Aenon had to wait in his room for almost an hour before being escorted by the mansion staff. Thalindra was very particular about Aenon being the last person to join the meeting. Even though he had nothing pressing to deal with, he chose to follow her suggestion. Political power plays weren't his thing, but he did need to learn the basics to prevent future problems. Having nothing better to do, he decided to settle down and memorize his cooking ingredients.

After he sorted through his latest System notifications and status updates.

Title Achieved: Soul Protector | +25 all stats | Remove malignant shackles from another soul, allowing it to grow.

Title Absorbed: Soul Protector into Unfettered Soul | +100 all stats | ???

Internalized Skill Upgraded | Soul Authority

Title Upgraded: Limit Breaker 2 | +20 all stats | Well, OK. You can break some things. But it's more work for me, you stubborn fool.

The Soul Protector Title was for breaking the seal around Thalindra's soul, while the upgrade to limit breaker was due to the link that allowed her to finally start progressing. Overall, the stats were good to have. But it was the spell progress that truly brought a smile to his face. His practice over the last week finally bearing fruit.

Spell Upgraded: Fire Manipulation | Minor → Intermediate

Spell Upgraded: Heat Manipulation | Basic → Minor

Spell Learned: Steam Manipulation (Fire Manipulation + Water Manipulation)

Fire Manipulation (Intermediate) | Type: Fire | Cost: 300 + 200/min

Control flames to make them grow or shrink in size. Can be used to generate projectiles using instant cast. At minor proficiency, the control area is limited to 5 cubic meter.

Heat Manipulation (Minor) | Type: Energy | Cost: 300 + 200/min

Control heat energy to heat or cool physical objects or surrounding ambient conditions. At minor proficiency, can transfer heat till object is red hot, or ice cold.

Steam Manipulation (Lesser of WM and FM) | Heat water using fire to generate steam which can be directed into a current. Spell proficiency is based on fire and water manipulation (lesser of two)

Since Aenon had spent so much time trying to level his cooking, he had attained a lot of proficiency with the associated Spells. He lost track of how many times he repeatedly boiled different concoctions to try to emulate what Mrs. Ashvein did in a heartbeat. Although she didn't outright say it, Aenon was certain her spell proficiencies were at the Perfect rank.

After some back and forth Aenon finally figured why none of his elemental proficiencies had broken into the major rank earlier. He needed to truly apply the concepts for diverse and challenging tasks, like the riddle Mrs. Ashvein had given him. He was excited to see what Perfect proficiency would look like, but his hopes were dashed when Mrs. Ashvein said that it was a threshold very few mages cross. It was still doable, but he would need a massive dose of inspiration and creativity to accomplish it.

Aenon did wonder why neither Ice nor Steam Manipulation used Heat Manipulation as their base spell. He could still create ice and steam by removing or adding heat to water, but he couldn't control the end product. Mrs. Ashvein just brushed him off saying he would figure it out eventually.

His progress wasn't something to write home about. At least that's what he thought till Mrs. Ashvein pointed out that such a rapid rise in Spell proficiencies wasn't normal. She was suitably impressed and kept pushing him to complete increasingly difficult tasks. His latest challenge involved combining Air and Earth manipulation to achieve…something. She didn't explain what the result would be, just asking him to have faith that he was building towards something good.

At least she was on board with his idea about using his Cooking Skills offensively. A little too enthusiastically in fact. She had given him more homework for that—a book that listed several plants that induced severe debilitating debuffs. It was supposed to be a tome that listed ingredients to avoid in one's cooking. But they intended to use it for an entirely different purpose. Strangely, the author of the book was unknown. The manuscript was very old and faded, and Mrs. Ashvein wouldn't tell him where or how she got it. Aenon's hunch about the old lady's origins kept getting stronger.

He pulled up his stat sheet to check his gains.

Aenon/Ashryn Fenrast

Race: Ascended Human (M)

Age: 13 years

Level 35

Class: Void Stalker (Level 32)

Subclass: Abyssal Warden (Level 37)

HP: 17420

HP Regen: 348.2/min

MP: 21740

MP Regen: 489.6/min

Stats - Multiplier: 128 (Locked)

STR: 1742

CON: 1741

DEX: 1746

INT: 2174

WIL: 2448

PER: 1876

Titles (2184 points)

