Chapter 4 - Opportunities and Threats

  The morning sun rays gradually fell upon the Ethereum Academy. Arlin, who had just risen from bed, stared in awe at the horizon, where a large city was visible. Further away stood mountains with their snow-covered peaks.

  "So this wasn't a dream..."

  He mumbled to himself and quickly shook his head. Coming to his senses and shaking off the drowsiness, he left the room.

  Communicating mentally with the shadows, he learned the current situation.

  The fact that the shadows had entered directly into the guards' quarters made his heart freeze. However, he calmed himself again and continued walking downstairs.

  Though the shadows had wandered through the city all night, the information gathered was minimal. Based on yesterday's situation, they hadn't tried to infiltrate too aggressively. Instead, they had mostly walked around the city in acquired clothes, listening carefully to the conversations of those around them.

  From all of this, he obtained some information.

  In the city of Ethereum, there existed three major families.

  The Family of Silver Wolves — they were mainly knights, but that didn't mean their strength was insignificant.

  The other two families were: one magical family, the House of Harn. And the House of Miga, with their trading network.

  Unlike the two families of knights and mages, the House of Miga held influence not only in this city but throughout the entire Kingdom.

  They specialized in trade and had numerous connections across the continent.

  From all three families, quite important information had been obtained: the House of Harn possessed a small magical crystal mine. However, the information about its location was not known.

  But there was a chance: in the near future, they intended to recruit new workers for the mine.

  This was an opportunity for him. First, he would learn the location of the magical mine. But he could also obtain crystals if possible.

  Besides these news, there was an announcement about a knight's tournament that would take place at the end of the month. So that was unimportant.

  What was important was that two of the clones had also found work. Though they were paid in copper coins, it was still good since he needed funds.

  Shifting his attention to the three other clones, who had been diving into the earth near the academy while carefully investigating, he felt relieved.

  They had found a small cave. Though no magical crystals or anything else had been discovered, now there was a place that could be used as a shelter.

  Even more fortunate was that the cave wasn't far from the academy — quite close to the forest that led to the city of Ethereum.

  Finally descending, he went to a small dining hall. Along the way, he also encountered Caldrin and asked for something to eat.

  Sitting at the table in the hall, he tapped on the wooden table and looked carefully around.

  While waiting, Caldrin finally arrived, bringing food with him.

  "Sir..."

  He very carefully placed the food before him, along with utensils, and stood nearby.

  Still thinking, Arlin noticed a piece of meat resembling steak and a salad with strange vegetables for him.

  Though it seemed strange to him, following the previous owner's memories, he began eating without hesitation.

  Though there weren't many ingredients, it was well-prepared and delicious. Caldrin placed a glass and poured a red liquid into it.

  "Caldrin, is it possible to obtain magical crystals by becoming adventurers?"

  Speaking, he tasted the liquid, which resembled wine. Though the taste was slightly different from what he had tried before, it was still pleasant.

  "Ah?! Yes, sir, it is possible. However, you would need to complete middle-rank missions. Typically, ordinary missions are paid in copper, silver, or gold coins."

  Caldrin was initially surprised by the question, but answered without hesitation.

  "Good..."

  Starting to contemplate again, he addressed one of the clones who was in the city.

  "So, assignment: you need to find information about whether the House of Miga's trading network has books on alchemy or any other knowledge that could give us the opportunity to earn magical crystals."

  Having given the order, he continued eating, while Caldrin occasionally refilled his glass.

  —

  At the same time in the city of Ethereum, from a side street, a person dressed in quite beautiful clothing headed toward the main street.

  However, it was strange that this person's face was completely covered, with even their eyes hidden from view.

  Naturally, this attracted some attention. However, considering that sometimes people dressed strangely, it wasn't particularly surprising for them. After some time, they stopped paying attention and were distracted by something else.

  The shadow, meanwhile, walked with measured steps toward a large building nearby.

  It was one of the trading houses of the House of Miga.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  From some distance away, one could already see that many people entered and exited — from ordinary people to warriors and knights.

  Approaching closer, the shadow entered without hesitation. The building's exterior was large but fairly ordinary. However, the interior was different. In the noisy hall, many people crowded, moving back and forth. Before them were large counters where employees sat and received guests. Each counter had a corresponding sign, from sword to the last book. One could instinctively understand where to ask questions.

  Approaching closer, the shadow listened carefully.

  "Hey, I managed to obtain a red-blue flower. A few days ago someone sold it for several silver coins. Let's see how much I can get..."

  "For a beginning adventurer, a good basic set is necessary..."

  "I hope no one has bought that bow yet..."

  Someone was selling something, someone was buying, and someone was trading goods with others.

  The noisy atmosphere was like a marketplace. However, no one dared to act except by talking.

  This was because several people stood in the hall, radiating a cold aura. They were tall, wore silver armor, and bore an insignia of a magical beast guarding gold on their backs.

  Looking around carefully, the shadow also lined up at the counter where books were drawn. It was necessary to wait in line for one of the counters, then ask about books on alchemy.

  Those he lined up with took notice of him. And mainly in this queue were people dressed in robes — likely mages.

  The shadow didn't hurry and slowly moved forward in line. It took several dozen minutes for the queue to finally reach him.

  Behind the counter sat a middle-aged man in glasses who was writing something, finishing a transaction with the previous customer. Finally finishing, he turned his attention to the shadow.

  "Sir, how can I help you?"

  The shadow didn't talk much. Speaking slightly lower, he said.

  "Books on alchemy."

  When he spoke, the man raised an eyebrow. Several people behind him glanced at him.

  The shadow, however, didn't react and continued looking at the man.

  The man opened his notebook. Looking for a few moments, he glanced at the shadow again.

