When Mary stood beside Lynn, Karl and the other five exchanged brief glances. They only nodded slightly to her, showing none of the enthusiasm they had displayed toward Lynn.
It was easy to tell that Mary's talent was ordinary. More than that, she seemed completely reliant on Lynn. And Lynn himself showed no particular favor toward her.
Within this small circle, the disparity in strength and perceived value had already begun to surface.
Lynn could feel it clearly. Because of his Superb Soul Talent, he had quietly taken the dominant position in this newly formed group, without needing to say a single word.
The test concluded and the Wizard swept his hand over the Crystal Ball and collected it.
Seeing that Lord Silu appeared to be in a good mood, the City Lord stepped forward with a respectful smile.
"Congratulations, Lord Silu, on gaining such an excellent student. I have instructed my servants to prepare a dinner banquet. I hope you will honor us with your presence."
The Wizard waved his hand dismissively.
"Forget it. Ordinary food is of no benefit to me. Let these youngsters go and enjoy your delicacies."
Hearing this, the City Lord did not insist. He seemed well aware that a Lord Wizard would have little interest in a banquet held in a small city like Black Marsh.
In truth, those youngsters were his targets.
They were Wizard Apprentices who had begun their journey here. Perhaps one day, they might return and look after Black Marsh City.
⸻
Meanwhile, inside the Nightingale Pavilion, Skinny Monkey stepped out of a room, his face glowing with satisfaction. He walked over and knocked on Lynn's door.
"Abacus Snake? You done yet? It's time to head back!"
There was no response.
Skinny Monkey knocked again, then a few more times. A bad feeling crept up his spine. He shoved the door open violently.
The room was empty.
The window was wide open, curtains fluttering in the night air.
"crap! Where is he?!"
How could someone disappear after visiting a prostitute?
Panic-stricken, Skinny Monkey scrambled to find Mammy. The Nightingale Pavilion was searched from top to bottom, but there was no trace of either person.
Skinny Monkey's face turned ashen. Not daring to delay any longer, he rushed back to the Gang to report the news.
Running away was never an option.
He knew the Gang Leader's methods well. Returning might still leave him a chance to live. But if he fled and was caught, death would be the least of his worries.
⸻
Inside the Gang Headquarters, One-Eyed Wolf listened to the report. An almost red light erupted in his eyes as he slammed his fist onto the table.
"Damn it! That little bastard really did go take the test!"
He snarled coldly.
"Send men to watch the City Lord's Mansion and all the city gates. The moment he comes out, bring him back to me immediately!"
⸻
The City Lord's Mansion. Dinner banquet.
The magnificent banquet hall was brightly lit, its high ceilings gleaming. A long table covered in pristine white linen was laden with an overwhelming array of food.
Whole roasted suckling pigs, their skin golden and crisp. Silver platters of roasted geese drenched in berry sauce. Mountains of white bread. Cheeses embedded with nuts and dried fruit. Roasted sausages, stews, and seasonal vegetables filled every available space.
Well-dressed waiters moved gracefully through the hall, carrying silver cups brimming with mead and fine wine.
Lynn still wore his black hooded robe. Beneath it was the half-worn hemp clothing given to him by One-Eyed Wolf, making him stand out awkwardly amid the refined atmosphere.
Earlier, the City Lord had offered formal attire for him, but Lynn had refused. He was not accustomed to such "elegant" clothes.
To outsiders, however, the black hooded robe only added to his air of mystery.
The City Lord of Black Marsh City and various nobles surrounded Lynn and the other seven apprentices, their faces plastered with flattering smiles.
Their attention lingered especially on Lynn as Praise flowed endlessly.
"Young Master Lynn is truly remarkable at such a young age!"
"In the future, he is bound to become a great Wizard!"
"This is the pride of Black Marsh City!"
Lynn maintained a polite smile, responding to the hypocritical pleasantries while steadily stuffing exquisite food into his mouth.
Lavish. Truly lavish.
In his previous life, he had been seriously ill for years, barely able to eat freely, surviving mostly on IV drips. After arriving in this world, he had spent more than three months living on bread, potatoes, and thin vegetable soup. Even the little money he had scraped together was hoarded and never spent.
Things only improved after killing Ghost Fox. At least then, he could eat meat.
Now, faced with this feast, Lynn's appetite was fully unleashed. He worked his way around the long table without restraint.
As for the nobles' deliberate attempts to curry favor, Lynn could only respond with vague, muffled sounds through a mouthful of food. When his throat grew dry, he would clink a glass and gulp down a large mouthful of mead.
He truly disliked this kind of meaningless socializing. It was interfering with his meal.
But that thought quickly changed.
These nobles were very perceptive.
After exchanging pleasantries, each noble would subtly mention that they had prepared a small gift for him, already entrusted to the City Lord, and hoped he would like it.
Though he hadn't seen the items yet, Lynn's mood improved noticeably, and his smile became a shade more sincere.
After receiving treatment from a physician, Mary was now able to walk normally. She followed closely behind Lynn, clutching the corner of his robe like a startled fawn, her eyes filled with both curiosity and fear at the surrounding luxury.
Lynn was speechless. Even after becoming a Wizard Apprentice, she still behaved like this. He couldn't help but wonder how she had managed to survive until now.
⸻
When the banquet ended, the Black-Robed Wizard appeared and announced indifferently:
"I give you one night to bid farewell to your families. Tomorrow morning, gather here. We depart then."
The other apprentices cheered as their families hurried forward to receive them.
Lynn had originally planned to stay the night at the City Lord's Mansion. But when he thought of Yellow Teeth, a long-suppressed despise and anger surged within him.
Some grudges had to be settled before he left.
Under the guidance of a maid, he sought out the City Lord.
The City Lord assumed Lynn had come to collect the "small gifts" and immediately had a wooden chest brought over.
Inside were gold coins, gems, and antiques.
He also produced a registry, clearly recording the name of every gift-giver and the items they had offered.
Lynn did not bother flipping through it. He simply scanned it into his memory library.
Those who offered gifts deserved to have their names remembered.
As for whether he might use them one day… who could say?
Afterward, Lynn directly stated his request: he wished to borrow a squad of City Guards to eliminate a gang within the city.
Hearing this, the City Lord did not hesitate. Facing an apprentice with Superb Talent, to refuse him was not really an option. He immediately ordered fifty elite City Guards to be placed under Lynn's command.
Though their numbers were limited, the captain and two vice-captains were all Official Knights.
As Lynn stepped out to wait for the guards to assemble the Black-Robed Wizard appeared behind him. Beneath the hood, the black mist seemed tinged with faint interest.
"Oh? Lynn, you wish to settle a private grudge?" the Wizard said calmly.
"Coincidentally, I also need to collect some 'materials.' Let's go. No need to wait for the others."
With that, his figure slowly dissolved into the air, merging with the shadows.
He was preparing to act personally.
With the Lord Wizard's words, Lynn immediately dismissed the City Guards.
It seemed that tonight, he would get to witness the methods of a Lord Wizard.