Gravity Mage with Level-Up System Chapter 1913: Golden Lion Loyd

Magic Store

The conversation with the old man concluded, and the negotiated price settled at 3,200 low-grade mana stones. I handed over 50 low-grade mana stones to the middle-aged woman managing the transaction.

Although the manager appeared surprised, he permitted the staff to accept the gratuity. Had it not been for the discretion of the female staff member, declining to pry with unnecessary questions, the transaction might not have concluded as seamlessly.

Moments later,

I departed the magic store, a sense of satisfaction evident on my face. There was no immediate need to return to the inn; I remained uncertain if I was being followed.

Consequently, I decided to investigate a few more establishments. I approached a cab driver and inquired about other locations for magic stores.

He was aware of several such places, directing me to one situated on the subsequent street. I then took a seat in his vehicle, and the driver commenced the journey to the next store.

Concurrently, from the second floor, the manager observed the departing car. However, he made no move to intervene, recognizing that the young man’s background was likely significant.

He surmised that the young man, though appearing to be in his twenties, had already achieved the rank of Supreme Wizard. Such prodigious talent typically only emerges under the tutelage of influential wizarding factions.

With a slight shake of his head, he returned to his duties.

Time elapsed,

I visited several more magic stores. While their selections were impressive, none offered items suitable for my current cultivation level.

Furthermore, the system did not detect any additional relics. With that, I returned to the inn approximately an hour later.

...

Inn

Within the confines of my room, I retrieved the antique ore. I opted against entering the Gregor Mansion, having noticed the inn manager’s persistent surveillance.

Every time I entered or exited the inn, his gaze seemed fixed upon me, and he appeared to be meticulously recording information.

I discerned that the inn manager was documenting my activities.

Dismissing these thoughts, I shifted my attention back to the ore.

"System, how do I utilize this?" I directed my query to the system.

[Ding! Place the ore in the mana core-eating artifact.]

The system's voice resonated within my mind. Upon hearing this, I surveyed my surroundings, deciding against revealing the mirror in this location.

Swoosh!

I materialized within the Gregor Mansion, proceeding directly to the hall. From the system space, I then produced the mana core-eating artifact.

As I gazed upon the artifact, a gleam of recognition flickered in my eyes. This artifact was once instrumental in dispatching Supreme Wizards. Now that I had attained the same level, its utility had diminished considerably.

I had been pondering a solution to this predicament when this opportune moment presented itself.

Subsequently, I inserted the antique ore into the mirror. Instantly, the artifact underwent a transformation. Being a sentient artifact, the mirror immediately absorbed the ore.

In the following second, the metamorphosis began. The mirror’s surface became pristine and clear, while its frame adopted a black hue and a refined design.

The mana pressure emanating from the artifact now corresponded to the level of a Magic Lord.

A subtle sense of relief washed over me.

If the mana core-eating artifact could evolve into a tool capable of vanquishing Magic Lords, my journey ahead would undoubtedly be smoother.

This is because cultivators at the Forbidden Wizard and Elder tiers are exceptionally rare in the outside world, typically found only within the strongholds of major powers.

It’s improbable to encounter them during every excursion. By being able to contend with Magic Lords, I could mitigate significant dangers.

The process of transformation required several hours to reach completion.

[Ding! Magic Lord-level Living Artifact.]

[Ding! The host can now eliminate any Magic Lord with the artifact.]

These pronouncements from the system brought a wave of relief. I examined the artifact, noting that, much like the crimson scroll, it was now under my direct control.

I channeled mana into the artifact, subsequently manipulating it. The artifact rapidly decreased in size, transforming into a palm-sized mirror in an instant.

This unexpected development surprised me. Its current form made it incredibly convenient, allowing for discreet concealment beneath my palm.

Recovering my composure, I stored the mirror artifact back into the system space.

Swoosh!

I reappeared outside, commencing preparations for my return journey.

Meanwhile,

A contingent of wizards, clad in the attire of city officials, arrived at the inn.

The lead individual, a tall, broad-shouldered man with golden hair, wore a pristine white uniform. His designation was Loyd.

Upon recognizing Loyd, the inn manager’s demeanor shifted dramatically. Wizards with golden hair were predominantly associated with the royal family or held connections to it.

The inn manager hastened to extend a greeting.

"Lord," the inn manager intoned.

Loyd offered a smile and stated, "I have reviewed the database. It indicates a Supreme Wizard is currently residing in your establishment."

"Yes, my lord. However, he appears to possess a significant background," the inn manager conveyed, reflecting his assessment of the guest.

Loyd responded, "That is inconsequential. Since he has entered our jurisdiction, escape is impossible."

"Where is his accommodation?"

"Guide us to his room," he commanded, gesturing for his subordinates to proceed.

Loyd himself was a Supreme Wizard, holding certain ties to the royal family as a distant relation.

This privileged connection afforded him the authority to operate in this border city and issue directives.

In the blink of an eye, four of the initial ten men stormed into the inn. The innkeeper relayed the room number to them.

A sharp glint flickered in Loyd’s eyes. The underlying reason for his actions was personal; he had been discreetly assembling a private security force.

To achieve this, he was recruiting wandering wizards. His method involved first assessing their strength, and if they proved sufficiently powerful, he would employ a Bloodline magic spell to subjugate them.

His own bloodline was the Golden Lion, a monstrous lineage that housed a unique magic spell within its essence.

This particular spell was a recognized royal magic, one of the common enchantments used by the ruling elite. It was this very magic that enabled the royal family to maintain dominion over their expansive territory.

Loyd was leveraging this spell for his own private agenda, unconcerned with the origins or complications of his recruits. He was confident that the authorities in the Capital would handle any repercussions.

Consequently, he felt no apprehension regarding the potential fallout. His sole focus was on awaiting the delivery of the target individual.