Following Renard,
Ian arrived at the highest peak of Earth Fortress.
On the nearly level ground stood a small military stronghold, built entirely of black stone.
The two entered and finally stopped before a room on the stronghold's top floor.
"His lordship is waiting inside."
With that, Renard turned and left.
Ian took a deep breath and pushed open the door.
Before him was a simply furnished room: a long table, a sofa and coffee table, a battle map hanging on the wall, and a sand table.
Damian stood by the window, from which he could take in the entire fortress, including the distant Storm Spear warship.
"Lord Damian."
Ian bowed respectfully after entering.
"Sit."
Damian turned, his face as stern as ever, and slowly walked over to sit on the sofa.
Ian sat across from him.
"You did very well."
Damian looked up at Ian, then said slowly, "Storm Spear's core power assembly has malfunctioned about six times. Three times, it was sent back to Gray Tower for repairs, which generally took between a year and a half and three years. Two other repairs took about half a year. This was the shortest—only three months. I'm very satisfied."
"You're too kind, my lord. That was mainly because the fault wasn't in a core component, and because Lord Rolf was involved. I only helped a little."
Ian spoke modestly.
"I've worked with Rolf for many years. I know what he's capable of."
Damian shook his head.
As he spoke, Damian slowly pushed a badge toward Ian.
The badge was palm-sized and cast entirely from an unknown metal. On its front was Storm Spear's emblem—a lightning spear piercing the clouds.
A line of small lettering marked the back: Grade Four Affiliated Alchemist · Ian Green. "My lord, this is...?"
Ian froze.