Chapter 155

"So how did you find the Republic, young master?" Asked Enitma.

"It lives up to its name as the country of the future, prince." 

Naell's reply was nothing but praise and yet the prince noticeably paused.

It was then he said with a smile, "You should see the other one."

Enitma's slightly dejected response caught Naell off guard and thus he wasn't sure how to respond. Likewise, Owly too was confused by what he really meant. 

Sensing the shaken atmosphere, Arawa cleared her throat instinctively, causing the rest to follow suit and awkwardly do the same.

To ease themselves, they could only take in the scenery as they passed foot after foot of decor. There they saw the bountiful presence of fruit-bearing trees, cacti, and marigolds, contrasting the warmth of all other things in front of them.

Yet in spite of the soothing ambiance of faded greens and oranges, neither Naell nor Owly could let their guard down.

Firstly, it was because their mission was still fresh on their minds, and no matter how far the Land of Fairies seemed to be, they were closer to it than they previously were in Awdita. 

Secondly, they had heard about the Republic's prevalence of lurking spies and intrusive magic. The laws on private investigations and the distribution of crier's scrolls were very lenient. 

Almost daily were snippets of gossip laid out for the masses to hear. For someone as reserved as Naell, recalling this was nauseating.

It was an unfortunate consequence of their democracy. And due to this, the number of visits from leaders of the other continents had decreased over time.

Naell recalled how upon asking the knights and merchants of Awdita, he had learned that Enitma had been careful to not be mentioned negatively for any actions in public, yet even so he could not avoid the attacks to his character as a figurehead and descendent of Summer.

In that moment, Naell figured that all of that justified the prince's withdrawn demeanor as he walked with a facade of stoicism. 

Soon, they arrived at the arched entrance and doorway to the prince's home. There Owly spotted sand curiously crawling up the corners of the door frame, nearby window, and every other potential opening he could see up close. 

It was unusual as they felt no mana in their surroundings. 

You see that noob? HOOT. -

Yeah, what's up with that? - 

Dunno but desert sand impedes mana a bit so stay alert, HOOT. - 

And you only thought to tell me that now?? - 

The bombshell Owly just dropped made Naell panic briefly and ready himself for any potential threat they might face. Yet as the door opened, in one sudden instance, a rush of deep, wise mana enveloped their senses.

Both he and Owly then relaxed, detecting that the source was by no means hostile. They only took note of how they were now in the presence of a powerful mage. 

Soon, much like the striking mana, the overall design of the interior suddenly caught their attention. If Naell were to describe it, it was like a nice warm hug rewarding him from the treachery of the outdoors. 

Colors of the hot desert seemingly cooled into deep maroons. Faded oranges and mustard yellow decor filled and brought the tiles and ceiling to life. 

Even the overall shape of the home was intriguing. It was reminiscent of a large play place where arches separated sections of the house and thin velvety curtains wisped about instead of doors. 

Adding to that, a calmer, more casual expression also came upon the prince's face as the door behind them closed. 

"...What I'd give to feel this ease everywhere. Also, from this point I'd prefer if you called me Enitma, young master Naell."

Slightly taken aback, Naell smiled and responded, "Likewise, Naell will do."

With a nod, they all went further into the prince's home. By the time they parted the curtains to the next section of the house, an incredible sight beheld them 

At the center of the large room illuminated by opened glass pane windows and small lamps was a man with deep blue hair and desert mage clothing. 

He stood completely covered in his bright orange red mana powerfully encircling him as it constantly rushed out of the windows. His hands were opened in front of his chest, as condensed wispy magic in the shape of a prism hovered in the center.

"Sanbu, the guests have arrived." Called out Arawa. 

Sanbu? - Naell asked Owly telepathically.

Sanbu Hangen the Wizard of Dunes. He was named and served only here in the Republic, so he's not that popular. HOOT! - 

But he's definitely a local hotshot. To think we'd meet three in one afternoon… -

The mage then looked up from his concentration and smiled in greetings. As Naell observed him, his eyes started to widen.

"Welcome to the prince's residence!"

While he spoke, the Wizard of Dunes gracefully moved his hands in a fluid motion. Sand and orange mana encircled the prism before it bounced in the air and remained afloat. Even as Sanbu began to approach Naell, his magic seemed to continue without a hitch.

Simultaneously all the windows with a trail of Sanbu's mana then closed. And almost immediately sand crawled and covered every window from the outdoors. Due to this the room grew dimmer, yet was still illuminated by the comforting lights within the home.

Naell watched in astonishment, curiously trying to figure out how Sanbu allowed his magic to be automated in such a way. 

His thoughts raced knowing that if he could improve his current usage of magic with Sanbu's technique, the burden of having to multitask would lessen in battle.

Owly looked to Naell smugly as he knew exactly what his companion was fanboying about.

Enitma, noticing their curious expressions then spoke, "Hangen casted a spell around the structure to prevent anyone from snooping in on us." 

"Yes, sand is very effective in preventing noise and mana flow." Sanbu added on before nodding slightly to Naell.

"Anyhow, I'm pleased to be acquainted with you, young master."

Naell nodded and thanked the wizard. He then responded, "I'm honored to meet you. Your magic is incredible, Mr. Hangen."

Sanbu laughed from Naell's obvious admiration. Still, he found himself gesturing towards Arawa as he replied, "Believe me though, I may be a named wizard, but Arawa is leagues stronger than I am."

In a sense, Naell kind of understood. Given how saturated the population of martial artists are, it's no wonder that those who end up named are few and far between. If one were to compare the process of naming a wizard with naming a martial artist, the former would be comparably easier to decide on.

Regardless, Naell in that moment as he reached a hand to the wizard couldn't help but shake the sudden worry in his mind. He shook the wizard's hand before turning to his new acquaintances before him.

'The Prince, First Strike, and the Wizard of Dunes.'

He then wondered who else the prince could possibly be acquainted with and why their arrival was immediately intercepted for a talk.