Array Master Fowley

How does she know my name? I can't believe she just called me an NPC. I guess slang doesn't change much, even in a new world.

William was at least happy that the girl didn't continue bothering him. He continued watching the fights with interest. Two rich-looking young males walked into the Arena carrying swords with exquisite designs. They bowed before taking a step back and waiting for a nearby judge to call the start of the duel.

Their movements were faster than William's Life Sense could accurately follow. They were both probably in the late stages of the Foundation Establishment Realm, yet looked to be in their early twenties.

Will stopped paying attention to the fight since he wouldn't learn anything. He went back to the Quest board out of boredom.

Sara notified William half an hour later that the Array Master was finished with his meeting. An old man with a round face and a bald head stepped down the stairs with a serious look.

"You have one minute young man. State your business."

"Sir, Jenny from Thin Creek Village recommended me to you. She said you might be able to help me crack the array on a Space Ring."

"Many people can do that, why didn't you look for someone else?" Fowley asked.

"This one is special, it might draw some attention out here." William wasn't willing to elaborate in the open Guild Hall.

"Alright, Rui can you prepare us a room to talk?" Fowley spoke to the other Guild receptionist next to Sara.

"Yes Sir." Rui flashed a sweet smile, then injected some Mana into an Array wheel located on her desk. A portal appeared behind her, which Fowley and William entered together.

The other side was a medium sized room with a red velvet couch. There were two luxurious chairs and a small black table. Fowley walked to one of the chairs and sat down. "Show me the ring."

William nodded. He pulled the Space Ring out of his backpack and handed it to Fowley.

The Space Ring floated in the air and spun at a slow speed. An Array circle appeared in front of Fowley's eye as he inspected the ring with interest.

"Ah, so it was created by a Space Mage. I can see why Jenny recommended you to me." he let the Space Ring drop back into his hand and gave it back to William.

"If you want me to open this Space Ring for you, I'm going to need some payment. You're affiliated with the Guild already, and I can sense Guild Master Elius's mark of approval on you, so I will crack the Array at an 80 percent discount for the first time only."

William was surprised that his backer was able to provide so much support without even being present. William didn't even sense a mark, when did this happen?

Either way, it wasn't a bad thing. "Thank you for the discount Sir, how much do I need to pay you?"

"This time it will be 20 Gold Coins."

So I would have to spend 100 Gold Coins normally...I'm so poor. William paid Fowley the requested amount. He now had a bit over 140 Gold, which was still a long way from purchasing a Cultivation Technique.

The Array Master spoke up, "Normally I could open a Space Ring in just a few minutes, but this one will take a few hours. Two other customers have requested my services and they take priority. Come back for your ring tomorrow.

There is no need to worry about me stealing the Space Ring's contents. I won't even inspect the insides, you have my word."

"Thank you for the help Sir. I will return here tomorrow."

"No, come to my Array Hall. I will show you the way since you've come so far. Think of it as a gesture of good will." the Array Master had something to ask of William, but it couldn't be said here in front of the Guild. The room might appear private, but even Fowley's status couldn't prevent Guild Staff from eavesdropping.

William and Fowley exited the private room together. Fowley gave the receptionists a nod before stepping out of the Guild Hall.

They walked along the street for roughly half a kilometer until William spotted the Array Hall. Different from the Guild and the Alchemy Hall, the Array Hall displayed many statues and carvings on the grass next to the walkway.

Most of the statues had human-like appearances, but some were of fierce demons or Magical Beasts. They held various expressions, and emitted a slight pressure. William felt that fighting any one of the statues would result in his instant death.

Fowley noticed William's expression. "Those are some of the Guardians of Blue Moon City. When the City is threatened, these can be released from their bindings to defend the Array Hall and many nearby buildings. They are quite powerful, so we keep them sealed to prevent any accidents."

"What if they get loose on their own? Won't they attack us?" William wasn't afraid of danger, but isn't it a bit risky to keep such dangerous men and beasts in your front yard?

"Not likely. Although most of the sealed creatures are enemies of humanity, there are many arrays that prevent them from properly distinguishing friend or foe." the Array Master was proud of these statues, as he and the other Masters spent many years restricting them all.

The Array Master opened the door to the Array Hall. "Those things aren't important right now, come inside."

William did as he was told. I have been putting my life in the hands of strangers quite a lot lately...good thing there are no white vans in this world. The door closed behind William while he was looking at the inside.

Like many other buildings, the inside appeared much larger than from the outside. The interior was quite plain, with only a waiting lounge and a front counter. The rest was mostly hidden by a series of closed doors lining either side of the building. Next to the front counter on either side was a set of stairs that led to a balcony and a single larger door, probably meant for the leader of the Array Hall.

Fowley opened the first door on the left and led William inside. There was no sound as the door closed behind him, and with a movement of Fowley's hands, a large number of Arrays appeared on the walls, floor, and ceiling of the room.

Fowley continued waving his hands, causing a second layer of Arrays to appear. His eyes focused, causing the space to crack around the Array edges. William reached out to touch one, causing his finger to instantly be sliced off his hand.

-Discovered Space Magic: +3 Potential Points

"Don't touch that, you lunatic!" Fowley berated William. He was about to continue when William glowed light-green and instantly healed the missing finger. The Array Master sighed, What a reckless individual.

"I've sound-proofed this room. No one from the outside can hear us, not even the Head Array Master. We can now freely talk about the real reason why I agreed to meet with you."