CHAPTER 378: A Summit Of Dignitaries

This test was no different from the previous one, with mental strength being tested first. Since Han Shuo had indeed reached the Grand Magus level, he easily passed the mental strength test.

The next necromancer test was just as easy. Since an even more powerful summoning technique was the most effective representation of reaching the Grand Magus Necromancer level, Han Shuo did just that. After Han Shuo's chant, an Old Fey Zombie descended from another world. The appearance of this old fey zombie proved everything.

Without a doubt, the appearance of the undead creature proved Han Shuo's strength. Ares looked deeply at the old fey corpse and felt a thick sense of death emanating from its body. He nodded his head in amazement before saying to Han Shuo, "It's true. You've actually become a Grand Magus Necromancer! Incredible!"

Carlos' eyes sparkled with astonishment as he looked at Han Shuo searchingly. After a good while, he sighed with emotion and said, "Your reputation is truly justified. It looks like the success you've achieved so far hasn't been a fluke. Congratulations, Bryan!"

Han Shuo nodded his head politely at Carlos before laughing, "Thank you."

"Alright, there's no problem. Just wait a moment, I'll take care of the formalities right away." Ares walked straight up after saying this to Han Shuo. He would most likely take care of Han Shuo's affairs and record his current rank within the Magic Association.

After Ares left, Carlos looked at Han Shuo. Although he hesitated, he finally opened his mouth and said, "Bryan, your relationship with Prince Lawrence is extremely close, right?"

Han Shuo was surprised, unable to determine the purpose of Carlos' words. But he still nodded his head and looked at Carlos in surprise, "Yes, what's going on?"

"I have some words, but I don't know if they're appropriate." Carlos seemed reluctant and hesitated.

"Hehe, it won't hurt. Go ahead and just say it." Han Shuo laughed as he became more and more perplexed.

Carlos' complexion suddenly turned stern as he looked deeply at Han Shuo, "Then I'll be frank. Of the four princes, Prince Lawrence is the most hopeless and will probably not inherit the title of king. Moreover, because of Lawrence's peculiar identity, I'm afraid that the moment His Majesty dies, Lawrence will be the first to suffer. Forgive me, but it's best if you don't get too close to Prince Lawrence. Only by keeping your distance will you be able to help Brettel City the most.

Han Shuo already knew about Lawrence's predicament thanks to Emily's letter. Moreover, when Han Shuo had first met Lawrence and found out that he was of illegitimate birth and status, he had already known that such a day would come sooner or later. . Candide had warned him once as well. Of course, Han Shuo already knew that with Lawrence's identity, it would definitely be very difficult for Lawrence to inherit the title of king against the other princes.

However, Lawrence had treated Han Shuo with sincerity, and Han Shuo had once promised that he would try his best to help him. Even after Han Shuo took control of Brettel City, Lawrence continued to help him as best he could. Now that Lawrence was really in trouble, Han Shuo couldn't just sit there and ignore him no matter what.

"Thank you for your warning, but I am someone who returns favours with favours and repays my gratitude. Since Prince Lawrence helped me once, now that he has encountered some dangerous times, I will continue to help him no matter how dangerous and detrimental it is to me. This is my immutable social code of conduct. Hehe, thank you anyway." Han Shuo smiled at Carlos, clearly expressing his attitude.

After hearing this, Carlos sighed in disappointment as he nodded his head, "Bryan, I admire your methods very much, but you should still think carefully about this. This is not just about you. Once Lawrence fails to weld the power, you, your Brettel City, and all your friends will be implicated in this matter as well. Sometimes, even if it's not for your own good, you should think of others'.

This statement was reasonable. However, Han Shuo wouldn't change his decision just because of these words. At the moment, Brettel City was incomparably stable. Besides, Han Shuo could also rely on the Cemetery of Death. Even if Carlo's words came true, Han Shuo could still guarantee that he could get everyone around him to safety.

"I am very grateful for your good intentions. Hehe. However, when I make a decision, I usually don't regret it. Even if my decision is wrong, I will see it through to the end!" Han Shuo's expression remained the same as he calmly replied. Obviously, he wasn't tempted by Carlos' words.

