The Frugal Mage

Rashad regarded Rayven with a considerate look…

He was aware that Rayven was only 14, so he was expecting the young man to become famous after a few more years with this level of improvement.

"Young mage…" He said calmly. His tone was more like an elder speaking to a nephew, not some high-ranking official.

"The road ahead of you is not an easy one. But I can see you've got a future brighter than most."

"Thank you, Sir…" Rayven muttered, still unsure what this guy was going on about.

Rashad then reached into his robe and pulled out a thin bronze token.

Unlike the standard adventurer plates, this one was smaller, and it had the insignia of a hand holding a star, the mark of the Continental Martial Union.

He pressed it into Rayven's palm, so he wouldn't reject.

"This isn't some kind of binding contract. Just a token. If one day you find yourself interested in the Union's network, hand this to any branch master. They'll know what to do. Remember, we don't just look after non-mages. Many mages, and even nobles, keep close ties with us."

Rayven felt alarmed as he knew that there was no way he was getting this for free.

However, seeing his wary expression, Rashad laughed and liked him even more.

"Don't worry, I have given that token to many young people with a bright future. It's our way to get connected to many promising people."

Rayven looked at the token, then back at Rashad. "I'll keep that in mind."

He wanted to appraise it to ensure it was safe, but he decided to do that later once he was alone.

Rashad chuckled as he saw Rayven's cautious eyes. It was a good thing.

"That's all I ask. Think carefully about your path, young mage…"

With that, the representative of the Union turned and left…

Then, it was at this time that Rennard, the dutiful butler, stepped forward to guide Rayven.

"Shall we return, young master?"

Rayven nodded as he kept the Union token in his pocket.

"What about Uncle Albert?"

"He'll handle the matters here. He said that we should leave for now." Rennard said as he glanced at the representatives of various organizations eyeing Rayven. They seemed like they were about to kidnap Rayven.

"Very well…" Rayven replied as he trusted his uncle's decision.

As they walked toward the waiting carriage, he caught Seoryun's gaze across the courtyard.

The young swordsman smiled after seeing Rayven, and of course, the latter responded with a nod…

'I wonder if he'll hire me again.' Rayven mused as he boarded the carriage.

The carriage ride was actually short… He didn't even need a ride in the first place.

Rennard was simply worried in case he got drained due to Mana Exhaustion.

Still, as they reached the estate, word had already spread.

Miki, Nara, and Thyruz were waiting near the gate.

Their faces lit up as soon as they saw him.

"Rayven!" Miki greeted him as he saw Rayven's condition.

He didn't look hurt at all.

"We heard everything! Congratulations!"

"Not bad for a copper rank…" Nara teased…

Thyruz was also impressed since he knew very well the difference between a Tier 1 and Tier 2 Mage.

Still, he already guessed that Rayven won because of his impressive Spellcasting Speed and the trick he came up with. Those Sleeping Darts had definitely worked against an Adept who hadn't undergone a physique transformation that only an Arcanist would have.

"That's a lot faster than I expected…"

Rayven couldn't help but laugh at their reactions.

"Thank you… But this isn't just about me. With the Veltham Family gone, their grip on our business trade is broken. It's time to focus on rebuilding the business. That's my priority now. Are you willing to stay here in the meantime?"

These three were only here temporarily… Even Thyruz's Enchanter job wasn't permanent either.

"Yes! I heard from Sir Rennard that we can work as an Escort Warrior…" Nara replied.

Apparently, after the numerous troubles caused by the Velthams, many Escort Warriors had to leave since they needed income to feed their families.

With many resignations, the business now had a lot of vacant positions for an Escort Warrior. Of course, they could also hire Adventurers for that work, but that would be more expensive since the Guild had to earn as a mediator as well.

Miki also nodded, but she was more curious about Rayven's plan from now on... "Do you have a plan on how to help?"

Rayven smiled mysteriously, though he didn't answer immediately.

To them, he was a boy barely fourteen.

But within, he carried the mind and experience of a man who had lived thirty years in another world. He had already pieced together the fragments of this land's economy, market, trade routes, and power struggles.

"Yes…" he finally said, his voice steady. "I know exactly how to help. We'll turn things around."

He had to… He needed a lot of money if he wanted to keep advancing as a mage after all.

He could not be satisfied with only these few Spells.

He recalled the mountain-like beast from a few days ago.

What if that huge Lord Rank Beast had somewhat changed its direction and trampled this city instead? He would be completely helpless, and he might've been crushed into meat paste…

Within this dangerous world, there was no way he'd allow himself to continue being weak now that he had a chance to get stronger…

Seeing Rayven's confident expression, the others exchanged glances, curious about his thoughts.

"I'll tell you later…" Rayven said as he swiftly turned to Rennard.

"Ahem… Sir Rennard… About the gold coins we won from the Velthams." Rayven said as he already had plans on how to use them.

"Sir Albert has it… He wanted to count it to make sure, and he can give it to you later."

Rennard then straightened his posture and added.

"There is another matter you should be aware of, young master…"

Rayven tilted his head as he sensed the butler's shift in tone.

"What is it?"

"Your elder brother has already set out from Kesla City. He is on his way here as we speak."