The troll scout brought Leylin outside the empire's walls and told him to wait. Leylin stood beneath a sleek watchtower, awaiting the scout's response.
During his leisure time, two troll groups passed by Leylin: one group of troll headhunters, the other troll warriors. Their attire and weapons differed, but the soldiers shared one common trait: none of the nearly one hundred troll soldiers paid Leylin any attention. Their eyes fixed intently, they carried out their mission with impeccable discipline.
Gazing at the regular troll army, Leylin couldn't help but tremble in fear for the upcoming battle.
The wait seemed to drag on for fifteen minutes before the scout appeared beside Leylin.
Leylin looked up and saw the gates of Zul'Aman wide open. A troll dressed as a shadow caster led the group, accompanied by several witch doctors. They had no intention of bringing this outsider into the empire. Even being able to negotiate with him was a significant concession.
The shadow caster, a tall figure with a hunched back, approached Leylin.
"Are you the mage's apprentice? Follow me."
Unafraid of Leylin's human identity, the shadow caster led him to the western building of the watchtower. It was a unique structure, a chamber carved out of the elevated terrain.
The trolls behind the shadow caster surrounded Leylin, limiting his range of movement. He followed the trolls' pace, walking briskly.
It appeared to be a small sacrificial site, divided into two levels. A stone eagle's head graced the top floor, a symbol Leylin had seen several times before.
Given the trolls' massive stature, the room was low. If they stood straight, their foreheads would rest against the stone roof.
The shadow caster waved his hand, and the witch doctors surrounding Leylin dispersed. The shadow caster troll leaned close to Leylin's nose, a menacing look in his eyes.
Leylin could clearly smell the blood in the wizard's breath. He raised his head and said, "I trust you've read the Grand Magister's letter."
The shadow caster stepped back, flexing his fingers. "This is necessary preparation, Mage. I need to see your sincerity."
Leylin reached for the magic package with his left hand, but paused, thinking, "I don't see our ranger right now. You understand what I mean."
The troll shadow caster smiled grimly, "Very well, no wonder you became that mage's apprentice. Mage, you know exactly what you want here."
The shadow caster nodded, and the troll witch doctor behind him flipped a stone switch on the wall. Four cages woven from vines appeared before Leylin. The rangers, including Vereesa, were all asleep.
Upon seeing the ranger, Leylin showed no emotion, as if meeting a stranger. He went back to his work.
He took out two scrolls of magic teleportation and a short staff shimmering with three-colored magic from the magic package.
The shadow caster stepped back, making room for the mage. Using his magical energies, he carved two teleportation circles into the stone floor.
Holding the short talisman in his left hand, Leylin said, "The teleportation is complete. I believe the transaction may begin."
"Trolls and elves have been at war for many years, and this is the first time. Ral'jin has damaged the honor of the forest trolls." The shadow caster's ferocious face was filled with anger, as if he could not accept such a humiliating exchange.
However, the shadow caster's expression changed dramatically. After his anger, he chuckled softly. "However, I still hope that Ral'jin can return to Zul'Aman alive. He will forever submit to my command, burdened with shame."
Leylin did not want to dwell on the trolls' struggle. He did not hear the words clearly, his full attention focused on the teleportation circle.
The witch doctors removed the rangers' enchantment spells and released them from their cages.
Vereesa had been asleep for some time, and after days of absence from the light, she suddenly woke up.
Leylin! Vereesa was startled, a sense of bitterness and grievance rising within her. She wanted to hug the mage in front of her and cry. She was a loser, a complete loser.
But she didn't dare do it. She knew what Leylin was currently doing. Looking at this expressionless and stern mage, she suddenly felt so strange. Is this really her sweetheart?
"You are very sincere, and the rangers are safe." Leylin thanked him.
"Are you expressing your gratitude to me? Put away this hypocrisy, we are just doing a deal in the war. A deal of equal value." said the troll shadow caster.
Leylin turned and faced the four rangers. Indicated that they could walk towards the magic circle.
"Wait, such teleportation spells, we trolls have no practical concept of them. So, I have to see Ral'jin first." The wizard ordered Rowling.
Teleport Ral'jin over, and then you stop us all in the troll territory? Leylin is not a fool.
"Okay, but I also need to cast a spell simultaneously. Let's teleport our ranger first. Ral'jin can get here a second before we leave."
"Very good, do your job, Mage."
Vereesa leaned against Leylin tightly, feeling the warmth of his body. In this dangerous troll territory, she felt a long-lost sense of security.
Activating the short staff, the phantom of Grand Master Belo'vir stood in the middle of the two teleportation circles in the form of magical energy.
The Grand Magister nodded slightly, indicating to Leylin that he could begin.
Activate the teleportation circle!
Stripping away vasts amount of magical energy, the teleportation circle began to emit a dazzling brilliance. At this moment, in the sorcery-filled troll territory of Zul'Aman, a magical aura also emerged.
The glyphs of the circle were all illuminated, and the circle was activated.
Overdrawn with vast amount of magical energy, Leylin instantly a quarter of his energy. Vereesa sensed Leylin's losing energy and quickly wrapped her arms around him to prevent him from falling thinking he lost his magical energy.
Closing his eyes, he could still sense everything, and Leylin remained quietly clasped in Vereesa's arms.
Two magic circles shone with light and shadow, and Ral'jin stepped into the middle of them. The troll shadow caster's lips curled up in a sly smile.
However, less than a second later, his expression changed instantly, and his ferocious face seemed to tear Leylin apart.
The afterimage of Grand Magister Belo'vir and Leylin were also surprised, staring at Ral'jin in disbelief. Then they disappeared into the troll territory.
Within the Sanctum of the Sun.
Kaendris stopped the teleportation circle. Rommath, Kaendris, Dar'Khan, and Janeda removed the spell energy.
Vereesa still holding Leylin up after the teleportation.
Leylin immediately asked Rommath, "Why did you do it, Magister?"
Magister Rommath ignored Leylin, slowly turned around, and disappeared into the temple.