Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Russell is different; he’s young and impetuous. He truly doesn’t understand why Ulrich, already the only official mage in the family, can still be ordered around by those old geezers, or how he can actually find his greatest support.

The moment Gilbert really stepped out of the Meditation Chamber, everyone understood that the Tower of Dark Enigma had gained another Archmage with real power.

Don’t look down on Seventh-Ring Archmages under Archmage Ruth; they are nothing to scoff at... Yet, the Tower of Dark Enigma doesn’t even have 100 of them combined.

Moreover, there are differences between Seventh-Ring Archmages.

As a renowned master of magic arrays, Gilbert’s combat power and status are absolutely undeniable.

With such a powerful mage standing behind, Ulrich still behaved so passively, leaving Russell’s face showing complex emotions... He couldn’t understand Ulrich’s thoughts, nor why the Archmage didn’t seem angry at all.

Or, in this Archmage’s eyes, Gilbert himself wouldn’t think it’s abnormal for Ulrich to act this way because of this matter.

Russell couldn’t help but ponder the reasons behind this, especially considering that if he were in Ulrich’s position, he definitely wouldn’t allow himself to be manipulated into such foolish circumstances.

After advancing to a new step, Russell feels like the fog around his world is thicker and heavier.

Hill glanced at this confused child and laughed softly: ”Human nature is very complex, and when you put yourself in others’ shoes, you swap not just positions but personalities.

If Carpenter were in his place... Although that child probably wouldn’t show so much sympathy...”

”Sympathy?” Russell interrupted Hilbert in surprise, ”You mean, Ulrich doesn’t act this way because he can’t resist those people, but rather...

Why does he find those people pathetic?

The Hainarson Family, of all people, doesn’t seem pitiful at all!”

”Ulrich isn’t someone who enjoys spreading love like some little Cupid; he only cares about his own people’s feelings.

As for the other factions within the Hainarson Family, especially those who have wronged him in the past or tried to suppress him, he wouldn’t even bother to give them a reliable answer.

But, those by his side, who watched him grow and insisted on standing behind him, when they talked to him about their sleepless nights, he always softens.” Hilbert glanced at him, ”This somewhat innocent trait in Ulrich’s character is hard to change.

His only advantage is distinguishing between insiders and outsiders, but sometimes, the scope of ’insider’ is a bit too broad.

That’s why I never considered letting him join the Tower of Dark Enigma.”

Russell, who couldn’t understand why relatives who constantly acted unworthy could speak up without consequence, thought they should die without dying in front of him... he could even watch his own uncle die.

But, Russell couldn’t help but remember past events... Those years at the Hainarson apprentice dormitory were indeed the most comfortable days of life for us apprentices.

Even Felis and others, who had to leave early due to lack of qualifications, never resented those days.

After leaving that dormitory, that’s when they truly realized how rare gentle fairness was.

The management rights of the mage apprentice—a power Ulrich insisted on never giving up.

At this moment, recalling those gentle kindness and love felt with Carpenter, Russell gently lowered his head.

He understood the message from his teacher: He can walk the path he wants, but must not forget where the things he has received in the past came from.

Just because one takes large strides forward doesn’t mean they should abandon their past, because his past isn’t only filled with misery and sorrow, nor only with Carpenter by his side.

Even if temporarily forgotten, you shouldn’t... curse the cook after finishing a good meal, especially when they didn’t need to prepare it so carefully.

The path of a mage is indeed lonely and solitary, with many scenes left behind, but one shouldn’t forget being moved and warmed during past journeys.

Russell knows clearly the strength and orthodoxy of the mage before him, so he understands that the teachings given to him will definitely be correct... He’s aware that mages are divided into good and evil, but since he’s fortunate enough to tread the righteous path, and he’s not inherently wicked, why not follow the righteous path?

If evil were truly good, would there be any existence of justice?

Russell picked up the few books placed on the table: ”I’ll keep the teacher’s teachings firmly in mind.

I’ll go see Felis now; according to his habits, today is exactly when a cycle of meditation ends.”

Hill smiled at him contentedly.

Recognizing this, Russell’s steps were light as he entered the secret passage.

-----------------

”What’s this?” Felis looked at the ancient-looking magic books Russell tossed to him, puzzled.

Even though Archmage Gilbert’s attitude towards him was considered decent, Felis knew that being able to allow Russell to bring some books belonging to the Great Library for him was already the greatest concession from the other.

Who told him his name was hanging under Kamente Tower!

”Archmage Ruth heard from the teacher about your talents and gave these to you.” Russell smiled, glancing around the secret room.

Since coming out from that large ice block, Felis had been constantly remodeling the furnishings inside it.

By now, this room, merely around 20 square meters, had been modified by him using some metal materials into one large room and two small ones... The smallest one appeared to be a bathroom.

Mages always have ways to handle some dirty things, but they who have been accustomed to cleanliness since childhood, truly can’t accept doing everything in one room.

Sometimes, childhood habits can truly influence one’s entire life.

In front of Russell is probably considered a reception room; not only are there desks, chairs, bookshelves, but there are even several metal sculptures and slender vases that look pretty authentic, with the flower branches in these vases exhibiting various patterns made by mixing in some metallic powder.

Felis has even artistically placed some magic books next to these vases... The glossy ice and metallic cover create a wonderful aesthetic.

”Looks like you’ve been in a pretty good mood lately.” Russell couldn’t help but smile.

Felis, flicking through the book in his hand, turned to look: ”Whether happy or unhappy, it’s just a day.

Things have reached this point, so I can’t be unhappy all the time!

Archmage Ruth... Why would he be willing to give me a hand, do you know?”

Gilbert giving him a hand didn’t surprise Felis; the steadfastness of Hainarson’s support has always been reliable.

But, Ruth, why would he be willing to handle him, a wretched soul of another faction?

Even though Kamente Tower completely disregards him, every step of his progress would only add luster to the old man’s glory.

No matter how unwilling, Felis knew that from the moment he was registered under Kamente Tower, his fate could never detach from that deceitful Archmage.

Unless one day he gained a position higher than Kamente Tower, or unless Kamente Tower dies and is shattered.

Yet, Felis couldn’t even confirm which was of greater significance to him—living or dying.

At least he now has a name to claim.

Should Kamente Tower truly be gone, if the one succeeding him as Tower Master isn’t a mage from the same faction... Felis’ role would certainly not be acknowledged further, and he would become an outskirts mage.

At that time, Russell wouldn’t be able to freely share magic books from the Great Library with him... Outskirts mages only possess partial access to the Great Library.

Even if Russell were willing to help him, he wouldn’t break the Magic Tower’s rules for him.

So, Felis couldn’t comprehend the inexplicable kindness from Ruth... As someone surviving only within a secret chamber, he couldn’t aid Ruth’s faction with any intelligence.

”Even though you might not be useful, your original attributes match quite well with the Tower of Dark Enigma.” Russell considered his words... His teacher’s original statement was quite lengthy, ”Archmage Ruth plans to make use of this ’waste’ to see how much you can learn.”

”I feel like what you said wasn’t the original.” Felis was silent for a few seconds before barely understanding Russell’s meaning and giving his feedback.

”Although I summarized a bit, the gist is the same.”