NOVPUB
Chapter 61: 001: Arrival, Mid-level Apprentice
After the introductions, Lynch learned the identity of this nobleman. His name was Edmund Novard, the Lord of Wind Extinguishing Territory in the Saladin Kingdom, a Royal Count whose status was among the most prominent in the kingdom.
However, when faced with Lynch and his fellow Transcendents, he remained humble throughout, even going so far as to camp by the lakeside under the guise of a hunting trip for an entire month, enduring the harshness of the outdoors to prepare for their arrival.
This was the fundamental difference between mortals and Wizards. No matter how noble a mortal may be, they remain mortals. No matter how weak an apprentice may be, they are of a higher existence...
After resting for a night in the camp, the next morning, the group boarded Count Edmund’s well-prepared carriages. Under the escort of the convoy, they journeyed southward, speeding through the roads for hours until they arrived at their destination, Wind Extinguishing City, around noon.
This was a medium-to-large human city in the northwest of the Saladin Kingdom, with a permanent population of over two hundred thousand. It was one of the most prominent urban centers in the entire kingdom.
"Clip-clop, clip-clop!"
The crisp sound of horse hooves echoed as the convoy, under the escort of soldiers dressed in strikingly polished armor, slowly traversed through the streets.
Inside the carriage, Lynch leaned against the soft leather sofa, freely taking in the scenery outside.
The sunlight, like golden silk, gently poured down, illuminating the winding and ancient cobblestone roads, and brightening the dense houses lining the streets.
Most of these houses stood only two or three stories tall, yet each window was adorned with intricate wooden carvings or wrought-iron designs. The windows were half-open, offering occasional glimpses of busy figures or leisurely family scenes within. The rooftops were covered with moss and the marks of time, forming a sharp contrast against the azure skies and fluffy white clouds.
The streets were teeming with people, bustling with activity. Merchants pushed carts piled high with a variety of goods, ranging from fresh produce to exquisite crafts—everything you could imagine was there. They shouted loudly, drawing the attention of passersby.
Commoners, clad in coarse garments, displayed diverse expressions on their faces as they either paused for conversations or hurried along their paths.
A group of children, wearing patched shoes, chased and played on the streets. Their laughter was crisp and cheerful, filled with vitality. Upon noticing the approaching convoy, they quickly lined up on the roadside to watch, their eyes brimming with envy and wonder.
The air was filled with the savory aroma of roasted meat and the floral fragrance of nearby plants, an enticing blend wafting from a small eatery at the corner. Inside, customers sat together, enjoying fine wines and delicious cuisines, engaging in carefree conversations and laughter.
Rustic, vibrant, brimming with exotic charm.
"So lively..."
Lynch, who had crossed over into the Shadow Land upon arrival, had never experienced anything this grand. Even the original Lynch had spent his entire life confined to a farmstead. By all accounts, this was Lynch’s first visit to a city of such scale, reminding him of his childhood journey when he followed his parents from his tiny hometown to the provincial capital.
The convoy headed straight for the city center, eventually arriving at a majestic white castle.
Count Edmund had arranged a lavish banquet for them, inviting nearly all the nobles and influential figures from across the city to attend. However, Lynch and his companions were already weary from their travels. Adam was the first to expressly decline the invitation, and Lynch promptly followed suit.
Ballroom soirées did not interest him at all—better to use his spiritual power for some solid self-cultivation instead!
"Alright then."
"Leave it to me and Lucas to represent us at the event. As hosts, it wouldn’t be proper to skip it entirely. You two take some time to rest."
Avery did not insist, and after some discussion, it was decided that she and Lucas would represent the group at the banquet, given their upbringing and skill in navigating such social functions.
After settling Lynch and the others in comfortably, Avery prepared to leave, but Lynch suddenly stopped her.
"Miss Avery, please wait a moment."
Avery turned around and asked, "Is there something else, Apprentice Lynch?"
Lynch stepped forward and clarified, "It’s like this—I have a friend who unfortunately passed away due to an accident. Before his death, he entrusted me with delivering his Cross Sword back to his homeland, which happens to be in the Tulip Domain in the Saladin Kingdom."
"I would like to inquire when my assignment is scheduled to begin so that I can plan accordingly."
Beside him, Adam’s body visibly stiffened, his expression turning peculiar.
Avery responded, "Ah, I see."
