Chapter 594, Headquarters Gets Lively
Upon hearing that Gold-Silver Island had sent newspapers,
Moffat and his apprentice both furrowed their brows.
Newspapers were a first for headquarters, but the two of them had been to Gold-Silver Island, and they had seen bards reading them in taverns.
Publicly challenging Wu Heng had gained considerable attention on the island thanks to the newspaper.
They had intended to ride that momentum, stepping on him to boost their own reputation.
But why was the newspaper now being delivered to headquarters?
Could it have something to do with the two of them?
However, after careful thought, they recalled that the newspaper's content was about local events around Gold-Silver Island and stories about Wu Heng.
It shouldn't have anything to do with them.
As long as it wasn't about them,
whatever was written didn't matter.
...…
The elf Calles held the newspaper.
With just a quick scan, he understood the entire situation.
Moffat had mentioned the rumors among the islanders, Wu Heng's reforms, and his exaggerated level growth.
But he conveniently left out how he had publicly challenged the island lord upon arrival, spreading the word about a "fair and open challenge."
Forcing Wu Heng onto the dueling stage.
Only for his apprentice to lose—not just lose, but be completely crushed by the equally young Wu Heng.
Especially with the newspaper featuring a full-color illustration.
A young man in a Hundred Arms robe, raising a wooden staff triumphantly, while beside him stood a judge with an adoring expression and the dejected back of Luan.
It had a strong visual impact.
Now, back at headquarters, Moffat had immediately come to him, questioning Wu Heng. It was obvious—he was just bitter about losing.
If there really was a problem, would Imiro, who had been on Gold-Silver Island, have failed to notice?
And yet Moffat saw it after spending just one day on the island and meeting him once during the duel?
It was a bit far-fetched.
Honestly, challenging the island lord was understandable.
It was a way to boost his apprentice's reputation.
Calles glanced at Moffat, feeling a bit of disdain.
He had instigated the challenge, lost, and now wanted the guild to step in and cause trouble.
That was just tarnishing the guild's reputation.
Moffat noticed Calles looking at him and smiled. "Newspapers are actually quite a good idea. I think headquarters should start publishing something similar and distribute it to different regions."
"It's an interesting idea. As for what you mentioned about Gold-Silver Island, I'll document it and have the elders discuss it before making any decisions." Calles put the newspaper down, his expression returning to normal.
Moffat nodded and added, "Wu Heng is particularly cunning. You should be cautious."
Calles smiled and nodded. "I'll handle it accordingly."
Moffat and his apprentice said nothing more.
As long as the matter was recorded, that was enough.
They bowed slightly and left the room.
...…
Back in the corridor.
Luan's expression was serious. "Teacher, Calles' attitude seemed different after reading the newspaper."
"There's probably something in it, but that doesn't matter. What we need to focus on is maintaining the guild's support for you." Moffat replied emotionlessly.
"Thank you, teacher." Luan expressed his gratitude.
The two walked out of the corridor and returned to the Hall of Honor.
Stacks of newspapers were piled up at the reception desk.
No one was selling them, no one was advertising them—people simply walked by, curiously grabbed a copy, and started reading.
It was treated like a free publication anyone could take.
Many people were reading intently as Moffat and Luan entered the hall, drawing odd glances in their direction.
"Grab one and see what's written," Moffat instructed.
Under everyone's gaze, Luan walked to the counter and picked up a newspaper.
As he read while walking, his expression darkened.
"Teacher, this…."
Moffat snatched the paper and focused on the eye-catching illustration in the center and the bolded title.
His eyes widened, his face flushed red, then turned purple.
Now he understood why Calles' attitude had shifted.
The newspaper outright stated that the two of them had lost the duel and were now trying underhanded tactics to retaliate against Gold-Silver Island.
"That little bastard! He actually published this!" Moffat cursed under his breath.
They had underestimated the newspaper.
It wasn't just for reporting local events around Gold-Silver Island—it was exposing things like this too.
And it had been sent directly to headquarters.
That cunning brat.
No matter how they explained it now, people would assume the newspaper's version was the truth.
More and more people gathered around, and murmurs grew louder.
It felt like all eyes were on them.
Whispering.
"Let's go. We're leaving."
Moffat said coldly, leading Luan away with a dark expression.
...…
An open-air training ground.
Moya quickened his steps up the stone stairs and said to the figure ahead, "Gold-Silver Island has sent you a letter."
At the center of the training ground, Imiro sheathed his sword and approached.
He glanced at the letter in Moya's hand and the rolled-up paper. "What's the other one?"
"It's called a newspaper, also sent from Gold-Silver Island. I picked up a copy from the Hall of Honor." Moya explained.
Imiro nodded, sat on a stone chair nearby, and first opened the letter.
As his gaze landed on the contents, his usual calm eyes flashed with sharpness.
Moya looked up at him. "What's wrong? Did something happen on Gold-Silver Island?"
Imiro's expression softened as he handed over the letter. "It's from Wu Heng. Moffat and his apprentice went to the island and publicly challenged him. The island's seer even investigated the situation. One of the reasons is that Wu Heng once served under me as a Deputy Steward."
Moya took the letter and read through it.
Imiro then turned his attention to the newspaper.
The newspaper provided a simplified version of events.
It recounted how they had arrived on the island, issued a public challenge, and even formally sent a duel request to the guild, forcing Wu Heng to accept.
But in the end,
Wu Heng had decisively won.
Moya finished reading and set the letter aside.
Imiro thought for a moment and said, "Moya, write a challenge request to the Hall of Honor. Challenge Moffat."
Moya was briefly surprised, then nodded.
...…
The next day.
The usually uneventful guild headquarters suddenly became lively.
Everyone was discussing the two hottest topics.
The first was the newspaper from Gold-Silver Island, reporting that an guild-supported young genius had publicly lost to an unknown island lord.
A man named Wu Heng.
Headquarters was no ordinary place.
It was where the most powerful Professionals from all races and nations gathered.
This incident had now become widely known.
The second was that 'Imiro' had officially submitted a challenge to the guild—against the Level 18 Mage, Moffat.
While many had been interested in the duel between the younger generation, they were even more eager to see a battle between two established powerhouses.
"I heard this Wu Heng used to serve under Imiro as a Deputy Steward. This is Imiro standing up for him."
"He already won. What's there to avenge? I think this was bound to happen. The younger ones fought first, now it's the seniors' turn."
"I'm getting more curious about this Wu Heng."
"Same here, especially since the newspaper contains his own story."
"Looks like he's paving his way to Level 18."
"Smart kid."
...…
Guild, Arcane Literary Society.
The Arcane Literary Society is a special organization within the Guild.
It is primarily composed of Professionals with strong intellectual curiosity, such as mages, alchemists, and scholars.
They translate ancient texts and conduct research on new knowledge.
Similar to the Whisperers, it functions as an independent society within the larger Guild.
Within the Arcane Literary Society, there are various research groups, both large and small.
Each group specializes in different fields and factions.
"Mr. Virgil, you rarely leave your quarters." A man dressed as a swordsman spoke at the entrance.
Virgil shielded his eyes from the sunlight and smiled. "The leader asked me to step out and check on a promising young individual."
"Has the Arcane Literary Society taken an interest in someone?"
"It's too early to say." Virgil replied with a smile. As the carriage pulled up in front of him, he waved farewell. "I have a mission to handle. We'll talk another time."
"Alright, safe travels."