Chapter 212 (1/2)

Chapter 212: What a Waste of Talent

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The Ferde Wilderness had become extremely muddy due to the continuous rain in the past few days.

A carriage from East Cove Higher Magic Academy was traveling unsteadily on the muddy road. Despite the added stability from a wind elemental balancing spell, it was not enough to fully offset the turbulence from the journey. Along the way, many Magicians who were physically weaker or had motion sickness threw up from the discomfort. This continued for two whole days before their destination finally came in sight. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief.

Master Grenci and Master Ferdinand sat in the first carriage. Amongst the six-man council, the two of them were the youngest, with Master Grenci at 58 years old, and Master Ferdinand at 54 years old. They were considered to be prodigies of their era and had attained the status of Master fairly early in life. Even so, this journey had proved to be a painful one for them as well.

As he looked at the barren camp from the window of the carriage, Grenci sighed, “I feel that the king should not have given Link this territory. A title would have been enough! A genius like him should stay in the academy and put all his energy into magic research.”

Ferdinand had a more jubilant character and was generally more open-minded. He laughed, “I don’t mind it actually. I just find it amazing how many stones there are on this land.”

“I feel you.” Grenci stared at the barren land where not even weeds were able to take root and once again complained, “This will be my first and last time stepping foot onto this land.”

If he had to make another trip here, he might not survive the turbulent journey.

Ferdinand smiled and said, “Old fellow, we are entering the camp soon. Please watch what you say when we meet Link. Don’t put him down while he is at the peak of his enthusiasm.”

Grenci was extremely grumpy from the uncomfortable journey and immediately retorted, “Why can’t I say anything? Not only will I comment on this barren land, but I will also persuade him to return to the academy. It will be a complete waste of his talent to stay in this hellhole.”

“Alright, alright, do what you see fit.” Ferdinand knew exactly how stubborn his friend was and left him to cool down.

The carriage wheels made clacking sounds as it grazed onto the gravel. Under the monotonous rhythm, the carriages entered the Scorched Ridge.

The roads within Scorched Ridge had been treated and smoothened out upon Link’s orders. It was thus a lot more comfortable to travel on. The moment the carriage entered the area, many onlookers gathered to welcome the army of Magicians. Among them, Link, who was wearing the Flame Controller Robe, stood out.

Rylai and Eliard stood beside him, while Jacker, Lucy, Gildern, Carrido and the rest of the mercenary band stood in an orderly manner behind.

The coachman pulled the carriage to a stop and Magicians walked feebly out of the carriage.

Before he alighted, Grenci whispered, “Look, he is still mixing around with those vulgar mercenaries. This is…How uncultured!”

Ferdinand was speechless. Although he knew that Grenci was a kind and caring person at heart, Grenci simply could not keep his mouth on a leash. He would often say hurtful words without first processing them in his mind.

This might be seen as being direct and sincere by some, but also offensive to others.

Upon alighting the carriage, Grenci attempted to restrain his negative feelings about this land and forced a smile on his face. As the strongest member of the six-man council, Grenci led the troop and walked towards Link. He then gave a reluctant expression and said, “Link, this place is way too barren. I have also heard that the weather is terrible. How long will it take to build a decent territory out of this wasteland?”

He still did not manage to keep it in, although he had toned it down greatly.

Link smiled apologetically and bowed. “It has been a tough journey, Master Ferdinand, and Master Grenci. I have already started the building of a road which would connect to the King’s Lane. The latest completion date would be next year. Come, I’ve already prepared a place for both of you to rest.”

It must have been a terrible experience for the two old masters to travel on the bumpy road. Link hence thought that it was natural for them to give negative comments at the start. He then turned around, signaling the Magicians to follow him into the wooden houses that they rushed to build these few days.

Along the way, Ferdinand walked towards Link and asked, “The dean had mentioned that you’d like to alter the climate using Mage Towers. Have you found an alternative?”

Link shook his head as he was not allowed to speak of the Storm Lord. He then pretended not to have a solution and said, “I have no idea as well. However, the climate these few days has been amazing. There was even spring rain yesterday! I feel that the bad climate here has been exaggerated by others. It is actually not as bad as one would think.”

“Oh, that is good news.” Ferdinand did not have a good understanding of the situation anyway and decided to simply believe Link.

Soon, they arrived at the wooden houses. The wooden houses had a very simple exterior. Although everything was brand new, the living conditions were still a far cry from the Mage Towers which the Magicians were used to.

Link knew this well and felt even more apologetic. “The accommodation is not very up to standard. However, I have already set up a temperature stabilizing magic circle in every room. I will also ensure that the room is kept clean. I hope everyone doesn’t mind.”

Grenci felt even worse after looking at the shabby wooden house. He knew though, that this was not meant to be a relaxing trip and simply endured the unsatisfactory living conditions.

Ferdinand, being himself, simply laughed, “This is already amazing. I am satisfied.”

The moment he said those words, the Magicians around him could not voice out their opinions despite having qualms about the wooden houses. Furthermore, they could not possibly change their living conditions.

Everyone then entered the room to rest as they were extremely tired from the troubling journey.

Master Grenci and Master Ferdinand were assigned to an independent wooden house. This was probably the best building in the entire camp. It had two stories and was 210 square feet. It had two bedrooms, a living room, and even a balcony on the second floor.