The Dark Mage Of The Magus World-Chapter 102 - 103: The Moonstone Grass Revelation

Time was an ally to Hutson. A span of six months or more was an acceptable wait, for he had no immediate right to decipher the contents of the tablet anyway. He would let AI chip unravel its secrets at a steady pace.

As for why he only allocated thirty percent of his mana each day to this task, the reason was simple—he was no longer within the sanctuary of the Moo nlit Glade. The outside world held dangers, and he could not afford to leave himself vulnerable.

To survive, to be ready for any unforeseen threats, Hutson ensured that no less than seventy percent of his mana remained intact. If he drained himself in pursuit of knowledge and was caught unprepared, unable even to summon three layers of protective shields, it would be courting disaster.

"AI chip, from today onward, analyze the tablet’s contents only when I meditate. Cease once thirty percent of my mana has been consumed."

"Task archived."

With the order set, Hutson turned his attention back to the ancient stone tablet. He did not inspect the carvings directly this time but observed it from the side, studying its texture and composition.

Initially, he had assumed it was merely common rock. The circumstances under which he had obtained it left little room for a thorough examination. But now, upon closer scrutiny, he realized his mistake. The tablet’s material bore a golden sheen, a mineral he had never encountered before.

It was unnaturally hard. A mere press of his fingers confirmed its density—too resistant for even a knight’s blade to leave a scratch. As for a grand knight, he was uncertain; their techniques were diverse, their raw power formidable. Perhaps a grand knight in full force might manage it, but Hutson did not wish to speculate.

His thoughts drifted back to the unsettling events in the valley town. His instincts whispered that this enigmatic stone was at the heart of it all. He had taken it, and now, over a hundred kilometers away, Stormwind City bore the consequences.

It was the only explanation. The shifting memories of Milo’s people, the altered records—it all pointed back to this tablet. And yet, he could not be sure. It remained a theory, an unconfirmed thread in an ever-expanding web of mystery.

Finding no further clues, he placed the tablet back into his spatial ring.

The next morning, Hutson summoned Ed, who promptly prepared the carriage. Today, they would travel to Ryan City’s Adventurers’ Guild—he needed leads on the Moonstone Grass.

The Kingdom of Doris was vast, far too sprawling for Hutson to conduct a search on his own. The Adventurers’ Guild, spread across the entire continent of Kalag, was his best bet. It answered to no single nation, yet had dealings with them all. Wherever civilization stood, the Guild’s insignia could be found.

Ryan City’s branch mirrored the one in Stormwind—an imposing five-story structure. The main hall exuded a familiarity, almost like stepping into a well-established chain of establishments.

Hutson made his way to the task board, joining the queue at the mission counter. Before long, his turn arrived.

Behind the counter stood a young man, barely past his twenties. His nameplate read "Ward."

"I wish to post a task," Hutson declared. "I need information on the Moonstone Grass."

Ward retrieved a form, jotting down details. "What’s the reward and deadline?"

"Ten gold coins. Anyone who brings useful intel gets paid. As for the deadline... there is none. The task remains until I acquire the Moonstone Grass."

Ward nodded. "Understood, sir. Per Guild policy, we require a ten percent fee from the posted reward. Is that acceptable?"

Without hesitation, Hutson placed a gold coin on the counter. "No issue. Post the task immediately and notify me the moment there’s news."

Ward inspected the coin before sliding a document across the desk. "Please provide your name and contact address. Once we have a lead, we will inform you at once."

Hutson filled in the required details, and with that, the job was officially listed in Ryan City’s Adventurers’ Guild.

Every wandering mercenary, rogue, and fortune-seeker who browsed the task board would see his request.

Numbers carried power. No matter how capable he was, an army of adventurers scouring the land would be far more efficient than searching alone.

With the task posted, Hutson returned to his residence. His days resumed their quiet rhythm—meals, meditation, study. When his supply of Starry Sky Elixirs dwindled, he simply crafted more.

Life’s mundane necessities were no concern. Judy and Ed handled everything with seamless efficiency.

Time passed. Two weeks later, the slave brand on Ed’s face had nearly faded. A few more days, and it would vanish entirely.

Ed’s loyalty ran deeper than gratitude; it bordered on reverence. He followed Hutson’s every instruction without question, as if his very existence hinged on obedience. Hutson suspected that if he ordered Ed to die, the man would do so without hesitation.

Another half-month slipped by.

That day, Hutson was deep in meditation when a sudden knock at the door pulled him from his trance.

Ed answered promptly. A young man in his twenties stood at the entrance, dressed in the Guild’s colors.

"What is your business?" Ed inquired.

The visitor smiled. "Greetings. My name is Ward, from the Adventurers’ Guild. I’m here to deliver a message to Sir Gerant. The task he posted—there’s been a development."

Ed’s eyes flickered with understanding. "Wait here. I will inform my lord."

"Of course. My thanks," Ward replied politely, waiting at the doorstep.

Inside, Hutson opened his eyes. The hunt for the Moonstone Grass had begun in earnest. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

By now, Ed’s face had completely returned to normal—no trace of the slave brand remained. No one would ever mistake him for a slave again.

Before Ed could even call for him, Hutson had already stepped forward.

"My lord, there’s a—" Ed began respectfully.

"I know." Hutson nodded, his tone calm yet authoritative.

He strode to the entrance, where Ward stood waiting.

"You have news?" Hutson asked.

Ward nodded. "Yes, Sir Gerant. There’s been a development in your task."

Hutson’s gaze sharpened. "Can you confirm its authenticity?"

He had no patience for deception. Some adventurers, driven by greed, would fabricate false leads just to claim the gold. If he chased after rumors only to find them empty, it would waste precious time and energy.

Ward chuckled, exuding confidence. "Rest assured, Sir Gerant. I wouldn’t have come to you without verifying the information first. I guarantee this lead is genuine."

His expression was unwavering, his tone filled with certainty. There was no hesitation in his words.

Hutson considered this for a moment before nodding. The Adventurers’ Guild was vast and well-organized—it was unlikely they would falter in matters like this.

"Who took the task? Can I meet them?" Hutson asked.

Since Ward spoke with such assurance, Hutson felt more at ease. Now, all that remained was to see for himself whether this lead would bring him closer to his goal.