Chapter 5: The Tooth Tower

To the south of Einfast lies a coalition of smaller nations. For years, these nations, devoted to the elemental gods, have been in constant conflict with the empire. It was only in recent years, after signing a series of treaties, that the tensions gradually subsided and relative peace was restored.

Though the combined strength of these smaller nations is less than half that of Einfast, they have managed to hold their ground against the empire's armies. The primary reason for this is the Tooth Tower, which stands near the empire's border.

The Tooth Tower is not merely a single structure but the collective name for four magical towers dedicated to the elements of earth, fire, water, and air. These towers, identical in shape, curve slightly upward and converge at their peaks, forming the image of a massive, formidable fang piercing the heavens. Their colossal presence is visible from miles away.

Among them, the entirely white Air Tower is the residence of its master, Archmage Aiden. Despite his low profile and lack of fame across the continent, his extraordinary mastery of air magic commands deep admiration from his students.

For Aiden, air magic seems less like a form of magic and more like an extension of his very being, something he can effortlessly manipulate as though it were part of his body. His elusive movements, perpetually cold demeanor, and voice that carries the chill of high-altitude winds have led to rumors that he might not even be human but rather an air elemental in human form.

Today, the door to Aiden's chamber is shut tight as he meets an unusual guest. For a man known for his lack of social engagements, this is indeed rare.

"Are you seriously telling me the elves have opened an dimensional gate to the Whispering Forest? That the Ancient War Tree will disable the Sunwell's magic barrier for two days? Is this true? Two days isn't much time. To reach the Whispering Forest that quickly, one would have to use flight spells or summon air elementals to carry them. Even so, not many people could make it. But that's not the point..." Aiden's cold gaze locked onto the marquis before him. "The point is, why should I assist you for such an unreliable tale? Meeting you here is already a courtesy, given we're both from the Dehya Valley. Don't forget, I don't like you very much."

"You don't need to trust me or like me. You only need to trust the great Lord Akibard," the marquis replied, taking a worn, leather-bound book from his cloak and tossing it to Aiden. "And I know you'll like this."

The moment Aiden caught the book, the ice-cold expression on his face crumbled completely.

The book was ancient, its leather cover showing signs of great age, yet it bore no damage. Opening its pages revealed dense, flowing ancient script written in elegant, confident strokes—a mark of a highly cultured individual.

"This is... Akibard's notes... and it contains the Truth Meditation ..." Aiden's voice trembled, and his composure faltered. "Did you steal this from Sandru? No wonder... no wonder he's so desperate to kill you."

"See for yourself," the marquis said flatly. "The notes include records about the Elves' Ancient War Tree. While not exhaustive, they should prove I'm not lying. So, what do you say? If you help me, this is yours."

"It's a pity this is of no use to me now. The Truth Meditation doesn't hold much appeal to me at my current level." Aiden thought for a moment, sighed, and resumed his icy demeanor. "And I don't want to help you because I dislike you."

"What if I throw in the Ghost King Robe?"

"What?" Aiden's expression didn't just crumble; it erupted like a volcano. "You stole that as well?"

"If I dared to take the Truth Meditation, why wouldn't I take the Ghost King Robe? Take the notes for now. Once you retrieve the World Tree's Leaf for me, I'll give you the robe. How about it?" Seeing Aiden hesitate, the marquis added, "Relax. I can't return to the Dehya Valley anymore, so these two treasures mean little to me now..."

Aiden didn't respond immediately, seemingly lost in thought. His breathing grew heavy, like a bull's, and the desire burning beneath his frozen exterior was as intense as molten lava.

The Truth Meditation and Ghost King Robe might be mere symbolic treasures when considered separately. However, together, they formed a combination of unparalleled significance.

For decades, Aiden had desired these two items since learning of their existence in the Dehya Valley. The accumulated longing had nearly driven him mad. Now, all he needed to do was retrieve a World Tree Leaf, and both treasures would be his.

He wasn't worried about being tricked. While the marquis undoubtedly had ulterior motives, he was desperate to save his son and had no way to return to the Dehya Valley. The treasures he had stolen were far less valuable to him than a World Tree Leaf capable of healing his son's injuries.

Or, Aiden mused, perhaps he wouldn't need to trade after all. He could use the treasures as bait to get the marquis to hand over the Ghost King Robe, then use more "direct" methods to claim everything. With the Truth Meditation, the Ghost King Robe, and the World Tree Leaf in his possession, returning to the Dehya Valley would be easy...

