by Zhuang Bifan
But above it all, he really wanted to break open their skulls to see if there was anything inside their heads. Did they know who that Felic of the Tower of Dusk was? Damn it, he was a 20 years old Legendary-mage, and had just gotten hold of three of Geresco's relics. He was sure to enter the Sanctuary-realm in his lifetime! No other force in the Breezy Plains would dare to offend such a lunatic, much less the Malfa Family…
Besides, Hutton knew what kind of attitude this young president had towards him after interacting with him in the Blackstone Mountains. The Dark Blade was powerful, huh? Stephen had an incredibly strong backing, right? But just because they had injured a few of the Tower of Dusk's mages, they had lost about 10 Archmages. He did not even know whether Stephen was alive…
If Beckley were to tell on them when he got back, who would be able to deal with the consequences? This was not something that could be solved with some bickering or a few fights. Given the personality of President Felic, he would most likely laugh it off but silently take note of this. When he got an opportunity, he would make sure that the Malfa Family would never be able to make a comeback. What was worse was that he definitely had the means to make sure this happened…
Hutton could not help turning pale when he heard this, and did not even bother to deal with the two idiots. Instead, he rushed to Beckley's side and helped him up just as he was about to fall. "Are you alright, Mage Beckley?"
"I'm… I'm fine." Beckley finally regained his balance, only to realize that the person who had helped him up was the young master of the Malfa Family, the genius mage who was said to inherit the entire Malfa Family in the future. He could not help but forget his anger as he was pleasantly surprised, and quickly thanked him. "Thank… Thank you."
"You're too kind, Mage Beckley. Since you're a messenger from the Tower of Dusk, then you are an honored guest of the Malfa Family. It was a small misunderstanding earlier, I hope you won't take it to heart." Hutton smiled as he quickly soothed Beckley before waving over a few men. "These two gentlemen are no longer fit to be guards, take them away and settle it."
"Roger."
A few Warriors of at least level-15 charged over on Hutton's orders and dragged the shocked guards away…
"This…" Cries for help came from a distance, and Beckley would have to be a fool not to know that this would not end well for the two guards. His expression froze. This Young Master Hutton's attitude was somewhat unlike what he had expected…
Beckley walked with cautious steps as his head was filled with questions. He followed Hutton into the study, and was served tea and snacks while he exchanged greetings with Hutton before Hutton finally coughed dryly. "Say, mage Beckley, I wonder why President Felic sent you?"
"You see, Young Master Hutton…" Beckley retrieved the letter he had written on behalf of Lin Li from his pocket before presenting it to Hutton while he briefed Hutton on the situation at the Tower of Dusk.
"Oh…" Hutton quickly glanced through the letter before nodding his head. "Which is to say that the Tower of Dusk is intending to exterminate the Syer Bandits and needs the Malfa Family to supply some manpower?"
"That's about it…"
"Hm." Hutton nodded, and did not say more.
This was not simply a request for manpower…
How powerful was the Tower of Dusk? While others might not know, surely Hutton did! The Legendary-level President alone was enough to cause a sensation in the Breezy Plains, and he was only 20 years old—his potential could only be described as immeasurable. Moreover, he had the three relics of Geresco, and it was almost certain that he would reach the Sanctuary-realm. He would be of the level of the Ashen Warlock then, and not many forces would dare trifle with him.
The young President also had a group of decent mages under him. Also, many forces were said to have good relations with the Tower of Dusk—like the Glittergold Union, the Brilliance Shrine, oh, and the Darkness Shrine… Hutton had seen with his own eyes that the High Priest of the Darkness Shrine, Sendros, had been chatting away with the young President…
Needless to say, while the Tower of Dusk had only been around for a short while, they were almost destined to become one of the strongest forces of the Breezy Plains.
