Supreme Magus novel Chapter 2392

"You wanted them only as tenants, not neighbors. You didn't even try to reach out to them because you knew that they'd demand to own what they build. That they will fight to the death rather than give away the fruits of their labor the moment you are back on your feet."

Everyone but Breganoth lowered their eyes in shame. Once again, the crux of the matter wasn't the lack of a solution, but the unwillingness to share the magical resources of Jiera.

The Council had hoped that between the ocean separating them from Garlen and Thrud Griffon's invasion, they would have the time to slowly grow their strength and prevent the colonization of their continent.

Now, however, they found themselves in the position of being nearly forced to beg for help and pay anything their newfound allies might demand as compensation. Colonization had a nasty ring to it but sounded like music compared to the annihilation they would face if Zima attacked.

"Can't you at least destroy the escaped cursed artifacts, Grandfather?" Arlen hoped that by reminding the Guardian of Discovery of the blood they shared Fenagar would soften his position.

"I thought about that, but I can't." The Father of all Leviathan shrugged, making the Council representative's shoulders slouch. "I don't have the blueprints of their power cores nor any idea of how safely destroy them.

"I tried hurling them into space but they have been bound to Mogar. The moment I let them go, they Warp onto the mana geyser upon which they were built."

"And I tried almost destroying them." Zagran hated admitting her helplessness and clenched her teeth. "They recover in a matter of days and any damage to their power core causes a chain reaction."

"What hope do we have, then?" Gyrwin fell onto her chair, holding her head in despair.

"We can wait until a lost city is away from a mana geyser." Zagran replied, making the Council representatives look at her with hope. "Then I deal with it and you seal it again while in a weakened state.

"Beware though. The lack of a mana geyser will make it easier to subjugate the cursed artifact but the barrier to hold it will also require many resources and constant care. The final decision is yours and so is the responsibility. Choose wisely."

"Thank you, Master Zagran." The representatives gave her a deep bow. With her help, they had at least gained a bit more time to fix their mess.

The recent events in Garlen had deeply affected the usually uncaring Guardian of Might.

Shargein's birth, meeting Valeron the Second, but most importantly, witnessing the fate of Eycos had made her second guess some of her past choices.

Zagran felt guilty for abandoning the black sheep of her nest and the heights Eycos had been able to reach under the guidance of the Master were proof of her failure as a teacher.

What she had thrown away, the Master had picked up. Zagran had turned her back to her son, considering him as good as dead yet the Master had found a way to bring Eycos back and make him better than she ever could.

"I'll try to understand how the lost cities work, but sadly I'm the Guardian of Discovery, not of Knowledge. Their technology is ancient and lost but maybe Leegaain knows something." Fenagar hated feeling inferior to his old rival, but if he could keep his turf with Leegaain's help, it would be worth it.

There was no humiliation that wouldn't fade over centuries and millennia wouldn't erase from history.

"I'd love to help, but in my current condition any direct involvement on my side might bring Jiera's Guardians down to two." Roghar sighed. "Feel free to ask me for advice whenever you need it."

Breganoth stared at the Fenrir like he was insane. Roghar was a respected and powerful Guardian but those who had asked his counsel in the past had ended up joining the ranks of the fallen races.