Intel

Bennett raised his hand, and a fragment of a worn wizard's robe appeared on the table. The style of the fabric identified it as a piece from Greybone Academy's standard black robes for wizard apprentices.

Lucian scanned it with his spirit sense, quickly deducing that it was a shard from a defensive-grade magic item. Lingering on the fabric was a faint aura, suggesting traces of plant-based magic.

Curious, Lucian discreetly spent one Reverence point to appraise the fragment further. He noticed that Lilia was also conducting her own quiet examination, likely probing to see if the residual energy was truly from a Wood Fey's innate magic.

As Lucian reviewed the system's appraisal results, a glimmer of surprise crossed his face, though he kept his expression neutral.

[Item]: Fragment of a Damaged Wizard's Robe

[Type]: Magic Artifact Fragment

[Materials]: Thornbird Feathers, Quicksilver Ore

[Description]: Fragment of a wizard robe, no longer repairable and of limited value.

[Details]:

-Originally designed for use by a second-level apprentice.

-Damage resulted from internal tearing.

-The robe sustained damage from an attack by a Half-Fey, whose actual strength level was likely that of a third-level apprentice.

"A Half-Fey?" Lucian's mind raced through the details.

The most crucial revelation was that the attacker had been a Half-Fey—a hybrid offspring of humans and fey. But not all fey hybrids earned the title of "Half-Fey." To qualify, one had to have at least 25% fey blood, evident through distinct fey-like traits, as well as the ability to channel innate fey spells through their lineage.

Half-Fey often bore unique traits from both parent races, and their fey heritage granted them longer lives than humans, though still far shorter than true fey. But this mixed heritage did not endear them to either side. Instead, it left them caught in a social chasm.

Among humans, their otherworldly beauty often drew undue attention from both commoners and wizards. Wizards in particular valued them as experimental subjects or as potential vessels for consciousness transfer. These hybrids also tended to have strong magical aptitude and considerably longer lifespans than typical wizards.

Meanwhile, the fey, known for their obsession with blood purity, rejected the Half-Fey as "tainted" by human lineage—a shameful corruption of their noble blood. To the fey, the fleeting lives of these hybrids were almost alien. While fey peers were still enjoying their youth, the Half-Fey's lives would be halfway over.

Thus, they often found themselves isolated, with little choice but to huddle together for mutual support in small, insular circles. For such a marginal group to be openly attacking on Cossay Island struck Lucian as strange.

Why risk targeting Cossay?

Lilia, having finished her examination, spoke up. "It's definitely Wood Fey magic," she said, turning to Bennett.

Bennett then looked toward Lucian, seemingly waiting for his confirmation. Lucian gave a slight nod but remained preoccupied with the missing pieces in this puzzle.

It was then that Lilia posed a pointed question. "Bennett, you're well aware of the value of fey. If your information is accurate, surely the Academy's council wizards wouldn't pass up such a lucrative opportunity, especially the Lord from your Bourne family."

A spark of understanding flickered in Lucian's eyes. Master Herli, a Formal Wizard of the Bourne family, was already over 250 years old. With the average lifespan of a high wizard capped at around 300, Herli was likely approaching the end of his life, despite any life-extending methods he may have used. Only a handful of wizards actually lived to reach the natural limit, as the toll of spells, experiments, and battles often wore down even the most cautious practitioners. Given Herli's age, he was considered one of the older high wizards still active.

The closer a wizard came to their natural lifespan, the more aggressively they sought ways to prolong it. For many, inhabiting a fey's body offered one of the most appealing options. Of course, for someone of Herli's power, an ordinary fey's body would be inadequate, but if higher-grade fey were on Cossay, the potential benefits would be enormous. And even if not, the wealth from captured fey alone would be enough to ensure Herli's involvement.

"I have no knowledge of my ancestor's plans," Bennett replied with a sigh, though his tone suggested a hint of disappointment. "What I do know is that he's stated there's no evidence of higher-grade fey on Cossay Island."

Lilia frowned, while Lucian maintained a composed expression. Bennett's information aligned with his appraisal—if only Half-Fey were involved, it was unlikely that noble fey would associate with them.

Bennett, meanwhile, was carefully watching both Lucian and Lilia. He gave a light clap, and his maid, Fia, signalled the servants to leave the room. Once they had all exited, she closed the door and activated a silencing ward.

"I have additional information," Bennett said, lowering his voice. Seeing the hesitation in both Lucian and Lilia's expressions, his lips twitched slightly before adding, "It's related to advancing to a Formal Wizard."