Bab 87: Chapter 87: Wizards Guild

Chapter 87: Wizards Guild

'As I thought, my 'Past Self' bloodline spell can create a realistic past illusion clone and even fool others' spiritual sense, making it almost look like I'm standing there. Zera, will it work on High-Rank Walkers and Wizards?' Raven asked.

[As long as they lack knowledge of Elapsed Time, they will believe the clone is real. Didn't I mention it earlier? This world doesn't follow the Class Gem pathway, so Wizards and Walkers know little about Time, Dream, Fate, Luck, or Destiny. Only Legend Rank powerhouses delve into future insights or fate, and even they rarely examine Elapsed Time,] Zera explained.

'Haa, all I need now is to increase my affinity to at least 'Low' rank and create a Time Circle inside the Arcanum Circlets of Destiny. After that, I will have an easier time using this spell.' While thinking, he turned his attention towards Selene and asked.

"How many times can you cast a 'Dream Walk' spell per day?"

Selene pondered for a moment and answered.

"I explored the dream world only two times, My Lord. But after we had exited the dream world the second time, I felt a severe headache for two hours. And from what I've read from the spell books, I need to wait 5 days to enter the dream realm due to the lack of Dream Circlet in my mind space."

"Oh? Does that mean you can enter the dream realm multiple times if you engrave Dream Circlet in your mind space?" Raven asked.

"I think so, My Lord. However, the elemental circlet technique I currently use only allows me to absorb elemental energy from darkness, shadow, and fire elements. I never even heard of Dream elemental circlet." Selene said with a hesitant look.

Raven knew what she was thinking and waved his hand.

"When we signed a new contract, I was also planning on giving you an uncommon elemental circlet technique that is compatible with you. Hmm, I'll find a suitable Elemental Circlet later."

"Yes, My Lord." Selene nodded in understanding and asked.

"So why did you call me, My Lord?"

"What are the privileges of joining the Wizards' Guild?" Raven asked.

"There are many privileges, My Lord. The first is eligible for you to enter the Wizards Circle. And do you know where the most wizards are gathered?" Selene asked.

"Crows Misery Academy?" Raven guessed.

"Not entirely true, My Lord. In truth, after graduating from the academy, only around 10% of the wizards stay in the Empire. The rest of them all choose to leave Ivory Island and move to the mainland. Have you ever heard of Arcane Mist Empire?"

'Arcane Mist Empire… Where have I seen that name before?' At that moment, he recalled Franco's status.

'Yes, Teacher Elizabeth and Franco are the citizens of the Arcane Mist Empire.' Raven's eyes widened.

"I've heard of them. Does that mean Crows Misery Academy is not under the control of our Empire but that Arcane Mist Empire from the mainland?"

Selene nodded and continued her explanation.

"Only a part of Crows Misery Academy is under the control of the outside force."

"Wizard Union!" Raven instantly caught on.

"Yes. This Wizards Guild is an affiliated organization of the Wizard Alliance. As long as one registers themselves as a member of the Wizard Guild, they will get many privileges based on rank. Resources like potion materials, rune formulas, knowledge regarding ancient spells, and even highly ranked Magical beast materials can be accessed easily through the Wizards Guild network." Selene paused for a moment and soon added.

"But you must sign a magical contract with harsh conditions, including leaving the Zenith Empire and serving the Wizards Guild of the Arcane Mist Empire for a long period."

"Are you also a member of the Wizards Guild?" Raven asked.

"Yes, My Lord. But I'm only a 'Black' rank, so I don't need to follow any strict rules and regulations of the Wizards Guild."

"There are ranks?" Raven became more curious.

"Yes, My Lord. They are Black, Blue, Red, and Gold. All those Acolyte wizards who join the Wizards Guild start with Black Rank. But they will be privileged to access hidden auctions, Wizards Market, Potion shops, etc."

"What about the other ranks?"

"Blue rank Wizards are Radiant Wizards and have the privilege of getting access to the Wizards Guild library and many other things like spell models, techniques, and rare potions. But I heard they have to work for Wizards Guild for some time. As for the Red and Gold ranks, I also know nothing about them, My Lord. But I do hear that after one becomes a Gold Rank Wizard, they will have to leave the Empire permanently." Selene said solemnly.

'It seems the Wizards Guild is also similar to the Velvet Circlet. But unlike the Velvet Circlet, they act so openly and poach talents.' He quickly figured out the Wizard Alliance's motive.

"You can go back and freshen up, Selene. I'll check on my abilities and come to the main hall in an hour," Raven said as he sent her off.

'Check on his abilities? Does it relate to the strange phenomenon I encountered after entering this room?' She recalled how he disappeared without alerting her spiritual sense and greatly confused her.

Although Selene was puzzled, she didn't question him and quietly left the room.

