Chapter 482: Failed Vessel
As the barrier dissipated, the representatives of the different organizations swiftly entered their Special State, activating their Magic Zones to sense Vale's presence.
Within each organization, two individuals had been chosen to participate in this meeting. While they had been explicitly instructed not to take any direct action against Vale, they understood that exerting some pressure through their Magic Zones was within acceptable bounds.
Clyde, a member of the Illustrious Liquidators, immediately detected something peculiar about Vale. His Mystic State's Magic Zone seemed to rebound off Vale, preventing Clyde from gaining a clear insight into his true nature.
'Impressive... This young man must have come across something remarkable within the Tower other than the Dragon Scales he had shown to us... Not bad.' Clyde mused silently.
Similar thoughts echoed within the minds of the other representatives as they struggled to comprehend Vale's enigmatic presence.
Though they did not feel any immediate danger emanating from Vale, it was as if they were gazing upon a being that transcended the boundaries of their understanding. Vale seemed to defy categorization, leaving them with the unsettling sensation of encountering an unfamiliar entity rather than a fellow Arcanist.
Clare and Teresa, representing the Untainted Sentinels, shared this sentiment.
'Is he really Clovis? He feels a lot different. As you know, the Dark Arts Practitioners aren't great at illusion or disguise.' Clare said to Teresa using Telepathy.
'That's true... But did you forget how we considered him a Half-Spirit? If he was really a spawn of a powerful Arcanist and a Spirit from another realm, then it's not impossible if he gets to practice two Arcane Paths at the same time.'
'But that's—'
'I think it's possible...' Teresa interjected before Clare could finish her words.
Teresa then smiled mysteriously and added... 'Can't you feel it? He's not simply resisting our Magic Zone's pressure. He's bouncing them off. It's similar to a trait of a Spiritual Being.'
The others also have their own speculations, but they soon stop using their Magic Zone after hearing Odessa clearing her throat.
Then, Odessa's voice cut through the silence, commanding their attention.
She invited them to take a seat, signaling the beginning of the meeting.
***
In the meantime, while Vale was wondering why no one from the Dark Arts Faction had attended, Headmaster Jean was on his way to a secret location near the Roaring Summit.
At this time, he had already taken action regarding the five Dragon Scales that was passed unto him by Vale.
Four of them had been sold to factions and organizations that had been valuable allies to the Faction. These recipients included the Alchemist Arts Faction, the Beast Arts Faction, the Raycraft Mining Guild, and the White Fang Company.
The Raycraft Mining Guild, known for their expertise in rare ores, had been a consistent supplier of valuable materials to the Dark Arts Faction.
They may be an organization created by non-arcanists but because of their leader's incredible business capabilities, they were able to get bigger in the mining industry and earned the protection of the Dark Arts Faction.
On the other hand, the White Fang Company, a renowned mercenary band, had provided crucial assistance in handling missions that were deemed too simple for the powerful Evanescent Vessels.
Such missions were best left to mercenaries to avoid unnecessary attention from the Vessels, who preferred to act only when absolutely necessary. The recent incidents involving Philip's kidnapping and Maya's encounter with the Masked Moguls served as examples of situations where the Vessels were mobilized.
"Sir, are you going to fulfill Vale's request?" One of the Evanescent Vessels standing beside Headmaster Jean inquire.
Jean, accompanied by three other Vessels, was preparing to visit Wilfred, a Failed Vessel that they had intercepted.
Jean nodded in response to the question, confirming his intention to fulfill Vale's request.
"Well, that's why I have kept one of the scales. I don't need to hold onto it for myself, as I possess something even more valuable. However, I would appreciate your opinion on how we should utilize it..." He replied while playing around with his black cane.
The Vessel took a moment to ponder the question before offering a suggestion.
"Considering Vale's desire for an item suitable for a Dark Magician, we could potentially fashion the scale into a Curse Medium or perhaps even a Dark Arts Formation Node. Should I consult Sir Isaac Vermont for his expertise on the matter?"
Jean's interest was piqued by the suggestion.
"Ah, Isaac? That's a splendid idea. He undoubtedly possesses the knowledge to help us in this matter. Please, send him a message..." He agreed, recognizing the value of involving Isaac in the decision-making process.
The dragon scale was not a common item after all. Furthermore, Isaac was a high-rank Alchemist himself, so as long as he wasn't busy, Jean believed that Isaac would cooperate.
"I will send a telegram... I'm sure he'll be excited working on such a legendary item." The Vessel said as he looked ahead.
The group finally arrived at the secret location where Wilfred, the Failed Vessel, was being detained...
"What is the meaning of this, Sir Jean?! Why did you prevent me from exacting my vengeance?" Wilfred's voice reverberated through the secluded forest as soon as he laid eyes on the familiar figure.
Unrestrained by any physical bindings, he stood concealed within a Formation Art, effectively masking his presence from the prying eyes of the people in the Roaring City.
Attempting to diffuse the volatile situation, Jean responded calmly.
"Wilfred, just calm yourself. Your bloodlust is overwhelming. Do you truly wish to be captured by the vigilant Sentinels?" He questioned, his voice laced with genuine concern... or at the very least, that was what he was trying to show to a member of the Moontomb Clan.
After all, he wasn't sure if a member of the Moontomb Clan was watching Wilfred.
Indignant, Wilfred retorted, "Of course not! I have found a way to conceal my presence. I have nothing to fear."
Jean sighed, realizing how foolish this Failed Vessel was.