Warlock of the Magus World – Redux

Leylin discreetly observed the bustling crowd outside the city gates. Dark Magi, their identities concealed, flowed in like a clandestine river, drawn to the heart of Nightless City. The guards, stoic and indifferent, turned a blind eye to their actions. After all, the prosperity of Nightless City was intricately woven with the threads of these shadowy visitors.

Within the city walls, the delicate balance between Light Magi and their enigmatic counterparts held firm. As long as the Dark Magi remained discreet, the Light Magi paid them no heed.

Leylin, his own secrets veiled, smiled at Jenna. "I seek solace in the Teljose Plains—a peaceful existence. I'll abide by the city's rules."

Jenna's laughter echoed through the air. "Nightless City is a fertile oasis, its beauty unmatched. You'll find it to your liking."

Their conversation flowed, and Leylin gleaned exclusive insights. The afternoon glimpse of the volcano city had left an indelible mark, but it was only after twilight that he reached the imposing gates. Rows of up to a thousand people queued up, their heads bobbing like ants, each group directed to different entrances.

Beside the smaller doors, massive passages stood dormant. Ten-meter-high gates loomed, their passageways sealed. Jenna leaned in, her voice hushed. "These gates remain shut, reserved for giants and colossal creatures. But we, as official Magi, have our own path—the prestigious pass."

She led Leylin to a quieter door, flanked by guards radiating energy waves from their magic artifacts. Their level 3 acolyte strength commanded respect.

"Esteemed lords, may I ask if yours will be a temporary visit or a more permanent stay?" After seeing Leylin and Jenna, these dozen acolytes immediately bowed and greeted them.

Leylin noticed a circular item in their hands, emitting the glow of a magic spell. The surface bore intricate runes, likely forming a pattern to detect energy waves.

Jenna raised her right hand, revealing a white ring on her finger. The ancient ring had a silver body adorned with detailed inscriptions, constantly emitting fragments of light.

The acolytes respectfully stepped aside as Leylin and Jenna approached. Their grey robes, adorned with intricate symbols, marked them as initiates of the city's magical order. One of the acolytes spoke, his voice hushed yet respectful, "So it's a lady who has a permanent residence. Please enter."

Curious, Leylin turned to the acolyte. "As a first-time visitor, are there any procedures I need to follow?"

The acolyte nodded. "Indeed. For magicians entering for the first time, we offer two options: to pay 200 magic crystals for permanent residence, or to spend 10 magic crystals to stay in Teljose City for a month."

Leylin promptly tossed out two high-grade magic crystals. "Handle a permanent residence for me."

The acolyte quickly scribbled on a piece of parchment. "Certainly. May I have your name?"

"Leylin Farlier," he replied. The Lilytell Family's influence didn't extend here, so he opted for his real name.

The acolyte handed him a silver ring. "Lord Leylin, this token grants you full rights of residency. Keep it safe. Also, avoid lingering on the streets after midnight—the law enforcement group will apprehend you. Follow our laws and you won't have any problems. Other than that, enjoy all we have to offer! Welcome, my lord!"

With Jenna by his side, Leylin proceeded through a passage. The walls glowed with a soft luminescence, revealing intricate murals depicting the city's history. The air hummed with magic, and Leylin sensed the power woven into the very fabric of the Nightless City.

Suddenly, a hoarse voice interrupted their exploration. Uncle Manla, a burly blonde man, rushed forward, worry etched on his face. Jenna embraced him affectionately. "Uncle! I've missed you!"

"Haha, me too!" Uncle Manla glanced at Leylin. "Wait a second… This fellow reeks of blood—seems like he's from the eastern marshes."

The man positioned himself between Leylin and Jenna, ready to act. Jenna promptly introduced Leylin as a wandering Magus planning to stay in Nightless City, and a new friend of hers.

Uncle Manla smiled. "This city advocates peace and cooperation. If my sweet Jenna will vouch for you, then so will I. Enjoy your stay, and remember to keep your nose clean around these parts…" He handed Leylin a complete map of the city, subtly expressing his preference that Leylin not travel with Jenna.

