Tower of Sunfury's New Guest

"Mentor, did you call for me?" Pushing open the door, Lanlos walked toward Alona, who had her back turned to him.

With a light flick, a palm-sized bag floated over from Alona's hand. "It isn't that I wanted to see you."

"Huh?"

"I must say, I'm impressed. You actually managed to get the Grand Magister to name you personally." Turning around, Alona offered praise, yet her eyes remained sharp. "How much did you hide from me regarding the Sanctum?"

"I—I wouldn't dare, would I?" With a smile that was awkward yet polite, Lanlos scratched his temple and shifted the topic to the bag hovering in the air. "What is this?"

"Don't play these little games. But considering the results were decent enough, I won't press the matter." With a faint smile, Alona guided the bag into the hands of the grinning Lanlos. "One thing at a time. Now, let's talk business."

"What business?"

"Lanlos." Alona's expression turned solemn, as if she were channeling mana into her voice, filling it with an undeniable and irresistible weight.

"As a teaching assistant, leading students into danger; as a member of the academy staff, taking on the position of temporary advisor to the Farstriders without authorization..."

The list of trumped-up charges made Lanlos's brow furrow tightly. However, he was no hot-headed youth; he knew Alona was reading an order from the academy. He had no power to resist, so he did not rush to argue.

To his relief, the situation quickly took a turn.

"In view of the fact that Lanlos participated in and successfully resolved the crisis at the Sanctum, his merits and demerits cancel each other out. No further investigation will be pursued."

"At the same time, Lanlos's actions have greatly promoted the fine cultural traditions of Fastherin. He is hereby awarded the title and benefits of Honorary Teaching Assistant as an encouragement."

The carrot and the stick? Hmph, these bureaucratic procedures were certainly familiar.

Regardless, at least his contributions hadn't been erased, which was good enough.

Lanlos curled his lip. Seeing that she had finally finished, he asked tentatively, "So, where is the encouragement?"

Glancing at the red bag embroidered with a golden phoenix in Lanlos's hand, Alona smiled without a word.

Coming to his senses, Lanlos finally focused his attention on the item. It was light—weighing no more than a few gold coins—but the elven youth was so excited he nearly jumped.

He slowly probed it with his mind. 'Looking' at the new world that appeared before him, Lanlos couldn't stop his smile.

A Demiplane Container, also known as a Bag of Holding. Although it only had the approximate dimensions of 0.5×1×2, it was undoubtedly a priceless treasure to Lanlos.

"Is this really for me?" Still finding it hard to believe, Lanlos asked again, annoying Alona.

"Of course. Not just the bag, but what's inside it as well."

Hearing this, Lanlos calmed his heart and focused on the other items within the Bag of Holding.

As his will moved, a red staff carved with golden patterns appeared in his hand. The top of the staff was sculpted into the shape of a flame, and the golden runes inscribed upon it radiated a subtle yet powerful aura of Arcane energy.

Database updated...

Arcane Staff
Intelligence +1
Spell Haste increased by 6%
Fire spell mana cost reduced by 18%
Spell Storage (0/1): Stores one fire spell of rank 3 or lower.

For a spellcaster, the level of Intelligence determined the strength of their spells, and when combined with haste, reduced costs, and that enviable spell storage!

The value of this magic equipment was beyond doubt.

"Although the mentors each have one, very few teaching assistants ever get their hands on one. You've struck gold."

Just as he was about to thank her, Lanlos noticed a letter rolled around the staff's handle.

What is this?

With a question mark forming in his mind, the elven youth slowly opened it.

"This is the mission I've assigned to you. Although you've done good work these past few days, absenteeism is a fact. Since the Grand Magister has summoned you to Silvermoon City, these collection tasks are now yours."

"And one more thing." Patting Lanlos on the shoulder, Alona's tone turned somewhat dangerous. "This is your mission. You are not permitted to ask Lansan for help under any circumstances."

Swallowing hard, Lanlos nodded quickly. "Yes..."

"The budget for expenses is in the bag. Get ready and set off..."

"But, what about travel expenses?" Lanlos's smile looked somewhat strained. It wasn't that he was stingy; it was just that he really had no money left in his pockets...

"Travel expenses? Hahaha!" As if she had heard the greatest joke in the world, Alona's laughter left Lanlos bewildered.

Soon, the Magister seemed to realize something was amiss and quickly composed herself. "Remember, kid, we are practitioners of the Arcane!"

"..." Just as Lanlos was about to speak, a brilliant white light surged from Alona's hand. The next moment, the light swallowed him whole, and he vanished without a trace.

Before he could even process the sudden sensation of weightlessness, Lanlos felt his feet touch solid ground again. The surrounding air was filled with a rich and reassuring aura of Arcane energy.

"Welcome. The Grand Magister has been waiting for you for a long time." A hoarse, low voice came from behind him. Lanlos immediately opened his eyes and looked back.

He saw an elf mage dressed in magnificent robes bowing slightly toward him, his movements more standard than a textbook.

"Where is this?" While asking, Lanlos surveyed the empty room.

Aside from a few desks and chairs by the door, there was essentially no decoration. The most eye-catching feature was the massive magic circle covering the entire floor.

"This is the Tower of Sunfury, the reception room for the Magisters."

"The reception room?"

"Yes, all teleportation spells for visiting magisters to the Sunstrider Court can only be anchored here." Making a gesture of invitation toward Lanlos, the mage led the way out of the room.

The moment he stepped through the doorway, Lanlos was stunned by the sight before him.

Unlike the layout of other mage towers, the sheer vastness of the Tower of Sunfury was beyond imagination.

The ceiling was occupied by automatically floating magic lamps; they not only provided illumination but also served as sentries. Gorgeous, luxurious veils made of silk and satin rendered the bright lights into a myriad of colorful, flowing streams.

Trees transplanted via magic floated along the sides of the path, as if the air itself were their soil. Young and beautiful handmaidens bustled to and fro; not to mention the exquisite gauze garments and various expensive, glittering jewelry they wore, even the wine and food they carried, which exuded intoxicating aromas, were of immense value.

This was no longer mere luxury; it was decadence and debauchery. The dissolute and extravagant lifestyle of the High Elf nobility made Lanlos's eyes turn red with envy.

Everyone enjoys indulgence, and he was no exception, but compared to the satisfaction brought by increasing his power, he preferred the latter.

"So, where is the Grand Magister?" After wandering around the Tower of Sunfury with Iniven for half a day, Lanlos began to feel annoyed.

He did not like this display of wealth, especially when he was so poor he could barely afford to eat...

Just as he was about to speak, Iniven's expression suddenly froze. A subtle surge of magic was transmitted to his ears. After a brief moment of silence, he bowed to Lanlos: "The Grand Magister is ready to see you now. Please, follow me."

Ready?

What were they doing before? Busy with work, or observing someone?

Lanlos's gaze flickered slightly, and inadvertently, he glanced up at the crystal lamps overhead.

The latter seemed to sense it, and the light within them flickered gently.