Warlock of the Magus World – Redux

Leylin's pale fingertips tapped rhythmically on the counter, their motion a testament to calculated assurance. His eyes, sharp and discerning, scanned the catalog with a meticulous gaze. He paused at the price of the elemental crystals, his frown more one of deliberate contemplation than surprise.

"Fascinating that the pricing of these elemental crystals not only mirrors their scarcity and application but also subtly influences market dynamics," Leylin observed, his tone laced with scholarly curiosity. "Notice the cap on purchases? It's a clever mechanism, not just for resource control but also for maintaining the system. This encourages staff members to seek out promotions to increase their purchasing cap. This has Chairman Reynold written all over it."

The female Magus behind the counter, used to the usual grumbles about prices, found her interest piqued by Leylin's analytical approach. "Yes, elemental crystals are indeed among our most coveted items, second only to Spiritual Force potions due to their significant backlash but undeniable benefits," she responded, her curiosity sparked by his insight.

Leylin nodded, his face composed and focused. "I'll take 50 grams of Darkness crystals," he stated, then, with a measured pause, he added, "Along with these two pieces of high-grade information," pointing precisely to the entries in the catalog. His request was not just a transaction; it was a display of his understanding of the market system's mechanics and his strategic planning.

He leaned slightly forward, his demeanor calm and confident. "I'm aware that the monthly points allocation isn't nearly enough to cover this, but I've planned accordingly. My contribution points from my time with Martin's squad, combined with my monthly allocations, should suffice."

The female Magus, now visibly impressed by his strategic acumen, smiled. "Very astute, my lord. And I've heard all about how you single-handedly delivered entire batches of Frost Potions. That will be 80 contribution points." She scanned Leylin's badge over a small device, and the blue light flashed in confirmation. "I'll even throw in an additional piece of high-grade information. Just for you," she added with a coquettish smirk.

As she retrieved the items, she couldn't help but linger a moment longer, her eyes following Leylin's movements as he pocketed his newly acquired assets. "Your foresight in dealing with our system is quite admirable," she complimented, her tone laced with a hint of envy.

Leylin accepted the items with a nod of acknowledgment, his expression one of satisfaction rather than burden. "Thank you," he said, his voice steady and confident as he secured the items within his robes. He left the plaza with a sense of achievement, his steps measured and purposeful, leaving behind an attendant who watched him go with a newfound respect.

"Lord Leylin! Lord Leylin!"

A short Magus, barely a meter tall with a skull reminiscent of a gnome, dashed towards Leylin.

"I finally found you. Please, follow me; Martin's been looking for you!"

Leylin knew this diminutive Magus well; both had been temporarily assigned to Martin's group. They had completed numerous missions together, forging a solid rapport.

"Is something wrong?" Leylin asked, his curiosity piqued.

As the administrative leader, Martin typically handled the paperwork, most of the grunt work, and planned the team's tasks. However, in other aspects, Martin's presence was minimal, functioning more as Leylin's steward than as a leader.

"It's about this month's task," the short Magus said, his face breaking into a delighted smile. "Since you joined Team 3, our success rate has been soaring, earning us favor with Lord Decarte. Our group's performance has led him to assign us a more challenging task with better rewards."

"Finally, something interesting..." Leylin nodded, continuing to walk with the gnome struggling to keep up with his pace.

Since joining Team 3 under Martin, Leylin's tasks had mostly involved brewing Frost Potions. In this seemingly mundane activity, Leylin had shown remarkable prowess, achieving a 100% success rate, even surpassing Lord Decarte. Leylin attributed his success to Decarte's guidance and the Garden's extensive resources, which polished his reputation and smoothed over relations with the senior Magus. But this was all a facade; Leylin had initially held back, showcasing a gradual improvement to earn favor with the Head of Potioneering.

Leylin's contributions had significantly elevated the team's status, earning him the respect of all its members. Martin himself had been observed taking notes whenever Leylin worked in the lab, an act that spurred others to follow suit. Unwittingly, Leylin had become their mentor.

Leylin, accompanied by the short Magus, navigated through a series of long, narrow corridors until they reached Team 3's meeting point—a smaller, yet distinct version of the Potioneering Headquarters. Each squad in the First Team of Potioneering within the Four Seasons Garden was entitled to one such building, serving as both a private library and a meeting space.

Leylin had effectively taken command of this area, treating it as his own domain. Even Martin, the official leader of the team, required Leylin's permission to enter his private solar.

The iron door to the office swung open immediately as the gnome accompanying Leylin did the honors.

"Ah, Lord Leylin! We've been searching for you all morning!" Martin, who had been slumped over a long table, scribbling with a red pen, paused his work upon Leylin's arrival. His face lit up with a warm smile.

To Martin, Leylin was not just a savior but also a role model. Since Leylin joined the team, Martin had completed all his tasks, securing his resources for the year and leading the team to achieve some remarkable feats. Naturally, he had no reservations about deferring to the Magus who had come to his aid. He considered Leylin his lucky star.

The spacious room was filled with other members of Team 3, each one greeting Leylin with friendly smiles.

