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"Mage—" Elufiel had barely begun when the silent mage immediately cut her off. "You mean you found traces of an evil mage? Perhaps we should find somewhere more private to talk. Innkeeper, get us a private room."

"Yes, we can't discuss this in the main hall. Those Arcane practitioners always have their underhanded tricks. I have private rooms with excellent soundproofing. Please follow me." Paul led them deeper into the inn and opened a room with a heavy door.

The mage took out a silver coin and handed it to Paul, then entered the so-called "soundproof room" with the elf.

Elufiel had worn a strange expression ever since the mage began speaking. Once only the two of them remained in the private room, she could not help asking, "An evil mage?"

The mage did not answer immediately. Instead, he took a white crystal from his pack and placed it on the table in the room. A pale blue magic circle activated, and the fluctuations of magical power made Elufiel frown.

Fortunately, she had barely managed to sate herself once just now. Her magic addiction should not be triggered.

Only after the magic circle was functioning smoothly did the mage turn to the elf. Wisdom lay deep in his azure eyes, formed through accumulated knowledge and rich experience. It should have been one of his attractive qualities, but Elufiel was simply far too old. Even if it did not show in her appearance, even if her personality still retained some childlike innocence and liveliness, the mage was still merely a young human to her.

Well, this human was somewhat special, because of her magic addiction. They had once shared intimate contact. But that was all.

"I once encountered someone in the Sith Duchy. He knew nothing of the continent's circumstances, yet arrogantly believed himself to be the protagonist of some story. He openly used magic in a city, then was surrounded and killed by the Holy See's Paladins. According to the investigation conducted in the San Lorenzo Mountains, where he first appeared, he used a lost form of spatial-temporal magic. He came from a world beyond Kanado. And you, elf—may I boldly guess that you also came from another world?"

"If I said yes, would you kill me, Mage?" Elufiel looked at the young mage, trying to read something from his face.

Yet the mage's expression was like the snow that covered Northrend all year round. Even those azure eyes were cold as solid ice.

He said, "I am not a bloodthirsty butcher, and I have no intention of killing an ignorant, bewildered creature. As you can see, Arcane practitioners are considered evil on this continent. Any combatant affiliated with the Holy See, or even followers of other gods of light, has the right to kill an Arcane practitioner on sight or report one to the nearest diocese. You are an elf who uses divine magic, which is rare, while I am an evil Arcane practitioner. So, will you fight me for justice?"

"..." The mage did not speak the common tongue quickly, and there was a faint laziness in his tone. Yet Elufiel could not quickly understand that long string of sentences. Though the languages sounded similar and they could communicate simply, the linguistic systems of the two continents were ultimately different. "I'm sorry, Mage, but I think I need some language instruction."

The mage also realized that their communication relied on picking out key words and guessing from the surrounding sentences. It was not difficult to understand; the world the elf had once lived in and Kanado had different languages. Deep in his heart, the mage suddenly felt a strange flutter. He thought he had found a way to keep this elf full of secrets by his side.

"If you are willing to travel with an Arcane practitioner, I can serve as your language instructor."

The mage's invitation surprised Elufiel slightly. After all, their first meeting had not been pleasant—one could even call it terrible. "Why would you be willing to take along a foreign race you've had an unpleasant experience with?" she asked directly.

The mage fiddled with the white crystal on the table. Elufiel noticed that he had long, beautiful hands.

"You can regard it as a person thirsty for knowledge wishing to understand the culture of another world. After all, for an Arcane practitioner, the pursuit of truth never ends."

"Yes, that's right." Elufiel nodded. "Mages always possess a vigorous thirst for knowledge. They can search through hundreds of books for a strange spell, or conduct tens of thousands of experiments for a single theory. They are a group of mad yet wise people."

"That sounds like praise." The mage watched the faint upward curve of the elf's lips as she spoke. What had made her smile so sincerely?

"Of course." Elufiel said, "Have you heard this saying? There's nothing a mage can't solve. If there is, then use two."

"Your world is very... interesting," the mage said.

Elufiel lowered her eyes. "Yes, it is a dangerous and interesting world. Mage, I am willing to travel with you, until I fully understand this world. My name is Elufiel. You may call me Elur." When she lifted her eyes again, the mage seemed to see the brilliance of gemstones shining within them.

"I am Odovish Snow, an Arcane practitioner." Odovish gave Elufiel a slight bow, offering the courtesy exchanged between spellcasters. "As your guide, I will teach you the rules of Kanado. The first, and most important rule: Arcane practitioners are evil. Never reveal any admiration or affection for Arcane practitioners. Not even sympathy. But do not worry. You are a user of divine magic, a profession respected in Kanado."

In order to make sure Elufiel understood him, Odovish spoke deliberately slowly, pausing between every sentence. He even substituted and explained some words. Elufiel felt that, setting aside that accident, he was a good guide.

"May I ask why? In my understanding, Arcane practitioners are the most learned scholars among mages. And users of divine magic, if that simply refers to spellcasters like me, then I am merely a priest, am I not?" Elufiel asked in confusion.