CH33

After seven days of sailing, the ship made a brief stop at a small island called Colombo.

The island wasn't large, but it was bustling, with people coming and going at the port.

Helag and the other wizard apprentices gathered on the deck, while Dino stood in front and said, "We'll stay here for one night. You can relax on the island. Remember, I'll depart at noon tomorrow, and I won't wait for anyone. This place belongs to Dream Island, and wizards oversee it. Most people here are ordinary, but if anyone causes trouble, be prepared to face a wizard's punishment."

Dino knew the group had been too stressed recently. Colombo Island, with its thriving commerce, had many taverns, inns, and strip clubs, perfect for unwinding.

The ship also needed to replenish its freshwater supply, so Dino decided to dock here.

Lilian headed straight for an inn as soon as she got off the ship. Helag asked, "Why are you in such a hurry?"

"I haven't had a proper bath in months," Lilian replied, paying for a room and heading upstairs for a bath.

On the ship, freshwater was precious, and bathing was a luxury Lilian couldn't endure missing.

However, Lilian was prepared; she had an enchanted towel that was always moist, which she used to wipe herself down.

Helag had seen the towel, but Lilian wouldn't let him touch it. He guessed it absorbed moisture from the air.

He also rented a room downstairs. The prices were steep; a room for one night cost a whole silver coin.

The room was simple but clean, with neatly arranged items.

After bathing and waiting for a while, Lilian finally finished. They then went out together.

As night fell, Colombo Island became even livelier, with people singing, dancing, and drinking around bonfires.

There was a long commercial street where vendors laid out blankets and displayed their goods.

The variety was vast, from handmade hats and baskets to pottery and various antiques.

One item caught Helag's eye at a stall. He squatted down and casually picked up an antique vase, asking, "How much for this?"

The bald middle-aged vendor, holding a black cat, glanced at the vase and said, "Twenty silver coins."

"Too expensive," Helag said, putting the vase down.

"It's fake. Why would you buy it?" Lilian asked, puzzled.

"Just looking."

Helag continued to pick up and inquire about several items, eventually buying a few things for a total of sixteen silver coins.

Lilian eyed him suspiciously but said nothing.

After dinner, they returned to the inn. In the room, Lilian closed the door and asked, "What did you find? Show me."

Helag took out a hexagonal plate made of some black wood. In the center was a painting of a hexagonal tower, identical to the one in the pocket watch.

Lilian examined the plate closely, puzzled. "Is this a treasure? I don't see anything unusual, and there's no magic flow."

"Maybe it's not a treasure. I bought it because I've seen this painting before," Helag explained. He wasn't sure of its value, but the painting was identical to the one in the pocket watch.

Lilian lost interest. "I thought it was something valuable. How boring."

"Alright, I'm tired. Time to sleep," Helag said, lying on the soft bed, feeling a wave of drowsiness.

Since learning the meditation technique, he had rarely slept, using meditation instead.

***

The ship stayed in Colombo for one night, then set sail for the Karag Continent.

Over twenty days later, Helag stood on the deck and saw the continent's silhouette in the distance.

The ship docked at Ruby Port, where all the wizard apprentices disembarked.

Dino led the way, saying, "Everyone, follow me."

He led them through the streets to a tavern called the Broken Cauldron.

"Hey! It's Dino!"

"He's back with newcomers."

"Let's see, quite a few new faces this time."

"Welcome to the Karag Continent, young ones!"

***

Dino's entrance drew attention, with many greeting him. The wizard apprentices he brought became the talk of the tavern.

Helag noticed that everyone here was a wizard, mostly apprentices.

"Why didn't I see any wizards outside, but there are so many here? A wizard-only tavern?" Helag wondered. He guessed there was some magic at the tavern's entrance, making it visible and accessible only to wizards.

Lilian stood out among the group, drawing whistles from several wizards, but she ignored them.

Dino led them through the tavern to a wall in the backyard.

He pressed several bricks in sequence and said, "Melinda!"

The wall rumbled, and the bricks moved aside, revealing a path.

Beyond the wall was a forest, with a winding stone path leading into its depths. The forest was dark and filled with bird calls, contrasting sharply with the sunny, pleasant courtyard.

Helag and the others were amazed, seeing such a scene for the first time.

Dino, accustomed to it, walked ahead and waved them forward. "Let's go."

They followed him into the forest, many looking back, but seeing only a regular forest, the wall gone.

Dino turned and said, "The wizard organizations are ahead. Follow my instructions. Our journey ends today. Good luck."

He placed his left hand on his chest and bowed gracefully.

"Thank you for taking care of us, Mr. Dino," Lilian said, lifting her skirt in a curtsy.

The others also thanked him. Dino had been responsible, ensuring their safe arrival.

The forest was dark, with thick fog everywhere.

Helag looked up, seeing only heavy white fog above, obscuring the sun.

Occasional crow calls added to the desolate atmosphere.

TL/n - 

This chapter reminds me of Leaky Cauldron. What about you guys?