A Welcome

Over the next few days, Green lived in comfort. The lord of Black Stone City had heard the news and brought him the finest food to avoid displeasing him. He also forbade anyone from disturbing him.

Green was happy to have the peace and quiet. He spent his time refining his Curse Sorcery.

When the soldier who had stopped Green at the city gate heard the news, he broke out in a cold sweat. People around him even kept their distance because of it. Fortunately, nothing happened, and his heart finally settled.

On the third day, Green set out again in his carriage. Wizards were powerful sources of radiation. Even apprentices could not remain in one place for long without causing irreversible harm to ordinary people.

Hooves clattered along the forest path. Green sat in the carriage with his eyes half-closed, looking drowsy. He had been traveling for over a month and was almost at his destination. He gazed ahead, and an immense gray mountain range came into view.

"Is that Darknight Forest? It really is just as the mission described. The whole forest is gray and dim!" Darknight Forest was said to have been changed by radiation released during a battle between Second-Level Wizards. The entire forest had undergone unknown changes, and the occasional Demonic Beast was born there. None were particularly strong, but apprentices still had to be stationed there as a matter of routine.

Beside Darknight Forest stood a vast city. In a large building at its center, a middle-aged man in splendid white clothes trimmed with gold paced back and forth through a sitting room. Several armored guards stood there, along with a butler in a tailcoat and monocle.

"The newly assigned Wizard Apprentice from White House Academy will be here soon. How should we welcome