Chapter 42: Wizards Guild
'As I thought, my Past Self bloodline spell can create a realistic illusion clone—one that even fools spiritual senses. It almost looks like I'm standing there myself.' Raven's expression remained calm as his gaze drifted over the quiet room. 'Zera, will it work on High-Rank Walkers and Wizards?'
[As long as they lack knowledge of Elapsed Time, they'll believe the clone is real. Didn't I mention it before? This world doesn't follow the Class Gem pathway. Wizards and Walkers know little about Time, Dream, Fate, Luck, or Destiny. Only Legend Rank powerhouses study those domains, and even they rarely examine Elapsed Time.]
'Haa… all I need now is to increase my affinity to at least Low Rank and create a Time Circle inside the Arcanum Circlets of Destiny. Then, using this spell will be much easier.' He exhaled, rubbing the bridge of his nose. His attention shifted toward Selene, who stood respectfully by the doorway.
"How many times can you cast Dream Walk per day?" he asked, voice even.
Selene thought for a moment before replying, "I've entered the dream world twice, My Lord. But after the second time, I suffered a severe headache for hours. According to the spellbooks, I must wait at least five days before entering again—because I lack a Dream Circlet in my mind space."
"Oh?" Raven tilted his head slightly. "So if you engraved a Dream Circlet, you could enter multiple times?"
"I believe so, My Lord. But my current elemental circlet technique only absorbs Darkness, Shadow, and Fire essence. I've never even heard of a Dream-element circlet."
He could see the hesitation in her eyes—the subtle worry of overstepping her boundaries. Raven gave a faint, dismissive wave. "When we renew our contract, I plan to grant you a rare elemental circlet technique that fits your affinity. I'll find something suitable later."
Selene lowered her head respectfully. "Yes, My Lord." Then, hesitating briefly, she added, "Why did you summon me here, My Lord?"
Raven crossed his arms and asked, "Tell me—what are the privileges of joining the Wizards Guild?"
Her eyes flickered with a hint of surprise before she answered. "There are many, My Lord. The first is eligibility to enter the Wizards Circle. But tell me—do you know where the greatest number of wizards are gathered?"
"Crows Misery Academy?" he guessed.
"Not entirely true," Selene said, shaking her head gently. "After graduation, only about ten percent of wizards remain in the Zenith Empire. Most leave Ivory Island for the mainland. Have you ever heard of the Arcane Mist Empire?"
'Arcane Mist Empire...' The name stirred something in his memory. 'Franco's status... yes, Teacher Elizabeth and Franco are from there.'
His eyes narrowed slightly. "So Crows Misery Academy isn't under our Empire's control, but under that Empire's influence?"
Selene nodded. "Only a portion of the Academy is managed externally."
"Wizard Alliance," Raven murmured.
"Yes," Selene confirmed softly. "The Wizards Guild is affiliated with the Wizard Alliance. Once you register as a member, your privileges depend on your rank—resources like potion materials, rune formulas, ancient spell records, even high-grade beast materials can be accessed through the Guild's network." She paused briefly, then continued, "However, one must sign a magical contract under strict conditions… including service to the Guild in the Arcane Mist Empire for many years."
Raven's eyes sharpened. "Are you also a member?"
"Yes, My Lord. But I'm only Black Rank, so I'm free from their higher obligations."
"There are ranks?"
"Yes. Black, Blue, Red, and Gold. All Acolyte Wizards start at Black Rank. They gain access to hidden auctions, Wizard markets, and potion stores. Blue Rank Wizards are Radiant-level and can access the Guild Library—spell models, techniques, rare potions—but must serve the Guild periodically. As for Red and Gold… I've only heard whispers. Gold Rank Wizards must leave the Empire permanently."
Raven fell silent, his eyes reflecting the faint shimmer of the lamp. 'So… the Guild operates like the Velvet Circlet—but far more open, poaching talent under the banner of alliance.'
"You can go and rest, Selene," he said finally. "I'll examine my abilities and come to the main hall in an hour."
