Yuric, as well as the mercenaries who first set foot on Ronadium, couldn’t help but be amazed by its grandeur. While the Mage Specialization City of Bemberg, standing proudly on a vast lake, was impressive, this place called Ronadium surpassed it by a notch.
The first thing that caught their eye was undoubtedly the massive Mage Tower standing tall in the center of the city. Although Bemberg’s Magic Academy had eight floors, the tower here was much taller. Frankly, it was hard to tell just how many floors it had from the outside.
On the white, massive outer wall surrounding the city, faces of what were presumed to be ancient mages were engraved in relief. The streets, perfectly paved without a single dirt path, were equipped with artistic street lamps.
Ronadium also had an underground area, known by its nickname “The Street Where the Sun Never Sets.” It wasn’t accessible to just anyone; specific qualifications were required for entry.
While there were beggars in Ronadium like in other cities, surprisingly, their appearance didn’t resemble the typical ragged look of beggars seen elsewhere. They were rather well-dressed, more reminiscent of apprentices trying to attract customers.
“Here, even beggars need dignity to get alms. Even if they’re beggars, they have enough knowledge to converse fairly well with mages. They don’t curse if you don’t give them money. Instead, they often say they hope to meet again next time. You might end up giving them something eventually.”
Cecilia explained this, and Yuric nodded in amazement.
The mages of Ronadium were all stylish, each wearing conical hats with wide brims, flowing robes that looked soft at a glance, and carrying this week’s new books under their arms as they walked. Their colors were incredibly varied, making each sight a feast for the eyes.
As the sun slowly set, the charm of the city became even more pronounced. Particularly striking was the sight of the Mage Tower being painted a reddish hue along with the city. Yuric could vividly imagine it even with his eyes closed.
Yuric and the Golden Dragon Mercenary Corps entered their accommodations. Naturally, the hall on the first floor, occupied by the mercenaries, was bustling and noisy, quite different from the neatness of the streets.
After settling in and having dinner, Yuric grabbed his bag and ventured back out into the streets. Despite the setting sun and the creeping dusk, the streetlights lit up like works of art.
After walking for a while, he sat down in a square where statues stood and sketched the scenery. He continued drawing until late into the night, completing three sketches before returning to the accommodation.
The Golden Dragon Mercenary Corps relaxed and enjoyed a feast, savoring the local delicacies of meat pastries as snacks. Yuric joined them, drinking with the others.
He even tried a glass of brandy, which burned his throat fiercely, causing him to collapse instantly. When he woke up, it was already morning.
Yuric soaked in a hot bath to cleanse himself of toxins and drank a bowl of morning soup before leaving the building.
Standing before the towering Mage Tower, his heart raced. This place held a thousand years of magic history. How could any mage not admire such a tower?
Given the size of the city, it took a while to reach the Mage Tower in the center. However, as he toured the city and paused to draw, time flew by quickly.
Finally, Yuric arrived at the Mage Tower.
Ah!
Though he knew the tower was huge, seeing its enormity up close surpassed his imagination. Even Bemberg’s Magic Academy was massive, but this one made it seem insignificant.
How many ancient mages must have poured their strength into its construction? The tower also had barrier magic installed, which Yuric recognized as an improved version.
The first floor of the tower was bustling with people, especially mages congregating in the shops lining the area. Clothes, accessories, equipment, and books were sold in these closely packed shops. Young mages in caps and cloaks spun around excitedly, holding hands with their parents.
Yuric was captivated by the window displays, spending a long time admiring them. The premium items were shockingly expensive. Seeing mages wearing such costly attire made Yuric realize how wealthy some were.
After exploring the first-floor shops, Yuric stood before the entrance to the second floor. Those with magic-processed badges passed through directly, while those needing special permission queued up at the inspection station.
After a considerable wait, it was finally Yuric’s turn. He presented the invitation from the former Mage Tower Master, Waldib, to the inspector.
The inspector’s face changed upon receiving it and then led Yuric to a room where a middle-aged man was waiting—the inspector himself, rarely seen.
“Welcome, Mr. Yuric. Allow me to escort you.”
The inspector personally guided Yuric through the inspection process.
Of course, like Bemberg’s Magic Academy, the tower had automatic elevators. However, this place could accommodate far more people than the academy.
The two men got off at the fifth floor. The atmosphere here was different from the first floor. The dim lighting, plush carpets, and ornate flower pots and paintings created a solemn and refined ambiance.
They arrived at the office and laboratory of Mage Waldib. The inspector left after guiding Yuric to the entrance.
Yuric knocked and entered, greeted warmly by Mage Waldib.
“Oh, Mr. Yuric. You’ve finally arrived. Did you encounter any problems on your way here? These days, the continent is quite dangerous…”
“No, nothing serious. Ronadium is truly beautiful, and I can’t help but be impressed.”
“Indeed, it’s a beautiful place compared to other cities.”
Waldib briefly chatted before getting straight to the point.
“Should I report to the Senate right away? Many people want to meet you.”
“…Are you referring to me?”
Seeing Yuric’s puzzled expression, Waldib smiled faintly.
“You may not know, but you’re quite famous here. Especially among circuitry experts. Even though I’m just a messenger, they ask daily when you’ll arrive.”
“I see. Then I understand. I’ll meet them now.”
