With that, the deal was sealed. Vince still looked disgruntled, but he wrote down his part of the agreement. He would help Canis move and give him a new identity. Since a Superior ranked magician was equivalent to a senior nobleman in status, Canis now had an unquestionably strong backer.

After they had both signed the contract, Canis got up with a satisfied expression. “Okay, wait here a bit. It will take some time, so I’ll probably be back when the sun goes down.”

Vince asked, “Do you intend to start immediately?”

Canis nodded. “Isn’t time running out? From now on, your job is my job. If I fail, then I won’t gain anything either. Rest assured, I’ll be back after working diligently.”

Canis took his leave immediately, moving with a newfound vigor. Theo figured he was feeling good after securing his life and future. The two magicians were a little surprised at his alacrity, but they soon started scanning the room around them.

Everything around them was an artifact.

“Take...