First Acquaintance with Magic

For the next two days, Ange wandered through the commercial hub of the East District almost every day, strictly following Mary's instructions to only look and not buy. Wolf City's trade was very developed, with a dazzling array of goods.

Ange saw many novel things here, including various magical materials and weapons. In a shop selling armor and weapons, Ange saw a set of equipment called "First-Turn Enchanted Armor."

This set of equipment emitted a faint magical glow. Ange leaned closer to examine it and discovered that the price of this First-Turn Enchanted Armor was a staggering 100 Black Magic Crystals. The exorbitant price made Ange gasp.

Ange originally wanted to ask the shop assistant about the First-Turn Enchanted Armor, but as soon as the assistant saw that Ange was just a commoner wearing ordinary leather armor, their attitude immediately turned cold. They said impatiently, "This is not something you can afford to touch."

Ange was rendered speechless by this remark, clearly understanding that the other party believed he lacked the strength, status, or position to even consider such high-level equipment.

This made Ange a little unhappy, but he didn't lash out. He decided not to buy anything from this shop later, thus causing them to lose a potential customer.

In Wolf City, Ange found that the price range was extremely wide. From daily necessities to high-end magical equipment, prices varied from a few copper varks to hundreds of Black Magic Crystals.

Ordinary daily necessities could be purchased for just a few copper varks, while high-end goods were directly priced in magic crystals, whose value far exceeded ordinary currency.

One day, Ange stopped in front of a shop displaying all sorts of magical materials. The shop owner, seeing Ange's curiosity, enthusiastically introduced the uses and value of these materials. Ange listened carefully, knowing that although he couldn't afford them now, understanding the properties and functions of these materials would be of great help to his future cultivation.

In another weapon shop, Ange saw various exquisite weapons. A finely crafted longsword caught his attention. Not only was this sword incredibly sharp, but intricate magical runes were carved onto its blade, clearly indicating it had undergone meticulous enchanting.

Ange lingered in the commercial district of the East District, discovering new surprises every day. Although he followed Mary's instructions to only look and not buy, the observations and learning over these two days benefited him greatly.

He realized that Wolf City was not only a city with a prosperous economy but also a center where magic and technology intertwined.

After two days of observation and shopping, Ange learned about many new and interesting things.

In his inn room, Ange repeatedly examined his battle axe, carefully comparing it with the magic steel equipment he had seen in the shops from memory.

He suddenly realized that the blade of his battle axe seemed to contain some magic steel components.

Ange recalled the explanations he had heard in the shops, that magic steel was a composite steel processed by mages through various techniques.

It possessed high magic conductivity and excellent ductility, making it the preferred material for many high-end weapons and equipment. Although Ange's battle axe was not made entirely of magic steel, the magic steel components in it clearly enhanced its quality and performance.

However, Ange thought that the shop assistant hadn't mentioned that magic steel had high strength, so other metals were likely mixed in. Otherwise, the axe blade wouldn't be so sharp and sturdy.

Initially, Ange believed that mages were all aloof beings who never engaged in menial tasks like iron smelting.

However, he gradually learned that mages were not solely confined to combat and research. Some of them also participated in crafts like iron smelting to forge more powerful weapons and equipment.

This made Ange realize how subjective and one-sided his previous stereotype had been.

Furthermore, Ange discovered that the owners behind many shops were at least mages.

He had heard people discussing more than once how a certain shop owner possessed powerful magical abilities, or how a certain merchant was actually a mage proficient in various forms of magic.

These mages applied their magical skills to commerce and craftsmanship, creating many astonishing goods and equipment.

This new discovery opened Ange's eyes. He realized that mages were not just spell-slinging warriors on the battlefield; they were also the backbone of various industries in this world.

Whether it was iron smelting, trade, or other crafts, mages played a significant role.

Ange deeply felt the need to continuously learn and improve himself to better understand and integrate into this world filled with magic and miracles. This world was far more complex and rich than he had imagined, and he was determined to find his place in it.

Soon, Mary began her holiday and, true to her promise, came to find Ange.

"Have you gained quite a bit these past few days?" Mary asked with a smile.

"Wolf City is truly amazing," Ange replied excitedly. "I've seen so many things I've never encountered before, which has greatly enriched my knowledge. And, I followed your advice and didn't buy anything. However, I'd still like to hear you talk about magic first."

Mary nodded and led Ange to a quiet spot to sit. She began to explain the basic principles and classifications of magic in detail: "Magic is widely applied in our world and is mainly divided into elemental magic and special elemental magic. Elemental magic is further divided into Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth, each with its unique power and applications."

"Take Fire elemental magic, for example. It can not only be used in combat but also plays a crucial role in iron smelting and forging. Just like the magic steel you saw in the city, much of it is refined through Fire elemental magic," Mary explained.

"Water magic can be used for both combat and healing. The other two types of magic also have their respective uses. In the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster, Fire magic is primarily dominant," Mary continued.

Ange looked at Mary blankly, "Are the other magics not powerful?"

In response, Mary explained, "This is because Fire magic has developed exceptionally well in Tan'anster, and many mages are Fire mages. Due to their particularly in-depth research into Fire magic, it appears more powerful compared to the other types of magic."

Mary paused, then looked at Ange with a slight frown, her beautiful eyes chiding, "Ange, you've interrupted my train of thought."

Ange smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, I was just too curious and wanted to know more."

Mary's expression softened, and she continued, "It's alright, I was just joking. Fire magic is indeed very important in our Duchy, not only for combat but also widely applied in industry and daily life. You will see more applications in the army or in your daily life in the future."

Ange nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Mary. Your explanation has given me a deeper understanding of Fire magic."

Ange asked Mary what type of magic she was studying. Mary told him that she felt the Water element was more active, so she was studying Water magic at the academy. Ange curiously asked, "Can you use magic? Can you show me?"

Mary looked a little embarrassed. "Ange, I've only been studying for a year, and I'm still in the stage of meditating and sensing the Water element. However, I can already feel the elements gathering within me. In time, I will definitely be able to cast magic."

Ange nodded in understanding, "That's something to look forward to. You know, I used to think mages were all high and mighty, but I've recently discovered that mages also do many practical things, like iron smelting."

Mary smiled and replied, "Yes, mages are not just about combat and researching magic. Many mages also apply magic to improve life. For example, iron smelting and agriculture are both areas where magic is applied."

Ange said thoughtfully, "It seems I still have a lot to learn."

"That's right," Mary agreed with a nod. "This world is far more complex and interesting than we imagine."

Afterward, Mary continued to introduce several special elemental magics: Space Magic, Time Magic, Light Magic, and Dark Magic. She admitted frankly, "However, I don't know much about these either; I've only heard my teachers talk about them."

Ange nodded, indicating his understanding. After Mary finished explaining the basic types of magic, it was already noon. Ange treated Mary to lunch, and they chatted happily during the meal. Mary said, "Our academy's library is still open today, I can take you to see it."

Ange gladly agreed, "That would be wonderful. I was hoping to learn more about magic."