'What do you think, Zera?' He asked.

[This island is just a tiny part of this world, lad. Understandably, the Wizards from Arcane Mist Empire want to take in potential seeds and nurture them for a purpose. If this continues, this Empire has no future at all.] Zera said solemnly.

'I don't care as long as my sister and aunt are safe.' Raven responded.

[No. You are bound to get involved in this mess.] Zera sighed in his head while he went to the bathroom to freshen up.

…

Raven emerged from the guest room an hour later and went to the main hall.

Selene, Jacob, Toby, and Harold were assembled there, seemingly waiting for him.

"The carriage is ready and waiting outside, Sir Thomas," Harold said, adjusting his monocle.

Raven nodded, then turned to Jacob. "You're coming along? I thought you'd be resting."

"It's my duty to protect you, My Lord," Jacob replied faintly.

"Let's head out, then," Raven said with a slight smile. He stepped out of the mansion, with Selene, Jacob, and Toby following close behind.

Outside, a sleek black carriage adorned with golden flowers awaited them. Two impeccably groomed horses stood quietly, their reins held by a young stablehand.

"Go to the Wizards Guild," Raven ordered the coachman, stepped inside the carriage, and closed the door.

"Yes, sir!"

The young coachman whipped the horses and drove the carriage out of the mansion.

The journey to the Wizards Guild was short, but the streets grew narrower and more crowded as they approached the Royal City's central region. Towering dark stone buildings loomed on either side, their spires installed with lamps glowing faintly even in the day.

"Do you still want to visit the Guild, My Lord?" Selene asked, breaking the silence.

"Yes," Raven replied without opening his eyes. "If possible, I want to register as an Acolyte Wizard."

Selene nodded, though she had long guessed his answer.

A few minutes later, the carriage slowed as they approached a tall, three-storied building surrounded by a high wall. The Wizards Guild's main building stood like a fortress, its massive doors flanked by two towering statues of robed figures holding glowing staffs.

Among those figures, Raven felt one appeared more familiar.

'Isn't that Prime Minister Gavin?' His attention moved towards the other statue. It was a statue of a young woman in her long robe. She held a book in her left hand and also wore a crown on her head.

'That must be Judith.'

At that moment, the coachman opened the door and stepped aside.

"We've arrived, Sir."

Raven exited the carriage, his gaze sweeping the entrance with mild interest. He adjusted his dress and gestured for the others to follow.

As they approached the gates, a guard clad in a red uniform stepped forward and stopped them, his left hand firmly holding a long rifle.

"State your business," he demanded in a firm tone.

"I'll take care of this."

At that moment, Selene reached into her pocket and pulled out a black seal etched with a golden rune.

"I'm a former student of the Crows Misery Academy and also a member of the Wizards Guild. I came here to do a registration for my friend." She said while pointing her finger at Raven.

The guard furrowed as he recognized the emblem and quickly stepped aside.

"Please proceed. But only your friend is allowed to enter. The rest of them have to stay outside."

"I'll wait here along with Toby and coachman, My Lord," Jacob said while backing away.

Meanwhile, Selene led Raven through the gates and into the grand hall of the Wizards Guild. The interior was as imposing as the exterior—marble floors polished to a mirror-like sheen, towering bookshelves filled with ancient tomes, and glowing lanterns floating in midair illuminated the vast space.

Several people in formal dresses moved about. Their discussions were mainly about magical studies like runology and recent news.

Raven quietly looked around and realized almost all of them were wizards.

"Only registered Wizards of the Guild can enter this building, My Lord. And to register as a Guild member, you only need to show one or two of your spells." Selene explained.

'Show one of my magic spells?' Raven's face froze.

'But most of my spells are body-related ones. I should go with the 'Cold Breath' spell then.'

"Is there anything else I need to know?" Raven asked.

"Nothing much, My Lord. Please provide a proper identification certificate and show them you are a wizard. They will register your name in the Wizards Guild and officially name you the Guild Wizard. Of course, you must pay a registration fee of 10 gold coins."

"10 gold coins to become a member of the Wizards Guild?" Raven was shocked.

"That's only for registration. After that, you also need to pay for affinity checking. For every affinity you check, they will bill you 25 gold coins." Selene said with a wry smile.

"Did you also pay that much to register and check affinity?" Raven felt it was so expensive.

"No, My Lord. I used my academy's registration certificate to skip these procedures. Unfortunately, you don't have anything like that right now."

While talking, they approached a large circular desk where a middle-aged man sat. He wore a dark blue robe embroidered with golden patterns. His sharp eyes lifted from a parchment as Selene and Raven approached.

"New registration?" the man asked, his tone professional but laced with disinterest.

"Yes," Selene replied, handing over Raven's identity certificate.

