Chapter 240: Witch Hunter Legion
Luo Xia City, Buyi Tavern.
As the most prominent tavern in Luo Xia City, it was already packed to the brim even before dusk. Passing by the closed doors, one could still hear the boisterous shouts and laughter echoing from within.
Joseph had just finished serving a customer and was turning to clear another table littered with cups and plates when the sound of a bell, triggered by the opening door, suddenly reached his ears.
"Welcome!"
Joseph called out, his voice lower than consciousness as he turned his head to look, only to be slightly taken aback.
The newcomer was not only draped in a wide gray robe that concealed him from head to toe but also wore a mask covering most of his face, revealing only his chin. His skin appeared somewhat ashen under the lamplight.
"Could he be a Wizard?"
The thought immediately sprang to Joseph's mind, but he quickly dismissed it. Although Luo Xia City often had Wizards passing through, and it was rumored that more than a dozen Wizards were stationed there year-round, those lofty figures wouldn't come to a boisterous place like this.
"Probably just some guy who idolizes Wizards and is imitating their attire."
"Please have a seat inside, sir. Our Fine Wheat Wine is the best in Luo Xia City. Brewed with the finest malt, it has a smooth texture and exceptional taste. Would you care for a cup?"
The gray-robed person, guided by Joseph, sat down at a newly emptied table in the corner of the tavern. He flicked a finger, and a silver coin clinked as it spun and landed toward Joseph.
"A cup of Fine Wheat Wine, and a portion of Lamb Chop."
"Coming right up, please wait a moment!"
Joseph caught the silver coin with a quick hand and retreated with a beaming smile.
Before long, a cup of golden Fine Wheat Wine and a portion of fragrant Lamb Chop were brought over.
"Enjoy your meal."
Joseph was about to leave when the gray-robed person stopped him.
"Wait a moment; I have a question for you."
Joseph turned around and saw a streak of golden light falling towards him. His consciousness reached out to catch it, and his eyes immediately widened.
A gold coin!
Joseph swallowed hard and clenched his fist tightly, a brilliant smile spreading across his face. He bowed deeply and said, “Ask away, guest! I'll answer anything I know!”
The gray-robed figure spoke, “I heard there are many Wizard Apprentices in Luo Xia City?”
“Yes, there are over a dozen stationed permanently in the Lord's Mansion, and others come and go. If you're lucky, you might even see those great figures riding Black Rock Leopards through the streets occasionally.”
“Black Rock Leopard?”
“It’s a type of puppet, said to be created by the Wizard elders. The military has plenty of Black Rock Leopards too.”
The gray-robed figure nodded, then changed the subject.
“I’ve heard there are Wizards in the Star Alliance; is that true?”
“Well…”
Joseph scratched his head, looking sheepish.
"That's what they say on the outside, but to be honest, for commoners like us, how can we tell the difference between a Wizard and a Wizard Apprentice? To us, they’re all important figures. We usually just respectfully call them Wizards, so I really can’t answer your question.”
The gray-robed figure didn't respond, merely nodding in acknowledgment.
Just then, the tavern door suddenly swung open with a bang, and a group of burly, rough-looking men strode in, immediately shouting loudly.
“Boss, the usual! Bring out the wine and food!”
Their loud voices temporarily drowned out the tavern's chatter.
Several patrons near the door glanced back in displeasure, but their expressions quickly changed when they recognized the newcomers; they turned away, pretending nothing had happened.
Others in the tavern looked at the newcomers with expressions of awe.
The tavern owner was the first to rush out of the kitchen, beaming as he greeted them.
“Welcome, welcome! Esteemed McCarthy adults, I heard this morning that your merchant caravan arrived in Luo Xia City. I've been eagerly awaiting your presence in my humble establishment. This way, please!”
Watching this unfold, the gray-robed figure asked Joseph, “Who are those people?”
“They’re the guards from the Fire Fox Merchant Guild.” Joseph's face revealed a mix of envy and longing.
"Is the Fire Fox Merchant Guild really that famous?” the gray-robed figure asked.
At these words, Joseph's gaze turned toward them with a peculiar expression, as if to say, 'You really don’t know about the Fire Fox Merchant Guild?' It was hard to believe.
Though puzzled, Joseph patiently explained, “The Fire Fox Merchant Guild is the largest merchant association in the Empire. Its shops and trading caravans span the entire realm. It is also the biggest merchant organization recognized by the Empire."
