Chapter 311: Chapter 64: Can I Become a Wizard Now?

Colvin’s words made Murphy’s gaze narrow slightly.

’Castile Kingdom... Tower of Secret Silver...’

During the calamity a year ago, Blackstone Fortress had indeed borne the brunt of a fierce assault, but the truly festering battlefield had been on the side of the Castile Kingdom.

Unlike Blackstone Fortress, which had desperately held its ground by relying on the Church Court’s power to mobilize the Templar Order and elites from across the land, the Castile Kingdom’s primary defense was the Tower of Secret Silver and its affiliated Wizards. This had been the case ever since their "insolent declaration."

Wizards pursue knowledge and power. They might fight for rare resources or experimental materials, but they would never be like the Church’s Knights, who willingly sacrifice their lives to protect civilians.

The nobles were much the same; their private armies prioritized the defense of their own estates and property.

Lacking a strong, central command and the will to sacrifice, their lines of defense crumbled quickly under the onslaught of the Extraordinary monsters.

Perhaps for this reason, after the tide turned at Blackstone Fortress and the Plane Passage at Eagle’s Beak Peak began to shrink, the remaining monsters—cut off from reinforcements and unable to retreat to the Otherworld—did not press their attack on the now-fortified stronghold. Instead, they tended to swarm into the weakly defended Castile Kingdom, where they could rampage and build nests.

If not for the fact that the monsters also preyed upon and competed with one another, which relieved some of the pressure, that land would have long ago descended into a true hell on earth.

’As for the Church Court’s stance...’

’He recalled what the Wizard in the Deep Red Wilderness had said: "Certain high-ranking members of the Church Court deliberately allowed the Plane Passage to open in order to prolong their own lives."’

However, from what Murphy had witnessed in the battle he fought, everything pointed to the contrary. Saint Cyril Cardinal had held his ground until he was all but spent. Three Archbishops had unleashed Divine Magic at the cost of their own vitality. Quentin had fought to the death. The Church Court itself had suffered immense casualties and expended vast resources. Even the Shepherd Headquarter District had contributed. All of this clearly indicated that they were doing everything in their power to close the passage and repel the invasion.

’So, what role had the Ironspine Duke, Hakon Perik, played in all of this? He was the so-called "Balance Keeper," a man of mysterious origins and unfathomable power.’

’Was he an executor of the Church Court’s plan?’

’An overseer?’

’Or was he, as he claimed, a third party maintaining some kind of "equilibrium" at a higher level?’

Murphy couldn’t be sure.

This complex and turbulent backdrop, full of hidden currents, made Murphy treat the sudden letter from the Tower of Secret Silver with extreme caution.

’Getting rashly involved in the quagmire of the Castile Kingdom—a land already in decay, its situation uncertain, and likely embroiled in high-level power plays—would be anything but wise.’

Though his thoughts raced, Murphy’s expression remained calm.

"Deputy Commander Colvin, I thank your commander for his trust in informing me. However, this matter involves the internal affairs of another kingdom and direct dealings with a Wizard Organization. As a vassal of the Vilt Kingdom and a Holy Protector of the Church Court, it would be improper for me to intervene, both in principle and in practice."

"A letter addressed specifically to me and delivered via the Imperial Court is all the more reason for caution, as its underlying purpose is unclear. Please relay my reply to your commander. I appreciate his gesture, but I’m afraid I cannot help with this matter."

Hearing the refusal, Colvin didn’t seem overly disappointed, as if he had anticipated it.

"Your concerns are well-founded, Your Excellency. I understand. In that case, I wonder if there are other avenues for cooperation between the Empire and the Monte Territory? I hear the iron smelting and armament production in the Monte Territory have been making great strides. The Empire’s Eastern Military District has a significant need for high-quality steel ingots and specialized arrowheads."

"If you are interested, Your Excellency, we could establish a long-term, stable trade relationship at a more than fair price. Additionally, some of the Empire’s unique mineral resources—for instance, certain ore veins that yield rare crystals—might be of use to your research or forging?"

Murphy’s expression remained impassive as he gave a slight shake of his head. "I appreciate your commander’s kind offer. However, the Monte Territory’s production capacity is limited. We are currently focused on meeting our own defensive needs and treaty obligations, leaving no surplus for large-scale arms trading. As for the special minerals, our current research has no use for them. Furthermore, the long transport distance would make it prohibitively expensive. We will have to pass for now." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

The last glimmer of hope on Colvin’s face finally faded into disappointment. He opened his mouth, as if to try persuading from a different angle, but when he met Murphy’s calm yet profound gaze, he swallowed his words.

He took a deep breath, handed the letter to Murphy, and gave another formal bow.

"I understand, Your Excellency. I will convey your reply to my commander word for word. My apologies for the intrusion."

After seeing the somber Colvin out, the stone house fell silent once more.

Aurora gently set a ledger on a small side table, her azure eyes turning to Murphy. "Brother, the Rotalia Empire is that great power in the east, isn’t it? It’s separated from us by the Castile Kingdom and the Desert Nations Alliance, but doesn’t a part of its territory also border the Jade Coast City-States Alliance?"

"Yes." Murphy walked back to the low couch and sat down, accepting the warm tea Aurora offered him. "It’s the most powerful empire in the Eastern Region of the Continent, with vast territories and immense national strength. While it is a major producer of silk, its customs and culture are vastly different from our own."

’A rough impression of the empire formed in his mind. It was a behemoth, utterly different from any ancient eastern nation from his past life. It was called an "Empire" simply because of its immense power; the fabric of its civilization and its power structure were unique products of this world.’

’It, too, fell within the Church Court’s sphere of influence, but the interplay between the Imperial authority of the Rotalia Empire and the divine authority of the Church Court was far more complex and subtle than in kingdoms like Vilt or Castile.’