Was this really a kalrane stone? Those things were rare within this region, but he could easily procure several barrels of them from the Emerald City in the far north. Still, the stones from that mining city were not this bright.
“Is this really a kalrane stone?” Big Mona finally asked. “Even the shape is different.”
With the instinct he honed from several decades of being a merchant, Big Mona was immediately able to realize the potential of this product. He almost sniffed the air after smelling the potential crates of gold this would bring.
“It’s kalrane. No doubt about it,” said Lark. “Stones capable of absorbing and storing light from the sun.” Lark took out a smaller version of the crystal, around half a palm in size, and placed it on the table. He touched the tip of the flower and it glowed brightly, illuminating the entire room. “Even this small stone’s capable of lighting up the entire room.” There was a small pause. He added slowly, “For several hours. Eight hours at most. The larger ones can go way more than that.”
Big Mona was stunned for a moment. The kalranes from Emerald City would run out of light after half an hour! Although he was still stoic on the outside, his mind was actually in full throttle after seeing the product.
Lark stood up. “I’ll leave these two here. Consider them as a gift. Verify yourself if what I’m telling is the truth.”
Wait, he was leaving just like that? What about the deal? This young man did not even haggle for any money! Big Mona realized that this person in front of him was no simple brat. This technique was something he was very familiar with – if you wanted to take control, take the reigns, make the opposition want more.
Of course, Big Mona have no intent of letting him take charge of this deal just like that. “Then, we’ll end the discussion here.” There was no hint of tremor and hesitation within his voice. “Come back here tomorrow. At the same time.”
“Tomorrow, huh? We’ll see.” Lark scratched his chin and fell silent for a few moments. “I’ll be staying in this city for a week. There’re some places I need to visit.” He did not budge an inch against the reticent merchant. “If we’re unable to meet again, just consider those as my gift.”
Big Mona understood that this was him indirectly saying that he could sell these peculiar stones to other merchants if things did not go well on this side. He did not like how things were progressing – with this young man taking the helm – but he got to admit that this guest was no pushover.
The two stared at each other, gauging each other’s intents.
“Then, I’ll be taking my leave,” said Lark. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Sir.”
As Lark was about to leave the room, Big Mona stood up and hastily said. “Just tell me one thing. How much kalranes are you able to supply this city?”
“This city? That’ll be too short-sighted.” Lark grinned. “I plan on supplying light stones to the entire Kingdom.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
After Lark left the Merchants Guild, Big Mona summoned several of his men.
“Investigate that man,” said the fat merchant. “Make sure you aren’t spotted.”
The men bowed and disappeared from sight. Big Mona knew the capabilities of those guys. Their ability to acquire information from a target was second only to the Information Merchant. As long as the opponent was not a Lord Knight or a Royal Court Magician, they would be able to successfully retrieve information in the end.
Big Mona stared at the small crystal. Even now, it was still emitting bright light. It was as though the sun descended into this room, illuminating everything with a bright azure glow. He could not believe that this phenomenon would continue for several hours more. A normal kalrane stone would have started dimming by now after emitting such energy.
He noticed the peculiar symbols carved on the petals of the crystal. It was probably engraved using a chisel or a knife, he was not sure. Still, he knew that those symbols were somehow responsible for this peculiar phenomenon.
If what the Lord of that small town was saying was true, then this would be a great potential market in the future. Big Mona could already see it – a world devoid of night. A world where people could still work normally all throughout the day. A city filled with unending sun.
“Of course, this should be monopolized by the Merchants Guild.” Big Mona licked his lips. “If he refuses to sell them exclusively to us, we’ll just have to kill him and take over the Kalrane Mine. He’s just the Lord of a small town, after all.”
Big Mona was aware that Lark Marcus had been thrown away by his father to that desolated town. He was sure that even if that noble was killed, his family would not bat an eye. Rather, they might even reward him for finally getting rid of such nuisance.
“But of course, if he proves himself useful, then being partners might be the better deal,” said Big Mona. “Let’s wait and see.”
***
After leaving the Merchants Guild, Lark felt several men following him. It was something he expected given how shrewd the Head of the Merchants Guild was.
Only seven of them?
Lark almost chuckled. These guys could not even properly hide their presence. For now, Lark decided to enjoy their tail. After all, even if they followed him all throughout his stay in this city, they would not be able to glean anything useful from him. On the contrary, it would be beneficial to him after this information was passed on to the fat merchant.
“Go back to the inn,” he said to Clark and the rest of the servants. They had been waiting for him all this time outside the Merchants Guild. “There’s somewhere I have to visit after this.”
“But sir—” said one of the guards.
“That’s an order. Go.”
Under his piercing gaze, the guards and the servants conceded. They started boarding the carts.
“Here.” Lark gave the Head of the Guards a pouch. “Some pocket money. Once you’ve secured the kalranes in the inn, go out and look around the city. Have some fun.”
