In the moments just before the clash between the grand paladin and Zack, let's rewind a few seconds.
Tormentaheim, the colossal heart of the Fulminar Empire and the cherished abode of its imperial lineage, sprawled across more than 200,000 square kilometers—an expanse rivaling that of entire small kingdoms.
Amidst its grandeur, a palpable tension gripped the city, sending shivers down the spines of all wizards within its vicinity. Even those newly initiated into the arcane arts could sense an ominous presence coalescing at the epicenter—the illustrious grand palace of the emperor.
This formidable aura emanated from none other than the enigmatic figure that had become the subject of fervent discourse across the continent: the level 3 powerhouse, the renegade from the Holy Empire, the grand paladin.
In recent memory, the grand paladin had wrought havoc upon several of the continent’s most prominent black markets, all under the management of the lightning magic tower. Now, his audacity had escalated to unprecedented heights as he launched an assault and held captive the imperial family of the Fulminar Empire, the vassal of the lightning tower. Amidst the chaos, a singular demand reverberated: the surrender of the lightning tower's newly advanced level 2 wizard into the grand paladin's custody.
The lightning tower, true to their name as one of the prideful magic towers, refused to yield one of their own to the grand paladin's demands. At first glance, the odds seemed insurmountable for the lightning magic tower in a direct confrontation with the level 3 powerhouse. However, the tide of uncertainty shifted with the addition of the mysterious wizard, whose slaying of the saintess elevated him to the status of a level 3 powerhouse. Traces of mana found at the scene means that the mysterious wizard was of the lightning tower origin. Despite the tower’s previous assertions of the possibility that the perpetrator was merely a level 2 wizard. The skill displayed in the assassination rendered the anonymous wizard indistinguishable from a level 3 powerhouse.
As a result, the outcome of this conflict remained uncertain, with the enigmatic wizard's intervention casting a shadow of doubt over the grand paladin's assumed supremacy. However, the potential ramifications of a victory for the grand paladin loomed large, particularly in the event of the imperial family's demise. With Fulminar's monopoly over the lightning tower at risk, the other towers stood poised to reap the benefits of a power vacuum. Sensing the shifting tides of power, other towers dispatched their scouts to monitor the situation, recognizing the pivotal moment that could alter the landscape of magical dominance.
Among these scouts were Jacob, hailing from the ice magic tower, and Galen, representing the wind magic tower—both esteemed late level 1 wizards. Despite the tremors of apprehension gripping his heart, Jacob steeled himself, resolute in his duty to observe the situation unfolding at the imperial palace. Together, they took turns maintaining vigilance over the regal edifice, their minds fraught with anticipation and dread.
Amidst the intricate web of tower politics, the wind magic tower found itself teetering on the brink of uncertainty following the demise of its tower head during the great war. Despite an accord stipulating that the wind and ice magic towers, having sacrificed their leaders in the conflict, should be spared from oppression, an unspoken understanding prevailed among the tower heads. As long as the domain of level 2 wizards remained untouched, a tacit approval existed for skirmishes and resource pilfering among the lower-ranked wizards.
Lacking the patronage of a level 2 wizard, the wind and ice magic towers became prime targets for aggression from their counterparts. While outright violence was deemed excessive, the theft of vital resources became a commonplace occurrence, leaving the wizards of both towers hesitant to display their distinctive robes beyond the safety of their sanctuaries—a humiliating plight for those accustomed to the respect afforded by their affiliation.
Yet, amidst this tumultuous landscape, the present crisis involving the grand paladin and the imperial family presented a golden opportunity. With the potential upheaval in the imperial hierarchy looming on the horizon, the wind and ice magic towers saw a chance to ingratiate themselves with the incoming regime, thereby securing much-needed support. It was for this reason that both towers seized the initiative, dispatching scouts of considerable skill and standing to monitor the unfolding events. Their aim was clear: to swiftly align themselves with the most advantageous faction should the current imperial family falter.
As Jacob maintained his vigilant watch over the imperial palace, his attention was abruptly drawn to the sudden appearance of a figure cloaked in dark robe, looming ominously above the grand edifice. Save for the eerie visage of a devilish mask adorning the stranger's countenance, there was little to distinguish them from any other pedestrian. Yet, it was the palpable aura exuding from this mysterious individual that sent shivers coursing down Jacob's spine, prompting beads of cold sweat to trickle down his brow. Even the slumbering Galen was jolted awake by the overwhelming presence.
The disparity between a level 3 powerhouse restraining their formidable aura and one who unleashed it without restraint was staggering. The newcomer's aura surged forth like a dormant volcano on the brink of eruption, while the grand paladin's emanated a deceptive calmness, yet no less intimidating. However, with the arrival of this enigmatic figure, a seismic shift occurred, stirring the grand paladin's aura into a frenzy, mirroring the impending eruption of the newcomer's power. Now, the air crackled with the tension of two titans poised for confrontation.
"Could he be the fabled level 3 wizard rumored to have slain the saintess?" Jacob asked, though he already knew the answer. For among the ranks of level 3 powerhouses, only one remained unidentified—the elusive figure responsible for the saintess's demise.
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"He has indeed arrived," Galen replied, his voice quivering with a mix of fear and exhilaration. Who wouldn't be stirred by the prospect of witnessing a clash between two level 3 powerhouses—a spectacle so rare it had occurred only thrice in the past 130 years?
