Early the next morning.

Before dawn, Anthony had already found Ronald and Costate on the rooftop.

Although this operation wasn't dangerous, there were still many things to be done, and they would inevitably face trouble.

Rather than being caught unprepared, it was better to set out earlier than planned.

This way, it would be better than making mistakes in haste.

The three of them jumped off the rooftop and left the inn without calling for a carriage, walking towards their destination.

Being a friend of that Caster Frank, Anthony was familiar with the city's layout.

Even moving through the darkness, he didn't waste much time and brought Ronald and Costate to an estate before the first ray of dawn appeared.

The architecture truly befit the status of these Casters.

An expansive courtyard enveloped the luxurious villa in the rear; both the gardening details and the building itself were impeccable, showcasing the master's elegant taste through various excellent aesthetic details.

Anthony approached the main gate without needing to knock.

The manor's Nightwatchman saw him and immediately opened the gate, pulling a cotton rope at the gatehouse.

Ronald, with his acute hearing, detected the sound of bells from the rear building as he saw the Nightwatchman's actions.

This method of notification, though structurally simple,

was preferable to sending someone to relay a message.

So, as the three were halfway through the courtyard and about to circle past the central fountain, several figures appeared at the building's doorway.

An elder led four or five young people.

That must have been Frank and his students or relatives.

In the dim light of early morning, Anthony and Frank exchanged glances, and the elder immediately strode over with a sprightly gait, giving no hint of age's effect.

"Anthony, I was delighted to receive your letter last night!"

Anthony lightly hugged him, a playful smile breaking on his face:

"I thought my timing might be off, but now it seems you wouldn't mind my interruption."

Frank replied loudly without hesitation:

"How could I possibly mind? This is when I need you the most!"

Then, the estate's master invited Anthony inside, also inquiring about Ronald and Costate's identities.

In this regard, Anthony had a strong sense of confidentiality.

He introduced them as his apprentices based on a pre-arranged story, not mentioning a word of their true origins.

Ronald, playing along, adopted a humble apprentice's posture, raising no suspicion.

The group entered the building and settled in the hall to sit.

After some superficial exchanges between the two elder Casters, their demeanor suddenly shifted to seriousness.

"Anthony, your visit is quite sudden," Frank started, expressing his doubt, "I just received the message about academic inquiry yesterday, yet here you are already."

"Forgive my bluntness, but your timing seems suspicious."

Anthony immediately responded, without a hint of wavering in his tone:

"I do seem suspect, but you know, I'm one of the steadfast among us!"

Frank didn't avoid the subject, his eyes piercingly locked on Anthony's:

"Those once steadfast old guys are now part of tomorrow's 'friendly' visit to me!"

"..."

The conversation halted.

Anthony and Frank remained silent, locked in a stare in the hall.

Influenced by the two elders, the young ones behind Frank even held their breath, not daring to make a sound.

Meanwhile, Ronald and Costate found it a bit frustrating.

They felt nothing, yet to maintain their disguised identity, they held their breath as well.

Simultaneously, time in the hall seemed to freeze.

As someone broke into a cold sweat, Anthony suddenly relaxed his tense body, leaning back in his chair.

"Alright, alright, can't I speak plainly?"

"I have something to discuss with you, just happened to coincide with your troubles here."

Though the other conceded first, even Frank exhaled in relief.

He poured Anthony a cup of tea, returning to his earlier welcoming manner, glancing at Ronald and Costate:

"I understand you're seeking outstanding successors?"

"It seems your efforts have paid off, did you come here today because of them?"

Anthony nodded first, then shook his head:

"Related, but not entirely."

"Before explaining my purpose, you should let the young ones leave; we need to talk alone."

Hearing this, Frank's gaze turned peculiar.

Then he sent an inquiring look and received a nod from Anthony.

Only then did he instruct:

"In that case, you all leave first."

"I need to talk privately with Anthony; don't come in unless permitted."

The young ones around quickly departed; Ronald and Costate, not wanting to stand out, followed suit.

"Take good care of the guests, don't be discourteous!"

Bang—

With the instruction, the door closed.

The young ones in the manor obviously let out a breath of relief, and the leading Caster proactively addressed Ronald:

"Sir, let's head to the dining room first."

"It's still early, and you probably haven't had breakfast. Why not settle that here?"

Ronald naturally agreed: "Thank you for your invitation."

The group left the hall, heading to the ground floor dining room, enjoying breakfast under the servants' care, seemingly harmonious.

Of course, it was all superficial.

Throughout, Ronald kept an ear on the hall, his hearing sharp enough to catch the conversation there.

What to say—

In the dialogue with Frank, Anthony's reasons were exceedingly bold.

He declared his unwillingness to remain oppressed, planning a grand attack to assert his position. The visit to Frank was for preliminary preparation.

"Frank, you're the one closest to the capital among us."

"I've thought it over, only you have the actionable information; you must help me this time!"

Frank immediately refused:

"You're too impulsive!"

"Casters like you shouldn't sacrifice for such reasons. Believe me, the current oppression is just darkness before dawn. You shouldn't give up here. Think of your school's legacy; do you want it to end here?"

"Regarding that, I already have the best successor." Anthony's tone sounded resolved, shutting out persuasion, "Besides, Frank, don't forget you have visitors in a few hours; you need me."

"..."

Frank was silent for a while.

At last, he responded with a low voice:

"Alright, I'll agree."