Chapter 302


    vin nodded, taking it all in.


    "Oh, and the seals there are still very strong to this day, only permitting those below Advanced


    MageStage V to enter."


    "How strong are the Magi-Monsters inside?"


    "They''re as strong as theye, which is why it''s so dangerous. So, what do you think? Are you


    interested? I''ve heard there are plenty of fun things to do there," E said, eyeing vin.


    "Interested, sure, but I might not have the time," vin replied. He had too many issues to resolve,


    and he knew the Blessed Citadel would not invite him without ulterior motives. Going there might


    mean not being able to return at all.


    "Let''s see how things go. If I''m free by then, I''ll join you."


    "Won''t the Blessed Citadel seek retribution?" Lucan was only worried about the group that had left.


    Future concerns could wait; it was far too early to fret over them.


    E replied, "No need to worry, the Nortnds are famously known as the savagends within the


    Royal Realm. The Eight Orders are united againstmon foes. Unless the Blessed Citadel is


    ready for all-out war with the Nortnds, they wouldn''t dare to overstep."


    vin picked up the golden seal left behind by the Citadel Elders, weighing it in his hand. "Aside


    from getting into the Luminous Sanctuary, what good is this thing?"


    "It''s quite useful."


    "How so?"


    E winked. "In the Minds, it''s a symbol of status and authority. You could pretend to be one of


    the Blessed Citadel''s own, and begin swindling meals, drinks, and even the hearts of women."


    vin couldn''t help butugh and shake his head. After inspecting it for a moment, he tucked it into


    his pocket.


    Carlys disapproved of the flirtatious tone between vin and E. Such loose talk from that


    woman... What if vin picked up bad habits? Celesse, pure as driven snow, was the epitome of


    innocence.


    "What about the prowess of the Citadel Protégés? Share your thoughts."


    "They didn''t disappoint. But Romarn, he was a surprise." vin could sense the refined skill of the


    Citadel Protégés in Combat Magic, which was expected. What surprised him was Romarn''s fighting


    style, reminiscent of a wild gori, yet not just brute strength. His mysterious azure energy was both


    offensive and defensive, impressively formidable.


    "He was chosen as Marak''s personal guard, growing up alongside him, his talent is undoubtedly


    strong. He''ll be a fierce warrior in the future."


    As night fell, Godfred returned to report that the Blessed Citadel''s troop had indeed entered the


    Cloudveil Woods. There were no signs of Lord Viperbane or other forces nearby, so they could rest


    easy.


    "Helna? What brings you here?" vin was packing his bags in his room, ready to return to Cobalt


    Strike the next day.


    "Are you leaving tomorrow?" Helna''splexion was much rosier. His wrinkles diminished, looking


    a decade younger—all thanks to the miraculous Waters of Life.


    "Yes, there''s a matter I need to attend to. I best settle sooner to ease my mind."


    "I''ve heard from Carlys there might be danger on your return?" Helna signaled her maidservant to


    step out.


    "Don''t worry, I can handle it."


    Helna observed the ease and confidence on vin''s face, but her heart twinged with concern. "The


    Mallister family feels responsible for your hardships."


    "I''m not weary, truly. I''m full of vigor," vin assured her with a smile.


    Helna replied with a relieved smile, "Your protection of the Mallister family moves us deeply, but let


    me be clear, we do not wish to be your burden. Do you understand my meaning?"


    "We are well now, and the future will be even brighter."


    Helna gestured for vin to sit beside her, hesitating momentarily before speaking, "I don''t know


    why, but thesest few days, I''ve felt uneasy."


    "Is something troubling you?"


    Helna shook her head. "I''ve been having nightmares, fearing that something might happen."


    vinforted her with a chuckle, "Didn''t something happen today? Marak caused a stir with the


    Blessed Citadel''s men."


    "It''s not them. I wonder if it''s rted to your trip to Cobalt Strike?"


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    "You''re just overly concerned. As long as you are well, so am I."


    "I’m serious. Be extra cautious in Cobalt Strike. Mari seems a reliabledy. Seek her help if


    needed, and don''t be too proud to ask. Also, now that our fortunes are turning, try to smooth things


    over with Cobalt Strike and avoid any stiff confrontations," Helna advised earnestly.


    "Alright! I''ll follow yourmand."


    "I''m serious."


    "Rest assured, I''ve got it all in here," vin smiled, tapping his chest.


    "Another thing. I was chatting with E the other day, and she said something quite sensible."


    "She''s full of mischief. Take it as amusement, not to heart."


    "Don''t underestimate her. She''s far wiser than she appears. She mentioned that Stormcast is in


    grave danger and in dire need of a powerful protector. Either strengthen ties with Cobalt Strike or


    seek the guardianship of another strong alliance."


    vin looked deeply at Helna, realizing, "Your visit today..."


    Helna took vin''s hand, patting it gently, "My dear, it''s time to consider marriage."