Chapter 63 – Arriving at the Town

Nielan Town was a small settlement located south of Doleiz City. This town, primarily known for cultivating spices, bordered the vast Lush Forest. Though the forest produced a valuable aromatic plant that was scarce and prone to attracting fierce beasts, its high worth still drew many hunters to forage for it as their livelihood.

Thanks to these two advantages, Nielan Town maintained a certain level of prosperity despite its considerable distance from Doleiz City.

It was now the end of the Tender Season, and the town was as tranquil and serene as ever. The morning breeze swept across the gravel-paved roads, nesting joyful crows cawed incessantly on the branches, and sunlight piercing through the hazy dawn mist rekindled people’s enthusiasm. Farmers headed to their fields, hunters packed their bags, and children played and roughhoused as usual—everything seemed no different from any ordinary day!

Yet, on this very day, Nielan Town, which had enjoyed decades of peace, was about to receive an unexpected visitor…………

On a hillside at the town’s outskirts, an ornate carriage with gilded edges had appeared at some point, drawn by two towering horses. Anyone could tell at a glance from the carriage’s luxury that its owner was either wealthy or noble!

Curious and bold young boys and girls watched from a distance as a figure in a mage robe descended from the carriage. The young man possessed an aura so intense it could suffocate and tremble—or perhaps it was his presence. The light-blue robe he wore shimmered with a smooth luster that their humble hemp clothes could never achieve. This dashing and imposing image instantly captured the hearts of all the love-struck young maidens.

However, though their admiration was plain to see, all the girls anxiously followed the boys who had already hurried away. Whether it was the golden, mysterious runes on the mage robe or the palpable sense of danger emanating from the young man, it all served as a reminder—he was a mage, a figure of authority!

For the townsfolk, raised on tales from adults that “mages eat children,” mages themselves represented mystery, terror, and an absolute unapproachability.

The one who stepped down from the carriage was none other than Punk. He had chosen this relatively prosperous yet quiet town as his base for the next century of research and study.

Punk was in quite a good mood at the moment. His chosen representative—that noble little girl named Lotalan—had proven to be quite capable. After he had gone to the Mage Guild to purchase some miscellaneous items (paid for with Mainaixi’s wallet), the seemingly still-annoyed girl had not only completed her task but also secured cooperation agreements with three magic shops.

Recalling how Little Lolita had puffed up with pride while boasting about her “achievements,” Punk had to admit that, though she was still immature in mindset, her talent for business tactics was truly impressive!

“It seems I do have some skill in judging people.”

Punk stroked his smooth chin, a rare smile gracing his features. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the financial aspect of his research plans was temporarily secure for the time being. All that remained was to earnestly commence his magical studies.However, before beginning his research, he needed at least a barely serviceable dwelling.

Punk surveyed the moderately elevated hillside and decided to construct a square tower as his experimental base. The commanding geographical position would aid in defending against ordinary military attacks, while the open terrain would provide clear visibility for detecting threats. Though he couldn’t afford to build a genuine Mage Tower, even an ordinary base required careful consideration of defensive measures.

Completely ignoring the greetings from several Apprentice Rank professionals at the foot of the hill, he had no intention of interacting with these insects. Without hesitation, he cast a relatively simple Formal-Level spell—Sound Broadcast!

This was the same spell Mainaixi had once used for city-wide announcements. As a Formal-Level utility spell, its projected voice could reach half a city’s population with broadcasted content.

Thus, on this tranquil morning, thunderous noise descended like a hammer shattering glass, effortlessly obliterating all silence. All thirty thousand residents of Nielan Town endured the deafening commotion as they heard Punk’s extremely conspicuous proclamation:

“I… am the Formal-Level Mage Punk Cyan. I shall reside on the southern hillside of this town. I accept no visitors—for any reason, at any time. I absolutely forbid any ridiculous insects from disturbing my grand experiments. I trust you will all remember my words!”

It was a rather arrogant declaration. Yet, for a Formal-Level powerhouse addressing a town without even a single Apprentice-Level professional, Punk’s approach could already be considered remarkably restrained and benevolent.

His reason for issuing this blunt “Letter to All Town Insects” wasn’t for showoff—what prestige could there be in flaunting before such weak ordinary folk? He simply wanted to strangle in the cradle all potential nuisances: Nobles’ sycophancy, blind fools’ provocations, and curious children’s suicidal mischief.

Punk considered acts like playing dumb to surprise opponents or posing for appearance as both time-wasting and utterly tedious. Most importantly—the spells he planned to research next were extremely precise and complex, tolerating zero interruption. Had it not been for the difficulty obtaining resources in remote areas, Punk would have preferred digging a Deep Pit for underground research.

The domineering declaration and overbearing manner immediately frightened away the Nobles and townsfolk who had been enthusiastically greeting him moments earlier. Living in a magic-saturated world, even ordinary people understood that anyone capable of casting such town-wide deafening magical broadcasts must be a genuinely powerful professional. And since many professionals were known for their volatile tempers, the timid townspeople dared not linger any longer!Watching the excessively enthusiastic nobles, townsfolk, and professionals flee in panic, Punk nodded with satisfaction. He had successfully established the image of a reclusive mage in their minds. Though it might not be enough to deter those persistent minor nobles from shamelessly seeking favor, he believed that after indiscriminately blowing up two or three fools who ignored his “declaration,” those nobles with a habit of fawning would finally cease their endless, irritating clamor.

Gazing down at the orderly arranged buildings of the hillside town, breathing in the faint fragrance of spice plants carried on the breeze, and watching the tender green grass sway gently at his feet, a sense of serene contentment washed over him. Punk touched the Brass Space Ring on his finger, sensing the faint magical fluctuations of the spellbooks and arcane materials within. With calm detachment, he retrieved a translucent, gleaming yellow gemstone… It was time to begin constructing a splendid research base!

The radiance of Mila and Chikasa gradually dispersed the hazy morning mist, heralding the start of a brand new day.

(End of Chapter)