Intelligence Analysis

"This is crucial intelligence. No wonder the Empire dared to allow the Shadow Warriors to provoke Serie; their trump card is truly terrifying!"

Jian Ze frowned, his fingers unconsciously clenched, and his tone was icy.

"Using the magic of others to enhance one's own cultivation? Doesn't that mean the empire can endlessly recruit mages, allowing a high-ranking mage, or even the emperor himself, to possess magic power that lasts for thousands or even tens of thousands of years?"

Stark's pupils contracted slightly, and his expression suddenly turned grim.

Frieren and Dugu Qing exchanged a glance, forced to admit that this was a possibility, and felt a heavy pressure.

After all, the empire has a history of thousands of years and has been developing magic. The number of magicians within its borders must be terrifying!

If all the mages in the empire were to channel their magic into one person, then... Serie would truly be in danger.

"That's certainly possible, but mages are all proud, and only a minority are willing to give up their magic. The reason the Imperial Mage Special Forces were able to get the Magic Academy's assistance is probably because after the Shadow Warriors fell, the Imperial Mage Corps became the only powerful force, and they had no choice but to cooperate!"

Fa'erxiu, resting his chin on his hand, interrupted everyone's reverie and began to analyze in a deep voice.

"The more powerful the magic, the more difficult it is to learn. There probably won't be many mages who can master this spell. Moreover, because this magic is so powerful, the Empire, for secrecy, won't teach it to outsiders on a large scale. If we can't win, we can still escape. As long as we hold out until the magic power growth period ends, we can turn the tables and launch an offensive."

Frieren suggested running away without batting an eye, showing absolutely no concern for her image.

"I wonder what this spell is called. It allows you to borrow other people's magic power. That's amazing! I wish I could learn this spell."

Dugu Qing recalled the scene from earlier, a hint of longing flickered in her eyes.

"Dugu Qing, you're not some nobleman, I'm afraid no one would be willing to offer you their magic!"

Stark crossed his arms and teased him half-jokingly.

As soon as she finished speaking, Fern immediately looked up at Stark beside her and retorted seriously.

"That's not necessarily true. With Dugu Qing's charisma, I believe countless magicians would be willing to dedicate themselves to him with just a wave of his hand."

Frieren lowered her eyes slightly and smiled gently.

"I don't know about others, but if it were me, I would definitely be willing to lend my magic to Dugu Qing."

Upon hearing this, Fern immediately nodded emphatically, his face showing complete agreement and agreement.

Me too.

"Speculation without evidence is ultimately baseless. I will have our spies, who are embedded in the Empire, investigate this matter."

Fa'erxiu hurriedly pushed open the door and walked outside.

"That's right, after we finish eating, let's continue our intelligence gathering on the streets!"

Frieren flexed her muscles, ready to pounce.

Dugu Qing picked up his fork and slowly began to cut the steak.

A moment later, Dugu Qing, Fern, Stark, and Jian Ze had all finished eating.

Frieren, along with Dugu Qing, Fern, Stark, went out into the streets to investigate information about the Shadow Warriors.

The group kept their breath down as they wandered through the winding streets and alleys. They did not deliberately show off their abilities, but walked slowly like ordinary tourists, while their eyes carefully scanned every corner around them.

The group continued on their way, passing through the bustling city.

Suddenly, Frieren spotted a vendor with emotionless eyes, a perfunctory expression, and hands that were pockmarked and covered in thick calluses. She instantly locked onto him.

A faint smile played on her lips as she stepped forward nonchalantly, pretending to select a magic pot from the shelf and haggling with the seller.

How about four silver coins?

Gazelle believed he hadn't been exposed and faithfully played the role of a merchant.

"You're cutting it in half right off the bat, miss...?"

Frieren persisted, even bringing up Dugu Qing.

Gazelle knew when to quit while he was ahead, selling the junk he had bought on the spur of the moment and making more than ten times his initial investment.

Frieren took out her own savings, subtly cast a tracking spell on the silver coin, and handed it to Gazelle.

The group wandered around the bustling city center for a while, but found nothing amiss, so they returned to their lodgings.

Seeing Frieren holding the magic pot, Fa'erxiu approached curiously and spoke with certainty after just one glance:

This is a counterfeit.

As soon as she finished speaking, Frieren's face fell, all her strength drained away, and she slumped to the ground, bursting into tears. Her eyes were filled with tears, and she looked so sweet and pitiful.

"Alright, even though I bought a piece of junk, at least I found a Shadow Warriors, so it's not bad."

Dugu Qing knelt down and patted Frieren's head reassuringly.

Frieren's dim eyes suddenly brightened, her previous disappointment vanishing.

"You noticed too? In that case, let's go return it now!"

Stark was slightly taken aback, and asked in confusion, "So soon, are we closing the net?"

"Because the person who had the silver coin has already reunited with his companions in the forest, the silver coin was not wasted."

As soon as she finished speaking, Frieren pushed open the wooden door and walked straight into the bustling city.

Dugu Qing, Fern, and Stark followed closely behind, catching up quickly.

Carrying four silver coins, Gazelle met up with the other Shadow Warriors in the forest outside the city.

The peak fighting force of the Shadow Warriors — Wolf, Shurit, Lutine, Yilisi, Kelaimatisi, Lore, and Varos —all gathered together.

Kelaimatisi looked around and told everyone that the new commander, Laiwei, had given orders to kill Serie and her protectors at tomorrow's National Day Ball.

"Kill Serie? What kind of inhuman mission is that?!"

The Shadow Warriors exchanged glances, their faces grim. They had no confidence in defeating the enemy and even suspected that Laiwei had gone mad to challenge the Mage of God.

"Everyone, the Great Mage is not invincible..."

Kelaimatisi spoke eloquently, using the example of Minusi, one of the three great mages, being beheaded by humans, to tell everyone that Mage of God are not invincible. As long as the warrior's characteristics are utilized and opportunities are seized, a great victory can be achieved.

Although the group was inwardly resentful, they ultimately could not disobey the order and could only accept it indifferently, dispersing to prepare for the assassination the next day.

After the meeting, Gazelle, looking ashen-faced and facing imminent doom, walked into a tavern.

She took out all her savings, the four silver coins that Frieren had just used to pay the bill, and placed them on the table to settle the old debt.

Shurit and Lore arrived at the tavern one after the other, bought drinks, and exchanged information.

"These silver coins..."

Lore was dressed in a nun's habit, her hair wrapped in a thick, black headscarf, and she had a beautiful figure.

She saw the silver coin and immediately noticed its unusual nature.