The sound was melodious, resembling some kind of low-pitched stringed instrument. However, this cheerful greeting seemed particularly eerie after the recent bloody scene.
Cyril followed the sound and looked over. It was an extremely handsome man. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit that exuded high-quality craftsmanship, accentuating his smooth body lines. The buttons of his white shirt were fastened all the way up to his throat, giving off an enticing yet restrained charm. His cuffs were adorned with discreetly luxurious emerald cufflinks.
An elegantly refined gentleman.
Cyril's gaze shifted upwards to his face. He had platinum, silky hair, finely chiseled features, a high nose bridge, and sharp facial contours. Behind the silver-framed single-lens glasses were the man's deep, captivating azure eyes.
"It looks like I arrived just in time," the man remarked, casting a casual glance around, his expression unchanged, and a light smile on his face. He seemed surprisingly unfazed by the bloody scene before him.
Cyril's temples twitched as he realized that the deaths of the mutated wild boar and the sudden disappearance of the strange black mist were undoubtedly connected to this man.
"Do you need assistance?" The man suddenly turned his gaze towards Cyril and quirked his mouth slightly. Without waiting for Cyril's response, he walked straight towards him.
Even though he was walking through the bloodstains, the man's pristine leather shoes remained untouched by a speck of dirt or dust. It was as if all filth automatically repelled from him.
Cyril's mind raced with speculation, and a faint excitement filled him. A wizard. This man was a wizard.
The wizard covered the distance with long strides, approaching Cyril. He extended a hand towards him, and it was also remarkably beautiful—fair, slender, with sleek lines that didn't make it seem fragile, but instead exuded a sense of robust beauty.
Cyril glanced at his own hands, stained with blood and dirt, feeling somewhat embarrassed. So, he waved his hand dismissively and slowly got to his feet.
Seeing his offer of help declined, the wizard didn't seem bothered. He continued to smile and looked down at the shattered wild boar on the ground, expressing some regret. "What a magnificent prey. Such a pity."
Joseph was a bit excited. He had been closely watching the long-horned wild boar that had been chasing Cyril. He had witnessed the moment when this man arrived, and the seemingly invincible monster had disintegrated into pieces.
"Lord Wizard!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with awe. Joseph had traveled far and wide over the years and had the privilege of witnessing the incredible and unimaginable powers of wizards. In his eyes, their abilities were more awe-inspiring than any weapon. What he had just witnessed was a display of power akin to that of a wizard.
"Thank you for saving us, praise your benevolence," Joseph respectfully bowed to the man. He had heard that wizards had eccentric personalities and dared not show any disrespect. Perhaps only the holy knights could rival wizards in combat.
Upon hearing Joseph's words, Brian chuckled softly, without saying anything. Benevolence? Brian sneered inwardly. He raised an eyebrow, his expression subtly cold. What did that have to do with him?
Brian had arrived here long before Cyril began his meditation, concealing his presence and idly observing Cyril. It wasn't just because he could sense the alchemical creation he had been searching for was on this young man, but also because Cyril's attractive skeletal structure had caught his attention.
As a highly selective necromancer, Brian was not inclined to settle for mediocre skeletal choices. It had been a while since he had found a satisfactory specimen, and Cyril's bones aligned perfectly with his preferences.
In his eyes, he was like a powerful hunter toying with his prey, relishing the moments when the object of his interest was still lively.
Brian noticed that Cyril had successfully used the "Corrosive Arrow," and he raised an eyebrow slightly. Unless they were from noble families with deep pockets and a long history, children rarely had the opportunity to self-study even simple spells before entering a wizard academy, provided they had exceptional innate talent.
I didn't expect this young lad, who appears to be an ordinary commoner, to possess such talent and magic power. Perhaps after turning him into a beautiful skeleton, there will be additional enhancements. Brian's lips curled slightly, even more satisfied with his choice.
However, the sudden intrusion of the long-horned wild boar brought something even more interesting. Thinking about the Abyssal aura attached to the boar, Brian's eyes revealed a hint of scattered interest.
After so many years of calm, was there finally going to be some action?
Well, a devil that's been fed once is unlikely to quit easily.
Brian glanced at the pitiful ants present, tainted with the Abyssal aura, and let out an ambiguous chuckle.
Cyril heard the wizard's deep, husky laughter, a sound akin to the melodious notes of an ancient violin playing softly in the distance. Although this gentleman had conducted himself with utmost elegance throughout, Cyril couldn't shake the feeling of a hidden and unshakable indifference emanating from him.
"The long-horned wild boar just now?" Joseph hesitated for a moment but couldn't help speaking up. "If you have the time, Lord Wizard, please join me in visiting Count Araban's manor..."
Joseph carefully chose his words, afraid of offending the benevolent wizard.
"Of course, sir. I happen to need to recruit for the wizard academy, and there might be some talented children in Philadelphia," Brian said gracefully, understanding Joseph's intent. "I will inform the Count of what has transpired here."
