The Dark Mage Of The Magus World-Chapter 72 - 73: Alchemical Visions

did not bother entering the village. Instead, he chose a flat patch of land near the outskirts and began setting up camp.

From the carriage, he retrieved a pot and a portable stove, while Sid was sent off to gather firewood. Upon his return, casually snapped his fingers, conjuring a small flickering flame in his palm before tossing it into the stove.

Sid’s eyes widened in awe. He had always known his master was no ordinary man, but to see magic performed so effortlessly only deepened his reverence.

Count Huen had been thorough in his preparations—’s supplies were abundant, stocked with salted meats, butter, cheese, and fresh vegetables. Using these, he prepared a hearty stew. With the right spices, anything could be made to taste delicious.

"Here," said, handing Sid a bowl. "Take as much as you need."

Sid was taken aback, his hands hesitating over the offering. "My lord, I can manage with rations. This is too—"

"Eat," interrupted, his patience thinning. "I won’t say it twice."

Sid quickly nodded. "Thank you, my lord."

He carefully speared a piece of meat and some vegetables with his fork, then sat by the carriage, eating in silence.

, meanwhile, devoured his portion entirely. His body was growing stronger by the day, and with it, so was his appetite.

The rich aroma of the stew drifted through the village, but none of the villagers dared to approach. They merely watched from afar, hungry yet terrified of angering the powerful stranger in their midst.

, however, had no intention of handing out food. His supplies were meant for his journey—if he ran out, it would only create problems later.

He had long come to terms with the cruel nature of this world. It was not something he could change alone.

Several hours later, lay in his carriage, reading by the dim glow of an oil lamp.

Then, a familiar sound rang through his mind.

"Task complete. Meditation-enhancing potion formula successfully derived."

’s eyes flickered with interest as AI chip recited the formula:

100ml of Pure Water30ml of Mistwood Treant Sap10g of Dragonfang Grass Powder3 drops of Hemlock Essence9g of Dragonblood Herb Powder5 drops of Mandrake Extract

studied the list carefully, considering the interactions between the ingredients. He had no means to test the formula at the moment. That would have to wait.

For now, he issued another command.

"AI chip, calculate a formula for a potion that enhances mental strength."

"Task logged. Estimated completion time: six hours, thirty minutes. Estimated mana consumption: 21%."

Satisfied, returned to his book. Outside, the night was eerily still, broken only by the rhythmic chirping of insects. The village remained deathly silent, its people knowing that a powerful figure had chosen to rest at their doorstep.

At dawn, concluded his morning meditation, then nudged Sid awake with a firm kick.

"We’re leaving."

Sid groggily scrambled to his feet, wiping the sleep from his eyes.

was eager to depart. His very presence had cast a suffocating tension over the village, and he had no interest in prolonging their distress.

As they prepared to move, he set a small kettle atop the built-in stove inside the carriage, lighting it with another flick of his fingers. The carriage’s ventilation system funneled the smoke outside, preventing any buildup.

With the window slightly open for safety, he waited for his coffee to brew while turning his attention to a book on Dark Energy Shielding—a spell model he intended to study further.

Moments later, AI chip’s voice returned.

"Task complete. Mental strength-enhancing potion formula successfully derived."

100ml of Pure Water50g of Star Crystal5g of Black-edged Sunflower Powder4 drops of Illusion Grass Essential Oil

frowned. The materials were anything but common. "Still expensive," he muttered.

He set the formula aside. AI chip’s calculations were theoretically sound, but without testing, there was no guarantee of success. And with materials this rare, experimentation would be costly—far beyond what he could afford at the moment.

Six days later, the carriage crossed into Stormhold’s territory.

Along the way, they had been intercepted twice—both times by starving refugees turned desperate bandits. Driven by hunger, they had taken to robbing travelers in a last-ditch effort to survive.

Their local lord had long since abandoned them, leaving them no other choice.

did not punish them. Instead, a mere display of his magic had sent them to their knees, begging for mercy.

More ironic was the warm welcome he received upon nearing Stormhold. The local duke had already been informed of his arrival and had prepared a lavish feast in his honor.

Seated before a banquet of roasted meats and fine wines, could only shake his head. Just days ago, he had seen peasants on the verge of death from starvation—now, here he was, drowning in excess.

The disparity was staggering.

Upon reaching Stormhold’s gates, the presence of armed patrols became immediately apparent. Soldiers clad in polished armor moved in well-coordinated formations, a stark contrast to the lawless lands he had just traveled through. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

barely had time to take in the sight before the first checkpoint inspection began.

But with the Banks family crest adorning his carriage, the process was swift. If that weren’t enough, he carried two letters of introduction—both penned by Count Huen himself.

One was addressed to Duke Theodore, the ruler of Stormhold. The other, to the Guildmaster of the Adventurer’s Association.

had no intention of seeking out the Duke. That letter was merely a safeguard, a tool for avoiding unnecessary complications.

His true objective lay with the Guildmaster—he needed to track down a man named Robert and obtain crucial information.

The carriage continued onward, pressing through the bustling streets.

Finally, after an entire day’s journey, the towering silhouette of Stormhold came into view.

Compared to Markfell, this city was a behemoth. Its walls stood taller, thicker, more imposing, carrying the weight of centuries upon them.

It was a place that had weathered wars, sieges, and history itself—and now, it awaited ’s arrival.

As they passed through the heavily guarded city gates, Sid turned to Hutson and asked, "My lord, where shall we go first?"

Hutson’s gaze remained steady as he responded, "Huen mentioned that your family has an establishment here?"

Before his departure, Count Huen had advised him that upon arriving in Stormhold, he could first settle at the Banks family’s stronghold—a place where he would at least have shelter before proceeding with his business.

Sid nodded eagerly. "That’s right! The family’s merchant guild has holdings here."

"Then we’ll head there first. Once we’re settled, we’ll make our way to the Adventurers’ Association."

"Understood!" Sid’s excitement was palpable as he urged the carriage forward. Since entering Stormhold, his spirits had noticeably lifted.

The Banks family had a deep-rooted presence in Stormhold, with thriving businesses across multiple industries—taverns, gambling halls, inns, as well as apothecaries, blacksmith shops, and trading houses. Their influence was far-reaching, their wealth undeniable.

The carriage eventually rolled to a stop before a grand establishment—the Banks Inn. Within moments, a group of attendants emerged, taking the reins of their horses and leading them to the stables to be fed and tended to.

Hutson’s room was prepared without delay—a spacious chamber, the finest in the inn, adorned with rich tapestries and a sturdy oak bed fit for nobility.

As he placed the key securely in his pocket, he turned to Sid. "Do you know where the Adventurers’ Association is?"

Sid straightened immediately. "Yes, my lord! I used to come to Stormhold often, running errands for the master and young lord. I know the city well."

"Good," Hutson said with a nod. "Lead the way."

Meanwhile, their carriage had already been refitted with a new, powerful steed—a tall, muscular warhorse, better suited for the journey ahead.