Late at night, the castle in North Wind Territory was still brightly lit. A guard, panting heavily, delivered a letter to Ang. "My lord, this is an urgent letter from Pat City."
Ang nodded, took the letter, and opened it. Familiar handwriting came into view—it was Aden's reply. Ang read it carefully, his brow gradually furrowing.
Ang, my friend:
I received your question. As for the mage you mentioned, I did indeed see him today. He visited the Mage Association in Pat City and claimed to be from Zanguoda City, a city in another province of the Northern Territory. He also showed me identification, and his identity seemed legitimate. However, as you know, Zanguoda belongs to a different province from ours, so I did not investigate too deeply. He said he was traveling, but I always feel that he is hiding something.
A mage traveling through the Northern Territory at a time like this is either strong enough to fear no danger or has some special purpose. You understand as well as I do that mages have always valued their lives. I am more inclined to believe the latter.
Although there has recently been less news about Black Mages, you and I both know that does not mean the threat has been eliminated. That man's behavior is unusual. You must remain vigilant. If you discover anything abnormal, notify me immediately.
—Aden
Ang set down the letter, his brows tightly drawn. He understood that Aden had not explicitly stated the man's intentions, but the warning between the lines was crystal clear. This mage's appearance was no coincidence; it likely concealed a deeper purpose. And North Wind Territory's special location—especially its earlier purge of the Saber Gang stronghold—made Ang even more cautious.
He took a deep breath, folded the letter away, and