The stateroom on the Gracia is very luxurious. Reiner can only enjoy the huge space. He can also overlook the earth through the observation deck, which can be said to be a kind of enjoyment.
Different from the expected bumps, the aerospace ship was extremely smooth during the entire journey, as if it were walking on flat ground. I don't know if it is the design of the stateroom or it is just like this.
It takes about half a day to get to Wagoner Lake from Toronto, and Reiner was able to enjoy a top-notch lunch here. The pan-fried beef ribs were tender and juicy, the cream of mushroom soup was rich in flavor, the bread was soft, and the vegetables were fresh, which was the same as Reiner remembered. The food this aristocratic prince used to enjoy at home was of the same standard.
After enjoying lunch, Reiner took a short nap and read the recent news. With the whistle blowing, the Gracia also arrived at the port of Lake Wagner.
As soon as he got off the boat, Reiner could feel the magical atmosphere in the air. He saw that many of the pedestrians coming and going at the port were mages wearing mage robes. The gold edges on their sleeves represented their rank, which was consistent with their rank. Unlike the first-level mages seen most near Crescent Academy, most of the mages here are already at the third-level level. Obviously, the threshold for mercury balance to recruit is still quite high.
"Are you here to try your luck too?"
As soon as Reiner completed the formalities required to disembark, a man in a double-breasted dress approached Reiner.
"Try your luck?"
Not knowing what the other person meant, Reiner was a little confused.
"Hey, I thought you were here to seek opportunities like me."
The man smiled, didn't care, and then stretched out his hand. The gold edge on the cuff was particularly conspicuous.
"My name is Peter, and I have just been promoted to a first-level mage."
"Hello, I'm Reiner."
Reiner naturally responded to the politeness of others. After thinking about it, he asked immediately.
"What did you mean by trying your luck just now?"
"Hey, let me tell you... Well, let's find a bar to sit in first. After a while, when the regular boat from Rainbow Tower arrives, it will be difficult to find seats there."
Peter said cheerfully, took Reiner into a lively bar, ordered two glasses of butter beer, and then spoke.
"Are you a mage apprentice?"
"Yes."
Reiner has not yet passed the examination, nor has he engraved any spell models in his heart lake, so he is indeed considered a mage apprentice.
"There are only two types of mages who come to Lake Wagner at this time. One is someone who has received an invitation to attend the annual academic conference of the Mercury Scale, and the other is someone like me who hopes to be appreciated by a certain adult and become his student. A low-level mage."
Peter explained patiently, and Reiner listened intently.
When they graduate from a magic school, apprentices generally have two choices. One is to take the exam and strive to become a first-level mage, and the other is to go home and inherit the family business. Apprentices who become first-level mage will receive the After passing the exam, you still need to find a teacher.
They will take their results and go to various famous or ordinary mid-level mages, hoping to become his students. Due to the regulations of the High-level Council, mid-level mages must bear the obligation to train new people. In addition, training a mage can The resources obtained are also very generous, so most people are happy to recruit students.
Among them, some of their students are graduates from the magic schools where they teach, and some are graduates from other magic schools.
Peter graduated from Wellington Academy of Magic, which is a seventh-level magic school, slightly better than Crescent Academy, but his school does not have an intermediate mage, so in order to study, he must find an intermediate mage for guidance, usually this The process can last from months to years, but there is a shortcut, which is this annual meeting.
During this three-day annual meeting, most of the elite mages of Mercury Scale will come to Lake Wagner, which also gives low-level mages an opportunity to get in touch with these adults.
Of course, for mediocre people, no matter how many opportunities they have, it is in vain. No more than five people become intermediate mage students through this method every year, but people still enjoy it.
Similarly, there are similar activities for other organizations. According to Peter, what he is good at in school is the alchemy department and the necromancy department, so in addition to the annual meeting of the Mercury Scale, he will also participate in the annual Starfall Moon (October 10th). month) to attend the annual meeting of the Immortal Throne, a necromantic organization.
This sounds a bit like running a job fair back then. Reiner thought as he listened. It seems that even if you become a mage, you need to consider many issues. The vast majority of mage inheritance in this world is still a blood inheritance or a master-apprentice inheritance. Magic schools It is just a basic education, replacing the aristocratic schools and church schools in the past.
"So I thought you were here to try your luck like me. After all, the annual meeting starts tomorrow, and all the adults should be checking in tonight."
Peter shrugged and said that he also had some so-called treasures summarized by his predecessors, such as which hotel a certain adult likes to stay in, and which adult would go to which bar at night. To Reiner, this sounds like the metaphysics on earth. The strategy is somewhat similar.
"Get out of your way, I still want to drink!"
While the two were communicating, at the wine table nearby, a bearded uncle broke his wine glass. He looked like he was drunk. He stood up, took two steps unsteadily, and then poured In front of Reiner and Peter, he started to vomit.
"It stinks..."
Peter covered his nose and ran away.
Reiner stood up and took a step back, not letting the vomit stain his clothes.
The uncle was lying on the ground, looking weak, which prompted the bar owner to pick up the broom and come over.
"If you want to vomit, go out and vomit, this damn guy, and pay!"
He looked like he was about to beat the man, but Reiner reached out to block the boss's broom and threw a silver coin at the same time.
"I helped pay for his drinks."
It's not that Reiner suddenly wanted to do charity, but he didn't want to fall into boring violence.
The uncle struggled to stand up, glanced at Reiner with his cloudy eyes, threw him a strange-shaped coin, and spoke in a vague tone.
"Thanks."
Then he squeezed out of the crowd and left the bar.
"There are many people like this. Wagner is a city after all. Some people have no pursuits and start to indulge in drunkenness after making a little money. Especially in these days, there will be more beggars. You will encounter them again in the future."
Peter seemed to be used to it. He smelled his clothes to make sure there was no peculiar smell, and at the same time said to Reiner,
"I live in Room 36 of the Black Crow Hotel next door. Except for waiting outside the venue when the meeting ends tomorrow, I should be preparing in the room. If you have nothing to do, you can come to me and we can discuss magic and the like. .”