Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Chapter 883: Chapter 679: The Altered Mystra Epic

Although Terry didn’t quite understand the significance of selling that oil painting shard to that sleazy old guy, since it brought a substantial amount of money, he could definitely handle it without a hitch.

Anyway, at this point, for a dragon to sell a strange object related to the Weave, whose usefulness was uncertain, for gold coins was quite normal.

A golden dragon who loved shiny things didn’t think Mystra’s junk was more important than gold coins since he couldn’t use it anyway, so Terry happily took the shard and ran off.

Hill walked to the terrace, sat down in a chair, and looked down to gaze at the inn.

That alchemist, Hill had a deep impression of him, after all, he appeared during the farce of Deepwater City welcoming the Undead Tribe for the first time.

Kapian Flumastir, a sage mage, was the unlucky fellow who clashed with Kelben’s students because of that undead attack.

Hill later specially investigated his identity, as anyone who could openly represent Deepwater City couldn’t have a low status.

Then he discovered that his reputation was indeed quite prominent but mainly popular among the upper class, relying on the sale of special potions to fund his research on Mystra’s blessed magic.

Of course, even more famous than him was his former female apprentice, now his wife, for whom many nobles personally visited to purchase potions just to see the busty goddess of the pharmacy.

After Agleya City defeated the attacking Santalin Meeting, Flumastir moved into Hill’s inn with his wife, who suited the Northerners’ preferences.

And he had no intention of leaving, displaying a demeanor of settling down here.

When that gang in Deepwater City tried to attack this side of Agleya City, he had no intention of participating, even closing his doors to visitors before some people approached him.

Hill had long known of his existence, this sage mage who left Deepwater City in anger due to humiliation by Kelben’s subordinates, had actions that seemed divided, appearing enraged at the Black Staff, yet unable to sever ties.

Many people came to Hill’s inn from Deepwater City to buy potions from him, and even in Neverwinter, nobles were willing to offer him free accommodations and shops, but he declined them all.

Hill observed him for a long time and finally understood one thing: as long as Kelben was willing to show some kindness towards him, Flumastir still wanted to follow behind the Mistrala Elector.

For him, his research on those blessed magics was the most important, and only Mystra could assist him with that.

And no matter which Mystra it was, they wouldn’t like an alchemist known for crafting peculiar potions.

His only hope was Kelben, after all, even the Seven Sisters of Elaströ wouldn’t have any fondness for him.

It was just that Kelben, in an attempt to delay the Undead Tribe’s assault desire, sent a self-important clown to act, which forced Flumastir to leave Deepwater City to preserve his dignity.

If he truly wanted to take refuge in another city, this sage master, skilled in certain potions, could become the honored guest of many nobles, but he stayed in Agleya City’s inn.

In his style of doing things, a place aligned towards the kind faction like Agleya City could not possibly accept him.

So he was just waiting for a chance to return, and it had to be Kelben inviting him back personally.

Of course, the reason for Kelben’s initiative could be something he secretly sent over, as long as no one knew.

Although Hill found this inexplicable pride difficult to understand, he was very willing to offer this sage mage an opportunity.

No matter how Kelben felt about the portrait of the previous Mystra, as her chosen one, he had to bow his head for that painting fragment.

Moreover, if such a strong predecessor could fall, no one could be sure the current revival journey of Midnight could succeed smoothly.

The Wise Ones, would always leave some room for themselves: being loyal to both magical goddesses could ensure he would not be rejected by the new goddess, at most, he would not be prioritized.

Think of the current Deity of Mages! Why was he so miserable? It was because he didn’t truly reverence Midnight as his Main God, wasn’t it?

Which lesser god would think of teaching their Main God how to handle affairs?

Even for the human king’s Chief Minister, it’s rare to have a good outcome, let alone for deities.

Kelben had always been very wise.

What Hill needed was precisely this kind of wisdom.

As long as those fragments appeared near that lovely young lady, Kelben, who never knew what sincerity was, would understand what it meant to find trouble for himself.

The persistence of Midnight’s personality, which even AO couldn’t resolve, once forming a negative impression, unless she died again, Kelben’s calculation would just be a joke.

If Kelben truly wished to place those twin sons above himself, he wouldn’t choose to revive so early; he would wait until the twins’ epic stories came true before appearing again.

So Hill did not believe that once Kelben discovered Midnight’s anomaly, he would raise her alongside his two children; he would merely use every opportunity to tightly control this lovely young girl in his hands.