In comparison, the Syer Bandits were pathetic…
The most powerful person in the entire Syer Bandits was Vanskore, who was at level-18, but where was he? He had already died at the hands of the young President in the Scar of Death, and amongst those who died with him were also the 300 most elite warriors of the Syer Bandits…
What would happen if the two forces collided? Hutton did not even need his brain to know that it was not going to be much of a fight, if any at all…
If that President Felic still sent someone with a letter even though the difference in strength was so extreme, then there had to be more to this than it appeared to be.
He wanted the Malfa Family to make their stance clear…
This was indeed President Felic's way of doing things. On the surface, he was low-key and mild, but only those who had interacted with him would know that this person was beyond arrogant. He had sent a letter over, and while he appeared to be friendly, the only thing the letter was trying to say was that the Malfa Family could either choose to be closely related to the Tower of Dusk, or they could choose not to have anything to do with the Tower of Dusk at all… Wait, Hutton suddenly remembered something, the handwriting was off…
Damn it, this bastard can't even write his own letters!
But still, none of that anger could be seen on Hutton's face. On the contrary, there was no anger on Hutton's face at all—all he did was smile even more widely at Beckley…
Well, that was how things were now.
The Malfa Family and the Dark Blade had been feuding for the past century or so, and even Cheyenne, who had entered the Legendary-realm, could not lead the Malfa Family out of this predicament. Only during Hutton's time did an opportunity present itself in the form of the newly set up Tower of Dusk.
After experiencing the journey into the Abyss of Tharlen and seeing how the young President had pulled off a miracle after miracle did Hutton regret his decision back then. The biggest mistake of his life was convincing Vanskore to set up an ambush in the Scar of Death.
He had had to put in 100 times more effort to make up for that wrong decision, and only when they left the Abyss of Tharlen and the Blackstone Mountains did his effort result in a small payoff. The young President finally decided to make the Malfa Family an ally, but Hutton knew that this relationship was incredibly fragile, and a small mistake could render it moot.
When that happened, he would surely face more trouble than he had in the Blackstone Mountains. That young President of the Guild of Magic was definitely a paranoid man, one who would not hesitate to strike first if he felt threatened. He was the kind who would deal a fatal blow that'd ensure that the threat never had the chance to surface before it was completely wiped out. The only reason he was still fine was because he had put in enough effort after the incident and was lucky…
He had to admit, he'd been incredibly lucky back in the Blackstone Mountains.
Stephen's timely appearance had diverted the young President's attention, and Hutton could not help but celebrate the fact. If not for Stephen's arrival, he would most likely have been the one to meet with Stephen's tragic fate…
Looking back at the letter, he saw that he was to send out 50 mages who were at least level-10 to help the Tower of Dusk in their quest to exterminate the Syer Bandits. It was a difficult feat for the Malfa Family indeed—50 mages of at least level-10 would make a decent troop anywhere, and it was a difficult task to send out a troop like that just because this young President gave the word. What if the Dark Blade suddenly struck? The Malfa Family would be in huge trouble…
But still, this was a rare opportunity for the Malfa Family to be tied closely to the Tower of Dusk—an opportunity for the Malfa Family to be set free of the Dark Blade!
Chapter 473 - Di
scussion
The rise of the Malfa Family in Aminya only took place in the recent two or three decades. Although they had been involved in all kinds of underground businesses, they had maintained a good relationship with all the other forces except the Dark Blade. They couldn't help it. Ever since the two forces had their eyes on Aminya's land, the direct clash of their interests made them unable to see eye to eye with each other.
Apart from that, other forces, such as a big shot like the Glittergold Trade Union, or the criminal organization Syer Bandits, would have a good relationship with the Malfa Family.
