Promise

The Sorcerer of a Thousand Years

Among the seven great witches who have lived for over a millennium is Meuz. Compared to other wizards in Terra, Meuz has a higher maximum quantity of mana points because he has lived for an excessive amount of time. However, Meuz's magical barriers and shields deteriorate with age because he is a defensive magic specialist. However, a lot of wizards wonder how Meuz has kept his body in good condition for nearly a millennium. Many witches are curious about Meuz's appearance underneath the heavy cloak that covers every part of his body and the Orichalcum mask he always wears. What is the true appearance of Meuz?

"Javier Mareq..., The presence of those crystals greatly disrupts the activities of the residents. I command you to minimize the side effects of the Rain Arrow, then gather the best archers in Terra and teach them how to apply the Rain Arrow by changing the size of the arrows so they can destroy the crystal shards and expedite the crystal-clearing process throughout Terra. Those who were unwittingly exposed to the miasma, some of whom even died as a result. Terra's situation will deteriorate as a result, and people in different areas will become even more terrified," Meuz said.

With an "Alright!" response, Javier promptly received an assignment letter from Meuz.

"Vanity Fair... the number of medical personnel in the effort to handle the witches who are cleaning the amethyst crystal shards is currently decreasing, as they are also exposed to the miasma. Can you assist the medical team in caring for patients who are already in severe condition at the central hospital in Filanesia? Tell me right away if you require more medical staff!" said Meuz.

Vanity Fair gave a nod. "Of course, sir, I will carry it out."

"The remaining main investigative team members... will go with me tomorrow morning to the Breeze Swamp area to begin the search for the owner of the Manji using memory-recall magic. Alyosha will act as the front guard in case of an attack. Anthonius and Omar will act as frontline damagers, while Dima will signal us in case of a sudden attack. We prioritize escaping, saving ourselves as much as possible. Facing Manji cannot be done directly. Not because the magic barrier and the amethyst crystal contain purging magic miasma, but more because considering that killing it would be in vain if we don't kill its owner first," explained Meuz, who then handed a task letter to Vanity. Meuz then also asked Javier and Vanity to start their task today as well.

"Is this plan... imitating Miss Tha's plan?" Anthonius inquired. "Why not involve Leah?"

Anthonius reasoned that Leah would undoubtedly have more experience than he, Omar, Dima, and Alyosha if she had dealt with a matter like this before involving Miss Tha. To improve the likelihood that this issue will be successfully resolved, it would be preferable to involve an experienced party.

"Leah wouldn't want to be involved in handling this case. Perhaps I should have invited her to join the main investigation team right away, even if she didn't want to. Taking into account her experience, she is perhaps the most exceptional. Regretfully, Leah will never want to spend the rest of her life dealing with the Manji. She was severely traumatized by the times she was still working for Antonnie," Meuz revealed.

Meuz then gave the order for the remaining members of the main investigative team to take a nap before starting the arduous trek to the Breeze Swamp region the next morning.

…

Alyosha inquired, "Where will you be staying?"

The person being addressed, Omar, stayed mute and gazed at the empty city streets. The empty square, the shuttered stores, and even the market with hardly any customers or sellers.

Alyosha asked Omar again, "Do you want to stock up on supplies?"

There are now very few merchants still selling at the market.

Numerous food vendors and stores selling everyday essentials are shuttered. Only a handful of locations remain open for forging and weaponry needs.

Alyosha looked around and asked one of the shopkeepers, "Can you give us 10 dry wheat breads?"

The dealer stated, "They are all five bronze coins."

Alyosha inquired, "Are you no longer trading?"

"Only a few still trade; the others choose to completely hide in the city's underground water channels. I... have four kids. The merchant remarked. So whatever this city is facing, it seems very difficult to stop me from making money," said the merchant.

"Are you a rank C wizard?!" Dima inquired about confirmation.

The merchant responded back, looking perplexed, "How did you know? That's right, I am a rank C wizard specializing in general magic for cleaning houses and cooking. For defensive magic, or even attack magic, I really can't do it," the merchant stated once again, his face still innocent.

Alyosha inquired, "How long can you hide your magical energy?"

"Between 3 and 4 hours, I can do it without experiencing any magical power leakage, but beyond that... it feels impossible," the merchant replied.

"Take your time for a moment; while selling bread, try to hide your magic for as long as possible. You will be safer from this mayhem the longer you can conceal your magic. Tell other traders about this as well if you encounter them." Alyosha and Omar left after he took the bread he had purchased from the merchant. To locate an inn that was still open, they explored every street and lane in the city.

Omar said, "Dima isn't joining?"

"Dima went to the city's underground sewer to check on his daughter's condition, while Mr. Anthonius has been missing since we left Celestial Tower," said Alyosha. Alyosha swore multiple times. After over fifteen minutes of walking, they still hadn't come across an open inn. "Damn it!" For the umpteenth time, Alyosha swore.

"Be patient, old man...!" As though making fun of Alyosha, Omar said. "The more often you get angry..., your blood pressure will rise more easily. That won't be good for your health, I'm sure!"

Omar requested that Alyosha take a little break at a modest restaurant nearby. "Just wait for me there...!" Omar remarked, gesturing toward the restaurant. "I will look for it myself. I'll be back here again if I discover it!"

Alyosha concurred. A grin appeared on his face. Showing a row of his still-strong teeth at a much older age. Alyosha responded, "Okay... I'll wait for you!" before making his way to the restaurant.

Omar is by himself now, trying to find a place to stay by going down every street and alley in the center of Filanesia City. Omar would have rather spent his money to sleep for a few hours before they left tomorrow morning than to be close to the Zamman prison. Omar was a royal soldier used to patrolling the city every day, so he knew every street and alley quite well.

