The Magic That Conjured a Field of Flowers (Part 1)

[Äußerst]

As the magnificent golden doors of the Palace were pushed open, a woman with long golden hair and an indifferent expression slowly walked in.

She wasn't very tall; by modern standards, she could even be categorized as a loli (a small, cute girl).

Yet, she exuded an indescribable aura of authority over everyone who looked at her—an aura of superiority that commanded respect without anger, sharp brilliance, and an inherent sense of oppression, making it impossible for anyone to harbor any rebellious thoughts.

Besides her unique, icy demeanor, what's most striking about her is undoubtedly her pair of long, pointed ears, a symbol of the Elf.

Teacher, you're back.

Apart from an elderly man with white hair, there was no one else in the main hall.

The entire hall contained only a magnificent chair at the end of the red carpet; apart from that, there was very little other interior decoration, making the space seem particularly spacious yet subtly revealing a sense of loneliness.

"Um."

The woman simply responded with a curt "yes," her nonchalant reaction suggesting she was already accustomed to others' respect.

The old man who had bowed didn't seem to care about the woman's lukewarm reaction. After she walked past him toward the chair, he straightened up and followed about ten steps behind her.

If the old man were a seasoned Mage, he might even be surprised to find that he could sense a faint Mana fluctuation emanating from the exquisitely crafted robes he wore.

Because it was a specially made robe imbued with various [defense] and [enhancement] spells, it was highly prized throughout [Äußerst].

There are probably no more than five people who can wear this precious piece that embodies the craftsman's painstaking efforts, and the old man in front of me is one of them.

On his chest was a very conspicuous gem, a medal that only outstanding mages recognized by the empire could receive.

The woman whom this old man had just addressed as his teacher was none other than Serie, the world's most powerful Mage.

"Teacher, did you come back this time because you already have thoughts about that matter?"

Seeing Serie casually sit down on the chair, cross her legs, and then look at him thoughtfully, the old man stepped forward, knelt on one knee in front of the chair, placed his right hand on his chest, raised his head, and asked.

Although he was old, his eyes still shone brightly, and he made no attempt to hide his admiration for Serie.

Just like every disciple she taught.

"Well, I've already roughly planned out all the preparations and arrangements for establishing the [Continental Magic Association]. Right now, all I need is support from the Empire... no, even without their support, it won't have much of an impact."

Are you really alright?

Hearing Serie say this, a hint of worry appeared in the old man's eyes.

"If the Empire's attitude towards your founding of the [Continental Magic Association] is one of rejection, it's hard to guarantee they won't try to obstruct it, and they might even harm you."

"They reject us? So what?"

Serie gave a soft snort, propped her cheek with one hand, and turned her head to look at the disciple kneeling in front of her.

"Foolish disciple, I am Serie, and no one in this world can 'do anything to me,' nor can anyone stop me from making my decisions."

"If I want to do it, I can do it."

Her tone was resolute, just as she said, leaving no room for others to influence her. However, the old man still had some concerns. Given his current status, he naturally knew how much the Empire cared about the group of Mages, especially now that they were engaged in a full-scale war with the Demon King's Army.

As a vital force in the army, Mages are the foundation upon which the empire depends for its survival and development.

If Serie insists on her own way and transfers control of this group to her own hands, it could very likely cause discord between her and the Empire.

The impact that will occur then may exceed everyone's expectations.

Perhaps Serie will be branded as "enemy of humanity" by the Empire.

"But teacher, you also know how much those people in the empire care about their power and status; they won't allow anyone to share their power."

"Furthermore, behind the scenes of the Empire lies an organization known as the [Shadow Warriors ], which includes many powerful warriors."

The immense Mana erupted like a volcano almost before he finished speaking. At this moment, Serie, the legendary Mage who had lived since the Mythical Era, displayed her Mana "without reservation".

The vibrant, multicolored Mana was like a mountain, its powerful aura almost lifting the dome of the hall. Not only those inside and outside the hall felt it, but even ordinary people throughout the city felt an unprecedented sense of Mage.

"What happened?"

"Has the Demon King's Army?"

"Are you stupid?! How could any Demon King's Army dare to attack [Äußerst]? Lady Serie is here to protect us."

"So what exactly is this Mana...?"

Outside the main hall, on the streets, and on the city walls, at this moment, everyone's gaze was fixed on the Palace of [Äußerst], like sunflowers looking towards the sun, or like devout pilgrims.

"Teacher?"

"What you just said, were you saying you were worried about me?"

"No... teacher... I just..."

Seemingly embarrassed by his anger towards Serie, the old man hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. "Disciple, tell me, who am I?"

.. teacher?"

"I am Serie!"

Looking at me, can you imagine the future where I'm being murdered?

She slightly raised her chin, her gaze sweeping down like that of an emperor surveying his subjects. But the aura emanating from Serie far surpassed that of any emperor to date, leaving no room for doubt in the words she uttered.

... Teacher, I can't imagine it."

The old man lowered his head, sighed deeply, and said respectfully.

"Please stop, teacher... If this continues, your Mana will make the people of the city uneasy."

Even though he was inside the palace, right in front of Serie, he could imagine that the people outside must be discussing the sudden appearance of powerful Mana.

If someone with malicious intent were to spread dangerous rumors among the public, it would undoubtedly have a significant impact on the city's security.

Even Serie's reputation will be damaged.

As a disciple and also as the administrator of this city, he has an obligation to prevent these things from happening.