053 Witch Market

After entering Stonehenge, Wallace began to recite an incantation. Soon, a mist enveloped the area around the stones. When the fog cleared, before them stretched a bustling street.

Many people on the street wore garments similar to Wallace’s, while others dressed as common townsfolk, all radiating magical energy. This was the famed Wizard’s Market.

Situated near the academy, any kind of trade here was profitable. Additionally, the academy often released valuable goods, attracting many outsiders.

Most shopkeepers here were locals, though not necessarily alumni of the Black Abyss Academy.

Wallace pointed toward the distance. “Look, that’s our academy.”

Roland looked up and gazed afar. Under the starlight and moonlight, dark mountain ranges wreathed in mist loomed, atop which stood a grand castle.

That was the Alexandra Arcane Academy, commonly called the Black Abyss Academy.

Wallace patted Roland’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s do some business!”

It was the weekend. Many students clad in the gray robes of Black Abyss apprentices filled the street, many of them freshmen.

Three months into the semester, numerous promising newcomers had already begun taking on tasks to earn extra coin.

Seeing the vibrant young students, Roland felt both excited and anxious.

Their attire was fine.

Though Roland’s clothes were once fit for nobility, compared to the wizards’ garments, they looked rustic.

Moreover, his clothes were now tattered, stained with dirt and blood, barely recognizable. The laborers had mistaken him for a wandering outsider.

Looking at his worn clothing, he entertained the idea of buying new garments.

“I wonder how much a decent wizard’s robe costs... Some even wear Witch Hunter’s leather armor, which must offer great protection, but looks expensive...”

“I’ve heard the Black Abyss Academy is a noble wizard’s school, with high tuition and lodging fees...”

Roland grew nervous, thinking, “The damaged artifacts collected from the ruins should fetch a good price in magic stones, right?”

Along the way, many greeted Wallace—academy members, outsiders visiting the academy, wizards from neighboring smaller schools, or members of wizard families near Black Abyss.

Many recognized Wallace and, sensing his magical aura, approached to congratulate him.

Even some officially recognized wizards came forward to greet him.

Someone like Wallace was like an old scholar who had repeatedly failed the imperial exams for decades. No one paid him any mind until he finally passed. Once he did, even the county magistrate would come to offer congratulations and praise.

After dismissing these well-wishers, Wallace stroked his beard. “Roland, don’t be surprised. Once you advance to a senior apprentice, your body will remain healthy even at one hundred and twenty years old. Though I look old now, who can say I won’t suddenly ascend to full wizard overnight?”

“Besides, I will be promoted soon after I return!”

The power in logistics was considerable.

In fact, when Wallace joined logistics at age twenty, everyone believed that, given his background, he would become the head of logistics once he advanced to senior apprentice.

At that time, Wallace was at the pinnacle of glory, admired by all.

But as he aged, people gradually ignored him. He became a marginal figure in logistics and eventually stopped showing up at the academy.

Though Wallace had mapped out this life path for himself, over this century of earthly existence, the demon experienced the bittersweet changes of the mortal world.

He had thought that upon reincarnating as a human, though he would possess humanity and personality, he would remain unaffected by life’s experiences. Yet this mortal journey deeply influenced him.

Like those angels who descended, betrayed their faith, and married humans, Wallace was no longer a pure demon. He had truly gained personality and humanity.

He even developed loyalty, a modicum of morality, and a faint sense of justice.

This life brought him great empathy and reflection. Sometimes, he could hardly tell who he truly was.

So whenever he recalled the cold stares and ridicule he endured at the academy, a fire burned within him.

—Do not underestimate the poor young demon!

If the young lady were grown, and if I weren’t keeping a low profile, I could have advanced to full wizard with a single demon stone!

Previously, because Catherine’s memories had yet to awaken, leaving her defenseless, Wallace kept a low profile as a mid-level apprentice, enduring disdain.

Now, the time was ripe. Wallace could finally hold his head high.

He now displayed the realm of Apprentice Mastery, appearing ready to ascend to full wizard at any moment. Everyone believed that this steward of the Alexandra family would soon take charge of logistics.

Thus, those who had formerly ignored him now hurriedly flattered the once-dismissed old man.

Hearing this, Roland understood Wallace’s persona—mediocre strength, but powerful connections.

Yes... soon, upon promotion to full wizard, he would become an outstanding, experienced, and influential Black Abyss wizard.

Before long, the two arrived at a busy avenue.

Wallace said, “Roland, as a merchant, I once had a bit of savings... Back then, I even built my own altar single-handedly.”

“Later, the young lady was born, but she fell ill—her memories hadn’t awakened yet. For her sake, I had to abandon many things and traveled everywhere on her behalf... I spent all my savings and connections.”

“I had some magic stones left, planning to make a comeback with the young lady after returning to the academy. But that bastard devoured them all!”

“So now, we’re both broke.”

Roland was deeply moved.

He didn’t know exactly what Wallace had been doing for the mentor, but for those matters, he dismantled his altar and even sold his artifacts.

Curious, Roland asked, “Brother Wallace, didn’t the Alexandra family provide you with some operating funds this time?”

“*Ahem*, of course they did. Quite a lot, actually, but the family’s short on liquid assets lately, so I have to wait.”

Roland sensed something was off. He thought, “Wallace said the family has declined... but to what extent?”

Soon, they stopped before a shop called “Skadi’s Eye,” a curiosities store.

Looking at the imposing storefront, Roland said, “Brother Wallace, after today’s earnings, should we two broke guys finally turn things around?”

Wallace laughed heartily. “Ha ha ha, definitely! Roland, I’m about to make a comeback. Today’s sales are our first pot of gold!”

Hearing this, Roland suddenly felt uncertain.

“Big brother, why do you have to set such a big goal right now?”

He glanced again at the noble freshmen on the street, thinking, “I worked so hard collecting all those items; selling them for two hundred magic stones shouldn’t be too much, right?”