Teljose City

Months flew by, their passage unnoticed by Leylin as he hurried along his journey with little rest. He traversed vast kingdoms, finally reaching the boundary of the Light Magi's domain.

In the South Coast, two distinct types of Magi coexisted. One faction, the Dark Magi, advocated violence and believed in natural selection. The other faction, the Light Magi, valued peace and ethical scientific research.

Despite their differences, these factions stood united against common enemies. The Light Magi held sway over the heart of the South Coast, while the Dark Magi occupied the more desolate outlying areas.

Leylin observed this territorial distribution, resembling concentric circles. The Light Magi controlled the fertile central lands, while the Dark Magi occupied the surrounding regions.

After prolonged travel, Leylin couldn't deny that the Light Magi's territory was generally more prosperous. Commoners there enjoyed greater peace and stability. However, maintaining control required more effort from the Light Magi due to their vast and rich territory.

According to Aralis's map, Leylin would reach Teljose City, the main trading hub of the Light Magi domain, today. He changed out of his black robe into a clean set of leather armor, which fit his well-proportioned body and exuded a heroic air.

Aware of the Light Magi's view of Dark Magi as adversaries, Leylin kept a low profile. Even though Teljose City was primarily a trade center, he remained cautious, knowing that Dark Magi contraband items might be sold there and thus, security would be tight.

As Leylin followed along the road atop of his mount, he observed that the pathways became wider and wider, and the people here used a larger variety of transportation devices to aid in their travels.

Upon further observation, he came across a variety of new and odd things. Among them were a female Magus riding a winged steed and an old man in a hot air balloon advertising 'Hookety's miscellaneous goods shop.' There were also curious machines resembling futuristic vehicles carrying a bunch of dwarves as they roared and rumbled loudly.

Leylin observed not only magicians but also regular people traveling together. In the Light Magi domain, magicians were revered yet maintained close relationships with civilians. This harmonious coexistence puzzled Leylin. In contrast, under Dark Magi rule, the mere mention of Magi evoked terror and bloodshed. Even a single acolyte could scare away an entire town.

His green eyes gleamed as he pondered the absence of mana radiation in a random traveler who greeted him.

The Light Magi's white towers, which were similar to phone towers in his past life, could be found scattered throughout their territory. They helped neutralize all the excess mana radiation, allowing the peaceful mingling of sorcerers with regular humans.

In contrast, the Dark Magi's reluctance to build such purification towers hinted at their preference for ruling through fear and brutality, not to mention the cost of building and mantaining such infrastructure. 

As Leylin rode his mount across the vast Teljose Great Plains, he felt his horizons expanding. The landscape stretched out before him like an endless canvas, green waves rippling in the breeze, creating an oceanic effect. The air was thick with life, and Leylin marveled at the abundance of vegetation.

The Teljose Great Plains covered thousands of square kilometers and boasted several cities, each with a population exceeding 100,000. Teljose City, situated in the heart of this immense region, served as its central hub.

[The lushness of these crops is astounding.] Aralis chimed in.

As her Master approached Teljose City, the crops grew even more vigorously, as if they were eager to please. Wheat plants towered like men all around, a sight that would be called beautiful.

Without warning, a mare as red as a sunset abruptly came to a stop next to Leylin's steed. Astride the mare was a female Magus, her attire a traditional Chinese gown of pristine white, embellished with a necklace crafted from pearls and a medley of precious gemstones.

Her beauty was unparalleled, a rare sight that could only be described as breathtaking. Her figure, a perfect blend of soft curves, was accentuated by her raven-black hair that cascaded down her back, and her deep blue eyes, as tranquil as a still lake, were softened by a serene smile that radiated an aura of peace.

"Forgive me but... are you a Magus from outside this region?" she asked in a coy manner.

"Indeed, my lady. I come from afar, a wandering Magus. You may call me Leylin." He put on a harmless smile as he introduced himself.

"My name is Jenna, I'm a local Magus of Teljose. You're amazed upon seeing these many crops, aren't you?" The female Magus smiled playfully and struck a conversation with Leylin.

"Guilty as charged. These crops are unusally impressive. How can that be?" Leylin attempted to build rapport with this local, so he inquired about the abundant crops.

"This is a Magus' blessing," Jenna explained mysteriously. "You'll experience it soon."

"I certainly look forward to it." Leylom said with a charming expression that made the girl blush only a little.

He could judge with just a look that this woman was like an innocent sheep, lacking the experience of meeting other Magi and extremely curious about everything. Just like a young lady from a large family, that had wandered off.

Leylin's gaze fixed upon the horizon as the City of Teljose materialized before him. The initial sight was a mere black dot, but it swiftly expanded, transforming into a dark cloud that enveloped the entire sky. His curiosity piqued, Leylin observed a majestic mountain rising through the clouds, standing resolute on the plains.

In his past life, Leylin had encountered numerous mountains, but none as colossal as this one—its sheer size seemed capable of shrouding the heavens. The mountain's surface teemed with tightly packed buildings, resembling black dots scattered across its many tiers.

At the mountain's base, a circular city wall of imposing grey granite stood several dozen meters tall. Its grandeur would often leave the peasants in awe. Meanwhile, at the mountain's peak, layers of luxuriant snow contrasted with continuous smoke emissions, hinting at volcanic activity.

"An active volcano… Teljose City is built atop it," Leylin exclaimed, feigning astonishment. He knew that playing the role of an amazed tourist would elicit the desired reaction from Jenna.

