Silas was finding it hard to hold back his irritation, if not for the presence of a stronger mage by his side, he would have kidnapped this kid and carried him away the instant he found him.

He was not afraid of Andar’s Master per se, but the man was connected, with the position in the Alchemist Union, and other executive positions on Ikaron V. He did not want to be delayed any more than he could bear, as every moment spent outside the Black Tower was a waste of time in his opinion.

If he truly needed to, Silas would consider the option of kidnapping Andae, he had weapons that were crafted by an Archmage, with enough power to raze this corner of the planet to ash. That option was becoming more attractive to him by the second, but he knew such actions were ultimately foolish and would serve to cause more harm than benefit for him in the long run. ．𝘦𝘵

Silas coughed, and nothing on his features showed the tumultuous emotions beneath his facade.

“Have you considered my words properly Andar, this is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity I am presenting to you on a silver platter. Your vision is too small at this time and you believe the Trial Zone is something special, but we who have seen much know it is just a starting point, and the only thing you would find inside it is endless competition and maybe the Training Manual you would end up with would be basic and lackluster. Do not be foolish and throw away your future for some childish attempt at independence.”

Andar nodded, and he bowed towards the mage, “I understand and I am truly grateful for the chance you have given me, although it might be the biggest mistake I will ever make, I still choose to undertake this journey to the Trial Zone, only with this would be depression and heartache in my heart be wiped away.”

Daniel the Acolyte snorted, and muttered, “Foolish countryside bumpkin, kicking a gift horse in the mouth.”

Andar eyes lit up, whether Daniel intended for him to hear his words or not, it was all he needed to finalize his decision, “I am sorry if my thoughts offend you. But even a country bumpkin like me has his dreams and aspirations, my goal ever since I was a child was to enter the Trial Zone, and no matter the obstacles I will face, I will make that trip.”

Silas’ face went white in anger as he noticed the resolve on Andar’s face became fully set. He believed he might have been able to pressure the kid to become their master’s disciple soon enough, but this stupid bastard beside him had to open his smelly mouth.

He had just effectively shut down any hope for him to easily convince the kid to follow his Master. Silas feared this was his fault for not mentoring Daniel well enough, he had grown too arrogant as a disciple of an Archmage and had forgotten the meaning of tact.

He pointed at Daniel, the anger on his face was not feigned, “You shall apologize to him this instant, this is a genius that would be hard to come across in ten thousand millennia, you should be putting forth words of encouragement and wisdom, not stupidity. When we return to the Black Tower, your punishment shall be severe.”

Daniel bit his lips, reopening the closing wounds and he bowed before Andar, his tone stiff as a cinder block, “Apologies for my rashness, I meant nothing detrimental when I spoke.”

Andar nodded and looked away from him, his pride and aloofness were on full display. Daniel’s face went white and he choked back something inside his chest.

The Alchemist cleared his throat, “The child has made his decision, it is as they say, the beauty of youth is the time and the opportunities to make mistakes. Also, it is not as if the offer for discipleship was refused by my Apprentice. I am sure when he experienced the world outside he would understand this opportunity that had been given to him.”

Silas knew he could no longer push ahead with his desires or it would come across as suspicious about his intentions. Going too far would inevitably lead to conflict, and that was something that he did not want at this time, for there was still time for other options.

They were already the first ones here and the communication blackout was a hidden blessing. He would quickly finish testing the other children and then immediately begin his leave taking them all with him.

Along the way, he would contact his master to meet them halfway, and he refused to believe that Andar would be able to keep his cool before the presence of an Archmage. If he was stubborn, then nothing was stopping his Master to forcefully bring him away.

Silas laughed and stood up, and he patted Andar on the shoulders, “If that is truly your desire, then so shall it be, I am barely 200 years old, so that means I’m still a youth. I have not forgotten the burning ambition inside my breast to prove to the world my talent. I will be fulfilling my duty to my master’s and finish the selection of candidates for the Trial. Rest well and prepare yourself Andar for in three hours I will be bringing the candidates away, you shall be coming along too.”

He turned to leave but was stopped by Andar’s master, “Silas I believe you are forgetting something. The token of participation.”

Silas snapped his fingers, “Forgive me Master Jonathan, but the excitement of the discovery of such a great talent has caused me to forget my manners.”

He opened his hand and on it was a purple cube hovering above it. The cube was spinning by itself with a consistent speed and he presented it to Andar, “Here is your ticket to the Trial ground. Congratulations.”

Andar eyes were starstruck and he brought his hands forward and the purple cube was sent over resting on his hands.

The cube flashed and transformed into a tattoo that became imprinted on his forearm. It appeared very mystical because the tattoo still maintained its movement.

“Let’s go.” With a wave of his hand, Silas dragged Daniel and they were covered by a swirling tornado that sent them hurtling into the air.