Chapter 414: The Grand City

No one paid much attention to Helag; everyone was there for Medel, not for someone who seemed like a regular bystander.

Helag was content with this, finding a sofa in a corner to sit and enjoy some food and drink.

He glanced at the crowd, noting how Medel effortlessly engaged with everyone, maintaining conversations without difficulty, ensuring everyone felt included.

Some wizards who spoke with Medel seemed thrilled, as if they believed they had secured a connection with the Taylor family.

Seeing this, Helag realized Medel was indeed expanding his network, recruiting more people.

Joining such a large wizard family wasn’t an option for Helag, as it often required strict contracts, similar to his experience with Moonlight Forest.

For wizard families, loyalty was crucial, and most required contracts.

Helag’s contract-free arrangement with the Terchy family was thanks to Larry’s influence.

He had joined the Terchy family temporarily, having nowhere else to go at the time.

The Terchy family, recognizing Helag’s potential and not being particularly powerful themselves, agreed to the no-contract arrangement as an investment.

A top-tier family like the Taylors would undoubtedly have ways to control you, ensuring reliability.

Helag didn’t look down on those seeking favor; he understood how difficult the path was for ordinary wizards, making it natural for them to curry favor with Medel.

He simply chose not to pursue such a path himself. Making friends was fine, but becoming someone’s subordinate was not.

Once you became someone’s subordinate, you lost control over many aspects of your life.

The ball lasted four to five hours, with the crowd gradually dispersing.

Helag rose to inform Medel of his departure.

Unexpectedly, Medel approached him first, smiling, “I apologize for not attending to you earlier, Mr. Helag. Did you find any ladies you liked?”

Helag smiled and shook his head, “I don’t dance. I just had some food. Now that the ball is ending, I should head back. Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Medel.”

“Not dancing won’t do. I often host such balls during my travels. I’ll find you a dance teacher in a few days. You’ll encounter many balls like this, so it’s useful to learn early,” Medel suggested with a smile.

“Thank you, Mr. Medel, but there’s no need. I prefer quiet, and with Operation Cradle approaching, I’m weak and need to focus on meditation,” Helag replied with a pained expression.

Initially unnoticed, Helag’s conversation with Medel drew attention.

Hearing Medel offer to find Helag a dance teacher surprised many—what kind of person warranted such an offer from Medel?

Most astonishingly, Helag declined, citing meditation as a priority over attending balls.

People wondered if he was out of his mind, rejecting such an opportunity.

Helag was unfazed by their reactions, indifferent to others’ opinions.

He preferred to keep a low profile, avoiding unnecessary attention.

Medel chuckled, “Mr. Helag is indeed an exceptional and disciplined wizard. I heard you rarely leave your room on the airship, spending your time meditating. Such discipline is admirable.”

“I’m glad you accepted my invitation despite that. Don’t worry, I won’t disturb you again. But if you ever feel bored, just let me know.”

They exchanged communication stone contacts to stay in touch.

After bidding farewell to Medel, Helag left the ball amid many curious glances.

Medel watched Helag leave, smiling silently.

***

Back in his room, Helag brewed a pot of coffee, reflecting on the recent events.

Regularly attending balls was out of the question; he needed to focus on meditation and training, not waste time on social events.

Balls were primarily for networking and expanding connections.

But Helag didn’t need that now; he needed to enhance his strength.

Afterward, Medel didn’t bother Helag again, allowing him to resume his peaceful meditation.

A month and a half later.

Helag finally left his room, stepping onto the deck to view the distant grand city.

This immense city was known as the Central Region, the largest city in the Land of Dawn.

Unlike other regions, separated by polluted zones, the Central Region was a single, vast city.

The Central Region, surrounded by the six major wizard organizations, was their last refuge, built to ensure safety from pollution.

Seeing such a colossal city from afar was awe-inspiring for Helag.

The airship queued for a while before docking.

Airships were abundant here, constantly arriving and departing.

Helag arrived on deck early, intending to leave as soon as the airship docked.

He wanted to avoid further entanglements with Medel, knowing too much interaction with such influential people could lead to trouble.

Once docked, Helag activated the Feather of Flight on his hand and descended.

After verifying his identity at the checkpoint, Helag officially entered the grand city.

As he stepped into the plaza, many people approached him.

“Need a place to stay? We offer great accommodations and special services, if you know what I mean.”

“Looking to hire help? I’ve got plenty of guys for any job.”

“Need a guide, sir?”

A crowd surrounded Helag, promoting their services, making him feel overwhelmed.

Helag released a wave of magical energy, giving them a cold stare, prompting them to quiet down and back off, keeping their distance.