That afternoon, the Mana Airship carrying Xu Yi landed in a clearing on an estate outside Sossrui City.
As soon as Xu Yi stepped out of the cabin, dozens of mages in robes of various colors came forward to greet him. Even the youngest appeared to be over forty.
Leading them was Great Mage Furuis, the current president of the Mana Magical Kingdom's Mages' Guild and also the director of its Magic Science Research Institute.
Those following him were likewise mages from the Mana Magical Kingdom's Magic Science Research Institute.
"President Xu, it is a tremendous honor to have you attend this magic research meeting in person. Welcome, welcome!" Great Mage Furuis greeted Xu Yi with overflowing enthusiasm, while the other mages respectfully bowed to him.
Xu Yi smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping over Great Mage Furuis and the other mages behind him. They looked so respectful and courteous on the surface, but what they truly thought was another matter entirely.
"You're too kind, President Furuis. Actually, Archmage Camilla wanted to attend this meeting as well, but she hasn't been feeling well lately and couldn't travel far, so I had to come on her behalf as well as my own."
"Not feeling well?" Great Mage Furuis looked slightly alarmed. "Archmage Camilla, she..."
Xu Yi smiled and waved a hand. "It's nothing serious. She just caught a slight cold when the weather turned chilly."
"I see. That's a relief, a relief..." Great Mage Furuis let out a breath, then smiled and led Xu Yi into the estate.
As they walked, Xu Yi asked casually, "By the way, President Furuis, although I accepted the invitation to this meeting, I've been so busy that I kept forgetting to ask. What is the main topic?"
Great Mage Furuis gave Xu Yi a meaningful glance