Chapter 416: Bennings

Formal wizards typically avoided public street fights, as first-level spells could easily affect bystanders.

Moreover, formal wizards usually belonged to various factions. Even if they weren’t part of the six major wizard organizations, they were often members of wizard families.

For such individuals, conflicts could be resolved through other means.

However, formal wizard duels did occur occasionally, often attracting the enforcement team.

On his journey, Helag saw a group wearing matching robes with a staff emblem, indicating they were members of the Central Region’s enforcement team.

This was the only time Helag saw the enforcement team during his journey.

The Central Region’s vastness likely contributed to the enforcement team’s understaffing, making comprehensive oversight impossible.

Each team covered a small area, unable to monitor distant locations.

Helag hadn’t found specific population figures for this massive city.

He surmised that the sheer size and population made it impossible for the Wizard Alliance to manage the entire city effectively.

Or perhaps the Alliance lacked the resources for daily management.

In special circumstances, the Alliance could manage effectively, given sufficient power.

The Alliance likely considered this, allowing daily management to be more relaxed.

As long as overall order was maintained, the Alliance was confident in handling major disruptions.

***

Two hours later, the carriage arrived at the Rose Inn.

Helag noticed a stark contrast between this area and the docks. The people here resembled ordinary city residents, much like those in Silvermoon City.

The number of formal wizards increased significantly, with many passersby being formal wizards.

Helag tossed a small bag of silver coins to the driver, covering the fare—about seventy to eighty coins.

The driver, delighted, peeked inside and quickly bowed, “Thank you, sir!”

Without looking back, Helag entered the inn.

At the front desk was a young girl, seemingly sixteen or seventeen, with a name tag reading “Irina.”

“Checking in. I’m Helag Merlin, and I should have a reservation,” Helag said, placing his communication stone on the counter.

Irina respectfully took the stone, checked the information, and verified it on her own stone. “Mr. Helag, your room is on the second floor, number seven. Here’s your key.”

She retrieved a bronze key from the safe, its unusual glow indicating enchantment, meant for unlocking magical locks.

Helag nodded, taking the key. It was his first time seeing a hotel with magical locks on room doors.

In places like Silvermoon City, only important rooms used magical locks for protection.

With the key, Helag ascended the stairs. The Rose Inn was quiet, with a faint, pleasant fragrance in the air.

The inn’s decor was elegant and understated, with paintings by renowned artists adorning the walls.

The inn had few rooms; the second floor had only nine, each spacious, larger than the airship’s luxury suites.

Unlocking the magical lock, Helag found the room’s interior equally elegant and understated.

After familiarizing himself with the surroundings, Helag used his communication stone to inform Reese, Pruis, and others of his safe arrival at the Rose Inn.

Operation Cradle was a month away, leaving some time.

Helag planned to avoid unnecessary outings, given the area’s chaos.

Though this area seemed calmer, it only lacked open street brawls; the hidden dangers were uncertain.

Participants in Operation Cradle were elite wizards from various factions. Helag had only met Medel so far, but others were likely formidable.

Augustus Academy was also involved, with powerful crystallized wizards, as Lillian had informed Helag.

The academy treated Operation Cradle as a task, with participants having assessment criteria.

Lillian, still a liquefied wizard, was far from crystallization and couldn’t join this time.

After a night’s rest at the inn, Helag set out early for the Wizard Alliance Hall.

As a participant in Operation Cradle, Helag needed to register upon arrival, confirming his readiness.

The Wizard Alliance Hall resembled a temple, solemn and majestic, with towering columns seemingly supporting the sky.

The hall’s exterior featured long steps. Helag considered using the Feather of Flight but found anti-magic suppression arrays, requiring him to walk.

Resigned, Helag ascended the steps.

Before entering, he spotted a familiar face at the entrance, who also noticed him.

The man wore a top hat and a monocle over his left eye.

“Lord Bennings?” Helag recognized him after a moment.

Bennings was a member of the Land of Dawn’s expedition team, overseeing personnel selection for the elven plane war in the Barren Lands.

Bennings had allowed volunteers to leave during the selection, but none did.

Helag hadn’t seen Bennings since entering the elven plane, and was surprised to encounter him here.

Sensing Helag’s gaze, Bennings looked over, smiling, “You’re the one from the Barren Lands… Helag, right?”

Though he took a moment to recall, Bennings remembering Helag’s name was unexpected.

“Lord Bennings, I didn’t expect you to remember me,” Helag replied with a smile.

Bennings said, “Only thirteen passed the selection for the war, so I remember you. How’s Seranthiel treating you? Oh, you’re a crystallized wizard now—impressive talent!”

Noticing Helag’s magical aura, Bennings was surprised by his rapid advancement, offering a brief compliment.

“Only thirteen…” Helag recalled the full auditorium during selection, realizing only thirteen had entered the Land of Dawn.

His group had three, meaning only ten others passed the selection.