Annan had actually wanted to recruit the warriors in the fortress, too.
Even if he set aside their strength, the warriors' knowledge of how to hunt demons was invaluable. If the Ratfolk and demons swept into Middle Earth, they would reach Free City only to find another fortress in their way.
But they still had families and faith, and would probably return to their loved ones. Brino Jana said she would ask the ones with no home to return to, those who harbored a hatred for the Rikaner Kingdom and wanted revenge.
The Portal vanished. Annan steadied himself a little and looked up for the dean.
The dean and Lilith stood at the entrance to the Mage Tower.
Morning sunlight fell on Lilith's flawless cheeks, smooth as fine porcelain. She was breathtaking.
"The Mage Tower currently has a hundred and sixty-four mages. Fourteen are Elite, but none are Master Level." Lilith's serene gaze rested on Annan.
"That's all right. It'll make the Mage Tower easier for you to control."
A Tower Spirit's strength depended on its Mage Tower... and right now, the Mage Tower had nothing but a future.
Lilith would conceal her identity as a Tower Spirit and play the Tower Master. After all, she could do anything a Tower Master could.
Dean Breichim was Lilith's teacher. Officially, he was also the deputy Tower Master—at Annan's insistence. The dean had done so much for Annan. Though he called it thanks for Annan's contributions to Solz Magic Academy, he had long since given more than Annan had. Annan never shortchanged those close to him, and he wanted the Mage Tower to become something Dean Breichim could rely on.
And, while he was at it, to deepen their bond.
"When will it be ready to fight?" Annan asked.
"That depends on