Chapter 313: Fishing for Mages is Going Well (2)
A legion is a military organization capable of operating independently. In essence, Ghislain’s words meant that he intended to establish an army composed entirely of mages.
Claude, who had been staring at Ghislain expressionlessly for a moment, finally spoke.
“Whether it’s a research institute or a legion… How could we even manage such a thing? Officially, our territory only has one mage.”
The mages residing in the Fenris territory occupied a rather ambiguous status.
Formally, they were cooperative mages dispatched from a branch of the Crimson Flame Tower, but unofficially, they were contracted slaves bound to Ghislain.
Because of this, they couldn’t publicly step forward. After all, their official affiliation was still with the Crimson Flame Tower.
If it became widely known that the tower was actively participating in territorial wars, they would face severe repercussions.
Of course, even now, it was little more than a poorly veiled secret, but appearances still mattered. As long as it wasn’t overt, it was permissible.
Ghislain nodded as he continued.
“For now, the official roster includes only Vanessa. The others… well, they can keep doing what they’ve been doing helping with construction, fighting when needed, you know.”
“…”
“And lately, haven’t we had a few mages trickling into the territory? They seem to be snooping around, hoping for something.”
“Well, that’s true. Rumors about a 6th-circle mage being here are circulating.”
After the war with Desmond, whispers began spreading about the presence of a 6th-circle mage in Fenris.
The sight of Willow’s magic being thwarted had been witnessed by several people.
Considering even the kingdom’s army had been involved, it would’ve been strange if rumors hadn’t spread.
“A 6th-circle mage isn’t exactly common, is it? Even if they’re a bit incomplete, such details hardly matter to people.”
Reaching the 6th-circle was an achievement that could qualify one to become a tower master. Naturally, nobles became eager to discover the identity of this mage.
Even unaffiliated mages began making their way to Fenris.
Some sought to gain experience as they wandered the world, but most were individuals whose talents had stalled or whose circumstances had prevented further progress.
Their aim was to meet the 6th-circle mage, hoping for even a sliver of guidance.
After all, encountering a 6th-circle mage was a rare opportunity.
Ghislain nodded in agreement with Claude’s assessment.
“Exactly. So let’s recruit them. That way, we can increase our mage numbers, right? We need to expand our magical forces somehow.”
Relying on the tower to provide resources had its limits. They would no longer supply anything further.
Yet, strengthening their magical capabilities was essential if they were to face the ducal families and other great lords. Those adversaries were bound to command far superior mages than Desmond ever had.
For instance, the mage Ilrois of a ducal family had already reached the 7th-circle, and the Scarlet Tower Master allied with them was also a 7th-circle mage.
They urgently needed to raise Vanessa’s level and increase their number of mages.
Claude understood the reasoning behind Ghislain’s words. However, knowing what needed to be done and actually accomplishing it were entirely different matters.
“Hmm. But would those mages willingly join the territory? It’s one thing if they’ve been cast out for lack of talent, but those who value their freedom would likely refuse. You know how prideful and difficult mages can be.”
“You think they can resist when a 6th-circle mage offers to teach them? Add to that a promise of fair compensation.”
“Well, I suppose that would be enticing. Mages are always desperate to advance their skills. As long as we keep Vanessa’s ‘incomplete’ status under wraps, it should work.”
“Exactly. And let’s promise them mana concentration arrays as an additional perk if they officially join the territory.”
“Can you please start managing your spending? We’re running low on runestones because of how recklessly they’ve been used.”
“You have to invest properly where it counts. Start preparing promotional material with those details.”
“Ugh… And what about the tower mages?”
“Tell them we’ll keep things just the way they are. Let’s all live happily together.”
“…Fine.”
Claude gave up on trying to argue. What did he care about the Crimson Flame Tower’s issues? Whether this gamble succeeded or led to destruction wasn’t his concern anymore.
Meanwhile, the busy dwarves and mages were dragged in for yet another round of construction work.
Alfoi, who had become utterly twisted after sixty years of servitude, swore profusely as he worked without pause.
“Dammit! Why won’t this work ever end? This godforsaken territory! This cursed land! How dare they treat me, the man who defeated the gods, like this!”
Watching Alfoi’s outburst, Galbarik commented casually.
“Well, at least this building is supposed to be for the mages, right? They’re pouring an enormous amount of money into it.”
“Hmph! If they want to keep serving me for a long time, it’s only natural they should build something of this caliber!”
Alfoi convinced himself that he was only staying here because he was being revered absolutely not because he was a captive slave.
The building currently under construction was extraordinary. It featured individual accommodations for numerous mages, dedicated training facilities, an enormous magical library, and even a variety of luxurious amenities.
