Synthetic Wizard

Sunset City, Buyi Tavern.

As the premier tavern in Sunset City, Buyi Tavern was already packed even before dusk fell.

Passing by the closed doors, one could still hear the boisterous shouting and laughter from inside.

Joseph had just finished serving dishes to a guest and was about to clear another table piled high with cups and plates when he suddenly heard the bell ring from the door opening.

“Welcome!”

Joseph instinctively called out, then turned his head and was slightly taken aback.

This was because the person entering was not only dressed in a roomy gray cloak that covered them completely, but also wore a mask that concealed most of their face, exposing only a chin whose skin tone seemed somewhat pallid under the lights.

“Could it be a Wizard?”

This thought immediately flashed in Joseph’s mind, but he quickly dismissed it.

Though Wizards often come and go in Sunset City, and it’s said there are more than a dozen who are stationed at the lord’s manor, such high-ranking figures generally wouldn’t visit such a noisy place.

“Probably someone who admires Wizards and imitates their attire.”

Having worked at the tavern and seen all sorts of people, Joseph wasn’t surprised and approached warmly:

“Please come in, have a seat. Our Fine Malt Beer is renowned in Sunset City, brewed from the finest malt, with a delicate taste and exceptional flavor. Would you like to try a glass?”

The gray-cloaked figure followed Joseph to a corner table that had just been vacated and sat down, flipping a finger to send a ringing Silver Coin spinning towards Joseph.

“A glass of Fine Malt Beer and a lamb chop.”

“Coming right up, please wait a moment!”

Joseph swiftly caught the silver coin and retreated with a broad smile.

Before long, a bright yellow glass of Fine Malt Beer and a fragrant lamb chop were served.

“Enjoy your meal.”

Joseph was about to leave when the gray-cloaked figure stopped him.

“Hold on, I have a question for you.”

Turning around, Joseph saw a gleam of gold fall towards him, and instinctively reached out to catch it, his eyes widening immediately.

A Gold Coin!

Joseph swallowed hard, tightly gripping the coin in his palm, and beamed radiantly, bowing and nodding while saying:

“Please ask, I will answer anything I know!”

The gray-cloaked figure said, “I’ve heard there are quite a few Wizard Apprentices in Sunset City?”

“Yes, there are more than a dozen stationed at the lord’s manor, and others come and go regularly. If you’re lucky, you might occasionally see those esteemed figures riding Black Rock Leopards passing through the streets.”

“Black Rock Leopard?”

“A kind of puppet, said to be crafted by the Wizards. There are many Black Rock Leopards in the military as well.”

The gray-cloaked figure nodded, then changed the topic.

“Is it true that the Star Alliance has Wizards?”

“Well…”

Joseph scratched his head, saying sheepishly:

“That’s what people say outside, but, to be honest, people like us can’t tell the difference between Wizards and Wizard Apprentices. To us, they are all esteemed characters, and we usually refer to them all as Wizards, so I really can’t answer your question.”

The gray-cloaked figure merely nodded without further comment.

Just then, the tavern door suddenly swung open with a clank, as a group of burly men walked in, loudly shouting as soon as they entered.

“Boss, the usual, get the food and drinks quickly!”

Their voices were so loud that they temporarily drowned out the tavern’s clamor.

Several people near the entrance looked back with displeasure but, upon seeing who had arrived, their expressions changed slightly and they immediately turned back, pretending nothing had happened.

The other guests, upon noticing these men, also showed expressions of respect and awe.

The tavern owner quickly ran out from the kitchen, warmly welcoming them.

“Welcome, welcome, Mr. McCarthy! I heard this morning that your guild’s caravan arrived in Sunset City and have been eagerly anticipating your business. This way, please!”

Seeing this scene, the gray-cloaked figure asked Joseph, “Who are those people?”

“They are guards of the Fire Fox Merchant Guild,” Joseph said with an envious and slightly longing expression on his face.

“Is the Fire Fox Merchant Guild well-known?” the gray-cloaked figure asked.

On hearing this, Joseph’s expression became rather peculiar when he looked at the gray-cloaked figure. His gaze seemed to say, ’You don’t know the Fire Fox Merchant Guild?’, as if it were an unbelievable thing.

Despite the confusion, Joseph patiently explained, “The Fire Fox Merchant Guild is the largest guild in the empire, with shops and caravans throughout the entire empire, and it is the largest among the imperial-designated royal merchants.”

“It is said that back in the day, the Fire Fox Merchant Guild was just a small guild when it first met the empire’s founding emperor, Emperor Kei, and formed an acquaintance. Since then, it quickly developed into the foremost guild in the empire.”

“Over half of the Magic Energy Machines in Sunset City are sold by the Fire Fox Merchant Guild.”

“Magic Energy Machine?” A hint of curiosity suddenly emerged in the normally flat tone of the gray-cloaked figure, “What is that?”

Joseph’s expression became increasingly peculiar.

Not knowing about the Fire Fox Merchant Guild was one thing, but how could someone not even know about Magic Energy Machines?

Even villages in the countryside use Magic Energy Machines now. Could this person have just emerged from some remote nook in the mountains?

Joseph pondered silently but, considering the gold coin, still explained:

“Magic Energy Machine is a type of machine that provides powerful power when a Secondary Magic Stone is inserted. Magic Energy Carriages, Magic Energy Airships, and the army’s cannons are all made using Magic Energy Machines.”