By the next day, her dizziness had reduced by a little. Max left the dormitories after a quick breakfast and went to see the small market near the island’s harbor. She knew from experience that expeditions would require sturdy boots, leather belts, a bag for her belongings, and a practical weapon. Boots, thick socks, travel hat, and comfortable clothes could all be purchased directly from the market, but the weapons should be obtained from Gnome Hall’s smiths. Max bought all that she needed with the money she earned from the tower and the gold coins that Rodrigo gave her upon leaving Anatol.
Clothing for the winter season was quite bulky so even if she only brought those that she really needed, her luggage was still far from being light. Max loaded her luggage into a small cart she borrowed from the tower, then climbed up to hold the donkey’s reins and drove her way out of the market. After climbing the wide hill and travelling for about half an hour, the hostel building finally appeared. Max then carried her luggage to her room and headed to the temple connected to the center tower to attend a meeting of the dispatch team.
There were nearly 20 wizards gathered. All the archmages wore dark reddish-brown cloaks while the apprentice wizards, who had just received their magical attributes, were wearing casual clothing. Max walked over to Sidina, who was waving a hand for her to come over, and carefully observed the other wizards present. There were three wizards who came from Kabbalah, three from Sigur, two from Undaim, and 8 people who had just become ordinary wizards—a total of 16 wizards gathered. The total number of the dispatch team would be 19 if the three Urd wizards who had yet to arrive were counted. Max frowned at their number which was a bit low for a dispatch team.
“I don’t think there are any high-ranking wizards from Gnome Hall who will join.” Armin sighed at her mutter. “It’s as expected. All the high-ranking wizards in Gnome Hall are learning about taboo magic. A lot of restrictions on leaving the island are in place and the World Tower most likely won’t hastily permit those wizards to join the dispatch team given that it will involve cooperating with the church.”
“It doesn’t seem like that’s the only reason why.” Annete whispered. “I heard that a lot of Urd’s elder wizards were against forming a dispatch team. The Serbel clan despises being entangled with the church… and in fact, it is said that many of those warlocks who were exiled to the north are of elf descent.”
Max gasped at the unexpected revelation. “The e-eleven race… are good. But why would such a thing as black magic…”
“If heretical judges hear me saying this, I will probably have my throat cut but… the truth is, dark magic is not as evil as people may think. The reason why they are being called ‘evil warlocks’ was because they fought against the church. In the past, during the oppression and massacre of wizards and the likes, the Serbel clan was split into two groups. Half of the wizards and non-human races came down south to build Nornui, while the other half remained in the Roviden continent to fight ‘til the end but they were eventually exiled to the north.”
“So… are you saying that the Serbel wizards are not in favor of fighting against the warlocks?”
“Well, It’s not certain whether the warlocks are still alive. What is clear is that the Serbel clan remains hostile towards the church. Some of the elder wizards were first hand witnesses of the massacres the church has done, so it is understandable that their grudges still remain. It seems that Calto Serbel has persistently insisted for this team to be formed. However, it appears like the voices against it were not strong enough, reasoning that creating a dispatch team will be a difficult thing to do. That is why trainees like us were also recruited.”
“Everyone, quiet!”
As Max’s head was swimming with all the new knowledge that Annette fed her, Calto entered the meeting room and spoke in a loud voice. She hurriedly regained her composure and straightened her posture. After Calto climbed up the elevated platform and checked that everyone was present, he began to explain the expedition in sequence.
