By the time the city guard arrived, the Mage Association's mages had already cleared away most of the explosion site. Scorched traces from the flames still remained nearby, while the secret passage underground had been completely exposed. Fortunately, the Black Magic Society's outpost had deliberately been located in a remote corner of the commoners' district, where no civilians actually lived. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Gil stood amid the ruins with a grim expression, his sharp gaze sweeping over the city guards who had just arrived. His voice thundered with fury. "What the hell is going on? There was a Black Magic Society outpost hidden in the commoners' district, and none of you noticed? What have the city guards even been doing on their patrols?"
Faced with Gil's anger, the captain of the city guard lowered his head and did not dare argue. He knew that the Black Magic Society's presence was a failure on the city guard's part. The Lord's Mansion had always maintained zero tolerance for Black Magic, while the Mage Association regarded it as taboo. Once Black Magic was involved, all responsibility would inevitably be pushed onto low-ranking guards like them.
"Investigate immediately! Track down everyone connected to this grocery store, including the owner, the clerks, and anyone who had dealings with it. Arrest them the moment you find anything suspicious!" Gil gave the orders without mercy, then pointed at Muto beside him. "Muto, go with them and assist with the investigation."
Muto nodded and quickly left with several city guard soldiers, heading for the city's registry office. At the same time, Gil turned to another young mage. "Mass, go back to Tall Tower and report the situation here to Teacher at once. There haven't been any traces of Black Mages in Guanda City for