Magus Reborn

137. Council of Elders

Kai stood on the raised platform in Verdis's city square, gazing out at the sea of faces filling the plaza below. Every eye was fixed on him, they were waiting for him to start whatever he was about to say.

This was his city now, and it was a feeling that he couldn't just shake away.

He cleared his throat, the quiet murmur in the crowd settling instantly, and began, his voice firm yet measured, carrying over the square. "People of Verdis, by the grace of King Sullivan, I have been granted control of this city— our city." He paused, letting the words sink in, his gaze sweeping over the crowd as they straightened. "And I promise you, on this very day, that I will see to it that all injustices done here will be accounted for. We will see Verdis rise again, stronger than ever."

A ripple of approval passed through the people, some nodding in agreement, others watching with guarded hope. He saw a few faces soften, hardened lines easing as the weight of his words took hold.

But he could feel the uncertainty that reeked from their response.

"I'm sure many of you have heard rumours about me," he continued, his lips curling in a half-smile. "Some of them good, some of them not so good." A few chuckles broke the tension, people exchanging knowing glances. "You've probably heard about the beast wave and how we held the line. I won't go into the details now, but I'll say this: for the last year, I've poured everything I have into making Veralt better. And those efforts are already showing results."

He gestured to the people around him as if inviting them to witness the tangible change in their lives.

"Just recently, we've launched new projects— the education program, an apprenticeship scheme, the village rebuilding initiative. And the community kitchen, where every person in Veralt can come and receive a meal, no questions asked, every single day. This, I promise, is only the beginning. Each one of you deserves the same respect, and the same opportunities. And I give you my word that you will have them."

As his words echoed over the crowd, a wave of cheers broke out, people raising their fists, voices lifted in raw, unguarded approval.

Although all his schemes were good, the community kitchen part got the most cheer. Food was a problem everywhere and even in Verdis, there were a lot of skinny, malnourished people that weren't able to get one proper meal a day.

Kai allowed the sound to roll over him, grounding himself in the energy of the people before him, waiting as they settled back into a reverent hush.

He took a breath, knowing the next promise would resonate deeply. "Verdis has two iron mines," he said, his tone firm. "And from now on, every worker who steps into those mines will have the safety equipment they need. Gone are the days when men and women risked their lives for the city's wealth without basic protection. Henderson stripped that away from you, sent you into the depths unprotected. I'll be changing that. Your safety is as much a priority as the iron we pull from the earth."

Another wave of cheers rose, louder this time, and he saw fists pumping in the crowd, people's faces alight with hope. But he wasn't finished. He held up a hand, and the square hushed once more.

"And our biggest project," he announced, his voice taking on a tone of anticipation, "will be a citywide evaluation. Every single person in Verdis will have the opportunity to be tested, to see if you have the qualities needed to join a new special force— a force that will report directly to me."

A hush fell, the crowd holding its collective breath. "Those selected will receive a fair wage, steady work, and the pride of defending this city alongside me. I'm talking about five gold coins per month here, and enough security to your family and your future." Excited murmurs swept through the crowd, people turning to each other in whispers, discussing what he had just said. Kai watched them, knowing that this was the start of something they'd been longing for.

Yet, amidst the hopeful faces, he noticed a few hesitant expressions— eyes that darted with uncertainty, mouths set in tight lines of doubt. Sensing the undercurrent of fear, he raised his hands once more, his gaze steady and reassuring.

"Fear not," he began, his voice warm and earnest. "Although the testing will be mandatory, no one will have to join the special force if they don't want to. There will be no coercion, no force. Everyone will be treated equally and will simply be given the option to strive for something more in life. This is about opportunity, not obligation."

A collective sigh seemed to pass through the crowd, tension easing as Arzan addressed their unspoken concerns directly. He continued, "To ensure the smooth administration of our new initiatives, Zorgar will take up the administrative duties. He knows this city inside and out and will be instrumental in implementing our programs effectively. Additionally, one of my trusted knights, Feroy, will be acting under Zorgar's guidance. I will also be sending more personnel to make sure I receive news from Verdis every week, keeping me informed and allowing me to respond swiftly to your needs."

As he spoke, another roar of approval erupted, more vigorous than before. The people's enthusiasm seemed to swell, their initial doubts melting away in the face of his clear and compassionate leadership.

He took a moment to absorb the renewed energy before continuing. "If you have any questions, please come forward to ask them now. I would be happy to address any doubts or concerns you may have."

"Count Arzan," one of the men walked forward, "how will the testing for the special force work? What kind of training will we receive?"

Kai smiled, appreciating the directness of the question. "Excellent question. The testing will be done by a Mage. Nevertheless, no harm or pain will be felt. The training will be comprehensive, covering combat skills, resilience including your physical strength and durability. It will be intense, but nothing you can't handle."

Encouraged by the response, another voice chimed in from the back— a woman, holding her baby in her hand. A trace of hesitation passed by her eyes before she spoke. "What guarantees do we have that you won't abuse the power like Henderson did, Lord Arzan?"

