NOVEL NEXT Chapter 511: Plans
Arthur ordered Aether to teleport them, reality folding around the three of them as dimensional transit carried them from the Power Guild headquarters to a carefully selected training location within Caldera's more dangerous territories.
They materialized in a vast canyon system where the ambient magical energy created ideal conditions for spawning high-level creatures in concentrated populations. The area contained primarily elite and epic-rank monsters ranging from level 12 to 15—perfect targets for providing substantial experience gains without presenting overwhelming danger.
"This location contains an abundance of elite and epic-rank creatures within your optimal experience range," Arthur explained as his senses catalogued the numerous threats scattered throughout the canyon. "The monster density here will allow you to reach level 10 relatively quickly as long as you put in the work."
Zhang Ming and Seliora surveyed their surroundings with appreciation for the training environment Arthur had selected. The canyon's geography provided natural barriers that would prevent creatures from escaping while offering varied terrain that would test different combat scenarios.
Arthur then activated his Primordial Summoner talent, calling forth two of his superior-rank crimson hyenas from the dimensional space where his defeated enemies resided as loyal servants. The dark portals materialized briefly before releasing the massive hyena-like creatures whose presence immediately commanded attention through their intimidating size.
However, Arthur employed his authority over his summoned creatures to completely suppress their natural aura projection, making it impossible for Zhang Ming and Seliora to detect the true nature or power level of their assigned guardians. The superior-rank creatures appeared as mysterious but apparently manageable companions rather than beasts whose capabilities exceeded most players' comprehension.
Unlike normal monsters that displayed identifying information through system interfaces, Arthur's personal summons remained completely opaque to external analysis. Zhang Ming and Seliora's senses could detect that these creatures were clearly powerful, but specific details about their capabilities, threat levels, or classification remained hidden from their perception.
"These hyenas will serve as your protection during training," Arthur stated with calm authority as the two Crimson Hyenas positioned themselves near the S-rank awakened with alertness. "They're experienced in coordinated combat and will intervene if you face threats beyond your reach."
The creatures' behavior reflected perfect discipline as they acknowledged their protective assignment without displaying any of the chaotic psychological effects that made them so devastating against enemies. Arthur's control over his summons allowed them to operate as reliable guardians rather than unpredictable threats.
"Their presence should allow you to focus on advancement rather than just survival during your training period," Arthur continued with explanation of how the protection would function. "They will interfere with normal combat experience, and they'll ensure that any truly dangerous situations are resolved before permanent harm occurs."
Zhang Ming studied the imposing creatures with obvious curiosity about their origins and capabilities. "These aren't normal monsters, are they?"
Seliora nodded with agreement. "They feel… different from the wild creatures we've encountered."
Arthur's smiled before saying. "Let's just say they're extremely reliable and leave detailed explanations for later. Focus on your advancement—everything else can be addressed once you've reached level 10."
The training area was prepared, the guardians were in position, and two of the Power Guild's newest members were ready to begin accelerated development that would transform them into far more formidable fighters for the challenges ahead.
....
With his two newest guild members secured and their accelerated advancement already in progress under the watchful protection of his superior-rank summons, Arthur teleported back to Caldera's bustling capital centre, where pressing matters demanded his attention.
The spatial transition carried him from the monster-filled training canyon to the familiar magical architecture of the city, where his academy enrollment and various obligations required careful management during his increasingly complex schedule.
Arthur had an important issue to address regarding his attendance at the Academy of Mera, where his prolonged absences due to recruitment activities and dimensional crisis management were creating complications that needed official resolution.
The ongoing demands of building a global network of S-rank awakened, managing protection operations across multiple continents, and coordinating strategic responses to escalating demonic threats had made regular class attendance practically impossible despite his genuine interest in the educational opportunities.
He wasn't particularly worried about missing instructional material or falling behind in coursework—his enhanced learning capabilities and access to legendary resources meant that conventional academic challenges posed minimal difficulty for his development.
Although Arthur genuinely wanted to learn more about advanced blacksmithing techniques and explore other interesting modules that the academy offered, he had too much on his plate currently for such educational pursuits to receive appropriate attention and dedication.
The dimensional crisis demanded priorities that superseded personal educational goals, regardless of how valuable such knowledge might prove for long-term development and capability enhancement.
"Maybe later, when everything calms down," Arthur thought with a realistic assessment of his current obligations versus his academic interests.
The academy's advanced curricula would remain available once he had successfully established the power structures necessary for humanity's survival during the ongoing apocalypse. Educational opportunities could be pursued when global stability no longer required his constant intervention and oversight.
Arthur made his way through Caldera's streets toward the royal palace, where diplomatic necessities required direct communication with the highest levels of the kingdom's leadership structure.
He needed to speak with King Aldric personally about his academy attendance situation and arrange appropriate accommodations that would preserve his access to critical opportunities while acknowledging the realities of his current operational demands.
Only the king himself possessed complete knowledge about Arthur's true identity as Caldera's mysterious protector, making him the sole authority capable of providing the kind of official pardons and special arrangements that Arthur's circumstances required.
The monarch's awareness of Arthur's role in the future protection of the city or kingdom as a whole meant that reasonable accommodation requests would likely receive favourable consideration.
Arthur needed official permission to maintain his academy enrollment status despite irregular attendance, while ensuring that his qualification for the upcoming secret realm trials remained intact.
Even if his sister were to be healed by Jasmine now, there were still opportunities that he could partake in, inside the secret realm. He also had to keep his end of the deal with Seraphina and her daughter.
The king's personal authorisation would be necessary to navigate the bureaucratic complexities without compromising his access to the secret realm.
As Arthur approached the palace's imposing gates, he reflected on how his multiple identities and expanding responsibilities created administrative challenges that required careful management to avoid unnecessary complications.