Ranger Corps

Belo'vir's combat lessons had finally changed. After Lister finished learning all the basic spells of the three schools, Belo'vir adopted an extravagantly flashy fighting style, finally allowing him to glimpse a fraction of Belo'vir's strength.

Being relentlessly pushed back by a barrage of Fireballs was merely the most ordinary part. Once Lister had rested, he had to mount a powerful counterattack. He decided to use the same tactic.

But Belo'vir's combat experience was an eye-opener for Lister. The instant Lister cast Fireball, Belo'vir had already prepared Frost Nova. The two terrifying forces collided, and if not for the shimmering arcane barriers covering the surrounding walls, those precious artworks would likely have been blasted away.

The collision of fire and ice produced terrifying steam. The Arcane Shield before Lister deflected the stray elemental impacts. On closer inspection, the shield was mixed with a translucent azure glow. He had actually combined Frost Armor with Arcane Shield, giving it dual defensive properties.

To develop this spell, Lister had gone without sleep for three days and nights, even specifically adding runes to strengthen it. Yet after casting it, he discovered that it still had flaws. He could not cancel it whenever he wished. That was not much of a problem—he only needed to improve it once it expired—but he encountered a major issue when relieving himself. The ice shield was only five centimeters away from his body, so anything that went out would splash straight back onto him.

It really was a huge joke. Fortunately, no one knew except Uther. It took Lister three revisions and half a month to perfect the spell, which earned high praise from Belo'vir. For low-level mages, defensive spells were the most important. Staying alive came first. It was no small thing that Lister had realized this so early. Then Belo'vir gave Lister a harsh lesson with Fireballs. Mages were better off being violent.

Lister stood behind his shield as two Frostbolts suddenly tore through the air. Though he had great confidence in his spell's defensive power, he still cautiously raised his staff. Blazing flames surged from its tip, and the scorching fire rapidly melted the Frostbolts into water.

But that undoubtedly exposed his position. Belo'vir appeared at Lister's side. His distraction had worked, and Lister had no time to react. At point-blank range, Belo'vir repeatedly cast Arcane Missile and Fireball. The mana shield around him was incredibly powerful, allowing him to completely ignore the effects of close-range explosions. The rhythm of the battle was once again under his control.

Belo'vir's relentless attacks easily shattered the crumbling shield. Lister had just prepared a Fireball when Belo'vir's Fireball did not strike his shield, but landed at his feet instead, blasting him straight onto the ground. Without the guidance of his mental power, the mana that had just begun to surge dissipated even faster.

With a light tap of the Archmage's staff, Lister understood that he had lost. He lay on the ground, gasping for breath. After taking a cup of water made by Ebony Chill, he drank a mouthful. "You're too strong."

"Of course." The Archmage matter-of-factly accepted the water from Ebony Chill. Mages all liked water and bread. They did not need to numb their nerves; pain was the best seasoning, reminding them that the world around them was real. "I did not live three thousand years for nothing. I fought trolls for a full thousand years. One-third of my life was spent in battle. Your progress has already been outstanding, child."

Lister shrugged. He and the Archmage walked one after the other to the top floor, where they admired the prosperity of Silvermoon City. The Archmage smiled. "You could find yourself an elven wife as well. Alodi lived for over a thousand years. Finding an elven wife would neatly avoid the problem of being alone after your wife dies."

"That's too far away." Lister shook his head. "I'm only nine years old."

"Indeed. A wonderful age." Belo'vir looked at the ceaseless stream of people below. Hawkstriders weaved through the crowd. These large creatures resembled ostriches, but were bigger and sturdier, and were highly suited to mountainous terrain. They were important mounts for the ranger corps and the elves' most beloved companions.

"Do you see them? Those three cloaked rangers at the front." Belo'vir pointed them out. "They are the three most outstanding sisters of the Windrunner family."

Lister leaned out. Three young female warriors rode Hawkstriders as they accepted the cheers of the surrounding elves. He had skipped learning Mage Eye, so he could not see clearly at first, only making out blurry figures. Then they gradually came into focus, and he finally saw them clearly.

Alleria was a gentle yet resolute woman, having inherited nearly all of her mother's virtues. Her second sister, Sylvanas, possessed only toughness. Lister could not help shuddering when he saw her. After all, she was someone who could go toe-to-toe with Jaina.

As for Vereesa, she was almost a combination of her two sisters, possessing both a bright side and a dark one. Of course, she would become Rhonin's wife in the future. Trailing behind them was Lirath Windrunner, their younger brother.

Lister watched the procession with a strange look in his eyes. Belo'vir seemed to notice something. "What is it?"

"Nothing. I was just wondering which one Prince Kael would choose as his wife," Lister said slowly. At the same time, a sharp gaze fixed upon him.

"Brother?" Falthora looked at the hesitant elf beside her. "We should go."

Korthira watched the two figures vanish from the heights. That was Master Belo'vir's mage tower, but who was the other person?

"Has Master Belo'vir taken a new disciple?" Korthira asked in confusion. "He never takes disciples, not since his previous disciple was killed by Zul'jin."

"Perhaps he is an acquaintance." Falthora tilted her head. "Dear Colonel, if we do not leave now, Lady Alleria will be angry."

Their heights did not match at all. Protective spells had been placed around the mage tower, so from outside, only blurred images could be seen, while those inside could see out without obstruction. Korthira could not identify the other person either. He could only follow the main force with his doubts in tow.

Belo'vir laughed at Lister's words, but it was indeed an urgent problem. "Indeed. He truly should find a girl of equal standing, but he has never shown any interest in female elves. That is a serious problem. The kingdom cannot be without an heir."

Lister nodded slowly. "It seems they have won a great victory over the trolls. May I go take a look?"

"Of course. You are my student, not my prisoner. Come, child." Belo'vir took Lister's small hand of his own accord and led him downstairs like a father taking his child along.