Chapter 152: White Fang Castle

Surrounded by a lush forest, Helag stood by a fountain gushing water.

What was once a sheer cliff had transformed into a long white stone bridge.

The bridge spanned a rushing river, the water roaring beneath.

“Where is this?” Helag asked, puzzled.

Brack, holding a wooden plaque, explained, “This is the token for White Fang Castle. Only wizards with this token can see the path to the white stone bridge.”

Helag glanced at the plaque, finding nothing unusual.

“Let’s go. It’s the effect of the wizard array here,” Brack said, noticing Helag studying the plaque, and led the way with a smile.

“Another wizard array…” Helag knew nothing about wizard arrays, lacking any knowledge in that area.

Crossing the white stone bridge, he saw a bustling town lit brightly on the other side.

The town was lively, with people coming and going.

After crossing the bridge, a woman pushing a cart approached, offering various candies with insects inside.

“Would you like some bug candy? I made them myself, very tasty,” she said.

Helag declined with a wave.

The woman smiled politely and moved on with her cart.

Helag noticed even the woman was a first-level wizard apprentice.

Looking around, he saw no ordinary people, only wizards or apprentices.

Walking down the street, he noticed some apprentices hanging clothes from windows.

“Mr. Brack, do many people live here?” Helag asked curiously.

“Yes, many wizards and apprentices settle here,” Brack replied.

Helag observed numerous shops, each bearing family crests, indicating they belonged to wizard organizations or families.

“We’re almost there. The Terchy family’s property in White Fang Castle is just ahead,” Brack said, turning a corner with Helag.

The street opened up to a wide avenue lined with tall buildings.

Some buildings reached over ten meters, each floor lit, giving Helag a sense of familiarity from his past life.

The street was crowded, resembling a shopping district.

Couples strolled hand in hand, families with children walked together, and elderly in wheelchairs were pushed leisurely.

Looking back, Helag realized the previous area was more residential, hence quieter.

The current street was a commercial hub, filled with shops, stores, and restaurants.

“The wizard world is more vibrant than I imagined,” Helag murmured.

He had thought wizards were reclusive, focused solely on study, but many enjoyed life.

Brack overheard and laughed, “You think everyone is as diligent as you? Many wizards relax occasionally, which is why I brought you out. You’ve stayed in Blackrock Valley for a year without leaving. I don’t know how you managed.”

Brack admired Helag’s dedication, staying in the quiet castle without venturing out unless necessary.

Helag smiled sheepishly, not mentioning his fear of unexpected encounters.

He was always aware of the looming threat of Malcolm, avoiding risks without certainty of victory.

Without Brack’s company, he wouldn’t have ventured out.

While observing the street, Helag realized not everyone advanced like him; many hit a barrier they couldn’t surpass.

Reasons varied, from aptitude to resource limitations, hindering smooth advancement.

Some, realizing their limits, chose to enjoy life or, like Bessie, focused on nurturing the next generation.

Helag, always striving for improvement, never relaxed, even replacing sleep with meditation.

After ten minutes of navigating the bustling street, they arrived at a shop.

The shop was brightly lit, with “Terchy Potion Shop” written at the entrance.

It was a Terchy family business, selling potions and materials, and accepting potion-making orders.

“Lord Brack!” The shop attendants were surprised to see Brack and hurried over.

Brack nodded and introduced, “This is Helag Merlin, He’s the one who responsible for many recent orders.”

The attendants bowed, memorizing Helag’s appearance.

The shop manager, a thin middle-aged man, rushed over upon hearing the news.

The manager handled daily affairs, while attendants served customers.

The shop’s decor was grand, with potions neatly categorized.

Helag noticed the prices were much higher than market rates, with some resembling his creations.

Despite high prices, business thrived.

The Terchy family’s potions were renowned for quality, attracting constant buyers.

Brack and Helag led the way, followed by a group of attendants.

Helag’s status was naturally higher, as the others were apprentices.

Within the Terchy family, potion masters held high esteem.

“We’ll stay here for a few days. There are plenty of rooms with good conditions,” Brack said.

Helag nodded, “Whatever you arrange, Mr. Brack, I have no objections.”

The lower floors sold goods, while the top two floors housed Terchy family members or guests.

The rooms were spacious, with bathrooms and luxurious amenities.

Upon entering, Helag smelled a pleasant fragrance, recognizing it as “Withering Herb,” known for relieving anxiety and aiding sleep.

It was a luxurious scent, priced like high-grade potion materials.

The auction was two days away. Helag soaked in a hot bath, then collapsed onto the soft bed.

The comfort tempted him to sleep, but he chose to meditate instead.

Sleeping was fine, but only after completing his daily meditation practice.