"The seventh one... and it's closed too!" Omar grumbled.

Omar had been on the road for a long time, but all the inns he came across were closed. Omar is aware of how difficult it is to locate accommodations in the current circumstances. Omar has repeatedly met his pal, a royal guard, rather than looking for lodging.

"Omar...!"

Omar turned, searching for the source of the voice calling his name. When he turned around, Omar saw Anthonius walking towards him with Masha. Omar stared at the girl for quite a while, especially when she looked at him with an unafraid gaze.

"Who is she?" Omar asked.

"Let me introduce... this is Masha. You don't want to thank your savior? He is the alchemist who left the healing potion for you when we were attacked by the Shadow-man at the Dark Dragon Temple. Do you remember?" said Anthonius.

Omar initially remained silent for quite a while, staring at Masha, who was looking back at him with a smile.

"Nice to see you, sir. I was quite worried that the potion wouldn't work, especially since it was my first time trying to make it," said Masha.

"Thank you very much!" Omar abruptly bowed before Masha and thanked her twice.

"No, I was merely passing by." Masha uttered the innocent words. "And I didn't expect anyone else to go to that forbidden place."

"Little girl, what were you doing there that day?!" Curious, Omar asked. "That place is very dangerous; never go there again!" After Anthonius used a deceptive illusion spell that might potentially murder anyone who attempted to enter the Temple of the Dark Dragon, Omar cautioned Masha from going there ever again.

"She won't go there again," replied Anthonius. "This little girl now works for An. Do you remember the slightly talkative dwarf? The owner of the potion shop, as well as the famous alchemist in this city?!” said Anthonius.

"She... must be a smart kid," praised Omar.

"I saw you pacing back and forth earlier. What are you looking for?" asked Anthonius.

"An inn. I have walked every street in the city, even ventured into every alley, even the narrowest alleys in this city, but not a single inn is open. The market is also deserted. There are only a few shops still selling, and even then, the prices are slightly higher than they should be," grumbled Omar while showing some whole wheat bread he bought as supplies for tomorrow's meal. For his journey to the Breeze Swamp area.

"Everyone was asked to take shelter in the city's underground tunnels. Moreover, a week has passed, and we still aren't permitted to go back. In the Kelana Field community, rank S witches are typically permitted to remain in their homes or tents. Uncle, why don't you just stay with us in the underwater canal of the city? Uncle can get free bread there every day," Masha remarked.

"Really?! Thank you!" Omar wrote back.

"Join us! I'll sleep there, too. The Charon River serves as the city's primary water supply, and the filthy wastewater from the inhabitants of Filanesia above is not transported via the city's subterranean water conduits. Although the constant sound of the water makes it rather deafening, the space is cozy. A lot of the salt merchants also let the townspeople stay the night in their tents," Anthonius added.

Although Omar said nothing, it was obvious that he would turn down Anthonius' offer.

Anthonius knew that his offer would be turned down after observing Omar's behavior. "Alright then. I hope you and Alyosha are able to locate lodging in the area shortly. I will then purchase goods for tomorrow at the market."

When Anthonius motioned for Masha to follow him, the young child dutifully trailed behind him.

"That uncle is scared of something. What is he afraid of?" Masha asked Anthonius innocuously. "Is there something in the city's underground drainage system? In fact, I sensed a somewhat distinct magical aura right away, which is typically found in regular witches. Not even your magical energy, or that of other rank S witches, is the same there."

"Shhh...! Put an end to your bias. The underground tunnels of the city have nothing like that. I even feel like everything is normal. Take a look at your pals! The fact that they can play with the city kids makes them even happier. Instead of worrying about something that might never even happen, why don't you just play with them later?"

Masha simply said nothing. Her lips were pouting as she gazed down. "Are you lying?!" Masha said abruptly. "The proof is that even your friend doesn't want to sleep there!"

"I will sleep there tonight too. Don't worry, okay?" As he asked Masha to pick up her pace, Anthonius spoke.

…

"Mr. Mareq, how old are you now?" Masha asked while flipping the fish that was being grilled over the fire in front of her. "Dad said you are not human. "What are you?" Masha asked again.

"Elf," answered Anthonius.

Masha, upon hearing Anthonius's answer, immediately fell silent, staring at the young man in front of her with wide eyes and an open mouth in shock.

"Why?" Anthonius asked back.

Masha, who suddenly came to her senses, looked down, staring at the stone floor beneath her with confusion. "How old are you?" Masha asked. "Elves... they have long lifespans, right? They… supposedly cannot age either. Am I right?!"

Anthonius, upon hearing that from Masha, immediately laughed. Anthonius's laughter, so unrestrained, even caught the attention of several Crimson Knight soldiers on guard there.

"What do you think?" Instead of answering Masha's question, Anthonius asked back.

"100 years?" Masha asked.

"I'm almost 400 years old, but physically I still look like a human between 16 and 17 years old. My shortsightedness makes me a poor archer, and I don't have elf ears. That occurred as a result of my father's genes, which are human," Anthonius clarified. "Basically, I have a human-like appearance, but I inherited the ability to live long like an elf," said Anthonius.

Masha responded, "Wow…!" with a look of awe on her face.

Anthonius questioned, "What's so good about a long life? Long life is not as good as you think. In such cases, it truly turns into a curse. Because we frequently put off or neglect to complete arrangements, many Elves are characterized as a group that does not respect other people's time. Furthermore, we frequently lose friends because they pass away too soon." When Anthonius offered Masha his cooked fish, the girl joyfully took it.

Anthonius simply sat in silence before the campfire, which was gradually going out. Gazing at the young girl who was eating the grilled fish so enthusiastically in front of him. Anthonius grinned unconsciously. It seemed like a genuine smile.