Ordinary Gandalf

Kerry watched Gandalf emerge from the woods, surprised that someone was actually hiding there. Frank, the expert, had been right.

Kerry didn't know who this person was or why he was hiding in the woods.

Knowing that his level 1 strength wasn't enough for many situations, Kerry quietly moved towards Frank's position.

Gandalf paid no mind to Kerry's subtle movements. Instead, he approached Frank openly, reeking of alcohol. This caused Gandalf to frown slightly as he spoke, "Hello, I am Gandalf. May I ask who you are, sir?"

"I wouldn't dare claim divinity. I am Frank, and I currently work for Baron Kerry." After speaking, he gestured to the person beside him, indicating that he was the Baron.

In Frank's view, this tall but seemingly frail fellow was poorly dressed. He assumed he was a commoner. Seeing that Frank was older than the young master, he likely thought Frank was in charge and thus addressed him first.

Gandalf found it strange. Someone who could detect his hidden presence shouldn't be below level 5, yet there was no fluctuation in his power. Could he have reached level 8 or higher, achieving true mastery?

Although Gandalf was injured and his strength was greatly diminished, he was still a wise mage. When doubt arose in his mind, he wouldn't rely solely on conjecture. Even against an 8th-level warrior or mage, Gandalf had ways to test them.

"Oh, really? You are the Baron? Is this Griffon your magical beast?" Gandalf turned and spoke to Kerry.

However, this was no ordinary conversation. Gandalf employed a special technique. His eyes were exceptionally bright at this moment, and Kerry stared blankly, his mind a complete blank, unable to respond to Gandalf's words.

If Frank were a master of level 8 or higher who had achieved true mastery, Gandalf's minor trick would easily be detected and interrupted.

In that case, Gandalf would have a plausible excuse, claiming his magic was somewhat out of control due to severe injuries. Most high-level masters above level 8 wouldn't bother with such trivial matters, as they would have a reputation to uphold and wouldn't want to bully someone weaker than them over a small issue.

However, Gandalf noticed that Frank had absolutely no reaction. This left only two possible explanations: either this master was too powerful and saw through the minor trick, deeming it beneath him to act, or this fellow was just an ordinary person.

"It seems the Baron doesn't wish to speak with me." Gandalf hardened his resolve, his bright eyes unwavering, and looked at Frank again.

What frustrated Gandalf was that Frank, just like Kerry, stared at him blankly. This was a clear sign of being ensnared.

Damn it, this old drunkard is just an ordinary person. If my old comrades found out I was tricked by a commoner, they'd probably laugh me to death.

"No, I was just a bit distracted. Gandalf sounds like a mage's name. We had someone called Gandalf back home, a great mage. Why were you hiding in the woods?" Kerry regained his clarity after breaking eye contact with Gandalf, as it was merely a minor trick from a mage.

Standing beside the expert Frank, Kerry felt no fear of this stranger who had suddenly appeared. He questioned Gandalf directly.

Had this young noble heard of the wandering mage Gandalf's great name before?

He hadn't expected his name, which was active in the two great human empires, to have spread to such a remote place. However, judging by the young man's expression, he didn't seem to recognize him.

At this moment, Gandalf had a sudden flash of inspiration, coming up with a brilliant idea. He had heard almost all of Kerry and Frank's conversation just now.

The Lord of South Australia Island was having his trade blockaded by the Lord of Little Nose Bay Port City. South Australia Island was now virtually isolated, at least from the mainland.

He and Emma were being pursued, and hiding on South Australia Island was perfect.

The crucial point was that the Lord's Griffon was sick, and Gandalf was very knowledgeable about Griffons. As a powerful wandering mage, he was knowledgeable about many magical beasts. The Lord's need for a veterinarian and caretaker was a perfect cover for him to hide his identity.

So, Gandalf blurted out, "Respected Baron, I followed you after seeing a Griffon in the sky in the city. You see, I used to raise Griffons for nobles, but my previous employer went bankrupt, and I've been wandering ever since. Seeing the Griffon, I thought there might be work here."

Gandalf answered Kerry's question, framing his lurking and spying as an attempt to find work.

"Is that so?" Kerry carefully observed the old man before him. Although his clothes were clean, they were slightly worn. His tall frame seemed to lack strength. Comparing it to his own biceps, Kerry concluded that this fellow was an ordinary person.

"Alright, you're hired. How much monthly compensation do you think is appropriate?" Kerry was in a hurry. The Queen looked very unwell, and he hoped she wouldn't pass away before a veterinarian could be found.

"That depends on your generosity, my lord." Gandalf walked up to the Queen, examined its mouth, sniffed it, then grabbed the Queen's front paw and began to knead it. Before long, the Queen felt much better and even stood up.

Gandalf stroked the Queen's greatly distended belly, massaging it as he said, "Baron, this Griffon's condition is very strange. It looks like it's pregnant, but its belly has never been this large before. It's also possible it's been cursed. I can't determine its illness yet."

Seeing that the Queen could stand up after just a few kneads, Kerry cast aside his remaining doubts. This was a veterinarian with real skills, and he deserved proper compensation and respect.

"One Gold Coin per month." One Gold Coin was a rare high salary for the working class in the Raynor Kingdom. Kerry believed he was being very generous to his employees.

"Thank you very much. Gandalf is now at your service, my Baron." Gandalf bowed slightly, speaking flattering words, but inwardly he was contemptuous.

For a master like himself, a reward of one Gold Coin would be calculated by the hour. But then again, he wasn't here for the money; he just needed to hide on South Australia Island for a while.

"My lord, I also have a little granddaughter. I hope you will allow me to keep her with me." Since the compensation had been discussed, he might as well mention benefits. He'd work for the landowner with his family, as long as lodging was provided.

"Of course, that's no problem. Do you have any other needs?" Kerry didn't bother with such minor issues. As long as his subordinates were capable, they could voice any requests.

"I have one more small request. I hope you can prepare some herbs for this Griffon, otherwise, judging by its appearance, it won't be able to move." Gandalf quickly settled into his role, preparing for the Queen's treatment.

"I have a question too," Frank suddenly said.

Kerry was naturally eager to respond to Frank's question. "What is it?"

"With the Griffon, we won't be able to find a ship to take us back," Frank said, scratching his head with a troubled expression.