"It is said that when the Fire Fox Merchant Guild was still a small association, it encountered the founding emperor of the Empire, Your Majesty Ke Yi, and forged a friendship with him. Since then, it has developed rapidly, becoming the leading merchant association in the Empire."
“In fact, more than half of the Mana Engines in Luo Xia City are sold by the Fire Fox Merchant Guild.”
“Mana Engine?” A hint of curiosity crept into the otherwise flat tone of the gray-robed figure. “What is that?”
Joseph’s expression grew even more puzzled.
Not knowing about the Fire Fox Merchant Guild was one thing, but how could this person have never heard of the Mana Engine? Even the villages in the countryside now use them. Could this stranger have come from some remote mountain?
Joseph silently grumbled but, considering Gold Coin's sake, explained, “The Mana Engine is a type of machine. When you insert a Sub Magestone into it, it generates powerful motive force. Things like Magic Powered Carriages, Magic Powered Airships, and even the army’s cannons are all made using Mana Engines."
"According to the noble masters, they refer to it as Sub-Mana technology, which sounds quite impressive."
“I see,” replied the gray-robed figure, deep in thought.
Bang!
A wine cup was suddenly slammed heavily onto the table, causing golden liquid to spill and drench Joseph’s sleeve. A few splashes even landed on the front of the gray-robed figure’s robe.
“Hey, kid, this table is reserved for us brothers. Get lost!”
The speaker was a burly man with a rugged face and triangular eyes glaring at the gray-robed figure with disdain.
Behind him were four or five other men, all with mocking expressions, their unkind gazes sizing up the gray-robed figure.
Seeing this scene, the experienced Joseph immediately understood. He glanced around the tavern, and sure enough, all the tables were full except for one, where a solitary customer sat, looking somewhat out of place in the crowded establishment.
Realizing this, Joseph couldn't help but curse himself for being foolish. He should have guided the customer to the counter area, where single patrons usually sat.
However, he initially felt that the person in the gray robes was no ordinary individual, so he had specifically arranged for a table. Little did he expect to encounter a situation where someone would attempt to steal it.
In a hurry, Joseph was about to speak and ease the tension when he saw the gray-robed man, without even raising his head or glancing at the burly men, simply say in a deep voice, "Scram!"
Joseph's heart skipped a beat, and he feared things were about to go wrong.
But what happened next left him dumbfounded.
The burly men actually listened to the gray-robed man’s words, turning around without a word and heading toward the door.
Under the lamplight, their faces appeared a little dazed.
It wasn't until the burly men had disappeared through the door that Joseph came back to his senses. He swallowed hard, and when he looked at the gray-robed man again, his eyes were filled with reverence.
He wasn't foolish. Recalling the powerful and miraculous abilities of wizards from various rumors, he naturally guessed that the person before him had just used a legendary spell.
This customer was actually a powerful wizard!
"M-Master..."
"Thank you for the information," the gray-robed man interrupted Joseph's stammering words as he picked up the Fine Wheat Wine on the table.
Joseph immediately understood and quickly said obsequiously, "Please enjoy your meal. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."
Saying this, he wisely took his leave.
The gray-robed man slowly savored the fine wine and delicacies. Although his movements were elegant, he did not eat slowly. Before long, he had finished all the food on the table.
Leaving a gold coin on the table, the gray-robed man then exited the tavern without looking back.
Outside, the night was already deep.
The dark sky enveloped the entire city.
The silver moon hung high above, and its light fell upon the streets as if laying down a thin layer of light gauze.
For some reason, not long after leaving the tavern, the crowd around him gradually thinned, leaving the once-bustling street empty except for him.
Silence enveloped him, as if the entire world had reduced to just his presence.
The gray-robed figure keenly sensed that something was amiss and paused, scanning the surroundings.
Accompanied by light footsteps, two figures emerged from the shadows, one in front and one behind, effectively blocking his path.
In the moonlight, the gray-robed figure quickly discerned the identities of the newcomers.
They were two men clad in gray robes, each bearing a star-shaped badge on their chests.
"What business do you two have in stopping me?" the gray-robed figure asked.
The man in front appraised him coolly and replied, "You are a Wizard Apprentice, aren’t you? We are from the Enforcement Team of the Star Alliance. According to our regulations, any Wizard Apprentice must register before entering the town. Please come with us to register and explain your origins."
