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The graying dwarf had expected little from the barrier. Sensing his wind blade being blocked, he had thought it was a relatively decent defensive barrier. Then his instincts told him to prepare himself.

Planting his feet firmly on the ground, he moved to block the counter spell. The shock wave sent his hair and beard billowing, but did not move him. However, those behind him were less fortunate.

Some, who had reacted upon seeing him become guarded, managed to stay on their feet. The rest were all blown to the ground.

Silence settled in the hall, all eyes slowly turning to Eldrian who was still inside his barrier. Not only was he unharmed, his barrier was still intact and clearly the counter spell had been far stronger than the spell launched at it.

Rubbing his head in confusion, Eldrian turned to the graying dwarf with an awkward smile. "Apologies, it appears that I visualized the counter attack mechanism too strongly. I\'m afraid I\'m not used to holding back."

Internally, Eldrian was so so relieved he had decided to use a defensive spell. Had he chosen to showcase something destructive, he might have caused some serious trouble and ruined all chances of getting help.

​ While he was nervously looking at the graying dwarf, the dwarf also eyed him curiously before breaking into a wide grin. "There is no need for you to apologize!" He bellowed, "We had doubts you could teach us something, and when someone doubts you, it is best to rid all doubts immediately!"

Not expected the load reply, Eldrian continued to smile awkwardly. Pulling out his mana from the \'magic circle\', he waited for someone to say something.

"I would say this is clearly valuable knowledge." Boran spoke, drawing the attention that has been focused on Eldrian. Luckily, Eldrian was used to being the center of attention in Kynigo, so he had managed to withstand the pressure of being gazed at so intensely.

"You called this runic casting?" Boran questioned, "Is it as simple as to draw the runes in the air?"

"That might be how it appeared, but it is not as easy as it appears. There is plenty to keep in mind when doing so. However, I would first have secured your help before explaining further."

"A good answer. I would also prefer to contain this information. From what we have seen, this method of casting is something quite dangerous."

Eldrian nodded, deciding to not add anything more. Runic casting was his strongest trump card, but it wasn\'t always useful. It required preparations and time to be used. When given the time, it was certainly strong, but in a pinch, it couldn\'t be used at all.

From there, Boran aired out a few other things with the gathered nobles still in the hall before dismissing everyone but Eldrian and the graying dwarf.

"This is Firhin, the high commander of Ganalin. My right hand."

"It is nice to make your acquaintance." Eldrian performed a small bow and looked at Firhin curiously. Now he was truly curious how strong the graying dwarf was. He reminded Eldrian of Pelaros. Someone who was welcoming to others and open to change, despite his old visage.

"I must admit, I was quite shocked. And to learn that you also brought us cannons. If not for them, I would still be locked on the front along with Boran. It is thanks to you that we finally stabilized things and secure our homeland."

"I am glad they helped... Does this mean you might offer your help?" Eldrian asked, hopefully. Gaining someone at Firhin\'s level would certainly be the best. Things would go rather smoothly with someone called a high commander helping.

"I\'m afraid I cannot leave his lordship\'s side." Firhin declined without a moment\'s hesitation. Boran seemed displeased. He wanted to help himself. He had heard some rumors and already had a vague idea of whom Eldrian was actually trying to help.

Confirming the details, Boran became even more adamant to help as much as he could. They now had a public reason why, so his personal reasons need not be aired. But Old sword was a dear friend, one of his oldest.

"Firhin, what about Theas? He is experienced fighting the undead, having led the eight regiment well against them."

"Certainly, my Lord. He is currently at the front supporting the twelfth, but I am sure they can manage for a few days without him. At worst, they would simply need to fall back to Braxhold. I will send for him at once!"

With that, Firhin departed. Understanding that his lord wanted time alone with his old acquaintance. Finally, formalities could be dropped.

Boran grinned while giving Eldrian a good look over. It was clear at a glance that Eldrian had grown a great deal, but upon further examination, his growth was far clearer and much more than what a glance would tell you.

"I\'m shocked." Boran said.

"Why?"

"You\'ve changed so much."

"And haven\'t you?" Eldrian countered, "Just look—" Eldrian stopped himself, uncertain how familiar he was allowed to act. Noticing this, Boran gave him a smack on the shoulder. Nearly sending Eldrian flying into a nearby wall.

"Please don\'t act so formally. You\'re my apprentice, after all!"

"About that..."

Dropping his smile, Boran eyed Eldrian curiously. "I see. Do you wish to cancel our relation?"

"Unless you would be willing to teach me again."

"That . . . would be difficult. But not impossible!"

"Do you wish to teach me?"

Boran sighed. He understood where Eldrian was coming from. They hadn\'t met once since his departure from Aggostead, nearly two years ago now. Considering Boran\'s sway, he should have contacted Eldrian. But he had been too focused on managing his own affairs to spare time to think of old acquaintances.

Only recently had he returned to Buglodihr, the overall situation was finally manageable. Yet, even with things calmed, many other things still needed to be managed. As soon as the outside threat was calmed, inside ones started propping up all over.

Sadly, Boran quickly came to learn that he did not hold true rule over the dwarves of Ganalin. He was no king, he was only the lord of Ganalin. And there was a truly frustrating difference between the two.

"If only I had the time. I\'m afraid politics is a venomous snake I can\'t be rid of."

"Then shall we cancel our master-mentee relation? So I might take another teacher."

"No," Boran\'s immediate reply stunned Eldrian. But the dwarf had his reasons. Sadly, before he could explain them, they were interrupted.

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