A month later, Benjamin and his group finally caught sight of the magnificent Floating City hovering at the edge of the planar rift.
After two months apart, this bridgehead of Wizard Civilization seemed to have expanded considerably once more.
Newly erected towers pierced the clouds like a forest of steel, while immense rune arrays slowly circulated across the city's surface, radiating energy fluctuations that made hearts tremble.
Passing through the vastly transformed Central Plaza, where crowds flowed like a river yet order prevailed, Benjamin led his companions—each wearing a different expression—into the Affairs Center.
The Level 4 Wizard was bound by invisible shackles of energy, hanging his head in dejection, while the other surviving Level 1 Wizards nervously and curiously surveyed their surroundings.
Benjamin walked straight to the exquisitely crafted Alchemy Puppet at the reception desk, rational light gleaming in its eyes.
"Benjamin, Level 2 Wizard, returning after completing the 'rescue' mission. I have important information to report to the camp's upper ranks, concerning the Plane Origin and a wizard betrayal incident."
Benjamin concisely explained his purpose, then handed over his terminal, which contained records of everything that had happened during this time.
Streams of data flashed rapidly through the Alchemy Puppet's eyes before it spoke in a pleasant yet utterly even voice. "Identity confirmed. Assessing incident level... Assessment approved. Please wait. A high-level wizard will be notified to handle the matter."
The wait did not last long before the receptionist puppet replied, "Congratulations, everyone. Lord Dionysius Spencer has decided to meet with you..."
What?
Who?!
Dionysius Spencer?
That Level 7 Wizard from this expedition mission?!
Everyone present, including the Level 4 Wizard, nearly thought there was something wrong with their ears upon hearing those words.
The Level 4 Wizard in particular had, for one brief instant, the illusion that