"This is my employer, Thomas Holmes. He wishes to register as an Acolyte Wizard."

The man examined the document briefly before nodding. "Very well. First, pay the registration fees."

Raven quietly took ten gold coins out of thin air and placed them on the table.

"Oh? A spatial storage spell?" The middle-aged man's eyebrows raised.

After that, he took out a new document and asked for his name, age, occupation, and family status.

"Your teacher's name. Also, tell me how you became a Wizard." He continued to ask.

Raven nodded and spoke after a short deliberation.

"My teacher's name is Charles Nightwind. He took me as his disciple when I was involved in a kidnapping incident and taught me a few spells before disappearing. And thanks to his books, I also learned a bit about rune Magic and am planning to become a Rune Wizard."

"Oh? That's quite a normal protagonist story you have," the middle-aged man said with a chuckle and asked him to follow.

"Step into the testing chamber. Your magical aptitude and a demonstration of your abilities will be required to complete the registration."

He gestured towards a doorway to their left, and Selene motioned for Raven to follow.

Raven's gaze fell upon the simple yet imposing setup as they entered the testing chamber. The room was circular, with glowing rune letters lining the walls. At its center were a total of ten orbs lined in order. The first one appeared red color, the second brown, the third blue, the fourth green, the fifth white, the sixth black, the seventh purple, the eighth sky blue color, the ninth golden color, and the tenth orb appeared deep blue.

"Those are? Are they affinity checkers?" Raven's eyes widened.

"Yes, My Lord. But it will only glow if you have a 'High' rank affinity or above. After all, many roaming Acolyte Wizards have low elemental affinity, so the Guild uses this method to weed out the untalented ones." Selene explained.

At that moment, a blue-robed examiner stood beside the orbs, an older woman with silver hair tied in a tight bun. As they entered the room, she eyed Raven with curiosity and asked.

"You wish to register as an Acolyte Wizard?"

"Yes," Raven said, stepping forward.

"Place your hand on the orb based on your element," the examiner instructed, her voice firm. "We will know if you are eligible to register."

As Raven walked closer with a hesitant look, the examiner cleared her throat and explained.

"Red means fire element, brown means earth, blue means water, green means nature, white means light, black means darkness, purple means poison, sky blue means ice, gold means lightning, and deep blue means space. A few other orbs with unique affinities are stored in the other room, but you must become an Official Wizard to access it."

Raven nodded, walked closer to the sky-blue orb, and touched it. For a moment, it remained dim, but then it began to glow with a faint, icy blue light.

"Ice affinity," she murmured, jotting something down on a parchment.

"Do you want to check if you have an affinity for another element? It costs only 25 gold coins per touch," she said with a smile.

The corner of Raven's lips twitched.

"No, Ma'am. I don't think I need to check anymore." He responded instantly.

She then gestured for him to step back. "Now, demonstrate a spell. It doesn't have to be an attack spell."

As she spoke, she pointed her finger at a wooden dummy placed three meters ahead.

Raven took a deep breath, raising his hand. A faint mist began to form around his palm, swirling and condensing. The temperature in the room dropped noticeably, and with a sharp exhale, he unleashed the Cold Breath spell.

A gust of icy wind shot forward, leaving a thin layer of frost on the floor. A moment later, the wooden dummy was covered in ice.

But what shocked everyone in the room was that the thin layer of ice started to spread more than a five-meter radius ahead and started becoming hardening.

"Oh? Interesting." The woman examiner muttered in a surprised tone and spoke a word in Runic.

"Krytha!"

The wooden dummy started glowing in a reddish light as soon as she spoke. However, due to the ice covering its body, it remained standing and tried to break free from the ice layer but couldn't.

Seconds passed slowly.

When the time reached 65 seconds, cracks appeared all over the ice layer, followed by shattering noise.

The next second, the ice layer fell on the ground, allowing the wooden dummy to move freely.

"The wooden dummy has the strength equal to that of a peak Elite Warrior, but your spell stopped it completely for 65 seconds." She wrote down something on the parchment.

"If it's a Radiant Rank Walker, your spell would stop their movement for 5 to 6 seconds. Pretty good spell you have." She commented and sent them off.

"You can go back now."

After that, Raven and Selene left the chamber and returned to the reception hall. Then, he paid for the affinity checkup and stayed for more than an hour to complete the registration process.

"This is your Wizard Guild's identity badge." The middle-aged man gave him a black-colored badge with the symbol of a crow engraved on the front.

"The color badge represents one's rank in the Wizards Guild. The more one contributes to the Wizards Guild, the higher the chance to rank up. And as long as you hold this badge, you will get access to Wizards Guild-affiliated hidden auction houses, artifact stores, potion shops, etc."

Raven quietly listened to the middle-aged man's explanation, even asked his doubts, and soon left the Wizards Guild.

…