  "Sir, books on alchemy are sold only for magical crystals."

  Speaking, he waited.

  The shadow quickly transmitted the information to Arlin.

  —

  At that moment, Arlin, who was at the training ground, received the information. Upon asking for the price of the book, it was 1 magical crystal. However, this was only basic knowledge of alchemy.

  Having thought about it, Arlin still wanted to buy it.

  Alchemy was one of the ways to obtain magical crystals. With its help, one could create tools, artifacts, and so on.

  The other clones had already visited several shops and learned something interesting.

  That is, good magical armor, weapons, and artifacts started at 10 magical crystals. And as for how profitable it was...

  During the time the clone was asking around, several people had bought swords and armor, though the cheapest ones. That was already 20 magical crystals.

  Arlin's father had, in the end, preserved a meager amount of magical crystals for him. However, considering that in his time, at least this academy was functioning, it was still reasonable. Besides, mages usually took magical crystals as salary.

  Now, having learned about the price of the book, he didn't hesitate.

  He called one of the clones who was still searching for caves near the academy and sent him to the city to bring the magical crystal to purchase the book.

  Having finished with that, he switched his attention to a dummy nearby.

  Yesterday, when he hadn't yet adjusted to everything, he hadn't been able to use magic. Now, he stood on the training ground again and attempted once more.

  Mentally recalling the magical circle, he raised his hand and began controlling the mana in his body.

  Gradually, under his careful control, a magical circle emerged, faintly shimmering. It looked like two circles: one on the outside, another on the inside. Rather, it could be called a circle band. Within these bands, unknown symbols faintly glowed. According to the memories, this was also part of the circle itself. Without them, it wouldn't work at all.

  Concentrating, he aimed toward the dummy and increased the amount of magical energy. The circle shimmered rapidly, rotating. After which, a faint wind emerged from the air in front of the circle, slightly tinged with a green glow.

  In the next moment, the wind flew toward the dummy, slightly shaking it.

  "Haa, it worked! Today's control is better than yesterday. Though the speed leaves much to be desired."

  After using it, he felt pleased. However, checking the magical energy in his body, he clicked his tongue.

  Such weak magic had consumed a third of his magical energy.

  Near the training ground were several chairs. He approached and sat down to watch the speed of energy recovery. However, not even several seconds passed before he heard the sound of footsteps.

  Caldrin approached hurriedly, looking somewhat nervous, and spoke.

  "Sir, someone wants to see you... an uninvited guest."

  Looking carefully at his face, Arlin frowned.

  "What happened? Who is it?"

  "Mm, it's Ganm Arven. According to him, he has a message from the Kingdom..."

  Upon hearing this, Arlin frowned even more. He stood and followed the nervous Caldrin. Passing through several corridors, they arrived at the director's office.

  Entering, Arlin saw a man sitting in place of the director, looking around.

  It seemed he didn't pay attention to those who entered, still looking around.

  "Sir Arven, our director is here."

  Saying this, Caldrin stood to the side, lowering his head.

  Arlin looked at the man. This caused a reaction in his mind. And then he remembered something: what had driven the previous Arlin to take extreme measures to advance to a second-rank mage.

  It was this man before him. After the previous owner's father died, this man had come and presented a contract. It was not an ordinary contract but a magical one.

  His father had long ago signed the contract to build the academy. The contract had given him permissions and some privileges. However, besides this, taxes had to be paid. But there was also a condition: if the academy ended up with few students and teachers, the academy would rightfully be transferred to the aristocratic family of Arven. This family itself had great connections in the Kingdom. However, the man before him was an ordinary member of this family with some influence. It was with this man that his father had connected.

  Now this man sat at the director's desk, looking at him. Though Arlin saw nothing excessive, he could still notice arrogance in this man's eyes.

  "Ah, Director Arli. I'm sorry to inform you that in one week, the conditions of the contract must be fulfilled. I'm curious whether you have any proposals."

  Speaking, he leaned back in his chair and looked at Arli, studying him carefully.

  The question immediately raised Arlin's suspicions. If the contract was valid, then the academy would rightfully belong to the House of Arven. Why mention this again?

  After some thought, he came to a conclusion: either this man was planning something or wanted to gain some advantage.

  Clenching his teeth, he summoned the shadows to him, having them hide nearby.

  "Ah? Since there's still a week until the contract conditions must be fulfilled, why has Sir Arven come?"

  Speaking, he walked forward and sat directly in front of the director's desk. He also watched this man.

  "Nothing serious. According to the contract, you already know that if you fail to do something, then in a week this academy will become the property of our family.

  However, I've known your father for a long time. Because of this, I came to propose something to you. If you can give me 200 magical crystals in a few days, I can extend the deadline for you by a month or two."

  Speaking, he stood from the director's desk and approached the large window behind.

  "Will three days be enough for you?"

  After several seconds of silence, he looked at Arlin again and continued.

  Arlin himself didn't understand what goal this man was pursuing. However, if he considered that the other party might take certain measures, he thought it best to agree. Besides, he had the shadows and had found information about the location of magical crystals.

  Having remained silent for some time, Arlin spoke.

  "Five days?"

  "Four maximum."

  Upon hearing his words, Ganm raised an eyebrow. A somewhat suspicious glint appeared in his eyes, but after thinking, he still conceded one day.

  "Good."

  "I hope for this, Director Arlin. I will come in four days."

  Speaking, he slowly left and exited the room. Arlin signaled to Caldrin. He nodded and followed him.

  Arlin stood and approached the window, looking outside. Soon, Ganm exited the academy with a carriage and headed toward the city. With him were also knights on horses.

  "What do you want?"

  Speaking, he switched his attention to the shadows in the city. To two of them, he ordered to wait at the gates and follow Ganm. He needed to understand.