Chapter 105 - 104: Level 4 Earth Vein

Chapter 105: Chapter 104: Level 4 Earth Vein

A hearty dinner: a large turkey leg and boiled potatoes, accompanied by light mead, costing 4 silver and 6 copper coins.

Ten sets of Basic Magic Potions, exactly a month’s supply, 60 gold.

Two sets of casual linen clothes, 14 silver.

Two exquisitely packaged bottles of sparkling wine, 30 silver.

A bottle of myrtle oil from the perfume shop, 10 silver.

Two 8-gallon wooden barrels, 10 silver.

Total: 63 gold, 8 silver, and 6 copper.

Following this massive expense, Gaode—who had only just made a small fortune by answering the conscription call—saw his savings drop to 222 gold and 10 silver. It seemed like a lot, but if he continuously consumed Basic Magic Potions for his cultivation, this amount would last him less than four months.

After enjoying his dinner and going on a shopping spree, Gaode returned home. He drank a bottle of Basic Magic Potion, calmly circulated his Guiding Technique, and once again slipped into a seamless state of cultivation.

"I’m getting addicted to these potions," Gaode muttered to himself, before refocusing on his cultivation.

With the aid of the Basic Magic Potions, even though his Guiding Technique had only just achieved a minor breakthrough on the 8th of the Harvest Month, he was actually not far from his next minor improvement. This visible progress in his cultivation gave Gaode an extraordinary burst of motivation.

Harvest Month, 25th.

Although anxious, Gaode ultimately waited two days before visiting Maciej’s home. He was certain that Maciej was also highly concerned about the news regarding the Hogan Earth Vein. However, considering that Maciej had also been away for over half a month—and unlike Gaode, who had no family ties—he would definitely want to enjoy the comforts of home with his wife and kids upon returning. Furthermore, having just returned to the city, Maciej would need time to ask around for specific news.

One day for him to reunite with his family, and one day for him to gather information. Calculated this way, visiting after two days was just right.

He chose to visit between the afternoon and early evening. This was the standard time for social activities. As a 1st Ring Mage in the official Law Enforcement Team, the neighborhood Maciej lived in was the Siren District, a prime area second only to the Deep Flow District in the entirety of Bremen.

Dusk.

The setting sun bathed the clean streets of the Siren District, as if draping a golden veil over the area. Gaode walked down the street and eventually arrived in front of an exquisitely decorated two-story detached house, matching the address Maciej had given him. He approached the gate and pulled the doorbell.

From a mailbox-like contraption beside the door, an ugly-cute mechanical bird popped out. Emitting a CUCKOO, CUCKOO sound, it continuously darted in and out.

He marveled, "As expected of a wealthy neighborhood... even the doorbell is this advanced."

A few seconds later, the gate was opened from the inside. A woman wearing a linen servant’s dress—clearly a maid—looked at Gaode. After discreetly sizing up his attire, she asked with slight wariness, "May I ask what business you have here?"

"My name is Google Ditu, and I’m here to visit Mr. Maciej. Could you please let him know?" Gaode smiled, lifting the two bottles of sparkling wine and the exquisitely packaged myrtle oil in his hands.

"Please wait a moment. I will inform him right away," the maid replied politely before running into the house with a PITTER-PATTER of footsteps.

After a short while, she reemerged and guided Gaode inside. "Please come in. My master is waiting for you inside."

The hall of Maciej’s home was exceptionally spacious—more than twice the size of Gaode’s entire floor—and the ground was covered with carpets. The maid led Gaode to the reception area.

"Master, the guest has arrived."

Maciej, who was already waiting in the reception area, stood up at the sound of her voice. His face beamed with a warm smile, showing none of the typical arrogance of high society, as he briskly walked over to greet Gaode.

"Welcome, my friend."

Maciej had always held a very favorable impression of Gaode, the youngest Mage Apprentice in their squad whose combat proficiency had been extraordinarily outstanding.

Gaode smiled in response. "I hope this sudden visit isn’t disturbing you." As he spoke, he handed over the gifts. "Just a small token of my appreciation."

Maciej didn’t decline. He took the gifts and patted Gaode on the shoulder. "Next time, just bring yourself. There’s no need to spend so much money. Please, have a seat."

He guided Gaode to sit down in the elegantly decorated reception area. The maid from earlier arrived at the perfect time, carrying two steaming cups of premium black tea. She gently placed them on the table before them, then quietly withdrew.

Gaode noticed that the teacups featured exquisite, classic patterns and an exceptionally white porcelain glaze. He thought, "Even the cups are this advanced. Is this the quality of life of a 1st Ring Mage?" He felt quite envious.

Gaode picked up his teacup and took a sip. The lingering fragrance made it clear that this tea was of a much higher grade than the leaves he bought for himself.

"To be honest, the main reason for my intrusion today is to ask you about the situation regarding the Hogan Earth Vein," he said, getting straight to the point. When conversing with a Mage whose age and experience far surpassed his own, Gaode didn’t think he could hide his true intentions anyway. Besides, inquiring about the Hogan Earth Vein wasn’t a huge deal. There was no need to beat around the bush; it was better to speak frankly.

"Then your timing is impeccable. I just received the latest information about the Hogan Earth Vein from the team yesterday." Likewise, Maciej had no intention of hiding anything and spoke with a smile. He extended his right hand, tucked his thumb in, and flashed a "4" at Gaode. "It’s a Level 4 Earth Vein.

"It’s been confirmed. The Hogan Earth Vein is a Level 4 Earth Vein, the same tier as the Springhead Earth Vein we already have in the Bremen region.

"From now on, Bremen is a region that possesses two Level 4 Earth Veins.

"Although the emergence of the Hogan Earth Vein wiped out Hogan City—resulting in terribly heavy casualties—Bremen City is bound to become quite bustling over the next decade or so because of this newly born Earth Vein. It’s hard to say whether it’s a blessing or a curse," Maciej sighed.

"Have the rioting Earth Vein Creatures at the Hogan Earth Vein already been suppressed?" Gaode asked, noting Maciej’s relaxed demeanor. Since Maciej was smiling when discussing the Hogan Earth Vein, it meant the situation couldn’t be too bad.

"Not yet, but soon," Maciej said. "The reinforcements from Saint Sean City are led by Mage Frey this time.

"Mage Frey is an incredibly formidable Combat Mage. His combat prowess is among the very best of the Palace Mages.

"On his very first day arriving at the core area of the Hogan Earth Vein, Mage Frey slew three 4th Ring Earth Vein Creatures that had entrenched themselves in Hogan City.

"In the following days, he led his squad to sweep the vicinity of the core area multiple times, until not a single 4th Ring Earth Vein Creature could be seen.

"I imagine this deterrent effect will last for at least a year or two.

"Even if 4th Ring Earth Vein Creatures appear again after a year or two, they will only be scattered individuals. Our Bremen City will be more than capable of handling them on our own.

"Ordinarily, Mage Frey’s mission would be considered complete at this point.

"However, he plans to stay for another week to thoroughly clear out all the remaining Earth Vein Creatures entrenched in the core area, easing our burden before he prepares for his return trip.

"After this purge, the Hogan Earth Vein can be considered temporarily suppressed.

"Although it will continue to spew out Earth Vein Creatures indefinitely, it won’t be as chaotic and ferocious as it was during its birth.

"Instead, their numbers will be maintained at a relatively constant level based on the total amount of Magic Power in the region.

"For Hogan City, the birth of the Hogan Earth Vein was an utter catastrophe. But for many others, it represents a rare opportunity." At this point, Maciej couldn’t help but sigh again.

Hearing this, Gaode fell silent.

This was the naked reality.