Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Beside the Sia Tower, of course, there is also a Sia Town.

But, although it is called a town, it could almost be considered a city.

Even when they saw the towering, beautiful white tower, Russel and Carpenter, who had been composed all along, couldn’t sit calmly on the sofa as the airship slowly entered Sia Town.

Seeing their somewhat restless behavior, Hilbert slightly raised his chin: ”Go ahead and take a look~ it is indeed a very rare sight.”

The Magic Tower, no matter how it changes, no matter how beautiful, still remains true to its essence.

However, a town that allows ordinary people to live happily and freely is truly very rare.

In Sia Town, the outskirts are surrounded by grand mansions similar to those of the Hainarson Clan... where even some fields are enclosed within the estate.

These estates are enclosed by walls, while these large houses are surrounded by two-story stone houses for outer family members.

In the past, these houses were actually for guards and higher-status servants to live in... A small noble family often has over a hundred servants and guards.

And the castles of the nobles in this world cannot be built too high... It is a crucial issue with the foundations not being able to go deep.

Also, given the nobles’ inherent arrogance... you certainly cannot have family members and servants living on the same floor.

So eventually, this architectural style formed.

Typically, large houses still existing in this way in towns affiliated with Magic Towers are inhabited by nobles who come seeking refuge.

But, what is different about Sia Town compared to other places is... their mansions are on the outermost ring.

This fully demonstrates the trust the Mages of Sia Tower have in their abilities.

And the absolute control exerted by the ruler of Sia Tower.

Even if everyone believes no one can cause chaos at Sia Tower... human nature will always strive to choose the best place.

If possible, Mages would certainly still choose for their families to live within the inner city.

Of course, the estate area is not enough to surprise the two Hainarson Clan children, regardless of how many green plants are in those large gardens.

What made Russel and Carpenter completely unable to sit still were the wide, intersecting streets, and the two-story stone buildings lining the streets.

Though the main color of the buildings is still gray-white, each building is highlighted by vibrant colors... with colorful windows and slightly reddish roofs complementing each other, they are very eye-catching.

But all of these are merely embellishments.

The real highlight is the group of neatly dressed people, who, despite wearing linen clothes, are adorned with other colors like the houses: be it hair ornaments, or scarves, or hats.

Of course, the primary decoration is the smiles on their faces.

People walking along the streets have gentle smiles, occasionally showing particularly bright ones.

Carpenter suddenly tugged at her brother’s sleeve: ”Brother, what is that place?”

”Is that... a shop?”

Dark Enigma Town does not have such things as shops... All transactions are managed by the town council there.

After all, apart from Black Taro and linen cloth, there are no other goods for trade.

Though Dark Enigma Tower also employs some types of currency that are common on the continent, essentially, more of it is barter.

The value of metal has long become extravagant due to changes in the earth, and that type of lowest-grade currency made from hard stone doesn’t circulate in resource-deficient regions.

So at the Tower of Dark Enigma, the lifestyle gap between mages and civilians truly is worlds apart.

So, for these children, it really is their first time seeing shops where ordinary civilians can freely enter and buy things.

Carpenter stared at the beautiful woman stepping out in a long dress, carrying a bunch of bags, and said seriously: ”She’s an ordinary person, really, an ordinary person!

A person without any mana waves, just ordinary!”

Although her words were all over the place, those listening understood what she was surprised about.

Feeling quite surprised himself, Russel couldn’t help but pat her little head: ”Once we settle down, you...”

”Let’s just forget it.” Carpenter said, decisively cutting him off, ”I suddenly feel, it’s not that great.”

”Hmm?” Russel was surprised for a second but quickly laughed, ”No need to worry so much...”

”It’s not because of that...” Carpenter blinked her eyes, directly interrupting him, ”Of course I understand how much appearance affects a person’s image.

Just a little oily hair, and even the most handsome man is just so-so.”

