Gravity Mage with Level-Up System Chapter 1911: Part 2: Goldkeep City
Previously on Gravity Mage with Level-Up System...
Goldkeep City
Entry into the city was granted by the guards. I then began my perambulation through its streets. It was an unfamiliar locale, and a desire for rest overtook me, intending to resume my journey later.
After surveying several streets, I ascertained the locations of reputable hotels. The majority were situated near the city's entrance.
However, the most prominent establishments were found at the city's heart. For my purposes, a low profile was necessary; I needed a place to effectively conceal my true intentions.
My intention was to reside within the Gregor Mansion. The city's ambiance was rather uplifting, otherwise, I would have sought out a more secluded spot for concealment.
Subsequently, I approached an unassuming inn near the city gate. This inn was a three-story structure, freshly painted, which likely accounted for the positive remarks I had heard.
Upon entering, I encountered the inn manager, a middle-aged gentleman. He requested to see my temporary identification.
I presented the ID. The manager examined the details, cross-referencing them with his internal records for verification.
He then confirmed the information against the city administration's database before commencing negotiations regarding the price.
Ultimately, the daily rate was settled at 100 low-grade mana stones, covering both day and night. Had I opted for a central city location, this price would have been doubled.
Upon hearing the agreed-upon sum, I paid the mana stones. Subsequently, I received my room key and proceeded towards the elevator.
Several minutes later,
I arrived at the room on the second floor. Locating my designated room, I utilized the key to gain entry.
Once inside, I closed the door and activated the system's probe function. The room presented itself as tidy and clean.
A closer inspection of the bedroom revealed that the bedsheets were not new; they had been previously used. Further examination of other areas commenced.
Swoosh!
I materialized within the Gregor Mansion, proceeding directly to the bedroom for slumber.
Time elapsed.
The following morning, I awoke, taking in the surroundings of the mansion's bedroom. After rising from the bed, I commenced my usual morning ablutions.
An hour passed,
and I reappeared in the hotel room, now fully prepared. It was time to commence my exploration of the city. I departed the room and made my way to the entrance.
My gaze met that of the inn manager, who offered a smile. I returned the gesture.
Then, I exited the premises. My attention was drawn to the shops directly across the street, which included reputable restaurants and other dining establishments.
I selected the most bustling one. After crossing the street, I proceeded to the popular restaurant, only to find that all tables were occupied.
Patrons were constantly arriving and departing. I therefore waited a few minutes until an empty seat became available. I then ordered a cup of coffee.
Having done so, I began to discreetly listen to the conversations around me. To my surprise, I overheard discussions pertaining to the Mage Union.
I raised my eyebrows in surprise. The mention of the Mage Union was unexpected, as I had not encountered any such references in the previous city.
A staff member brought my coffee, which I began to savor. Concurrently, I continued to absorb the surrounding conversations.
I discovered the reason behind the discussions about the Mage Union. A significant number of the mages here were bloodline mages, and the Mage Union housed a Bloodline Magic Tower.
Similar to the Elemental Towers, it stood as one of the powerful magical institutions. It was simply that our paths had not previously crossed.
My prior encounters had involved the Wind Elemental Tower and the Flame Elemental Tower, which had consumed a considerable amount of my time.
Upon finishing my coffee, I departed the establishment. It was informative to learn that the Mage Union's influence had extended this far.
The bloodline mages in this region aspired to join the Bloodline Tower within the Mage Union at some point.
Outside the establishment,
I approached a cab driver and requested a tour of the city, expressing my desire to explore the locale. The driver could discern that I was a newcomer and readily agreed after a price was finalized.
Time marched on.
The driver provided me with a comprehensive tour of the city, highlighting significant landmarks, including monuments dedicated to formidable bloodline monsters.
I had never before witnessed monuments erected in honor of monsters. Here, knowledge concerning these creatures constituted an integral aspect of daily life.
Specifically, understanding bloodline monsters was deemed crucial for those pursuing the path of a bloodline mage. This city offered me the opportunity to learn about novel concepts.
Periodically, I encountered powerful bloodline mages within the city, such as Magic Lords and Forbidden Wizards.
These formidable individuals moved about the city as if they were ordinary citizens. This sight was particularly astonishing, as Forbidden Wizards were seldom seen openly within the Mage Union.
Time continued its relentless passage.
That evening, I returned to the inn and retired to my room for rest.
The inn manager observed the guest's return to their room and made a note of it. That night, he updated the guest information within the city's database.
Goldkeep City presented an inviting facade, yet beneath the surface, currents of activity stirred. The city administration maintained close surveillance over all outsiders.
In the event of any emerging situation, the city administration was poised to respond swiftly.
Beyond the city's confines,
the circumstances were markedly different. Those unable to afford accommodation within the city resided in temporary tent encampments.
However, not a single soul among them had succumbed to sleep, remaining vigilant. This was due to the ever-present threat of criminals who preferred to operate under the cloak of darkness. And just as anticipated, when the midnight hour struck, an assault commenced. Several makeshift encampments, seemingly harboring more valuables than others, were targeted. Time continued its relentless march. Soon, the crimson tide of blood began to flow as the traveling mages fell victim to the onslaught. Some sustained injuries and lost consciousness amidst the cacophony of the clashes, which echoed loudly. Interestingly, no magic spells were employed during this brutal engagement. The combatants relied solely on raw physical might and the glint of knives. None dared to unleash a magical attack, fearing the swift retribution of the city guards. This fear compelled them to resort to visceral, hand-to-hand combat. Eventually, the intense brawl subsided.