Ella's mana resonated in response, guided by Kael's own oscillations. While Kael precisely controlled the fluctuations, Ella immersed herself completely in the wondrous transformations of Mana Oscillation. She felt her entire body's mana vibrating in sync, gradually aligning with Kael's rhythm.
"Almost there. Focus harder," Kael instructed calmly.
Ella nodded, sharpening her concentration. Her mental energy expanded fully as she intently observed the marvels of Mana Oscillation.
She even closed her eyes. Her mana surged forth, oscillating with structured precision—like celestial meteors streaking across the sky, emitting faint yet distinct vibrations.
Every Mana Channel in her body seemed to flare open under Kael's guidance. The amplitude of her mana grew increasingly intense until her entire network thrummed with Mana Oscillation!
This was unmistakably the sign of breaking through the threshold!
Ella was ecstatic. For the first time in years, she experienced such profound Mana Oscillation—so exhilarating that she trembled with joy. The barrier that had plagued her for so long was finally crumbling. Once she mastered fourth-level oscillation, her ascension to the ninth rank would be within reach!
A torrent of mana erupted from her channels, its oscillations rippling like concentric waves on water or resonating soundwaves—growing denser and more refined with each pulse. Though still far from Kael's peak fifth-level mastery, this was already terrifyingly potent. Compared to her previous third-level oscillations, this represented a qualitative leap, teetering on the edge of fourth-level breakthrough.
Ella gazed at Kael with undisguised reverence. Never had she imagined he could grant her such direct insight into Mana Oscillation!
Without his guidance, she might have spent decades groping blindly toward this understanding.
For now, Ella had only grasped the raw power of fourth-level oscillation—not fully internalized, but palpably close. The moment of breakthrough felt imminent.
Soon. Very soon, she would fully comprehend the essence of fourth-level Mana Oscillation.
And her promotion to the ninth rank?
It was only a matter of time.
Ella was now filled with reverence for Kael. A wry smile touched her lips as she spoke earnestly, "Kael, would you truly consider taking me as your disciple?"
This time, her admiration was genuine. With effortless grace, Kael had guided her into experiencing Mana Oscillation at a higher level—a feat even most ninth-rank mages might struggle to achieve! Such precise control over mana demanded extraordinary mastery.
Ella understood: though her cultivation surpassed Kael's, his foundational grasp of magic was profound enough to qualify him as her teacher.
Kael chuckled. "No need for formal discipleship. We can simply exchange insights on magic from now on."
His words were an olive branch, and Ella recognized it immediately. She agreed without hesitation.
"Ella, earlier I mentioned needing your help with something..." Kael mused.
"Name it," Ella replied, her expression turning solemn. Her decisive response earned an approving nod from Kael.
Kael then glanced at Amelia with a faint smile. "Amelia."
With a nod, Amelia understood his intent—their (tacit understanding) had grown so refined that a mere look sufficed.
She promptly summoned Finn and Jett, both bewildered by the sudden gathering. Their eyes darted to Ella, sensing her formidable strength. Had Kael befriended this wandering mage?
"Allow me to introduce Ella, a wandering mage. From today onward, she formally joins Lefay Territory," Kael announced plainly.
The news stunned Jett and Finn briefly before delight spread across their faces. With such an expert joining their ranks, their mission against the Rogue Bandits just became far more feasible.
"Now, let's discuss our current objective," Kael said, motioning everyone inside. He instructed Jett to unfurl the map.
"Our target is the Rogue Bandits," Kael declared firmly.
"The Rogue Bandits?!"
Among the four, Ella was the least familiar with the group—though as a longtime lone traveler in these lands, she knew enough to grasp the gravity of the situation.
Ella frowned. The Rogue Bandits were notoriously elusive—a persistent thorn in Lefay Territory'sside. No wonder Kael sought to eliminate them.
But the bandits moved like shadows, swift and untraceable. Did Kael truly have a plan?
"According to intel from the Kindrick Family, a merchant caravan will soon transport goods to the Kingdom of Maed. The bandits are sure to take notice. Moreover, our sources indicate they've been actively gathering intelligence on Lefay Territory," Kael explained.
After all, Amir, the bandits' vice-captain, had been captured by Kael. With their second-in-command's fate unknown, the cunning Rogue Bandits would inevitably act. Their prolonged silence only made them more dangerous.
Thus, Kael resolved to strike first. From his observations, the bandits' strength was formidable—especially their leader, rumored to be the architect of the entire organization. Underestimating him would be fatal.
Jett nodded. "Intel suggests this caravan's cargo is substantial. The bandits will likely deploy significant forces—giving us a chance to wipe them out in one sweep..."
He began outlining the operation's strategy. Kael had entrusted Jett with overseeing Lefay City'smilitary affairs, given his expertise.
As for Finn, his role was managing the students from Yanhua Academy. Though skilled, these youths lacked real combat experience—precisely why Kael assigned Finn to mentor them.
Every student admitted to Yanhua Academy was exceptional, worthy of Kael's investment.
Jett continued detailing the plan. "Lefay Territory's overall strength... falls short of the bandits'." He forced a dry laugh. "Falls short" was an understatement—the gap was colossal!
The Rogue Bandits were not only well-equipped but rigorously trained, making Lefay's garrisonseem amateurish by comparison.
Jett couldn't hide his skepticism. "Lord Count, are you suggesting the Kindrick Family will participate in this operation against the Rogue Bandits?"
He truly couldn't comprehend Kael's confidence. Unlike dealing with floods, taking on the Rogue Bandits was akin to challenging a mountain that had loomed over Lefay Territory for generations—the single greatest obstacle stifling the plains' development.
Hearing Jett's doubts, Kael smiled faintly. "The Kindrick Family won't be involved."
"Without their support, then we..." Jett trailed off, stunned. Even with Lefay's full military might, how could they possibly contend with the bandits? It seemed utterly futile.
Kael's lips curved into a cryptic smile. "Don't worry. Just proceed with the preparations. When the time comes, I have my own methods." He exchanged a glance with Amelia. His Contract Spacehoused over a hundred Unicorn Rhinos—their sudden appearance alone would shock Jett speechless.
Of course, the true reason for Kael's secrecy was strategic. Prematurely revealing his trump card risked alerting the ever-vigilant Rogue Bandits. The slightest whisper could send them scattering like startled snakes in the grass.
Once Jett finalized the plans, Kael instructed him and Finn to begin preparations. As for Ella, now the most formidable mage in Lefay, she was entrusted with a critical mission.
Kael assigned her one task: delay the Rogue Bandits' leader. When the moment arrived, she would join Kael in decapitating the organization.
The bandits' fearsome reputation stemmed entirely from their leader's influence. Eliminate him, and the entire faction would crumble like a mountain of sand!