"What... what did you mean by that?" asked Azrael Itharion, a 9th-rank Archmage, his eyes fixed on the small man before him, who wore a dazzling smile.
The disciples stood frozen, staring in the same direction as their master, confusion and unease etched across their faces.
"Exactly what you heard," Lucian replied calmly, his smile sharp and silent like a slap. "You're asking for something, but information like this... doesn't come for free. You understand, don't you? After all, these are facts that could shake the entire continent."
Chris, seated at the back of the room, furrowed his brows slightly.
What could the Emperor have shown him to make an Archmage this... anxious?
Azrael clenched his teeth, visibly irritated.
"Is this some kind of joke? I'm not interested in that file for personal gain. This is about the project... the one you mentioned to me."
"What project?" Lucian replied with mock innocence, the same sarcastic smile playing on his lips.