Naturally, Vanessa was in charge of all the magical enhancements for these facilities.
The dwarves also put more care into this structure than any other they had worked on. This was because Ghislain had repeatedly emphasized the building’s importance.
As the structure grew taller, Alfoi muttered to himself while looking at it.
“It’s impressive, but… doesn’t it look like a tower? Is this really our dormitory?”
No matter how one looked at it, it wasn’t just tower-like it was a magic tower. Before the building was even completed, Ghislain gathered everyone together and spoke.
“You’ve probably all been wondering what this building is. It’s far too grand to simply be a mage dormitory. By now, you’re all aware that more and more mages are visiting our territory, right?”
Everyone nodded. Even during construction, rumors about a 6th-circle mage residing in Fenris were spreading rapidly.
Belinda frowned slightly and said, “But what do we do about all the visitors? We’re giving them accommodations for now, but they keep pestering us to meet the 6th-circle mage. Just today, two more showed up.”
The wandering mages had not been allowed to meet Vanessa.
She was Fenris’s most important secret weapon, and it wasn’t an option to let just anyone see her. Her very identity needed to remain confidential.
Thus, these mages, unable to leave the territory or meet Vanessa, lingered around like restless puppies, constantly submitting requests for an audience.
For now, they were being thoroughly monitored and controlled by the Fenris forces. Even low-circle mages could cause disasters for ordinary citizens if they acted out of line.
Ghislain began explaining.
“This building under construction is the Fenris Magic Research Institute. From now on, Vanessa will be its head.”
Vanessa’s eyes widened in surprise. “Me?”
“Of course. You’re the highest-ranking 6th-circle mage in the territory. Naturally, you should take charge of the institute.”
Though the statement was factual, Vanessa, who was prone to blushing easily, turned red with embarrassment.
“Wait a second! Why am I not in charge?!” Alfoi interjected.
Ghislain shook his head. “You’re the branch head of the Crimson Flame Tower’s local chapter. This is the Fenris Magic Research Institute.”
“Hmm…”
Alfoi had to admit it made sense. Although his allegiances seemed to be getting increasingly tangled, he couldn’t find a proper counterargument.
Ghislain continued, “We’ll also start actively recruiting mages. First, we’ll work on persuading the ones already in the territory. They’ll be invited to stay and work at the research institute.”
“Wait! So this isn’t going to be just our dormitory?” Alfoi interjected again, looking incredulous.
“It’ll serve as a dormitory, yes. But all mages will live there together, conducting magical research and training, while also contributing to the territory. During combat situations, they’ll function as a magical corps.”
The term “magical corps” startled everyone. This signaled that Fenris was preparing to officially incorporate its magical forces into its military.
Alfoi trembled slightly as he asked, “Wait… Are you saying we’re going to be part of that?”
“Of course,” Ghislain replied matter-of-factly.
“But… isn’t that just a magic tower?!”
Ghislain, without blinking, answered, “No, it’s the Fenris Magic Research Institute.”
“That’s literally a magic tower! We’re not supposed to be doing that!”
The idea of mages already affiliated with another organization joining a new group led by a different mage, engaging in collaborative research and training it was entirely different from merely assisting on projects. If the Crimson Flame Tower is found out working directly with Fenris, chaos would ensue.
Though some minor infractions might be excused under the guise of “knowledge exchange,” forming a magical corps was a different matter. Fenris had always secretly participated in wars; formalizing a military unit would even bring their past conflicts under scrutiny.
This was practically inviting collective ruin.
Still, Ghislain remained undeterred. “It’s not a magic tower. It’s a research institute, so it doesn’t matter.”
“That’s a magic tower! I’m telling you, it’s a magic tower!”
“It’s a research institute. And don’t worry about battles they’ll only be defensive in nature.”
That last clarification provided a small measure of reassurance. If the corps were limited to defensive operations for the sake of the territory, it might be possible to justify their existence.
But Alfoi, having experienced countless trials during his time in Fenris, wasn’t someone to be easily convinced by such vague promises.
“…You’re not going to pull that ‘the best defense is a good offense’ line, are you?”
“…”
“Answer me.”
Ghislain didn’t reply. Instead, he turned to Claude and asked, “When’s the slaver arriving?”
“…”
Claude fell silent, Alfoi fell silent, and everyone else also fell silent.
When the room grew quiet, Ghislain resumed speaking in earnest.
“Mages affiliated with our territory will now receive proper magical training under Vanessa. While contributing to the territory’s work is important, it’s also essential to improve their skills quickly. The territory will fully support all necessary resources.”
