Chapter 219 - Flower
Charles Mavis was the previous chief of the Mage Doctor's Department under the Ministry of Magic Education.
Although he has been replaced by Mr. Chester Cornfield, who was tasked to identify the Cryptic Link Serum, it was within his consent since he was already old for the job.
Right now, he just wanted to live a relaxing life and the only thing that interests him was his hobby of taking care of various plants.
Though he was still helping to teach a few kids from the clan about the doctor's path. It wasn't consuming much of his time since it only happens once a month. After all, he still wanted someone from his clan to follow a few of his footsteps.
In his courtyard within the territory of the Mavis Clan, there were a lot of exotic plants that could never be seen growing in this country. Many of them were exported from various countries and a couple of them were even from the northern continent. This was his treasure and today, someone offered him to add something on his collection...
"Lightning Spirit Flower?
"
"Yes, a flower that can only grow by bathing in lightning for three years continuously. Only after that, it can live alone as the flower could attract lightning for its own use...
"
"I heard as much... But, do you really have it, young lady?
"
"I've been taking care of a couple of them. Last month, one of the two has bloomed already...I no longer have to supply it with lightning... Oh, but I didn't bring it with me.
"
"Hoho... Then what do you want in exchange?
"
"I heard your reputation in the medical field...
"
Lacus said as she smiled mysteriously at the old man. Charles Mavis has long white hair and wrinkled skin due to old age. He was probably more than 100 years old already. Even with his knowledge in medicine and mana, it could not defy the passing of time.
But the lady saw differently, ever since she entered the courtyard of the respectable man, she had clearly felt the strong vigor coming from him. He wasn't weakened or anything like in the rumors and seems to be strong enough to contend the aura of her master.
"Medical field, huh... Is there a disease or patient that Dr. Mao couldn't handle?
"
"He went together with master... and I think that you'll handle this case pretty well. Dr. Mao specializes in Enhancement and a bit of Alteration. But you specialized in the three paths. You're the only one I know with the highest attainment in Mysticism... Also, your reputation for dealing with high profile cases was admirable. The task we are requesting must be kept in absolute secrecy that's why I've chosen you...
"
"Ho~ You have a high standard, huh... So, you wanted to borrow my skill in medical field in exchange for your flower?
"
"Mhmm...
"
"Then, we have a deal. Come...
"
Charles invited Lacus to have tea with him to further discuss their cooperation. Then, after she worked hard for this... She learned that she can't even speak with Wallace and could only tell the old man about the situation. At the very least, the old man seems to be more interested after hearing who was going to be his client today.
"Wallace Ravencroft...
"
He muttered after seeing the background of the young man that was hiring a high-rank mage doctor.
He was actually a bit skeptical about accepting the mysterious job he has to undertake but seeing that there was a Mavis blood flowing through the veins of the young man, he decided that it would be interesting to meet him...
***
Avalon was trying to determine the best way to treat the lady in the living room. Using the previous reference they had, Avalon let the lady watch T.V. and have a snack or tea.
Although she was different from the Manager Diana Humeray, they were both ladies with unique aura coming from them.
On the other hand, Yumi was very curious about the automaton that was serving her.
'Does it mean that the previous voice was just programmed? Artificial Intelligence that could make conversation? Very interesting... Let me see the limit, can it converse even with random topics?'
It was the start of a long conversation between Avalon and Yumi. Avalon wanted to accompany the lady so that it wouldn't hurt Wallace's reputation by some rumors that say that his visitors weren't being treated nicely.
As for Wallace's example with the previous visitors, Wallace treated them nicely and even serve them food. Anyway, it was still within Wallace's instruction of
"Deal with them
".
"Do you watch television or listening to the news?
"
"Yes.
"
"Do you know my relationship with Wallace? That's really interesting...
"
"Yes. I was told that you work in NMTI.
"
"Hmm... I also met him at Araceli Island in Montego. Though, he was wearing armor at that time...
"
"I have no knowledge of this.
"
"Heh?~ Is that so. Did Wallace made you?
"
"I cannot answer.
"
Although most of her questions weren't answered, she was still surprised that everything that she says was being understood. She was amazed by this intelligent creature talking and responding to whatever she says.
She almost felt that someone was controlling this automaton and hidden somewhere in the building but she doubts this. By having a long conversation with it, she easily realized that it was lacking emotions even though its response was spontaneous at times.
The voice behind the automaton was monotonous and no topic could rouse its interest or change its tone. She might suggest to Wallace to better this part of its function.
Conversing with this thing may be more engaging if it could make some expressions.
Anyway, it no longer bores her to wait here.
***
Hilda's group were now infiltrating the Dorssian Empire's hangar.
They were wearing the suits worn by empire's soldiers. Due to its impressive function that can adjust to its wearer, there was no problem about their sizes.
Unfortunately, there was still a huge challenge. Most of the infiltration missions were conducted during the cover of the night but this time, they were doing this in broad daylight.
It was because the general commanding the base that they were targeting has left temporarily.
The general possess a unique physique that could easily defeat an Adept with its bare hands. It was a very scary trait and no one wanted to fight that guy head-on.
Luckily, the general brought all the members of their elite squad as his bodyguard. It was the best time to complete the mission!
Escanor, one of the members of their team wasn't even a combat mage. Although he looks like one, he wasn't that confident fighting professional combatants and could only do some supports for them. Their timing of attack was in favor for him.
He was an outstanding member of their team that has easily learned all the advanced knowledge being taught in the game. He created many weapons that can only be found in this world and he was even the first player who passed the Pilot Licensure Exam by Freya.
He was an irreplaceable member of their group though he was weak in combat.
Right now, the members except for Escanor were getting ready to board the aircraft.
It was nerve-wracking considering that any inappropriate movements could lead to being discovered and busting their mission.
Although it was okay to fail their first try, no one wanted to be the cause of their team's failure.
As they got closer to their target by having a perfect disguise, they all waited for Escanor who separated with them to disable all the alarms. He also had to bypass the control system blocking the gates. It would be a problem if the aircraft couldn't fly out after boarding it.
Whew~
"I'm done... Wait for my signal.
" Escanor announced using their Wave Radio. It was a product of an Arcane Artificer that helps them communicate without using any electronics but through the use of the ever present Mana only.
"Mhmm...
" Everyone nodded as they waited for the sign.
Then, Escanor took his time to arrive at their targeted aircraft as he nervously waited for something to happen. The smooth steel-hulled aircraft was shining black and looks brand new.
Baam!
A weak explosion caused by a short circuit in the power room surprised many soldiers working at the hangar.
The light in the whole building turns off but the electric generators quickly started to work and the light came back.
The black out only occured for about three seconds. But it was enough for these gamers.
They boarded the aircraft as they waited for another sign to kick in before they cause havoc in the place and use the confusion to buy time in activating the aircraft.
Escanor was tasked to be the main pilot of the aircraft and Shirley was to utilized the weapons it possess...
"How's the armor of this thing?
" Ray Penber asked after he confirmed to everyone that no one was indeed inside this 100 meter long aircraft.
It didn't surprise them since that was part of their plan. They waited for the maintenance to be completed this morning before they started.
"Pretty thin, but it has several energy shields to compensate. Anyway, we have long range anti-matter guns and short-range anti-barrier guns... Fully loaded.
" Shirley said while grinning.
"Then? What are we waiting for?
"