Chapter 235: Resolution, Part 4

Laiseen's expression stiffened slightly, and he cursed inwardly.

"Damn it! Just a mere Level Three Spellcaster, relying on his status as an official member of Ossum to act so arrogant. Once I master Pandora's Flame of Annihilation, what will you amount to?"

Despite his seething resentment, Laiseen dared not show even a hint of dissatisfaction on his face. Instead, he forced a respectful smile and said, "Master Viss, I dare not pry into your mission. However, I am quite familiar with Floating City, and perhaps I can provide some assistance to your task."

Viss frowned slightly but then softened his expression, speaking in an even tone. "Not bad. The role of you peripheral members is to gather information, isn't it? That's your duty. If you can't even handle that, then there's no point in Ossum keeping you around. Tell me about the Wright family. Focus on the important details."

"The Wright family?" Laiseen was momentarily taken aback, but he quickly grasped the true purpose of Viss's arrival in Floating City. It had to be about the Wright family's prodigious Spellcaster, Sean.

It was said that Sean, though only an apprentice Spellcaster, had already displayed astonishing talent. He had successfully constructed spells in four schools of magic and was currently working on his fifth.

Even if Sean hadn't joined a Spellcaster organization, his future potential was undeniable. The Wright family had almost completely devoted their resources to supporting Sean's development.

Ossum's decision to send Viss to Floating City was undoubtedly aimed at recruiting Sean.

"Master Viss, Sean is heavily protected by the Wright family. Convincing him may not be easy," Laiseen said cautiously after some deliberation.

"Convincing him won't be easy? What a joke. Anyone Ossum sets its sights on will be moved. Sean is already ours. However, after the recent conflicts with other Spellcaster organizations like Darkling Domain and Abyss Fortress, they've become highly vigilant against us. We had only just contacted Sean when the Wright family caught wind of it, and now Sean has been confined within the Wright estate.

"But to think that a mere Spellcaster family could resist Ossum? Ridiculous! That's why I've been sent. I'll personally go to the Wright estate and bring Sean back. Those other families may have gotten wind of this, but it doesn't matter. I'll take Sean, and anyone who tries to stop me will die!"

A smug expression crossed Viss's face. He didn't just disregard Laiseen; he also had utter disdain for the Spellcaster families of Floating City.

Laiseen had long known that Ossum's members were all madmen and egotists. However, encountering such an arrogant maniac firsthand still left him exasperated.

Deeply familiar with the Wright family's strength, Laiseen couldn't help but warn, "Master Viss, while most of the Wright family's members may not pose a threat, there is an elder who is a Level Four Spellcaster. He might prove to be quite troublesome. Perhaps we should take our time and devise a flawless plan to bring Sean out quietly, avoiding unnecessary complications."

"Quietly? That's not Ossum's style, and it's certainly not mine! A mere Level Four Spellcaster, and a three-school one at that? I've faced and dealt with far stronger Spellcasters than that. Enough talk, Laiseen. Make the arrangements. Tomorrow, we go to the Wright estate. I'll take Sean, and no one will stop me!"

Viss's voice was calm but filled with unshakable confidence.

"A madman, an egotist. This fool thinks the Spellcaster families are pushovers? Even if the other families won't interfere, what about the Silver Tower? The Silver Tower rarely involves itself in disputes between powers, but Floating City is one of their minor outposts. If things escalate, there's no guarantee they won't intervene…"

Laiseen carefully weighed the situation. His cautious nature had allowed him to remain unnoticed in Floating City for years, with none aware of his true identity. This was a testament to his meticulous and prudent approach.

Although Laiseen cursed inwardly, a glance at Viss's smug expression made him realize further argument would be futile. Even if he mentioned the possibility of Silver Tower intervention, someone as arrogant as Viss wouldn't change his reckless plans.

"Hmph. If you want to die, no one will stop you. I'll prepare my escape route. When things go south, I'll leave you to your fate."

Laiseen resolved to prioritize his own safety. Though fleeing Floating City would mean abandoning the benefits he reaped from Ossum and his operations here, he decided his life was more valuable. He had no intention of following a lunatic like Viss into disaster.

---

"Ossum has sent Viss to Floating City, and he's currently staying at Laiseen's secret hideout."

In a well-furnished chamber, several Spellcasters were deep in discussion.

The source of this information was a Level Three Spellcaster.

"Viss? I've heard of him. He used to belong to a mid-sized Spellcaster organization in the extreme north but betrayed them to join Ossum. Even though he's still only a Level Three Spellcaster after all these years, his power has undoubtedly grown exponentially. Ossum's members are known for their ability to fight above their level. They're all lunatics and monsters."

A blue-robed Spellcaster spoke in a somber tone.

"Musho, you're the head of the Delman family. What should we do? Should we request a Level Four Spellcaster to assist the Wright family in resisting Ossum, or should we stay out of it and observe from the sidelines?"

The speaker was a tall, slender Spellcaster clad in a long gray robe edged with gold. This was Musho, head of the Delman family and father of Anlena.

Musho remained silent, his white hands toying with a slender black staff. His tightly furrowed brow showed the depth of his contemplation.

After a long pause, Musho finally raised his head and addressed the group. "Friends, our family is not a Spellcaster organization. Our power is limited. Recently, organizations like Darkling Domain and Abyss Fortress could unite to confront Ossum, even killing one of their Level Seven Spellcasters. But we? We lack even the qualifications to be Ossum's enemy.

"This time, Ossum has sent only one Level Three Spellcaster, and yet we feel so threatened. It's clear we cannot contend with them. For now, my decision is to withdraw all our members in Floating City and have them return to the family grounds. Let us observe how this unfolds from a safe distance."

The gathered Spellcasters exchanged resigned glances, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"We agree with the head's decision," they said in unison.

Musho nodded solemnly. "Very well. Make the necessary arrangements immediately. Recall all our family members stationed outside and bring everyone back to the estate."

With Musho's orders given, the room emptied quickly as the Spellcasters departed to implement his instructions.

Left alone in the chamber, Musho let out a bitter chuckle. "Wright, we Spellcaster families can never hope to protect true geniuses. Perhaps you should have sent Sean to the Flame City organization from the start. It might have spared you from today's catastrophe."

---

As the Delman family withdrew its members, Floating City quickly grew eerily quiet. Streets once bustling with activity became deserted, with an air of foreboding hanging over the city.

"What's going on?" Merlin, walking alongside Anlena toward the Delman estate, frowned as he observed the sudden stillness.

Before Anlena could answer, a faint glow appeared on her hand, forming a rune. It vibrated softly.

Her expression darkened. "It's a recall order from my family. Something serious must have happened. Merlin, let's hurry back."

Quickening her pace, she led the way to the Delman family estate, with Merlin close behind.