In a breathtaking display of power, both titans unleashed their domains, each vying for dominance. Yet, it became swiftly apparent that the grand paladin's domain wielded a superior force, pushing back the lightning wizard's with unwavering determination. Amidst the crackling tumult of lightning, Jacob stole a glimpse at the cloaked figure's masked countenance. What he saw sent a chill down his spine—the devilish visage that had previously frowned now twisted into a maniacal grin, betraying a fervent delight in the midst of apparent defeat. In that moment, Jacob grasped a truth: the mysterious wizard was a veritable enthusiast for battle.
BOOM!
Then, as swiftly as it had begun, the confrontation vanished from Jacob's sight, replaced by a deafening roar that seemed to rend the very fabric of space. His eyes widened as he witnessed the grand paladin hurtling through the air, a testament to the ferocity of the unseen clash.
Subsequent thunderous booms echoed through the air, the final one so potent that Jacob and Galen swore the earth itself quivered beneath their feet. Struggling to keep pace with the frenzied exchange, they relied on the echoes and residual aura to discern the movements of the combatants. Gradually, the battleground shifted away from the imperial palace, the aura of both powerhouses hurtling towards the western horizon.
In silent agreement, Jacob and Galen exchanged a knowing glance before abandoning their concealment, hastening in pursuit of the level 2 powerhouse. The urgency of their mission weighed heavily upon them; the accuracy of their report hinged upon their ability to maintain a clear line of observation, ensuring no ambiguity clouded their account of the unfolding events.
Surveying their surroundings, Jacob and Galen noted with growing apprehension the multitude of wizards converging upon the path of the grand paladin and the enigmatic figure. Each hurried step and determined gaze bespoke a collective urgency, a shared understanding of the pivotal moment unfolding before them.
Meanwhile, Lady Evangeline's tea erupted from her mouth, mirroring the shock that reverberated through Sir Cedric and Sir Archibald, all three startled by the live footage unfolding before them. Gathered around the table within the confines of the meeting room, they watched in disbelief as the events in Tormentaheim played out before their eyes. Yet, amidst their astonishment, a singular thought echoed in their minds: hadn't Sir Zack remained within the confines of the tower? They would’ve received the news from their underlings if Zack went out of the tower. The lack of news means that Zack was still inside the tower.
However, their expectations were upended by the startling news of the confrontation between the grand paladin and an unknown level 3 wizard erupting within Tormentaheim. They were sure that the unknown wizard was Sir Zack. However, upon scrutinizing the tower's exit records, they found no trace of Zack's departure—an unsettling revelation that prompted an urgent call to the man in question.
Zack, momentarily unburdened by the ceasefire with the grand paladin, answered the summons. He shifted part of his attention to his main body and activated his badge. In the meeting room, Zack’s chair shimmered with magic, transforming into a wide, flat board, and his holographic likeness materialized, reclining upon the lap of Fannie.
"Heyyo! Don't bother me; I'm in the midst of something. I've already received the notification about the confrontation. Just inform me of the outcome once it's concluded," Zack's voice rang out before his hologram vanished and the flat board transformed back to its original chair form.
The three level 2 wizards exchanged bewildered glances as they processed the revelation. The holographic projection displayed only the physical form of the badge's owner, revealing Zack's relaxed posture—a stark contrast to the frenzied battle unfolding in Tormentaheim. With Zack evidently not engaged in combat with the grand paladin, speculation ran rampant as to the identity of the mysterious wizard now in pursuit.
Sir Cedric, articulating their shared bewilderment, dared to voice the question that lingered unspoken: "Could it be that the mysterious wizard is not Sir Zack himself, but rather an associate of his?"
None of them offered a response to Sir Cedric's query. Yet, as if in silent agreement, they all redirected their attention to the screen positioned at the center of the table. In the face of the unfolding confrontation, the urgency of the situation eclipsed any immediate need to unravel the enigma of the masked figure's identity.
*** Zack POV ***
After splitting his attention to take a call from the level 2 wizards, Zack focused back on his clone with a grin. He could picture the bewildered looks on those three wizards' faces right about now.
But then, his attention snapped back to his clone, and he was surprised. The clone was currently trailing behind the grand paladin, heading toward the city's outskirts.
Initially, Zack had figured he'd have to lead the grand paladin out of the city during their showdown to avoid hurting innocent bystanders. Yet, despite his best efforts to lure the grand paladin away with his first strike, they were still smack dab in the middle of the city. It dawned on him just how massive Tormentaheim really was.
So, his opening move hadn't quite gotten them out of the city, but at least there were fewer people around than before. Now, he was scheming to draw the grand paladin even further out during their fight. However, that would mean dragging other innocent bystanders into their clash as they made their way outside the city.
Surprisingly, when the grand paladin got serious, instead of attacking right away, he bolted off in one direction after shooting Zack a glance. Zack didn't quite know how he immediately grasped the grand paladin's intentions, but he followed suit without hesitation. Maybe it was because from the moment they met, Zack sensed a certain aura about the grand paladin, unlike anything he'd felt from the saintess or other level 2 powerhouses of the Holy Empire. It was the aura of a true knight, brimming with justice and righteousness.
Even when the paladin unleashed his aura earlier, he managed to keep it from affecting regular folks, just like Zack did. If Zack had suffered the same losses, he'd probably go berserk, caring little for collateral damage as long as he got his revenge. But the grand paladin, despite his bloodshot eyes, maintained his composure and refrained from dragging innocents into the fray. So, even though the grand paladin had his back turned, Zack couldn't bring himself to ambush him.
He owed the grand paladin some respect. Besides, he knew he couldn't take him down in one shot anyway. If he attacked now, their battle would wreak havoc, and Zack wasn't keen on that. So, they both strolled toward the city's outskirts.
Either way, the grand paladin was in for a beating so severe, his own mom wouldn't recognize him afterward. Whether it happened now or later didn't make much difference.