Book 3: Chapter 11 (2/11)

Using the same tactic Noe used which was bullshitting by keeping his confidence up while making bold statements, Arthur hoped Noe would back down considering Noe was already exhausted after winning the battle against Kain Bersk. Moving on to fight with Arthur Castillon wouldn’t bring Noe any real benefits, any logical person would think of that. However, if Noe decided to continue sending Kain to go kill Jaane, Liliana, and Zander, then Arthur would have to reveal all of his secret capability to ensure he fulfills the promise he had made with Kain.

Arthur thought to himself, “If Kain conjures Finwe, there would be a little difficulty since I still don’t have a good strategy to fight back against that Evolved Thunder Eagle yet. Repeatedly using [Shadow Clone] spells to hide is a strategy, but I needed more time to think of a better way to counter his Delusion Magic than just using that spell. My [Divine Shield] spell of Creation Magic may save me once or twice but that won't be enough for a long-term battle."

Seeing Noe was thinking about something, Arthur conjured a Wind Walker and commanded it to whisper a private message into Noe's ear using [Whispering Wind] spell. Arthur made another bold statement toward Noe but didn't want anyone else to hear it, "Lord Clerico, please consider thoroughly before making me your enemy today because it brings you unconditionally no benefit. Unlike Kain who fought with you without knowing what you are capable of. I have carefully analyzed all of your magic spells, abilities, skills, and tactics throughout the battle you have with Kain. While defeating me is possible for you, killing me isn't. Why make me your enemy while you can have me serve you as a faithful member of the Gray? All I'm asking for in return was to let me fulfill the promise I have made with Kain. Please... Lord Clerico. Please consider it carefully."

After two seconds of careful analysis, Noe decided to take a step back as he laughed out loud and said, “Arthur Castillon, I expected no less from you. You are full of honor, courage, and prestige. I agreed to let you fulfill your promise with him. Though, I do have a condition. Kneel on the ground and apologize to me for your disrespect."

Without saying anything stupid, Arthur knelt on the ground as he apologized, "Lord Clerico, please forgive me for my rudeness against you earlier."

"Good. You may now stand."

"I thank you for your kindness."

Noe helped Arthur show off his power today to make world leaders recognize the name Arthur Castillon and spread legends about him in the future. This would help Arthur secure the position as the next Lord of the Gray and become the new Protector of the Mages Council easier in the future. Still, Noe couldn't allow Arthur to disrespect him in front of the world leaders like that. That was why Noe wanted Arthur to kneel and apologize to him to let the world leaders know he was still the strongest magic caster in the Mages Council.

Noe intended to save his face from embarrassment against the world leaders. But he didn't expect the world leaders to be in awe of Arthur's humbleness. Arthur made a promise with Kain and he kept his promise despite it could turn his status upside down. Arthur could have lost everything that he currently has in Flumen city. He could have become a Rogue Mage and get hunted down by powerful Executioners if he and Noe fought today.

Some world leaders whispered into each other's ears that they would make a good social connection with Arthur Castillon in the future. Having a promise from Arthur would mean much more than commitments from the Holy Mage or any Lords of the Colors.

Pleased with Arthur's action, Noe waved at Kain and said, "Kain, you can forbid the mission I have given you about killing your wife and kids. You are the first and only minion that can walk into my Dark Vortex without completing an entry mission. Be sure to treasure it.” Noe then opened two Dark Vortexes. The first Dark Vortex was for Lucas to return to it. The second Dark Vortex was for Kain to retreat into for the very first time.

While the Mages Council and the world leaders were gasping out of relief hearing Noe and Arthur wouldn't fight, Adrik angrily bit down his teeth knowing he lost a chance of recruiting Arthur into the rank of his Rogue Mages. If Noe and Arthur fight, the Mages Council would have another powerful enemy who could be even stronger compared to Kain Bersk. That means the world of Toria Continents once again stepped away from achieving world peace. But if Noe and Arthur didn't fight, then both of them would continue serving the Mages Council. Without the presence of Kain Bersk, the world leaders had no problem forming a coalition with each other's nation to defeat the Dryardian Empire. Adrik Volsky and the Blood Mages Guild along with other Rogue Mages wouldn't have a chance of winning if either Noe Clerico or Arthur Castillon decided to fight against them. Putting Noe and Arthur aside, Holy Mage Gwenn Bigham and other Lords of the Colors including their Executioners together with their members would be plenty enough to defeat the Blood Mages Guild, as well as all the Rogue Mages currently hiding inside Dryardian Empire.

Emperor Acilianus and Prime Minister Ordia already came up with a plan of betraying Adrik Volsky by surrendering to the Bifjorkian Theocracy. They would rather never invade any country again by signing some kind of treaty to preserve world peace than to go against the Mages Council after knowing what Noe Clerico and Arthur Castillon are capable of. If needed, the Dryarian Empire would continue treating the humans inside their territory as equal and ensure their freedoms for eternity as long as they don't raise arms against Demi-Humans.

Emperor Acilianus thought to himself, "Even if my nation became a vassal of the Bifjorkian Theocracy, it will still be much better compared to being a puppet Emperor that has to obey the bullshit Supreme Leader's orders. I can feel Lord Clerico of the Gray doesn't want to exterminate the Demi-Humans or he would have done so a long time ago. I'm sure Lord Clerico has the power to pressure other nations into making peace with the Dryardian Empire if I beg him to."