Vanessa was once again startled by his words.
“Me?”
“Yes, you. You’ll be teaching the mages magic. Everyone needs to raise their levels.”
“How… how could I possibly handle such an enormous task…?”
“You can do it. You’re the highest-circle mage in the territory, and besides, your explanations are… well, unparalleled.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. Anyone who had ever asked Vanessa a question knew they’d be in for at least an hour-long lecture.
Vanessa had a passion for deconstructing magic down to its most basic components, making her explanations exceptionally detailed and easy to understand. It was an ability few could replicate.
If the mages devoted themselves fully to research and training, their skills would undoubtedly improve rapidly.
The decision was made, leaving only the matter of execution. Despite Vanessa’s continual blushing and timid objections, Ghislain wouldn’t budge.
Thus, the Fenris Magic Research Institute was established, with Vanessa as its head.
“Oh, and the commander of the magical corps will be Vanessa, but Lowell will assist as an advisor,” Ghislain added.
Lowell, who had been silently observing, was suddenly taken aback.
“Me? I’m already drowning in work!”
“It’s just an advisory role for wartime. Don’t worry about it.”
“Ugh…”
Although Vanessa would lead the magical corps, she lacked military acumen. Someone with expertise in military strategy was needed to support her.
Ghislain also planned to restructure the military soon. While he had been personally handling everything up until now, the territory had grown to the point where responsibilities needed to be distributed.
Once the magic research institute was officially launched, appointments with the wandering mages started being scheduled one by one.
Calling Claude, Ghislain gave him clear instructions.
“Listen carefully. Don’t let a single mage who comes here leave the territory.”
“Huh? Why not? You want me to imprison them?”
“No, no. Convince them somehow to join our territory. You can manage that, right?”
“…Why me? Can’t you just handle this yourself, my lord? I’m swamped already.”
“No, you’re the most suitable person for this task. I trust you.”
“…Tch.”
Grumbling but unable to resist the subtle compliment, Claude pouted before nodding.
The first mage he met with was a middle-aged 3rd-circle mage. Leaning back in his chair with his legs crossed, Claude tilted his chin upward and spoke.
“So, you want to meet the 6th-circle mage of our territory, is that correct?”
“Yes, if possible, I’d like to receive even the smallest bit of guidance.”
The mage gazed at Claude with eager eyes.
Though his posture seemed arrogant, the fact that Claude was the chief overseer of a grand territory ensured the mage, a mere 3rd-circle practitioner, dared not behave disrespectfully.
Claude, in a calculatedly casual tone, said, “It’s not easy to meet someone of that caliber. Instead, why don’t you consider becoming an exclusive mage of our territory? You’d get the opportunity to learn from the 6th-circle mage and receive full support from the territory.”
“An… exclusive mage?”
“Yes, nothing complicated. You’ve probably heard the rumors about our territory’s wealth, haven’t you? We’re even building a new magic tower no, research institute for mages. Plus, we’re providing personal mana concentration arrays for each mage.”
“W-what?!”
The mage was taken aback. No other territory would ever provide such support to a wandering mage of middling talent like him.
The offer was extraordinary. Having wandered alone for so long, growing weary of self-study, he found it tempting.
Still, he harbored some suspicion, as was typical of a mage.
“Why… why are you going to such lengths for someone like me?”
“We’re in need of mages. To incentivize the first arrivals, we’re offering exceptional terms. But positions are limited, and if you take too long to decide, there might not be any left. Opportunities like this don’t come often you should seize it while you can.”
Claude’s words, tinged with the smoothness of a seasoned merchant, were convincing enough. As the mage swallowed nervously, Claude pressed on.
“Our territory will provide lodging, meals, and every convenience, so you won’t have to worry about anything else. All you need to do is focus on training and advancing your skills.”
“Is… is that really all?”
It sounded like a dream come true. Receiving guidance from a 6th-circle mage was already rare, but with the addition of a personal mana concentration array?
And on top of that, the only responsibility was to train diligently? It was an offer that any mage would find hard to refuse.
Claude smiled gently, nodding.
“Of course. All we ask is that you occasionally assist with the territory’s work when things get busy. And trust me, we’re not particularly busy. It might seem hectic now, but that’s just because we’re in the process of stabilizing the territory.”
The mage nodded, finding the reasoning plausible. Contributing to the territory’s development was natural for an affiliated mage, and it wasn’t an unreasonable demand.
With a smile, Claude slid a document across the table and added,
“It’s a 30-year contract. Not too long, right?”
Compared to his own 278-year contract, it truly was a short-term deal.