"Many thanks, sir. I'll take your words to heart, believe me." Leylin smiled and bowed gentlemanly, showing a clear understanding of the man's concern. As he warmly bid Jenna farewell, he couldn't help but wonder about the things that awaited him here.

With the map in hand, Leylin stepped out into the bustling Teljose Volcano City, where night was as bright as day. The streets teemed with people—magicians, merchants, and mysterious beings from distant lands. Leylin's pulse quickened. He had entered a city unlike any other, and its secrets beckoned him.

Uncle Manla waited until Leylin was out of sight before turning to Jenna. "You don't usually get this close to strangers. What's different this time?"

Jenna's eyes clouded over. "I can't explain it. Perhaps it's fate."

"That seems plausible…" The man scratched his head, his weathered face furrowing in thought. "The high-grade meditation technique you're cultivating may not be very powerful, but at times, it accurately pinpoints traces of the future. Since that Magus gives you such a peculiar feeling, do you need me to send someone to check it out?"

"No!" Jenna's voice was firm, her eyes wide and unblinking. They had turned completely white, devoid of any other color. "I have a feeling that if we do that, it'll definitely incur his displeasure…"

The burly man's eyebrows shot up. "Twice! You actually made two prophecies about him! That Magus' fate is sure to be intertwined with yours."

Jenna's breath hitched. "Not just mine, Uncle…" she corrected, her voice trembling. "But the fate of the entire South Coast…"

Her eyes regained their color, but cold sweat poured down her face. She looked as if all her energy had been wrenched from her.

"Quick, take me to grandmother's place!" Jenna spat out, collapsing into unconsciousness.

"Jenna! Jenna!" The burly man's expression turned grim as he cradled her in his arms and hurried away from the scene.

Meanwhile, Leylin remained blissfully unaware of the unfolding drama. He strolled through the bustling streets of the Nightless City, his senses alert to the cacophony around him.

The Nightless City—its very name whispered secrets and harbored mysteries. A place where shadows danced with abandon, and the veil between worlds grew thin. Leylin had heard tales of its grandeur, but nothing could prepare him for the reality that now enveloped him.

The first impression was overwhelming—people! A sea of them, their heads close together, forming a black mass. Stores and stands cluttered the thoroughfares, their wares displayed haphazardly. Haggling and bawling noises assaulted Leylin's ears, blending into a chaotic symphony that seemed to echo through time.

It reminded him of the markets in his previous world, but the diversity of races brought him back to the present. Scaly marine beings, fur-covered sub-humans, smaller giants, and little green-winged creatures danced in the air, their languages weaving together like threads in a cosmic tapestry. Each faction had its own agenda, its own secrets to guard.

Among the bustling humans in Nightless City, Leylin observed regular individuals devoid of discernible energy waves. Fearlessly, they traded goods on the streets, defying the norms of the Magus world. These were the true power players—the ones who moved in silence, their influence hidden behind mundane facades.

A middle-aged man wearing plain brown clothes, who was almost as frail as a stick, carefully approached Leylin, bowing with a flattering expression. "My lord, is this your first time in Nightless City?"

Leylin's curiosity piqued. "Let me guess, you the 'eyes and ears' of this city?"

"Of course! And I can see you are a man of great status, but also an outsider." The man's eyes gleamed with cunning thoughts. "If there's anything you want to know…"

"Your name?" Leylin pressed in a harsh tone.

"Sean, my lord. You can call me Sean. It would be my honor to be your guide…" The thin man's delight was palpable. This encounter promised more than just a tour—it could be a lucrative opportunity.

Turns out he was correct.

"Very well, Sean. Now you serve me, and only me. For your sake, do not disappoint me." Leylin's voice turned cold as he placed a small pouch filled with low-grade magic crystals in Sean's hand.

The thin man's eyes nearly bulged from their sockets at the sudden greed. He had never seen so many magic crystals in one place before. For Leylin, they were mere spare change.

"I wish to stay in this city for an extended period. Serve me well, and more crystals will come your way." Leylin's enticing tone made Sean nod eagerly, licking his lips in anticipation. In his mind, Leylin must be a sorcerer king.