Unfettered Soul (+100 all), Alpha (+20 all), Domain Walker (Withheld), Bulwark (+5 all), Speed Runner (+10 all), Hoarder (+5 all), Landlord 2 (+25 all), Planetary Forerunner (+30 all), Ancient Killer (+20 all), Untouchable 2 (+40 all), Archivist (+5 all), Royal Assassin (+30 all), Corruption Cleanser (+5 all) ), Underdog (+20 all), Limit Breaker 2 (+20 all)

Lone Wolf (+2% Title stats)

Prodigious Mage (+10% Title stats)

Nature's Attendant (+200 all stats when within 50 meters of sapling)

Skills (Available SP: 56)

Weapons (Unarmed, Daggers, Traps) | Savant

Stealth and Tracking (Woods, Urban) | Savant

Mana Manipulation | Savant

Cooking | Adept

Internalized Skills

Identify

Mana Sense

Soul Authority – Sovereign's Eye, Soul Beacon, Soul Purge, Soul Syphon (Unfettered Soul)

System's Grace

His resource pools were truly monstrous for a level 35. But the Multiverse was vast, and there were no doubt hidden monsters who would outpace him if he got complacent. He needed to make sure that didn't happen. At least he was qualified for an A grade evolution now. He just needed to push himself a bit for the last grade.

He reviewed his Spell list to be sure everything was in order before he dived back into his books.

Order Category Spells

Emergence – None

Light – Light Manipulation (Intermediate) | Cost: 200 + 150 /min

Life – None

Water – Water Manipulation (Major) | Cost: 300 + 200/min

Earth – Earth Manipulation (Intermediate) | Cost: 300 + 200/min

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Chaos Category Spells

Void – None

Dark – None

Death – None

Fire – Fire Manipulation (Intermediate) | Cost: 300 + 200/min

Air – Air Manipulation (Major) | Cost: 300 + 200/min

Neutral Category Spells

Space – Physical Barrier (Intermediate) | Cost: 400 + 200/min

Time – None

Gravity – Gravity Well (Basic) | Cost: 200 + 400/min, Feather Foot (Intermediate) | Cost: 400 + 500/min

Energy – Heat Manipulation (Minor) | Cost 400 + 200/min

Arcane – Magical Barrier (Basic) | Cost: 400 + 200/min

Hybrid Spells

Blooming Earth (EM Proficiency + 1) | Overcharge + Earth Manipulation | Cost: 1500/min

Ice Manipulation (Lesser of AM and WM) | Air Manipulation + Water Manipulation | Cost: 600 + 400/min

Gravity Bomb (GW Proficiency +1) | Overcharge + Gravity Well | Cost: 1400/min

Steam Manipulation (Lesser of FM and WM) | Fire Manipulation + Water Manipulation | Cost 600 +400/min

He was yet to create Spells in several of the categories—dark, death, and time being the more problematic ones. The issue with them was finding the wisps themselves. Life wisps on the other hand were abundant in the forest and around Nocthrya, and he should have technically created one. But it somehow always eluded him. As for void mana, he had it from his soul, but he couldn't generate any Spells based on it. Even when he used it for erasing things from existence it never triggered an elemental Spell under the void category. Aenon wasn't sure if he was missing something, or the System Admin was somehow involved.

Satisfied, he got back to memorizing the books by Mrs. Ashvein for the next 45 minutes. Only when Mira knocked did he close them and got ready for a new kind of battle. This would be his first large scale meeting as Mayor of Pinespire. He had attended several, but this was special both for its size, as well as the topics that they would be discussing. To commemorate the occasion, he was even asked to put on some fancy dress. Which he obviously ignored, except one lapel that went on his chest. It was supposed to be a seal that represented the city leader, but for now it was just a blank placeholder. He had to personally design a symbol that would represent his Domain. Something to work on for later.

As Aenon marched towards a larger conference room—his guards and Mira in tow—he sensed the depressing atmosphere. Wars tended to do that. He of course had no such reservations and was completely at peace with what was coming. As his entourage approached the large double doors, Aenon picked up on the occupants. The usual people from the Guild were present—Gorin, and Thalindra with the elite adventurers— along with several representatives from different factions. He was pleasantly surprised to find two people from the former village of Jadefall too. Although, Henry was absent from the meeting.

As Aenon took his seat, everyone approached their own. The only break from the norm was the seating arrangement. Usually, factions tended to sit together. Which is why it came as a surprise to many when Thalindra grabbed a seat to the right of Aenon. Ignar and his wife sat adjacent to Thalindra. Aenon's left was occupied by Jenny, Boff, and Toff, in that order. It was an open declaration of their shift in allegiance.