She glanced at her unmoving teacher, then softly said, ”I just don’t particularly like this kind of overly joyous environment.”

Russel blinked his eyes in astonishment and quickly turned his head to observe outside the window... Everyone passing by, even if not smiling, had a hint of joy on their faces.

How is that possible?

Even on good days when resources are distributed at the Magic Tower, you wouldn’t see all the passing people be happy!

Russel looked down at his little sister... Without Carpenter’s reminder, he probably would have overlooked it.

After all, he was initially just surprised that the people in Sia Town seemed to be living pretty well, not that they were all smiling.

”Lately, your studying has been quite good.” Russel praised her sincerely.

Carpenter gave a somewhat wistful smile, ”Everything else is fine, just painting...ah...”

Hilbert casually crossed his legs: ”Once we settle down, I’ll hire a specialized painting teacher for you.

Given the situation in Sia Town, there should be quite a few people at Sia Tower researching various arts.

Hmm~ The color scheme of this street is very harmonious.”

Carpenter suddenly turned to Hilbert: ”Teacher~ our home... I don’t really want outsiders, oh~”

Hilbert chuckled... Carpenter was actually asking him whether they could still speak normally in their future residence!

Seems like having to converse in riddles with her brother was a bit difficult for the little girl.

”Don’t worry, I’ll arrange various areas in the Side Tower.” He still provided Carpenter a reassuring answer.

Although he can’t ensure that the entire Side Tower can be a safe area, just a portion of space is doable.

Even Archmage Ruth could do such things.

The power of the Devil lies in its pervasive erosion, not in omniscient perception.

Of course Carpenter understood her teacher’s words... It’s estimated that just like before, for private conversations one could only use the private rooms and study along with the Meditation Chamber.

Hilbert said with a smile: ”Don’t overthink, how could the outside possibly be better than within the Magic Tower.

Surely, there are merchants specifically serving mages.

At that time, I’ll have them deliver to the Magic Tower for you to pick... there’s plenty of gold coins in the warehouse for you to spend.”

And then he approvingly looked at Carpenter: ”You’ve really been learning quite well recently, it’s what you deserve.”

Carpenter instantly blossomed with delight, her face showing a bright smile.

Nearby, Russel couldn’t help but shift his gaze to two similarly beaming youths chasing playfully as the airship just passed by.

If he hadn’t seen such bright and natural smiles, he possibly wouldn’t notice... The raise of the lips, the bend of the eye angles, and even the facial muscle movement were all normal smiles.

But still, there was an element that wasn’t natural.

Hilbert lightly clapped his hands: ”We’re about to enter the Magic Tower, the Ninth Ring Mage should appear, you two, go tidy up your attire.”

”Yes! Teacher.” The two kids quickly understood... the matters they’ve perceived don’t need to be discussed and are best left alone for now.

After all, they had already changed into Mage Robes when they saw the white tower.

Although they were just simple black fitted robes with an outer robe akin to a dark purple cloak, this was already the best clothing the Dark Enigma Tower provided its official mages.

Of course, they didn’t lack anything finer, even if Gilbert was reluctant to use resources for exchange, the Hainarson Clan certainly had stocks of high-quality fabrics.

Yet in this formal occasion, smart people know wearing the same outfit makes you look like family.

Even if no one mentioned it beforehand... Russel suddenly turned to his teacher: ”Teacher, Archmage Ruth...ah no, Miss Aislin’s instructions seem to be fewer this time around!

She used to meticulously organize everything clearly.”

Miss Aislin liked showing her presence and meticulous thoughts through methods like ensuring everyone wore the same robes, and detailing what to say during first meetings.

Before departure, when commanding the airship lineup, Miss Aislin meticulously... even causing Oliva to rush up and ask her to stop talking.

Although it relates to her current changes, Russel still felt there might be other motives here.

”Those who dress particularly well, make sure to associate less with them in the future.” Hill said slowly, ”Those who dress particularly poorly, avoid them in the future.”