[Year -21 of the Sinseki Era]
[Forward Outpost Hub – Fortress City Vorig]
Outside the grayish-brown city gates, a few guards approached and halted Gut and Serie's carriage, spreading out in formation, subtly surrounding it.
The coachman immediately raised both hands in a peaceful gesture and offered a friendly smile, explaining that they were simply passing through for a layover in the city.
However, the guards showed no response to the coachman's friendly attitude.
Their sharp gazes paused on the weathered face of the coachman for only a moment before shifting to the carriage behind.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The captain among the guards knocked on the carriage's side, but before he could prompt those inside to step out, Serie and Gut lifted the curtain and exited voluntarily.
Instantly, several direct, unreserved gazes locked onto them from all directions.
Serie frowned slightly, displeased, though not outwardly so. As examining travelers was these guards' duty—especially in a city on the frontline of the war against the demons—she chose to hold her tongue despite her inner irritation.
Still…
Why were these guards' actions both thorough and superficial?
They were thorough in that they inspected every inch of the carriage, top to bottom. The captain even crawled under the seats inside to check thoroughly.
Yet, they were superficial because they didn't verify the names or identification documents of either the honest coachman or the clearly rare elven woman Serie. The moment they saw Serie's pointed ears and distinct features, their inspection of her ended.
Instead, the one who received the most scrutiny was Gut.
They studied his appearance carefully and even demanded to see his identification.
Upon confirming his credentials—issued by the Continental Magic Association—and realizing he was a seasoned mage, their attitude became noticeably more respectful. Still, they requested Gut to cast a spell to prove his identity.
"Huh?" Gut rubbed his forehead and muttered, "Why does this always happen every time I enter a city..."
With a sigh, he casually raised his hand and launched a basic Fireball Spell into the sky. It wasn't particularly powerful, but sufficient for verification.
Seeing this, the captain placed his hand over his chest and bowed respectfully to Gut, apologizing for any rudeness during the inspection. He then gestured to his men to let them pass.
Gut and Serie re-entered the carriage.
"Teacher, seems like the Association's ID still doesn't carry much weight," Gut remarked.
Serie shot her disciple a glance and replied with a sigh, "The Continental Magic Association is still new. Its influence in the northern nations doesn't yet rival that of the Imperial Magic Academy."
"But it won't be long." Serie reclined casually on the carriage couch, her confident gaze unwavering.
"Once the Association's branches are properly established and maintained, its influence will quickly surpass all other magical institutions. And its ID will become the standard across the continent."
Gut nodded. "That day will come."
The carriage continued into the city.
Watching the gate disappear through the window, Gut turned to Serie. "Teacher, didn't something feel off with those guards? It felt less like a routine inspection and more like they were looking for someone."
"Judging from how focused they were on me, they're probably looking for a young man with a similar build and features."
As Gut laid out his deductions, Serie remained impassive. Once he finished, she simply pointed toward a spot within the city.
"No need for all that deduction. There's a public notice right there."
"Huh?" Gut leaned over, sat beside her, and peeked out the window in the indicated direction.
Sure enough, a notice was posted.
With his current vision, he could just make out the words:
To all citizens and adventurers:
Recently, Mut Orden, the second son of the Orden family, has gone missing within the city.
Young Lord Mut is well-mannered and gentle. He was last seen wearing...
Anyone who provides effective leads to his whereabouts will receive the Orden family's goodwill and 10 Strahl gold coins.
Anyone who ensures his safe return will receive an additional 30 Strahl gold coins.
"I see," Gut nodded. His deductions had been accurate—the guards were looking for someone, namely the city lord's second son. No wonder they were so invested. Returning him would earn a hefty bounty and a favorable impression from the city lord—enough to boost a soldier's career.
"Forty gold coins... this noble kid is sure valuable," Gut remarked. "Most people won't see that much in their whole lives."
Serie raised her eyes and replied, "That price is unusually high. For most missing noble heirs, the reward is usually ten or twenty coins."
"Mut Orden," she mused. "In the Spell Book, the name Mut symbolizes peace and harmony—clearly the parents hoped he'd live a conflict-free life."
"But the Orden family is one of the three great knightly houses of the Northern Nations, with roots in the Land of Warriors in the Central Lands. They believe in survival of the fittest."
"This reward likely wasn't offered by the head of the family, but rather Mut's mother. To have the sway to override the city lord and offer such a sum, she's probably a noble lady married into the family."
Listening to her effortless deduction, Gut was left stunned.
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Powerstones?
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