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High Mage Mike paced restlessly beside the remnants of Malik's kingdom, his mind still grappling with Zack's enigmatic parting. "I still don't understand what Zack has to do that doesn't include us," he said, his voice tinged with frustration.
Levi, who had been scanning the horizon thoughtfully, responded without turning. "Don't dwell on it, Mike. We have our own path to follow, and we must push forward, regardless of Zack's choices."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20NJehEkAk
As the words left his mouth, Levi’s sharp senses picked up the faint vibrations of someone approaching from the west. Squinting against the light, he noticed a figure rapidly closing the distance—a special messenger, judging by the attire and urgent pace.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGDC2wpLef
The courier, a young man with a quick stride and alert eyes, introduced himself as Jorin. He halted before the trio, catching his breath before presenting a sealed letter with a formal bow. "I bring a message for you, from the rulers of the Kingdom of Serrand. They control half of the Land of Spade and wish to discuss an alliance to expand their territories," he explained, handing over the letter to Levi.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bJ72KwmyZ
Levi eyed Jorin skeptically, weighing the letter in his hand. "And what are your real intentions?" he asked, his tone sharp. "Messages can be carried by many, but true intentions only by a few."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDz2axfiFC
Jorin met Levi's gaze steadily, his expression earnest. "I am here only to convey this invitation, nothing more. The truth of my words lies within that letter," he assured.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59oxtDWlpw
Mike, not fully satisfied with the verbal exchange, stepped closer to the letterman. "Which direction did you come from?" he asked pointedly, his eyes narrowing slightly.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgHyH0vw1Z
"From the east, following the path that leads directly to the capital of Serrand," Jorin replied, pointing toward a distant mountain range that bordered the vast landscape.
Without warning, Mike placed his hand on Jorin’s shoulder, his other hand invoking a spell. "Sensory Overload," he announced, as a surge of energy flowed from his palm. Jorin’s eyes widened in shock as his senses were bombarded with an overwhelming array of sights and sounds, collapsing into unconsciousness almost immediately.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n6rwsMvMA
Mike caught Jorin before he hit the ground, lifting him onto his shoulders with ease. "Just a precaution," Mike said to Levi and Zara, who watched the scene unfold with mixed reactions. "If he's telling the truth, he'll understand. If not, well, he won't be misleading anyone else."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdCk9d6t86
Zara shook her head, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Always direct, aren't you, Mike?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6ezi7LHhN
With Jorin now in tow, the three High Mages set off towards the Kingdom of Serrand, guided by the directions provided. The road was less traveled, winding through dense forests and over rolling hills, the silence of their journey punctuated only by the distant calls of wild creatures.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hiDpAo42N
As they walked, Levi mulled over the potential implications of this new alliance. "If Serrand truly controls half of the Land of Spade, their leaders will be key players in the upcoming conflict," he mused aloud. "This alliance could shift the balance of power significantly."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06rm4gwm40
Zara nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "And with the Malevolent Cosmos Universe still looming as a threat, we need all the allies we can gather. Let's just hope that the King and Queen of Serrand have intentions as honorable as their messenger claims."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhk7zvbiAI
The journey continued under the canopy of an evening sky, the shadows growing longer as they approached the domain of Serrand. The fate of their mission hung delicately in the balance, each step forward a move in the grand chess game of inter-universal politics and war.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzx5mPxdpk
