Another World’s Versatile Crafting Master c1-1074

by Zhuang Bifan

  "That is indeed powerful…"

  The both of them had just exchanged a few words before Macklin was called over by somebody, leaving Lin Li and the rest looking everywhere curiously.

  Only when they were almost done looking did the three find a few seats to sit down.

  Lin Li had just sat down, and realized there was somebody familiar sitting beside him.

  "Good evening, Mage Fredrick."

  "Good evening, Mage Felic…" Fredrick felt like slapping himself. Out of all the places to sit, he had to choose this seat. Great, now that this fella was sitting beside him, he could enjoy tonight's dinner…

  Thinking about the Flaming Hands in Shadowglen, Fredrick became restless. His b.u.t.t was rubbing on the seat as though he had piles.

  Lin Li saw that he looked weird, and concernedly asked, "What's wrong, is mage Fredrick uncomfortable?"

  "No… Nothing."

  "Oh, yes. Why don't I see Kayla and the rest here?" Lin Li chatted with Fredrick warm-heartedly; it seemed as though they were good friends that had not met for a long. Just by looking, nobody would have thought that this fella was the one that used Flaming Hands without uttering a word in the Shadowglen and almost burnt Fredrick.

  "They… They are with Sarsen…" Fredrick sat there, feeling as though he was sitting like a soldering iron. He did not dare to change his seat as there would be trouble in case this fella did not give him any face.

  "Oh…" Lin Li nodded, and continued making small talk with Fredrick.

  Fredrick really felt like smashing his head against the wall. What was this fella thinking by lingering around, having to come up to him when there were so many other people around?

  Actually, he did not know that Lin Li knew only a few people out of the many in the banquet hall. Since he had already sat there and idling was just idling, why not search for someone familiar to talk to…

  But, he did not think that his existence gave Fredrick so much pressure…

  Luckily, President Aldwin stood up when Fredrick felt like every single second was arduous.

  "Good evening, everyone." Aldwin's face had a warm smile. His voice was not loud, but it was clear enough for everyone. "The banquet will commence shortly, but before that, I would like to solemnly introduce an important person—one of the arbiters of the Supreme Council, Mage Herza!"

  "Clap, clap, clap, clap…" There was a loud round of applause in the banquet hall. For most of the mages, the Supreme Council was the most mysterious place with Anril. A mage from the Supreme Council was worthy of their enthusiastic applause.

  "Good evening, everyone…" Herza's voice sounded like he was short of breath.

  "Mage Herza's attendance is mainly for two reasons. The first reason is related to the trial at the Shadowglen. Before the banquet commences, Mage Herza would bestow a gift upon those fellas that were successful during this trial." After this point, Aldwin paused for a moment. "The second reason is that Mage Herza will be hosting the finals that will be held in a month's time."

  The hall was suddenly silent. Aldwin last sentence had seemingly taken away everybody's attention. Even the leaders of the Alanna Guild of Magic held their breaths. Nobody could have imagined that the finals were actually going to be hosted by somebody from the Supreme Council.

  From these words, many of them could sense something out of the ordinary. The individual guilds were responsible for the previous trials. However, this year, not only did the Supreme Council suddenly organize the mission at the Shadowglen, they even wanted to host the finals now. Before Aldwin's voice settled, everyone was guessing what was the meaning behind this…

  Yet, at this point, the insider stood up again. His voice was still weak and faint, but the words he spoke were as though he dropped a bomb in the banquet hall.

  "The victor of the finals will have the support of the Supreme Council to set up a guild in any region."

  This feeble sentence caused everyone to be excited.

  "Oh my God…"

  Chapter 161 - Earthquake

  Herza's words were like a lighted match being thrown into gasoline. With a roar, everyone in the banquet hall was ignited. The once quiet banquet hall had suddenly become bustling with noise. Everyone seemed to be discussing fervently; whispers were blending together, causing the quiet banquet hall to be lively like a city.

  All 24 young mages had a pleasantly surprised look.

