Zong Shen's gaze swept over the three mages, each bearing a distinctly different demeanor.
Their very presence symbolized the deep foundations of the Winter Imperial City. None who could establish themselves in the court Mage Tower and reach demigod rank were ordinary individuals.
The old woman standing in the center spoke first, her voice like cracking ice, carrying the authority tempered by the passage of years.
"Chief Court Archmage Evelyn Coldstar pays her respects to Your Majesty."
Her etiquette was flawless, but her sharp, ice-pick-like eyes were scrutinizing Zong Shen.
There was not merely reverence in her gaze, but also an assessment of a powerful being who could trigger such upheavals in heaven and earth and make Yarogluk bow his head.
The male mage on the left, shrouded in an aura of decay and negative energy, gave a slight bow.
His movements appeared somewhat stiff, as though his joints had not moved for a long time.
"Scholar of the undead and shadows, Morwen, offers his greetings to Your Majesty."
His voice was dry and hoarse, as if it came from the depths of a tomb.
There was an eerie quality in his tone, neither living nor dead.
Zong Shen's divine sense could clearly perceive that what lay within him was not pure death energy, but rather a cold shadow inclined toward siphoning the laws of decay and ending.
The mild-mannered middle-aged mage on the right, surrounded by Wind Blades, revealed a comparatively relaxed smile.
"Wind Element advisor Elro Whisper, at Your Majesty's service."
"Your arrival has set the air in this tower, stagnant for centuries, flowing once more."
His flattery sounded far more natural, perhaps because Wind Element mages were innately drawn to change and movement.
[Chief Court Archmage: Evelyn Coldstar]
[Hero-level Passive]
[Ice Vein Arcane Mastery (Radiant): Possesses profound