Yellow River City, Wishiros
Yellow River City is one of the most popular cities in the country of Wishiros. This is due to the presence of the largest artifact market, which has boosted its popularity and economy by a large margin, giving it a significant edge over other cities.
Aside from the market, Yellow River City is also known for its beautiful landscape and stunning architectural structures, most of which were constructed by ancient mages centuries ago.
Yellow River City also houses Wishiros' 7th School of Magic, one of the top ten magic schools in the country. The school has been trending lately for its reputation of breeding genius mages and its peaceful educational environment. But this changed three weeks ago after a disastrous accident occurred!
In a lonely, bushy alleyway in the vast city, two figures suddenly appeared out of thin air: none other than Dragun and Vishirk.
Dragun was dressed in a long brown robe with a hood that covered his head. Vishirk wore the same attire but also donned a mask to cover his face.
Immediately after arriving, Dragun observed the area to see if anyone had seen them appear.
"Do not worry, Senior. This alley is always deserted," Vishirk said.
Being originally from Yellow River City, he knew a lot about the place. He had suggested they appear in this location, claiming it was the safest.
Despite his words, Dragun didn't let his guard down and only stopped observing after confirming no one had seen them.
It was afternoon, and the sun hung in the sky, casting its glow over the lonely alleyway.
The wind blew, making the bushes dance, creating the only noise that disrupted the deafening silence.
"We are finally in Yellow River City. Are you sure the mask will fully hide your presence from the school's authorities?" Dragun asked worryingly.
On their way here, Dragun and Vishirk had discussed the tragic accident in the forest. Dragun told Vishirk to report to the school's authorities and see if they had any clue about the dark mages that had attacked him on his way back.
But Vishirk refused, saying he would do that after he was done helping Rowan awaken his mana core.
According to him, he was a low-ranking student at the school and wasn't allowed out of the premises except during important competitions. He wanted to enjoy the freedom for a while and experiment with some of his potion-making skills before going back.
He also claimed that the school's authorities wouldn't believe he escaped when even the powerful magic instructors couldn't. He feared he would be taken as a spy and dreaded the torture he might undergo to prove his innocence.
Dragun proceeded to ask him about his family, but Vishirk claimed they lived—
Dragun believed him because of these explanations, but he also decided to ask around about the school and the tragic incident when they arrived in Yellow River City.
"You do not have to worry, Senior. This mask belonged to my late father, who was a secret guard for the past king. It gives a different presence each time it's worn, making it difficult for others to detect and know your identity. Also, masks are somewhat compulsory in some parts of the market, so it's not really a big deal," Vishirk explained, easing Dragun's worries.
Dragun nodded and didn't bother to ask any more.
"Evening is the best time to visit the Yellow River Market. The finest artifacts at the best prices are sold then. We should get going immediately; we might even get to purchase some cheap and high-quality mana crystals," Vishirk spoke with such enthusiasm, as though he couldn't wait to see the market.
Dragun had heard many interesting tales about the Yellow River Market, which is why he chose this place. All kinds of magic artifacts of various grades were sold there. If one was lucky, they might even get to see and buy some divine beast eggs!
Both of them began strolling out of the bushy alleyway.
"I heard there is a black market in Yellow River City. Is that true?" Dragun asked.
"Yes, but the black market is very difficult to access," Vishirk replied.
He was walking really fast beside Dragun, looking eager to reach the marketplace.
After strolling for a few minutes, they walked out of the valley.
They arrived at a busy street with a lot of activities going on. A group of teenagers could be seen playing with simple magic not too far away, and a burly-built mage was carrying the corpse of a gigantic antelope he had just hunted, with many people gathered around him.
Dragun slowed down to take in the view for a few seconds.
Although the street was busy and filled with people, there were no conflicts, and everyone seemed to be living peacefully.
He enjoyed the scene before hurrying to catch up to Vishirk, who was already ahead.
As they strolled through the city, Dragun couldn't help but admire the lovely views.
They walked past a giant bronze statue of an aged mage holding a large orb in his hands. They also passed a few statues of royal figures—Vishirk, talkative as usual, didn't miss the chance to tell the tales of the figures on the statues, and the stories were quite refreshing.
After strolling for some time, they reached a place that looked very different from the busy and peaceful streets.
The buildings here were either collapsed or unfinished.
There was no greenery in sight as well.
It was as though some disaster had occurred in this place.
A group of hot-blooded-looking men and women were standing and sitting around the area. They all looked aggressive and dangerous.
Most of them had their eyes fixed on the duo, and their gazes weren't friendly at all.
Dragun observed them keenly without taking his eyes off, as though he was trying to assert his dominance with his gaze.
"Senior, don't look at them too much, or they'll make you a target for trouble. You don't want these people seeking you out," Vishirk quickly cautioned.
"They are bandits, right?" Dragun asked after averting his eyes.
"Not just simple bandits—they are backed by a powerful underworld organization," Vishirk explained.
"Underworld organization?" Dragun muttered quietly.
He recalled the cult and how they had minions like these stationed at busy places to beat and extort weak mages of their resources and gather information about certain important figures.
Dragun couldn't help but wonder if the cult was the underground organization involved. He even started regretting looking at the bandits.
If they recognized his face and reported to the cult, then he wouldn't live to see the next twenty-four hours.
After realizing this, he walked faster, and both of them disappeared from the bandits' sight.
However...
Sitting on the windowsill of one of the unfinished houses, a group of bandits looked at each other and nodded, conversing voicelessly.
They were five in number, three men and two women, all dressed in ragged attire. Their clothing style, combined with the aggressive looks on their faces, made them intimidating to approach.
The five of them rose from their seated positions, took the route opposite the one Dragun and Vishirk had taken, and began walking briskly.