  Before participating in the trials at Alanna, none of them could have thought that such an opportunity was awaiting them. Prior to today, they had not even dreamt of being a guild president of a Guild of Magic.

  The Felan Kingdom was a country of magic. A president of a Guild of Magic was not a small matter. He could have enormous resources and the right to study the most complex spells, and he would not be bound by common law.

  Most in the crowd were not older than twenty years. At this age, immense power and an honorable status were undoubtedly the most tempting.

  Being able to become the president of a Guild of Magic at the age of twenty was something unheard of in the Felan Kingdom. The victor of this trial would be destined to be the brightest shining star of the Felan Kingdom.

  Who would be able to resist such an opportunity and temptation?

  Even the fidgeting Fredrick that seemed like he has piles had his eyes lit. Both his eyes were staring at Herza. It was as though he was a wolf that had not eaten for days looking at a piece of fresh meat…

  Sarsen looked at Gryffindor, who was far away. This number one genius of Felan was always composed. He would sometimes show a relaxed smile when speaking to his companions. However, he emitted an endless sense of self-confidence from his body. It was as though the championship of this finals was within his grasp.

  Sarsen let out a sigh. Although Gryffindor was arrogant, he had to admit that there was a reason for Gryffindor's self-confidence.

  Ever since they returned from the Shadowglen, Sarsen met Gryffindor numerous times. He could clearly feel that Gryffindor's strength had immensely improved. The current him might already have bordered the realm of an Archmage. Maybe just by progressing a little more, he would be able to step in the realm that every mage dreamt of.

  Even Sarsen could not make out how strong the current Gryffindor was.

  He only knew that he had been left in the dust by this number one genius of Felan.

  The scenery of the Shadowglen started to slowly appear in Sarsen. He had to admit that this world indeed had geniuses. Their existence was to let those who were trying to chase up to lose hope. For example, Gryffindor, who was at approaching the realm of an Archmage in his twenties, and that fella who went up against a Lich…

  Most likely only that fella could be a match for Gryffindor.

  Sarsen unknowingly gazed into the distance. That young mage from Jarrosus was still calm and composed. He was now bored, playing with a knife and fork. It looked like he was an outsider that was not affected by the earlier news at all.

  Compared to the cheering of the youngsters, the people like Macklin were more prudent.

  In fact, the looks on their faces could be described as serious.

  The over twenty archmages present were core members of the Alanna Guild of Magic. The things they knew were much more profound than these youngsters.

  Their perspective of issues was naturally much more different.

  In fact, Macklin was now having a headache.

  A new Guild of Magic was not going to be that simple.

  This meant something of more immediate significance. For example, it could be the partition of the boundaries of authority, or the division of privileges or the relations between each other, and much more…

  These questions were philistine, but they still existed, constantly puzzling everyone…

  The benefits of Felan's twenty-four Guilds of Magic were intertwined with each other, and it was very messy. This mess had not been cleared for more than 1200 years since the end of the Dark Ages.

  Yet, the decisi
on made by the Supreme Council was like taking this mess into their hands and squashing it. The mess that could not be solved was now worse.

  Nobody knew what the Supreme Council was thinking, much less what they were planning to do.

  Macklin did not know where this new Guild of Magic was going to be established.

  Felan Kingdom's most prosperous twenty-four cities had long ago set up their own Guild of Magic. Where was this new Guild of Magic that had suddenly appeared going to be established?

  Could it be the Breezy Plains? Thinking of this possibility, Macklin facial expression changed immediately. Isn't this too exciting…

  The more Macklin thought about it, the more possible it became. After expanding his thoughts, the questions that he could not solve previously suddenly had an answer. No wonder the Supreme Council organized this trial. No wonder they intentionally added the mission in Shadowglen halfway through. No wonder the rules for the finals were so weird…

  Macklin's face had a look of understanding, but at the same time, he looked worried.

  Looking at Aldwin who was beside him having the same expression, it seemed like both of them had the same idea.