The guards looked at each other. Who would have thought that a day would come wherein the Young Master would become this benevolent to his subordinates? They noticed it before, but slowly, the Young Master was changing. The demonic noble that would harass commoners have disappeared.
“What? Don’t want it?” Lark chuckled upon seeing the surprise on his men’s faces.
“Ah, of course.” The Head of the Guards received the pouch. A soft clanking sound rang out inside. “Young Master, t-thank you.”
“This is normal.” Lark waved a hand. “I’ll be here for dinner. Be sure to be back in the inn by then. Of course, some of you have to stay behind to look after the goods we’ve brought with us. But don’t worry, you’ll have your turn tomorrow.”
After seeing the carts off, Lark raised his hands and stretched his limbs. He broadly smiled. This was a fairly large city, probably fifty times the size of Blackstone Town. Although it was vastly inferior to the Magic Empire back in his previous life, it was leaps and bounds more prosperous than his small town. Numerous stalls were seen here and there, with merchants and customers haggling with each other. The roads were cobbled. Every now and then, a group of soldiers would patrol the streets. Over all, this place was peaceful.
Five guys left huh?
Out of the seven guys that were tasked to tail him, two disappeared and followed Lark’s servants. He did not really worry about them stealing his goods, since it would not in any way benefit the fat merchant. Those guys were probably tasked to simply observe him.
“Now then, I’m getting a bit hungry,” he mumbled. He could smell the scent of roasted meat. Upon looking around, he saw a stall selling grilled food. He licked his lips and went there.
“How much?”
The vendor flipped the skewered meat on the grill. “Nine coppers each.”
Lark’s stomach growled. “Give me ten of those.” He handed a silver coin.
The vendor grabbed several skewered meat from the grill and placed them inside
a paper bag. He handed Lark his change.
“Keep it,” said Lark. “In exchange, could you tell me where I can find a library in this city? Even a small one would do.”
The vendor quickly pocketed the change. “You’re not from this city, huh?” He pointed at a tall tower that cast a shadow over the city. “See that over there? That’s the Tower of Pollux. There’s a library inside. It’s open for everyone as long as you pay several silvers, but the floors above it are restricted only to the Magicians of this city.”
“Tower of Pollux,” repeated Lark. It had a nice ring to it. “Thank you.”
“It’s nothing,” dismissed the vendor. “Come again tomorrow. I’ll give you an extra.”
Lark chuckled. “I’ll do that.”
Still holding the bag filled with meat, Lark went towards the direction of the tower. He could still feel numerous presences following after him. Somehow, this was amusing.
He leisurely strolled through the busy streets until he reached the tower. On closer inspection, it was far bigger than he thought. The entrance was open, with occasional cloaked figures coming and going. They all wore the same crests on their backs. Lark surmised that those were the magicians the vendor was talking about.
Lark entered. Immediately, a short man wearing an over-sized coat came to him. He looked at Lark from head to foot.
“This is the first time I’ve seen you,” said the man. “I’ve good memory, ya see. Been living in this city for several decades.” He momentarily looked at the pouch on Lark’s waist. “A noble from another city, perhaps?”
Lark did not answer the question. “I heard there’s a library in this place.”
The short man did not pursue his interrogation any further. “There’s three, actually. But only one’s available to the public. Ya need to pay fifteen silvers to enter.”
“Fifteen silvers,” muttered Lark. Considering the level of education in this world, it was a fairly cheap price. After all, books were almost non-existent in his domain. Of course, to commoners, it was a fairly expensive commodity. “How about the other libraries?”
“Don’t think about entering those places at the higher floors.” The short man shook his head. “The Magicians will rip you to shreds. The place’s forbidden to outsiders.”
It was the same to what the vendor told him a while ago. For now, Lark decided that he’ll visit the library on the lower floor.
“Fifteen silvers. Pay upfront if you want to enter.” The short man opened his palm. Seeing the slightly surprised expression of Lark, he added, “What? I may not look like it but I’m a first class warrior, lad. I’m here to make sure visitors pay.”
Lark fumbled through his pouch and took out exactly fifteen silvers. After receiving the money, the short man gave Lark a green card. “Here’s the pass. Green will give you access to the library on the second floor. You’ll need red card to access the other two above. But like I’ve said before, don’t even bother trying to go up. You need to return the card to me when you go out.”
In short, the visitors need to pay fifteen silvers every time they visit the library. Lark was sure that only nobles and merchants could afford such luxury.
After receiving directions, Lark climbed a flight of stairs and entered the second floor.
First class warrior? He couldn’t even detect the five guys following me around.
Even now, the guys pursuing him were perfectly hidden from other people’s eyes. Even the short guy that proclaimed himself to be a seasoned veteran failed to notice their presence. Lark was a bit disappointed. He somehow wished that the short guy notices them and creates a commotion in the tower. It would have been a hilarious moment.
“So, this is the library?” he breathed. Although the place itself was huge, the shelves were filled with very few books. Lark showed his green card to the man wearing a cloak right next to the entrance.
“Enter,” said the man.
After Lark took a few steps inside, the man said, “Wait.”
