Gravity Mage with Level-Up System Chapter 1843: A new quest!

Crystal City

Several hours afterward,

I slipped back into Crystal City without notice. After handing the fare to the driver, I headed straight home. Dawn was already breaking.

Luckily, I beat the shop's opening time. Reaching home, I stepped right inside.

Old Man Rock spotted me first with a greeting. He'd been up already. Quickly, the other team members showed up one after another.

"Master, how was the trip?" Rock inquired.

"It went smoothly. How have you all been holding up?" I questioned them.

"Master, business is thriving. Plenty of people showed up wanting to see you. We explained you were in seclusion," Otto mentioned from nearby.

"You all managed it perfectly," I responded.

I chatted with them briefly before heading to my quarters. Arriving there, I shifted into the Gregor Mansion and hit the bed for rest.

Zero Puppet stayed in sleep mode without full deactivation. It sips minimal mana since it's inactive.

Time flew forward.

Dawn broke, and patrons began flooding in for appraisal services. The shop endured recent chaos yet earned widespread renown from it.

The appraisal shop's fame reached Magic City and its orbiting satellite cities. Folks traveled vast distances seeking valuations.

Affordable pricing pulled in hordes of customers. Excellent for the business, disastrous for rivals.

Crystal City's competitors resented this but remained powerless. The appraisal shop now boasted a fresh proprietor.

This new proprietor stood as a renowned wizard, official Silver Tower member, and part of the White Silver faction.

Such credentials rendered the new owner untouchable. Antagonizing him would be sheer madness. Yet other magic towers viewed it otherwise.

Silver Tower's swelling power irked them. Thriving appraisal shop would elevate Silver Tower's prestige further.

They refused to allow it, though the fresh clash between Flame Elemental Tower and Silver Tower silenced them.

Open assaults on the shop were off-limits; Silver Tower's fury would follow. Rather, they plotted to await a prime chance.

A few hours passed,

I roused from slumber. Emerging from bed, I completed my morning rituals. Next, I devoted hours to daily mental method cultivation.

Noon.

I materialized outdoors and entered the gallery office. Team members tended to the influx of customers.

Like always, a mask hid my features. It served well, yet its effectiveness against Forbidden Wizards remained uncertain.

Time to seek a superior version. I called Otto to my chamber. He entered promptly.

"Master, what do you need?" Otto wondered.

"I require a potent mask-type magic artifact. So far, I've avoided clashes with other Forbidden Wizards or Elders."

"My existing magic mask seems insufficient," I continued.

Otto's gaze sharpened. He grasped his master's concern.

"Rest easy, Master. I'll watch for a fitting magic mask," Otto assured.

He then exited. Meanwhile, I retrieved my device and scanned the latest news.

[Crest Family’s discovery!]

[SunHaven City’s new banned item unearthed.]

[Flame Elemental Tower gains another banned item.]

Those headlines lit up my eyes. Leaving that city proved wise. Lingering longer would've sparked needless trouble.

Underground chambers' secret stood exposed now. I pondered if the dark red orb was known. I'd claimed it unseen by others.

Thus, the true forbidden treasure stayed hidden; relics were mere decoys. Perfect moment to dispatch Zero Puppet for magic mask intel.

Zero Puppet's intellect had sharpened greatly. It operated independently, far more animated. Mana stone shortages? It resolved them solo.

A wide grin crossed my face. I peered into the gallery room. Patrons filled it. Rising, I stepped out.

My eyes scanned the area. Customers browsed the displays. After a quick survey of the crowd, I returned to my room.

In there, I unleashed Zero Puppet. City details from books already stocked its mind.

"Master," Zero Puppet acknowledged.

That prompted my smile as I issued fresh directive: scout details on magic masks shielding from Forbidden Wizards' gazes, Elders too if feasible.

"I will complete the task," Zero Puppet affirmed.

Swoosh!

Instantly, the puppet morphed into dark red mist and slipped out the window.

Eyebrows shot up in astonishment. Zero Puppet's prowess exceeded forecasts. Dark red orb integration let it roam freely now.

Beyond fading ancient Ancestors, active Forbidden Wizards seemed scarce in this city.

Gathering my focus, I descended the stairs. Shockingly, surprise visitors awaited me.

"Leader Edmund, what a surprise," I welcomed him.

Edmund arrived alongside his aide, Jonah.

I invited them both in. We then settled onto the couch.

Internally, Edmund reeled in shock. No oddities detected. Shop owner Frank appeared utterly normal.

Jonah shared the astonishment yet held his tongue. He suspected Manager Lara's handiwork.

Silver Tower's backing made Frank's rapid healing expected.

Edmund recognized this too. Frank no longer held true ownership; a new owner presided now.

"How should we address you now?" Edmund questioned.

"My job title works fine. Appraiser Frank suffices," I answered.

"It’s a good title," Jonah commented from beside.

"I believe you guys have come here not only to check up on me. Is there anything else?" I asked.