The So-Called Mage

The whole structure stood tall before them, a plain, gray stone tower exuding an air of weathered antiquity. A large area around the tower was separated by a surrounding wall, presenting two distinct scenes inside and out.

It was a special place completely independent from the city proper.

Once the carriage passed through the wall's gate, the clamor of the bustling market outside vanished in an instant, replaced by the chirping of birds and the fragrance of flowers within, the very air feeling exceptionally fresh.

"Phew, I'm still used to the air here. The air outside is so filthy, all thanks to those mining merchants."

After entering the walled area, Ian seemed to let out a sigh of relief as he spoke. In contrast, Xuan Ye, facing this phenomenon for the first time, was extremely curious. He kept staring at the wall's perimeter, his eyes flickering.

With his Perception Core condensed and reinforced by five Talent Runes, even without activating his Eyes of Lawbreaking, Xuan Ye could see a faint, warping ripple spreading along the wall as a boundary, with the Mage Tower as its core, enveloping the entire area.

A barrier...

As expected of a Six-Star Mage at the Occupational Peak. Since it could easily isolate sound and purify the air, it likely possessed considerable defensive capabilities when necessary.

"Heh heh, Teacher Roland is among the top tier of full-fledged mages. This Magic Tower has taken him years of effort, and his specialties are puppetry and barriers."

Seeing Xuan Ye's awestruck expression, Ian stood beside him and explained with a smile, his eyes filled with pride. In Stanrosai City, Roland was undeniably the strongest expert! Relying on his Mage Tower, he could even defend himself if a Professional Rank big shot came to cause trouble!

After observing the invisible barrier and forcibly storing all recordable parameters into his Database, Xuan Ye turned his head to admire the scenery inside.

On the lush green lawn stood a few simple wooden cabins, the only buildings besides the Mage Tower. These were likely the usual residences of apprentices like Ian.

However, something slightly comical and amusing caught his eye. On a signpost just inside the entrance, besides the word 'Welcome,' a large patch of crooked, scrawled charcoal writing was plastered below it.

'Stanrose Mage Guild' 'Stanrose Alchemy Guild' 'Stanrose Alchemist Guild' 'Stanrose Rune Guild'...

It seemed every guild related to mages had hung up a sign here.

"I didn't expect Master Roland to be so erudite and versatile."

Xuan Ye clicked his tongue in wonder, then turned back to Ian and said teasingly. He knew full well that a mage's limited energy was mostly focused on one or two specialties. For others, a general understanding was enough; Roland was certainly no exception.

These guild titles were probably only hung here because Roland was the only full-fledged mage in Stanrosai, forcing him to 'moonlight' in these positions.

"It's not entirely wrong, you know. With Teacher's level, he can handle all apprentice-level specialties quite well. If a promising talent in another field appears, he can directly recommend them to a suitable branch city. Several junior apprentices have received such recommendations."

Ian gave a slightly embarrassed laugh before speaking. Well, to be honest, that sign was a spur-of-the-moment project by a few of them apprentices.

"Master Roland's abilities are indeed beyond doubt. Just the environment he's created here is extremely suitable for meditation."

Xuan Ye rarely restrained his sharp tongue and didn't keep poking fun. Instead, he voiced his sincere admiration. Well, his previous meditation sessions had been either at night on the road or in a stuffy stone cave—nothing compared to a place like this.

"Of course. Away from this environment, I can only maintain at most seventy percent of my meditation efficiency. Hey, we're here. This is my magic cabin."

As he spoke, Ian led Xuan Ye to a small cabin. After muttering a low incantation, the cabin door swung open automatically.

Following him inside, Xuan Ye had just stepped through the door when he suddenly sensed something and glanced to the side. A skeleton with hollow eye sockets was staring blankly at him, giving him a fright.

"What the hell is that?!"

Xuan Ye barely restrained the urge to throw a punch, forcing himself to speak calmly. He couldn't afford to do anything violent in his current identity.

"Haha, this is my proudest treasure. Pretty good, huh?"

Seeing Xuan Ye startled, Ian seemed delighted and proud. He snapped his fingers, and the skeleton, which had been standing like a coat rack, suddenly moved. It mechanically brewed two cups of milk tea for them.

"Necromancy? Hmm, not quite. A puppet? No, that's not it either."

Quietly observing, Xuan Ye continuously compared it to the knowledge he had acquired but couldn't fully identify it. It resembled both, yet neither.

"It's a puppet, but my style is a bit different from Teacher's. Teacher studies and researches the undead to incorporate their strengths, with his main core being his own puppetry combined with engineering constructs. I, however, plan to major in necromancy, using puppets as auxiliary tools to strengthen the undead."

Ian said with great pride. Having been constantly overshadowed by this younger apprentice, he could finally hold his head high.

"This is my pride. Don't let its clumsy tea-making fool you. If I keep it by my side, I can guarantee a clean getaway even against an ordinary Professional Rank Expert."

Observing the stiff skeleton, Xuan Ye's expression shifted slightly as he sensed the truth in Ian's words. The skeleton's bones had a faint metallic sheen, and its joints were wrapped in pale red fascia.

Though it looked fragile, it radiated a sense of power from within. Its explosive potential was considerable and not to be underestimated.

Indeed, even a Magic Apprentice should not be underestimated. An apprentice lacking spell triggers and reactive abilities, if they had such a tireless bodyguard by their side, could greatly enhance their safety. The sight made him envious.

"You're not following your teacher's path? For your First Star Palace, are you choosing Light? Or Darkness?"

Casting a covetous glance at the dull skeleton, Xuan Ye asked curiously. After all, his teacher wasn't a necromancy specialist.

"My goal is the Dark Star Palace. I know my own talent well. Though Light corrupted into Darkness best suits necromantic magic, my talent simply doesn't allow me to do so."

Ian took a gentle sip of his milk tea, his expression calm, before speaking with a hint of longing.

"On the very first day of teaching, Teacher said that a mage who cannot forge their own path or innovate is merely a Spellcaster, not a true mage..."

This statement left Xuan Ye, who had only ever read books and never received systematic instruction, momentarily stunned.

So this is a mage? This is what a mage is!

I was asked for two or three chapters today... so there's only this one chapter for now. But I did write two chapters; they'll be released around mid-September.

Also, thanks to Cangxing Shenyu and Tianxing Chu for the tips.