Arzan's expression hardened slightly, a steely resolve in his eyes. "Transparency and accountability have always been the cornerstones of my rule. City of Veralt is testimony to what I've done. So, rather than words, I will show you with my actions. Any more questions?"

People collectively nodded. The questions continued, so did his responses.

As Kai replied to every one of them, he felt the crowd ease up. The answers were clear and sincere, dispelling lingering fears.

Even those who had suspected him to be the same or worse as Henderson seemed to look up to him with hope in their eyes. A major reason behind this shift was Henderson's reputation as a tyrant— his harsh rule had left deep scars. In contrast, the rumours about Kai recently had been good, and the fact that nobles seldom came out to take questions from commoners made Kai's openness all the more refreshing.

The atmosphere in the square transformed from one of cautious optimism to vibrant hope, the seeds of a revitalised Verdis firmly taking root in the hearts of its people.

Kai clutched his hands together in the end. "Together, we will rebuild, we will protect, and we will thrive. Verdis is not just my city— it is ours. Let us move forward, united by our shared dreams and unwavering spirit."

The crowd erupted in a final, thunderous cheer, the sound echoing through the city streets and into the night sky. Kai stood tall. As the cheers continued, he knew that this moment marked the beginning of a new era for Verdis, one that was being led by him.

Over the next few hours, Kai busied himself with the logistics of his plans. He went over blueprints, checked in with foremen, and reviewed the upcoming training schedules with his knights.

There was satisfaction in the tangible details, the pieces falling into place. But as he considered his resources, he couldn't help but think of Francis. His trusted right hand had proved invaluable in other projects, yet with his responsibilities stretched thin across the territories, Francis had already begun recruiting assistants to manage his workload. Still, the absence was felt.

Thankfully, Kai had Zorgar. The man had demonstrated a deep loyalty to Verdis and an affinity for leadership, handling the city with an experienced hand.

Kai had been thorough in investigating his background, finding a steady record of fair and effective administration. With Zorgar on the ground, backed by reliable men of Kai's own choosing, he could focus his energy on broader concerns, assured that Verdis would be in safe hands.

One of his most pressing tasks now was to expand his force, especially with capable Mages and Enforcers. His current cadre was competent, but to secure Verdis fully, he needed more. He planned to send his newly recruited Mages into the city soon, not only to search for any other Enforcers, but also Mages who might have been unaware of their gifts.

If he could find a few of them, it would massively help him and his forces for what was about to come.

***

By the end of the day, Kai still hadn't been able to leave for Veralt. What he'd intended to be a swift inspection had turned into an all-day undertaking, ensuring that every detail was laid out and every promise set in motion. Only late that evening did he finally retreat to the castle that Hendrerson used, wrapping up his responsibilities for the day.

And by dawn, Kai was on the road again, this time bound for Veralt. The journey was swift and efficient— until Princess Amara requested to share his carriage. She dismissed the offer of another, insisting with a certain stubbornness that left him no real choice.

He knew the request wasn't random; there were matters she intended to discuss. Besides, rumours were inevitable. Riding together in a single carriage would only add fuel, but Kai no longer cared about gossip. It would spread regardless, and he had larger matters to focus on.

As the carriage rumbled along the dirt path, Kai felt Amara's gaze on him, steady and appraising. Finally, without turning from the view outside the window, he spoke.

"Is there something troubling you, Princess?"

She hesitated, then her voice came soft and thoughtful. "Nothing troubling. It's just… you're far more competent than I expected." She paused, as if searching for the right words. "I've heard of nobles taking over cities, yes, but they often stay aloof. They expect the people to obey simply because they hold the title. Addressing the civilians personally, giving them assurance— that's not something normal. Most nobles just wave to the people from their castle walls and expect obedience, a courtesy they feel entitled to."

"So you joined me on this journey just to praise me? I think this is the second time now. You did the same after I recounted the events of the beast wave."

Amara flushed slightly, crossing her arms with an air of mild defiance. "I don't give out compliments easily, you know. You should take them when I do. It's proper manners."

Kai shrugged, the faintest hint of amusement in his gaze as he looked her over. He couldn't help but let his eyes linger on her chest, where her Mana heart—a heart she'd nearly lost—beat steadily beneath her travelling dress. At least for now.

"And how's your heart been?" he asked, a touch of concern slipping into his otherwise calm voice. "The stitches should start dissolving soon, shouldn't they?"

Amara shifted, a bit surprised by his directness. She placed a hand lightly over her chest, as if feeling the rhythm within. "It's been harder and harder to ignore the pain. It's getting worse, especially if I try to use magic."

Kai's brow knit. "You've been trying magic? That's risky, especially before you've healed properly."

She looked down, almost sheepishly. "Sometimes… I was just curious. I've never been able to use it before, and the urge to try has been hard to resist."

He sighed, his voice steady but firm. "I get it, but you need to listen. You're still a patient. Rushing it could make things worse."

A silence stretched between them before she sighed, resigned. "I will. At least… if you can give me hope that there's a way to heal it for good." Her voice softened, as though the words had taken on a life of their own. "If you can help my rapture truly heal, Count Arzan."

