Chapter 8: Discovery of the Deep Blue Wizard's Diary

Su Nan opened the diary decoded by his AI. This so-called "diary" was hidden within the sacred texts of the Lawful God, written in cipher. By following the instructions within the diary and cross-referencing the sacred texts, one could decrypt the writings left behind by the wizard.

Without the AI's help, no ordinary person would have discovered anything unusual, even with both books in hand.

---

"This is a safeguard left by me, the Deep Blue Wizard."

"Before I departed this now-barren land, I set up a final contingency. Though this land holds little value to me now, it is, after all, the birthplace of all who once lived here."

"If similar calamities were to occur after my departure, it is unlikely the people of this land could handle them on their own."

"I believe that, just as the seasons change, this barren land will one day birth magic again."

"Like the tides, when the magic tide rises, this land will once more thrive."

"However, the thing buried beneath Saint Sophia Cathedral may also resurface. Hence, I leave this record to warn anyone who discovers this: protect Saint Sophia Cathedral at all costs. Never allow its destruction. As long as the cathedral remains intact, nothing catastrophic will occur."

"Due to practical limitations, I cannot leave any powerful magic here. But if you need aid, you can go to the central library in Constantinople and look up book number 1023. I have left something there to assist you."

"This is my final record as a First-Circle Wizard, the Deep Blue Wizard. I may never return to this world."

---

Su Nan raised an eyebrow. The diary revealed that some wizards had left this land for reasons unknown, resulting in the Storm Kingdom resembling a typical medieval world. Their departure left only ordinary humans behind, and for a long time, magic had been nearly impossible to wield here.

Now, Su Nan understood: his ability to practice magic might be due to the "magic tide" mentioned in the diary. As the tide rose, magic reemerged in this land. Conversely, during low tide, the land would become a magicless desert, incapable of sustaining sorcery.

But where had the wizards gone? Would they ever return?

From the diary, it seemed this land was no longer significant to them. Most might never come back.

As for the mysterious entity beneath Saint Sophia Cathedral, Su Nan was puzzled. The diary urged the cathedral's preservation at all costs, but it offered no clarity on the nature of the threat.

Still, Su Nan was intrigued by the mention of hidden magical knowledge.

However, Constantinople—the modern Stormfort, the capital of the Storm Kingdom—was currently inaccessible to him.

He owed the royal family 30,000 gold coins, a debt he had no intention of repaying, especially since many nobles defaulted on their debts without consequence. Traveling to Stormfort might only alert the royal treasury to his presence and result in his detainment.

For now, Su Nan decided to record the diary's details and postpone his expedition to Stormfort until conditions were more favorable.

---

Returning to his immediate goals, Su Nan focused on the two new potion formulas obtained from the bandit hoard.

After listing over twenty ingredients needed for the potions on a sheet of paper, he summoned Warwick, the old butler, to the study.

"Warwick, I need you to gather these materials. Use any means necessary—buy them, barter for them, or… other methods. Just ensure they are procured."

The old butler studied the list, then glanced at Su Nan with a knowing look. "My lord, are these for your potion experiments?"

Su Nan nodded.

Warwick straightened, understanding the gravity of his master's work. The boy he once saw as fragile and inexperienced was now the rightful baron, dedicated to the barony's survival and advancement.

"These potions are crucial to the barony," Warwick declared solemnly.

He hesitated briefly before adding, "Master, trading in Mapleleaf Town means paying taxes to those treacherous merchants. The very ones who betrayed us. There's no reason for us to pay taxes on our own land."

"Why don't we raid their caravans instead? We'll acquire what you need and teach them a lesson."

Su Nan shrugged. "As long as we secure the materials, I leave the method to you. Just ensure your safety."

---

Over the next five months, chaos reigned in Mapleleaf Town. The town council was in constant uproar, as their trade caravans were repeatedly attacked.

Commercial activity in the trade hub plummeted by a third, and the pressure mounted on Mayor Shokart.

His initial plan to send thugs to investigate Su Nan was thwarted before it even began. The escalating attacks, reports of monstrous creatures, and declining trade further eroded the merchants' trust in him.

In council meetings, guild leaders who once supported Shokart now questioned his competence.

During one heated debate, a fur guild's female chairwoman suggested, "Mayor, you've tried for months, but our business suffers every day. If you can't protect us, why should we keep paying taxes?"

"Perhaps it's time to seek protection from someone else. The young baron has come of age. Maybe we should turn to the rightful lord of this land."

Shokart's face darkened.

While he cursed the merchants' spinelessness internally, he reminded himself of his trump card.

Feigning calm, he spoke, "To bolster our defenses, I've secured the support of Lord Gus Pasha."

The council chamber fell silent.

Gus Pasha, the strongest of the three knights who had betrayed the Peter Barony, was a name that commanded fear and respect. His defection had led to the barony's fragmentation.

For Shokart to enlist his aid was a significant move, but at what cost?

As the guild leaders exchanged uneasy glances, the chamber doors opened.

A towering figure clad in full plate armor stepped inside. At 2.3 meters tall, Gus Pasha resembled a small giant.

He strode confidently to the council table, his deep voice echoing. "Gentlemen, it's a pleasure to meet you. With me here, you can rest easy. I'll uncover the source of these attacks—be it monsters or troublemakers."

The room fell silent as the merchants weighed their options.

Shokart smirked, confident that his alliance with Gus Pasha would restore his authority and protect his position.

(Chapter End)