To some extent, this was the real reason behind the rise of the family. Before they managed to rise above everyone else, they experienced intense battles and had enemies everywhere. Similar to the Dark Age, the reign of a powerful force like the High Elves meant enough authority to enslave all the other races, and massacres were commonplace. Yet, the conclusion was the fall of the entire race, and even the uprooting of the Tree of Eternity…
The Malfa Family was not High Elves, and had yet to offend the Tower of Dusk. The Tower of Dusk was fated to rise to power, and even the big shot like the Glittergold Trade Union would not have dared to offend them. That reason was: no one knew when their hard work they had taken years to achieve would get destroyed by a Sanctuary powerhouse after many years…
Furthermore, Mage Beckley had given himself an opportunity…
"Alright, Mage Beckley. You have traveled a long way from the Tower of Dusk to Aminya, and have to be feeling rather tired. Why don't I let my servants bring you to the guest rooms? As for Mage Felic's requests, I will give you a reply as soon as I discuss it with my father."
"No need for that trouble. Sir Hutton, most of the mages from the Tower of Dusk are having a battle in the Dragon Mountains now. I have to rush back to help rebuild the Black Clouds Town," said Beckley as he glanced at Hutton. "This is Mage Felic's instructions…"
"I see… I won't insist, then…" Knowing that it was Lin Li's orders, Hutton did not try to hold Beckley back. "As for President Felic's request, I will give you a reply right after discussing it with my father," Hutton said passionately as he showed Beckley to the door.
…
"What, the Tower of Dusk had sent their people here? Damn it! If that lucky fella was still here, I would…" Harvey scoffed under his breath. He got furious after hearing the news of the visit from the servants when he was returning home. The encounter he had in the Blackstone Mountains was the biggest humiliation he had received in his entire life.
Harvey had heard from his father that the bastard who had insulted him was the President of some guild of magic. His intention in rushing back today was to humiliate that messenger from that guild of magic to vent his anger. He had not expected him to be clever enough to have fled before his return…
At the same time, Harvey heard a piece of good news.
"Haha! That guild of magic was humiliated by the Syer Bandits?" Harvey snorted happily.
Unfortunately, before he could express all his joy, he heard another bad news. "What? That guild of magic wants the Malfa Family to help them eliminate the Syer Bandits? Are they not awake? What are they to make such a request?!"
"Brother, Brother…" Harvey found Hutton in a hurry. He wanted to clarify the news he had heard.
"That's right," Hutton ascertained Harvey's doubts. "I'm about to discuss this with father."
"Oh, God…" Harvey exclaimed in exasperation. "I say, Brother, are you having a fever? The guild of magic and the Malfa Family are two different entities. Now that their guild has been humiliated by the Syer Bandits, why should we help to back them up? Anyway, Brother, do not forget that we have been doing a lot of business with the Syer Bandits over the recent years. What benefits would it bring if we help that guild of magic eliminate them?"
"Benefits? Not offending the guild is a benefit by itself…" Hutton replied after sizing Harvey up. He shook his head helplessly.
Hutton did not know if his father had made a good decision by appointing him as the heir of the family. Although this prevented the two brothers from turning against each other due to competition for the position of the next patriarch, it turned this brother who was just a few years younger into a completely useless blockhead. He had not been doing anything meaningful, and had always been abusing his authority as a member of the Malfa Family. Things would still be fine if he did them in Aminya City as the family would generally have the power to wipe his b.u.t.t.o.c.k.s for him.
However, the problem now was that the trouble had been created in the Blackstone Mountains… No one knew what was wrong with that dude to have the guts to offend that young President…
The thought of this created fear in Hutton…
President Felic was not somebody Harvey could offend. Even a person like Stephen, an Archmage in his 20s, and the only heir of the Dark Blade, failed to escape retaliation from that young President despite having the backing of a few Legendary powerhouses.
Hutton really felt that it was a miracle for Harvey to still be alive!
"But…"
"Alright, Harvey. We can talk more about it after I come back. I'm going to Father's study now. Are you keen on joining me?"
"Erm… Forget it…" Harvey's expression changed upon the mention of his father's study. He was not afraid of the study, but of his grandfather, Cheyenne, who would be present in the room as well. He was not to be trifled with. To Harvey, this old man who personally taught his brother was the scariest existence on earth. He could feel his blood freezing every time he stood before him.
