Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 585 The Prelude to the Conspiracy

Just as he was about to explain that he had been in seclusion to advance his cultivation and intended to share his joy of success, Nancy's anxious voice suddenly delivered a piece of bad news.

Zhang Yuan's expression immediately shifted from sunny to cloudy, hinting at an impending storm.

As for this nominal superior who had been with him when he first arrived, even if their feelings were not particularly deep, they were at least somewhat acquainted. Moreover, there was the relationship between Nancy and the Grand Duchess and Duchess, and the face of having asked his son to become his apprentice.

Putting aside their personal relationship, the trade and economic cooperation that the two countries had already established and maintained smoothly now needs to be reconsidered and questioned.

The title of Grand Duke of Flamefist is not inherited through bloodline; given Gavial's current abilities and foundation...

"Don't rush, speak slowly."

The mage calmed the female thief down, but she glared at him fiercely with her almond-shaped eyes, then plopped down on the desk in front of the lord's throne with a huff and a hint of reproach.

The mage was not surprised by the female thief's overstepping of bounds. While mentally revising his previous plans and preparing a new scheme, he also learned the general details of this sudden change.

"Iltan is dead, murdered in a premeditated and despicable act..."

The events were not complicated: a peaceful night, a sudden attack, a flash of a knife severing a throat, and a survivor who managed to escape.

What is unusual is the name of this survivor—Ska.

"How is Skata doing now?"

Zhang Yuan was really anxious. Compared to the Grand Duke, who held a high position and was far away from him, it was obvious which of his personal feelings mattered more: that of the old captain who had shared meals and lodging with the newcomer to Faerun, who was both a comrade-in-arms and had mentored and guided him.

"After the assassination, he went straight to our guild headquarters in Baldur's Gate. Two days ago, when he saw Lawrence covered in blood, he could hardly believe his eyes."

"A wise move. There must be a reason behind such a treasonous act. After the assassination of the Grand Duke, Flame Fist is probably a disorganized and headless snake. Going back will be of no use and will only lead to his death."

"According to Lawrence, the injuries are very serious, with multiple wounds all over his body. The two penetrating wounds in his chest and abdomen alone could almost kill an ordinary person."

While answering the mage's questions, Nancy led him to the castle hall, where Bard, one of her old comrades from the Flame Fist days, was also waiting.

"Boss, I'll leave Skater to you. Nancy and I have discussed it, and we need someone to look after High Cliff."

The dwarf's face was unusually melancholy, and his two short hands kept rubbing against the hammer handle and his skirt armor, making a sharp metallic sound.

"You and Kegan stay here. As for Ska, I'll take care of everything."

The mage and the female thief patted Bard on the shoulder one after the other, said goodbye, and then went through the dungeon portal directly to Baldur's Gate.

Three people who had been keeping secrets accompanied them.

In the bustling streets of Baldur's Gate, inside Old Harbazar's general store—

Five teleportation requests? That's a big deal.

Christian, who was guarding the teleportation array, was somewhat surprised, as teleportation was not cheap.

"Here are thirty golden dragons, please accept them."

A group of figures appeared, and as the spiritual light dissipated and solidified, the man at the head with black hair and dark eyes cast a calm and indifferent gaze, which made the middle-aged mage shudder.

"Oh, okay, I mean, welcome to Baldur's Gate."

"Thank you."

The black-haired man returned the greeting and, along with the woman and three figures shrouded in black robes, prepared to leave.

"Wait, you haven't registered your names yet!"

The sound did not come from Christian; a young man dressed as a clerk was waving a register in his hand not far away.

You idiot, no one will think you're mute if you stay silent.

The middle-aged slacker, who had intended to avoid trouble, glared at his unlucky nephew.

"Your Excellency, Master Habasil welcomes all fellow travelers on the arcane path; this is the very reason we opened the portal." "Understood,"

Zhang Yuan took out a silver badge and showed it to him.

"So it's the White Pagoda Merchant Guild from the high cliffs."

The middle-aged monk immediately recognized the silver-based white pagoda emblem and, with a kind smile, showed off the watch on his left wrist.

"I'm one of your most loyal users."

"Thank you for your support. You might want to check out our new product launch."

"Easy to say, easy to say."

The brief exchange ended in a harmonious atmosphere, and Zhang Yuan breathed a sigh of relief after leaving the mage tower.

Bringing a few drow elves to the territory of the Grand Mage is not a taboo matter, and even if it happens, his background can easily clear it up as a misunderstanding.

But the fear is that things will escalate.

If he had a choice, he wouldn't want to use the teleportation point, trying to leave no trace, since the convenience of teleportation points comes at a price.

Money is only the smallest part.

Think about it, why would they open a teleportation portal?
While generating revenue is certainly one of the motivations, another is that the existence of such teleportation points in various city-states is an agreement and tacit understanding reached among the mage organizations of the Sword Coast, which can also be seen as a manifestation of how arcane magic changes society.

Accessing or using this transmission network inevitably has its barriers, and a verifiable identity is a prerequisite.

For example, the teleportation node set up in the dungeon of High Cliff Castle is accessed through the guarantee of Neverwinter Academy and in the name of the Lord of High Cliff.

Of course, it is not open to the public.

Whenever data is transmitted through this network, both nodes must know each other's location and ownership.

Otherwise, why should I let you come over?
Of course, there are still some risks even so, but considering that most of the mage towers that dare to open nodes are guarded by high-level or even archmages.

Hmmm~

Unfortunately, it has to be used, even if it leaves a record.

Who would normally think to memorize a spell like mass teleportation, especially since even with his skill level, he couldn't guarantee the accuracy of the teleportation?

We can't expect the others to walk there, can we?
Anyway, Zhang Yuan was determined to do things secretly, and bringing along a few Zhuo Er was a good fit for their profession.

As for bringing the mastermind behind the assassination to justice?

It's not that I don't want to, it's just that it's a real problem.

No evidence was needed; the similarities between this incident and the events of his past life immediately set off alarm bells in his mind.

If it's really as I guessed, then I'll just have to wait for Apodel of Candlekeep to come out of seclusion.

The original plan had to be scrapped and restarted, and the mage was at a loss, so he could only take it one step at a time.

He finally understood that when the whirlpool of fate stirs up waves, the more meticulous the plan, the easier it is to be disrupted; as the saying goes, cleverness can backfire.

One should not exhaust all plans, one should not use all one's power, one should not hoard all one's wealth, and one should not enjoy all one's blessings.

The proverbs from his past life surfaced in Zhang Yuan's mind, and he suddenly had a moment of enlightenment.

Whether it's about the limits of one's own abilities or the unfolding of the main storyline of fate, one must leave room for maneuver and have sufficient redundancy.

He silently drew a red line in his mind, and skillfully navigated the streets and alleys, bypassing the Flame Fist sentry post and patrol routes to reach the Chamber of Commerce's residence.

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