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Leylin stood outside the villa, his expression calm yet deliberate. The night sky above Extreme Night City was dark, void of stars, its eerie silence broken only by the occasional distant howl of nocturnal beasts. The city, surrounded by dense forests and rich in magical energy, was a haven for wandering acolytes and reclusive scholars alike.
Before him was the grand villa of Murphy, a renowned scholar and Level 3 acolyte who had resided in the city for the past three years. A man of knowledge and influence, he was an excellent first contact to make.
Leylin reached for the metallic bell hanging by the door and rang it. The crisp chime echoed through the villa, quickly followed by the sound of scurrying footsteps from within.
Moments later, the heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing a meticulous-looking butler dressed in black and white. His aged face bore the marks of decades of service, and his piercing eyes studied Leylin with curiosity.
"Hello! May I ask who you are? Do you have an appointment?" The butler's voice was courteous yet firm.
Leylin smiled, radiating an air of confidence and charm. "Hello, my friend. I am Leylin Farlier. I have come to visit the esteemed owner of this villa."
The butler looked at Leylin and hesitated, a flash of distress crossing his face as if being unable to help him put him in great stress.
He opened his mouth as if to refuse but quickly shut it again. After a moment's pause, he spoke hesitantly, "Sir, as you may know, my master, Murphy, is a renowned scholar. His daily schedule is extremely packed, and he rarely takes visitors…"
Before he could finish, a young maid hurriedly approached, whispering something into his ear. Almost instantly, the butler's expression transformed. His initial reluctance faded, replaced with delight as he bowed deeply.
"Master invites you into the living room!"
Leylin chuckled inwardly. The butler looked as if being able to help Leylin was a great honor, Leylin was sure it was his innate charm at work.
Leylin proceeded to retract his magical powers, he had subtly released faint energy waves—just enough to attract Murphy's attention without alarming him. It had worked like a charm.
Stepping into the villa, Leylin was greeted by a long, well-lit corridor adorned with intricate oil paintings and exquisite sculptures. The faint yellow walls exuded an air of warmth, while the subtle scent of aged parchment and ink lingered in the air.
As he progressed, the corridor widened, opening up to a vast living room. The décor was not overly extravagant—there were no dazzling gold or silver trinkets, yet the presence of history and sophistication filled every corner.
By the grand fireplace, nestled in a dark red recliner, sat an elderly scholar. His long white brows and beard framed his face, his eyes slightly muddied by age yet occasionally gleaming with hidden intelligence. (Image)
Upon seeing Leylin, Murphy's eyes twitched with interest. The old man slowly rose from his chair, extending his arms in a welcoming gesture.
"Welcome, my young friend!" His voice carried warmth and wisdom.
Leylin stepped forward with a genuine smile, as if reuniting with an old acquaintance. He clasped Murphy in a brief hug before presenting a small gift. "It is an honor to finally meet you, Master Murphy. I hope you will accept this humble present."
A servant stepped forward, carefully placing the gift into the butler's hands. It was an exquisite cap adorned with night hawk tail feathers—symbols of peace.
Murphy's lips curled into a smile. "Ah, night hawk feathers… a fine gift indeed! They symbolize peace, but more importantly, they bring good fortune to scholars such as myself."
With a casual wave, he dismissed his butler and the maids.
"Leave us," he instructed. "I would like to have a private conversation with my young guest."
Leylin, too, gestured for Saeed to wait outside. The room grew silent as the door shut behind them.
Murphy took a sip of his red tea before leaning back in his chair. His demeanor shifted from warm host to calculating scholar. "Alright, let's dispense with the formalities. Murphy, Level 3 acolyte. I have lived in Extreme Night City for three years now."
Leylin reciprocated the introduction with a courteous bow. "Leylin Farlier, Level 2 acolyte and wandering Magus. I have recently arrived in Extreme Night City and wish to reside here for several years."
Murphy's eyes flickered with intrigue. "Your body still carries the energy of youth. To have advanced to a Level 2 acolyte at your age, you must have a rather extraordinary aptitude."
Leylin smiled modestly. "Just good fortune, Master Murphy."
The two exchanged further pleasantries, discussing minor topics before Leylin tactfully steered the conversation toward his main purpose.
"I wish to establish myself here in Extreme Night City," Leylin began. "Not only that, but I also intend to sell my products in the surrounding Magus markets. Unfortunately, the bureaucratic procedures for both residency and commerce are quite tedious. I was hoping you could assist me with these matters."
