Chapter 122: Settling Down

The half-elf behind the window smiled warmly at Hughes. She had grown accustomed to this kind of life, facing all manner of wizards and various races every day, so she was used to greeting others with a smile.

Saintround City was vast, a melting pot for wizards of many races—not only human wizards but also sea wizards and bloodline wizards, all common sights within the city.

“I’m looking to rent an apartment, preferably one with a laboratory. If it has a defensive magic array, that would be even better,” Hughes stated his requirements.

“Very well, sir. But first, please provide your identification!” The half-elf behind the window perked up at the mention of work.

Hughes promptly presented the ring he had shown earlier.

After verifying the identification details, the half-elf woman picked up a crystal orb, cradling it gently as if to communicate with something.

“Apologies, sir! There are simply too many apartments fitting your description. Could you be more specific?” Lorinna, the half-elf, glanced at Hughes with a look of mild distress, aware that Hughes was a wizard and wary of displeasing him.

“Lorinna, long time no see! How’s Grey?” At that moment, Jerin interjected from beside Hughes.

“Ah, Lord Jerin! Grey seems to be occupied with an experiment and isn’t available to receive you right now. Please forgive us,” Lorinna said quickly, standing and bowing respectfully upon Jerin’s arrival.

“This is a friend of mine. I recall there was an apartment next door that was previously unoccupied. Could you check on it now?” Jerin seemed quite familiar with the half-elf.

Hughes remained silent, as he had intended to use Jerin’s assistance to integrate into Saintround City. Having Jerin’s help was a fortunate development.

“Certainly, Lord Jerin,” Lorinna replied, focusing once more on the crystal orb.

Soon, Lorinna provided a precise response to Jerin and Hughes.

“Yes, Lord Jerin. The apartment next to yours has indeed not been sold yet.” She tapped the crystal orb, and lines appeared, weaving repeatedly in the air until they formed a floating map.

“This is an overview of Saintround City. The glowing dot here marks the apartment Lord Jerin mentioned,” Lorinna pointed to a flickering light on the map.

She tapped the location again, and a three-dimensional model of a medium-sized apartment appeared before Hughes’s eyes.

“This medium-sized apartment is located at 347 Darknight Rose Avenue. It comes equipped with a laboratory, a defensive magic array, and an energy reaction pool. You’ll also be neighbors with Lord Jerin,” Lorinna detailed before stepping back to let Hughes make his choice.

“This technology is even more advanced than in my original world,” Hughes marveled. The wizards here truly harnessed their power in every facet of life.

“I’ll take this one,” Hughes said, glancing at the information in the lower left corner of the display. He didn’t hesitate long.

“Very well, sir. The rental fee for this apartment is 1,200 magic stones per month, but—”

“That’s enough, Lorinna. My friend here doesn’t have such concerns for now. Let’s just accept the payment for one year,” Jerin interrupted, paying Hughes’s rent for an entire year.

“I’m drowning in debt,” Hughes thought grimly, realizing all too well that he needed to join a wizard organization quickly, or life in Saintround City would become unbearable.

“Yes, Lord Jerin,” Lorinna said obediently, accepting the interruption without complaint as she continued processing Hughes’s move-in paperwork.

“Sir, please hand me your identification ring,” Lorinna said after noting details on paper and the crystal orb, holding Hughes’s ring in her palm.

The ring merged with the crystal orb, emitting a dazzling light.

Soon, it re-emerged from within the orb. Lorinna took it and returned it to Hughes.

“The control rights for the apartment’s defensive magic array have been imprinted onto your ring. You may enter and exit the apartment freely with it, and you can also modify the array as you see fit.”

Hughes looked down at the ring’s surface to find a faint rune—the mark of control, as Lorinna had said.

She then handed Hughes a long list of items.

“These are keys to the various areas of the apartment. Enjoy your stay!”

By the time Jerin and Hughes left, twilight was settling in. They headed toward the apartment.

Wide, pristine streets lined with meticulously trimmed foliage and grand statues stood proudly along Darknight Rose Avenue.

Jerin had originally planned to accompany Hughes inside the villa but had to leave due to an urgent matter. Hughes didn't mind; he was not accustomed to traveling with company.

Standing before the villa, Hughes noted its large size—more than enough for one person.

“The power’s decent,” Hughes thought as he stepped inside, immediately sensing a force pushing against him. It was the villa’s defensive magic array. It could repel a level-three apprentice, but someone like Hughes, a fully-fledged wizard, would pose no challenge—it was only a matter of time.

“I should find time to modify these defensive arrays,” Hughes decided, still uneasy about the city’s defenses.

“Click.” The sound of a key turning echoed as the villa’s door swung open.

Inside, Hughes took a quick tour. Though unoccupied, the villa was immaculate.

After exploring the first and second floors, Hughes headed to the basement to see the laboratory he had been so eager to inspect.

The lab did not disappoint. The equipment was complete, all brand new, and crafted with precision—a rarity that pleased Hughes.

“Chip, scan the room for defensive magic arrays and analyze potential adjustments,” Hughes commanded.

“Also, scan for any surveillance or monitoring spells,” he added, still uneasy.

“Beep. No surveillance magic detected.”

“Beep. Defensive array simulation complete. Power can be increased by 23%.”

“Boosting by two tiers? Not bad!” Hughes was quite satisfied with the chip’s recommendations.

“Wait, it’s useless to have the plan now,” Hughes suddenly realized a grave problem. Even with the plan, he had no materials to alter the defensive array.

“I am truly destitute,” Hughes muttered, looking at his empty pockets save for a few gold coins, burdened by his debt in magic stones.

“No good! Tomorrow I must ask Jerin about wizard organizations here that might be more accommodating,” Hughes resolved. Without magic stones, even the finest laboratory was useless.

That evening, Jerin came to share dinner with Hughes. The two conversed and laughed as if old friends, and Hughes took the opportunity to glean much information about Saintround City.

Jerin kept pestering Hughes to demonstrate potion brewing. With no choice, Hughes promised to brew some potions for him when he had the time.

Jerin was thrilled, and their friendship rapidly deepened.

“Is Jerin’s enthusiasm genuine or is there some hidden motive?” Hughes wondered. While he sensed Jerin likely just wanted to get to know him without ill intent, the wizard’s eagerness still made cautious Hughes wary.

After a hearty meal, Hughes returned to his villa. After a simple bath, he prepared to meditate.

Previously, the chip had uncovered some unknown data. To Hughes’s delight, it contained an advanced meditation manual titled "Power of the Abyss," suitable for wizards up to level four.