Meeting Antonidas

Karen, having just emerged from Kael'thas's mage tower, decided to pay Antonidas a visit.

Just as he prepared to set off, someone called out to him.

"Master Drew, what a coincidence! I've run into you again today. Where are you planning to go for fun?" It was Vereesa again; this ranger was truly a master at tracking people down.

However, seeing the way her eyes lit up as she looked at him, he realized she probably wasn't here to monitor him, but rather to mooch a meal after enjoying yesterday's feast so much.

"Oh, it's the ambassador. I'm planning to visit the mage Antonidas today. Would you like to come along?"

"Oh, is that so? That's perfect, we're heading in the same direction." Despite her words, Karen clearly saw Vereesa's expression dim; she was obviously quite disappointed.

What did she take him for?

Karen looked at the somewhat flighty young girl, feeling both annoyed and amused.

It seemed this girl was truly young and inexperienced, or perhaps she had been too well-protected by her two older sisters.

He wondered what they were thinking, sending her to follow him. That female rogue he'd seen earlier would have been a much better choice. She was cold and knew how to use stealth; he could have treated her as if she didn't exist and let her trail him.

But this Vereesa was like a little sun in front of him, impossible to ignore.

Upon arriving at Antonidas's home, they found him in. Antonidas was curious as to why this alchemy master named Drew would come to see him, but being a polite man, he welcomed Karen into his parlor.

"Greetings, Master Drew. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?" Antonidas asked.

"It's like this: I previously read an article titled On the Application of Blink in Combat. It was written exceptionally well and gave me a great deal of inspiration. You are the author, aren't you?"

"Indeed. That was a collection of insights I gathered while practicing the high-level spell Blink after I advanced to a high-level mage," Antonidas admitted.

"To be honest, after reading that piece, I've been wanting to have a good chat with you. Exchanging ideas is bound to be very rewarding." In truth, Karen had only seen the article yesterday.

Yesterday, Kael'thas had told Karen that Antonidas had advanced to a high-level mage and had published many interesting academic papers. Consequently, Karen had gone back and found these papers to see what kind of progress his old friend Antonidas had made over the past year.

Before the incident, the two of them had frequently exchanged academic ideas and were very familiar with each other's mastery of magic.

For the remainder of the time, the two engaged in a discussion and exchange regarding the article.

Thanks to the questions Karen had asked his brother Kael'thas over the past two days, he managed to hold his own; otherwise, the exchange would have been entirely one-sided.

It seemed that although Antonidas had only recently reached the high-level rank, his foundations were already incredibly solid. His theoretical knowledge was impeccable—and one had to remember that Antonidas was a man who excelled in both theory and raw power.

His perfect theoretical knowledge indicated that his strength was undoubtedly just as stable. He was truly a genius mage, having surpassed him in just a single year.

Seeing that the conversation had been completely dominated by Antonidas, turning into a one-sided affair, Karen wisely ended the topic and praised him: "As expected of the mage Antonidas, truly impressive."

"You flatter me. I never expected that Master Drew, a master of a secondary profession, would also have such profound achievements in his primary field. You are far better than I am," Antonidas replied, returning the compliment.

"It's getting late, and it will be lunchtime soon. I should take my leave." Karen prepared to depart, but before he left, he still wanted to give Antonidas a real surprise.

"Why not stay for a simple meal?" Antonidas invited. He had enjoyed the exchange with Master Drew immensely; he felt a strong connection between them, the kind of feeling one gets with an old acquaintance. Antonidas wanted to keep Master Drew there to talk more.

Ever since Karen had disappeared, he hadn't had such a pleasant conversation with anyone else.

"Oh, I'll pass. The food you made last time was truly inedible," Karen remarked.

"Wait, we've met before?" Antonidas asked, puzzled. Why did he have no memory of it? If they hadn't met, why was there such a strong sense of familiarity? Antonidas was becoming thoroughly confused.

"We've met, of course we have. Hehehehe." Karen pulled a long face and said in a gloomy tone. He even let out an ambiguous, sinister chuckle that made him look like anything but a good person.

Seeing this, Antonidas felt a chill run down his spine. Goosebumps broke out all over his body. Could this be an old nemesis, disguised and here to cause him trouble?

Antonidas instantly retreated, as agile as a ranger. He reached into the bookshelf behind him, pulled out a wand, and instantly cast several defensive spells.

Karen broke into a cold sweat at the sight; such incredible casting speed! This guy definitely possessed a talent that accelerated his spellcasting.

His agile movements, practiced casting gestures, and the fluid construction of his mana all showcased exceptional magical talent.

He was truly a mage of substance.

It was fortunate he had only cast a defensive spell and hadn't thrown an offensive one at Karen; at such close range, he really might have been hit.

Karen decided to stop playing around. He deactivated the disguise of the Orb of Deception, revealing his High Elf form, and said, "Hey, buddy. We haven't been apart for that long, have you already forgotten me?

You wouldn't be trying to welch on all those mana potions you owe me, would you?"

"Karen? Is it really you, Karen?" Antonidas asked, sounding somewhat suspicious.

"Of course it's me. If you don't believe me, you can go ask around.

I've spent the last few days with my brother, Kael'thas.

I just came from there."

"It really is you. Oh, my friend, where have you been all this time?" Seeing Karen perform some familiar gestures, Antonidas confirmed his identity.

He lowered his wand and stepped forward to embrace Karen.

"Alright, alright, two grown men shouldn't be doing this." Karen broke free from Antonidas's hug.

"I was just a bit excited, nothing more. Where have you been lately?"

"I teleported over to the Kingdom of Stormwind and spent some time working as an alchemist.

The identity of Drew is the result of my time there."

"You're truly amazing, reaching the top tier of a secondary profession in such a short time. We've always had high hopes for your talent."

"Yes, yes, which is why you sent me a pile of materials to practice my potion-making, right?"

"Exactly." Antonidas didn't deny exploiting Karen's labor. "You've finally broken through your bottleneck and advanced to the High rank. Congratulations."

"Same to you. I congratulate you on your promotion to High Mage as well."

"How about we have a contest to see who reaches the Master rank first?" Antonidas proposed.

"What's the point of comparing that? If we're going to compete, let's see who reaches Hero rank first."

"So confident? Hero rank isn't easy to break through."

"I have a lot of faith in both of us," Karen affirmed.

"Yes, you're right. It's a deal," Antonidas agreed.

"Alright, let's leave it at that for today.

I won't stay here to enjoy your dark cuisine.

Don't expose my identity, okay? I still have use for this persona." With that, Karen reactivated the disguise effect of the Orb of Deception, transforming back into the human alchemy master, Drew.

"Understood. Remember our agreement." Antonidas saw Karen out.

"Keep this safe, and let's stay in touch." Karen handed a long-range communication device to Antonidas.

"Will do." Antonidas accepted the device and watched as Karen departed.