Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1153 1153: The Mystical Artifacts
The airship docked at Clovis' eastern dockyard…
Many people just took a glance at it since Airships entering or exiting the city were quite common over the past few months…
Still, seeing the golden banners fluttering against the wind made them pause for a bit since it was quite notable. Nonetheless, after a few moments, everyone returned to what they were doing.
Soon, a notable figure came out of the airship after it successfully docked.
The man wore robes of cream and gold.
This was Wesley, the representative of the Gentle Gold Merchant Airship, a business known to be connected with the Church of the Divine Sorcerer.
After a few documents were filled up for their entry, he was soon guided by Magnus' assistant. He was received in the City Council's chamber…
Magnus was there waiting for him.
Seeing the Human Immortal, Wesley felt a bit overwhelmed since he wasn't expecting to be received by the man at all… He then bowed respectfully before speaking.
"Lord Magnus, we have come not only to deliver supplies but to establish our business here in the Shadow Domain. We know this land already hosts powerful merchant organizations… the Shadow Consortium, the Brotherhood of the Scarlet Serpent, and others. Yet Gentle Gold wishes to join them."
Magnus's eyes narrowed slightly. "You are aware of the competition, then. The Shadow Consortium already provides talismans and ritual materials in abundance. The Brotherhood of the Scarlet Serpent supplies spirit herbs and alchemical ingredients. And beyond them, there are the Irontinkerer Traders, who specialize in enchanted metals and forging materials; the Azure Quill Guild, famed for scrolls, grimoires, and rare inks; and the Moonfang Exchange, which deals in Arcane Crystals and mystical creatures' reagents. Each of them has carved its place here."
Wesley nodded, unbothered by this matter…
He was already aware of it before coming here.
"Indeed, Lord Magnus. We respect their specialties. Gentle Gold does not seek to replace them, but to complement them. Our strength lies in Mystical Artifacts. From Regular to Mortal, Noble, and even Royal grade, we can provide high-quality items in bulk. Sovereign grade is beyond our reach for now, but what we offer will still surpass the current supply chains crippled by the Chaos Immortals' invasion."
Magnus smiled since it was definitely perfectly timed. It was as if they were made aware that he would need their support.
"And what of the Church of the Divine Sorcerer? Will you demand a temple or church to be built here as part of this arrangement?" He asked.
Wesley raised his hands calmly.
"No, Lord Magnus. Gentle Gold is a merchant fleet. While we are connected to the Church and uses their name for easier transactions, our purpose here is purely business… We seek profit, not influence. We will pay taxes as required, and we will abide by the laws of the Shadow Domain. All we ask is the opportunity to trade freely."
Magnus studied him for a long moment. To be honest, Vale didn't really prohibit the church from entering the Shadow Domain. He didn't really mind it at this point.
However, Magnus and others had different thoughts.
Since Vale allowed them to operate on their own as long as they were managing the Academy and the Arcane Towers, they should be just fine…
After some considerations, Magnus finally nodded.
"That is acceptable. The Shadow Domain welcomes commerce, so long as it strengthens our people and our Academy."
The two men then sent their assistants to talk about tariffs, levies, and the logistics of distribution. It was something that Magnus just had to know, and there was no need for him to negotiate about these small matters.
Nonetheless, Wesley promised fair rates and reliable shipments, while Magnus ensured that Gentle Gold would be integrated without disrupting the balance among the existing merchant guilds.
By the end of the meeting, the outcome was positive. Gentle Gold would establish its foothold in Clovis, supplying the Shadow Domain with the artifacts it so desperately needed.
After their assistants finished writing up the contract, Magnus stood…
"Right… Before we finalize this contract, I want to see the artifacts myself."
He knew that he wouldn't get scammed by this organization, but he was curious to see the type of Artifacts they'd bring here.
"Bring me samples of your Regular, Mortal, Noble, and Royal grade items. I'm curious."
Wesley bowed deeply.
"Of course, Lord Magnus. The Gentle Gold prides itself on quality. You will not be disappointed."
***
Not long after, Wesley's attendants entered the chamber carrying several chests. They placed them carefully before Magnus, opening each one to reveal the samples.
Wesley gestured toward the first crate containing simple artifacts.
"Five Regular Artifacts… An enchanted dagger, a charm for minor protection, a lantern that never extinguishes, a ring that resists fatigue, and a cloak that shields against the basic spells… These are the kind most soldiers and apprentices use…"
They were too common and just as expected for Regular ones.
He then moved to the second chest.
"Five Mortal Artifacts… As you know, they're more suited for young Arcanists. A staff that channels elemental spells more efficiently, a bracer that enhances physical strength, a pendant that protects against curses, a crystal that lengthens an Arcanist's Special State, and boots that quicken movement."
"Ahh… This crystal… We probably need a lot of it. Does it work in all Special States?" Magnus asked.
"Of course… Though it's more effective if used by Alchemy and Beast Arts Practitioners." Wesley replied.
"That's still good…" Magnus muttered.
After all, the Phantasm State of the Dart Arts was certainly a lot more difficult to extend compared to the Inspired State of the Alchemy Arts and the Titan Will of the Beast Arts.
The third chest was then opened with care…
"Five Noble Artifacts… They were crafted mostly for Second or First Class Arcanists, considering how much Arcane Energy they consume. There's a sword imbued with flame essence, a shield that reflects minor spells, a circlet that sharpens perception, a gauntlet that amplifies rune inscriptions, and a robe with strong defensive abilities."
Magnus agreed with Wesley's words since he also believed that Noble-Grade Artifacts could be too much for young students.
However, such items might be a great addition for the weapons that could be used in the Arena that Vale had instructed to be built in Eustace City.
Magnus' eyes lit up as he recalled this…
'Right… The Arena…'