The Guild Leader, Gorin, had a nasty expression on his face. But he kept his mouth shut, brooding in silence instead. Several other adventurers sat next to him. But none were as high leveled as Ignar and his party. Aenon checked their levels to gauge their progress.

Thalindra | Human | Level 99

Ignar | Human/Goliath | Berserker | Level 99

Velastra | Human | Mage | Level 96

Boff | Dwarf | Warrior | Level 94

Toff | Dwarf | Warrior |Level 94

Jenny | Human | Warrior | Level 85

The atmosphere was tense with nervous anticipation, as everyone stared at Aenon, expecting him to kick off the meeting. But it was Thalindra that stood and addressed the crowd.

"Thank you everyone for gathering on such short notice," the Assistant Guild Leader began in a professional voice. "But we can all agree that the rapidly evolving situation warranted this move."

Everyone's gazes snapped to the charismatic woman as she took charge of the proceedings with grace. Aenon even detected her Aura flaring in a controlled manner to add weight to her words. It wasn't too egregious, and hardly detectable unless one was a soul mage, but she was finally starting to use her powers openly. Not all of her soul chains were broken yet, meaning she was not at a hundred percent. But there was remarkable improvement than before.

"This new Alliance is a significant threat that could potentially engulf the entire region in utter chaos. We all witnessed their heavy-handed approach when they dared attack our City Admin and expel our citizens from the mansion. These actions completely undermine our Mayor's authority and isn't something that can be tolerated," Thalindra stated passionately before pausing for effect as she eyed each person at the table. "This alone shows us that they have no intention of peace…"

"I apologize, my lady," a pudgy man sitting next to Gorin interrupted Thalindra. "But I believe there has been a misunderstanding. The adventurers from the alliance are nothing but messengers from the Alliance, here to announce the upcoming visit from their representative. Assuming the Alliance is hostile based on the actions of a few would be a terrible mistake. In my humble opinion of course."

The room went dead silent, everyone's eyes landing on Aenon to see his reaction. But Aenon didn't move a muscle, emboldening the guy to continue.

"I suggest meeting this representative first, where we can formally raise a complaint about their subordinate's behavior," the smile on the man's face sent a shiver down Aenon's spine. It reminded him of the lawyers from Earth.

Thalindra was about to counter the argument, but Aenon raised a hand to stop her. She immediately bowed and took her seat.

"Fair enough," Aenon said calmly. "What do you suggest we do master Porter."

Aenon had requested Henry to give him a list of all the attendees, with pictures and basic details about them. The man was the head of the Trader's Emporium, and quite influential in the upper echelon.

"Oh, certainly Lord Fenrast," the man recovered from the shock of having his name called out. Many of those present must have assumed Aenon wouldn't know anyone except a select few he interacted with. "I suggest you assign a delegation to represent our glorious city, so that we may start talks to come to a mutually beneficial agreement."

The man's words were honey, but his feelings were anything but. Aenon was sure that if the guy was anything like the businessmen on Earth, he would sell his own family to meet his bottom line.

"A good approach," Aenon pretended to consider the words, raising the hopes of many. "But what if we can't reach a consensus?"

"Oh, well…I mean," the man stuttered. "At the end of the day, we are all reasonable people…"

"I asked what if," Aenon cut him off coolly.

"Well…I…we could…," Porter tried, but couldn't come up with a solution. To his relief, he got some help.

"With all due respect, Lord Fenrast," Gorin said with a bow. "There are no winners in a war. You have read the reports, the Alliance has crushed all resistance. We are the tenth city they have set their eyes on. Three of the ones who resisted have completely fallen. While the others surrendered after a prolonged conflict that caused widespread destruction."

Unlike before, Gorin was at the very least respectful, no longer challenging him openly. Everyone exchanged glances, but didn't get in between the warring factions sitting at two ends of the table.

"Did you read the same report I did, Guild Leader Gorin?" Aenon asked while interlacing his fingers before him.

"What do you mean?" Gorin asked, clearly confused.

"There is a very glaring omission from all reports that were given to us," Aenon replied. "Yes, the reports talked in detail of the consequences of not surrendering. No doubt to scare us into submission. They also talk about uniting the people from Earth, and the advantages such a united front could avail us when the tutorial ends. It even promises safety and security for all those who agree to join."

"I…I still don't get what you are implying, Lord Fenrast."

"Despite the excruciating detail of the consequences, and the abundant list of benefits for joining, I didn't see a single line that talked about what the common people will get out of it," Aenon said coldly. "Safety and security, sure. But not prosperity. That was only promised to the leadership."

