248 Chapter 9

Maxi hugged her forearms as her skin broke out in goosebumps. Her nursemaid used to tell her tales about the wicked occultists who were banished to the north after suffering a terrible defeat in their war against the church. The mention of their exploits made her stomach churn in fear.

"Do you mean to say… the banished dark mages were behind the war?" Maxi asked in a hushed voice.

"We can't be sure. Though the remnants found in the ruins suggest a settlement of dark mages, it is evident they left a long time ago. All the same, it appears the records and relics are well-preserved. The church wants us to examine the findings. They no doubt believe this discovery contains clues to the monsters' whereabouts."

"This is a serious matter indeed," Calto said gravely. "If the dark mages truly were behind the war, it may spark another mage persecution. To prevent such an atrocity, the Mage Tower has decided to fully cooperate with the church."