The Bizarre Wizarding World

At dusk, the setting sun sank in the west.

Colin's residence.

"In two days, I'll be entrusting everything to you, Lord Welber," Colin said as he stood up and courteously saw Welber to the door.

"No problem, even if you're gone for half a month, or even... two or three months, there won't be any issues. I'll arrange everything regarding the guard duty," Welber said with confidence, patting his chest.

Colin nodded slightly, feeling somewhat relieved, and watched as Welber left.

"Going away for half a month?" Shelley inquired from the side.

"Roughly, it could be longer or shorter," Colin replied.

"Do you need any help?" Shelley asked again.

"No need," Colin shook his head, then after thinking added, "Not for now."

As an Intermediate Second Rank Wizard and an Advanced First Rank Knight, he expected that his quest to find Onions and investigate the Giant Mountain Breathing Method would likely go smoothly without any unexpected issues.

"Mm," Shelley stroked her hair beside her ear and naturally stood up.

Understanding his intention, they both walked towards the garden.

The setting sun cast a glimmering golden glow over the garden, cloaking the dazzling flowers, lush shrubs, and fruit trees in a hazy veil, as if walking in a dream.

After circling the garden, Colin asked, "Still not having dinner today?"

"Mm," Shelley nodded.

It had been almost a week now that Shelley hadn't stayed for dinner, seeming to be quite busy.

Hesitating for a moment, Colin inquired, "Recently... has the Chasai Commerce faced any troubles?"

Shelley turned her head, her delicate face seemingly expressionless, but Colin could read slight nuances in it.

— Shelley was surprised.

Over the past year, they had maintained an understanding, never discussing the affairs of the Chasai Commerce or, indeed, any of their own matters.

For Shelley, it was the Chasai Commerce, the Truth Society... For Colin, it was his hidden strength, the reasons for his departure, and so on.

"I spoke out of turn."

Shelley shook her head, "Everything in the commerce is normal right now. Should I need assistance, I'll tell you."

"Mm," Colin smiled and changed the subject.

The next day.

Dawn was just breaking.

Intuo City, the Wood Family.

The cool morning light streamed through the windows as Onions was putting on his heavy full-body armor.

"Onions, hurry to the Council Hall, the elders are looking for you!"

A clan member suddenly knocked noisily on his door, calling out loudly.

Onions' brow furrowed slightly as he secured his silver helmet onto his head, his right hand unconsciously reaching to the side—only to grasp at air.

"Quickly, Onions!"

Underneath the helmet, a complex emotion flitted across Onions' eyes, a touch of loss within. He retracted his arm and briskly stepped out the door.

"Nelli, why are the elders asking for me?"

"I'm not sure about the specifics, but it seems that a Wizard has arrived," the young clan member, Nelli, said.

A Wizard... Onions' steps involuntarily paused as a suspicion arose in his heart.

"Which Wizard, Lord Elthrop from the city?"

He quickly followed Nelli.

"I don't know, but it seems not to be a wizard from within the city, but one from outside," Nelli spoke, "The elders calling for you must have something to do with that wizard. Does anything come to mind?"

"...I don't know," Onions admitted, feeling a mix of anticipation, but even more, a sentiment of shame and resistance; he was somewhat afraid to face Colin again—especially right after losing his spear.

But he took a deep breath, the gaze beneath his helm refocusing with resolve, and he kept moving forward.

As a true Knight, he never lacked responsibility and courage.

The Council Hall was located in the center of the family complex, a place used for discussing major family matters or to receive distinguished guests.

As one of the big families in Intuo City, the Wood Family's estate was no small feat. It took about five minutes before Onions reached the Council Hall.

The doors to the Council Hall were open, and before even entering, Onions saw that familiar wizard's figure from the doorway.

The elders were sitting in front of him, engaging in respectful conversation.

Not daring to delay, Onions took a deep breath, knocked on the door, and walked in.

"Your Excellency, Onions has arrived," said an elder with a long white beard, smiling, then adding, "His practice of the Giant Mountain Breathing Method is indeed commendable, but when it comes to strength, our family's Orkot is even better."

"They had a duel not long ago, and Orkot was the decisive victor."

"Hmm," Colin lifted an eyebrow, noncommittally acknowledging the statement.

"Onions, aren't you going to greet the lord?" the elder called.

"Good morning, Lord Colin," Onions greeted, giving him a knightly salute.

"There's no need for such formality," Colin said with a slight smile.

This particularly tall knight before him had made a good impression previously.

"Where's your spear?" Colin asked curiously, appearing to notice something.

Onions lowered his head, his face a mix of shame and awkwardness.

Just as he was about to speak.

Knock, knock, knock.

A new set of knocks resounded.

Colin turned to look as a very tall Knight, only a few centimeters shorter than Onions, walked in.

Unlike Onions, whose armor was conventional silver full-body armor, the newly arrived Knight wore a finely crafted yet practical set of black full-body armor. Both its materials and workmanship clearly surpassed the quality of the silver armor adorning Onions.