Angler Town
The Great Canyon Margaret, a vast chasm that stretches across the Inlan Dukedom and several neighboring kingdoms, serves as a crucial passage to the Ennea Ivory Ring Tower, a stronghold of the Light Magi.
However, this is a path tread only by the Magi. The common folk of the dukedom rarely venture beyond the confines of their civilized lands, living and dying within their familiar surroundings. Even the mercenaries limit their missions to the cities or rural areas, seldom venturing into the wild lands that border the Magi's territory. Those few mercenaries and wandering bards who have journeyed through these parts often use their experiences to earn respect or boast.
'The Great Canyon Margaret is fraught with peril. Even a hurried journey can take several months…' Leylin mused, his brow furrowed in contemplation of the canyon's challenges.
Travel in the Magus World was far from convenient, posing significant difficulties for magicians who journeyed extensively. Leylin had the option of airship travel, but this mode of transportation was not only expensive but also had limited departure dates throughout the year. Moreover, passengers were required to have a local family or organization vouch for them.
Being on the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's wanted list, Leylin naturally couldn't wait for the airship and had to proceed on foot. His act of saving Ivy would earn him some reputation in these lands, but he didn't expect a warm welcome from the Light Magi.
"Where does Marian, your parent's good friend, live?" Leylin asked Ivy, who was trailing behind him.
"Angler Town, next to the Great Canyon," Ivy replied in a subdued voice.
Leylin nodded. Ivy's blood had been of great help to him. Given that there was no conflict in their routes, he didn't mind taking a slight detour to escort her personally. This would allow him to claim his reward promptly and perhaps even improve his standing with Marian.
"In that case, I'll escort you to Angler Town to meet your dear Aunt Marian," Leylin told Ivy in a gentle tone.
"Actually… Master, would it be okay if I continued to accompany you?" Ivy asked after a moment of silence.
"Why, pray tell, would you be inclined to do so?" Leylin asked, taken aback. Ivy's living conditions had been far from ideal. She had been treated more like a pet than a girl her age should be. Leylin had enjoyed most of the luxuries, while Ivy had been relegated to a cheaper tent. She had been subjected to numerous experiments and had even begun to show signs of mental distress during their journey. Leylin found it amusing that Ivy would choose to continue this lifestyle.
'Could it be that I was too charming? Or has she been so oppressed that she's developed twisted feelings?' Leylin pondered, stroking his chin.
However, he soon understood Ivy's intentions and smirked. "Ah, I see. You seek my assistance in avenging your family."
Ivy bowed her head in silent agreement.
"Child, you must understand that your family's genetic makeup prevents you from becoming an acolyte until you discover and cultivate the proper lost meditation technique. Even I am powerless in this matter."
"I understand, Master… But I implore you to help me seek revenge! I am prepared to face any repercussions!" The young girl pleaded with all her might.
"Alright, let me make this crystal clear so even a simple mortal like you can comprehend. I am indeed a noble Magus, and while I am kind and generous to lesser beings like yourself, I also believe in fair trade. Anything you could possibly offer to me is insufficient for me to confront another official Magus. The only reason I have cared for you thus far is because it benefits me. However, I have no intention of instigating conflicts for a stupid girl I barely know. You will return to that elderly woman, and from that moment on, you will no longer be my concern."
Leylin was quick to dismiss the girl's plea. He had no tolerance for the irrational outbursts of a distraught girl.
Upon hearing Leylin's harsh and cold words, Ivy's shoulders shook. She hugged her knees as she sat in the carriage, falling into a deep silence as she struggled to hold back her tears.
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Soon, the carriage arrived at Angler Town, located on the edge of the Canyon.
It was evident that this was a gathering place for Magus. Ordinary people were scarce, and the surrounding buildings exhibited a bleak style that seemed cold and peculiar. The air was thick with a damp, decaying smell.
[This place doesn't seem very safe, Doctor...] Aralis concluded.
Leylin frowned. From his experience, these dangerous districts along major transport routes were often home to those with malicious intentions, Magus who had nowhere else to go - in other words, fugitives.
Leylin felt nothing but contempt for Ivy. Her weakness and attachment to her old family rendered her worthless, given her lack of inherent power or talent. Leylin had hoped she would grow during their journey, but instead, her mind fractured under the strain of the experiments. He thought it fitting that she should perish, yet he refrained from taking action, demonstrating that he would not easily succumb to the 'beast' within him, awakened by the Kemoyin bloodline.
After some time, Leylin and Ivy followed the main street and eventually arrived at the address Ivy had previously mentioned.
