Gravity Mage with Level-Up System Chapter 1817: Part 1: Day out at the city

Crystal City

Several days went by.

I decided to venture out and discover the sights of Crystal City. I'd spent all my time cooped up in the shop until now. This morning, I let the team know before heading off.

Otto offered to join me. His skills could aid in picking up useful information, yet I turned him down. My plan was simply to wander the city by myself.

Exiting via the main entrance, I reached the spot where taxis waited. I went up to one of the operators and struck a deal with him.

I explained my desire to tour Crystal City. Upon spotting the figure in the mask, the operator showed clear astonishment. His eyes darted toward the entrance of the Crystal Community.

Putting the pieces together swiftly, he deduced that this masked individual might be Frank, the proprietor of the shop, famous for his face covering.

The driver consented. I climbed into the vehicle and settled into the rear seat.

Swoosh!

The vehicle pulled away. He navigated at a leisurely pace. Familiar with every spot, he knew all the hidden alleys and secret spots.

Choosing not to probe into the masked person's background—since he had already pieced it together—he avoided making shop owner Frank uneasy.

Minutes ticked by until we arrived at the initial destination.

This towering structure stood as the most ancient edifice in Crystal City. It marked the inaugural construction in the urban landscape.

"This represents the eldest structure in our urban area. Currently, numerous minor enterprises operate across its levels. If it suits you, I could guide you through it," remarked the mature driver.

My brows lifted in mild shock. It dawned on me that the experienced fellow had unraveled my true self, yet he refrained from pressing the issue. Grateful for his tact, I chose to welcome his assistance.

"Very well," I responded. Together, we alighted and proceeded into the structure.

The driver began pointing out the modest outlets on the ground level. Among them were vendors offering inferior herbs and elixirs.

A flicker of amazement crossed my features. As the richest hub, Crystal City ought to support access to superior goods. So, who would purchase these subpar items?

The driver perceived my confusion.

He explained, "Certain wizards possess restricted aptitude. Their abilities fall short, limiting them to budget supplies. The clans supporting them provide little aid."

His words brought clarity to my gaze.

Pausing briefly, I activated the Probe feature. The system examined the entire establishment, yet uncovered nothing noteworthy.

We proceeded to additional vendors. They dealt in substandard herbs and produce. Next, we approached another outlet.

This one turned out to be a bookstore. I halted, scanning the volumes. Each appeared as an aged edition. Lately, I'd gathered texts to bolster the Zero Puppet’s knowledge base.

The driver showed astonishment. "Are you interested in acquiring these volumes?" he inquired.

"Indeed. Regarding these texts, what portion consists of counterfeits?" I countered.

The proprietor, an elderly gentleman, caught the exchange and attempted to gauge our power levels.

Unable to fathom the masked visitor's might, he abandoned any sly intentions and adopted a courteous demeanor.

"Sir, I'll speak truthfully. Allow me to reveal the authentic editions." With that, he ushered me inward.

Curiosity piqued, I followed into the shop. The owner directed me to a compact rear chamber.

Though sparse with shelving, the volumes sat in orderly fashion. As my eyes swept across them, I noted no fewer than a thousand items, encompassing journey logs and partial writings.

"What's the cost for the entire lot? I'd like to purchase them," I stated.

Both the driver and owner reacted with surprise.

I grinned and added, "I'm an avid collector of literature."

That revelation clicked for them. Affluent individuals frequently indulge in hoarding curios. The owner resolved to offload them at a reasonable rate.

"A handful of thousand mana stones will do, and they're yours," the owner proposed.

I skipped haggling. Handing over a thousand mid-grade mana stones, I watched as the owner’s eyes widened in disbelief, though he quickly comprehended that such a sum meant little to the prosperous.

The driver, too, felt a jolt of surprise. Aware of the masked one's actual role, he wasn't wholly caught off guard.

Appraisers often amass fine artifacts. He grasped that proprietor Frank had a passion for texts and pondered how he might lend a hand in sourcing more later.

Meanwhile, excitement sparked in my eyes. My motive was clear: forging ties.

Having encountered leaders of key factions, the next step involved linking with everyday locals.

"Should you come across genuine editions once more, reach out via the driver. I'll acquire them," I told the owner.

The owner and driver shared a glance. They grasped that this affluent patron was extending a lucrative prospect. The driver hadn't anticipated such a boon arriving so promptly.

"Sir, rest assured. I'll put in the effort," assured the driver.

He swapped details with the owner, and we departed the premises. The driver escorted me to further shops, though none else captivated me.

Before long, we hit the roadway again. I boarded the vehicle, taking the rear while the driver claimed the forward position.

Swoosh!

The vehicle set off.

Moments flowed onward. For several hours, the driver introduced me to fresh locales. At last, he halted at the central plaza.

The central plaza served as a vital hub, bustling with crowds and merchants. The driver pulled up at the designated area, and we disembarked. He guided me to renowned food carts.

My sight fell on a broth stand. I ordered a serving for myself and another for the driver. The broth steamed and delighted the palate.

As I sipped it, I caught multiple stares directed my way. The mask I wore sparked considerable curiosity among onlookers.

Dismissing the scrutiny, I savored the broth. Conversely, the driver grew concerned.

He feared that bystanders might uncover shop owner Frank's secret, potentially inviting unwanted issues.