If these shadowy methods were just against an innocent girl, she might not see through them at all.

Even if she later regained adult memories, people always tend to embellish the beautiful memories in their hearts more and more.

However, if it were ’Midnight’ growing up under the guidance of the experienced Mystra, she might not have thought much about Kelben’s actions.

Just thinking about this made Hill’s mood improve.

No matter how Kelben chooses, as long as he harbors selfish intentions, he is bound to suffer.

Hill happily began his life of blacksmithing: he wanted to make some alloy threads primarily from mithril.

Although many spells couldn’t be used, the alchemy workshop could still operate. The tasks Hill previously completed with the Hand of the Mage now had to be done manually by himself.

Hill found it quite interesting, striking the iron plates with such rhythm that he almost forgot he once wielded a hammer before!

When Lynn arrived with his messenger, he saw Hill dressed in a sleeveless shirt, vigorously swinging a hammer.

He stood somewhat dazed at the laboratory door, almost mistaking it for a blacksmith’s forge: ”Hill? You seem quite adept with that hammer?”

”I learned alchemy from a young age.” Hill put down the hammer, wiped his sweat, then donned a robe before stepping out, ”Our family has a very powerful all-discipline alchemist master, so us younger generations not only learn potions and jewelry artifacts but also have to know how to craft weapons, even magic ships and magic castles.

Even those who just like alchemical potions have to learn to wield a hammer; at the very least, you should be able to complete basic construction by yourself.”

Lynn couldn’t comprehend how much one would need to study for that: over here on Toril, various disciplines are divided very finely, even potion making is categorized into different types.

Hill chuckled, he used to think that Teraxil’s combat strength was far inferior to Toril’s.

But later he realized if calculated according to Toril’s level system, his grandfather could almost be considered a level 40 and above.

So the higher-ups of the Mage Association wouldn’t be much different.

It’s just that they never had the opportunity to study true magic knowledge, having to rely on slowly feeling their way.

The incomplete world rules left many unable to find their paths.

But now the world is complete, and with the space gates, high-level mages of Teraxil can learn magical knowledge from other worlds, their growth will undoubtedly be rapid.

Teraxil’s foundations are not poor.

The real shortage lies in the divine power levels... Fortunately, under the protection of the World Tree, Teraxil can develop slowly.

Lynn handed Hill a thick stack of papers: ”I have recorded everything.”

Hill raised an eyebrow and accepted it with a smile: ”I thought you would tell me yourself.”

Lynn glanced at Hill: ”What did you have Terry do? Some guests from Deepwater City arrived, and I recognize the leader; it should be Kelben’s nephew Danilo Thann.

Since arriving yesterday, he’s been trying to pry information from Terry. Luckily, Tasding was there, or else Terry’s background would have been wholly extracted by him.

I need to know, what information do you want Terry to convey?”

Hill patted the papers in his hand: ”Have Terry sell objects related to the Goddess of Magic to people from Deepwater City, aiming to discomfort the recently smug Kelben.”

He offered Lynn a gentle smile: ”Both openly and behind the scenes, the purpose is only this. It’s about seeing which path Kelben chooses for himself.”

Lynn laughed: ”Terry’s current state is just right; seems like you planned it all along. So I needn’t worry about this Danilo Thann, then?”

”As for him... don’t bother.

Frankly, if anyone among Kelben’s circle is considered normal, it’s probably just him.” Hill said a bit regretfully, ”Unfortunately, he’s too entangled with Kelben to break free.

I hope he won’t end up sharing Kelben’s bad luck.

Wait... Danilo Thann, seems to have good relations with Elaströ’s people?”

Hill laughed: ”Well... I hope he can maintain his kindness. In that case, the epic story might just change its protagonist.”

That would be wonderful!

The nephew deprived of inheriting the Black Staff Tower might as well set out on an adventure to protect some poor yet respectable mage girl, finally breaking away from family that bound him so long!

Lynn shook his head at Hill’s dreamy face, giving one last reminder before sitting down to read his materials: ”You’re playing a dangerous game, Hill, don’t let yourself get caught up.”

”After this matter concludes, I’m stepping back; some things aren’t meant to remain in my hands. It’s just unfortunate that I’m so lucky, I keep acquiring troublesome things,” Hill explained a bit helplessly.

Lynn paid him no heed, turning away to leave directly.