"Exactly! Keep observing!" Jenna gestured toward the volcano's opening, her laughter echoing.

Countless black plumes ascended, animating the dormant volcano. Like a mythical giant, it seemed to mock the sky. A massive pillar of smoke shot upward, staining part of the sky black.

"Why no tremors?" Leylin mused aloud. "This must be the work of the Magi of Teljose City."

"Sharp observation!" Jenna's cheerful tone persisted. "Look—the Magus' blessing is about to descend!"

A gentle rain began, black droplets falling through the breeze. As the rain touched the ground, it turned the earth ashen grey.

Farmers emerged from the fields, kneeling respectfully before Leylin and Jenna. "We thank our lords, the Magi, for our harvest," they intoned.

Leylin's body emitted a grey light, shielding him and his steed from the black rain. He collected a drop of the peculiar rain, examining it closely.

"Volcanic ash," he concluded. "But there's more—it's been artificially enhanced, resembling nitrogen-based fertilizer."

The naturally nutrient-rich volcanic ash, combined with the Magicians' modifications, explained the remarkable crop yields.

Jenna's enthusiasm bubbled forth. "The Magi control Teljose Volcano's eruptions, distributing ash across the plains for fertilization. Geothermal energy becomes Teljose City's power source. Hence, its alternate name—Nightless City!"

"This technology is simply amazing." Leylin murmured with a shocked expression, which was fake of course.

The biggest volcano Leylin saw before his reincarnation, compared to the Teljose Volcano, was nothing. To control such a giant live volcano, they needed constant maintenance and magic spell formations, which exceeded what Leylin believed any Magi would be willing to spend. That marked the difference between the generous and selfless Light Magi and him.

Furthermore, to directly control a volcano as a power source and a place to live… This kind of design and boldness left Leylin feeling amused by these Magi. They were certainly peculiar.

"Please forgive my bluntness," Leylin began, "But I've once traveled to the eastern region of South Coast. The magicians there don't seem to spare a thought for the normal people…"

Jenna nodded, her expression calm. "Yes, magicians are a group of intellectual people. They act in their own self-interest. From our perspective, normal people are a resource. As long as there are enough of them, they serve us—procuring resources, sowing seeds, and producing acolytes of excellent quality. In our Light Magi region, we have specialized magicians who solidify innate spells to prevent natural disasters. We even have a full-time Magus in charge of farming and increasing harvest yields."

Leylin tried to make his feigned surprise evident, though he smirked wryly under his mask. Jenna, like the Dark Magi, considered herself superior to regular humans. The difference lay in their approach: Dark Magi operated coarsely, reaping irregularly, while Light Magi micro-managed, caring for each individual.

In the end, both aimed to extract materials from regular humans. However, Leylin observed that life in the Light Magi region was more comfortable than in the Poolfield Kingdom, for example.

Leylin, unapologetically, did not advocate for equality. He recognized that status dictated actions, and he reveled in being part of the superior caste. His privileged existence mattered more to him than the lives of thousands of humans who perished daily.

Despite his malevolence, Leylin's perspective was pragmatic. As a Magus himself, it would be foolish not to fully embrace the privileges and political power inherent to all Magi. Those who harbored delusions of overthrowing the ruling Magi faced swift and deadly consequences.

As part of a higher tier in the social pyramid, it was only natural to consciously defend the rights and privileges of that social class. Naturally, there were also the strange ones who chose to betray their peer's interests, and would eventually be abandoned by their own peers.

"What can I say, I'm proud to call this place home." Jenna remarked.

Leylin simply nodded with a smile.

Jenna chuckled, her eyes narrowing. "Seems like you've always been wandering the Dark Magi region," she said. "Once you step foot in the Nightless City, you'll need to adapt to our customs... Don't worry though, I know you'll fit right in!"

Jenna's words implied that she had discovered Leylin's true identity, but that she would keep the secret.

Leylin, however, merely raised an eyebrow, seemingly unfazed.

This was because he had only pretended to be a wandering Magus, who was first experiencing the delightful wonders of the Light Magi territory. In truth, he couldn't care less for the Light Magi or their mundane technologies. And he was far more dangerous than what Jenna could ever guess.

Soon enough, Leylin approached the city entrance accompanied by the cheerful Jenna at his side.

Teljose City, known as the 'Nightless City,' stood as a testament to the tireless efforts of the Light Magi. Its radiant spires and bustling markets bore witness to their unwavering dedication. Yet, beneath the surface, a clandestine dance unfolded—one that relied on the shadowy support of the Dark Magi.

Jenna, naive and unsuspecting, lived her sheltered life, oblivious to the intricate web of intrigue. But Leylin, a seasoned observer, saw beyond the facade. Not all the city's inhabitants that passed by them were mere farmers or merchants. Some were agents of the Dark Magi, their purpose veiled in secrecy.

Their mission? To maintain the delicate balance of Teljose's thriving economy. Contraband flowed discreetly through hidden channels, sustaining the city's prosperity. Remove the Dark Magi's underground trade, and the Nightless City would falter.

Within these walls, no trade center dared reject a Dark Magi seeking membership. As long as they kept a low profile and adhered to certain rules, their presence was tolerated. Profit motivated them all—whether Magus or mortal. Where there was profit, there were also crimes lurking in the shadows.

Teljose City, a shimmering tapestry woven from light and darkness, held its secrets close. And Leylin, ever watchful, understood that even in the brightest of cities, shadows whispered their own truths.