"Whatever you need, Master! I am at your beck and call!" Sean knelt and kissed both of Leylin's feet several times. Passersby paid no mind; such scenes were common among indentured workers begging for money.

"First order of business is to arrange lodging. Money is no issue." Leylin dismissed Sean with a light kick. Sean quickly jumped back up, as if waking from a long dream, now fully attentive.

"If you're staying long, an apartment in the center of Nightless City is your best bet, Master. Only people of your calibre could afford it!" Sean replied promptly, eager to assist.

As if fearing that Leylin did not understand, Sean quickly went on, his voice hushed as they navigated the bustling streets of Nightless City. The heart of the city was a labyrinth of intrigue, its very existence shrouded in secrets. Leylin, a newcomer, had much to learn.

"Listen well, Master," Sean said, glancing over his shoulder to ensure no eavesdroppers lingered. "The heart of Nightless City is controlled by several powerful factions. They pull the strings, manipulate destinies, and weave the fabric of our existence."

Leylin nodded, his eyes scanning the faces of passersby. The city was a melting pot of humanity, a convergence of acolytes, merchants, and ordinary folk. Each step brought them closer to a small building that appeared to be a tavern.

"On the city's edge is the First Zone," Sean continued, leading Leylin through narrow alleys. "It's where regular people and acolytes reside, and obviously the most populated. Chaos reigns here—a cacophony of voices, a clash of cultures and races. But as long as you possess a residence token, you can come and go freely."

They arrived at a nondescript door, its wood worn and chipped. Sean gestured for Leylin to follow him inside. The air changed—the scent of incense and ancient magic hung heavy.

"The Second Zone," Sean whispered, "is for those who've committed to Nightless City, and have their paperwork in order. Few official Magi dwell here. Those that do wield all the influence, and their robes adorned with sigils of power."

Leylin's gaze swept across the room. Official Magi conversed in hushed tones, their eyes sharp as obsidian. He wondered what secrets they harbored, what spells they wove behind closed doors.

"But the heart of the city lies deeper," Sean said, guiding Leylin toward a hidden staircase. "The Third and Fourth Zones—the sanctums of the Magi. Their residences, their laboratories. Here, alchemical fires burn, and forbidden knowledge thrives. The walls whisper of ancient pacts and forgotten grimoires."

"And finally," Sean said, his voice reverent, "the Fifth Zone. A realm beyond the mundane. Powers—arcane orders, clandestine societies—hold sway here. Their branches extend like roots, seeking hidden truths. Ordinary folk dare not tread. Only members can gain entry..."

Leylin's keen eyes swept across the dimly lit tavern, taking in every detail—the worn wooden beams, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on the walls, and the hushed conversations of patrons. The air smelled of ale and dampness, a familiar blend that spoke of countless nights spent in similar establishments.

Sean, the decrepit man Leylin had recruited, sat across from him, nursing his mug of ale. His eyes held a hint of gratitude, and Leylin knew he had gained an pawn in this unfamiliar city. Sean's loyalty would prove useful—loyalty that could be bought with a simple meal and a bag of crystals.

As Leylin listened to Sean's tales of the city, he mentally mapped out the different zones. The bustling market district, where merchants hawked their wares and secrets changed hands. The opulent noble quarter, where power flowed like wine and alliances were forged over lavish banquets. And then there was the forbidden district, cloaked in shadows and whispered rumors—a place Leylin's curiosity burned to explore.

His decision made, Leylin rose from the rickety chair, leaving a few coins on the table for the tavern keeper. Since it was a mortal establishment, mortal currency was accepted. Crystals were only required for Magi-related commodities.

Leylin snapped his fingers and Sean followed, stumbling slightly as he got to his feet. He regained his bearings after seeing his Master's glare.

Leylin's eyes glinted with determination. He would navigate this city's intricate web of factions, its Dark Magi and Light Magi, all while playing the game of privilege and power. For Leylin knew that in this world, sacrifices were necessary—the pawns would fall, but the king would rise.

And so, with Sean trailing behind, Leylin stepped out into the cobbled streets, the city's secrets waiting to be unraveled. The night was young, and Leylin was ready to make his mark.