The World Beyond the School, Challenges Along the Way
"Is there a problem?"
Ian asked with a frown.
The Alchemy Department should have more dealings with the mine. Joz might know more information.
That had actually been one of his reasons for coming here.
"Nothing much." Joz shook his head. "It's just that Grayrock Mine's output dropped by quite a bit a few months ago."
"The output dropped?"
Ian nodded, committing it to memory.
"I haven't asked what you came for, Ian."
Joz suddenly looked at Ian and asked.
"To buy some tools for going out."
Ian said.
"Sure. I'll have someone bring some over right away." Joz was also an intermediate alchemist, and with his father being the department head, his authority was exceptionally high.
Before long, several items were brought over.
A pair of gray boots, three small spheres the size of longan fruit, and a searchlight.
"The boots have a piece of Wizardry attached to them. They can adhere to any surface at any time, making them ideal for mountains and steep terrain. These little spheres are called Sentry Eyes. They're scouting spheres—nowhere near as good as detection Wizardry, but they have a greater range and can travel one or two hundred meters even through rock.
"And this searchlight. Ordinary searchlights get disrupted by the energy inside Grayrock Mine, but this thing is powered by earth-element runes. Not only does it shine far, it can also sense leyline energy. If a collapse is possible, its light will automatically turn orange-red."
"They're all very practical." Ian inspected the items, satisfied. "How many Magic Stones for all of them?"
"All three are low-grade Witchcraft Artifacts, about fifty Magic Stones each. But I made them myself, so just give me eighty for the costs." Joz said readily.
"Alchemists really are