Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Lynn was only stunned for a second before he hurriedly closed the door and jumped into the carriage.

He hung his long cloak on the walnut wood, branch-shaped coat rack at the entryway and slowly walked into the living room of about 50 square meters, decorated in a distinct elf style, and sat down on the white sofa.

He glanced at the large living room and small dining room, separated by a silver-green and silver-black arc-shaped hollowed-out bookcase.

The dining room had only a small square table and neat sofa chairs; beneath the pale green curtains was a transparent white crystal window.

The living room was larger, with all areas except the two windows and two small doors at the rear filled with cabinets.

"What would you like to drink?" asked Hill, sitting across from him and fiddling with a gently glowing crystal ball, "The two cabinets behind you are for food; they can keep things fresh and warm, so if there's anything you want to eat, go ahead and choose.

Then take a look to see if the route I've set is feasible. Although I set it according to the latest map, I'm not sure if there have been any changes this year."

Lynn sighed, stood up decisively, and sat next to Hill; it was best to find the route and set off quickly!

He was genuinely worried that if someone irresistible came to talk to him, would he go out on his own, or go out on his own?

Lynn admired the three-dimensional map materializing in the crystal ball, marveling once again at the power of mages; it was no wonder Hill could appear directly in Quel'var Town, as he had such a detailed Alchemy Map.

Lynn carefully reviewed the route designed by Hill and advised him to avoid several roads: "These roads are no longer suitable; the forests nearby will be a bit warmer. Some robber gangs, formed by Goblins and Lizardfolk, like to settle there in the winter."

Hill hesitated, "Shouldn't that be something we can get around? Are there perhaps tens of thousands of Professionals?"

Lynn gave the bold-speaking mage a look; indeed, a person with group attack spells is always so confident in their speech!

He couldn't help but feel sour inside; a mage, it seemed, as long as they had money, they were the boss!

Hughes was a different story; to get him to use a spell, you'd have to reimburse the material costs.

"Their numbers aren't actually that high; many High-level Professionals could eliminate more than half of them.

But exterminating them entirely is difficult. In any case, now they generally bother merchant caravans and dare not kill easily.

As long as no one dies, it won't provoke a concerted campaign by High-level Professionals, as the robbers of The North are all accounted for.

Besides, trading caravans typically employ Adventurers. If someone doesn't even want to spend that money, it's more likely they were going to deliver goods there anyway.

In spring, it's essential to provide a way for Adventurers to make money for their families, especially those of lower level; they rely entirely on this bounty for exterminating bandits to get through the spring."

Hill nodded, though he found it somewhat incomprehensible, but this was the path people of the Ferun Great Land had long discovered.

In his ignorance of the situation, he would not rashly change these strange customs.

Altering the route according to Lynn's advice, Hill's carriage set off smoothly.

"Are there rooms behind those two doors?" Lynn couldn't help but ask.

"Two small bedrooms with washrooms, each only 15 square meters," Hill replied, looking up at Lynn, "If you're tired, you can go take a nap. The one on the right is yours."

Lynn forced a stiff smile, "And this is your 'ordinary' carriage?"

Hill responded nonchalantly, "This kind of space expansion spell can be used by Level 12 Mages."

"Setting aside how many mages can learn this spell," Lynn said helplessly, "just the cost of the materials, Hill, how many people would spend on a carriage that's not used much?"

Mages, mostly staying at home, would rarely go out and when they do, they'd typically fly; who would specially build such an expensive carriage?

Hill laughed, "I have channels to get these materials cheaply. Thinking of going out, I used them myself."

"Well, you can afford to keep it safe yourself," Lynn thought and then felt relieved, "Actually, you being a High-level Mage, these things don't matter much, unlike me, who daren't even touch nice stuff.

Just be careful not to be fleeced by some merchants; take a bit more care and learn about the market prices of various items at the academy.

Some business associations in Silvermoon City are subordinates of Ancient Dragons, and they love to buy low and sell high. If anyone gets conned and they're unwilling to let it be, they'll invite a Giant Dragon to discuss what 'sold goods are not refundable' means."

Hill couldn't help but laugh; he always felt that Lynn seemed to have fallen into quite a few traps. Every time Lynn talked about these matters, with that resentful tone, it made Hill realize exactly who this 'someone' was.

The carriage was fast; after Lynn patiently explained the current major powers of Silvermoon City to Hill, they arrived near Silvermoon City.

This area should also be within the range of Silvermoon City's Puzzle Lock. Within the surrounding farm castles, although there was snow, it was just a thin layer.

