Sovereign of the Ashes

Chapter 345: Travel Route

Sein needed some time to process and assimilate all he had acquired.

Before departing, he casually broached the subject of borrowing books from Lorianne’s private library once again.

“I have given you access to my private library, you’re always welcome to visit whenever you wish,” Lorianne nodded, giving her consent.

“But you can’t barge into here without my permission... I might not be able to come to your rescue in time if you were injured by one of my specimens,” she warned.

The majority of the divine tower’s upper levels belonged to Lorianne.

While Sein was granted access to explore various areas, some like private laboratories, collection rooms, and Lorianne’s living quarters, were too personal for him to set foot in.

Sein naturally understood Lorianne’s words and quickly reassured her, “I’ll restrict my visits to only your private library and won’t venture beyond.”

“Hehe, I don’t mind if you wish to explore other areas. There aren’t really any off-limits areas here. That includes the world laboratory on the highest floor of the divine tower. In fact, I might ask for your assistance with some tasks there soon,” Lorianne said, her tone lightening.

Lorianne’s invitation elicited a nod from Sein.

However, after a moment’s contemplative silence, he hesitantly admitted, “Master Lorianne, I actually plan on leaving the divine tower to explore the Magus World soon...”

“Hmm? Setting off on your travels so soon? You’ve only advanced to Rank One less than a century ago. My initial plan was to assist you in planning your journey through the Magus World when you were closer to two hundred years old,” Lorianne said, taken aback by the revelation.

Indeed, Lorianne had long since drafted a preliminary growth trajectory for Sein’s future, much like the learning and development plan Feylis had done for her before.

A capable mentor could significantly reduce the number of missteps a student might otherwise take.

The fact that three of Feylis’ apprentices had become divine tower masters attested to her exceptional talent as a mentor.

Lorianne’s plan was naturally the optimal path for Sein’s development.

Yet, Sein had his personal ambitions.

At the age of fifty-one, Sein was definitely the youngest Rank One mage.

Yet by the standards of ordinary humans and magic initiates in the Magus World, he was regarded as somewhat advanced in years.

Although Sein believed in Leena’s potential and capabilities to become a full-fledged mage, he understood that certainty in such matters was elusive.

The earlier Sein could embark on his journey to the Western Archipelago, the sooner he could alleviate his decades-long obsession.

Determined not to live with future regrets, Sein knew he had a decision to make.

Recognizing the resolve in Sein’s eyes, Lorianne understood that her apprentice had already made up his mind.

She was never a controlling mentor. If Sein’s mentor were Master Feylis, she would probably have forcefully interfered with his plan.

Yet, Lorianne would not do that. She believed in supporting Sein while allowing him the freedom to grow and explore on his own terms.

Every mage’s journey was distinct.

While Feylis, Lorianne, and other divine tower masters could outline the most logical and effective learning trajectories, Sein did not necessarily have to follow them.

One could always carve out their own path.

“Let me know before you depart. I have more gifts for you,” Lorianne told Sein.

“Understood,” Sein responded, his eyes brimming with genuine affection and gratitude toward Lorianne.

“By the way, have you planned your journey? Where do you intend to start?” Lorianne asked after she had seemingly thought of something.

“I’m heading to the southern coast of the Magus World first,” Sein answered.

“Huh?” Lorianne’s expression froze in surprise.

***

During her early years as a Rank One and Rank Two mage, Lorianne embarked on a journey across the Magus World that took her from the west to the east, essentially circumnavigating the Magus World.

The direction Sein had chosen for his initial journey starkly contrasted with Lorianne’s, leaving her momentarily at a loss for advice.

To the north of the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring, in the central and northern region of the Magus World, significant landmarks such as Sky City, Alveroth the Magic Empire, and the Capiche Business Alliance stood prominent.

The Sky City stood as the shrine of magical wisdom, housing about eighty percent of the Magus World’s knowledge. Not only that, it also served as the evaluation ground for Arcanists of Rank Three and above.

Consequently, it was regarded as the most important city in the Magus World.

Alveroth the Magic Empire was recognized as the most powerful and ancient among the major forces of the Magus World. Even major spellcasting organizations like the Pyro Secret Society were considered “nascent” compared to it.

The Capiche Business Alliance, the primary creditor of Lorianne’s divine tower, owned the largest space fortress and war airship manufacturing zone in the Magus World.

Its role also extended to overseeing the economic development of the Magus Alliance and managing the distribution of magicoins.

These three forces each presented more compelling prospects for exploration than the southern coast of the Magus World.

Faced with Sein’s intention to head south, Lorianne found herself able to offer only two pieces of advice.

Firstly, to head east toward the central-southern and southeastern regions of the main continent, where the two dominant knightly forces—the Byrne Empire and the Desert Kingdom of Jehannah—were located.

Both empires boasted overlord knights, as well as thousands of Rank Four and above knights, and mages, their collective strength surpassing that of the Pyro Secret Society.

Alternatively, Sein could head west as far afield as the Marmett Union Alliance and Steel City. Likewise, both forces were overseen by soul overmages and overlord knights.

Positioned between these major forces was the largest magic beast forest in the Magus World, rumored to be home to numerous formidable magic beast overlords with life levels reaching Rank Five or Six.

Lorianne’s early explorations included the Marmett Union Alliance, but her familiarity with Steel City was limited.

Mechanics from the Steel City had been pivotal in Magus World, responsible for building nearly thirty percent of its space fortresses and major military equipment over the last hundred thousand years.

The silver mecha in Lorianne’s collection might indeed fetch a good price in Steel City.

Sein took careful note of the suggestions Lorianne made.

As a mage, he probably would not travel to the Byrne Empire or the other forces surrounding it. However, a visit to the Marmett Union Alliance, given ample time, could prove enlightening.

Sein chose not to reveal to Lorianne that his ultimate destination was the Western Archipelago due to the complexity of justifying his choice and the possibility that Lorianne might attempt to dissuade him.