Mage Legend

"The danger outside?" Lynch's concern lay elsewhere: "Besides those idlers on the streets, is there any greater danger? Bob, if we're heading north to Yim (Lynch deliberately concealed the destination), how's the route?"

"Oh, sir, if you say you're going to Moon (the name for the Elf Kingdom in the Common Language), I would strongly advise against it. But if you're looking for a ship to Yim, then I'd say 'it's a piece of cake.' Many merchants striving to get rich come here, now fretting over how to recoup their costs. If someone can pay them some travel expenses, I think you'd be treated like a king."

"That's enough." Lynch thought for a moment, then handed another gemstone to Bob: "If there are gemstone merchants here, exchange it for more commonly used currency."

"Of course, sir, you can rest assured." Since there would be quite a "cut" in this transaction, Bob was naturally happy to oblige: "Would you like something to eat? Or maybe a tour of the rooms first?"

"That's at your discretion." But when Soka tugged at Lynch's sleeve and gestured toward the little tiger's head barely poking out of her arms, Lynch added, "Also, prepare some fresh raw meat."

It wouldn't do to let the white tiger, like on the ship, satisfy its hunger with just fish like a cat.

Since the new guests were neither demanding nor overly generous, Uncle Barrel Bob rarely moved his bulk to lead Lynch and his party to their room. When guests didn't speak, Bob wouldn't create unnecessary noise and walked quietly at the front. However, when he opened the highest door here, out of pride for the room, he couldn't help bragging: "Oh, gentlemen, here it is. Comfortable beds and the cleanest, softest sheets; here, pleasant dreams are your only uninvited guest. The little rope by the bedside is connected to my bell, a gentle pull, and Bob will be right here at your summoning, of course, this room's..."

Lynch waved his hand, these were secondary; what pleased him most was that the window faced the sea. Although there was no balcony, simply drawing back the curtains allowed one to gaze over the port's white sails and directly view the blue ocean. Soka and Zilvra stared at the sparkling water, paying no attention to anything else.

"Bob, I need some inconspicuous clothes." Lynch thought of his Elf Cloak and added: "At least one plain white robe."

"Of course, of course. Everything will be accommodated." Bob said: "The meal will be up shortly, and it will be exquisite food. As the guests' dining habits aren't clear, our kitchen remains on standby all day. After eating, you can find some 'fun' in the hall or go to bed for rest." Uncle Barrel rubbed his hands, standing at the door, saying: "If you want to relax, everyone would warmly welcome you. Few humans from Moon's inland come here. I mean, everyone's eager to hear some exciting stories."

Lynch fixed his gaze on Uncle Barrel, his eyes suddenly becoming purely black, a piercing look that scrutinized the innkeeper thoroughly. Bob hesitated momentarily, then nodded: "I remember now, absolute quiet." He hurriedly stepped back, closing the door as he said: "Enjoy yourselves."

Lynch shook his head, inwardly mocking his own excessive caution. For a mage traveling outside, sudden enthusiasm, unless from familiar friends, always arouses suspicion. Though Lynch believed Bob had no ill intent, habit compelled the above action.

"I really want to get on a big ship soon." Soka dragged out the word "big" and then, holding the white tiger, sat on a chair waiting for the meal. "Lynch brother, have you been on a big ship before?"

"Yes, it was one of my ways of traveling." Lynch smiled and replied: "Especially when I was just a little apprentice."

"Is it fun to ride a ship?"

"It's alright." Lynch said: "But I encountered danger too, once a giant ferocious squid attacked our ship, and my arm was injured." He rolled up his left sleeve only to see the refined gold prosthetic.

"Oh, I forgot, that arm is gone now." Since mastering the special ability of using the 'left hand,' this prosthetic had been integrating more seamlessly. Sometimes, Lynch even felt the touch of an uninjured arm. The once heavy left hand now felt much lighter.

"Lynch, there's a fight outside." Zilvra said calmly: "They've already tangled into a brawl. Their skills are really poor. However, a few elves have already rushed over."

At this point, Lynch only shrugged his shoulders as a nonchalant response.

As Bob said, the exquisite dinner fully satisfied everyone's needs. Hot meat soup, caviar cold platters, and blackberry pie, along with a few fresh loaves of bread, a pat of butter, a wheel of cheese, accompanied by fine wine, were all very authentic in taste. Even the little white tiger enjoyed delicious slightly cooked beef, no longer appearing sickly. As they were almost finished, fresh fruits still glistening with water droplets and neatly stacked clothing were delivered. Lynch and Zilvra didn't have any fruits; having thoroughly enjoyed the previous dishes, they noticed Soka's eyes sparkling with reflections of the fruits.

"Zilvra, it's time for you to upgrade your gear too." Lynch checked his new robe, which fit perfectly: "I think there should be places here selling human weapons."

"That would be best." Zilvra changed into new clothes, ready to go out together: "Anyway, with a mage here, I trust you can enhance ordinary weapons."

"That depends on the quality of the weapons." Lynch replied: "But those bold enough to showcase their skills in the Elf Kingdom can't be too bad. While there's still time, let's take care of the other matters too."

"Lynch brother, can we go to the seaside now?" Soka asked.

"See if there's enough time." The mage patted the angel on the head: "In a few days, we'll be sailing on the sea, no need to rush. Also, take the little tiger along and see what you both might need."

Since the clothes had been delivered, finding a guide, a relatively simple task, should have been completed too. However, when Lynch opened the room door, only Uncle Barrel Bob stood waiting by the stairs.

"Guests, was the food here to your liking?" He rubbed his hands and said: "I thought about it, the best guide available nearby wouldn't be as familiar with this place as I am. So, sir, where would you like to go?"

Although Uncle Barrel's bulk seemed cumbersome and not suitable for quick movement, Lynch and his group were in no hurry, so they didn't mind this either. "Let's go to the weapon shop first." Lynch said: "I hope the goods from the north still maintain their usual quality."

"Alright, I already have just the right place in mind." Bob said jokingly: "Follow me. I believe, looking at my waist, you'll know this is the easiest and lightest task."