First Light of a New Age

Chapter 93: The World-Burning Warlock

[Moments Earlier]

'This is a very important mission...'

Barron, known for all intents and purposes as Elon Tusk by the group he was traveling with, was currently in deep thought as he sat in the carriage.

The world outside was currently shrouded in darkness, which meant this was the perfect moment to think.

His eyes fluttered open, and then he closed then soon after, thinking of the current state of his father's company.

...His birthright.

He took a deep breath, half-closing his eyes as he considered his next steps.

'Right now, I have to convince the Jaune Councilor.'

Each member of the Obsidian Council had a codename attached to their real names.

His father was the Rump Obsidian Member, and right now, the plan was to convince the Jaune and Gerte Members respectively.

"Lord Gerte is too far," he mused, "so we'll start with Lord Jaune."

They could reach Lord Jaune's estate within the hour if they pressed on in this pace, but it felt unthinkable to arrive unannounced at such an hour.

'There's still etiquette to consider, and we can't just intrude on another's property at such an ungodly hour.'

As such, the eventual plan became for him to simply camp outside their territory and wait for dawn to break before proceeding any further.

'Yeah, that'll work.'

Peering through the carriage window, Barron observed the two entourages that sat on their mounts on either side, with one trailing behind, and the coachman guiding the way, making it a total of four individuals.

'Let's hope the delegation ends well.'

Even though his father, Ronald Rumpan himself, wanted to be the one to lead this delegation, it would be too risky for him to leave their main area of business.

That was practically announcing vulnerability to everyone who was around.

'Besides, if father comes for this delegation, the other Groups might think we're desperate and we might lose considerable Bargaining Power.'

In the end, this arrangement was the best they could manage.

As the carriage left the green shrubberies behind and reached the tunnel at the end of the lush greenery that surrounded them just earlier, Barron felt a sense of relief.

'It should be smooth sailing from here.'

If he used his Magic Artifact, he'd likely be able to see the Jaune stronghold from where he stood.

"We should set up camp here," he murmured, bringing out a pair of enchanted glasses from his pocket.

At his signal, the entourage halted, and Barron stepped out of the carriage, stretching his legs. The journey had been a bit stressful, especially since they had to travel at nights, but it wasn't something they couldn't handle, though. As the sole heir to ExRump Corporation, he was determined to show he could handle at least this much and make sure he was at least this capable.

'I better confirm the state of the Jaune Industries...'

He put on the glasses and activated the artifact's effect. A bright blue glow emanated from the lenses, sending a wave of shimmering light across his field of vision.