Leaving Wolf

During his time in Wolf City, Ange's knowledge grew significantly, especially regarding magic. Although Ange still couldn't cast the most basic Fireball spell, it didn't dampen his passion for magic. At least, Ange could truly feel the existence of elements, but he hadn't yet been able to draw them into his body.

At first, Ange didn't know that the specks of light he felt during meditation were elements, until he consulted Mary and received confirmation. Ange tried to draw the elements he felt into his body, but it was always in vain, and he could only watch the elements pass freely through his body.

However, he also discovered that when he circulated the Qi force within his body, some specks of light would merge into the Qi force. Although this Qi force couldn't be used to cast magic, it did enhance the sturdiness and sharpness of weapons.

This made Ange realize that his Qi force might have a unique connection with magic, a connection that had not yet been fully unlocked. He continued to meditate and practice diligently, hoping to find the correct method to draw elements into his body.

Mary told him in a casual conversation that many mages encountered similar problems in the early stages, and the key was to find a meditation method and element channeling method that suited them. Ange kept this in mind and decided to persevere.

Ange had been in Wolf City for almost half a month and had gradually become familiar with this bustling city.

Apart from the South and North Districts, Ange had visited all other areas.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of Wolf City, Ange even rented a horse and circled the city walls, a process that took an entire day.

Although supernatural powers existed in this world, human city construction was still primarily focused on ordinary people.

Wolf City was a typical example. Despite the strong magical atmosphere and the prevalence of magical items, the city's infrastructure and daily life were still built and maintained by ordinary people.

During his ride outside the city walls, Ange witnessed the grandeur and sturdiness of Wolf City firsthand. The tall city walls, spacious streets, orderly markets, and well-connected transportation network all showcased the city's prosperity and stability.

Especially the walls of Wolf City, tall and sturdy, gave a sense of security.

Ange also noticed that there were many defensive facilities and stationed soldiers on the city walls of Wolf City, indicating that the city's defenses were very well-established.

Mary had told him that Wolf City, as an important trade and magic center, had always been a vital stronghold of the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster, and therefore, its city defense construction was given extreme importance.

Although Ange had not yet entered the South and North Districts, he had some understanding of these two areas.

The South District was the residential area for nobles and officials, rumored to have many luxurious manors and villas, with extremely superior living conditions. The North District, on the other hand, was the location of the military barracks and the Maple Sugar factory, characterized by strict military management and busy production activities.

During these days of exploration, Ange felt the unique charm of Wolf City. This city was not only a center of trade and magic but also a place where people pursued their dreams and achieved self-realization.

On this day, Ange found Mary at the Source of Magic and told her that he was preparing to leave Wolf City and return to the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster. Mary seemed a bit shocked when she heard the news. She could see Ange's love and dedication to magic and thought he would stay in Wolf City for a while longer, not expecting him to decide to leave so soon.

Ange invited Mary to have dinner together as a farewell. Mary readily agreed. At the dinner table, Ange thanked Mary for her care during this period. He gave Mary a small bag containing a carefully selected gift and told her to open it after he left. Mary said with a mischievous smile, "It's not empty, is it!" After saying that, she burst into laughter.

Ange smiled and shook his head, "No, I wouldn't joke about something like that."

During their time together, Mary found Ange to be a very good person, diligent, studious, and thoughtful. She hadn't seen anyone work as hard as him in a long time. At the end of the dinner, a hint of reluctance flashed in Mary's eyes, but she still wished Ange all the best in the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster.

On the night of their farewell, Ange and Mary strolled under the lamplight, reminiscing about their time together. Ange said gratefully, "Mary, thank you for letting me spend a wonderful time in Wolf City. Your help and companionship mean a lot to me."

Mary smiled and nodded, "Ange, I'm also very happy to have met you. I hope you can achieve your dreams in the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster and become an outstanding warrior and mage."

Ange shook Mary's hand, "Thank you, Mary. I will work hard."

At the moment of parting, they bid each other farewell, carrying their hopes for the future and beautiful memories, saying goodbye to this precious time.

In this world, the vast majority of people never leave their birthplace from birth to death, especially women. Many girls spend their entire lives in the same place, born there and dying there.

Men, due to military service, travel to many places to see different landscapes and cultures, but the vast majority still choose to return to their hometowns after retirement and continue their ordinary lives.