She bowed. "As you command, My Lord."
But as she turned, her eyes lingered for a second longer. 'Check on his abilities? Is it related to that strange phenomenon earlier?' She recalled the moment he'd vanished without a trace—her spiritual sense completely fooled. Confusion flickered, but she held her tongue and left quietly.
'What do you think, Zera?' Raven asked, walking toward the washroom.
[This island is only a fragment of the world, lad. It's natural that the Wizards of Arcane Mist Empire harvest talent from here. But if this continues, the Zenith Empire's future will crumble.]
'I don't care, as long as my sister and aunt remain safe.'
[No. You'll be pulled into this web whether you wish or not.]
Raven's reflection in the mirror smirked faintly. "We'll see."
…
An hour later, Raven stepped into the main hall, refreshed and composed. Selene, Jacob, Toby, and Harold were already assembled.
"The carriage is ready, Sir Thomas," Harold reported, adjusting his monocle.
Raven nodded. "You're coming too, Jacob?"
Jacob inclined his head. "It's my duty to protect you, My Lord."
Raven gave a faint smile. "Then let's go."
Outside, a sleek black carriage gleamed beneath the pale morning light, its surface etched with golden vines. The two horses before it pawed the ground, snorting white mist into the cold air.
"Wizards Guild," Raven ordered the coachman as he entered the carriage.
"Yes, sir!" The coachman flicked the reins, and the carriage rolled down the cobblestone road.
The closer they came to the city's heart, the narrower and busier the streets became. Towering stone spires crowded the skyline, their rune-lamps glowing faintly even beneath daylight.
"Do you still wish to register, My Lord?" Selene asked softly.
"Yes," Raven replied without opening his eyes. "If possible, I'll register as an Acolyte Wizard today."
Selene nodded wordlessly. She had expected no less.
Soon, the carriage halted before a towering three-storied fortress-like building. Massive stone doors stood guarded by two statues—one of an aged man holding a staff, the other of a crowned woman with a tome in her hand.
'That man… Prime Minister Gavin,' Raven noted. His gaze shifted to the woman. 'And that must be Judith.'
The coachman stepped down and opened the door. "We've arrived, Sir."
Raven exited the carriage with calm poise, coat fluttering faintly in the wind. The others followed behind until a guard in a red uniform stopped them, rifle in hand.
"State your business."
Selene stepped forward, retrieving a small black seal marked with a golden rune. "Former student of Crows Misery Academy. Member of the Wizards Guild. I'm here to register my companion."
The guard's posture eased instantly. "Understood. Only the applicant may enter."
"I'll wait outside," Jacob said quietly.
Raven nodded, then followed Selene through the tall gates.
The moment they entered, Raven's eyes swept across the grand hall. Polished marble floors mirrored the glowing lanterns above. Floating tomes drifted lazily through the air, and murmured voices echoed—discussions of runology, spellcraft, and arcane theories.
"This hall is restricted to Guild Wizards," Selene whispered. "To register, you must show at least one spell."
'Show one of my spells?' Raven mused. 'Most of mine are body-based. I'll go with Cold Breath.'
"Anything else I should know?" he asked quietly.
"You'll need to show identification and pay ten gold coins. Then they'll test your affinity—each element costs twenty-five coins to check."
"Ten just for registration?" Raven muttered.
She smiled faintly. "Welcome to wizard society, My Lord."
They approached the circular desk where a robed man sat scribbling on parchment. He didn't look up as he asked, "New registration?"
"Yes," Selene replied, placing Raven's document before him. "Thomas Holmes, my employer."
The man examined the paper briefly, then held out his hand. "Ten gold coins."
Raven drew them from thin air and placed them down. The man raised an eyebrow. "Spatial storage, hm? Not bad." He scribbled a note. "Name, age, occupation, family… and your teacher?"
"My teacher was Charles Nightwind," Raven said evenly. "He found me after a kidnapping incident, took me as a disciple, taught me the basics, then disappeared. I studied his books afterward and chose to follow the Rune Wizard path."
