Leaving Wolf City

During his time in Wolf, Ang's horizons had broadened considerably, especially regarding magic. Although Ang still could not cast even the most basic Fireball spell, that did nothing to dampen his enthusiasm for magic. At the very least, Ang truly could sense the existence of the elements; he simply had yet to draw them into his body.

At first, Ang did not know that the specks of light he sensed while meditating were elements. It was not until he asked Mary that this was confirmed. Ang tried to draw the elements he sensed into his body, but every attempt was futile. He could only watch as the elements passed freely through him.

However, he also discovered that when he circulated the Qi force within his body, some specks of light merged into it. Although this Qi force could not be used to cast magic, it did make his weapons sturdier and sharper.

This made Ang realize that his Qi force might have some unique connection to magic, though that connection had yet to be fully unlocked. He continued meditating and practicing diligently, hoping to find the right way to draw the elements into his body.

Mary once told him during a casual chat that many mages encountered similar problems in the beginning. The key was to find a meditation method and elemental guidance technique that suited them. Ang took her words to heart and resolved to work even harder.

Ang had stayed in Wolf City for nearly half a month and had gradually become familiar with the bustling city.

Aside from the South District and the North District, Ang had already visited every other part of the city.

To gain a more thorough understanding of Wolf City, Ang even rented a horse and rode once around the city walls. The journey took an entire day.

Although extraordinary powers existed in this world, human cities were still mainly built by ordinary people.

Wolf City was a typical example. Though the atmosphere of magic here was strong and magical items could be found everywhere, the city's infrastructure and daily life were still built and maintained by ordinary people.

During his ride outside the walls, Ang saw Wolf City's grandeur and solidity with his own eyes. Its towering walls, broad streets, orderly markets, and well-connected transportation network all displayed the city's prosperity and stability.

Wolf City's walls in particular were tall and sturdy, giving people a sense of security.

Ang also noticed many defensive installations and stationed soldiers along the city walls. Clearly, the city had done an excellent job with its defenses.

Mary had once told him that, as an important trade and magic center, Wolf City had always been a key stronghold of the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster. As such, great importance was placed on its defenses.

Although Ang had not yet entered the South District or the North District, he had learned a fair amount about both areas.

The South District was home to nobles and officials. It was said to contain many luxurious estates and villas, with exceptionally fine living conditions. The North District, meanwhile, housed the military camp and Maple Sugar factories, where strict military administration coexisted with bustling production.

During his explorations over the past few days, Ang had felt Wolf City's unique charm. This city was not only a center of trade and magic, but also a place where people pursued their dreams and fulfilled themselves.

That day, Ang found Mary at the Source of Magic and told her that he was preparing to leave Wolf and return to the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster. Mary was somewhat shocked by the news. She could see Ang's love for and dedication to magic, and had thought he would remain in Wolf for a while longer. She had not expected him to decide to leave so soon.

Ang invited Mary to dinner as a farewell before he left. Mary readily agreed. At the table, Ang thanked Mary for taking care of him during this time. He gave her a small pouch containing a carefully chosen gift and told her not to open it until after he had left. Mary grinned mischievously. "It's not empty, is it?" Then she burst into laughter.

Ang smiled and shook his head. "No. I wouldn't make that kind of joke."

Over this period of time, Mary had come to think Ang was a very good person—diligent, eager to learn, and thoughtful. She had not seen someone work as hard as him in a long time. When dinner ended, a trace of reluctance flashed through Mary's eyes, but she still wished Ang all the best in the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster.

On the night of their parting, Ang and Mary walked beneath the lights, reminiscing about all that had happened during this time. Ang said gratefully, "Mary, thank you for giving me such a wonderful time in Wolf City. Your help and companionship have meant a great deal to me."

Mary smiled and nodded. "Ang, I'm also glad I got to know you. I hope you can achieve your dreams in the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster and become an outstanding warrior and mage."

Ang squeezed Mary's hand. "Thank you, Mary. I'll work hard."

At the moment of parting, the two exchanged blessings. Carrying hopes for the future and beautiful memories, they bid farewell to this precious time.

In this world, the vast majority of people never left their birthplace from the day they were born until the day they died, especially women. Many girls spent their entire lives in the same place. They were born there, and they died there.

