Patrick was also preparing to leave and return to Sunlight City, but a Spellbreaker attendant approached and said, "Councilor Patrick, His Majesty requests your presence."
Patrick said little and followed the Spellbreaker straight to a side hall. His Majesty had chosen not to receive him in Sunstrider Tower, and the significance was self-evident. It seemed King Anasterian had already discovered something.
His Majesty looked much as he had at their last meeting, but Patrick could clearly see an additional wrinkle at the corner of the old king's eyes.
"Councilor Patrick, it has been a long time. You truly are full of surprises." The old king's expression was grave, without that false smile. This was Anasterian's most genuine expression. "Have you advanced to the legendary rank?"
"No, Your Majesty." Patrick looked straight into Anasterian's eyes as he gave the old king his answer.
"Someone of the ninth tier cannot simply ignore another ninth-tier individual's mental attack." The king looked somewhat hesitant, clearly not quite believing Patrick.
Finally, Anasterian's gaze sharpened. Patrick felt the space around him compress in an instant as spiritual power bore down on him like intense pressure.
Blue light flashed, and Patrick's Arcane Shield appeared, resisting Anasterian's mental assault. After a long while, Anasterian found that his spiritual power could not penetrate Patrick's arcane defenses and withdrew his probe. Patrick took no offense either, knowing that Anasterian was merely testing him and had no offensive intent.
"Although you have not advanced to the legendary rank, you are very gifted, with boundless prospects ahead of you. A spellcaster who can reach your level of accomplishment at the ninth tier is unprecedented in Quel'Thalas. Even I could not have done it back then." Anasterian's praise was frank and very gratifying to hear.
"You flatter me, Your Majesty." Patrick nodded in