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Chapter 496: Browsing the Netheril Scrolls
Matthew's request was not approved by the tower spirit.
However, by observing the lively and animated tower spirit, he obtained the information he needed.
Compared to the mage towers in Bloodmoon City, the interior space of a Grand Arcanist's floating tower was much larger.
It resembled a massive skyscraper over ten stories tall, with each floor offering considerable space.
Here, they saw many unique and innovative magical creations.
Magic brooms that cleaned automatically.
Steel golems that exuded a tremendous sense of oppression.
Projected windows and doors displaying ever-changing scenery.
Flickering magical lights.
Self-cleaning magical carpets.
And so on…
In terms of magical applications, the Grand Arcanist's floating tower was far superior to Lord Annie's mage tower.
However, the members of Bay Territory glanced around with peculiar expressions.
In the past, such lavish decorations and the wonders of magical creations would have astonished them.
But after witnessing Bay Territory's golem development and automated production lines, they could now see through the essence of these magical items.
They scrutinized the creations with curious eyes and reached an interesting conclusion.
"These magical creations are extravagant and luxurious but don't provide much practical support for the territory."
Even they didn't realize it.
As they grew alongside Bay Territory, their thoughts and understanding had also evolved.
Matthew and his companions were brought to the guest accommodation floor.
Within a large suite area were more than ten individual rooms.
Upon entering, they found variously decorated rooms designed to meet everyone's preferences.
"Based on accumulated data and analysis, this path seems viable."
Watching the tower spirit leave, Matthew decisively instructed everyone to rest:
"Don't worry, it won't be long before we can explore."
Two hours later.
Matthew was called out alone.
Grand Arcanist Cronorman, now dressed in a luxurious, mysterious, and powerful Grand Arcanist robe, teleported Matthew directly out of the floating tower to a heavily guarded mage library.
Cronorman's arrival caused a stir throughout the library.
Yet everyone kept their distance, not daring to approach rashly.
Although there were many Grand Arcanists in the Netheril Empire, for most people—or spellcasters—they were still a rare sight.
The Grand Arcanist ignored them, and they found this entirely appropriate.
Many eyes fell on Matthew.
Naturally, they were curious about the young man following the Grand Arcanist.
Matthew remained composed, casting a calm glance at them.
He knew very well that Bay Territory and these spellcasters would have little interaction.
At least for now, they wouldn't value Bay Territory, and Matthew wouldn't offer them salaries disproportionate to their worth.
This didn't stop Matthew from dusting off his sleeve to reveal the Ser Family crest [瑟尔家族徽记] and the Arcanist robe's sleeve.
"The Ser Family? I heard they've been down on their luck recently…"
"They're a great family; that kind of thing won't affect them."
"Is that an Arcanist robe? He's an Arcanist?"
"So young. I didn't know the Ser Family had such a genius!"
"Probably a secret protégé… no wonder his talent is so exceptional…"
"Being favored by a Grand Arcanist—it's like ascending to the heavens in one step!"
"So young and already an Arcanist. That's adding wings to a tiger!"
"The Ser Family hasn't been very high-profile lately…"
"Should we ask them sometime?"
"…"
Hearing their discussions, Matthew paid no attention and followed closely behind Cronorman.
The Ser Family?
Not the time to engage yet!
Clearly prepared for the Grand Arcanist's arrival, three library staff stood respectfully at the staircase entrance.
"Welcome, Master Cronorman."
Following the Grand Arcanist, Matthew ascended, noticing numerous magical traps along the way.
They were extremely well-hidden and highly lethal, posing significant threats to him.
"As expected, this is one of the Netheril Empire's most heavily guarded areas."
"No wonder so many players disappeared here without a sound…"
Just on the way up, Matthew spotted over twenty high-level magical traps, enough to make his heart race.
The Grand Arcanist nodded coldly; ever since returning to Sevinton, he seemed unwilling to show much expression.
Compared to the first floor, the number of spellcasters here was significantly lower.
However, there were no low- or mid-tier spellcasters present—at least high-tier ones, with many extraordinary individuals.
As the Grand Arcanist continued upward, he piqued much curiosity.
The third floor was unlike the first two!
This was where the Netheril Scrolls were kept!
Many people glanced at Matthew, seemingly wanting to uncover the mystery.
Unfazed, Matthew followed up to the third floor, where there were far fewer bookshelves than below. Each book was meticulously placed in a designated spot.
Unlike the foundational or mid-tier spellbooks below, these were at least legendary-level tomes.
A spellcaster with an equally obscure aura smiled as he approached, glanced at Matthew, and said:
"So this is the young man? Not bad at all."
He wore a light golden robe adorned with intricate patterns that shimmered subtly.
Unlike Cronorman's gray-white hair, his appeared unusually youthful.
"Rafa, Level 22 Legendary Mage, ???"
Cronorman let out a light grunt and cut straight to the point:
"Let's begin; we don't have much time."
Without a glance, Matthew stayed close to the Grand Arcanist, letting him handle the negotiations.
It wasn't that Matthew lacked courage or interest in gathering information, but the abundance of monitoring magic made it too risky.
Even the Grand Arcanist could see through his illusions, so others might as well.
The many magical traps around offered Matthew considerable inspiration, especially their concealment methods, which expanded his horizons.
Five minutes later.
The Grand Arcanist finished his conversation, lightly patted Matthew's shoulder, and whispered:
"Don't be too nervous. It's fine even if you don't see much."
Vaguely aware of the Netheril Scrolls' nature, Matthew nodded silently.
Following Rafa, he entered a massive secret chamber.
Rafa gave Matthew a few instructions, then turned and left, closing the chamber door behind him.
The faint light immediately vanished, leaving only darkness.
Smiling, Matthew looked up and beckoned to the golden book floating in midair.
A soft golden glow dispelled the darkness around Matthew.
Reaching out to take the Netheril Scroll, a delighted smile spread across his handsome face as he said expectantly:
"Finally found it!"