"Don't worry; as long as you haven't committed any crimes, we won’t be hostile toward you."
A flicker of surprise crossed the gray-robed figure's eyes.
How had the Star Alliance detected his identity?
He was certain he had shown no signs of weakness from start to finish!
Wait, could it be because he had used a spell in the tavern earlier?
Noticing that the gray-robed figure remained silent, the Enforcement Team member frowned and said sternly, "Please come with us!"
Still, the gray-robed figure held his tongue.
Seeing this, the two Enforcement Team members exchanged looks, quickly reaching a silent agreement, and in the next instant, they attacked simultaneously.
Melf's Acid Arrow!
Scorching Ray!
The two Second Circle spells struck the gray-robed figure from the front and back at once.
Luo Xia City, being one of the crucial hubs for housing Sub Star Cores, boasted a garrison that far exceeded that of ordinary towns.
The most notable aspect was the year-round presence of an Enforcement Team.
The Star Alliance Law Enforcement Team was notorious throughout the Starlight Continent, instilling fear especially among Wild Wizard Apprentices.
Over the years, countless Wild Wizard Apprentices had fallen at the hands of the Enforcement Team.
The primary requirement for joining the Enforcement Team was to be a Level Three Wizard Apprentice.
The two members of the Enforcement Team currently surrounding the gray-robed figure were both experts at the Level Three Wizard Apprentice level.
Having previously joined forces to defeat many Wild Wizard Apprentices without ever being defeated, they felt confident about this operation.
However, in the next moment, their confidence turned to shock as the spells they cast at the gray-robed figure vanished without a trace, as if swallowed by the sea, leaving no response whatsoever.
What was happening?!
Their expressions reflected their astonishment.
Before they could react, the gray-robed figure raised both hands, and two bolts of lightning surged forth, cutting through the night sky like sharp arrows, striking each of the Enforcement Team members!
In an instant, they heard soft popping sounds, and their Protective Field along with the Energy Particle Protection Layer was shattered almost immediately as electrical currents coursed through their bodies.
Thump!
The two of them were paralyzed, collapsing to the ground and taking quite some time to recover.
But when they finally looked up again, they found that the gray-robed figure had already vanished.
"What kind of spell was that just now?" one of them asked, bewildered.
"That wasn’t a spell; it was simply pure manipulation of Energy Particles!" the other replied, still in disbelief.
"How is that possible?!"
To instantly defeat two Level Three Wizard Apprentice experts using only Energy Particle manipulation—only a true Wizard could achieve that!
Could it be that the gray-robed figure was actually a Wizard?
Both of them immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. One of them quickly pulled out a book, opening it to reveal countless thin beams of light that floated from the pages and intertwined to form a phantom resembling a middle-aged man.
"What happened?" the middle-aged man asked in a deep voice.
"Captain, we failed to capture the target," the Enforcement Team member holding the book quickly recounted the entire situation.
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man realized that something was indeed wrong. "You two need to retreat. The target is beyond what our team can handle. I will request support from above."
As soon as he finished speaking, the phantom disappeared.
The two Enforcement Team members exchanged glances, each wearing a bitter smile.
"Who would have thought we’d encounter such a troublesome target? Where did that person even come from?"
After knocking down two members of the Enforcement Team, the gray-robed figure decisively left Luo Xia City and retreated deep into the secluded mountains, far from the main road.
"Is this the Star Alliance?"
"I didn't expect this realm to be under the control of the Wizard Faction. Their influence seems quite extensive; one can encounter two Level Three Wizard Apprentices in any random city."
"It looks like I need to find a place to hide for a while and lay low."
Just as this thought crossed the gray-robed figure's mind, his footsteps suddenly halted.
From the shadows of the forest ahead, two tall, slender figures emerged.
Moonlight poured over them, illuminating two exquisitely beautiful faces that seemed to have been cast from the same mold, and lithe bodies that were nearly indistinguishable from one another.
"Who are you?" the gray-robed figure asked in a deep voice.
In contrast to the previous two individuals, these two beautiful women exuded a powerful danger, completely dispelling his earlier sense of ease.
"Star Alliance Witch Hunting Legion," the woman on the left said.
"Surrender," the woman on the right added.
The gray-robed figure's eyes twitched.
What’s happening?
How could the Star Alliance locate him so quickly and send people after him?
Isn’t this efficiency a bit too extraordinary?
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