After pondering for a moment, she replied, "There’s no hurry regarding the work. On our end, we still need some preparation time—it could be a week or two, or perhaps even a month or two. In the meantime, you’re free to take care of your personal matters."
As she spoke, she retrieved an emblem from her Space Pocket and handed it to Lynch. "Take this emblem and hold onto it. I’ll notify you three days in advance before we depart."
Lynch accepted the emblem and examined it. Intricate magic patterns were etched on its surface.
Avery explained, "When the emblem starts glowing and generating heat, that means our preparations are nearing completion. At that point, you’ll need to reach here within three days to join us. Is that alright?"
Lynch nodded. "Understood."
Avery spoke a few words to Count Edmund, who promptly summoned a servant and gave instructions. Shortly afterward, the servant returned, carrying a wooden tray. On it was a small cloth bag filled with various coins.
Avery handed the cloth bag to Lynch and said, "Here’s some currency from the Human World. It’ll help you as you travel through town."
This was the work of an elite cultivated by a High-level family.
Indeed, one had to admire the meticulousness of the young lady. Even though human currency was worth little compared to Magic Stones—a kilogram of gold would only cost two or three Magic Stones—she still thought of such minute details, earning immediate favor. Remembering Graham’s antics of calculating how to dodge the bill every time they ate...
Both purebloods from Wizard Families—how could the gap be so vast?
"Thank you."
At this moment, Count Edmund interjected, "Mr. Lynch, would you like me to arrange someone to escort you to the Tulip Domain? I’ve had some dealings with Lord Claire of that territory."
Lynch shook his head. "No need. Just prepare a horse for me, and that’ll suffice."
Before heading to the Tulip Domain, he still planned to explore a few places, particularly some covert locales...
...
Upon leaving the Count’s castle, Lynch was about to depart when a voice suddenly called out to him from behind.
"Lynch!"
Lynch turned in puzzlement to see Adam approaching.
Lynch asked, "Is something wrong?"
In three years, Adam had matured significantly. He now towered over Lynch with a height exceeding 1.8 meters, his features more pronounced, albeit with an icy demeanor akin to a block of ice. Over the past few days, he’d barely uttered a word.
Adam approached slowly, hesitating for a long while before finally speaking. "You... are traveling to the Tulip Domain... for Yuri’s sake, aren’t you?"
Lynch nodded. "Yes."
Adam fell into brief silence before asking, "So, Yuri commissioning you to deliver the Glory Cross back to his father before his death—was that true?" 𝑛𝘰𝑣𝑝𝑢𝑏.𝘤𝑜𝘮
Lynch looked at him in confusion. "Why else?"
Three years ago, after the High Tower had lifted its veil on apprentice examination protocols, Lynch had disclosed everything he knew to Adam. He had believed their misunderstandings were wholly resolved. Could there still be lingering doubts?
Adam scratched his head before candidly admitting, "I thought you said that just to covet Yuri’s Glory Cross."
Lynch: "......."
After a moment of silence, Lynch replied, "I didn’t. What I told you was the truth."
Adam nodded. "Alright, I believe you now."
After hesitating briefly, Adam offered Lynch an apologetic smile—the first since their prior conflict—and said, "I’m sorry. I should have apologized for my actions years ago."
Lynch shook his head. "It’s fine. I’ve already forgotten about it."
Adam smiled—a rarity, considering their history—and said, "The Glory Cross was something Yuri cherished as if it were his life. For him to entrust it to you in such circumstances, I believe it means he truly acknowledged you. On my behalf, please extend greetings to his father. Thank you."
...
After leaving the Count’s castle, Lynch made his way to town and found a clean inn to stay in.
Though he intended to stroll around Wind Extinguishing City for a couple of days, the reason he chose to leave the luxurious Count’s castle and move to a small inn was primarily because—
He was about to advance.
Yes, after days of meditating and cultivating, by last night his Skill Level had already reached 11,999—just one point away from breaking through the final barrier of Low-level Apprentice to achieve Mid-level Apprentice status.
While advancing to Mid-level Apprentice wouldn’t cause as dramatic fluctuations as advancing to Wizard, there would still be noticeable shifts in spiritual power that Lynch didn’t want others to notice, so he opted to move out.
Settling into the inn, Lynch took advantage of the night to complete a round of meditation. Unsurprisingly, everything unfolded smoothly and naturally.
[Meditation Level 4: 3/20,000]
Mid-level Apprentice.
From tonight, it officially begins!
