A Tour of Wolf City

The next day, Ang was awakened by a knock at the inn door. He rubbed his eyes and opened the door groggily. An inn attendant stood outside and told him that a girl was waiting downstairs to see him. At first, Ang did not understand, but he quickly realized that it was probably Joseph's sister. He told the attendant that he would get ready and come down at once, asking her to wait a moment.

Ang quickly washed up and changed into the new clothes he had bought yesterday. He thought it might be more appropriate to bring his Refined Steel Knife, since he still did not know what this meeting might bring. Taking Joseph's token with him, he hurried downstairs.

When Ang reached the inn lobby, he spotted the girl standing before the counter at once. She had bright eyes, golden curls falling over her shoulders, and wore a robe that looked like an academy uniform. Her tall figure and elegant bearing made her stand out. Ang walked over, waved the token before her eyes, and asked, "Are you Joseph's sister, Mary?"

Mary had been sizing Ang up ever since she noticed him coming downstairs. He was powerfully built, a little over six feet tall, and carried the resolute air forged in a military camp, making him particularly striking. She smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'm Mary. You must be Ang, right? My brother asked me to find you. He told me to show you around Wolf City and be your guide. He also said you had many questions about magic."

Ang smiled and nodded, feeling a trace of relief. Mary's appearance made him feel less alone in this unfamiliar city. "Thank you for coming to find me, Mary. There really are many things about magic that I'd like to ask you about."

Mary smiled softly. "Then we can sit down at a nearby drink shop. The atmosphere there is nice, and we can talk slowly." Ang readily agreed, and the two left the inn together, heading toward the drink shop not far away.

Along the way, Mary introduced Wolf City's sights and local customs to Ang, while Ang told her about some of his experiences in the military camp. They got along very well. Ang discovered that Mary was not only beautiful but also intelligent and perceptive, with a deep understanding of magic. He began looking forward even more to their discussion about magic.

After arriving at the drink shop, Ang ordered two cups of their signature cocoa grass tea and two desserts. Mary took a bite of her dessert and let out a soft, satisfied sigh. She told Ang that the desserts here were especially good. Whenever she was in a bad mood, she came here for dessert, and it helped her quickly forget whatever had upset her. Ang smiled. "I can tell. The desserts here really are excellent."

As they ate and talked, Ang could not help praising her. "Mary, you're both beautiful and elegant. I never expected Joseph's sister to be so outstanding." Mary's face flushed, and she lowered her head somewhat shyly.

Ang continued, "I only arrived in Wolf City yesterday, so I'm still unfamiliar with the city. If you have time, I hope you can show me around. I'll pay you the appropriate guide fee as well." Mary smiled and agreed. "Of course. I'd be happy to show you around the city."

Mary then began introducing the origins of Wolf City to Ang. Although Joseph had already told him about it on the road, Ang still listened attentively without interrupting her. Mary systematically explained the background behind Wolf City's founding and its importance within the Maple Sugar Plane. Once again, Ang realized the city's status and role within the Grand Duchy.

Mary described Wolf City's layout in detail. "Wolf City is divided into several main areas. The city center contains the Lord's Mansion and the major administrative offices, surrounded by many shops and markets. The east is where the Mage Academy is located. Its streets are lined with magic-related stores selling magical items and books. The west is home to various workshops and craftsmen."

Hearing this, Ang gained a deeper understanding of Wolf City. Mary then began speaking about what concerned him most: magic. "In Wolf City, the Mage Academy is the center of magical research and education. The academy offers all kinds of courses, from basic elemental magic to advanced Forbidden Arts. Students not only study Magic Theory there, but also undergo extensive practical combat training."

She continued, "If you're interested in magic, you can visit the library beside the Mage Academy. Its collection is very extensive, and many books can be borrowed. Also, the academy holds a public magic exhibition once every month. You'll be able to watch many high-level mages perform then. It's very impressive."

Ang listened in fascination and could not help exclaiming, "That sounds incredible. I definitely have to visit the Mage Academy." Mary smiled and nodded. "I can take you there. The professors are all very friendly. If you have any questions, they'll certainly be happy to answer them."

The two chatted happily, and Ang's interest in Wolf City and magic grew even stronger.

Mary asked Ang with concern, "What are your plans? I know you've retired. Are you planning to return to the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster next?"

Ang smiled. "Yes, but before I go back, I plan to stay in Wolf City for a while and explore it properly. I spent almost all of the past five years in the military camp. Now I need to get to know this world properly."

Mary nodded in understanding. "That's good. Exploring a new environment will help you. Our academy is about to go on break, but you can still visit the academy even during the break. After all, I'm from Wolf City myself, so I know this place well. Over the next couple of days, you can visit the places I mentioned first, but I suggest that you don't buy anything for now. Wait until my break begins, and then I'll take you."

Ang said gratefully, "Thank you for the reminder. I'll keep that in mind."

Mary continued, "After the break begins, you can also visit the academy library. But be careful: during the break, you can only read the books inside the library. You can't take them out."

Ang indicated that he understood. "All right. I'll follow the rules."

Mary smiled in satisfaction. "That's good. Once my break begins, I'll definitely take you around. For now, you can familiarize yourself with the city and get a feel for its atmosphere."

After chatting for a while longer, Mary told Ang, "If you have any questions or need help, you can come find me anytime."

Ang nodded in thanks. "Thank you, Mary. I will."

Afterward, they ended their pleasant meeting and went their separate ways. Ang was filled with anticipation for the days ahead. He planned to make good use of this time to explore every corner of Wolf City and experience its unique charm.

After his pleasant conversation with Mary yesterday, Ang decided to visit the Lord's Mansion first today and take a look at the fountain square while he was there. Mary had told him that Wolf City's East District was home to the Magic Academy and major commercial trading areas, while the West District was the Living Quarters for commoners. The South District was where nobles and officials lived, while the North District housed the Wolf military camp and the maple sugar factory.

Ang went to the Lord's Mansion first. Its architecture was exceedingly imposing, and the fountain in the central square was equally stunning. Ang simply could not figure out where the water was coming from. He lingered beside the fountain for a long time, marveling at the city's craftsmanship and design.

Next, Ang headed to the South District. As expected, it was where the nobles lived. Luxurious estates stood everywhere, and soldiers patrolled the streets.

When the patrolling soldiers saw Ang alone, they came over to question him. Ang told them that he was sightseeing. The soldiers told him to leave the area as soon as possible and not approach any closer, lest he disturb the noble lords. Although Ang was somewhat displeased, he still followed their instructions and left the South District.

A high wall stood between the South District and the West District. Clearly, the lives of nobles and commoners were completely separated. No one patrolled the commoner-filled West District, and the streets were packed with people coming and going, making it extremely lively.

Ang walked alone through the West District, and the sight of people passing by left him feeling quite comforted. He noticed several idle-looking people staring at him, but because he carried his steel knife, they did not dare make any rash moves. They kept watching him until he left the West District.

The North District was home to the military camp. To avoid unnecessary trouble, Ang did not look around too much. He merely caught the scent of maple sugar from afar, but it did not feel particularly special to him.

After returning to the East District where he was staying, Ang took a closer look around the commercial area Mary had mentioned. Following Mary's advice, he only observed the various goods and shops without buying anything. He carefully examined the stores and found that the merchandise here was indeed plentiful and varied. Many novel items caught his eye.

After walking around all day, Ang felt somewhat tired and decided to return to the inn to rest. He had gained a deeper understanding of the city in his heart.