"In a few days, there will be another banquet. You will go on my behalf; it’s for Archbishop Antonio’s farewell."
"The Archbishop is leaving?" Carl looked surprised. "Sigerno City cannot be without the Archbishop. He is the linchpin of Sigerno City; his importance far surpasses that of the City Lord, especially in terms of influence over the people. Right now, the situation at the front lines is very unfavorable. If the Archbishop also leaves, I fear it will cause significant unrest."
"It seems he is going back to the Royal Capital to report on his duties; regional bishops must return every four years," Hibell explained. "If the Archbishop wants to rise to the rank of Cardinal, he cannot stay here indefinitely."
She gestured toward the center of the crowd in the hall. "They are coming here to replace the Archbishop in overseeing Sigerno City. There won’t be any chaos."
"I see!" Carl comprehended and sighed. "Well then, okay."
He seemed idle, but he actually had many things to take care of. Since he was leaving, he would definitely need to deal with various supplies on hand, as well as his personal relationships and social obligations. These matters aside, before leaving, he still had to meet up with Ayala and the others in Vitelli City. The journey to the Black Swamp was long. He would be traveling with Hibell and the others, so he certainly wouldn’t have the opportunity to use any portals.
As a nobleman, horsemanship was an essential skill. Carl controlled the horse beneath him, guiding it along the river. After an intermittent journey, a vague cityscape became visible in the distance.
Vitelli City. The legendary Fiery Sun City, the Freedom Port.
Lightly tapping the horse’s flanks, Carl leaped from its back. After landing, he grabbed a handful of soil to examine closely.
The soil was loose, yet showed severe compaction.
The Great Cataclysm...
Looking ahead, Carl’s expression was complex. This world seemed very abnormal, not just the Black City. The more he experienced of it, the deeper this feeling became. The distance from the Black City to Vitelli City was more than a hundred kilometers, yet there were hardly any village-like settlements along the way—mostly just ruins of villages. The reason there were so few was that it had become impossible for them to exist! More and more land was becoming unable to grow crops and severely lacked sufficient water sources. Even wildlife had grown scarce, and ordinary people simply couldn’t survive in the wilderness. No wonder everyone was flocking to the cities.
Whether it was records in books or the accounts of the older generation, everything indicated it hadn’t always been this way. The change had started with the so-called ’Great Cataclysm’. But Carl wasn’t sure what exactly the ’Great Cataclysm’ was. He only saw that places suitable for human habitation were becoming increasingly scarce as time passed.
This world... seemed to be dying! Just like the shattered crimson moon in the sky.
This is Vitelli City?
The scene before him gave Carl a peculiar expression. He paused for a long time at the city gate before silently shaking his head and leading his horse slowly inside.
Although the city was dilapidated, the market was bustling with people coming and going, their shouts echoing continuously.
"Come take a look! Come and see! Fresh seafood! Big discount—two kilograms for just one Divine Grace Coin!"
"Cuttlebone, excellent material for making fishhooks..."
"Fishing nets, fish food, fishing rods... whatever you can think of, I have it here! I can even get you fishing boats if you’re willing to pay the right price!"
A fish weighing hundreds of pounds was slammed heavily onto a chopping board by a bare-chested, burly man wielding a long knife, who bellowed, "Fresh fish! Come and buy!"
Being a coastal city, Vitelli City’s specialty was seafood of all kinds. As he walked, what struck Carl most wasn’t the variety of seafood, but the ubiquitous fishy smell. It was often mixed with a foul stench! The muddy ground underfoot was also unexpectedly treacherous.
"Moonlight Flowers! One Divine Grace Coin each! They can guide you when you’re lost at sea and soothe your emotions!"
Carl turned his head and saw the stall selling Moonlight Flowers crowded with people, everyone vying to purchase them.
His gaze fell upon the flowers, and Carl’s eyes flickered slightly.
This type of flower seems to be a kind of Demonized Material. It has certain Magic Power-condensing properties, attracts moonlight, and can enhance the effects of light spells.
"Swordtooth Shark’s poison sac!"
"Sea snake scales! Usable for crafting underwater protective suits! Masterfully crafted ones can even allow you to breathe underwater!"
"Seahorse horn! Possesses certain Healing effects! Keep it on you, and minor injuries can be healed; severe injuries can be life-saving!"
Carl walked slower and slower, his eyes growing brighter and brighter.
Demonized Items, Magic Materials... these were very rare and costly where he came from. Even many Wizards tried to find substitutes using ordinary materials; after all, the production of Demonized Items was too scarce. This place is different! Magic Materials are common! If he had enough Magic Materials, his progress in witchcraft would also accelerate. After all, the key to creating Demonized Items lies in the materials. As long as one has the materials, even a Wizard Apprentice can create Demonized Items.
It seems that, besides Potion making and Witchcraft Traps, the creation of Demonized Items also needs to be added to my subsequent study plans.
Hibell doesn’t seem skilled in crafting Demonized Items?
That’s hardly surprising. Limited by materials, many Advanced Wizard Apprentices haven’t been able to personally create many Demonized Items.
"Siren bones! If its throat bone is integrated into a specific weapon, it can unleash the Siren’s Call, possessing the power to enchant hearts!"
Carl suddenly turned around.
Before he could approach, a tall woman had already walked over and placed her hand on the bones. "This is an item favored by the Sea God. I’d like to see who dares to compete for it!"
As her words fell, the surrounding people bowed their heads. Carl raised an eyebrow, then turned and continued leading his horse forward.
A Knight! And a powerful one at that. Being new here, it’s better not to be too conspicuous. Besides, the fact that Magic Materials are sold in the marketplace indicates they aren’t rare for the people here.
He had already decided to stay in Vitelli City for an extended period, just as he had when he first arrived in the Black City.
To stay long-term, one certainly needs money. Divine Grace Coins? These are the common currency in Vitelli City, somewhat similar to the large coins I previously obtained from Hal. Only, Divine Grace Coins are smaller. I wonder if these smaller ones contain Source Material? If they do, that would be even better!
As the thought crossed his mind, Carl gently patted his waist. The wooden box at his waist trembled slightly. A barely audible buzzing sound arose, guiding him down a narrow path.
Tracker Bugs! A type of insect enhanced with witchcraft, capable of sniffing out scents ordinary people can’t detect. Now that there’s a reaction, it means Ayala and the others are nearby.
Following the guidance, Carl stopped in front of a rundown wooden house. He shook his head and said, "Now that you’re here, you all should start living separately."
Ayala walked out from inside the house, smiling. "We used to live underground. Huddling together was warmer and felt safer. We’re still getting used to this."