Before Leylin stood a rundown two-story loft. The black wooden planks, on the brink of collapse, exuded an air of decay. The ground floor had been converted into a grocery store, but it appeared to be struggling, with only a handful of customers.
Leylin parked the carriage to the side, guiding Ivy into the grocery store.
"Is Marian here?" Leylin called out, his voice echoing through the store. He made no effort to hide the energy fluctuations radiating from his body, intending his power to serve as an introduction.
"Esteemed Magus Lord... How may I assist you?"
Before Leylin could respond, a middle-aged woman, obese and adorned in a greasy grey apron and heavy makeup, emerged. Her demeanor was one of humility and flattery. Despite her appearance resembling an unkempt housewife, the aura of a level 3 acolyte surrounded her.
"Is this Marian?" Leylin inquired, turning to Ivy who was standing off to the side.
"Yes…" Ivy confirmed with a nod.
Understanding dawned on Leylin as he realized why Ivy had been so reluctant. It seemed that Ivy's parents had been left with no other choice but to entrust their daughter to Marian.
"This is Ivy Langster. She's somewhat traumatized, but otherwise unharmed. You'll be responsible for her from now on," Leylin stated, pulling Ivy forward.
"John's daughter?!" Marian's face paled slightly. "I'm deeply saddened by the Langster family's tragedy…" she managed to say, forcing out a few tears.
"Miles, her caretaker, died protecting us from the Yale pursuers. Now, you may present me with my reward for escorting Ivy to your door." Leylin said nonchalantly, seemingly indifferent to Ivy's plight or the Yale family's actions.
Marian's face fell upon hearing that she would have to provide shelter for Ivy. Leylin surmised that without his presence, Ivy would likely have been turned away.
"If it is the Lord's wish, then so be it," Marian finally conceded, forcing a smile. "As for a reward, I'm ashamed to say this, but I have nothing to offer your lordship…" Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her fear of Leylin, despite his restrained display of power.
Leylin's demeanor shifted, his smile taking on a dangerous edge. "I see… then I'll consider this my payment. For my troubles," he said, reaching into a hidden safe within the wall behind the store counter. He easily broke through the wall and safe door with his bare hand, retrieving a leather bag filled with about 200 magic crystals.
"M-My lord! You can't possibly…! How will I feed the girl?!" The woman stammered, a mix of anger and fear in her voice. She knew she was powerless against this Magus, and no one in this town would come to her aid.
"I appreciate your generosity, Lady Marian. I'll be on my way now," Leylin replied, reverting to his previous gentlemanly demeanor, ignoring the woman's pleas. She collapsed to her knees, clinging to Leylin's cape, tears streaming down her face. Her years of savings, meant for her escape from this place, were gone in an instant.
With a click of his tongue, Leylin delivered a calculated kick to the woman's head, using just enough force to leave her dazed and bleeding on the floor, but crucially, alive. Ivy could only gasp in shock and horror as she was rooted to the spot. Her gaze was fixed on Leylin, her former master, now seemingly transformed into a monster.
Leylin whispered to Marian, who was trembling, "Remember this moment, for it is when I showed mercy. You will tend to that wound, then rush to the streets. Proclaim my heroism for saving your dear niece. Do this convincingly and promptly. Otherwise… well, you understand the consequences, don't you?"
He knew she was conscious enough to understand his threat and that her injury, while severe, was not fatal.
Leylin left the hovel without giving Ivy another look. His task there was complete. Despite his disappointment at not gaining any organization's favor, he knew this would suffice to ensure a warm welcome in town.
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Sometime later, Leylin had finished buying a few basic supplies and was guiding his carriage through the winding streets, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Ivy. Her expression, akin to an abandoned puppy, was oddly amusing to him.
As he pondered his future plans, Leylin found himself in the heart of the town. The deeper he ventured, the more formidable the average passerby seemed. In the town's center, he noticed several level 3 acolytes and even a few official Magi.
These Magi were cloaked in darkness, their identities concealed by face flannels, as if they wished to remain anonymous.
Typically, Magi who dared to traverse the Grand Canyon Margaret instead of taking the airship were fugitives, labeled as criminals. Some had crossed local powers and were forced to flee, while others were on the run to protect something valuable. Consequently, the use of detection spells in this area often sparked intense battles.
Checking his crystal watch, which read five past noon, Leylin noticed the sky beginning to darken and the number of pedestrians dwindling.
Upon reaching the central pub, Leylin rapped on the weathered door. The dull thud echoed down the nearly deserted street, eliciting a chorus of caws from a pair of ravens.
"Who's there?" A man with thinning hair swiftly opened the door, assessing Leylin.