Waldib instructed his apprentice to inform the elders and professors about Yuric’s arrival. News spread rapidly throughout the tower.
“Let’s go to the Senate chamber together.”
There were twelve elders in total, with two currently absent, and ten received the news.
Dozens of professors were also informed. Those without immediate duties hurried to the Senate chamber to see what kind of mage Yuric was.
The Senate chamber had a crescent-shaped table for the elders and dozens of seats for observers.
Standing on the podium, Yuric watched as seats filled up. Elders took their places, and he understood why they were called elders—each was extraordinary.
After some time, when the chamber was nearly full, the door closed.
The overall lighting dimmed slightly, and focus shifted to Yuric on the podium. An elder sitting in the center began the proceedings.
“Mage Tower Elder, Diocles. Please introduce yourself.”
Yuric bowed respectfully and introduced himself.
“I am Mage Yuric. Currently, I serve as a tutor for Miss Ior, the daughter of Mr. Amic Schruppen.”
Everyone knew the name Schruppen. Wasn’t he from the Golden Hand Niruin family?
“Good. And this is the summary book you sent.”
Elder Diocles showed a copy of the compiled treatment for Mana Blockage Disease.
“I’ve heard it has been verified by the Dawn Society, but I’d appreciate a more detailed explanation here.”
“Understood.”
Yuric readily agreed and headed towards a blackboard behind the podium. Each elder and professor present held a copy of his circuit diagrams.
“Let’s begin.”
As Yuric’s explanation started, everyone was engrossed in his words.
Some expressed admiration, others sighed, and some were shocked.
Especially, the circuitry experts couldn’t help but shift in their seats. Occasionally, they forgot they were in front of elders and raised their hands to ask questions. Yuric answered each question clearly and confidently.
Everyone marveled at the originality and harmony of the circuits. They felt this was a creation only Yuric could achieve.
Circuitry experts realized that parts of their current curriculum might need to be completely revamped. His circuits were so revolutionary that they even altered the purpose of some circuits. Old methods were replaced with new ones, and newer methods with even newer ones.
Yet, the circuits remained stable. Yuric emphasized that, as human body circuits, stability was his primary goal. Particularly for Mana Blockage Disease, care must be taken to avoid mana reflux.
“Of course, once the disease progresses significantly, circuits alone cannot cure it. Medication must be used in conjunction.”
Yuric explained the potions listed in the summary using alchemy. Now, it was the alchemy experts’ turn to shift in their seats. They wondered how he discovered such combinations.
“When I was young, I experimented countless times. I even drank them all. Through this, I realized certain material combinations produced unique mana reactions. That’s how I developed these combinations. Initially, I couldn’t guarantee their effectiveness, as they were entirely new. But fortunately, they worked.”
Alchemy experts were astonished. Drinking everything he made! And knowing their effects…
While there are daring alchemists, most prefer using test subjects over drinking their creations themselves.
Yuric, trained under such a daring alchemist, believed it was natural to drink everything he made.
And his daring experiments led to the great discoveries recorded in Adrian’s summary book. Without it, Yuric wouldn’t have created these potions.
“However, in alchemy, the best results don’t come from the rarest materials. So, I continued researching to find alternatives to dragon scale powder.”
When new content appeared in the summary, everyone perked up.
“After much research, I found a substitute material, though its efficiency is slightly lower.”
Elder Diocles asked, “What is it?”
“Dragon Fungus.”
Dragon Fungus!
While other mages might not know, alchemy experts did. Although not common, it couldn’t compare to dragon scales.
“I tested the potion made with Dragon Fungus and saw positive results. The patient is now cured.”
Mana Blockage Disease was a terrifying, incurable illness for mages.
They either never used mana or died using it—there was no middle ground. Moreover, the disease could strike anyone without warning.
Despite numerous attempts by mages to find a cure, the best they could do was sustain life without using mana.
But now, right here, Mage Yuric had achieved it. And even improved upon it!
“As I’ve already disclosed to the Dawn Society, I will make this treatment public. My achievements in magic are also due to the generosity of my ancestors.”
Elder Diocles stood up and clapped.
Then, everyone in the Senate chamber stood up to applaud.
In today’s age, where incantation magic is declining and circuitry magic is rising, Mana Blockage Disease has plagued many talented mages.
This would undoubtedly be a significant step forward for the magical community.
The presentation ended, and the professors left the chamber.
Now, only Yuric and the elders remained.
Diocles spoke.
“In fact, there are quite a few mages with Mana Blockage Disease in the tower. Most were promising future mages. Many gave up and died. You understand the meaning of a mage giving up magic, don’t you?”
“Yes, I understand.”
“You’ve given them hope.”
Yuric modestly lowered his head. The elders laughed happily at his humility. Then, their expressions turned serious again. Yuric sensed that the real discussion was about to begin.
“Could someone who has suffered from Mana Blockage Disease for a long time be treated?”
“How long has it been?”
“At least twenty years.”
Twenty years!
An incredible amount of time. Normally, they would have passed away several times by now.
“Honestly, I can’t guarantee anything. Even if we treat them, it would be extremely difficult. …Who is the person?”
Elder Diocles pondered for a moment before revealing the name.
“Tristan Berge.”
Detailed descriptions followed.
“…Former Mage Tower Master.”
