Chapter 996: Chapter 57: The Deterrence of Sheng Xie_2
Ah Dai was startled and quickly stood up to return their greeting, "No, no, please don’t bother, Captain Siri, were you looking for me?"
Siri glanced at his companion and nodded, "Indeed, we heard that an elder from the guild had arrived here. As members of the Mage Guild, how could we not come to meet him?"
Ah Dai quickly said, "Please, have a seat, no need for formalities. I’m merely a nominal elder."
Siri and his colleague were precisely the ones the second brigade commander had summoned to verify the identities of Ah Dai and his two companions. Upon hearing that a man not even twenty years old had become an elder, he immediately scoffed. Magic cultivation required time, and within the guild, only magicians who had reached the Magus level could possibly become elders. How could a youth under twenty achieve this?
With a hint of disdain in his eyes, Siri went straight to the point, "The guild has gained another elder, which surprised us all. Could I take a look at your magic card?"
Ah Dai, somewhat embarrassed, said, "Please don’t call me an elder anymore. My name is Ah Dai, just call me by my name. Here is my card." Saying so, he passed the golden card Uncle Kary had given him to Siri. Siri took the card, his eyes flickering with surprise; he had been convinced that Ah Dai must be posing as an elder. However, upon seeing the identity card, he reluctantly abandoned his previous suspicion. While a magic robe could be duplicated, a high-ranking magic card like that of an elder was impossible to fake because the golden magic card manufacturing process was extremely complicated. Only the elders and the guild president themselves knew how to create these cards. To issue a new elder-class magic card, not only would the president’s approval be needed, but it also required the endorsement of at least five elders and was personally made by the president after approval. The energy contained within and the appearance of the magic card indeed verified it was genuine. He suddenly felt a surge of respect, and all his previous doubts vanished. He handed the card back to Ah Dai and said, "So you truly are the new elder of the guild. Captain Siri was offensive earlier."
Ah Dai hurriedly said, "No, no, how could you have offended me? To be honest, until now, I’m not even sure why Uncle Kary made me an elder."
Siri, clearly embarrassed, asked, "Elder Ah Dai, why are you heading to the Empire of Sunset City? The current situation between the two is very tense, and once you are there, you might encounter unfavorable conditions!"
Ah Dai was about to answer, but Yan Shi preemptively said, "Captain Siri, there’s no need to beat around the bush and test us. Are you just not believing Ah Dai’s elder status because of his young age?" From the moment Siri and his colleague entered, Yan Shi had discerned their purpose from their expressions.
Siri, taken aback by Yan Shi’s question, stuttered, "No, no, no, that was not our intention at all. It’s just that the generals in the Group Army were concerned about the young age of the elder, afraid he might be a spy from the Sunset Empire, which is why they sent us to confirm his identity. Ah Dai’s magic card has already proven his identity, and we no longer have any doubts. However, those military men are quite stubborn. Elder Ah Dai, could you demonstrate some of your magical power, so they become convinced and stop their suspicion?"
Yan Li angrily complained, "Isn’t that still mistrust, the military of the Empire of Washington doesn’t trust friends? We are here bearing Governor Aldos’s token,"
In a surge of anger, Yan Li abruptly stood up, pulling out his double axes, and roared, "Big brother, Ah Dai, let’s go. I’d like to see who dares to stop us."
Ah Dai was startled again and quickly grabbed Yan Li, saying, "Big brother Yan Li, don’t be rash. Actually, it’s not surprising they are suspicious; I really don’t look like an elder of the Mage Guild. But, Captain Siri, my level of magic isn’t very high, how can I show it?"
Although Siri had already confirmed Ah Dai’s identity, hearing him say this, he couldn’t help but be puzzled again. Without significant ability, how could one occupy the position of an elder? "Elder Ah Dai, please don’t be modest. You just need to casually show some ability to let those military generals have a look; that will be enough," said Siri.
Ah Dai scratched his head, looking troubled, "But I only know basic fire magic!"
Yan Li countered, "Who says that, don’t you also know some summoning magic? Ah Dai, just summon a dragon to show them, let them see what you’re capable of."
Ah Dai was struck by the idea, finally remembering why he could become an elder; he thought, summoning a dragon is different from raising one. Although it’s still surprising, it should be acceptable. He nodded slightly and replied, "Alright then, Captain Siri, please ask them to make some space for me, I’ll give it a try."
Upon hearing that Ah Dai could summon a dragon, Siri immediately looked at him with new respect and eagerly agreed, turning around with his deputy to leave.
Yan Li grunted angrily, "Didn’t expect passing through here to be so difficult; had I known, we would have taken a detour."
Having calmed down, Yan Shi shook his head and said, "Actually, it’s hard to blame them. With the current tense relations between the Empire of Washington and the Sunset Empire, their suspicions are not unreasonable. Alright, let’s go out. Brother Ah Dai, are you confident you can summon a dragon again? If not, don’t force yourself. If it’s really not possible, we might just have to stay here."
