Frontline (2)

Five days later, at dusk, warped magical ripples suddenly appeared before the gates of Steven Brill's castle. Dozens of mages in dark blue robes emerged from thin air, their killing intent descending as silently as the night.

The castle guards had no time to react before the magical barrier was shattered. Wind Blades and Binding Spells struck every watchpoint with precision.

Within minutes, the entire castle had lost its defenses.

Inside the hall, Steven Brill had just changed clothes and was preparing to attend a banquet when he suddenly heard the commotion outside.

He rushed into the corridor and saw a group of imposing mages already entering the main hall. Their leader held a staff, magic power surging around him without the slightest attempt at concealment.

"Who are you people?" Steven Brill's expression changed drastically as he tried to intimidate them.

Before he could finish speaking, a palm-shaped force condensed from Wind Element slapped him to the ground with a sharp smack. His body slammed heavily into the carpet, and he began coughing violently.

"Steven Brill, Imperial Earl." A mage spoke coldly, holding an arrest warrant scroll in his hand. "You are suspected of colluding with the Black Magic Society. Under Article 77 of the Imperial Code, the Enforcement Team is placing you under compulsory arrest."

"You've got the wrong man! I don't know any Black Magic Society!" Steven struggled into a sitting position, his face filled with fury and terror. "I only—"

"Shut up." The mage said no more. With a raised finger, a silver-white Seal Spell talisman flew out and instantly sealed Steven's mouth, leaving him able to make only muffled whimpers.

The nobles Steven Brill had invited to the banquet trembled in fear throughout the castle.

In fact, the Enforcement Team had quietly arrived at the Legion