Because men had to perform military service, they went to many places and saw different sights and cultures. Yet after leaving the army, most still chose to return to their hometowns and continue living ordinary lives.

This way of life left people with very limited knowledge of the outside world, and information traveled extremely slowly between towns and villages. Ang's experience in Wolf City was especially unique and precious to both him and Mary.

Ang had seen many different places through his time in the army and his travels, while Mary had come into contact with abundant knowledge and culture through her studies at the Mage Academy.

Their meeting and time together had brought new perspectives and experiences into each other's lives. During his time in Wolf City, Ang had not only broadened his horizons, but also made a trustworthy friend like Mary.

Although he had decided to leave, he knew that Wolf City and Mary would always remain in his memories, becoming motivation and support for his future journey.

When Ang left Wolf City, Mary watched him disappear into the distance, feeling somewhat reluctant to see him go. She understood that most people in this world were destined to walk an ordinary path, but it was precisely these chance meetings and partings that made life richer and more colorful.

She wished Ang all the best in the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster, hoping he would achieve his dreams. At the same time, she looked forward to the day when she herself could leave Wolf City and see a broader world.

During his time in Wolf, Ang learned that returning to the Main Plane after retirement required passing through the plane Teleportation Array in Maple Sugar City. Although Wolf also had a Teleportation Array, it was mainly used to transmit messages and did not transport people or supplies.

Ang understood that he could not reach distant Maple Sugar City on his own, nor was he familiar with the exact route.

After making inquiries, Ang found a caravan heading for Maple Sugar City. The caravan's leader, Harrington, warmly welcomed Ang, especially after learning his warrior rank.

At first, Harrington told Ang that traveling with the caravan would cost eighty Silver Wack, and that he would need to provide his own food, water, and other daily necessities. However, when Ang explained that he was a Level 1 Warrior, Harrington had the caravan guards verify his strength.

After confirming Ang's abilities, Harrington changed his mind. He told Ang that he would not need to pay any travel fee, and that the caravan would cover all expenses on the road, as long as Ang could help them if they encountered trouble.

For the caravan, having another capable warrior escort them was undoubtedly a tremendous safeguard, especially on such a dangerous journey.

Ang was satisfied with the arrangement. He believed he was capable of fulfilling this role, and it was also the best way for him to reach Maple Sugar City. The caravan guards were friendly toward Ang as well. They knew that traveling with such a powerful warrior would make the entire journey safer and smoother.

Before long, Ang and the caravan reached an agreement, and he prepared to depart at any time.

Over the following days, Ang prepared for the journey with the caravan. He also found time to bid Mary farewell. Mary was surprised by Ang's decision, but she wished him a smooth journey and hoped he would find greater opportunities in the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster.

Ang bade Mary farewell gratefully and promised that if he ever had the chance, he would definitely return to visit Wolf.

At last, the time for departure arrived. Ang joined the caravan and began his journey toward Maple Sugar City. The caravan's itinerary was meticulously arranged, and Harrington, an experienced leader, knew every risk along the route and how to deal with it. Under Ang's protection, the caravan traveled more smoothly. Along the way, they not only fended off several beast attacks, but also successfully avoided several potential dangers.

During his time with the caravan, Ang also learned much about trade and travel safety.

He felt that this journey was not merely a route to Maple Sugar City, but also a valuable accumulation of experience. He looked forward to arriving in Maple Sugar City, returning to the Main Plane through the plane Teleportation Array, and applying the knowledge he had gained in Wolf and from the caravan to the life and challenges ahead.

Mary stared at the Black Magic Crystal in her hand, utterly astonished. She had assumed Ang would give her some ordinary little gift, but she had never imagined he would give her such a precious Black Magic Crystal. As a student of the Mage Academy, she knew full well how rare and important Black Magic Crystals were. They were not merely a resource, but premium hard currency circulated among nobles. Many nobles needed Black Magic Crystals to advance their titles.

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

She recalled the time she had spent with Ang. His diligence and persistence had left a deep impression on her. Ang was not only passionate about magic, but had also learned much about it in a short time. Although he had decided to leave Wolf City and return to the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster, Mary believed that this experience would become an important part of his future path of growth.

Mary watched Ang's departing figure and silently wished him well in her heart.