  Macklin was restless; he decided to ask Herza.

  Luckily, Herza was the one that came this time.

  Herza was in charge of external affairs, and would come to Alanna a few times a year. Macklin had a somewhat friendly relationship with him.

  Hence, Macklin moved closer shamelessly. "Mage Herza, is it the Breezy Plains?"

  "The weather today is not bad…"

  "…" Macklin was 'choked' by him until his eyes rolled. In his rage, he silently scolded, Jerk!

  Macklin was right, Herza was befitting of the word "jerk".

  A pleasant banquet had now been ruined by Herza. Under the bombardment of this news that was like an earthquake, who would be able to eat? The sumptuous dinner that was served tasted like sawdust for everyone. Being absent-minded, the meal had become bland. It was not long after eight o'clock when everyone had dispersed.

  Ever since this hasty banquet, the atmosphere within Alanna's Guild of Magic started to become very tense. The twenty-four young mages were desperately trying to improve. Those that had the right to enter the Omniscient Tower wanted to live inside it. Before dawn even broke, they went in, and only left the tower punctually at 9 o'clock at night. They were so focused that they did not want to waste a single second. They even felt like pouring their meals into their stomach when it was time to eat.

  As for the rest that could not enter the Omniscient Tower, they did not show weakness. They went to the Adventurers Guild without prior consultation and took on the most challenging missions. They used this self-torturing method to close the gap between them and the others.

  Even though they had a mountain like Gryffindor pressuring them, nobody gave up during this month.

  During a real battle, who would know what could happen? It was not only Gryffindor that had a chance to fight for this position. Maybe a mistake in a spell could deliver this chance to them.

  This was the general thought that most of these young mages had.

  This tense atmosphere was motivating many people.

  Even Mason, who was usually not very diligent, had visited the Omniscient Tower almost every day. Furthermore, he would drag Orrin to the spell testing hall, bombarding it with various spells.

  As for why he looked for Orrin, and not Lin Li? This was slightly complicated…

  If Mason were to answer, he would most likely whisper, "F*ck. Do I not have nothing better to do but look for that monster? That's torture alright…"

  Of course, even if he did want to find Lin Li, he might not be able to find him.

  Lin Li was as busy.

  It was just that the things he was busy with were different from the rest.

  Initially, he gave Elijah one month to find somebody in the black market. However, after one week, the blond youngster had brought him good news.

  "Mr Mage, I have already completed the task you gave me!" The fair-skinned face of the blond youth was filled with excitement. He had no choice but to be excited as it was a deal for three bottles for Bull's Strength Potion….

  "Bring me immediately." Li Li did not say anything else and dragged Elijah out of the Guild of Magic.

  Both of them hurriedly left the guild hall, and went through the streets of Alanna. After a short time, they saw the main entrance of the Adventurers Guild. The black market was established within the vicinity of the Adventurers Guild, just like in Jarrosus. This was very normal as it was natural to do such trades where adventurers were entering and leaving…

  Chapter 162 - Thunder Eaglet

  Jarrosus was a small northern city, and Alanna was the imperial capital of Felan. These two cities had a vastly different style, but they had one thing in common, and it was how messy the black markets were. They were similarly bustling. Furthermore, the situation in Alanna was worse than in Jarrosus.

  This place was too awful. The pungent smell of low-quality tobacco mixed with sweat was very suffocating, and there was rubbish all over the floor. The fruit peels, scraps of paper, and ash were all mixed together. One had to be careful, for they might step on it. There were only noise and arguments when walking amongst the crowd. It was like a million flies constantly buzzing beside your ear. Occasionally, there would be a scream. It was either a female adventurer that got groped, or a male adventurer that had their wallet stolen. All in all, this place was like a market, but magnified by a hundred times.

  With a situation that was worse than Jarrosus', it would naturally have more goods than Jarrosus.

  After all, Alanna was the capital of Felan. The adventurers here were much stronger than those in Jarrosus. The products they could supply were naturally not something Jarrosus's black market could compete with.

