Ian reined in his aura and stepped into the mist-shrouded Gloomlight Forest.
The light beneath the trees was indeed dimmer than outside. The air was humid, and the concentration of free-floating magic was clearly higher than in Silver Creek Town, though it still fell short of the "Forge" camp, let alone the core territory of Shadowmoon Tower.
He followed the faint trace of a trampled path and gradually ventured deeper into the forest.
After walking for about half an hour, [Eye of Vigilance] detected energy fluctuations ahead, along with faint voices.
He slowed down and adjusted his expression, making himself look more like a travel-worn wandering apprentice than an intruder.
The mist ahead thinned slightly, revealing a small woodland clearing.
Dozens of crude wooden huts and tents stood around the edge of the clearing. A bonfire burned at its center, with more than a dozen men and women of varying ages and dress seated around it.
Most wore gray robes or dyed robes, and their auras ranged from low-level apprentices to high-level apprentices.
Ian's arrival immediately drew their attention.
Several wary, scrutinizing gazes swept over him, settling on his old wooden chest, his robes, and the aura of a high-level apprentice.
A middle-aged man who appeared to be the leader stood up. A scar ran across his face, and he too radiated the aura of a high-level apprentice, though it was somewhat unstable, lacking the solidity of battle-hardened people like Hank.
He sized Ian up. "New face? Where did you come from? What are you doing in Gloomlight Forest?"
His tone was not friendly, but he did not show outright hostility either.
Ian stopped at a relatively safe distance, nodded slightly, and replied in an even tone:
"My name is Ian. I'm a wandering potion master. I came from the