Departure (4)

After obtaining intelligence from those Black Mages, Ang did not rush to state his position.

He still had preparations to make before heading to the God-Demon Battlefield, so he immediately dispatched several hundred warriors and mages.

They traveled in groups to the various relevant planes and families, beginning investigations into the family backgrounds, past experiences, and the "Black Magic Society connections" claimed by those Black Mages.

It was a silent, tightly controlled verification operation.

Ang knew very well that once the intelligence was confirmed, he could make long-term use of those Black Mages as "tools"—

Some would serve as labor, taking part in dangerous experiments and crafting magic scrolls.

Others, like Candice and Leon, would be planted within the Black Magic Society as Ang's spies.

With that in mind, Ang entered his study and picked up a pen to write a letter.

"Candice, Leon. Did you previously obtain any specific information regarding the Black Magic Society summoning Demons on the Archipelago Plane?"

After signing it, he sealed the letter and ordered a designated person to deliver it.

—

A week later, word came from the Governor's Mansion that a group of noble representatives had requested an audience.

In the reception hall, seven richly dressed representatives sat in orderly rows.

Their expressions were steady, but a certain unwillingness could still be seen in their eyes.

The leader was a middle-aged mage in white robes, his weathered features revealing a seasoned competence.

He rose and bowed slightly. "Count Ang, I have come on behalf of several southern nobles in the hope of discussing a transaction with you."

Ang's gaze slowly swept across them.

He recognized them—they all represented old Marquis Families that had once ruled southern Volgograd, as well as the original holders of the Mithril Ore veins.

"Before we continue discussing