Farmer Mage

“—one of the best places in the Central Sanctum! I’ll can be your guide if you want to visit.”

Cal nodded, just like he did to everything Redd said about the wonders of the Central Sanctum. Other than the surge of anger he felt when Redd stared at Tavia a little too long, which could be almost be called irrational, the man wasn’t too bad.

Still, Redd was trying too hard to be friendly, but that could be considered a good thing with what to expect with Elder Marsh.

They came up to the large, unguarded gate to the Central Sanctum and passed by without pause. Cal felt a scan of his body, filled with dangerous intent, but it pulled back quickly he was recognized as an Apprentice.

There was a reason guards weren’t necessary.

Cal ignored Redd’s voice as he took in the Central Sanctum for the first time in this life. The orderly buildings, the relaxed members dotted across his line of sight, and the thrum of power that encompassed his body.

However, it was less potent than he remembered.

The area around my pond is for more mana-dense. Fascinating.

Still, the overall atmosphere was ideal for the rapid growth of the guild members. Cal wondered what first-rate guilds were like, considering the Celestial Order trash in their eyes.

I didn’t realize how ostentatious the Central Sanctum was.

Almost every building displayed a purple metal, the same material that was in guildmarks, which Cal found hard to ignore. It felt like he was being spat on for being a pauper.

“Please,” Redd held the door open for him and motioned to enter. “My grandfather in waiting in the meeting room at the end of the hall.”

Cal gave him a small nod and walked directly to the room without pause. Though he hadn’t visited often, he remembered it as the rubble he’d walked through when it was destroyed in his past life.

He purposely ignored the vaguely familiar faces of the older Initiates that staffed the building. He knew he had met none of them, so that meant he saw their dead bodies right before his own death.

This visit brought up too many unpleasant memories for Cal. It obliterated the peaceful atmosphere Tavia and Seris had created.

Cal stared at his destination. There were several presences inside, and all of them were strong than him. He might have accidentally agreed to a meeting with multiple Elders.

He took in a deep breath and opened the door, meeting several pairs of eyes.

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“It’s an honor to meet you all, Elders,” Cal said, unsure what the etiquette was in this situation. He had met Elders face-to-face, but never in a large group. Strangely, he had met none of these Elders before in any capacity.

“We finally meet you, Apprentice Cal. Take a seat,” a middle-aged man motioned to the only empty seat.

The massive semicircle table comfortably seated nine people, with eight Elders on one side and the only empty seat on the other. It was a clear power move.

Cal kept most of his focus on the man that spoke as he took a seat. “Are you Elder Marsh?” The slight nod gave him the answer. He thought the man looked a little too young to be a grandfather.

He still wasn’t sure what this was about, but such a show wouldn’t be put together for Tarn’s matter. There was a heavy silence before Elder Marsh addressed him. It looked like he would be the spokesperson for everyone.

“We have wanted to meet you for quite some time, but the guildmaster urged us not to summon you. Taking initiative to meet us speaks well of your character.”

Cal instantly realized that he’d been tricked. After all that effort to avoid the Elder Council, he had delivered himself to them.

“I apologize for any misunderstanding. I always intended to visit, but I was in a critical stage and couldn’t come earlier.”

There were several doubt-filled looks shot his way, but none of the Elders refuted his excuse.

“It brings me joy for someone so young to prioritize your training over all else.” Elder Marsh seemed eager to accept his excuse. “I understand a promising young Initiate has moved to your assigned station. Tavia should be her name. I hope she is doing well?”

Cal didn’t like how Elder Marsh called his farm as an ‘assigned station.’ That was technically the truth, but the guild would have to go through him if they ever had the audacity to try to give it to someone else.

“Tavia is doing well,” Cal said, offering nothing else. He wanted both subjects to be finished.

“That’s good to hear.” Elder Marsh hastened on to the reason for the meeting. “I’m sure you know that as an Apprentice, you are required to complete two patrols of the border every month. We have never made exceptions, but after a thorough discussion, we made one for you.”

Cal stared, waiting for the condition to drop.

Elder Marsh chuckled. “We will not make it difficult for you. Instead of two patrols a month, just come to the Central Sanctum and mingle with the guild members. Try to make it four days a month, but we will not be too strict with that. I know there could be unforeseen circumstances, but that doesn’t mean you can make no effort at all.”

That is… generous.

Cal had been too paranoid. He expected something sinister when all the Elder Council wanted to do was create connections between him and the guild. Redd’s over-friendliness made even more sense. While he preferred not to waste time socializing in the Central Sanctum, it was better than wasting even more time patrolling the border.

“There’s no reason to complain about this. While staying at my farm has been productive, it will be good to meet some familiar faces.”

“I’m glad we see eye-to-eye.” Elder Marsh leaned forward. “I’m sure you’re wondering why all of us gathered for such a simple request.”

Cal nodded. He thought it was a power play, but apparently, he was wrong.

“If you require anything from the guild, either for your assigned station or for your own training, you have it. The Elder Council supports you without reserve.”

He wasn’t wrong. It was a power play, but not one directed at him. He was unlucky enough to be stuck between the Elder Council and the guildmaster. “Thank you, Elders. I won’t disturb you all for anything mundane, but If I have anything that I absolutely require, I’ll ask for help.”

I absolutely won’t ask, no matter the need. I have no desire to take sides at the highest levels of the guild.

“Very well.” Elder Marsh stood, making everyone else follow. “You’re free to go, Apprentice Cal.”

… Bringing me all the way here for a show of force that lasted a few minutes. Disappointing.

Redd was waiting for him outside. He declined the offer, having no desire to stay a minute longer than he was required to.

Cal started the trip back to the Northern Wastes, feeling strange about the whole situation. He had a feeling Overseer Marek would make a visit soon.