"Sigh…" Hutton shook his head as he watched Harvey leave. He proceeded to head towards the study with the letter in his pocket.
Sorenson Malfa was in his 40s. As the patriarch of a mighty organization, it was supposed to be the prime of his life. But, he suddenly felt that he had aged…
His eldest son had always been nurtured as the next patriarch of the family. To prevent the brothers from fighting over the position, Sorenson even made a sacrifice by letting his youngest son turn into a real blockhead. These years, Sorenson had been watching Hutton's actions. He was glad that Hutton did not fall behind his expectations. Hutton's magical abilities were outstanding among the other mages of his same age. In fact, Hutton was a son whom even Cheyenne complimented smilingly despite being a man who was hard to please. Cheyenne said that Hutton had great potential and would have a chance to reach the Legendary-realm by the age of 50 as long as he did not go astray.
Hutton had always been managing the family's business well. Although he was in his 20s, the tricks up his sleeves were in fact superior to those of many sly and crafty men.
Sorenson had no one to blame but himself, for he had successfully led Harvey where he was today with an intentional upbringing. Furthermore, all the troubles Harvey had been creating were all situated in Aminya. No matter how serious the matters were, they could always be settled by the Malfa Family easily.
If it was the usual, Sorenson shouldn't be that unsatisfied with Harvey…
Unfortunately, Hutton handed him a letter today…
This letter was from Doland, and the sender was a young mage with a few followers. According to Hutton, that man was about 20 years old.
Usually, such letters would never get to Sorenson. Yet, it was formally handed to him by his eldest son.
"What do you think?" Sorenson asked in a low voice. He was not in a hurry to give his opinion.
"I feel that this is an opportunity."
"Huh?" Sorenson asked in shock. "What opportunity?"
"An opportunity for us to get away from the Dark Blade. Although I did not get the relics mentioned by our ancestors when I headed to the Blackstone Mountains this time, I met this guild President. Honestly speaking, Father, he really surprised me. I'm afraid even Mentor Cheyenne would not have the ability to see through President Felic's abilities…"
"What?" Sorenson asked in wonder. "You mean your grandfather…"
"Yes…" Hutton
nodded his head. He had always been addressing Cheyenne as his mentor ever since he started learning magic from him when he was young. The salutation 'grandfather' had become foreign to him.
"H-how… How could it be? On the day of the President's inauguration ceremony, didn't our people tell us that that President was only 20 years old? Hutton, you cannot be so reckless in your words. Your grandfather is a Legendary-mage—"
"Same for President Felic…"
"Same in what way?" Sorenson paused before starting to breathe faster. "You mean… You mean… Legendary-mage?"
"Yes…" Hutton nodded. "In fact, I witnessed it with my very own eyes. I saw this President Felic progress into a Legendary-mage from an Archmage…"
"This can't be… It is absolutely impossible. Not to mention the Breezy Plains, I'm certain that there was never a 20 years old Legendary-mage in Anril before. The God of Mages, Geresco, was only a Magic Shooter when he was 20 years old. How could this Felic…"
"This is the reality…" Hutton rubbed the end of his brows in frustration. In fact, he had expected his father's response. Who would believe that there would be a Legendary-mage who was only 20 years old? The news was as absurd as a man getting pregnant. Yet, Hutton knew how true everything was. This incredibly young President had broken through to the Legendary-realm before his very own eyes, and had used an impregnable Magical Domain to get rid of the terrible Lord of Darkness of Anril.
Although it had been some time since it happened, to Hutton, every detail was undoubtedly clear.
"Oh, yes. The relics in our ancestor's will had been acquired by President Felic…"
"What?"
If Sorenson was only in a state of disbelief before this, then this patriarch of the Malfa Family was really petrified now…
Despite not knowing what the several relics in the ancestor' will were, Sorenson had always believed that they had invincible powers. It was a fact that the ancestor was an existence in the Sanctuary-realm. How could the relics be something that could be described in simple terms?