Lark turned around. He stared at him.
The man wearing a cloak frowned. He looked left and right, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Eventually, he said, “Nothing. Must be my imagination.” He waved a hand and wordlessly told Lark to go on.
Lark was sure that the man felt the presence of his pursuers during that single moment they entered the library. It was really amusing.
“Books, finally!” he excitedly went towards the nearest shelf. The people inside the library could be counted in just a hand. It was something expected considering the entrance fee.
Lark searched through different book titles. Eventually, he picked a particular book, went towards a table and sat.
History of the Continent of Quanan
The title of the book would make any student cringe in disgust. But to Lark, it was a treasure trove. His first step in finding out the truth of this new world. He opened the book and dust flew everywhere. The smell of parched ground wafted through the air. Lark smiled at this.
This book is one of the fifteen records of the Grand Historian, Gustav Chavalion.
He flipped through the next page.
I, Gusav, have seen it all. The records of the old have been passed down to me through the Eye of Magic. I have seen wars in the eyes of soldiers, of demons, of beastmen, of divine creatures. Someone has to record this down in history. Someone has to reveal to the world the truth that dawned upon the mortals.
Numerous texts have faded away, probably from age. Lark had no choice but to flip through the next few pages.
…Shepard lost her life in the battle against the Demon God Kalkarus. The battle took a million lives. The Kingdom of Hanya has been ravaged to the ground. Those that survived fled into the far south, into the direction of the Land of the Savages. The Eye of Magic has told me that today’s not the end of humanity. The Eye of Magic has told me that the survivors will prosper in the Land of Savages and establish kingdoms anew. I will probably be dead by then, but humanity will rise once again.
Lark kept reading, unaware of how much time had passed.
…The Demon God Kalkarus entered his slumber. The Institute of Magic founded by the Grand Magician Pollux has produced five heroes. The demons are being wiped out one after another…
…In the far north, a new king ascended the throne. A beastman. He successfully conquered twenty tribes through sheer strength alone. The United Grakas Alliance has been born.
…I am slowly dying. The Eye of Magic has started eating away my soul. But I have no regrets. I still have time. I have written nine books. I will keep writing down the history of this world until my last breath…
…Three of the five heroes perished in battle. The demons have gathered their strength. The remaining heroes are desperately defending the front. The Institute of Magic has been ravaged to the ground.
There were blotches on the pages every now and then. Lark was sure that it was blood.
“Time’s up,” said a voice. “We’re closing.”
Upon looking, Lark saw the cloaked man from before. Through the windows, he noticed that it was already dusk. Time flew by so fast as he was so immersed in the book he was reading.
There was no longer anyone around the place, except for the cloaked man and Lark – and the still hiding pursuers.
It must have been really boring, watching a man read a book all day long.
Lark’s lips rose upon this thought. He could only sympathize with those men hiding in the shadows.
“Damn. And I was so close to finishing it all.” Lark stretched his arms. “Can I take it home?”
“Stop kidding around. We’re closing,” spat the man. He looked at the book on the table. “The History of Quanan? I’m pretty sure the antique shop near the border alley sells copies of that.”
“Copy?” Lark had not expected that such technology would exist in this Kingdom. After all, the people in his domain did not even know that the proper concept of mana.
“You think that’s the origina
l?” jeered the man. “That’s a copy, kid. Ever since the Magic Academy started using that book for their school, several copies have been released in the market. It’s become hot stuff a few years ago.”
“I see.” It explained why such an important book was stored away in this run-down library that almost no one entered. What amazed Lark the most was the quality of these so called ‘copies.’ Even the blotches and the stains were copied into these parchments, making him think it was the original.
“How much are these things sold nowadays? Any ideas?” said Lark.
“Several gold coins. Don’t ask me and just go. We’re closing already, damn it.” The man took the book on the table and pointed at the door. “Leave.”
“I paid several silvers for this,” sighed Lark. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”
After leaving the tower, Lark was filled with various thoughts. He was bothered by the names he read in the book.
“Kingdom of Hanya,” he mumbled. “I could recall a city with that name before. But a Kingdom? And the name of Pollux was recorded in that book. If it’s him, it wouldn’t be surprising if he founded an Institute of Magic. But Pollux’s a fairly common name. It could be a coincidence.”
Lark ruffled his hair in annoyance. “Damn it! I need to read more of those history books!”
His sudden shout took the men hiding in shadows by surprise. Lark clearly felt one of them jump in reflex. He suppressed his urge to laugh at this.
Those guys are persistent. Isn’t it about time they return to the fat merchant? For now, I’ll just go back to the inn and check on my guys.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Another day quickly passed. Lark once again spent his day inside the library. Finally, he finished reading the book written by the Grand Historian. To his dismay, the events recorded in that book were focused on the war of demons and mortals. The history of how several Kingdoms were founded were written too, but he was unable to find a definitive clue whether or not this was the same world or a different one entirely.
Legend of the Arch Magus- The Expansion Page 17