"I'm looking for passage through the Great Canyon Margaret. I've heard there's transportation nearby…" Leylin's voice, muffled by the shroud hiding his altered face, had a rough tone.
"Ah, you're the one who saved that girl..." The man responded with a smile.
[She's efficient, that aunt Marian. I'll give her that.]
"You've heard? I was merely helping out. It was the least I could do." Leylin replied to the aging man in his usual charismatic voice.
"Ha! You're quite humble for a Magus, aren't you? I think I like you." The man said in a surprisingly trusting manner. Normally, this would be taken as disrespect, but to Leylin, it signaled that his plan had worked and he would now have easy access to the resources he needed.
"Please excuse this old man's rambling, my lord. After all, you're a customer. You mentioned something about the Great Canyon Margaret?" The man asked, realizing he had overlooked Leylin's request.
Not waiting for a response, the elderly man patted his head and promptly welcomed Leylin by taking his cloak. "Well, you're in luck! Our Broken Axe Pub is the only place where you can find the Seated Lupin Wolf."
Although the old man was merely an acolyte, his wisdom and understanding of the world were apparent. He had the ability to assess situations and protect himself. Had Leylin not arrived as the girl's rescuer, it's uncertain how much he would have had to compensate to secure this man's assistance.
Leylin, acknowledging the man's words with a nod, stepped into the Broken Axe Pub. He had done his research before arriving; the Great Canyon Margaret was notorious for its terrifying sandstorms and the several months it took to cross it. The canyon was fraught with hidden dangers, including perilous swamps teeming with poisonous insects, making it impossible to traverse on horseback.
Even official Magi had perished in some of the canyon's most treacherous spots. Therefore, forming a travel group and riding the Seated Lupin Wolf was the only viable way to cross the Great Canyon Margaret.
The pub was eerily quiet. Under the dim lighting, long chairs were arranged alongside partitioned rooms and sofas. Each cubicle was enclosed on three sides, with the side facing the bar left open, giving the impression of a recess in the wall.
In the hall, several magicians sat in groups, occasionally sipping from glasses filled with various colored alcoholic beverages. Leylin, taking in the aroma, deduced that the alcohol content was minimal, designed more for flavor than intoxication. The majority of the magicians in the lobby were level 3 acolytes, with a few official Magi present as well.
Approaching a horseshoe-shaped counter, Leylin took a seat and observed a bartender dressed in a black, western-style suit.
"Good evening, my lord. Might I interest you in an 'Ice Mountain Beauty'? It's a favorite among many sorcerers, though I must warn you, it comes with a hefty price tag." The bartender, noting Leylin's rugged appearance, didn't expect him to be more than an acolyte.
"I'll take a cup of that. How much does it cost?" Leylin asked, his tone casual under the dim lighting.
"Three magic crystals," the bartender replied, raising an eyebrow skeptically, doubting Leylin's ability to afford such a steep price. After all, it was a sum that typical acolytes would struggle to pay, and only the currency of magicians was accepted.
Nonchalantly, Leylin tossed a mid-grade magic crystal, equivalent to ten regular ones, onto the counter. "Serve it quickly. Also, I'm looking to hire a Seated Lupin Wolf. Provide me with the necessary information and any other details you think might be useful, and there'll be another one of these for you."
Without uttering a word, the bartender accepted the mid-grade magic crystal, his smile tinged with an apologetic air. He wasn't foolish; Leylin's casual disregard for the valuable crystal indicated that he had more, suggesting that he was an official Magus concealing his energy waves. Swiftly, the bartender's hands moved, shaking the silver mixer in his grasp, tracing a few shiny arcs in the air.
"Lord, are you planning your journey across the vast expanse of the Great Canyon Margaret? Despite the cessation of the sandstorms, rumors have been circulating about a flock of Kary Vultures that have taken control of the route leading to the only available resupply point. I would respectfully suggest that you consider forming a group before embarking on your journey."
As he spoke, the bartender skillfully manipulated the mixer in his hands, presenting his explanation to Leylin.
"Kary Vultures?" Leylin's eyebrows knitted together in concern. These creatures were among the various Mysterious Entities inhabiting the Magus World. A mature Kary Vulture could match a level 3 acolyte in strength, while the King Kary Vulture was equivalent to a Rank 1 Magus.
If such a flock of Kary Vultures had indeed claimed the sole route to the canyon leading to the supply point, it would pose a significant obstacle to any traveler planning to cross the canyon.
Leylin didn't respond immediately. He studied the bartender for a moment before finally speaking. "Did someone else relay this information to you?"
