Ang walked all the way to the Mage Tower south of Pat City. The tower soared into the clouds, its ancient grayish-brown stone surface etched with patterns that radiated a steady, solemn presence. In the Empire, the Mage Association in nearly every city was located within a Mage Tower. It was not only a center for mages to study and exchange knowledge, but also a symbol of magical power.
There were no guards outside the Mage Tower. At the entrance stood a heavy stone door, its surface engraved with intricate Magic Runes. Ang paused briefly and raised his hand to knock. A moment later, the door creaked open, and a young man in an apprentice robe poked his head out. His youthful face made it clear that he was a magic apprentice from within the tower.
"Hello, what can I do for you?" The apprentice's tone was polite, though somewhat distant.
Ang smiled faintly and introduced himself. "I am Baron Ang of the North Wind Territory outside Pat City. I have come to visit your association. I would like to order a magical furnace." As he spoke, he lightly adjusted the mage robe at his chest, making sure his mage badge and Noble Emblem were clearly visible.
The moment the apprentice saw the two badges, his expression became respectful. "So it is Baron Ang. Please come in. I will fetch my teacher at once."
Ang followed the apprentice into the Mage Tower and sat on a bench in the first-floor hall to wait. The temperature inside was noticeably warmer than outside. Looking around, Ang immediately noticed the fire magic array set up within the tower, which kept the entire space warm. Magical lamps were embedded in the walls, making the interior exceptionally bright despite the lack of windows outside.
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