Chapter 61: Compliment Me
With his Mana Sensitivity at the Master level, he managed to avoid the trap runes, especially those that would trigger indiscriminately.
He arrived at Archmage Arlen’s residence and was about to knock at the door when it was abruptly opened before his knuckles could collide with it.
Archmage Arlen was leisurely sitting near the window while sipping his tea.
Max thought Archmage Arlen was relaxing himself but when he faced him, he was taken aback.
Archmage Arlen was worn out—dark circles formed around his eyes and his eyelids were half-shut.
His haggard face surprisingly managed to appear serene.
Max didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Archmage Arlen moved his gaze away from him and sipped the tea.
Max bowed deeply towards him. "Greetings, Archmage Arlen. Thank you for working hard."
Archmage Arlen put down the tea cup and sighed. "How I wish your thank you can be converted to rune stones or mana crystals."
Max rolled his eyes and thought. How ungrateful.
"Sit," said Archmage Arlen.
Max sat at the opposite seat and frowned when he perceived his tea cup already had a tea.
It’s unusually not radiating a heat.
Archmage Arlen noticed his gaze and snorted. "You left it cold last month. You must consume it."
Max tightened his eyebrows and said in an upset tone, "Isn’t it spoiled already? It’s already a month."
"A tea can’t be spoiled."
It can! Max shouted in his mind.
He sighed.
He glanced at the tea cup again and only then he recognized there were more than five runes inscribed into it.
Max frowned. Just for a tea cup?
Archmage Arlen said, "There’s an anti-spoil rune I developed. That’s why the tea can’t be spoiled."
Ridiculous! Max was taken aback.
He grabbed the teacup and tasted the tea.
He was surprised that the tea was actually still warm and the taste was similar than before. He was astonished.
But still, just for a tea and tea cup! He developed a rune to prevent it from spoiling.
He sighed. He was amazed by Archmage Arlen’s passion in rune crafting.
Archmage Arlen glanced at Max and observed him.
His eyes and mouth suddenly widened.
"Y-You..." He stared at Max as though he had seen a ghost.
Max was perplexed by his reaction. He placed the teacup in the table and asked, "What?"
"What do you mean what?!" Archmage Arlen was furious. "Since when did your proficiency in mana control reached the Master level.
This is absurd!"
Max raised his eyebrows. He shrugged. "Why do you act like it’s impossible to do so?"
"Because it is!"
Archmage Arlen was fuming in anger.
Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion washed over him, physically and mentally, causing him to lean back to his seat and calmed himself down.
Max stared at him and ruminated. There was indeed no record for a player to maximize their passive skills before their class advancement. At least, it was not publicize.
From Archmage Arlen’s reaction, it appeared that his achievements was staggering.
Max felt proud to himself.
Archmage Arlen noticed Max’s self-satisfaction sparkling in his eyes and snorted.
"You’re indeed talented. I never expected it would be to this extent."
"I like how you complimented me."
Archmage Arlen shrugged. He might appeared indifferent, but he was elated inwardly. After all, the Empire had gained a talented individual, who would definitely surpass him.
He speculated that with Max’s talent, he’d definitely become the next mythical human—an S-rank level.
I hope I can see the day he reaches that level.
Max asked, "My mana sensitivity reached the master level, as well. All my active skills are on the Expert proficiency.
Go on. Be more surprised and compliment me."
Archmage Arlen was definitely beyond surprised from what he had just heard.
Max’s words echoed in his mind... except the last part.
When he finally processed the information, he sighed and sipped his tea to calm himself.
Max was completely satisfied. He said in a mischievous tone, "You don’t need to say anything, you’ve already complimented me."
Archmage Arlen put down the teacup and stared at Max with a serious expression.
Max raised his eyebrows.
Archmage Arlen asked, "Say, how about becoming a rune—"
"Mhm. I’ll consider it," Max immediately responded.
Archmage Arlen rolled his eyes. Just based on his response showed his lack of interesting in becoming a mage.
Archmage Arlen shrugged. "I’m giving you a warning, your talent will be wasted if you choose the Summoner class."
Max smiled in an enigmatic manner, catching Archmage Arlen’s interest.
Max replied, "You are not my fate weaver."
Archmage Arlen rolled his eyes and stood up.
He said, "The Lieutenant had already prepared a carriage for us. Just to let you know, Branna will be accompanying us.
Use this chance to repair your relationship with her."
Max’s face turned serious.
Archmage Arlen didn’t notice his reaction and left his residence. His things were already stored in his storage ring.
Max stood up and followed him.
When he got closer to him, he replied, "I’m not obliged to establish deeper connection with others, right?
Ma’am Branna and I are also not in conflict with each other. She recognized that her daughter’s death was not because of me."
Archmage Arlen sneered.
He continued walking ahead Max and replied, "The rule of thumb of a leader is that..."
He turned towards Max and his sneer finally came to his view. "Everything is your fault."
Max paused his steps. He frowned and he clenched his staff tightly.
Archmage Arlen laughed at his reaction and continued walking.
He was guilty as a result of his harsh behavior to Max, but he believed that Max should be aware of the heavy responsibility of a leader—as well as being the savior.
His members was his responsibility, their death was the result of his carelessness.
Max slowly understood Archmage Arlen’s intention from his words. It steadily swallowed him.
He swore to himself it wouldn’t repeat again.
Especially when it would be Enzo and Auntie Sara’s turn...
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A/N: Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to show your supports by giving golden tickets, powerstones, gifts, and reviews! It means a lot since this is participating for WSA.
