The Overseas Islands, Port Nyanzaru.
A medium-sized merchant ship docked near the harbor. Sailors streamed off the deck in groups and swarmed toward the taverns in the Port District. These men spent their lives drifting at sea, and whenever they came ashore, they inevitably indulged in a little pleasure. Many spent their lifetime savings on tavern prostitutes. A few minutes after the sailors disembarked, a group of cloaked figures came down. The people responsible for covert surveillance in Port Nyanzaru's Port District observed them briefly, then quickly passed the information up the chain.
Port Nyanzaru had many rogues.
Yet theft rarely occurred in Port Nyanzaru, which was rather remarkable.
Occasionally, thieves from elsewhere would commit a crime in Port Nyanzaru, only to receive a visit from some "mysterious people" soon afterward. Each was then taught how to behave all over again. Some disappeared as a result, while others transformed into covert lookouts for Port Nyanzaru.
"They look like wizards."
"Report it to the higher-ups, so they don't blame us for inadequate surveillance if something happens!"
Port Nyanzaru was a free port, meaning anyone could come. There were virtually no restrictions, and no one checked every visitor's background and origins. Under such circumstances, a mixed crowd was inevitable, so Port Nyanzaru needed sufficiently powerful gray power to maintain order. However, that freedom extended only to the harbor. Once visitors left it and headed into the city proper, restrictions began to increase. This was to prevent outsiders from infiltrating Port Nyanzaru and causing Soren serious trouble.
Visits from wizards were nothing unusual.
The Northern Witches Council had recently established a branch in Port Nyanzaru, managed by a council member approaching legendary rank. The Overseas Islands had their own specialties, and spellcasting materials from marine creatures and mutated plants always attracted visiting wizards.