After returning to Mandalay, Nicholas spoke with some urgency and gave them a brief explanation. "I need to find Owen. I have a magic experiment to conduct. You are free to do as you please, but stay safe." With that, he left directly, leaving everyone staring at one another. Their mentor's hasty departure left them somewhat confused, but since they were not yet official mages, they could only follow his instructions and spend the time freely.
Everyone had spent several days in the mountains, sleeping rough and enduring the elements. Naturally, they all wanted to return to the inn and get some proper rest. Lilithija was the first to yawn. "I'm going back to take a hot bath. I'm exhausted." The other senior students nodded in agreement and returned to their own lodgings.
After returning to the inn, Ang did not feel particularly tired. His physical constitution was much stronger than those students focused solely on magic, after all, he had the foundation of a warrior. He first took a bath, washing away his fatigue and dust, then changed into clean clothes. Qatar, on the other hand, was so exhausted that he fell asleep the moment he returned to the room, snoring loudly.
After washing up, Ang decided not to waste time and headed out alone to explore Mandalay's urban district. The city had a long, narrow layout. After walking along the main street for some time, Ang arrived at the area where magical materials were sold.
Mandalay was surrounded by mountainous terrain, especially near the Durgapur Mountains, where Magical Beasts and all kinds of magical materials were abundant. Ang knew that most of these materials came from adventurer groups. They ventured deep into forests and mountains to hunt Magical Beasts, then sold their valuable parts to merchants and mages.