Gathered at a certain location on the continent, six magicians encircled a round table.
“Wait, seriously? Reina’s actually dead?” a man said with surprise. He had hair that was a mix of scarlet and black, and it was trimmed short.
“In all likelihood,” an already elderly magician replied. “Her ship was caught in a storm, and there were very few survivors. They say that Reina was swallowed up by the storm and disappeared into the ocean.”
“Hah! She might’ve been our youngest, but she was still only Number Seven in the end! Dying in some storm? Pathetic!” the man said. He didn’t seem the slightest bit sad that one of his fellows had died, and his peers felt much the same.
“What will we do about the kingdom now?” asked a woman with an enthralling air about her. “They may be large and powerful, but if they believe they can use us like pawns, we may need to crush them, don’t you think?”
“There is no need to worry,” the old magician said. “Reina was inexperienced, and aside from her, they are a trivial matter to us. Still, it could perhaps damage our reputation as the Seven Celestial Archmages if we let the request from the kingdom remain unfinished...”
Just as the atmosphere grew heavier, the man who had ridiculed Reina earlier stood up.
“Then I’ll go. I’ll find the Furthermost Lonely Isle that Reina couldn’t, and come back with that elixir of immortality, or whatever it is.”
“Is that so, Zelos?” The old man paused. “Then very well, the mission is yours. Take care not to further dishonor us.”
“Yeah, you got it.”
Then, just when they had reached a decision, the female magician stood up.
“I’m worried about that simpleton going by himself. Should I go as well? I’ve been getting bored with only dull missions and duller men lately.”
“Hey, who’re you calling a simpleton, huh?! And besides, just me is more than enough for a mission like this!”
“Tee hee hee, are you sure? It’s more fun going as a couple than alone, don’t you think?”
“There’s no telling when someone like you will pounce on me if we’re together! I won’t be able to sleep at night!”
“Oh? Even though it’d be an honor for you? What a dull man.”
As the two glared at each other, the old man sitting at the round table let out an exasperated sigh.
“Number Seven has failed already. It will be safest to send both of you—Number Six, Zelos, and Number Five, Merlyn. I’ll allow it.”
“Thank goodness, there’s actually someone reasonable around here!” Merlyn said.
“Come on, you old geezer! I said I’m fine on my own!” Zelos said.
“Now then, Zelos, why don’t we get going right away? To that Furthermost Lonely Isle place.”
“Tch!” Zelos clicked his tongue in frustration.
And so, the magicians at the round table parted. To the very end, none had expressed any concern about Reina Mistral.
But these people who believed themselves to be the strongest would soon learn—in this world there were beings far more powerful than them. True paramounts.