Supreme Magus novel Chapter 408

"Yes, I’m free tonight, but your invitation is a bit sudden. I usually don’t date people I met only once. We barely know each other." Kamila said with a pensive tone. She liked that kind of role play.

’She hasn’t said no and she called it a "date". Kamila isn’t considering my offer as a simple colleague get-together. So far so good.’ Despite having his dating experience from two lives, Lith felt awkward every time he asked a woman out.

His paranoid nature made him overthink over the smallest details and being a control freak didn’t help. He considered making the first move like exposing a weakness and he hated feeling weak.

Since all the complaining in the world wouldn’t change the rules of the game, Lith knew he could only bet or fold. If he played, he could lose but if he didn’t his victory chances would always be zero.

"I didn’t tell you before because I didn’t want to make you worry, but I’m a Ranger. It’s a very dangerous job, sometimes I risk my life multiple times a day. I don’t know when or if I’ll be granted another leave, so think carefully before making your decision."

He said in an overly dramatic tone, making it sound like he was part of a suicide squad.

"If you put it this way, I can’t refuse." She giggled while looking again at his personal file.

’Lith is a bit young but sure he went through a lot.’ The plague, Balkor, the assassination attempts, the White Griffon massacre and now the recent events in the north. Lith’s life seemed to be an anthology of short horror stories.

’He sounds definitely wise beyond his age. Still, it’s a bit of gamble. Let’s hope I won’t need a timely "headache".’

"Have you already thought about the place?"

"I have never been to Belius." Lith shook his head. "I’ll let you decide the time and the place. Let me know if you need a ride. I can Warp us anywhere."

"Thanks, but I’m good. Let’s meet at Velorian, at seven o’clock..."

"Lieutenant Yehval, I need those documents and I need them yesterday." A voice interrupted her.

"Sorry, I got to go. An idiot intern of mine turned a simple recon mission into a hero stunt and it’s up to me fill the paperwork. If I don’t fix this mess, I’ll get stuck overtime. See you later!"

The communication ended abruptly, leaving Lith second guessing himself.

’I guess I’m that idiot.’ He sighed. ’Lots of people now have lots of questions about how I solved a centuries old problem. I need to play this smart. The silver lining is that there is no witness, so no matter what bulls*it I make up, they have to take it at face value.’

Lith flew in a straight line toward Belius while revising with Solus his own report. They looked for inconsistencies and found none. After that, they ran several simulations of his upcoming interrogation to find the answers most suitable to avoid follow up questions.

They were so focused on discussing how to belittle Lith’s endeavor as much as possible that they realized they had reached Belius only when they saw the maelstrom array surrounding the city.

Luckily, because of his unfamiliarity with the Keller region, Lith was just a dozen meters above the ground to use road signs and milestones to orient himself. He had all the time to stop and get down to the ground before his flight spell was disrupted.

After another round of glares and insults for skipping the hundred meters long line to get inside the city, Lith walked through the Warp Gate that led to the army Headquarters.

Much to his surprise, instead of being searched and questioned like during his first visit, the customs officer gave him a salute.