Chapter 11: City of Geldern, Part 1
Gerald immediately froze. He almost exposed his origin so he quickly tried to change the subject, "Khm, anyway... just ignore my nonsense. These potions are some good stuff. But are there any that are even stronger? Potions that can, for example, regrow limbs?" he asked.
Sera looked at him in surprise and said, "So you do know something, huh? What you are thinking of is the Elixir of Life. It can bring you back from the brink of death, heal insane wounds in minutes, and even regrow limbs. Supposedly they can even make you younger and extend your life."
She turned to look at Gerald to see his reaction. When she saw his bulging eyes staring at her, she jumped back in fright. She quickly continued, saying, "Don't get any ideas. These potions are exclusively for the Royal family and no one else. You can't even buy them no matter how much money you have."
Gerald immediately felt disappointed. 'Goodbye immortality' he thought.
"Besides, it's not like there are many of them. They are made by the best alchemist in the Kingdom, and even he could only produce one or two per year in the best conditions. The process is so complicated and the materials are so rare, that he can only make a few every decade."
Sera mused as she remembered something, "There is a rumor, that the top alchemist is actually keeping some of the potions for himself. After all, he did live for more than a hundred years already and although he looks extremely old, he is supposedly in really good health for someone that is supposed to be with one foot in the grave."
"I guess the royal family doesn't care about the potion that much?" Gerald curiously asked.
"Oh, they do care. They do care a lot. That potion is a miracle, that's why they let him do that. He is the only one who can produce the Elixir of Life in the kingdom. Keeping him alive and letting him take a portion of the potion is still the best choice. He is basically a chicken laying golden eggs," Sera explained with an excited face.
She, like many others, yearned for the Elixir of Life. It was like a divine treasure, that they could only see but not touch. Except they couldn't even see it. It was something out of a myth for most people.
Gerald nodded, "I completely understand. I would probably do the same." Then he switched the topic, saying, "I don't know much about Geldern. Can you tell me something about the city? I assume you know a bit."
"More questions? Do I look like your personal guide?" she gave him a raised eyebrow. Gerald just smiled and said nothing. He knew women liked to talk. He just needed to nudge her in the right direction and she could tell him everything.
"Hmph. Fine, what do you wanna know?"
Gerald's eyes shined and his smile became even bigger, "Tell me about the city, the people. What kind of work is there to be had? I'm interested in anything you can tell me."
"Alright, then listen carefully. Geldern is a medium-sized city in Myrtana with about ten thousand inhabitants, although the numbers go up to twenty thousand on busy days. The Warrior's Guild is responsible for keeping the eastern part of the kingdom clear from monsters and bandits. During the recent years, they gained much more authority in this area and they are more influential than even the local noble Serrell family," she proudly said.
"Serrell Egott, the Lord of the city is an annoying, greedy old bastard. He tried, many times, to demand more and more taxes from people, even extorting them using force. About a decade ago, the Warriors Guild forcefully seized his authority over Geldern. He tried to resist using politics, bribery, and even dirty tricks, however, he failed in doing so. The citizens don't like him and most merchants, alchemists, blacksmiths, and other craftsmen that are connected to the Warrior's Guild and are also under their protection."
"If you wanna work in the city, you should probably register with the Warriors Guild just in case you have any problems in the future. Besides having connections to the craftsmen and merchants in the city, the Guild also had a massive information network, so if you need any specific information you just need to ask in the Guild. If you have enough money to pay the fee of course."
'Massive corporation swallowing the local business while resisting the tyrannical government. Haha, humans never change,' Gerald thought to himself. "Could you give me a suggestion as to what job should I take? I don't know what skills are required here," he asked Sera.
"I thought you were going to work for the Guild as a warrior," she looked at him in confusion.
"Why is that?"
"Because you can use Fire magic. That's a pretty rare form of magic. If you have the talent and you can learn many powerful spells, you can be extremely successful. The most powerful genius mage in Myrtana is a Fire Mage nicknamed Spark. I don't know what's his real name, though," she said.
"They say that when he was younger he singlehandedly killed over a thousand enemy soldiers with his amazing Fire Rain. It happened half a century ago when the Central Burronian Empire tried to invade Myrtana. After the war, his fame helped spread the recognition for other Fire mages on the continent. That's why I thought you were going to join the Guild."
Gerald nodded, "So that's how it is. I thought everyone can use Fire magic?"
"Absolutely not. For example, I can only use Earth magic and I'm not even that good at it. You are very lucky to be able to use two different Elements. Earth and Fire have really good mixed spells. If you focus and learn a few good spells in the next decade, your reputation could soar and you could become a well recognized and respected mage," Sera advised him.
"Right, right. I guess I'm really lucky to be able to use two Elements. Haha, I didn't even know it," Gerald awkwardly scratched his head. "Are twin Elements really that rare?"
"Yes. It's probably one in ten thousand people. Usually, if you have Light or Space elements as your primary, you get an extra basic Element, " Sera told him.
"Primary what? I thought there are only four Elements?"
"Of course not. There are six: Wind, Water, Earth, and Fire are the basic Elements and there are two more: Space and Light. You don't even know the basics?" Sera was even more surprised. How could someone that uses magic so naturally not know that?
Gerald shook his head and then slightly bent his back, clapped his hands in front of his chest, and seriously said, "Teacher! Please impart thy knowledge onto me!"
Sera facepalmed.
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