74 Third Grade Magic Part 1 (1/2)
The grand mage extended his hand and pushed aside the alchemy prop made from over three thousand metal parts. His hand was clearly protected by a layer of magic shield. It was the simplest invisible shield.
This shield had problems defending against magic that was Grade 2 and below, much less from the corroding rays that were being shot out from the alchemy prop.
However, the way in which the grand mage positioned his hand while pushing the prop away from him was amazing. The entire alchemy prop seemed to be a necklace without its string, coming apart instantly like dominoes and falling apart in a balanced and elegant manner.
The corroding rays disappeared instantly, while the zoisite floating within the prop fell with a plop and disintegrated into dust.
Saleen’s eyes popped. Even though the zoisite hadn’t been big, it had been worth more than the white crystal on his ring. Even if it had been haphazardly altered by the corroding rays, it would still have been worth tens of thousands of gold coins. Although it had been destroyed in the grand mage’s hands, he did not seem the least bit upset. He did not even bother to care whether the pendant was created successfully. Did the viscountess actually let him squander away money like this?
”I have already grasped the Figaro formula. There is no more meaning to this experiment.”
Saleen had many questions but had no idea where to begin. The grand mage naturally saw Saleen’s confusion. Smiling, he said, ”There are three different kinds of mages in this residence. A hundred and twenty-eight combat mages, seventy lifestyle mages and thirty-two entourage mages.
Saleen was shocked. Even though he had heard about the number of mages in the Qin Empire and how every big city had a magic tower before coming here, having more than two hundred mages in the viscountess’ residence was surreal. Mages were not cabbages that could be harvested in the autumn after planting.
The one hundred and twenty-eight combat mages stood out in particular. It seemed like they were of a higher grade than Saleen. Whatever their grades were, once they were together, killing a swordmaster in seconds wouldn’t be a problem.
How did the viscountess’ residence have so many mages? Wouldn’t the emperor have gotten suspicious?
Although a viscountess was of a lower rank than a princess, she still owned a large amount of estates, armies, taxes, and was similar to a grand duke. Most importantly, even in countries of religious authority like the Taggulasi Empire, females had the chance to inherit the throne.
”The viscountess was chased out of Holy Rock City. Back then, the Bitter Water Prefecture was barren and was one of the poorest places in the empire. Only after ten years of reign do we finally have what we see today. There are so many people who wish to seek the patronage of the viscountess now. Saleen, do you think these people are wrong?”
Saleen shook his head. What was wrong with that? Training to be a swordsman was meant for helping the country and accomplishishing feats. Then, what about mages? Not many were as lucky as him, and many ended up doing mercenary missions for dozens or hundreds of gold coins. It seemed like the viscountess was not stingy with her mages when it came to money. A sentry could borrow magic books and a grand mage could destroy a piece of zoisite as he wished.
”So, do you still feel wronged?”
Saleen thought for a moment and answered cautiously, ”I do not lack money, and I have my own magic lineage.”
”Behind this courtyard is a magic tower eight stories high.” The grand mage’s words were shocking. Saleen’s throat dried up. He had not seen any magic towers yet but he knew that grand mages would usually use various methods to hide their magic towers. Mages at his grade would not be able to notice anything.
An eight story magic tower. That meant that there was a Grade 8 sorcerer in the viscountess’ residence. Even if Saleen did not need money or ingredients, to get the guidance of a grade eight sorcerer was very rare to say the least, and would allow him to spend less time on the wrong path in his magic training. However, would the sorcerer guide him?
Saleen was still considering this when the grand mage answered his question
”Teacher appears at the study hall every week to impart his magic knowledge for an hour.” Without waiting for Saleen to say anything, the grand mage continued, ”Only mages in the residence are allowed to listen. Do you understand now why the viscountess has so many mages seeking her patronage?”
”I do,” Saleen said with much difficulty. Even he would not be able to resist such a temptation. Guidance from a Grade 8 sorcerer, and it was once a week for an hour. Moreover, he had caused so much trouble, and yet no one would find him here.
Attacking anyone in the viscountess’ residence was as good as challenging a Grade 8 sorcerer. What was even more extreme was the fact that the sorcerer’s magic tower had not been built outside the city, but was right here in the viscountess’ residence.
It seemed like only the emperor’s palace was safer than this place. It was said that the palace had three Grade 9 magic towers in it.
”What do I need to do?” Saleen relaxed. He already intended to stay at the viscountess’ residence to train, and now that he had been shown this temptation, it would be hard to chase him away.
”There are people taking care of the food and lodging. You wouldn’t be missed. You shall be my assistant.”
Saleen was overjoyed. Even with Jason, he had only been allowed one day of experiments with him each week. To be able to train beside a Grade 6 mage was practically a gift from god!
”Thank you, my lord.” Saleen bowed. He was not someone who was unable to differentiate good from bad. The mage must have seen something in Saleen to be willing to let him be his helper, and to guide and support him. If Jason were to have put up a notice for helpers in Ceylon City, wealthy people from hundreds of miles away would have thought of any means to get the youth in their family to sign up, regardless of the costs.
”I’m Faerun. Even though I cannot be your teacher, please do not call me lord. Sir would be fine.”