Many of the nobles who sat on Gorin's side fidgeted uncomfortably. The Guild Leader too looked away, ashamed.

"On the first day when I stood before everyone, I gave everyone my word. That included the common citizens too. And I am nothing if not a man of my word."

Thalindra and the others smiled openly at Aenon's words, their souls radiating pride and respect. Gorin on the other hand was struggling to come up with a valid excuse.

"But the odds are…," he tried to argue.

"The odds will forever be against us," Thalindra spoke up softly. "Surely you realize that Gorin. They call you the undying shield. You have waded through so many life and death battles. Why are you still afraid?"

The man's pride was obviously hurt, since he lashed out immediately. "I did not come this far by being reckless. As a leader it is my duty to think of the Guild members. This…this road only leads to certain destruction."

He turned to Aenon with fear in his eyes. But Aenon ignored the outburst, staring at him with indifference. But everyone's attention was drawn by an audible scoff from Aenon's left.

"Heh. And to think I used to look up to you at one point," Jenny said with a humorless laugh.

"Who even are you to question my abilities?" Gorin blurted out in anger.

He obviously didn't recognize Jenny after her baptism in the battles against the Treants. In fact, no one seemed to have any idea since everyone sported an equally confused look.

"Jenny Smith," the red head said casually as she folded her arms. "Former clerk at the Adventurer's Guild."

The table went silent as the realization swept across the room. Everyone was stuck speechless, as they stared in bewilderment.

"You…you…are level 85," Gorin sputtered. "And a warrior. You can't be the level 2 leech who Thalindra forced into my Guild."

Aenon almost unleashed his Aura for the disrespect. But he didn't need to. An extreme chill descended on the room, as Jenny unleashed her own.

"Call me that again…," Jenny whispered with narrowed eyes, her threat lingering in the air like the frosty mist coming out of everyone's mouth. The chair she was seated on was frozen solid.

"Control yourself," Ignar told Jenny from across the table. But he too glared daggers at the Guild Leader, as did everyone from his party.

Jenny retracted her Aura and sat down, not taking her eyes off the shocked man who was thrice her size. Aenon almost wished they would have a go at it. If only to see how she would fare against the man. But Aenon knew that she wouldn't win against the experienced warrior. She was still human after all, and the gap because of the evolution multiplier was insurmountable for her. But he had a hunch she wouldn't go down that easily.

"This meeting is over," Aenon finally declared to cut the tension.

The nobles in Gorin's faction bowed before literally running for the exit. The Guild Leader stared at Jenny for a bit longer, before leaving without a word. Aenon's eyes narrowed at what he sensed from the man.

"Well, that went about as well as I expected," Velastra commented once everyone, but their group was left.

"Sorry I lost my cool," Jenny said sheepishly.

"You did well, lassie," one of the twins said encouragingly.

His brother too was busy consoling the girl when Aenon made his mask disappear, revealing his smile. "You think they took the bait?"

Aenon turned to Thalindra who also had a knowing smile.

"I am fairly certain," Thalindra replied smugly.

Only Velastra, the dwarves, and Jenny looked confused.

"It should give us some time I think," Ignar chimed in.

"What's going on?" Velastra asked in frustration.

Ignar looked at his wife nervously before turning to Thalindra with pleading eyes.

"This meeting was nothing but a ruse and a bait," Thalindra explained. "It was supposed to fail. The Alliance has already infiltrated our ranks. The nobility to be exact. We needed to separate our allies and enemies."

Having worked with Thalindra for so long, they obviously knew of her soul powers. And using that it wasn't hard to find their intentions.

"And the bait?" Jenny asked, still confused.

"We needed to show a weakness," Aenon continued the conversation. "Something for the enemy to try exploiting. A divided front is just that. They will spend their entire time trying to get the ones who disagree with me. Gorin being their prime target."

"Oh," Jenny said sullenly. "And I almost messed up your plans."

"Bahahaha," Ignar guffawed. "Not one bit. You made it better. By revealing your strength, you put them on guard. They will be extra careful with their preparation now, giving us more time to level up."

"And you didn't bother explaining all this to me," Velastra said with a faux smile that shut the berserker.

As the man tried to pacify his wife, Aenon locked eyes with Thalindra. There was a fire in her eyes that Aenon had not seen before.

"I believe your phase one is complete?" she asked with a wicked grin.

Aenon returned the smile and looked out the window towards where Henry was supposed to be. His omission from the meeting was a deliberate move, making everyone believe that he had lost favor with Aenon.

"Yep. It's time for phase two."

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