At noon, Akreli's streets teemed with people.
The inn where Therese stayed was located in the south of the city, a slightly dilapidated three-story stone building.
She had no foothold in the Empire. After returning to Akreli, she had quietly rented a room here.
"Knock, knock—"
The knocking sounded especially abrupt.
Therese frowned warily and slowly walked to the door.
After nearly four years of training on the God-Demon Battlefield, she had long grown accustomed to dealing with sudden danger at any moment.
Only after her bone blade appeared in her hand did she slowly open the door.
A white-robed mage stood outside, his expression respectful and his hands empty, seemingly carrying no weapons.
"Who are you looking for?" Therese asked coldly.
The white-robed mage bowed respectfully. "My lady, I am from the Mage Association. I came specifically to discuss a business proposition with you."
Therese's expression did not change, but a hint of impatience flashed between her brows. "Not interested."
With that, she prepared to close the door.
But at that moment, the white-robed mage urgently called out, "My lady, don't you want to return to the Archipelago Plane? Don't you want to reclaim the land that belongs to your people?"
Therese froze, her gaze turning icy. "Who are you?"
The white-robed mage immediately waved his hands and hurriedly explained, "My lady, there is no need to be so tense! Before you, I am nothing at all."
"With your strength, you could crush me to death with a flick of your hand. I merely... wish to cooperate with you."
His words carried deliberate humility.
Therese watched him for a moment, and the guard in her heart eased slightly.
Her experiences on the God-Demon Battlefield had made her overly sensitive. Even the slightest disturbance could trigger a reaction from her.