"Indeed, my lord. Several official Magi have already formed small groups, but they're short of a few members. As a result, they've been waiting in town and have entrusted me with the task of finding a suitable addition to their ranks when the opportunity presents itself…"
The bartender's smile broadened, and he made every effort to appear as accommodating as possible. He then placed a drink in front of Leylin, a concoction that looked like a mountain of ice with alcohol beneath.
"Your 'Ice Mountain Beauty', my lord. I've even added extra frost berries for your enjoyment."
Leylin lifted the glass. A thin layer of frost coated its exterior, and the alcohol inside had partially frozen. He gladly took a drink. The refreshing cocktail slid down his throat, spreading a chill from his throat to his limbs.
The icy sensation gradually gave way to a fiery warmth. Initially faint, the heat steadily intensified, eventually overpowering the preceding cold. This alternating sensation of freezing and burning was incredibly soothing and relaxing, justifying its price of three magic crystals.
"Excellent. It's been a while since I've tasted such fine liquor. I've mostly had to make do with mundane beverages that barely tickle my palate." Leylin closed his eyes for a moment, exhaled a sigh of satisfaction, and addressed the bartender.
"It's an honor to have met your expectations, my esteemed customer." The bartender responded with a slight bow.
"Very well." Leylin took another sip of the 'Ice Mountain Beauty' before continuing, "I'd like to meet with a group before deciding whether to join them. Naturally, you'll introduce me to the most elite party, those whom you believe are most deserving of my company."
"Of course, my lord! In fact, there's a group formed by solo travelers who have been staying here for a few days already…" The bartender replied with a smile and a nod.
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Two weeks later, a group of acolytes respectfully bid farewell to six figures departing from Angler Town on the backs of colossal black wolves.
These Seated Lupin Wolves, distinguishable by their matte black fur and a patch of red on their heads, were formidable creatures. Two golden rings adorned their forelimbs, securely fastened to their necks.
Each wolf towered at over 5 meters and spanned 2 meters in width. Their menacing appearance was matched by their swift movements, covering several meters in a single stride.
The wolves' backs featured two hump-like protrusions, providing a comfortable resting spot for travelers. The Broken Axe Pub offered these Seated Lupin Wolves for a fee of five hundred magic crystals each. Upon reaching their destination, the travelers would release the wolves, which would then return to their origin.
At this moment, Leylin was comfortably seated on a wolf's back. His eyes half-closed, he swayed gently with the wolf's movements, seizing the opportunity to rest his mind.
Despite his comfortable ride, Leylin knew that crossing the Grand Canyon Margaret would take at least two months. The journey was fraught with dangers, necessitating the conservation of his energy and strength.
After several meetings facilitated by the bartender, Leylin decided to join this small group. Facing the harsh environment of the Great Canyon Margaret alone would be challenging, especially with the threat of Kary Vultures.
Leylin was reassured by the fact that the other party members, like him, had formed this group at the last minute, reducing the likelihood of any collusion against him.
However, even with Leylin's addition, the group members felt their safety was not assured. It was only after an additional two weeks and the arrival of another official Magus that they decided to set off.
During that time, Leylin had been residing in the pub, maintaining a low profile. Perhaps the Yale and Lilytell families had exhausted their leads, sparing Leylin from a potential confrontation.
Reflecting on this, Leylin surveyed his group. Due to the temporary nature of the group and the inherent caution of magicians, most members concealed their faces. Only an elderly, white-haired man and a curvaceous female magician revealed their countenances.
Like Leylin, the other magicians kept their faces partially covered, maintaining a cold and detached demeanor. All of them radiated the energy waves of a Rank 1 Magus. The Great Canyon Margaret was too perilous for acolytes, who seldom chose this route unless under special circumstances.
The warm sun bathed Leylin in a comfortable glow, lulling him into a state of relaxation despite his lack of need for sleep. As the surroundings turned a dark green and the short shrubs bowed in deference to the passing Seated Lupin Wolf, Leylin felt as though he had arrived at the grasslands of the Chernobyl Islands.
The Great Canyon Margaret, a vast expanse, stretched across numerous kingdoms. It was whispered that this grand canyon didn't exist in the beginning. Instead, it was believed to have been carved out by the fierce battle of two unidentified, high-ranking Magi.
From a bird's-eye view, the Great Canyon Margaret appeared as a deep scar etched into the body of the South Coast.
Yet, Leylin harbored doubts about this legend. To fracture half a continent would necessitate the power of at least a Rank 7 or 8 Magus. However, the annals of the South Coast's history bore no record of such powerful Magi ever making their presence known.
Even if these Magi hailed from a different continent, what could have compelled them to select this particular location as their battleground?