472 What a Dilemma (1/2)

”Why are the cat-humans regarded as slaves?”

The catgirl's white furry ears dangled down. Even her tail fell on the ground too.

”Because a cat-human Mage led an uprising decades ago. But he failed. Since then, all the cat-humans have been slaves.”

The catgirl didn't talk much, but Roland learned lots of things from what she said.

The uprising that the cat-humans led failed.

What did they rise up against? Considering the demography of the Red Magic Tower, and what happened to the orc the previous day, the answer was obvious.

It was true that exploitation existed everywhere.

”Do you want to take a walk outside openly?”

The catgirl nodded. She certainly wanted that.

Ever since she could remember, she had barely communicated with other people, including her family.

It was because unowned cat-humans would be caught the moment they showed up, especially if they were females.

Earlier, she had been caught by the old Mage, and there might've been dire consequences if Roland had come late.

”Then you can pretend to be my slave.”

The catgirl hesitated after hearing that.

Roland shrugged and let her take her time to consider, as it was natural for her to be vigilant.

Returning to his room, Roland opened the three models of level-three spells and read them for a while. Then, he put them aside.

The three spells were all very good, but their priority wasn't that high for Roland.

His primary task was to grasp magic arrays.

As long as he knew how to make magic arrays, Roland believed that there would be lots of things he could do.

Also, the level-one and level-two spells he knew could already satisfy all his needs in daily life and in battle.

The spells of higher levels were only fortifications on the level-one and level-two spells.

If he built the foundation well, it would be very easy to construct a high tower.

Therefore, he wasn't in a rush at all.

This night, he did a lot of data analysis, only to find that it was even harder to learn magic arrays than he expected.

The data involved was much comprehensive than that related to level-two spells.

Roland spent the whole night filling his database with errors.

The next morning, he was going to school, when he found that the catgirl was standing before his door.

Her green eyes were bloodshot, and she looked tired. It seemed that she didn't sleep at all last night.

After she said that, the catgirl felt that she used up all her strength.

The cat-humans were sensitive creatures who were naturally curious about everything. Also, they were strongly wary of any creatures apart from their family.

They were proud creatures with tender minds.

It was very hard to win their trust.

Roland hadn't won the catgirl's trust yet. She was only wagering on the possibility that Roland was a good man.

She had stayed for too long in this place by herself.

She wanted to visit her mother and stay with her openly. She wanted to walk on the street without fearing that she might be caught.

Roland, on the other hand, was the only person in the past ten years who wasn't malicious to her.

Looking at the uneasiness on her face, Roland smiled and said, ”I don't know your name yet.”

”Marilyn.” The catgirl crossed her arms and said, ”I don't have a last name, because I'm a civilian.”

”I know. You stay here and wait for me to come back.”

Roland circumvented the catgirl and left the manor.

On this day, Triton was going to teach the fundamental magic theories that Roland already knew, so it was fine to skip the class.

Besides, attendance wasn't demanded in the Red Magic Tower. It wouldn't matter even if the students didn't come. After all, they were adults who should be responsible for themselves. If they couldn't pass the exam next year, they would be banished from the class and had to wait five years before they could study again with the freshmen.

Roland went to the business street in the east district and found a store with a piece of purple silk hanging above the door.

The board above the store said ”Magic Shackle.”

This was a slave authentication store, and the private business of a certain elder.

Chains to control slaves could be bought here, and only the chains sold here were recognized by authorities. Otherwise, many untouchables who didn't have an identity and who weren't even slaves could be beaten to death on the street as spies.

Therefore, in many cases, the chains were an indirect protection for those without identities.

Roland walked into the store and stepped on the black wooden floor.

It was quite a huge store. At the end of the store was a black counter. Then, there were several gray chairs for rest and a few tables.

Seeing Roland, a pretty female servant who had a white collar came to greet him.

She said with a sweet smile, ”Mr. Mage, are you here to buy a collar?”

Roland nodded.

”Then please have a seat.”

After Roland sat down, the servant stood before Roland respectfully and asked again, ”May I know the age of the collar's wearer?”