment is the top pick for all the mercenaries in Everdawn city. Man, I am so tempted to go for a second helping!” Tif appeared torn in two about whether to order another portion or not.

As the magi duo left the inn, Edward was pondering over what he overheard.

Appearances are deceiving. The top dog was not who I expected it to be.

Edward laughed and chided himself before continue digging into his meal.

From what I understand, Golems are considered an auxiliary force in combat.

They have a greater role in small scale conflicts due to various factors.

It is more regarded as a form of entertainment than a serious branch of magic as there is a Golem championships in the core realm?

Yet that lad’s ambition is to elevate the Golem magic branch into being regarded as a Primary magic branch?

My understanding of Aether magic is rather shallow but even so , to a layman like me, it sounds ludicrous.

Golems will one day rule the battlefield through their presence…that sounds interesting though.

I wonder what is that autonomous Golem program that Johan mentioned. I should ask him in greater detail when I meet him again later.

Draining the remainder of the mug in one gulp, Edward burped before leaving the inn.