This lifestyle results in very limited understanding of the outside world, and information flow between towns and villages is very slow. Ange's experiences in Wolf City were particularly special and precious for both him and Mary.

Through his military experience and travels, Ange had seen many different places, while Mary had been exposed to rich knowledge and culture through her studies at the Mage Academy.

Their meeting and interactions brought new perspectives and experiences to each other's lives. Ange's time in Wolf City not only broadened his horizons but also allowed him to make trustworthy friends like Mary.

Although he decided to leave, he knew that Wolf City and Mary would always remain in his memory, becoming his motivation and support for moving forward.

As Ange left Wolf City, Mary watched him go, feeling a sense of reluctance in her heart. She understood that most people in this world were destined to follow an ordinary path, but it was precisely these chance encounters and partings that made life more colorful.

She wished Ange all the best in the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster, hoping he could achieve his dreams, and also looked forward to the day when she could leave Wolf City and see the wider world.

During his time in Wolf City, Ange learned that returning to the main plane after retirement required passing through the planar teleportation array in Maple Sugar City. Although Wolf City also had a teleportation array, it was mainly used for transmitting messages, not for transporting people or goods.

Ange understood that he couldn't reach the distant Maple Sugar City alone, and he was also unfamiliar with the specific route.

After some inquiries, Ange found a merchant caravan heading to Maple Sugar City. The caravan leader, Harrington, welcomed Ange warmly, especially after learning about his warrior level.

Initially, Harrington informed Ange that he would need to pay 80 Silver Wack for the journey if he traveled with the caravan, and he would have to provide his own food, water, and other necessities. However, when Ange stated that he was a Level 1 Warrior, Harrington had the caravan's guards verify his strength.

After confirming Ange's strength, Harrington changed his mind. He told Ange that he didn't need to pay any travel fees, and all expenses during the journey would be covered by the caravan, as long as Ange could help them if they encountered trouble.

For the caravan, having an additional strong warrior escort was undoubtedly a great assurance, especially during this dangerous journey.

Ange was satisfied with this arrangement. He believed he could handle the role, and it was also the best way for him to reach Maple Sugar City. The caravan guards also showed friendliness towards Ange, knowing that having such a powerful warrior accompanying them would make the entire journey safer and smoother.

Soon, Ange reached an agreement with the caravan and was ready to depart at any time.

In the following days, Ange and the caravan prepared for the journey, and he also took the time to say goodbye to Mary. Mary was surprised by Ange's decision but wished him a smooth journey and looked forward to his further development in the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster.

Ange bid Mary farewell gratefully and promised to visit Wolf City again if he had the chance in the future.

The time for departure finally arrived, and Ange joined the caravan, beginning his journey to Maple Sugar City. The caravan's itinerary was meticulously planned, and Harrington, as an experienced leader, was well aware of the risks and countermeasures along the route. With Ange's protection, the caravan proceeded more smoothly. Along the way, they not only repelled several beast attacks but also successfully avoided some potential dangers.

During his interactions with the caravan, Ange also learned a lot about trade and travel safety.

He felt that this journey was not only a means to reach Maple Sugar City but also a valuable accumulation of experience. He looked forward to arriving at Maple Sugar City, returning to the main plane through the planar teleportation array, and also hoped to apply the knowledge he gained in Wolf City and with the caravan to his future life and challenges.

Mary stared at the Black Magic Crystal in her hand, utterly astonished. She had expected Ange to give her some ordinary little gift, never imagining he would present her with such a precious Black Magic Crystal. As a student at the Mage Academy, she knew firsthand how rare and important Black Magic Crystals were. They weren't just a resource; they were a high-value currency circulating among nobles. Many nobles needed Black Magic Crystals to advance their noble titles.

Mary carefully put the Black Magic Crystal away, her heart filled with gratitude. She knew that this single Black Magic Crystal might play a crucial role in her future magical studies and development at some point. Ange's generosity and thoughtfulness deeply moved her.

She recalled her time spent with Ange; his diligence and persistence had left a profound impression on her. Ange was not only passionate about magic but had also acquired a great deal of magical knowledge in a short period. Although he had decided to leave Wolf City and return to the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster, Mary believed this experience would become an important part of his future growth.

Mary watched Ange's retreating figure, silently offering him her blessings in her heart.