After Han Shuo had said those words, Carlos knew that it would be useless to try and convince him any further. Carlos sighed helplessly before saying, "I really didn't want to be your enemy. However, if things develop normally, I'm afraid that some things are really unavoidable. Sigh!

"What do you mean, you two are the rare and talented characters of the Lancelot Empire? Hehehe. It seems that every nation has its own talented mages. Bryan, you're only twenty years old and you could actually become a Grand Magus Necromancer. Truly an abnormal freak". At that moment Ares came down from upstairs and laughed at them.

"It's nothing. Mister Ares and Bryan, I still have some things to do. Goodbye." Carlos politely said goodbye to Ares and Bryan before immediately going downstairs and leaving.

Han Shuo looked at Carlos' leaving figure. He knew that this person was definitely supporting one of the other three princes. Otherwise he wouldn't have said those words. Maybe it was because Carlos was afraid of Han Shuo's power, or maybe it was because he didn't want to face such a strong opponent, that he tried so hard to convince Han Shuo.

But for Han Shuo, now that his magical cultivation had entered the Separate Demon Realm, he wouldn't necessarily lose even if he faced a Sacred Swordmaster. Carlos would definitely not be Han Shuo's match, as he was someone who had only recently become a Wind Grand Magus. Therefore, Han Shuo did not put Carlos on too high a pedestal in his heart.

"Bryan, your data has already been rewritten. From now on, you're a Grand Magus Necromancer. As promised, this is your new medallion and certificate. You may now order your own magical robe and embroider a symbol representing your power as a Grand Magus Necromancer. Ares smiled at Han Shuo before handing him the certificate of his new rank.

"Thank you, Mr Ares!" Han Shuo thanked him and then opened his mouth to continue, "Alright, then I'll take my leave as well."

"Wait a moment!" Ares smiled and shouted loudly before opening his mouth to continue, "I am good friends with the Dean of your Academy, Emma. She has a statue of you in the academy, and once came here to verify your rank. If you don't mind, I'll give her the latest information about you. Hehehe. This will greatly improve your status within the Babylon Academy of Magical and Strength.

Han Shuo was startled. Then he smiled and nodded his head, "As you wish. Hehehe. I won't mind. However, Dean Emma already knows about my new strength. I think it does not really matter whether you inform her or not."

"Oh, is that so. Hehehe, then I'll just forget about it." Ares laughed and then continued, "Alright, go ahead and do whatever you have to do. I hope that the next time we meet, I will be able to confirm your new rank as a Sacred Magus. It would be my greatest honour if I were still alive to verify your rank for you."

Han Shuo laughed happily and chuckled, "I hope so. But you have to live a few more days, Mr Ares!

After finishing these words, Han Shuo did not stay in the Magic Association any longer. He went downstairs and walked out.

Carlos had already left with his gang of servants. So when Han Shuo came downstairs, the young lady obviously already knew that Han Shuo had successfully confirmed his new rank. She looked at Han Shuo with excitement and adoration, "You are truly amazing. I have been working here for several years, but I have never seen such a young Grand Magus!"

Han Shuo just nodded his head and said nothing. After laughing, he walked out the door and headed towards the Dark Mantle headquarters.

Mount Ordas. Dark Mantle Headquarters

This time, Han Shuo was immediately received with great fanfare after flashing his identity medallion. One of the agents led Han Shuo towards a building.

"Sir. Please wait a moment. I will go inside to deliver a message to you first." This Dark Mantle agent brought Han Shuo to a wide doorway made of stone before respectfully informing Han Shuo

Despite being separated by the thick and wide doorway, Han Shuo could still sense a few powerful auras from inside. Han Shuo always kept an impression of every new acquaintance he made. Furthermore, even if he was separated from them by a great distance, he could still tell them apart by their auras. Now that his magical cultivation had advanced to the new level and his awareness had improved greatly, Han Shuo could distinguish between everyone's different auras even more easily. As a result, this stone door, which was shrouded in some complicated and complex magical enchantments, was completely unable to block Han Shuo's mental probing.

