Chapter 10 - Prove - Magic - Dark

As Skalain reached the entrance of Red Copper Town, two guards stood in his way, their presence commanding respect. The guards, clad in sturdy iron armor, scrutinized Skalain with vigilant eyes, their expressions giving away nothing.

One guard raised a hand, signaling Skalain to halt, while the other crossed his arms, a display of authority.

"Who are you, traveler. This is the first time I saw you entering the town."

With a confident yet polite tone, Skalain introduced himself as a traveler in search of knowledge.

"I am just a traveler. I need some place to eat and sleep."

The guards exchanged a glance, silently assessing Skalain and his purpose. The air grew tense as Skalain awaited their response.

"These guards thinks too much of themselves but it can be expected. They are just doing what they should do."

After a brief moment, one of the older guard, with a stern yet measured voice asked. His eyes clearly shows experience and maturity.

"I do not think you are problem but wearing dark robes that can be only wear by dark mages is not the best action to do."

"Do you have any connection to mages by any chance ?"

"I do not have any connection to dark mage organization. I am a mage."

The guards listened intently, their gaze unwavering, their expressions betraying no emotion. Skalain's words hung in the air, Skalain thought.

"At this point, I expected them to be shocked. It seems like they are used to mages."

"Which means that ordinary folk have clear knowledge about the mages and magic itself."

After a momentary pause, one of the guards, his tone slightly softened.

"Can you show me something to prove you are dark mage."

"It is fundemental law in the Dark Borders that only mages allowed to wear robes like you are wearing."

Skalain answers as he smilies.

"Yeah, I understand what you are saying."

Skalain flickered his hands and a small decay bolt manifest in his hands.

Guards looked at the grayish magic in the hand of Skalain and then they looked at each other as both of them nodded.

The guards then stepped aside, allowing him to pass through the entrance and enter the bustling town beyond.

"Have a nice time in the Red Copper Town, Mister Mage."

As Skalain stepped into Red Copper Town, his eyes were immediately drawn to a sight that stood out amidst the bustling streets. A massive cauldron, gleaming in its copper glory, stood at the center of the town square.

"I wonder what this Cauldron symbolize."

Skalain asked but his focus did not stayed on the Cauldron too much.

As Skalain's gaze shifted from the cauldron, he took in the sights and sounds of the lively town. The buildings, with their diverse construction materials made the town look like it has some sort of a soul.

"So, some buildings are clearly more quality made than others. It seems like as expected humans still have nobles and social statuses."

People moved about, each with their own purpose and destination. Skalain observed the townsfolk as they went about their daily activities.

Skalain took a deep breath and smiled.

"In the end, humans are still same as ever.."