Chapter 103: Berthold City
Understanding the concept of battle qi, a power system that existed alongside the magic elements in the Magus World, would take more than just a simple anatomical study for a humble initiate like Sein to grasp.
His experiment had barely scratched the surface. It only revealed the source of Leif’s power and granted Sein a somewhat vague insight into battle qi.
The true nature of battle qi remained elusive to him. The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.
How does it enhance the abilities of human knights?
In what ways does it differ from magic elements?
These were two of the many questions for which Sein currently lacked answers.
Improving his knowledge and insights required not only theoretical understanding but also practical experience with numerous experimental subjects.
Unfortunately, Sein could not simply find knights and squire[1] for such studies.
He lacked the strength of a full-fledged black mage to face the retaliation of the full-fledged knights and the Orders of the Knights.
The encounter with the bandit leader was a minor episode in Sein’s journey to the northern part of the Gloomhaven.
Nevertheless, it yielded a sum of the common currency of the surface world—three gold coins, a little over a dozen silver coins, and dozens of copper coins.
Autrum, produced by the black mages from Mystralora City, served as currency limited to usage within that city and the nearby regions in the Underworld.
Sein hesitated to even bring them out in his current location.
With his newfound wealth, Sein decided to explore the next human city on his journey.
His objectives were not only to observe human life on the surface and gain insights into the knights and mages, but also to refresh his wardrobe.
Berthold City, situated in the heart of Gloomhaven on the surface, was an ordinary city named after the family ruling it.
On one of the busier commercial streets in the city, Sein, who had just recently entered the city, stopped in front of a tailor's store.
“Hello, are you looking to have clothes made?” A young girl with a freckled face approached Sein with wide, curious eyes.
She was the seamstress working in the tailor store.
It seemed like his voice reached Sein through magical means.
Rather than an advanced magic, it fell under the category of magic tricks.
Nevertheless, it was a very useful trick to learn.
Despite having his identity exposed, Sein remained composed.
Although Sein was uncomfortable in the presence of the enthusiastic seamstress, he was able to act naturally and calmly in the presence of a mage like the old man.
Observing the old man, Sein discerned that he was also a magic initiate, likely weaker than himself.
Sein gathered his focus as he steadily approached the old man and responded calmly, “Yes, I arrived in Berthold City not long ago. How did you discover me?”
“Hehe, only us mages would dress like that. I came to take a look after hearing from William, the gatekeeper, that a youth suspected to be a mage has entered the city,” the old man explained with a faint smile.
While Sein's black-robed attire was not exclusive to mages, it remained a minority among ordinary surface dwellers.
Most of the people here preferred linen while nobles adorned themselves in gorgeous silks and mercenaries typically wore leather armor.
Upon entering Berthold City, Sein discovered numerous human mercenaries wielding battle qi.
It seemed like battle qi was far more common than magic in the Magus World.
The only legitimate mage Sein encountered in Berthold City was this old man.
Initially engaging Sein in friendly conversation, the old man’s expression changed when he sensed Sein’s focus level, which was comparable to a senior initiate.
The smile on his wrinkled face quickly transformed into respect.
Among mages, respect was given to those with achievements.
Since Sein’s focus level surpassed that of the old man, it implied Sein’s mastery of magic and knowledge exceeded his own.
The gray-robed old man was only an intermediate initiate.
Considering that he was over the age of sixty, the prospects for further advancement were bleak.
In contrast, Sein, still in his youth, had already attained the status of a senior initiate.
Apart from respect, a subtle hint of envy also appeared in the old man’s expression.
1. A squire is akin to a magic initiate. ?