Sailors had already been recruited to catch the water monkeys. Now, they were just waiting to collect the goods, which resolved a lingering concern.

「A few days later.」

The Swamp Alliance.

Carl and Hibell arrived, one after the other, before a three-story tavern that served as the Alliance's headquarters.

With an excited expression, Hibell said, "Modili and Oma possess second-grade Wizard Talent. Though young, they are already Intermediate Wizard Apprentices. In no more than two years, they could become Advanced Wizard Apprentices, and in the future, they might even become Wizards."

She turned to him and added, "Getting along well with them could bring many benefits down the line."

"Mm," Carl nodded. "Will Lawson and Heidi, the siblings, also come?"

"Yes." Hibell pulled him into the tavern. "There are a few other friends too. Don't be so formal; it's just a casual gathering for young people."

The Leopard Head Tavern was the enterprise of an Advanced Wizard Apprentice. The strong liquor sold there, purportedly made from a legendary Dwarf recipe, was said to have effects that could enhance spiritual power.

Of course, the price was certainly not cheap.

Unlike the taverns in Sigerno City, the atmosphere here was quieter and the setting more elegant.

Exquisite murals hung on the walls. Wooden furniture and countertops glowed warmly under the dim light. The faint aroma of liquor mixed with the scent of wood, enveloping the senses and making one feel refreshed and relaxed.

Patrons removed their hats and loosened their robes, some speaking softly, others clinking glasses in enjoyment, each group keeping to themselves.

In a corner, a Minstrel even played the harp gently, adding a romantic air to the setting.

The two went directly to the third floor and entered a private room.

Many guests were already inside. Modili and Oma, whom Hibell had mentioned, were seated in the main seats. They were Intermediate Wizard Apprentices endowed with second-grade Wizard Talent.

Modili's tutor was an Official Wizard and one of the four founders of the Swamp Alliance.

His features were chiseled and his appearance noble. Even in simple casual dress, the aura of nobility about him could not be hidden.

Oma had a gentler presence, always wearing a faint smile, and she spoke in a calm and amiable voice.

Her tutor was merely an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice who had the good fortune of accepting such an extraordinarily talented disciple. By now, the disciple had already surpassed her tutor in skill.

"Hibell!" Oma smiled and waved. "Come sit down. I've been waiting for you for a long time."

"Oma." Hibell gestured. "This is my junior apprentice brother, Carl. You might have heard of him. Carl, this is Oma, and this is Modili."

"Of course, I've heard of him." Oma smirked. "A Basic-level Wizard Apprentice defeating an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice in a duel—that story has spread all over the Swamp Alliance. Hibell," she continued, "for your sake, Carl dared to duel and risk his life. It's truly enviable."

Others nodded repeatedly, casting curious glances toward Carl.

"It's fine," Hibell responded with an awkward laugh. "It's really fine."

Most people who heard this story believed there was more than just a senior-junior apprentice relationship between Hibell and Carl. They likely thought of them as a loving couple.

It was no wonder others thought so; even Hibell herself had believed Carl had feelings for her after he rescued her.

Alas... Some people are just thick-headed! Thinking this, she couldn't help but roll her eyes at Carl.

"Miss Oma, Wizard Apprentice Modili, it's a pleasure to meet you." Carl bowed to them.

He hadn't expected that, despite having joined the Swamp Alliance only a short time ago, Hibell already knew so many people and was on such good terms with them.

He didn't realize that he was part of the reason for this. After all, as apprentice siblings, they were somewhat famous. People were curious and naturally wanted to get to know them, but Carl, being a homebody, hadn't been aware.

"Carl, sit."

Compared to Oma's enthusiasm, Modili's demeanor was more casual, subtly displaying an air of superiority. He wasn't intentionally distant, yet he was somehow hard to approach.

"Come!" Modili lifted his glass, laughing. "Try the strong liquor here. Actually, the name Leopard Head Tavern comes from a legendary Dwarf."

"Unfortunately," he continued, "a long, long time ago, because the Dwarves refused to change their faith, they were expelled from this land by the Divine, and many things related to them have since disappeared."

"Dwarves?" someone asked curiously. "Do Dwarves really exist?"

"Certainly!" Modili nodded. "Not only Dwarves, but there were also giants, elves, and even Vampires. Though that's all in the past. Now, if any remnants of other races still linger on this continent, they hide in places sunlight cannot reach."

"These events are recorded in certain ancient texts."

"The books you can access, we probably don't have the privilege to see," someone joked, raising their glass. "But being able to drink this liquor and hear these ancient stories is satisfying enough."

"We have Wizard Apprentice Modili to thank for this."

"We're all about the same age, so naturally, we should interact more," Modili laughed heartily. "We should get together more often..."

Carl found a spot to sit, listening intently and occasionally taking slow sips of his drink.

He was self-aware enough to know that the stars of today's gathering were Modili and Oma. Everyone else was secondary.

Those like Hibell and Lawson, who had the potential to become Advanced Wizard Apprentices, could still contribute a few words.

But people like him and Heidi were merely part of the backdrop. Or, like the others, they could chime in with agreement a few times, make themselves known to the main figures, and think about the future.

If it weren't for the minor fame he'd gained from previous events, Modili probably wouldn't even remember his name.

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