Central Nutri, atop a Great Snow Mountain.
At a certain peak, a translucent magical barrier spread open, enclosing a cluster of palaces. No matter how fiercely the snowstorm raged outside, it was as warm as spring within, without a trace of chill.
Even with modern technology, building a palace like this on a Great Snow Mountain's summit was nearly impossible. But with magic to help, everything changed.
This was where the White Sacred Hall, headquarters of the Nutri Mage Council, stood.
Seven of the thirteen councilors were stationed here year-round. Deep within the Sacred Hall, moreover, lay the sealed source of all magic—the Book of Sages.
Of course, this was a closely guarded secret known to only a handful of people.
But to Heinz, who had become a councilor, it was nothing worth mentioning.
A flash of light, and four figures appeared on the snow-white plaza.
"We're here. The White Sacred Hall!"
Heinz glanced at the translucent dome. "This place uses ultimate magical defenses, and there's also an antimagic barrier inside. Only the thirteen councilors have permission to cast spells here."
Whether deliberately or not, he gave Fang Yuan a detailed introduction to the Sacred Hall's various defenses.
"Heinz, you've still got the nerve to look after your 'good friend'!"
Parker winked at Heinz. "Get ready to attend your hearing! Oh, right... I forgot to tell you: while you were out on your mission, our council passed another motion. Even councilors will be stripped of their right to cast spells in the White Sacred Hall while under investigation at a hearing!"
"You..."
Heinz's face flushed red, though half his anger and alarm was an act. "Are you planning to treat me like a criminal?"
"We're not. Until the review council convenes, you're still one of the supreme thirteen. You just