Elder's Meeting

"Ah, Elder Ace, I hope you don't mind me calling you so urgently," Sect Leader Kalm said with an amiable smile.

Right now, Ace was in the Sect hall, which actually, wasn't much different from the court hall of the Vorste kingdom. There was one seat at the center, which was also placed a little higher than the rest, it was Sect Master's seat where Kalm was seated.

Right beside him, but a little lower, was the seat for the Great Elder, Ace's seat. The rest of the seats were at the same level, (Lower than Ace's seat) where the rest of the Elders sat. Though Ace was informed earliest about the meeting, he was still the last one to appear.

Of course, he wasn't busy, he was already interrupted in between, he would have to continue that later tonig- umm, so the point is, He just doesn't like to wait for the weaklings, it is them who should wait for him.

Call it Emperor's arrogance if you will.

Ace nodded to Sect Leader Kalm and walked towards his chair, just as he was about to sit down, the ground beneath the chair trembled and rose up to the same level as Sect Leader Kalm's, nodding in approval, Ace took his seat.

Few Elders frowned at this sight, but those few were the minorities, many had long since believed that Ace was the one who should be ruling the Sect instead of Kalm so they didn't mind him sitting on the same level as Sect Master, heck, they wouldn't even mind even if he sat above him.

Sect Master Kalm too had long since become used to Ace acting like that and completely ignored it. He knew better than anyone that he couldn't offend Ace.

Of course, what others were thinking had nothing to do with Ace, though he wasn't that strict in other matters, sitting beneath someone reminds him of some bad memories he doesn't want to remember again.

"*Cough* As I was saying, I apologize to call you all so urgently but the matter I had to discuss was of utmost importance and couldn't be delayed at all."

With that, the meeting started.

"This is about the appearance of the Advance mage after 1000s of years. Master Eliard of our great Empire has advanced into Advance Mage Realm. Of course, though this matter is worth celebrating over, it has nothing to do with someone like us.

The reason I have gathered you here is about the upcoming Annual Sect meet…"

Sect Master Kalm continued the explanation; he informed the same things which Maya did, although more detailed.

"So due to the Empire's order, the Annual Sect Meet would be postponed 2 months further, meaning that it would be held in 4 months from now on.

This time, gaining the top 2 spots is of utmost importance for our sect and I would request all the elders to double the efforts in training the disciples."

"Rest assured, Sect Master Kalm" Elders replied assuringly.

Sect Leader Kalm nodded before his gaze turned towards Ace with a never seen before serious look.

At the same time, everyone else turned towards him with the same look, a look that asked the same question.

Due to his appearance, no one in the entire Espade City doubted that Ace was less than 30 years old.

Though one can keep his youth as he progressed in magic, this world hasn't seen or experienced someone beyond a 2 step Mage, therefore the effect on their appearance was minimum. So no one had ever considered that Ace was a hundred-year-old monster under that dangerously handsome youthful look.

At best, he should be 30, that too considering he spends 8 years here.

Due to that thought, Ace was more than qualified to enter the tournament, but the question was,

Will he?

Seeing all these intense gazes, Ace chuckled and replied.

"Mr. Kalm, you don't have to worry, at least one of the two spots will belong to our sect."

There were two types of reactions after Ace's answer.

First, which was also the majority, a disappointed sigh.

Second, the minority, a relieved sigh.

Sect Leader Kalm belonged to the minority.

Obviously, no one doubted that once Elder Ace participates, the others would fight for the second position. Joke! It was still unsure if the 4 Strongest Sect leaders could defeat him, let alone disciples.

They were sure that he would win and that would mean that Elder Ace would leave the Sect and join the Imperial Academy of Magic.

Most of the Elders were dejected because once Ace was gone, their sect won't enjoy the glory they enjoy right now. On the other hand, Sect Master Kalm was relieved because, well, no leader would accept any amount of glory and power if it wasn't his, right?

As for others who were happy, well they were some elders who didn't have the best relationship with Ace, for example, Elder Ario. (The teacher of Elijah. Elijah, the previous strongest disciple of the sect. remember? Well not that it matters but just for reference, chapter 24)

Ace smiled at their reaction, knowing that they have misunderstood him, but it didn't matter, since the Sect would win a spot in the top 2 and he would leave the sect. As for their reactions, he couldn't care less. The only ones who matter were Maeve and Gracie.

"Elder Ace, as these will be your last days in the sect, I would like to request you one last thing" Sect Leader Kalm spoke.

Ace nodded and he continued, "I want you to oversee the training of our disciples for this tournament so that they can boost their performance and earn better rankings"

Of course, even Sect Leader Kalm knew that the influence of the Inferno Sword Sect would drop down drastically after Ace left, not only that, even other sects who had borne resentments due to their lucky rise will act against them. As an experienced leader, Sect Leader Kalm had to have some reassurance to tackle that situation.

If the disciples of his sect earn good rankings, there were many ways he could use it to his advantage and lessen the opposition.

Ace also understood this fact, but…

He didn't want to leave his house and train some snorty brats.