Before them stretched an enormous mine.
From afar, the mountain appeared somewhat pale, shrouded in a thin natural mist that seemed to be made of rock dust.
Iron Thorn trees also grew across the mine.
Their branches were twisted and hard as iron, their leaves dark gray. They stood upon the mountain like withered bones.
"Gray rock carries almost inert earth-elemental magical fluctuations, making the earth elements in this area heavier. Only Iron Thorn trees can survive here, so it looks almost like a forest of gray rock."
Curiosity gleamed in Ian's eyes.
Magic had shaped all manner of unique environments in the wizarding world.
The sight before him was merely an unremarkable kind he had read about in books, yet it was already exceptionally strange.
What, then, were those truly wondrous lands like?
How could one hold back from wanting to explore such a beautiful world in earnest?
As he observed his surroundings, Ian headed toward the heart of the mine.
He arrived before long.
The central area lay within a relatively gentle mountain hollow.
Around its perimeter stood a wall built from thick Iron Thorn timber and gray stones. Faint rune-light flickered over it, making it easy to defend and hard to assault.
A watchtower stood at the entrance, where guards clad in Horton School attire kept watch.
At the sight of someone approaching, the guards immediately grew tense.
But when they saw the badge on Ian's chest and the token in his hand, they relaxed at once.
Soon after.
The gates opened, and a guard quickly came out.
He ushered Ian inside.
"Where are the other two garrison wizards?" Ian asked with a frown.
"The two lords are resting. A group of magic beasts invaded the mine last night," the guard replied awkwardly.
"Fine."
Ian nodded.
Yet