Skalain's footsteps carry him further along the path, and his gaze is drawn to a peculiar sight ahead: a small, triangular temple nestled amidst the surrounding trees. As he approaches the temple, a sense of familiarity washes over him, triggered by his extensive readings and studies.

Skalain's eyes widen with recognition as he examines the architecture and symbols adorning the temple's exterior.

"The small triangle shape, the intricate carvings—this must be the temple symbol of the Eye of the King. I've come across references to it in ancient tomes."

"I believe, Eye Of The King is pretty important. Considering that I have read not much of tomes but still seen some of these things."

"It is interesting to see these kind of things."

The Eye of the King, a revered emblem of wisdom and insight, is believed to hold the essence of a long-forgotten ruler's vision. But of course as it is expected most of the ancient knowledge is lost and there is not much known to the mages.

Skalain approaches the temple cautiously, his curiosity piqued. The structure exudes an aura of mystique and reverence.

"I do not have time or guts to enter a temple that I don't know much about."

"If it is dangerous, I would just die and it would be just a foolish way to die."

Skalain thought and then left the place as he kept on going on the road. Not much time later, he saw something interesting.

Skalain's eyes widen with intrigue and anticipation as he catches sight of the bustling activity ahead. Carriages creak along the road, their wheels churning up dust, while individuals laboriously carry loads of stones and wood on their backs. This is his first encounter with fellow humans in this unfamiliar world.

"So, there are humans."

"I dont know how to feel about that..."

Skalain thought.

Approaching one of the workers, Skalain musters the courage to strike up a conversation and seek directions to his intended destination.

"Could you perhaps direct me to Red Copper Town?"

The worker pauses, wiping sweat from his brow, and turns his gaze towards Skalain. His expression is a mixture of surprise and curiosity as he takes in Skalain's black robes and the mystical air surrounding him.

The worker took a deep breath, and then his eyes changed a little bit as he started speaking.

"Just follow the road, my friend, and in about twenty minutes you should see the town."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Skalain offers a grateful nod and smiled.

"Thank you for your help. What can you tell me about the town itself?"

Worker Man

"Well, Red Copper Town may not be as grand as some of the cities marked on the map, but it has its own charm. The townsfolk are hardworking and resilient, and there's a sense of community that runs deep. You'll find a few shops, a tavern or two, and some friendly faces eager to share their stories. There are more than ten thousand people lives there too."

Skalain listens attentively, absorbing every word.

"So, basically, a simple town with no secret."

Skalain commented in his mind and then turned his face to the worker again and commented with a smile on his face.

"It sounds like an interesting place."

Worker nodded

"People are hardworking, and they just try to live their lives in peace."

Skalain expresses his gratitude once again, bidding the worker farewell before resuming his path along the road.

-

As Skalain reached the entrance of Red Copper Town, two guards stood in his way, their presence commanding respect. The guards, clad in sturdy iron armor, scrutinized Skalain with vigilant eyes, their expressions giving away nothing.

One guard raised a hand, signaling Skalain to halt, while the other crossed his arms, a display of authority.

"Who are you, traveler. This is the first time I saw you entering the town."

With a confident yet polite tone, Skalain introduced himself as a traveler in search of knowledge.

"I am just a traveler. I need some place to eat and sleep."

The guards exchanged a glance, silently assessing Skalain and his purpose. The air grew tense as Skalain awaited their response.

"These guards thinks too much of themselves but it can be expected. They are just doing what they should do."

After a brief moment, one of the older guard, with a stern yet measured voice asked. His eyes clearly shows experience and maturity.

"I do not think you are problem but wearing dark robes that can be only wear by dark mages is not the best action to do."

"Do you have any connection to mages by any chance ?"

"I do not have any connection to dark mage organization. I am a mage."

The guards listened intently, their gaze unwavering, their expressions betraying no emotion. Skalain's words hung in the air, Skalain thought.

"At this point, I expected them to be shocked. It seems like they are used to mages."

"Which means that ordinary folk have clear knowledge about the mages and magic itself."

After a momentary pause, one of the guards, his tone slightly softened.

"Can you show me something to prove you are dark mage."

"It is fundemental law in the Dark Borders that only mages allowed to wear robes like you are wearing."

Skalain answers as he smilies.

"Yeah, I understand what you are saying."

Skalain flickered his hands and a small decay bolt manifest in his hands.

Guards looked at the grayish magic in the hand of Skalain and then they looked at each other as both of them nodded.

The guards then stepped aside, allowing him to pass through the entrance and enter the bustling town beyond.

"Have a nice time in the Red Copper Town, Mister Mage."

As Skalain stepped into Red Copper Town, his eyes were immediately drawn to a sight that stood out amidst the bustling streets. A massive cauldron, gleaming in its copper glory, stood at the center of the town square.

"I wonder what this Cauldron symbolize."

Skalain asked but his focus did not stayed on the Cauldron too much.

As Skalain's gaze shifted from the cauldron, he took in the sights and sounds of the lively town. The buildings, with their diverse construction materials made the town look like it has some sort of a soul.

"So, some buildings are clearly more quality made than others. It seems like as expected humans still have nobles and social statuses."

People moved about, each with their own purpose and destination. Skalain observed the townsfolk as they went about their daily activities.

Skalain took a deep breath and smiled.

"In the end, humans are still same as ever.."