  From armor to weapons and magical crystals, from gems to ores and herbs. A dazzling array of products was piled together, causing people to see things in a blur. At the corner of the street, there were a few small metal cages, and within these cages were some Thunder Eaglets. Thunder Eagles were level-10 magical beasts. Hunting their young was not easier than slaying the eagles. No matter if it was a human or a magical beast, they would erupt with astonishing power when their family was under threat.

  The one selling the Thunder Eaglets was a bandit wearing a brown leather armor. He looked to be in his twenties, and his pair of eyes had a unique feature. They seemed to be keen. No matter who looked over, it seemed like their first reaction would be to cover their wallets.

  Gerian, that shameless person, said before that an attractive guild president like himself did not have to do anything—he only needed to show an adequate expression, and people would obey him.

  Lin Li felt that this description was befitting of this fella. Such an attractive bandit like him did not have to do anything; people would cover their wallets if he just made a face at them.

  Without a doubt, he was indeed an attractive bandit.

  What was more attractive than his eyes was his figure.

  This figure was indeed too spectacular!

  Based on Lin Li's estimation, this bandit that was wearing leather armor with two daggers by his boots was fatter than Gerian. He seemed like a meatball when looking at him.

  It was hard for Lin Li to imagine…

  How was this huge thing able to achieve high-difficulty movements such as stealthy movements and sneak attacks?

  "Mr Mage, you have sharp eyes. With one look, you seemed to have taken a fancy to my Thunder Eagles. Come over and take a look. I am selling genuine Thunder Eaglets, one for ten thousand gold coins! I would even give you an exclusive secret rearing manual for free. Don't miss it as you walk past. It is a rare deal to rear a Thunder Eagle for such a cheap price!"

  The fat bandit's exaggerated promotion made Lin Li feel amused. This guy was indeed made for business. He promoted the thunder eagles to a mage. These level-10 magical beasts were naturally proficien
t in Thunder spells, but they had no specialty in fighting. There was no need for a mage to buy it. Was it not equivalent to bringing more Thunderbolt scrolls?

  "Shut up, Shaun!"

  Elijah operated a mercenary corp. He would make deals with all sorts of people in the black market almost every day. The tricks of this fat bandit were not known to others, but Elijah definitely knew them. What exclusive secret rearing manual? This jerk's secret magical beast rearing manual was copied from a circus in the first place…

  A Thunder Eagle was a level-10 magical beast. It would not be possible to be good at rearing when using these methods for cats and dogs…

  If such methods were possible, wouldn't Anril be full of magical beast tamers?

  It was not that nobody bought magical beasts offspring from him before. It was just that out of those who bought it, who had successfully reared them?

  Magical beasts were not the usual beasts. When they matured, the natural ferocity and bloodl.u.s.t would start to show, but it would not be seen when they were young. Once it had reached that point, any training would be useless. It was either to kill or be killed by it… Luckily, those that had bought these magical from this fella chose to do the former. For the time being, no human blood had been shed. Otherwise, this guy would have been beaten to death.

  This originally had nothing to do with Elijah, for everybody was making a living. He sold his fake rearing methods, while Elijah managed his own mercenary corp. It was fine once you knew and would not be scammed. There was no need to ruin his business.

  But, the problem was this guy chose to scam this monstrous mage out of everybody else…

  Was he somebody that you could just casually scam as well?

  If you want to die by yourself, it is fine. But if he felt that I brought him to get scammed, wouldn't I be in deep trouble?

  For the fat bandit's safety—and much more so for his own—Elijah had no choice but to step in. He righteously stood out and exposed this person…

  "Ah, if it isn't Captain Elijah. Just a joke, just a joke. I merely saw the pleasant weather today, and I just cracked a joke with this mage…" Once he saw that Elijah appear, the fatty started to tremble in fear. F*ck, it was not easy to spot a gullible target, and it was this person's friend. Seems like this deal is busted…