Chapter Sixty-Four: Return

Communicating with the elven woman felt light and effortless. Patrick casually recounted the battle in the Forest of Life, and she proved to be an excellent listener—gentle, intelligent, lively, and wise. Clearly, her education was of a different caliber, and she carried an aura of nobility about her.

The elves, blessed with comfortable lives, were not extreme or radical; their conduct and demeanor exuded elegance. Of course, this elegance was reserved for their kin. When facing enemies, they had their own means of dealing with threats—like wolves met with a hunter’s rifle.

Patrick later learned that the elven woman hailed from the Sunmark family, and she was a direct descendant. Her family was one of the most prominent clans of Silvermoon City. Unlike the council factions, the Sunmark family had, for generations, served in the high elven forces of Quel'Danas Island, guarding the Sunwell—the source of the high elves’ survival. Their subordinates and mage corps formed the core strength of the royal army—namely, the Sunstrider's First Legion, the Blood Knights.

Patrick and Luminis Sunmark were engrossed in conversation when a servant from the tower approached, bearing the emblem of the Dawnblade and interrupted them.

“My apologies for disturbing you, esteemed guests. Master Ox wishes to speak with Mr. Patrick—there is an important matter to discuss.” The servant was exceedingly respectful, showing not a hint of arrogance.

Luminis Sunmark nodded politely, indicating her assent. Patrick replied in kind and followed the servant away.

...

Patrick followed the servant to an office door, surrounded by security wards—stability spells, mana reflection, dimensional anchors could all be sensed.

“Master Ox is waiting inside,” the assistant said, still wearing that mechanical smile.

Patrick nodded, approached the door, and knocked gently. Only after receiving permission did he enter.

Master Ox, of the Dawnblade, sat behind his desk. He looked like a middle-aged man; high elves lived long lives and did not show signs of aging until their lifespan was nearly spent. The desk was piled with arcane tomes, surrounded by bookshelves and a small writing table. The place resembled a private library more than an office.

“Greetings, Master Ox.” Patrick bowed deeply; basic etiquette was essential when meeting a high-ranking arcanist.

“You’re Patrick Cabron? Hm, a very gifted elf.” Master Ox’s gaze was direct—divine sense accompanied his stare, making Patrick feel as though he was utterly exposed.

“Yes, Master.” Instantly, Patrick felt the master's oppressive aura. This was his first encounter with a high-level spellcaster. Sweat beaded on his temples and brow as he rapidly constructed mental defenses to resist the pressure from Ox Dawnblade.

Their mental energies clashed. After a few seconds, the space around them fractured. Patrick wiped the cold sweat from his brow, and Master Ox calmly withdrew his spiritual force.

“This…this is remarkable, truly remarkable! You are the first six-ring mage to face my mental force directly.” Master Ox praised Patrick, not sparing words of admiration.

What he didn’t know was that, since the old grandmother Ellen Moon-Saint had resided in Patrick’s mind, his mental defenses had reached legendary levels. If Master Ox had thrown an eighth-ring spell at him, Patrick would have been overwhelmed and forced to rely on Ellen’s help.

“Have you considered joining the Mage Association, returning to Silvermoon City?” Master Ox asked, watching Patrick with keen interest.

“My pursuits and followers are at the Sun Sanctuary. They enjoy their current lives.” Patrick avoided a direct answer.

“They are not a reason, Mr. Cabron,” Master Ox said solemnly.

“I once lived in Silvermoon City, but I felt it wasn’t the life I wanted.” Patrick alluded to his reasons.

Master Ox sensed Patrick’s sincerity and sighed helplessly. He was recruiting talent for the Dawnblade clan, crafting a political sphere and gathering supporters on the periphery.

Master Ox was already feeling the approach of old age. Once he, the pillar of his house, departed, his kin would lack political voice, fail to attract talent and support, and the Dawnblade would inevitably decline, swallowed by the royal family or other clans.

In history, after Arthas breached the kingdom of Quel'Thalas, countless high elves perished, and the Dawnblade leadership was almost entirely wiped out. Only a high priestess follower remained—Liadrin. After Kael'thas returned M'uru to Silvermoon, Grand Magister Astalo Bloodsworn attempted a perilous experiment: infusing Liadrin with pure Light energy.

At the same time, Kael'thas granted Liadrin the title of countess, making her commander of the remaining Dawnblade, now the Blood Knights. Astalo Bloodsworn extracted pure Light energy from the captive naaru, corrupted it with arcane magic, transforming it into a form akin to arcane energy.

When Liadrin absorbed this arcane-tainted Light, using spells and magical runes, she succeeded in wielding the power of the Light like a paladin. Thus, all surviving Dawnblade kin became Blood Knights.

...

Patrick left the study. Master Ox instructed his aide, “Have Liadrin keep a close eye on him. Show him appropriate goodwill, but under no circumstances let him join those old councilmen.”

“Master, is this not a little…” The assistant was puzzled. In his eyes, a six-ring mage from a minor clan was hardly worth such attention.

“No, I’ve never seen a mage like him. To withstand my mental oppression at just six rings—I believe he’ll surprise our council colleagues,” Master Ox replied, his smile sly as a fox. The assistant asked no further and relayed the master’s instructions.

...

Leaving Master Ox’s mage tower and returning to the Cabron family estate, Patrick continued to ponder the sudden recruitment attempt by Ox of the Dawnblade. It made sense for Ox to attract talent for his clan’s influence in the council, but this was already his second attempt, leaving Patrick uncertain about the intentions of these higher-ups.

After greeting his parents and older brother, Patrick returned directly to the Sun Sanctuary, the Tower of Daylight.

On the table lay a dispatch from the front lines, sent by Aurelia, reporting signs that the trolls were conducting large-scale ritual ceremonies.