Murphy took another slow sip of tea, his expression unreadable. Then, with a small chuckle, he set his cup down.
"You're an ambitious one. Not only a talented acolyte but also skilled in alchemy… Most impressive."
Murphy's interest deepened as he tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair. "Very well, this is a trivial matter. I have ties with the Demisure family, who oversee a small gathering market nearby. They would be more than willing to assess your products and offer you a fair rate."
"As for your residency…" Murphy stroked his beard. "That is even simpler. I happen to have friendly relations with the Lord of Extreme Night City—one of his sons is my student. No city lord would refuse a request from a Mysterious Entity such as yourself."
Leylin nodded. "Then I must sincerely thank you for your assistance."
Although this was said to satisfy the requirements of etiquette, both Leylin and the old man knew that it was mentioned as a mere courtesy.
The handling of residential procedures may be difficult for regular humans. However, for a famous scholar like Murphy, it was only a matter of a few words. Even if Leylin wanted to handle these procedures by himself, he would have to spend more time than the old man
Selling alchemy items are even more simple.Leylin products are always in high demand regardless of where he goes, all markets would enthusiastically welcome his runes.
For both Murphy and Leylin, this matter was simply a means to establish a basic friendship of convenience between them.
Murphy waved off the gratitude. "No need for formalities. Extreme Night City is a peaceful place, ideal for Magi who seek quiet research. That said, there are certain customs to abide by—nothing unreasonable, of course. Simply put, large-scale massacres and disruptions are not tolerated."
Leylin chuckled. "A reasonable request. I have no interest in pointless slaughter."
Leylin had little interest in butchering normal muggles, and if he really needed to do some human experimentation it's still possible, as long as he keeps it under control. Acolytes won't fight him over a few normal humans, it's only a large scale massacre that would be persecuted.
The two continued their conversation, exchanging knowledge and experiences. Although Murphy was merely a Level 3 acolyte, his years of experience far surpassed Leylin's, making their discussion an enriching one.
To Murphy's surprise, Leylin's knowledge in rune crafting and alchemical applications was profound. The old scholar became increasingly drawn into their conversation, genuinely intrigued by the younger acolyte's insights.
Hours passed, and by the time they had finished their meal together, the sky outside had dimmed into twilight.
As Leylin prepared to take his leave, Murphy suddenly reached for a wooden box.
"Before you go, I have something for you," the old scholar said.
He opened the box, revealing three vials of dark, shimmering liquid.
"This is the blood of a Vibra Wraith, a creature with strength equivalent to a Level 3 acolyte. My friends and I hunted it many years ago, and I have kept some vials for research. But I am old, and my interests have shifted."
Murphy handed the vials to Leylin. "Since you are interested in blood experiments. Consider this a gift."
Leylin studied the vials with keen interest. Vibra Wraiths were rare, and their blood contained unique properties. This was a valuable resource.
Despite Murphy's insistence, Leylin took out a few magic crystals and placed them on the table. "A fair exchange is always best."
Murphy chuckled, shaking his head. "Stubborn, aren't you?"
The two bid each other farewell, agreeing to meet again soon.
As Leylin exited the villa, the city's dimly lit streets stretched before him. The soft glow of street lamps cast elongated shadows, making the cobblestone paths appear alive.
"Extreme Night City… seems like a good place to settle for now." he murmured to himself.
By the time he arrived at his inn, his butler and knights were waiting.
The old butler stepped forward. "Young Master, we have secured a small manor within Extreme Night City."
Leylin nodded approvingly. "Good. And the marketplace permits?"
"Thanks to help from Lord Murphy, it will be handled shortly." Butler Dicus bowed and replied. Getting a permit might be tedious for normal people, making sure to comply with all taxes and regulations but for people like Leylin, it's like a flick of a hand.
Leylin turned to his knights, "You." He looked at Saeed, "You would go to nearby markets to buy me premium quality weapons."
"And you." Leylin looking at Abid, "you will lead the mercenaries to patrol the manor. Also, begin acquiring small businesses—you servants must establish financial independence, I don't have time to waste on mortal affairs."
The knight bowed. "Understood."
Leylin's smile deepened as he looked out into the darkness.
A city of acolytes, no official Magi, and a scholar willing to aid him.
'I'll enjoy my time here.'