These thoughts ignited a frenzy within Aiden, reminiscent of the overwhelming rush of a sixteen-year-old experiencing their first crush. Yet, he knew he had to suppress these emotions.

Finally, Aiden seemed to regain his composure and nodded. "Fine, but you'll need to do me a favor. The Tooth Tower isn't something I can command alone."

The rooms of the four tower masters were not far from each other, with the tops of the Earth, Fire, Water, and Air Towers connected together.

The Earth Tower's master, Granden, was a stout old man with a thick beard covering his face. He always seemed to wear a cheerful smile, resembling a kind-hearted but wealthy landowner.

In truth, thanks to Granden's masterful command of earth magic and his practical financial acumen, both he and his Earth Tower were undoubtedly the wealthiest among the Tooth Tower. Almost all the mines in the surrounding small nations fell under the domain of the Earth Tower. Even the dwarves of the Kalendor Basin had once invited Granden to inspect mineral veins and assist in carving out underground palaces.

To treat the profound art of magic as something akin to blacksmithing or mining, applying it in such a utilitarian manner, was at odds with the values of most magicians. Yet, Granden's affable nature and his ability to win people's trust had made him highly respected. His practical approach was also indispensable to the Tooth Tower, and he had always been the most influential among the four masters.

However, when Granden, who supposedly lived by the motto of practicality and economy, heard Aiden's request, his usually kind face immediately hardened. He shook his head and firmly refused, "Master Aiden, the Tooth Tower is not a military force, and our students and magicians are not soldiers. Even if some of them join the army or participate in battles, it is purely their personal choice—whether to defend their homeland or become mercenaries. We absolutely cannot send them to fight and risk their lives for our own purposes."

Aiden nodded, his face once again reverting to its usual cold and emotionless expression. He turned to the marquis standing beside him and said, "As expected, it's a no. Marquis, you heard Master Granden's answer, didn't you?"

The marquis replied, "Master Granden, as long as you're willing to help, my reward will surely satisfy you—whether it's magical gemstones or anything else…"

 "Neither magical gemstones nor anything else is more valuable than the lives of the Tower's students and mages," Granden replied with a slow but firm smile. "The key is, please respect us. We are not mercenaries blinded by money."

"Is that so? Then it seems we'll have to abandon this," the marquis sighed deeply, regret evident on his face. He nodded and extended his hand apologetically toward Granden. "You are right. I have indeed been disrespectful to you and the Tower. Please forgive my impatience."

"No need for apologies. I understand a father's concern. I am also saddened by your son's condition." Granden smiled and shook the marquis's hand. "Perhaps you could try seeking help in Celeste..."

Granden's voice abruptly cut off. His smile froze, and his body became motionless.

"Apologies. I know..." the marquis murmured, still wearing a faintly apologetic smile as he withdrew his hand. He carefully set the frozen Granden back in his chair, leaving the old mage in his usual kind expression but completely paralyzed.

A tiny needle retracted into the marquis's ring as he flexed his fingers. He cast a quick healing spell on Granden's hand, erasing all traces of the needle's prick.

Aiden watched coldly from the side. "You're certain there will be no visible traces? Although that annoying woman Edwina is gone, there are still skilled water mages in the Water Tower who'll inspect and treat him. Water magic may not match holy magic, but it's still formidable."

The marquis shook his head. "No one besides Magnus, Sandru, or a few other elders could detect the curse and poison I used, let alone cure them. Trust me, elemental magic won't suffice. At best, they'll sense his life force is fading."

"Good. With this man gone, I'll have sole authority over the Tooth Tower," Aiden said, his eyes blazing with ambition beneath his cold exterior. "And with the promise of the World Tree Leaf, I can easily rally support to secure it."

"But you don't actually intend to heal him, do you?" the marquis asked.

"It doesn't matter. As long as I can lead a group out and retrieve that World Tree Leaf for you," Master Aiden replied, his gaze blazing with intensity. Beneath his icy exterior, his eyes burned like two hidden volcanoes beneath a frozen surface. The heat was not just an expression of power but something that overwhelmed everything else. "Once I have the True Meditation and the Ghost King Robe, everything else will be trivial. I could even give up my position as the Tooth Tower' master."

At that moment, a voice came from outside the door: "Masters of the Tower, two elven envoys have arrived at the Tooth Tower. They claim to be from the Whispering Forest and request an audience with the two of you."

"Elven envoys from the Whispering Forest?" The marquis and Master Aiden exchanged glances, their expressions both peculiar and amused. Almost involuntarily, both of them smiled.