Joseph's face lit up, and he nodded eagerly. "Our steam carriage is parked at the edge of the Mistwood Forest."
Brian nodded, signaling for Joseph to lead the way.
Upon hearing the wizard's words, Cyril's eyes brightened, and his heart raced. Enrolling in the wizard academy! This was his chance to enter the world of wizards. An opportunity not to be missed!
"Sir, do you think I have a chance to become a student at the wizard academy?" Cyril quickly straightened his attire and looked at the handsome wizard in front of him earnestly.
Brian stared at Cyril's striking black-and-white eyes, pausing for a moment without speaking. Cyril felt the suffocating silence and began to wonder if he had offended the wizard with his impudence.
He blinked and tried to appear even more intelligent and well-behaved, his almond-shaped eyes sparkling like clear, cool springs on a summer day.
The small snake in Cyril's chest pocket sensed something and moved ever so slightly, a very subtle motion that caught Brian's attention.
"Of course, you will come with me to the Count's mansion, and we will conduct a test of your wizarding talent," Brian said with a slight nod, speaking in a friendly and natural tone. He sensed that Cyril had relaxed completely at the sound of his words, emanating an air of contentment that intrigued him.
Brian casually turned his left-hand pinky ring, and inquired, "It seems there's something in your chest pocket?"
Cyril was taken aback by the question but quickly realized that a genuine wizard like this man would naturally detect the presence of the alchemical snake.
"This is... my pet," Cyril replied truthfully, thinking that it would be wise to establish a good relationship with his future mentor. He cautiously took out the small alchemical snake from his pocket.
The emerald-green snake curled up in Cyril's fair palm, and its silver markings shimmered with an eerie glow. Its crimson eyes watched Brian warily.
"I call it Green," Cyril added, taking the initiative. "Perhaps it's a bit shy."
"Shy..." Brian let out a faint scoff from his throat. But in the next moment, he adopted a refined and pleasant demeanor, nodding insincerely. "Green, you say... Quite an adorable little creature."
He concealed a subtle hint of darkness in his eyes behind the single-lens glasses.
Joseph seemed to have an acute sense of direction as the group quickly arrived at the spot where the mercenaries had parked their steam carriages.
The carriages were adorned with the elaborate family crest of Count Araban, their rich and intricate design evident.
Joseph was about to offer the most spacious steam carriage to the wizard when Brian gently shook his head, his deep blue peach blossom eyes showing a trace of disdain.
His long, elegant fingers elegantly snapped.
In an instant, an excessively luxurious carriage appeared before them. The carriage was made of pure silver and adorned with exquisite relief carvings. One side was fitted with beautiful stained glass windows, giving it a hefty price tag.
But that wasn't the most surprising part.
The one driving the carriage—or perhaps it wasn't accurate to call them a person—was a skeletal knight wearing a round-topped hat and carrying a long sword at their waist. This knight had empty eye sockets that flickered with bright blue flames.
The horses pulling the carriage were also made of white bones, and three skeletal horses pulled it together, exuding a sinister yet majestic aura.
Cyril looked at all of this with wonder—how cool!
Brian casually glanced at the expressions of the others. The eyes of Joseph and the mercenaries were filled with both reverence and fear. After all, any living person would feel a chilling fear upon seeing their fellow beings in such a state.
However, Cyril, the young lad, had wide eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of pure anticipation and admiration.
Brian's eyes carried a faint, hidden smile.
"Come aboard," he said to Cyril and then turned to Joseph and the others, saying, "Lead the way."
Joseph nodded quickly, instructing the mercenaries to sit, and then took the reins of the steam carriage.
Cyril followed Brian onto the undead wizard's carriage. It was only when he entered that he discovered the true marvels of the space inside.
Cyril's pupils dilated in shock.
Inside the carriage was a hidden paradise. It wasn't just a small space typical of carriages but a spacious lounge, luxuriously furnished and exuding a comfortable and romantic atmosphere.
The floor was covered with large, soft white woolen carpets. Cyril had seen similar quality woolen carpets in shops on Crescent Street, each costing 500 gold coins for a small piece.
Valuable woolen carpets extended to the opulent fireplace, which, despite having no firewood, burned with a bright blue magical flame—an eternal fire.
The romantic touch came from the fact that when one looked up, they could see the faint starry sky, with sparkling starlight.
What was even more astonishing was the high concentration of elemental energy in this space. Unlike the predominantly wood element Cyril had seen in the Mistwood Forest, this guest lounge contained an abundance of dark elemental energy.
Could this be because Mr. Brian is an undead wizard? Cyril speculated to himself.
Brian had already leisurely made his way to a plush sofa. He reclined on it with a lazy and relaxed posture, exuding an air of elegance and aloofness.
"Please, have a seat," Brian said, raising an eyebrow at Cyril and gesturing for him to sit.
At the same time, a thought crossed his mind, briefly considering the idea of killing Cyril right here.