The Magician Guild

Chapter 77: The Magician Guild

The three individuals slowly make their way towards the city. At the city's gate, the garrison troops not only fail to obstruct their path but also offer them a salute. This makes Zhao Hai understand that in this world, as long as you are competent, you will be respected.

Upon entering the city gate, Zhao Hai takes a moment to take in the scene. The wide road before them is about ten meters wide, bustling with pedestrians. Small merchants have set up stalls along the sides of the road, creating a lively atmosphere. Shops line both sides of the road, with small booths in front and larger shops further down, adding to the liveliness of the scene.

The pedestrians on the street can be divided into different groups. Most are ordinary people dressed in plain linen clothes, while a few wear leather helmets or warrior cloth. It's rare to see someone wearing a Magic Robe walking on the street.

Suddenly, a voice calls out, "Respected Magician sir, would you like to rent a carriage? My carriage is comfortable and affordable. Moreover, having grown up in Casa City, I know every street here like the back of my hand. I can take you anywhere you want to go."

Zhao Hai and the others follow the voice and see a man dressed as a carriage driver standing about five steps away to their left. He bows respectfully, standing next to a carriage.

The carriage is quite large, pulled by a sturdy red horse. It is painted black and adorned with attractive patterns. While Zhao Hai doesn't recognize its significance, Green does. He knows that although the horses pulling the carriage appear decent, they are only ordinary level-one Magic Beasts and not suitable for someone of Zhao Hai's status.

However, they don't have many options at the moment. They have just arrived in Casa City and are unfamiliar with the place. They don't have much money on hand, so buying a carriage is out of the question. Additionally, using magic or summoning a beast within the city is not allowed. Their only choice is to hire a carriage.

Green approaches the carriage driver and asks, "What's your name? How much does it cost to hire your carriage for a day?"

The carriage driver is surprised that things are going so smoothly. He had called out to Zhao Hai and the others, but it was just an attempt, as magicians are generally considered wealthy and rarely hire ordinary carriages. Nevertheless, he quickly responds, "Respected Magician sir, my carriage is very affordable. It costs one silver coin per day. My name is Locker."

Green hands a silver coin to Locker and says, "We'll hire your carriage for a day." Then he turns to Zhao Hai and adds, "Sir, please get on board."

Zhao Hai nods and, accompanied by Meg, gets onto the carriage. The carriage is quite large and can comfortably accommodate up to six people.

Green, however, doesn't get on the carriage. Instead, he sits beside the driver and instructs Locker, "Take us to the Magician Guild."

The Magician Guild is not an ordinary organization but rather a national institution. Each country has its own independent Magician Guild, which serves as a special organization for magicians.

The purpose of the Magician Guild is to provide services to magicians rather than manage them. Magicians are highly regarded in society and hold a position similar to that of nobles. No one dares to control them, but the guild can offer them various services.

When a magician registers at the guild, they receive a monthly subsidy of ten gold coins. Although most magicians don't care much about this money, the registration offers many other benefits. For example, they receive a Magician Badge, which grants them tax exemption and the privilege to visit nobles without having to kneel.

Green and the others have come to Casa City to draw attention and, secondly, to register Zhao Hai at the Magician Guild. Different countries have relaxed policies regarding magician registration. Usually, magicians only need to undergo some training and demonstrate their magic skills to be recognized as magicians and register at the guild.

Naturally, the registration also depends on the magician's level. If you can demonstrate magic, you can become the lowest-ranking magician, receiving a monthly subsidy of ten gold coins and being exempt from taxes. The higher the demonstrated magic's level, the more benefits you can enjoy. For instance, if Zhao Hai possesses a Magician Badge, specifically an Advanced Level Magician Badge, he will be provided with a guild carriage upon entering the city gate. The guild will also take care of his arrangements and reimburse his living expenses. Additionally, he could receive anywhere from 100 to 1000 gold coins per month. However, to obtain an Advanced Level Magician Badge, one's strength must reach at least the 6th level.

This time, Zhao Hai is registering as a magician based on Green's suggestion. Having the Magician Badge will provide them with convenience in their future endeavors. Furthermore, this registration does not require them to reveal their true identities, which brings them joy rather than worry.

After Green boards the carriage, he instructs Locker, "Take us to the Magician Guild." Locker complies and drives the carriage straight towards the guild.

The Magician Guild in the Empire holds a special position. It is directly funded by the state and exclusively serves magicians. However, it is rare to see magicians visit the guild because each magician has their own work.

In the Empire, being a magician is a popular profession. Even if you are just a first-level magician, many people will line up to seek your services. Hence, most magicians have no need to visit the guild. The only exception is usually Dark Magicians.

Dark Magicians have a unique style, which is why most nobles are not keen on inviting them. Only a few merchants may request the services of a Dark Magician as a consultant. Most Dark Magicians become mercenaries or adventurers, and they are in high demand in the mercenary trade.

However, the lives of Dark Magicians are more arduous compared to other magicians. They are treated as commoners and receive the lowest quality of life. Some Dark Magicians can barely scrape by with the ten gold coins they receive from the guild each month. The study of magic is also expensive, as they need to buy materials, magic staffs, magic crystals, and cover their living expenses.

Casa City's Magician Guild is quite grand. It is located only two blocks away from the main avenue. It resembles a palace, a three-story structure covering an area of about a thousand square meters—no small size for Casa City.

Above the guild's main gate hang six glowing star badges, each representing one of the six primary natural elements: light, dark, wind, water, fire, and earth. These badges symbolize the Magician Guild.

Locker stops the carriage, and Green and Zhao Hai disembark. Fatty Carl, the guild manager, emerges from the guild. He wears servant clothing, but the fabric used is of high quality silk, mismatched with the servant style. His plump figure gives off a noble aura rather than that of a servant.

Fatty Carl steps forward and bows before Zhao Hai, saying, "Respected Magician sir, your servant Carl is at your service."

Zhao Hai is taken aback by the gesture. He is unaware that it is customary for all guild members to address magicians as "sir" or "madam." However, he remembers Green's instructions and merely snorts in response before taking a step towards the guild.

The ground floor of the guild serves as a resting area, divided into two sections. One area features sofas and coffee tables, while the other has several dining tables.

Zhao Hai moves to the resting area and finds a sofa to sit on. Carl follows closely behind him, and upon Zhao Hai's seating, Carl signals to the nearby servants. They quickly enter the kitchen and bring out a teapot and several cups.

Carl personally pours a cup of tea for Zhao Hai, but Zhao Hai doesn't touch it. He sits there, waving his hand dismissively. Green then speaks, "Mr. Carl, our master is here to register today. We hope you can assist us."

Carl promptly replies, "It is an honor to serve a respected magician. Please accompany me to the back for the registration process. I will coordinate everything for you."

Zhao Hai nods and stands up. Following Carl's lead, he walks towards the rear of the hall. Unbeknownst to Green and the others, Carl's eyes frequently flicker with shrewdness, revealing his true identity as the head of intelligence for Purcell Duchy. He had already learned of Zhao Hai's arrival in Casa City when Zhao Hai entered the city. Knowing this, he personally went to greet Zhao Hai, aiming to investigate his background. In ordinary circumstances, magicians who register do not require his personal attention.