Candlelight danced in the silver chandelier, bathing the room in a honeyed glow.
Dago and his two companions, along with The Evans, sat on either side of a long table draped with a deep crimson velvet tablecloth, while Evan’s uncle occupied the head of the table.
Silver dinner plates were arranged like soldiers in formation, and crystal glasses held amber wine.
A roasted wild boar lay perfectly in the center of a gilded platter, a sprig of rosemary in its mouth; beneath its glistening skin, the lean and fatty meat exuded pink juices when touched by a knife and fork.
Everyone enjoyed the rare, delicious feast, raising their wine glasses and conversing with flushed faces.
“Captain Dago, thank you for your care during your time with the Forest Patrol. My wife and I would like to toast you first.”
Evan and his wife raised their glasses to Dago and took a sip of wine.
Dago also raised his glass and said, “You’re too kind. Mutual help has always been our team’s principle.”
“Fellow Wizards, have you heard? Aynak Wizarding Academy has officially issued an employment notice to the Wizards in Town. It seems to be ten magic stones a month.”
Evan’s uncle spoke up, as was his habit; he was a wealthy merchant in Town and always sensitive to news.
Dago and his two companions remained silent; this was the first time they had heard this news.
They quietly ate the food on their plates, concealing their shock at the announcement.
“This means the Academy’s situation in this war is very grim, so I, like other local wealthy merchants, have no choice but to sell my property and leave Town for a safer city.”
“However, the outskirts of Town are no longer a safe area. Not only are there highway robbers, but also small groups of Black Robe Wizards carrying out guerrilla attacks.”
“My nephew told me he knows a very capable Wizard named Dago, so I would like to hire you as our caravan’s hired Wizard, for five low-level magic stones per month.”
The Evans and his uncle looked at Dago with burning anticipation, hoping for his agreement.
Old Marico and Serena also looked at Dago, their gazes somewhat complex, as Evan’s uncle only intended to hire him alone.
Dago calmly cut a piece of tender wild boar meat and said, “I’m very sorry, if this matter involved hiring all three of us, I might agree, but if you only hire me, please allow me to refuse.”
After hearing Dago’s words, Old Marico and Serena felt a sweet coolness, as if they had drunk cold water.
“That’s a pity then. Currently, I can only afford to hire one Wizard.”
Evan’s uncle smiled, masking his embarrassment, while The Evans looked at Dago with some complexity. They wanted to take Dago with them when they left Town, not only out of gratitude but also to have a strong safeguard on the journey. However, they could not influence his uncle’s decision.
Soon, the matter passed, and everyone resumed clinking glasses, chatting and laughing.
…
Dago and his two companions walked out of the wealthy merchant’s luxurious mansion and onto the main street of Town.
It was late at night, yet the streets and alleys of Town were bustling with activity.
Along the way, Academy Wizards, carrying oil lamps and torches, constantly hurried past them, heading towards the outskirts of Town.
They were on night patrol, partly to defend against Black Robe Wizards suddenly attacking Town, and partly to apprehend stray Wizards attempting to flee.
Time seemed to instantly rewind to their days in the Forest Patrol, with people running and people resisting.
Old Marico suddenly spoke out of the blue, “Did you sense it?”
Dago’s eyes flickered with the distant torchlight, and he nodded slightly.
Old Marico fell into thought, sighing softly, and said, “Now is when people will start dying.”
Serena suddenly interjected, “Captain Dago, why didn’t you choose to leave Town? You clearly had the chance.”
“Because I still have two family members in Town.”
Both of them fell silent after hearing that. Yes, they had come all this way together, lived together, and were almost like family.
Upon returning to the entrance of the Wizard Inn, the three prepared to go to their respective rooms.
“No matter what, thank you, Dago.”
Old Marico suddenly walked over and hugged Dago, whispering in his ear: “You are the most humane Wizard I have ever met in my life. I am certain you will become a great Wizard.”
With that, Old Marico patted him on the shoulder, turned, and walked back to his room.
Serena saw this, and with a hint of tears in her eyes and a slight choke in her voice, she said, “Captain Dago, I want to be your team member for life.”
“Hey, hey, don’t try these emotional tricks with me. Quickly put away your tears.”
Dago turned and waved his hand, walking towards his room.
He left only his back to Serena, who stomped her feet in frustration.
The Aynak Wizarding Academy’s call to hire Wizards completely ignited the entire Town the next morning.
Dago specifically rushed to the Wizard Hall early in the morning for a look, only to see the entire Wizard Hall surrounded by countless low-level Apprentice Wizards, packed shoulder to shoulder.
He finally managed to squeeze through the crowd to read the written notice posted at the main entrance of the Wizard Hall, understanding the general situation.
Stray Wizards willing to accept the Academy’s employment would sign a contract with the Academy. This was a “life-and-death agreement” fixed in writing, with a monthly salary of ten low-level magic stones during the employment period, and a “bonus” for participating in killing Black Robe Wizards.
This clause was very impactful for the Apprentice Wizards in Town, many of whom were barely making ends meet.
If an hired Wizard performed exceptionally during the period, they could join the Academy and receive training at the Formal Wizard level.
However, if a hired Wizard deserted in battle, Academy Wizards had the right to execute him.
This clause was an even bigger bombshell, likely stunning the Apprentice Wizards, making them dizzy as if they had been drinking.
That was a Formal Wizard! Becoming one meant becoming a big shot in a region, at the very least a powerful ruler in a local Wizard Alliance.
In fact, Dago found the Academy’s terms for hiring Wizards very tempting; any Apprentice Wizard would be moved by them.
Many Apprentice Wizards excitedly walked into the Wizard Hall to sign contracts, believing that being a hired Wizard meant patrolling the battlefield, transporting supplies, or running errands for important figures.
If they were a little bolder and dared to take some risks, they even had a chance to become a Formal Wizard.
How many Apprentice Wizards living at the bottom had ever seen a Black Robe Wizard, let alone a Formal Wizard?
Watching the Apprentice Wizards dancing wildly like mad gamblers, their minds already fantasizing about mountains of magic stones and the grandeur and power of becoming a Formal Wizard,
Dago knew that these people were likely doomed. He had seen and killed several Black Robe Wizards; those people were ruthless killers.
Only then did he fully grasp the meaning of Old Marico’s words, “Now is when people will start dying.” The Academy’s strategy of “driving wolves to devour tigers” was brilliant.
Indeed, having an elder is like having a treasure.
The meat tastes good when it’s in your mouth, but where were you when the knife was coming?
He slowly withdrew from the crowded area, preparing to return to the Wizard Inn to discuss this matter with Serena and Old Marico, and to deliberate on their next course of action.