"Excellent! Now that everyone is here, let's discuss this month's new task." Martin, with an air of excitement, produced a scroll from his robe, adorned with a golden ribbon. He carefully unfurled it before Leylin and the assembled group.

"Our task this month is to maintain a specific area within the secret plane. The reward is 50 contribution points for each participant."

The Magi gathered around the table were well aware that the reward was substantial, yet the new responsibilities Decarte had in mind cast a shadow of fear over them. This wouldn't have deterred most Potioneers from the association, but this team was different. Composed of rejects and nobodies, it was where Leylin had been relegated, a form of punishment or perhaps torture from Decarte.

"It's actually entering the secret plane. This is really…" The short Magus had a look of sheer terror on his face.

In the corner of the room, Leylin, arms crossed, broke the silence, drawing all eyes towards him. "Such a huge reward, and a secret plane, too? This must be the Lord's way of apologizing to me."

A secret plane was a realm ancient Magi constructed to house resources or conduct experiments, isolated by powerful spells. Evidently, the Four Seasons Garden had one of these mystical domains.

"I almost forgot, my lord, you've only just joined us, and you're probably unaware of what a secret plane entails." Martin closed and rebounded the scroll, his smile broadening as he approached Leylin.

"With enough resources, even a Magus with average aptitude could reach the heights of a gifted one..." Martin's face was lit with awe.

"Once ancient Magi advanced, they sought out areas rich in elemental energy particles to construct secret planes, nurturing resources... That's why we see so many remnants of ancient Magi today."

"Current Magi, however, are far from the might of their ancient counterparts, who could cast isolation spells and manipulate space without external aids like space rocks, which are no longer accessible."

"Thus, at the South Coast, the inner circles of magisteriums have to collaborate just to maintain and cultivate parts of these secret planes as a standard activity..."

"Some are incredibly fortunate, striking envy in others by gaining control over these ancient inheritances. It's a tale of instant success..." Martin's voice carried a tinge of envy.

Leylin, however, was well-versed in the significance of a secret plane, knowledge he had acquired from his brief time at the Dylan Gardens.

Owning part of a secret plane meant access to unlimited resources, an irresistible lure for any resource-hungry Magus. Yet, individual Magi were limited in their capabilities to construct one; teamwork was essential.

Leylin had hypothesized about similar setups at the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, but his lower level back then and his departure just before becoming a full Magus left those guesses unconfirmed.

"Lord Leylin, you've been here just a few months, and already you're entering the secret plane. The upper echelons must have great faith in you... This particular plane is notorious for its dangers and deadly beasts. I guess you weren't aware of that, which might explain why you don't seem as scared as the rest of us."

Martin gave Leylin a friendly pat on the back.

"It matters not what beasts lie within. Anything that stands in my way, I'll annihilate. So, remember to stay close, friend." Leylin returned the gesture with such force that it momentarily winded Martin, who could only manage a helpless smile amidst his coughing. It was clear Leylin was no stranger to combat, showing no sign of worry.

This brief exchange seemed to bolster the team's confidence. They had seen Leylin keep every promise he made, without fail or excuse.

Martin laughed and led the way, with Leylin following closely behind.

The entrance to the Four Seasons Garden's secret plane was strategically located near the headquarters to facilitate the deployment of guardians. 

Leylin, with his companions, followed Martin through a series of five or six winding paths to reach the entrance. During their journey, Leylin activated his AI assistant, Aralis, which detected five or six energy waves scanning their group. 

The entrance was guarded by official Magi whose strength ranged from semi-converted elemental to even higher levels. Such rigorous security measures took Leylin by surprise, highlighting the significance of the secret plane.

At the entrance, a stern-faced Magus scrutinized the scroll Martin presented. Once satisfied, Martin turned to the group, his voice echoing with urgency, "Get ready, the entrance is about to open!"

The door to the plane was an imposing slab of stone, its edges adorned with intricate, varied designs. Beside it, on a raised platform, sat a Magus whose features were hidden, radiating a powerful and enigmatic energy.

"This is the guardian of the academy. Hurry up and greet him," Martin instructed, leading the group in a bow.

'Such potent energy waves... he must be at least a Rank 2 Magus.' Leylin thought, his eyes calculating as he followed suit in bowing.

"Since the inspection is now over, let us enter." Martin declared.

The guardian, with a sweeping gesture and a chant, activated the stone door. A bright white light emerged, accompanied by waves of energy that seemed to stretch into the void—a familiar sensation to Leylin from his previous explorations.

Simultaneously, the scroll in Martin's hand glowed, casting a light that enveloped everyone. The merging of the lights created a blinding flash, and when it subsided, Martin and the magicians had vanished.

Leylin suddenly found himself on a new platform, surrounded by a bustling crowd of random acolytes. The environment had transformed; now, he was amidst a lush landscape. The sky was an unblemished blue, and the air was crisp and invigorating.

'So, this is the Four Seasons Garden's secret plane? It's quite vast.' Leylin thought, stroking his chin. 'Aralis, analyze the surroundings.'

[Scanning in process, Doctor. The density of energy particles here is 34.7% higher than in the outer world.]

Aralis projected a detailed analysis in front of Leylin, providing him with the necessary environmental data to navigate this new realm.