Kai studied her, the wheels of his mind turning. "I might have a way. I've been looking for options since we last spoke, and there may be one possibility— a long, risky surgery. It won't be easy, and the recovery could take time."

She smiled, a touch of warmth melting her guarded expression. "Then I trust you, Count Arzan. I'll follow your lead."

"Good. I don't intend to leave Veralt anytime soon, so we have all the time we need."

For the first time, he saw a genuine glimmer of relief in her expression. The carriage rocked gently as they travelled onward, but within it, a quiet understanding settled between them— which Kai appreciated. After the long day he has had, he wanted some peaceful silence.

***

Flossbor rose slowly, leaning heavily on a twisted staff adorned with silver leaves. His face, carved by time and wisdom, bore deep lines that spoke of centuries of battles and burdens, yet his eyes burned with a youthful intensity that defied his frail frame. The hall quieted as the elf elder raised his hand.

Around him, the Great Hall of the Elder Tree thrummed with life. The massive chamber was woven seamlessly from living branches that curved overhead, forming a natural dome covered with thick, emerald-green leaves. Sunlight filtered through the gaps, casting dapples of light onto the council members seated in a circle at the vine-covered table before him. Flowers the colour of moonlight bloomed along the edges, releasing a faint, calming fragrance, a reminder of the Elder Tree's protective embrace.

Flossbor's voice, though cracked with age, rang steady and clear, reverberating across the sacred space.

"We need the Fatebreaker to leave the human lands and come here. It's the only way to save the world."

His gaze swept over the members of the Council of the Five Tribes, taking in the solemn faces seated around him—elves who had sacrificed centuries to protect the Elder Tree and the world itself. But now, as the faint signs of the coming calamity cast long shadows over them, uncertainty lingered in their eyes.

One of the council members, a tall, stoic elf named Lirian, broke the silence. "I don't believe in this 'Fatebreaker.' It's a myth, Flossbor. We should focus on practical solutions, not stories."

Another member nodded in agreement, but the elder's gaze turned fierce as he silenced them with another raised hand.

"Enough!" he commanded, and the council quieted. "Elder V'aleirith herself has foreseen his arrival. He has already begun the fight against the forces of calamity, and the Elder Tree has shown us a path. We cannot ignore this."

Seated across from him, a regal, silver-haired elf named Caelith scowled. "But he's a human— a mere human. Why would the Elder Tree choose him? Why should we stake our hopes on one of them?"

Flossbor's gaze hardened, his eyes glowing with a quiet fire. "The Elder Tree does not bend to our prejudices, Caelith. It chooses those it deems worthy, regardless of our understanding. He may be human, but he is the Fatebreaker. And if we refuse to call upon him, we will all pay the price for our pride."

At that moment, a striking woman seated to the left, her silver hair bound with strands of emerald leaves, slammed her staff down onto the vine-covered table, the thud echoing through the place. The table itself, formed from thick, living vines that twisted and bloomed with soft white flowers, seemed to pulse with the life force of the Elder Tree. She met the other council members' stares, her gaze sharp and unyielding.

She was V'aleirith, elven elder of the Leth'thae tribe.

"What if he is a human?" V'aleirith demanded, her voice laced with scorn at their hesitation. "A Fatebreaker is still a Fatebreaker—one without threads binding him, the only one who can break free of the prophecy. Why should we concern ourselves with race if he is what we believe he is? Or do you think only we elves deserve blessings from the Elder Tree?"

Caelith stiffened at her words, his lips pressed into a thin line. "It's not about deserving, V'aleirith. It's that we have no assurance he'll even help us. We don't know if the Elder Tree means the same to him as it does to us. He might see it as nothing more than an old tree and the prophecy as a mere tale."

V'aleirith's eyes narrowed. "He's a Mage— Blessed by the Elder Tree since birth. Surely, he knows the value of the Elder Tree and all that it represents. And unless any of you elders have a better idea to face Malfecia's twisted forces," she paused, her voice dripping with challenge, "I'd like you to enlighten us. Surely, in all your centuries, you have some brilliant plans to stand against a being worshipped by the death incarnate?"

Silence fell like a heavy weight, smothering any remaining resistance. The council members shifted in their vine-woven chairs, their eyes downcast as V'aleirith's words settled. They had all felt the creeping dread of Malfecia's influence, the darkness slowly tainting the lands. Even their wisdom, gathered over countless years, offered no clear path forward/

And every second they wasted, the Elder Tree's condition grew worse.

Flossbor finally nodded, breaking the silence and seeing no objection. "It is decided, then. We will summon the Fatebreaker to our land as our guest. And if he accepts… he will be our hope— the very centre of our stand against the calamity."

The council members exchanged wary glances, but no one argued. Vines hanging from the ceiling draped down like green chandeliers, and the flowers on the table pulsed softly, as if the Elder Tree itself acknowledged the decision.

***

A/N - You can read 30 chapters (15 Magus Reborn and 15 Dao of money) on my patreon. Also, those who have liked the book and haven't rated, please do so.