Sword God in a World of Magic

"I didn't expect you two to be here," Shang said as he looked at Duke Whirlwind and Mattheo.

Mattheo only smiled politely. "I am the future Duke, and father involves me more and more in these kinds of things."

Duke Whirlwind smiled with pride as he put a hand on Mattheo's shoulder. "He hasn't had it easy, but there is already no more doubt in my mind that he will reach the High Mage Realm. He will probably become even more powerful than me in the future."

Mattheo's expression didn't change at his father's words.

Shang could feel a certain distance between Mattheo and his father.

"Anyway, Shang," Duke Whirlwind said with a smirk. "I bet you thought yourself quite clever after snatching Old Ice Octopus' Mana Source and successfully hiding it from me."

Shang felt a mix of nervousness and a bit of guilt. After all, he had essentially stolen something from Duke Whirlwind.

"But it's fine," Duke Whirlwind said. "Honestly, if I were in your place, I would have done the same thing."

"What would you have done if I had told you?" Shang asked.

"I'm not sure, honestly," Duke Whirlwind said. "But I think I would have asked you to demonstrate, and I would have very quickly noticed that your Affinity was very strange. I think I would have taken you with me to find out more about your Affinity."

"You mean experiment on me until I died?" Shang asked emotionlessly.

Duke Whirlwind snorted. "Now, Shang, something like that would be idiotic."

"Idiotic?" Shang asked with a raised eyebrow.

"There was obviously more to your Affinity, which means that there was more to be discovered. After a while, I would have probably delivered other Mana Sources to you to see what would happen."

"And then, I would be interested in what would come of your Affinity if you were to become more powerful."

"But since you have a warrior's body, you obviously can't become a Mage. That means you would have ended up in the Warrior's Academy either way. The Dean would have noticed your particular talents as well."

"So, in the end, we would still be here," Duke Whirlwind explained.

Shang wasn't certain if he should believe Duke Whirlwind.

On one hand, everything he said appeared logical, but on the other hand, it seemed too good to be true.

"What about the Mana Source?" Shang asked.

Duke Whirlwind said. "You can see it

"But…"

Shang furrowed his brows.

know about your Affinity. Your Affinity is one of a kind,

you be interested in trying out a couple of experimental spells? Based on your Affinity, I can create a couple of them. They won't

his son's

try the spells. You two can work on the spells, and

you say?" Duke

Trying out spells?

but he

a High

of spells

that would destroy Shang's consciousness and make him into a

over at the

the Dean. If I were to die suddenly, his procedure would look like a failure in the

throw the hard work of the

be safe. If Duke Whirlwind were to try something, it wouldn't be in the

I am the source of his

why the Duke would want

said. "I am also not sure about my

if you are still

a bit more careful with the Spells involving the Light and Darkness Affinity. Some Mages might

"Thank you, Duke

be working together to a certain degree

looking forward to it,"

after walking to one of the walls. "I believe it's time for

can start. Mattheo and I

Mattheo waited at one

silently

Whirlwind and Mattheo spoke in a lighthearted and relaxed tone, the entire atmosphere of the room felt

Vice-Deans were watching Shang with solemn eyes, and one of

in the corner, the

to undergo the procedure willingly, but for some reason, he felt like he wasn't here of his own

the five other people in the room, only Mattheo was slightly on

person was already at the Peak

were even in the

not just some random gathering in a

were the most powerful people