Dinner Time

With his wizard levels and spell slots, Zuo Si could naturally begin shifting from theory to practice.

Since the magical theories of the two worlds were highly similar, some spell models differed by less than five percent, while others even had identical names and effects.

Therefore, Zuo Si, who possessed a solid theoretical foundation, learned quite quickly.

In just a few hours, he had mastered a series of zero-ring cantrips, including Resist Energy, Detect Poison, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Daze, Flash, Light, Ray of Frost, Shocking Grasp, Sudden Gust, Strike Undead, Mage Hand, Message, Magic Missile, Arcane Mark, Prestidigitation, and more.

Although his proficiency was still low, he could at least cast them while maintaining concentration.

Furthermore, despite these spells consuming little magic and having almost no ability to cause serious injury or death, they were extremely practical.

The most typical examples were the detection spells, along with Message, Mending, and Scribe, which could provide considerable convenience in daily life.

Especially after learning Detect Poison, Zuo Si no longer needed to have his summoned soldiers test his food for him.

After casting a spell, it was immediately clear whether the food and water were poisoned.

As for Shocking Grasp, Flash, Acid Splash, Sudden Gust, Ray of Frost, and Daze, while they couldn't kill anyone, they could still make the target uncomfortable and in pain.

This would slow down the enemy's approach and attack speed, buying time for subsequent actions.

Magic Missile could even launch a crossbow bolt like a light crossbow, hitting targets no more than twenty-four meters away.

After learning this spell, he only needed to carry a bundle of crossbow bolts to hide in the shadows and launch surprise attacks.

If he also coated them with some deadly poison, the effect would naturally be even better.

"Not bad. It seems this book, 'From Apprentice to Archmage: Cantrips You Must Know,' is truly a great value, actually including so many zero-ring spells."

Zuo Si put down the slightly heavy book in his hand, a very pleased expression appearing on his face.

Although the value of zero-ring cantrips was not high in itself, even the lowest-level wizards could master a few or even a dozen, it still felt like the money was well spent.

Just as he was about to turn his attention to the more difficult and powerful one-ring spells, his stomach suddenly let out a rumbling sound.

He looked up and saw that the sky outside had already turned dark without him realizing it.

Immersed in practicing magic, Zuo Si had not eaten anything for about six to seven hours, only drinking a bit of the local specialty mint tea.

"Master, it's time for dinner," the soldier took the opportunity to remind him.

"Alright, then let's go fill our stomachs first."

Zuo Si nodded and quickly stuffed all the books on the table, as well as his own notes, into his satchel.

Given the boldness and rampant nature of the Halfling thieves in Caledon, he didn't dare leave these valuable items in the room.

Otherwise, if he returned to find his room had been burgled, he might not even have a place to cry.

After tidying up, the two quickly left the room and went down to the first-floor hall via the creaking wooden stairs.

The hall had become bustling with noise by some unknown time.

A large number of sailors who had just disembarked from ships, along with workers who had finished a day's labor, gathered in groups.

They were drinking cheap watered-down beer while eating simple set meals that cost two copper coins.

This so-called "set meal" basically consisted of a plate of cold cuts that had been out for who knows how long but hadn't spoiled;

a bowl of chowder made with unpeeled shrimp, seaweed, and small clam meat;

two of the cheapest and not-so-fresh herring;

and finally, the staple food was a piece of hard black bread, hard enough to be used as a brick.

If you didn't soak it in soup, it would definitely break your teeth.

The cheap watered-down beer required an additional copper coin to purchase.

This was the most realistic portrayal of the common folk at the bottom of Caledon, aside from the slum dwellers and slaves.

Although their lives were not good and they couldn't save much, they could still fill their stomachs.

Seeing Zuo Si come down from upstairs, the innkeeper immediately rushed out from behind the counter and bowed deeply.

"Good evening, honored Soth.

What would you like to have for dinner tonight?

We've just received a batch of fresh oysters.

They are delicious whether eaten raw with sauce or pan-fried with garlic, ginger, and other spices.

Also, today's specials are steamed mackerel and peppered lamb soup.

I guarantee the mackerel was caught from the sea this afternoon, and the lamb is fresh meat slaughtered this noon. It's absolutely clean and hygienic."

It was clear that his eagerness was entirely due to the instructions from Epke, the leader of the Thieves' Guild.

Although the innkeeper didn't know what their relationship was.

But from Epke's attitude when they ate together last time, he knew that no matter what their relationship was, he absolutely couldn't afford to offend them.

"Then I'll have a large portion of pan-fried oysters, a big plate of steamed mackerel, a pot of steaming hot peppered lamb soup, and some soft, fresh white bread.

Remember to add plenty of chopped scallions!

The bread must be sufficiently soft!"

"No alcohol for drinks, just fresh coconut juice or lemon juice with honey.

In addition, prepare the same dinner for the gentleman in the room next to mine, and have the delivery person feed him.

Finally, bring enough fresh meat and fish to feed my pet."

With that, Zuo Si directly took out a gold coin and handed it to the other party before heading straight to his specially reserved window seat.

Seeing the golden light emanating from the coin in his hand and feeling its weight, heavier than any metal of the same volume, the innkeeper's face lit up with joy.

He bellowed at his employees to hurry up.

Especially the kitchen, even if they had to put down their current work, they absolutely had to prepare and serve the food Zuo Si ordered within fifteen minutes.

As for the poor wretches who could only afford the cheap set meals for two copper coins and watered-down beer for one copper coin a cup, they could wait.

After all, the innkeeper knew very well who to prioritize: guests who spent three to five copper coins per meal versus guests who spent a gold coin per meal.

Soon, amidst the surprised, envious, and jealous gazes of others, several large plates of enticingly fragrant food were served.

Especially the oysters, pan-fried with garlic, ginger, and spices, which made those who had never tasted spices practically salivate.

Furthermore, with Zuo Si appearing to be only about ten years old, some people even entertained the thought of robbing him.

However, they were soon forced to regain their senses.

This was because the soldier had half-drawn the cold, gleaming short sword at his waist and swept his sharp gaze across the hall.

"Damn it! Which noble or rich merchant's young master is this? He even brought guards with him when he goes out."

A middle-aged man with a full beard and a brutish face muttered under his breath.

A man next to him, who looked equally ugly, rolled his eyes sarcastically and said, "You thinking of pulling a job?

Don't even dream about it!

Rumor has it that a few days ago, many people saw this boy enter this inn with Leader Epke, and they even had a meal together.

I can guarantee that if you try to rob him.

Whether you succeed or not, your corpse will be hanging on the wall to dry within a few hours."

"Exactly! Be careful you don't live to earn money but die before you can spend it."

Another younger man nodded in agreement.

Making a living in Caledon, it was common knowledge not to provoke the Thieves' Guild.

Except for that time the Dark Elf ranger, Drizzt Do'Urden, led a few powerful companions to successfully defeat a Thieves' Guild, no one else has ever been able to provoke the Thieves' Guild and leave safely.

A few months ago, a Paladin of the God of Justice clashed with a Thieves' Guild to save a child who was forced into slavery due to unpaid debts.

As a result, just three days later, the Paladin's corpse was found in the sewers.

This showed how powerful the Thieves' Guild had become in this city, so much so that even the temples were helpless against them.