Sylas leaned back, his gaze fixed on the notes in front of him as Gran poured himself another cup of tea, taking slow, thoughtful sips.

The two of them had been discussing the brawls breaking out among the smaller crime groups on the lower levels.

Just then, Suntuzel entered, looking eager.

He waited by the door until Sylas acknowledged him with a nod.

“Suntuzel, go ahead. What is it?” Sylas asked

Suntuzel bowed his head slightly before stepping forward.

“There’s something I thought you’d want to know about, Lord Sylas—a special area onboard, something that might be of use to us. It’s called the practice room.”

Sylas raised an eyebrow, glancing toward Gran, who listened in silence as he drank his tea, his expression neutral but attentive.

“The Practice Room?” Sylas prompted.

“What exactly is it?”

“Yes, sir. As the name suggests,” Suntuzel continued,

“It’s a room designed specifically for mages to practice their spells freely.”

Sylas’s eyes narrowed in curiosity.

“Interesting. I thought spellcasting was restricted in most parts of this ship. This room must be well hidden, or heavily warded, then.”

Suntuzel nodded.

“You’re absolutely right, Lord Sylas. The Practice Room is a space where level three mages and below are allowed to practice without triggering the ship’s magical alarms."

"It’s discreet, yet somehow permitted by the ship’s management. I suspect there are enchantments around the area to keep it off the radar.”

Sylas took a moment to digest this information, tapping his fingers on the arm of his chair.

“A place for mages to test their spells freely... This ship is full of surprises.”

Gran, who had been quietly sipping his tea, finally spoke up.

“Seems they’re encouraging smaller demonstrations of power, perhaps to keep the more ambitious ones from causing chaos in more public areas.”

He placed his cup down, looking at Sylas.

“Or perhaps it’s a way to let competitors gauge each other’s abilities.”

Suntuzel nodded, looking slightly relieved to have Gran’s understanding.

“Exactly. It serves as a buffer. And, from what I’ve heard, it’s not just the mages who visit this room, but scouts from various organizations who keep an eye on potential rivals.”

At that moment, Sardias entered, his presence strong yet subtle as he took up a position in the back of the room, listening quietly as Suntuzel continued to explain.

“It’s a controlled environment, in essence,” Suntuzel added.

“And what makes it particularly useful is the fact that spells cast in the room don’t attract attention. So long as a mage’s level is three or below, they can practice without setting off alarms.”

Sylas leaned forward, considering this.

“And who, might I ask, enforces this ‘level-three’ limit?”

Suntuzel gave a slight smile, as if he had anticipated the question.

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“The ship’s judges themselves monitor it. I suspect it’s Heidrick Flembent’s design. Guards outside the room verify a mage’s level, allowing only those at three or below to pass through."

Sylas folded his hands thoughtfully.

“Clever. It’s almost as if they’re staging a series of matches to measure the power on board.”

Gran leaned back, looking at Sylas with a raised brow.

“Might be useful for us to scout it out, don’t you think?”

Sylas’s mouth curled into a small smile.

“Indeed. Sardias, what do you think?”

Sardias stepped forward, his eyes flashing with a fierce glint.

“I’d say it’s a golden opportunity, Lord Sylas. If our rivals are showing off their capabilities, it would only be prudent to observe them. We could gauge potential threats and identify possible allies. And, if we’re careful enough, no one would know we were watching.”

Sylas nodded slowly, looking over the group.

“Very well. Suntuzel, how close is this practice room to the upper levels?”

Suntuzel hesitated for a moment.

“It’s located three floors below our quarters, around the center of the ship. Not too far, but enough to avoid too much attention from our competitors."

“Ways?” Sylas repeated.

Suntuzel’s smile returned, faint but unmistakable.

“If we use a proxy—perhaps one of our junior mages—they could enter under the guise of practicing while we observe from a distance. I could arrange for someone suitable by tonight.”

Sylas nodded.

“One of the mages under Sardias would be good for it.”

Sylas then looked at Sardias.

Sardias gave a slight nod of approval.

“That would be the best, my lord, and if that proxy displays only moderate abilities, they wouldn’t draw much attention. Just another face in the crowd.”

Sylas considered this plan, glancing at each of them.

Sardias looked at Sylas with a half-smile.

“Perhaps this is just the opportunity we’ve been waiting for. While others display their strength, we can sit back and take stock. Knowledge, after all, is the real power here.”

Sylas gave a nod of agreement, his tone confident.

“Very well. Suntuzel, select the mage, cooperate with Sardias, and ensure they’re well prepared. Sardias, I want you to have eyes on the practice room at all times. This could be the edge we need.”

Suntuzel and Sardias both nodded, their expressions set with determination as they exited the room, ready to make the arrangements.

After they left, Gran leaned back, his gaze following them out. He turned to Sylas, a knowing look in his eyes.

“Sometimes, it’s the smallest windows of opportunity that open the largest doors, isn’t it?”

-

Sylas leaned back, his fingers subtly sparking with a faint glow as he cast a quiet spell.

One of the nearby mages, concealed as an object only moments before, blinked awake, his eyes adjusting quickly to his surroundings.

Sylas gave him a calm nod.

“No need for alarm,” he murmured, his tone low.

“We’re simply making use of your talents.”

The mage straightened up, now fully alert, understanding that his reanimation meant there was work to be done.

Sardias stepped forward, his gaze assessing.

“Listen closely,” Sardias instructed, his voice sharp yet steady.

“You’ll head to the practice room. Take this."

He handed over a small pass marked with the emblem of the Sylind family.

“With this, you’ll have access to the VIP hallways, and the guards shouldn’t trouble you.”

The mage nodded, examining the pass.

“Understood. You want me to blend in, my lord?"

Sardias gave a brief nod.

“Exactly. Act like any other magic-seeking practice. Don’t draw attention to yourself, but take note of who’s around. We need insight into the room’s activity and those who might present a threat.”

Suntuzel added,

“Remember, you’re not to engage in any unnecessary display of power. Keep it simple. Level two spells only. If someone tries to provoke you, be careful not to escalate.”

The mage gave a wry smile.

“Don’t worry, I know how to stay invisible.”

Sylas interjected, his tone one of calm assurance.

“Good. And remember—your purpose isn’t combat but observation. Sardias and Suntuzel will be monitoring you from here.”

Sardias leaned in, placing a reassuring hand on the mage’s shoulder.

“Trust your instincts. The practice room is like a showground for the ambitious. You may see reckless displays, especially from newer recruits eager to prove themselves.”

The mage inclined his head, confidence evident in his stance. “Consider it done, my lord.” With that, he tucked the Sylind Family pass into his robe and exited the room.

As the door closed, Sylas leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting to Sardias. “How long do you think he’ll need?”

“An hour at most,” Sardias replied.

“The practice room is busy at this time, but our mage knows how to remain unnoticed. We’ll have him return with a full report soon.”