The Frugal Mage

Chapter 197 197: Return

The barrier of light appeared across the skies, and the swarm of bats screeched after they collided against it.

Their wings beat furiously, but the wall held easily with the Mage's support. It was impenetrable!

Slowly, the swarm shifted, circling once before turning away from the city.

Just like that, the matter was easily resolved. It was quite anticlimactic.

Rayven then heard the residents, who were also surprised by what had happened.

"They acted so fast today…"

"That's true… I'm sure that they'd let some damage happen in the city first before they act."

"The City Lord this time is taking things seriously."

"I just hope that the source of this problem will be resolved soon."

"Do you think that the rumor of a new Dungeon appearing is true?"

"Well, restless movements of mystical beasts were one of the signs after all. We have to keep that in mind."

The bell then continued to toll until the last of the bats disappeared into the western horizon. After it was confirmed that it was really safe now, the silence fell… Soon, everyone felt relieved, and Rayven heard the cheers of the citizens.

Rayven sighed before he finally lowered his guard. "It's… over."

Nara also lowered her bow, still staring at the sky.

"That mage… he stopped thousands of bats alone."

Miki shook her head in disbelief. "I've never seen anything like it. Who is he?"

Thyruz's eyes gleamed with respect. "An Archmage protecting the city? Whoever he is, he saved this place

Rayven turned to Shrubs, who was watching calmly. "You know who that was, don't you?"

Shrubs adjusted his cloak and nodded. "Yes. That was Archmage Jaws, the Skywarden of Kesla. He's one of the city's protectors. The Guilds rely on him whenever an Alpha beast or those flying beasts threaten the walls. He rarely shows himself, but when he does… no mystical beasts dares to mess with the city… His presence also lowers the crime rate here. He's a guardian… Though he's a bit too lazy… He'd only act maybe once or twice a year, so many people forget about him."

A mage that only shows himself once or twice a year?

It was no wonder many people just forgot about him.

Rayven and the others exchanged glances, impressed.

"Archmage Jaw…" Rayven muttered. "So Kesla has its own guardian mage."

Shrubs gave a faint smile. "Indeed. That's why the Guilds feel safe here. Even the Cult worshipping the Dungeons wouldn't dare challenge him openly."

"Cult?" Rayven repeated…

Seeing that the young man was clueless, Shrubs just shook his head…

Even Thyruz seemed to be unaware of this cult!

'What the heck? There's a cult worshipping the Dungeons? I didn't know that… Wait… Maybe Ardania wanted me to find the Count's connection to the Cult or something?' Rayven paused as he realized why Ardania was being so cautious in this matter.

It seemed that the Count wasn't the only one involved, and there was something even bigger behind the man!

Nonetheless, with the skies clear and the panic fading, the caravan resumed its journey.

Soon, they reached the Adventurers Guild, a towering stone building marked with banners and guarded by armored men.

Inside, the hall was like any other. It was filled with adventurers reporting missions, claiming rewards, and talking about their recent missions… things that had happened outside.

Shrubs handled the paperwork swiftly, presenting the caravan's record of the journey. Despite the loss of the "heart," the Guild acknowledged the danger they had faced and processed their payment.

One by one, the escorts and adventurers received their payment…

Relief spread through the group as coin purses were filled, and the tension of the journey finally eased.

Of course, Rayven also received an increase in the payment because of the danger he had faced.

Just like that, Rayven accepted his share and felt satisfied. It wasn't much compared to the risk he had taken, but it was enough for now.

"Finally," Miki muttered, tying her pouch to her belt.

Nara smiled faintly. "This should be enough to spend for a couple of months..."

Thyruz agreed as he was also used to living frugally.

After leaving the Guild, Rayven and his group finally turned to the familiar bustling streets of Kesla…

Soon, Rayven reached a familiar building in his memories…

It was the Holt Family's Golden Coast Trading main branch.

Rayven paused outside as memories stirred faintly within him.

Though much of his past was hazy, this place felt rooted in his bloodline…

'Home… and yet not.'

It was such a strange feeling, but it was something that Rayven had to face.

***

As Rayven approached the tall iron gates of the Holt Family's Golden Coast Trading branch, two guards stepped forward with spears crossed in front of them.

"State your purpose of visit…" one said firmly. It was just a formality, the kind of question asked to every visitor.

Rayven opened his mouth to answer, but before he could speak, the second guard's eyes widened. He leaned closer, then suddenly straightened in shock.

"Ahh! Young Master Rayven! You've returned!"

The first guard blinked, then recognition dawned on his face as well.

"It really is him! Young Master, welcome back!"

Rayven gave a small nod… He didn't expect to be recognized.

Miki, Nara, and Thyruz exchanged glances, surprised at the sudden shift in tone. Although they knew that Rayven was a young master here, they still couldn't help but feel amazed.

Without hesitation, the guards opened the gates wide. "Please, come in. The branch has awaited your return."

Escorted by the guards, Rayven and his companions entered the courtyard.

The familiar crest of the Holt Family and the Golden Coast Trading could be seen on banners and crates stacked neatly along the walls.

Workers bustled about, carrying goods and recording shipments, but when they noticed Rayven, their eyes immediately lit up…

"Is that…?"

"It's the Young Master!"

"He's back!"

Soon, a steward came to his side and revealed that his parents were not present; they were away handling shipments of new products…

But someone else was waiting inside the main hall.

Julia Wales…

Without hesitation, Rayven moved to meet her… Soon, he saw her standing near a desk with her long chestnut hair tied neatly behind her.

Initially, Rayven intended only to question her about the discoveries that led to her family being targeted… yet the moment he caught sight of her striking beauty, he paused, momentarily stunned.