Unusual Performance

Chapter 18: Unusual Performance

Behind the large building of the Magician Guild is a spacious open area covered with Cyan Slabs. This space is nearly 100 meters long and wide, with targets placed every ten meters from 50 to 100 meters. These targets are used to test the use of magic.

Every magician who comes to register at the Magician Guild must go through this process of demonstrating their magic skills. By casting magic here, they prove their status as magicians and enable the guild officials to evaluate their proficiency.

Once several people arrive at this location, Carl turns to Zhao Hai and respectfully says, "Esteemed magician, please use magic. Any kind of magic will do. If you desire an Advanced Level Magician Badge, please demonstrate Advanced Level Magic." Carl steps aside and watches Zhao Hai attentively.

Unbeknownst to anyone, although Carl isn't a magician himself, his long-time interactions with magicians have given him a certain understanding of magic. He also possesses a keen sense of magic power. Whenever a magician performs magic, Carl can accurately judge their level, with an accuracy rate of around eight out of ten.

Carl's discernment has played a significant role in his work at the Magician Guild over the past few decades. Through his observations, he has developed a set of criteria for determining a magician's level. This includes assessing their magic control, proficiency in reciting incantations, and the time required for spellcasting. These factors provide valuable insights into a magician's overall level of ability.

There are many magicians whose levels are not proportionate to their combat strength. Despite their high levels, these magicians often lack the necessary responsiveness and control during battles. Carl's ability to judge their combat capabilities based on their magic usage and control is an important skill.

Relying on his strong judgment abilities, Carl has held the position of manager at the Purcell Duchy Magician Guild. In the Aksu Empire, guild managers are usually high-level magicians. When Carl received information about Zhao Hai's arrival in Casa City, he immediately made the decision to personally receive him. He wanted to assess Zhao Hai's level for himself.

It should be noted that Dark Magicians are instinctively met with apprehension and caution by people on the continent, including the Purcell Family. However, the information obtained from the Markey Family indicated that Zhao Hai possessed formidable combat strength, prompting the Purcell Family to take notice. Magicians, regardless of their specialized field, are highly valued if their level and abilities are high enough. High-level magicians are considered akin to nuclear weapons, possessing the power to deter enemies even if they are not actively utilized.

If a renowned magician from the continent were to visit Purcell Duchy, the Purcell Family would warmly welcome them. Even if they couldn't recruit such a magician into their family, they would still maintain friendly relations. However, in the case of Zhao Hai, the Purcell Family adopted a reserved approach. They didn't actively seek his company nor offend him. Even though Zhao Hai possessed significant strength, the Purcell Family refrained from fully engaging with him until they learned more about his background.

Great Clans prioritize loyalty above all else, placing talent in second position. In this world, true talent is rare, but loyal individuals are even rarer. Even if you possess great ability, if you are not loyal, no one dares to employ you. The same applies to the Purcell Family. Even if you are an 8th level magician, if you lack loyalty, they would rather employ two loyal 7th level magicians instead of an untrustworthy 8th level magician.

As for Zhao Hai's true identity, it remains a secret. Without knowing his background, it appears as if he has suddenly emerged out of nowhere, which makes the Purcell Family hesitate when it comes to actively pursuing him. The Purcell Family's current development is smooth and prosperous. Although Zhao Hai's strength could contribute to their family's growth, his mysterious background is a cause for concern. The Purcell Family appreciates Zhao Hai's strength but fears that he might become an unpredictable factor within their ranks.

As an established noble clan in their duchy, the Purcell Family avoids unnecessary risks, especially those associated with unpredictable elements. This is why they have chosen to handle the matter of Zhao Hai with caution, employing a cold and distant approach. Although they have to put Zhao Hai through the registration process, they are paying close attention. After all, Zhao Hai is already in Casa City, and any mishap would reflect poorly on the Purcell Family's reputation.

Zhao Hai hasn't considered all these factors. His current financial situation is dire, and earning ten gold coins through the Magician Guild registration is significant to him. Although this amount may not be substantial for other magicians, it holds great importance for Zhao Hai. The total assets of the entire Buda Family amount to less than 50 gold coins, so this registration fee alone accounts for one-fifth of their wealth.

Naturally, Zhao Hai doesn't plan to reveal his true strength. Although he could easily obtain an Advanced Level Magician Badge by summoning his undead creatures, it would contradict his character to make such a boastful display. Instead, he decides to focus on the task at hand without wasting any time. He takes his magic staff and activates the concealment ability, summoning Alien from underground.

Zhao Hai doesn't summon a large number of undead creatures since he only needs to prove his proficiency in magic. While the magic he uses is illusory, he believes that no one in this world can tell the difference.

As Alien appears beside him, Carl's eyes widen in astonishment. Having worked at the Magician Guild for many years, he has witnessed countless magicians performing magic. Some were magnificent, others were unimpressive. The casting time varied, but none were as short as Zhao Hai's. Completing a spell with just the wave of a magic staff—could this be any more exaggerated?

Zhao Hai gently strokes Alien's head, and Alien reacts like an excited puppy, wagging its tail uncontrollably, nearly knocking into Carl. Startled, Carl quickly steps back a few paces.

Zhao Hai observes this but says nothing. He retracts Alien, leaving Carl somewhat dumbfounded. At this point, Green speaks up, "Mister, has our family passed the test?"

Carl snaps back to reality and quickly responds, "Yes, esteemed magician, you have passed. Please follow me." He gestures for Zhao Hai and the others to return to the reception area.

They take a seat in the reception area, and Carl makes his exit. Soon after, he returns with a form and places it on the table in front of Zhao Hai. He says, "Esteemed magician, please fill out this form. Once you complete all the necessary procedures, please return it."

Zhao Hai takes a careful look at the form and finds it quite simple, requiring only basic information such as name, age, and gender. He nods, casually handing the form to Meg. She understands Zhao Hai's intention and picks up the pen prepared on the table.

Carl watches Zhao Hai's actions, feeling somewhat frustrated. It's not that magicians are required to fill out forms, but rather, it's a sign of respect toward the Magician Guild. Regardless of how useful the guild is to magicians, it still represents the country. Filling out the form demonstrates a certain level of respect, as mag

icians are aware of this fact. However, Carl had hoped to use this opportunity to collect Zhao Hai's handwriting and investigate further. He knew that handwriting appraisal was already a profession on the continent. By gathering various handwriting samples, one could potentially identify a person based on their writing style. Carl wanted to send Zhao Hai's form to the Purcell Family, hoping to discover some clues about Zhao Hai's background through handwriting analysis.

To his surprise, Zhao Hai didn't intend to fill out the form personally. Instead, he let Meg do it. This immediately foiled Carl's plan. He grew increasingly cautious of Zhao Hai, believing that everything he did was deliberate. Carl saw Zhao Hai as a potentially dangerous person due to his young age and the high regard he had for him. Even though Carl had delivered an inferior wine to Zhao Hai, Zhao Hai hadn't made a move. He hadn't uttered a word, making it impossible for Carl to gauge his character. Adding to that the matter of filling out the form, all these factors combined to leave a deep impression on Carl. He was convinced that Zhao Hai must be a famous individual on the continent, albeit with a somewhat questionable reputation. This performance was likely an attempt to conceal his true identity.

However, Carl couldn't figure out Zhao Hai's true status, no matter how much he pondered.