Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

Angus asked, "And?"

Zenumus continued, "There had been an incident at the border; a mercenary band was found transporting manaxite powder in a quantity that could wipe out an entire fiefdom."

Angus interest piqued as he leaned forward and asked, "Manaxite, huh, I'm sure it could do more than destroy a fiefdom."

Angus was well-versed in the properties of manaxite, a highly sought-after magical material with a wide range of uses. It was very scarcely available and costs a lot more.

The powder is light brown in colour and very sensitive. It's volatile and quick to react under the manipulation of the magic.

Though it had many applications, its most potent and notorious function was on the battlefield.

Pyro wizards could manipulate manaxite powder, channelling its volatile magical essence to unleash devastating attacks on their enemies. When properly activated, the powder could produce intense bursts of fire or even be used to create large-scale explosions, making it an invaluable asset in warfare.

Manaxite's magical essence was not only powerful but also highly unstable. Its volatility made it both a weapon and a danger to those who wielded it carelessly.

A single miscalculation could lead to catastrophic consequences, as its energy was difficult to control.

Despite these risks, its destructive potential made manaxite a prized commodity among military forces and spellcasters alike, especially those skilled in fire magic.

Angus knew the material's value and its lethal capabilities all too well, understanding the fine line between harnessing its power and succumbing to its dangers.

The matter of the powder was so severe that the council had brought this into the Emperor's attention. The weight of powder that was being transported was close to a tonne, a threatening quantity.

"The threat had been avoided, and the transit had been seized by us. But I don't think this will end here; we need to find the origins of the powder and from where they bought it," Zenumus said.

The mercenary group didn't yield any information, and they died while trying to extract information from them.

Having lost the late emperor whose rule had been a peace flourishing era, Zenumus wanted to succeed his father and honour his legacy by the same peace in his time of ruling too. So, Zenumus had been very attentive to every little detail happening in the empire.

And it was also one of the reasons why Zenumus had swiftly denounced Jaegar's relation to the Imperial family.

The handmaid entered the chamber, carrying a tray with tea. She served the tea to both and then walked out of the room, standing in the corridor.

Angus took the cup in his hand and said, "You still didn't tell me the reason you called me here."

Zenumus nodded his head, telling him to wait as he poured himself some more tea, adding another supplement called yalak seeds to the tea. It adds an aroma and refreshing flavour to the tea. The yalak seeds are often ground to powder, then mixed with the tea. It was a luxury available to only the upper class families because of its cost.

"I want you to personally go to Greozia and find out about the origins of the item. You know this matter is a delicate one, and we can't send anyone to Greozia," Zenumus said while he was stirring the tea with the spoon. He was looking at Angus.

Angus sighed, "No, I can't go."

Zenumus frowned, "Why?"

"The orcs seem to have formed an alliance with the ogres; their numbers are increasing by the day. The last time I fought them, few of them escaped my grasp." He replied casually.

The last time he fought with them, the orcs, along with ogres, marched into the northwest borders of the empire and slaughtered the villagers, destroying the villages in their path. He reached in time to stop the massacre and dealt with the orc army.

Zenumus asked, "Didn't you already kill them all? And you legion's still stationed at the border, camped at the site, didn't they?"

"No, from what I could tell, it's only the beginning, and there will be more."

After a pause, he said, "Didn't you create some kind of system or something? Give them this task as a mission. I am sure those young ones would surely try their best to complete the task." Continue your journey with empire

Zenumus looked up at him; his frown deepened, "I can't rely on the kids for such a sensitive matter."

Angus chuckled, "I have to ask, Crown System? Who came up with that idea?"

"I thought it would be better to judge them all than to give the throne to the eldest. This way we can find out the ones who are really up for the task."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Angus smiled and said, "Sometimes, I feel like you are such a simpleton, brother."

The Grand Knights, who were standing behind the Emperor, placed their hands on the swords, ready to make a move. But Zenumus raised his hand, stopping them.

To address the emperor with such words, if it were someone else, they would be rolling on the floor by now.

Angus looked at the Grand Knights, "Cool off your heads, people. I am just teasing my brother."

Zenumus sighed, "Angus, I don't mind how you speak to me, but it would be better if you would show some respect when we are in the presence of others."

Angus looked him in the eyes, "Eh, you've changed a lot, brother. I think sitting on the throne transformed into a man."

Zenumus glared at him and almost shouted at him too. But he refrained from doing so.

Angus always got on his nerves since they were young, teasing him. Although they had a strong brotherly bond at a young age, as they grew older, that bond also seemed distant.