The man chuckled softly. "Sounds like a proper protagonist tale. Follow me."
He led them to a side chamber lined with glowing rune script. Ten crystal orbs rested at the center, each shimmering in a distinct color—red, brown, blue, green, white, black, purple, sky-blue, gold, and deep blue.
"Ice orb," Raven murmured, eyes settling on the eighth sphere.
"Correct," Selene confirmed. "They glow only for High-rank affinity or above. Acolytes with low affinity rarely make them shine."
An elderly examiner in a blue robe waited by the orbs. Her voice was crisp. "Step forward. Place your hand on your element's orb."
Raven complied, pressing his palm against the sky-blue crystal. For a brief moment, it remained dim. Then, slowly, light pulsed from within—cold, serene, unmistakably alive.
"Ice affinity," the examiner murmured, jotting notes. "Would you like to test others? Only twenty-five gold per element."
Raven's brow twitched. "No, that's quite enough."
She smiled faintly. "Then demonstrate a spell. That dummy will suffice."
Raven raised his hand. Frost began coiling around his fingers, the air turning sharp and dry. Then, with a single exhale—
"Cold Breath."
A pale mist erupted outward, coating the ground and the wooden dummy ahead. Ice spread like veins, encasing it completely. The temperature plummeted. Even Selene's breath came out white.
When the examiner whispered a rune—"Krytha"—the dummy glowed faint red and strained against the frost… but couldn't move.
Seconds ticked away.
At sixty-five seconds, the ice shattered into glittering shards.
The examiner's eyes gleamed. "The dummy has the strength of a peak Elite Warrior. You froze it for over a minute." She scribbled briskly. "That would restrain a Radiant Rank for at least five seconds. Impressive."
She gestured toward the door. "You may return to the reception."
Raven inclined his head and left with Selene.
After an hour of paperwork and payments, the middle-aged registrar handed him a black badge engraved with a crow emblem.
"This represents your rank—Black Rank Wizard. The more you contribute to the Guild, the faster your promotion. With this badge, you gain access to hidden auctions, artifact stores, potion houses, and other Guild facilities."
Raven nodded, tucking the badge into his coat. "Understood."
As they left the building, the crisp air of the Royal City brushed against his face.
'Step one,' he thought, glancing at the badge. 'Done.'
[And a long road ahead,] Zera's voice whispered faintly.
Raven's lips curved slightly. 'I wouldn't have it any other way.'
"Where are we going next?" Selene asked as they stepped out of the Wizards' Guild. The soft afternoon light spilled over the cobblestone street, catching the faint sheen of her silver hair.
"Guide me to the best potion shop," Raven said, his tone thoughtful. "I need materials and equipment."
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly. "Will the potion shop buy magical beast corpses?"
"Most shops buy and sell beast materials, My Lord," Selene replied, puzzled. "Do you plan to sell one?"
"I got a precious magical beast corpse from Bloodstone City's auction house," Raven said, his gaze shifting toward the carriage waiting by the curb. Jacob and Toby stood beside it, talking. "Might as well make some profit."
Jacob spotted them first. "Did you finish your business, My Lord?" he asked, stepping forward to open the door.
"Sort of," Raven replied, stepping inside.
Selene followed after a moment's thought. "The best potion shop nearby should be The Mystic Cauldron, My Lord. But… it's quite expensive compared to the others."
Jacob blinked. "Potion shop? We're buying potions now?"
"Yes," Raven said, sliding into his seat. "Is that another one of those shops only accessible with a black ring?"
Selene shook her head. "Even nobles and wealthy merchants visit there. But with this ring, we can buy rare items at a discount." She turned to the coachman. "To Baker Street."
The horses neighed as the young driver cracked the reins. The carriage rolled forward, rattling through the busy arteries of the West Borough. Outside, the air was thick with the mingled scents of oil, smoke, and roasted nuts. Vendors called out prices, a street band played a lively tune, and the far-off clang of machinery hummed like a metallic heartbeat through the district.
