In the first place the rewards were too generous! A spell slot was simply a chance to choose a new spell from the tower, given the spell module a mage could learn the spell in some time.
However a spell slot costs 20 merit points, he heard that a True mage could earn that much in a year and a half doing regular missions.
This was a very generous reward for apprentices like them. Not to mention the addition of a low-level enchanted rob.
This was enough to tell them just how irregular it was to assign this mission to two apprentices. The rewards or enough for true mages to covet this mission.
Senior Ron, "the crown Prince must travel in absolute secrecy, the fact that he left the capital must be kept under wraps at all costs. You will each take no more than two more apprentices. You will disguise yourselves as mercenaries going to the capital for work."
After saying that senior Ron took out several badges, the sign on the badge was of a sword and a feather. He knew this mercenary band.
It was famous in the Scattered kingdoms. They have made a name for themselves for a long time throughout the endless wars fought on the land of the old empire.
It seems that this mercenary company was actually related to the Octarine tower.
"The three of you will be the heads of this mission, if there is something that you can't decide on, then vote on it. Keeping order and being flexible is extremely important in this mission. The countryside has become very chaotic during the war, and it is very likely that you will face some bandits and such."
Esdras nodded in approval of the preparation of the tower. He was also able to read between the lines, and finally understand why this mission was given to apprentices.
It was to keep it a secret, True mages were likely to draw attention and be loath to discuss themselves as lowly mercenaries. However, apprentices like them were still normal without that arrogance.
Another possibility was that Meeralah didn't want to send any more True mages out here to escort the prince.
"If you face any problem try to solve it has peacefully as possible. But if you can't, then you must leave no witnesses. The identity of the prince must be kept a secret, I cannot stress how important that is. It is fine if you are delayed, the important thing is to make it to the capital safely."
"Ron, you have already said too much. Don't make these youngsters any more nervous than they already are." The crown prince finally joined them.
He shook hands with them firmly and laughed, " don't be so stiff. We will be spending a lot of time together so it's better if you guys just call me Donnis. It's a little awkward to have to rely on people as young as my brothers and sisters..."
The prince was unexpectedly, not stuck up, instead, he seemed really outgoing. He possessed a certain level of charisma. Esdras now understood that he was very different from the last time he talk to him. When he was drunk, he was like a different man.
"Also, you must remember to dispense with the formalities throughout the trip. Don't hesitate to treat me normally if any of you has any thoughts or ideas, you must be sure to inform me."
"Leave it to us, your highness. We may be young, but we are still apprentices, and we just survive the battle. We will definitely scorch you safely to the capital." Esdras smiled measuredly.
" I will be in your care. And you will be rewarded by the royal family as well as soon as I return to the capital. Reward from the tower is different from the reward from the king." The prince promised them.
Esdras and Daylen were excited, gold was still an important currency that could be exchanged with mana stones.
After all, mana stones were an exclusive currency to mages but mages still had to deal and live among regular folk.
"Great, the supplies we have on hand are not much thanks to the attack of the despicable Black mages. So you will have to go into town yourselves to resupply. We prepared more than enough funds so don't worry."
Senior Ron dismissed everyone except Esdras, when they were alone he started asking.
"I have heard that you advanced to level 4, but you haven't learned any cantrips so tell me which element did you choose? I have some cantrips on me, you may be able to learn something on this trip."
Esdras didn't expect that he wouldn't be questioned at all so he was slow to answer the question, "ah, I chose Fire and Earth."
"Dual elements?" Ron looked surprised and then he was disappointed in the next, "you should have listened to people who know better, here take these. I hope you encounter some opportunity later."
Senior Ron handed him four small stones that looked like mana stones slightly if not for their green jade color. These were the fabled Spell stones.
Esdras also understood the disappointment in senior Ron, he thought that Esdras overestimated himself and his talent.
Esdras left.
Senior Ron who remained alone taped on the mage orb again to activate it. The sub-tower master's projection, the orb never stopped working in the first place, she was observing and listening secretly.
"So, what do you think?" She asked Ron looking very amused.
"I didn't test him before so I can't tell if he was simply hiding his progress or if he actually advanced in a month. But right now I can tell that he is indeed a level 4 apprentice. However he chose a stupid path.."
"It doesn't matter, make sure to act oblivious, we are not sure of anything this time but it doesn't matter, if he has some sort of secret he will stand out again."
"Yes, master."
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