Chương 9: Kifestein

Clean streets spread far and wide. Small and sturdy buildings of about 2 to 3 floors, each colored vibrantly, housed the many establishments set up in the city. With barely any hawkers on the streets, the crowd made an uncharacteristically pleasant din. The superior planning and management of Atirior's merchants were on full display. Unlike Scalmourne, nothing here seemed out of place.

2 buildings stood out from the rest. Both on different ends around the central part of the city exuded grandeur with their structure. The administrative building on the East had a modest and orderly appearance, whereas the Guild house of the Quester's guild on the Western end was very flashy and looked unwelcoming.

I was at the Southern gates of the city, straight ahead on the Northmost end of the city stood the temple of Medax.

'Back up right there! Are you really going to ignore whatever happened back there, Ivan??' That is probably what you are thinking, right?

After Nea collapsed on me, I saw it as a chance to run away, but soon changed my mind. A girl of that capacity would be a great asset to my plans. So, I took her with me and treated her.

First, I would have to judge her. If she turns out to be inherently evil or difficult to deal with, then I will give up. Turns out she is a rather agreeable person. Sharp and confident. Kind, but not stupidly so. She was the type that needed a lot of groundwork but was tricked extremely well.

My plan was simple. I was going to lie. She would surely notice that I have no magic while I was laying the foundations. If I end up deeming her unfit, I had a backup plan.

Few people know this, but the movement of magic flexes your solar plexus since that is where inactive magical energy ends up. Once you catch that, it's easy to see where the magic is being moved if you heel the muscle movements. When Nea woke up, she vigilantly concentrated magic on her hands.

To make my plans work, I had to make her notice some incongruity in my behavior, which she splendidly caught upon. Won't deny it, it quite hurt me when she just disappeared without even saying bye.

I moved towards the eastern end of the city to get to a library. Automobiles ran over the clean asphalt roads, smoothly gliding through the city. The people of the city crowded the footpaths, continuing their days with bright smiles.

Kifestein, a place that made you blind. At the feet of the crowds were people in torn rags. Muddy faces made them disappear in the darkness of the alleys as they slept on the streets. These very people were the workers that ran this city and hid from the inhabitants...

At the 3 story library, I mostly found people working in the city management. I memorized their faces too, for good measure. They mostly kept newspapers on the 3rd floor. Since magnetic printing presses started, newspapers have deeply settled in society.

There were a few articles on Nea, mostly in the last couple of months. As expected, she was a high-tier Grade 5 mage; she was being called the rising star of the Quester's guild. Meaning, she also has a good amount of influence. Guess I have my eyes on the full package.

After reading up on her, I hit some pubs to gather more information and get tipsy. My efforts gave me a good deal of information. Here's what I learned.

1. Nea's family was influential in Vlysimn.

2. She was disowned for specializing in dark magic instead of fire, like her family. Which is simply idiotic.

3. Since she joined the quester's guild 4 months ago, she has only done big jobs and goes out every 2 or 3 weeks. So, the Dolon subjugation was a rare case for her.

4. She could be spotted around the town if your luck is very good. Important.

5. More importantly, she lives at inns and changes them after returning from a job. I guess she does that because she doesn't plan to stay here.

6. Most important of all. Today, the best thing I learned was that calling her "alright" or "slightly worse looking than me" in front of her admirers will earn you a good beat down. Sorry.

I went over to a few jewelers and collectors, mostly the high classed ones, and sold the gifts I had received. Having secured enough funds, I first bought a map.

Right behind the administrative building on the Eastern end was a slightly deserted alley, deep inside the alley was an old appliance store. This appliance store was attached to a 3 story building. The shop looked small, but the entire line of 5 buildings behind the shop was surely joint.

A young girl greeted me with a smile. I couldn't register her face at all but wasn't surprised by that.

"How can I help you today~?" The girl asked.

"Minutiae, Nea Alba"

"Oh, that's a rare request. It'll be expensive" Haha, this time, carrying a hint of anticipation. What came out from the girl's mouth was clearly a man's voice.

With a slight smile, I pulled out a piece of paper, along with a bag of coins, and placed it over the counter. The young girl giggled with the disgusting voice of a middle-aged man and walked away, taking both the things.

She/He soon came back with a thick wooden plank and handed it to me.

"This is your first day here, and you brought out stuff from the administration office? Commendable." said the clerk.

"Don't worry about it, I won't ask for any brilliance fee."

"Hahaha, put some more work in your humor, Mr. Oscar Wilburn. I hope you come again."

The person replied while switching back to the voice of a girl. So it wasn't funny after all! I shouldn't have said it!!

I had entered this town with that name merely 5 hours ago. I took the plank from the clerk and walked away while laughing.

There were thick clouds in the sky. It looked like it will rain soon.

bình luận bình luận của 2

Bình chọn

GỬI QUÀ TẶNG

next chapter

Load failed, please RETRY