Raven leaned back, fingers drumming lightly on the armrest.
'I have around sixty-five hundred gold coins left. But to buy potion materials for every elemental affinity, I'll need far more than that.'
His brow furrowed. To craft a single low-rank Life Affinity potion, he'd spent nearly seven hundred gold coins—and that had taken nine attempts before success.
'Even if my spirit power's improved, I'll still need ten batches of ingredients just to maintain a stable success rate.'
Across from him, Selene sat with perfect posture, her gloved hands folded on her lap. "The Mystic Cauldron isn't just a potion shop, My Lord," she began, her tone reverent. "It's said to be the premier supplier of rare materials and rune artifacts in the entire Royal City. Even advanced potion masters and Rune Scholars shop there."
The carriage slowed as they turned onto Baker Street. The noise of the city softened, replaced by the clatter of carriage wheels against smooth stone. A three-storied building came into view—a modest structure of gray brick and polished oak, with a wooden sign above the entrance showing a cauldron surrounded by glowing runes.
"This is it, My Lord," Selene said, stepping down and gesturing toward the shop.
Raven took Jacob's rifle before the man could rise. "I'll hold onto this."
"Let Selene handle it, My Lord. I've trained her to use it," Jacob said from the seat.
"Fine." Raven nodded and turned to Selene. "Once we're inside, stay alert. If something happens, I'll count on you."
"I won't disappoint you, My Lord," Selene said, her voice low but firm.
The two approached the door. A small bell chimed as they entered, and the scent of lavender and herbs washed over them. The air was cool and faintly charged with energy, refreshing Raven's mind.
He blinked at the sight before him.
The main hall was bustling—hundreds of customers wandered among glass displays and polished counters. Attendants in crimson uniforms moved gracefully, answering questions and wrapping purchases in shimmering cloth. The faint hum of mana crystals lighting the ceiling added a quiet resonance to the air.
"This place looks more like a jewelry store," Raven murmured.
He noticed something else—most of the customers were women. Nobles, by the look of their dresses and jeweled hairpins.
"This shop also sells the best beauty elixirs, My Lord," Selene explained as she guided him through the crowd. "That's why it attracts so many wealthy ladies. The Ravenshield family owns it—it's known for quality and trust."
At the far end, she stopped before a wooden door. She turned the knob, pushed it open, and stepped through.
The scent changed immediately—less perfume, more raw herbs and minerals. Inside, shelves lined the walls, stacked with jars, vials, and bundles of dried plants. The light here was softer, filtered through tinted glass.
Behind a circular counter stood a young woman with silver hair tied neatly behind her head. Her gown, a deep sapphire blue, shimmered faintly with runic embroidery as she polished a tray of vials.
"Welcome to The Mystic Cauldron," she said, her voice calm and clear. "How may I assist you?"
Raven raised his hand, touching the edge of his monocle.
…
[Name: Anastasia Ravenshield
Age: 143
Nationality: Zenith Empire
Affiliation: Manager of The Mystic Cauldron
Class: Expert Wizard (4th Circle)
Health: Normal
Attributes:
Strength: 454.5
Agility: 433.0
Vitality: 496.5
Luck: ??
Spirit: ????
Spells: ?????, ?????, ??????, ???????
Additional Skills: ??????, ???????.]
…
'Question marks? What happened?'
[Your spirit power is too weak to read further. If you push, she'll sense your probe.]
'I see.' Raven's expression didn't flicker. 'A Rank-3 Expert, huh…'
He stepped closer. "I'm looking for potion materials, equipment, and perhaps a buyer for a few magical beast corpses."
Anastasia finally looked up. Her eyes were a piercing violet, sharp but not unkind. "We carry all common and uncommon materials. May I have your list?"
"Ten petals of Temporal Lotus, fifty milliliters of Crystallinewine resin, Bluefire Ash, powdered bone of Stardew Lizard, five hundred milliliters of ethereal water, and twenty milliliters of Darkroot oil."