In fact, in some places where the snow was cleared more diligently, there was hardly any snow to be seen.

Hill slowed the carriage down as there were already pedestrians on the road.

Lynn came over to check the map again, "At this speed, in 10 minutes, we will arrive at the city gate.

We're entering the south of the city where the university, parks and library are located. We'll stop at the gate; we have to apply for a mark, or else, inside Silvermoon City, you won't be able to use spells beyond the 0 level."

Hill gently retracted his hand, he almost used it.

The mysterious locks of the Toril World, most of which were created by the God of Mysterious Lock, Mystrian, before his fall, had no restrictions for Hill, who possessed the Mystery Rein Ring.

Soon they reached the city gate, and Hill got off the carriage following Lynn.

He looked up at the white stone wall in front of him, which, despite its tall and thick appearance, did not seem very sturdy.

Unable to resist, Hill touched it, then quietly summoned a breeze to blow away the fine dust on his hand, thankful that the large carriage provided some cover from prying eyes.

A few steps away, Hill put away the carriage.

As if nothing had happened, he followed Lynn towards the city gate.

As he entered, a faint glow slid over him, and he heard an elegant and gentle female voice, "Welcome to Silvermoon City, powerful mage sir. Please refrain from tampering with Silvermoon City's Puzzle Locks. If nothing unexpected arises, please be mindful of the type of spells you use and the strength you exert."

Hill walked in without changing his expression.

Lynn, who was standing in front of a two-story building on the right and was about to call him over, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in surprise.

A necklace with a silver shield the size of a fingernail had appeared around Hill's neck.

Lynn walked back over, "Your elder seems to be of no low status! This is the highest insignia an outsider can receive!"

He didn't ask further, for Elves never inquire about the family origins of a young traveler.

Otherwise, some children would have no need to travel at all.

As for Elaströ giving out the Diamond Mark, it was quite normal, as he's always masterful in his dealings and would never let a haughty Half-Elf High-level Mage be subjected to common inquiry.

Lynn had planned to use his status as Sheriff of Quel'var Town to vouch for Hill, but he worried about Hill getting angry if they encountered someone particularly pedantic who scrutinized them too much.

Don't think that just because Hill clearly appears to be a Kind Alignment Nature Mage that he would be easily let off; rather, some fools might target him to demonstrate their own 'unyielding valor'.

Hill, holding the shiny small shield on his neck, casually picked it up to look at.

If it weren't for that lady's greeting, the necklace wouldn't have been so easily hung around his neck.

Hill was now sure that even in the Ferun, where magical power is extremely strong, he was not weak.

The power hierarchy of Elaströ did not make him feel threatened.

Hill also didn't believe Elaströ could sense his arrival, as long as he had the Mystery Rein Ring, the Puzzle Locks would not send her any alerts.

It seems the Goddess of Magic truly dotes on her Chosen.

Lynn motioned Hill to follow, "I've already rented out my house in Silvermoon City; I can't host you. We'll have to stay at an inn."

"Where is the auction being held?" Hill asked curiously.

"On the North Shore." As they walked, Lynn took his necklace out over his clothes; his pendant was a silver unicorn.

"It's best to keep your necklace visible," Lynn explained, "It will save you from a lot of trouble. Nobody will dare to offend a Professional bearing the Silvermoon City insignia, not even the most reckless."

Hill nodded in understanding, unarmed against legalized firearms, everyone knows what to do.

Hill was taken aback for a moment, as he realized why Elaströ had given him such a high-level mark.

This wasn't just to make it less conspicuous when Hill took action; it was also a warning to the people of Silvermoon City that this was a very powerful mage, best not to provoke him.

Hill laughed it off indifferently, sure that Lynn wouldn't have to worry about his college life anymore.

Indeed, Lynn was no longer concerned, but he was fairly certain that Hill's level was definitely above 17, and that he had a powerful background.

Lynn thought about Hill's origins for a while, then let go of the speculation.

For Elves who could fabricate stories about Coron as they pleased, the importance of identity and status wasn't so significant.

Hill followed Lynn, curiously looking at the beautiful stone city.

The stone buildings nestled among the big trees flowed with natural curves, all covered with transparent glass either sapphire-blue or fresh green on the outside.

Everywhere there were balconies and spiral staircases, with window sills, railings, and columns decorated with pretty flowerpot arrangements.

When they reached the riverbank, Hill could already hear the melodious music, harp and flute sounds intertwining, the passersby casually listening with relaxed expressions.

Silvermoon City was indeed a fortunate and contented city.