"Mm, go ahead." Han Shuo nodded his head and said to the agent guide.

Han Shuo's current status was already different from his former days; as the Dark Sun Emissary, he was definitely at the top of the social ladder. The last time Han Shuo ruined Celt's operation in the underground world, he had already risen to the rank of Second Dark Sun Emissary. In the entire Dark Mantle Organisation, there were not many who were a Second Dark Sun Emissary like Han Shuo. Therefore, this agent naturally treated Han Shuo with great caution and respect.

From this agent, Han Shuo learned that the three heavyweights of Dark Mantle had all gathered here today. Furthermore, there were even some senior figures who had gone into seclusion at this meeting. They seemed to be discussing some important matters. Within the entire huge organisation of the Dark Mantle, only those who were above the Third Dark Sun Emissary could participate in this discussion. However, these agents knew that Han Shuo's identity was unique and immediately went inside to inform the dignitaries.

Han Shuo could sense the aura of Candide and Amyes as well as the not so friendly Cecilia. Next to them, there was another completely unknown aura. Since all these people had gathered, there were definitely important things to discuss. That much was certain.

The headquarters of the Dark Mantle had a tight defence around it. Even more complicated and strange magic enchantments were gathered inside. Therefore, Han Shuo didn't release his mystical demons to eavesdrop and just stood outside, waiting.

After a while, that agent came out with another person. This person was extremely robust and also in the prime of his life. His rough palms indicated that he was most likely a user of heavy weapons. His sideburns were well preserved. Upon arrival, he nodded his head at Han Shuo and said, "Bryan, right? Follow me."

After saying these words, he said to the agent leading Han Shuo, "Alright, there is no more business for you here."

As he walked in, the burly man opened his mouth to introduce himself, "I'm the same as you. I'm also an emissary of the Second Dark Sun. Hehe. The higher-ups have given verbal orders to bring you to them."

This was an extremely spacious passageway. There were powerful crossbow mechanisms on the walls, as well as various magic cannons and hidden magic enchantments. Han Shuo dared to guarantee that if you didn't have the qualifications to enter, but you entered anyway, what would greet you would be a road to death.

After passing through the wide corridor, they arrived at another gate protected by two more agents. The sturdy agent leading Han Shuo signalled to open the gate and said to Han Shuo, "Go ahead, enter."

Han Shuo was startled, looked at this guy and said, "You're not going in with me?"

He smiled ruefully and shook his head before helplessly replying, "I don't have the qualifications to enter. Even though we're both Second Dark Sun emissaries, I only have the qualifications to stay here as a guard. Hehehe. You have a good guide, but this is where I stop."

Hearing this, Han Shuo unconsciously fell silent before laughing apologetically at him. Then he walked through the door without saying anything else.

The moment Han Shuo's footsteps landed inside, a formation suddenly mobilised into action. Han Shuo then realised that he had already appeared inside a mysterious and sealed, wide stone room.

The stone room was about the size of a basketball court. There were white marble tables and chairs placed individually around it. The tables were filled with various refreshments and fruits. Surrounding one of the large rhomboid tables were thirteen chairs. Each chair carried one person. At this moment, these thirteen people were all looking at Han Shuo.

Sitting at one corner of the rhombus table were the three heavyweights of the Dark Mantle. They were obviously Candide, Amyes and Cecilia. . Emily sat upright on the other side of the table, just glancing at Han Shuo. She deliberately didn't overdo it, probably to avoid arousing suspicion and allowing others to discover something.

These thirteen individuals were the truest upper echelons of the Dark Cloak. Among them, even the lowest ranked Emily had risen to the Third Dark Sun, while the highest ones like Candide and Cecilia were the Fifth Dark Star.

However, after Han Shuo glanced around, he suddenly realised that the three heavyweights were actually not sitting in the main seat. Instead, the most honourable seat was occupied by two unimpressive looking old men. Han Shuo had seen one of them before. He was the same elder who laughed all day while tending to a shop in the Dark Mantle's stronghold in the Valley of Sunshine.