She nodded thoughtfully. "The Temporal Lotus is rare, but we've a few batches left. The resin, water, and oil are easy enough. The Bluefire Ash and Stardew Lizard bone, however…" She frowned slightly. "Wait here."
She disappeared into a backroom, skirts whispering softly. Raven watched her go, mind half-occupied with calculations.
A few minutes later, Anastasia returned carrying two glass cases—one with fine gray ash, the other with chalk-white powder. She placed them gently on the counter and began assembling the remaining ingredients beside them.
"All the items you requested are here," she said, jotting notes into a ledger. "But the Stardew Lizard bone is exceptionally rare. The full price is one thousand two hundred and eighty gold coins."
Raven slipped the Guild badge from his coat and placed it on the counter. "Does this earn me a discount?"
"Ah," she smiled faintly, "Wizards' Guild members get ten percent off in all affiliated shops. That brings it to eleven hundred and fifty-two."
He nodded. "Good. I'll also need materials for poison affinity, blood affinity, and—"
He began listing more items. The words flowed smoothly, precise and measured, revealing a mind that clearly knew the craft. Anastasia's expression shifted from polite detachment to quiet intrigue as he spoke.
By the time he finished, the counter was crowded with vials, scales, burners, and sealed containers.
The final tally left him with barely eighteen hundred gold coins.
'There goes most of my savings,' he thought grimly.
He tapped his ring and looked back at her. "Do you also buy beast corpses? I have two."
"Oh?" Her brows arched. "We do, provided they're intact. Please follow me."
She led them through a long corridor that smelled faintly of iron and herbs. At the end stood a tall wooden door flanked by two guards in blue uniforms, rifles gleaming under the lantern light.
'Radiant Rank Walkers,' Raven noted silently.
"This is our storehouse for magical beasts and materials," Anastasia said. "Normally, outsiders aren't allowed, but…" She opened the door and stepped through. "You don't seem like someone with ill intentions. And—" her lips quirked slightly, "—you handle potion materials like an alchemist. A seasoned one."
'So she noticed,' Raven mused as he followed her inside.
The storehouse stretched far beyond what he expected. Rows upon rows of shelves held jars of organs, claws, scales, and preserved bones. Crystal lamps glowed softly, casting long shadows across the metal floor.
"We have everything from mutant beasts to Rank-2 specimens," she said, pointing toward a row of massive glass containers. Inside floated creatures that looked frozen mid-snarl—Moon Jackals, Lavahorn Stags, Skyshadow Rocs… and then, at the far end, a hulking figure with three closed eyes.
"A Three-Eyed Cyclops?" Raven's eyes narrowed. "Descendant of the Three-Eyed Titan?"
"Yes." Anastasia followed his gaze. "It came from a mercenary squad that joined the Meadows Family's subjugation mission. The beast's third eye alone killed dozens before they managed to bring it down. They say mutant cyclopses and giants are reappearing near the Southern Wild Fortress. Some fear another invasion like the one eighty years ago."
Her tone was calm, but there was an undercurrent of unease. Then she smiled lightly. "The cyclops's liver and heart are prized for life potions. Even its meat is sought after by nobles."
'She's trying to raise the price,' Raven thought, amused.
He folded his arms. "How much?"
"Even as a mutant, it's worth at least two thousand gold coins," Anastasia said smoothly.
[She's exaggerating.]
"I agree." Raven's lips twitched. "Cyclops meat is nearly tasteless, low in energy, and its side effects make you reek for weeks. Not to mention, the magic crystal's already removed. I'll offer twelve hundred."
Anastasia blinked. "That's far too low, sir. Its heart and liver alone—"
"Thirteen hundred," Raven said evenly. "Take it or leave it."
She studied him for a long moment, then sighed. "Fifteen hundred. Final offer."
"Deal." He nodded without hesitation.
She wrote it down, expression unreadable, then looked back up. "Anything else?"
"The Twin Shadow Viper corpse," Raven said after a pause. "But I'll need to return for it. Funds are… limited."