Dogli stated that he needed to attend to the matters concerning the esteemed chief officer, and thus, he soon parted ways with Glen.

The purpose of his visit to Sheriff Dogli was to deal with the inquiries from the superior who had arrived. Now that it seemed he had managed to get through the situation, there was no longer any necessity for him to remain.

That old fellow doesn't seem inclined to resort to force. He is well aware that I might be involved in something, yet he insists on using that particular approach to find a pretext for taking action. Is he harboring some concerns? Or is he simply an eccentric individual? … As he pondered these thoughts, Glen had already arrived in front of a factory.

This was the sole building materials manufacturing factory in the town. They virtually monopolized all the raw material business in the surrounding area.

Glen had learned this information from that person named John.

In the distance, there was a group of individuals queuing up. Glen approached and inquired, only to discover that they were all there to purchase building materials.

He then, in accordance with the established rules, took his place at the end of the queue.

He once again took out the basic magic book given by Daof and began to read it as a means of passing the time.

After a short interval, a familiar voice suddenly reached his ears: "Mr. Glen, it truly is you!"

Glen put down the book and turned his head to look. He realized that it was the Old Cat calling out to him.

"Old Cat? What brings you here?"

"I'm here, of course, to purchase building materials. I intend to construct a house in a location not far from the town in the near future," the Old Cat replied with a smile. Subsequently, he inquired, "Are you also planning to build a house?"

Glen shook his head. "Have you forgotten the tavern that I purchased last time? I wish to convert it into a butchery. Don't I need to carry out some renovations?"

The Old Cat immediately comprehended.

The two engaged in casual conversation, and soon it was Glen's turn, which occurred more swiftly than he had anticipated.

In a small structure resembling a reception area, there was an open window. Inside, a bald, middle-aged, portly man dressed in work attire held a quill pen and, without raising his head, inquired, "What materials do you require? And in what quantities?"

Glen was momentarily taken aback. He truly had no knowledge in this regard. In his previous life, he had never built a house on his own and was completely ignorant of the required quantities.

Before coming, he had been distracted by the matters related to Dogli, and thus, he had arrived without fully considering everything. Now, he found himself in an awkward situation.

Just as the bald, portly man looked up in curiosity.

Fortunately, the Old Cat, who was standing behind him, noticed Glen's discomfiture. As if he could divine others' thoughts, he stated the materials and quantities on Glen's behalf.

Observing that Glen did not raise any objections, the portly man quickly completed writing on a piece of paper that resembled an order form.

Glen turned back and cast a glance at the Old Cat. The latter smiled and said, "These quantities might be somewhat insufficient, but you can always make additional purchases later."

"Thank you, my friend. I was on the verge of ordering twice the amount you specified," Glen expressed his gratitude sincerely.

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"Mr. Glen, it's truly of no consequence," the Old Cat said dismissively.

By this time, the portly man had finished writing the relevant details and said, "Please pay the deposit first. Four silver coins. Copper coins of equivalent value will also be acceptable."

Glen retrieved four silver coins from his pocket and handed them to the portly man, who accepted them and placed them in a metal box. Then, he firmly stamped the paper with something resembling a seal before placing it on a stack of similar order forms.

"May I ask, sir, how long it will take for the materials to be delivered?" Glen did not leave but instead inquired.

"Not many people have been purchasing materials these days, so the delivery will take one or two days," came the reply.

After hearing the answer, Glen nodded and stepped aside.

The Old Cat clearly specified the types and quantities of materials he needed. The portly man carried out the same procedures, and the deposit required was twenty silver coins.

"Constructing a house is indeed a costly endeavor," the Old Cat said with a rueful smile as he joined Glen.

"Are you also engaging John's team to assist with the construction of your house?" Glen asked out of curiosity.

"John?" The Old Cat shook his head. "Engaging others for assistance would entail additional expenses. Just building a single house is already on the verge of depleting all my savings. I'm not that extravagant. At most, I'll ask some friends to lend me a hand."

The two walked and conversed.

The topics of their conversation ranged from mundane matters of daily life to their respective perspectives on the kingdom. Many of their statements were nothing more than baseless boasts.

When the subject of mages arose, Glen, on a whim, asked, "Old Cat, do you happen to know of any places where magic items and the like are sold?"

He still harbored the desire to have a magic laboratory of his own. It would be most opportune if he could discover a source of relevant equipment and materials.

"Why do you ask, Mr. Glen?" the Old Cat inquired instinctively.

"I have a friend who has just become a magic apprentice. He is in need of such information. Although he could consult his teacher, it would be preferable if he could resolve the matter on his own," Glen replied without the slightest hint of embarrassment.

"A magic apprentice. That is truly enviable. If it were not for financial constraints, I too could have become a mage," the Old Cat said with a tinge of regret.

"Why do you say that?" Glen turned to ask.

"Once, a mage tested my elemental affinity. He said it was approximately seventy-something. I could have become a magic apprentice, but the subsequent financial requirements were exorbitant, far beyond what my family could afford."

After listening to the Old Cat's account, Glen nodded.

Instances similar to that of the Old Cat were not uncommon. In the memories of the original host, he often heard of commoners with exceptional magic talents who, due to a lack of funds, were compelled to lead ordinary lives.

This was almost the most frequently discussed topic among those nobles during their leisure time. Perhaps the reason was that such topics could serve to highlight their sense of superiority.

What does it matter if one has talent? Without the wealth and capital like theirs, one has no choice but to accept being an inferior.

That was more or less the mindset.

The reason for this situation was that talent was not highly regarded.

In fact, there were quite a number of individuals with an elemental affinity of seventy, eighty, or even higher. However, predecessors had already concluded that a high elemental affinity merely increased the probability of becoming powerful in the future.

There were also those whose elemental affinity had just reached sixty but had achieved remarkable heights.

This was also the reason why most mages were reluctant to bear the costs associated with the advancement of apprentices.

Returning to Glen's earlier question, the Old Cat said, "You're asking if I know of places like magic exchanges, aren't you? Well, it's obvious, isn't it? There must be such places in the main city, and they are undoubtedly the most luxurious ones."

"Of course, I'm aware of that. I'm simply too indolent to make the journey…"

"Oh! I understand. You're referring to those privately-owned shops in the wilderness, aren't you?" the Old Cat interjected.

"Er… I suppose so," Glen replied uncertainly.

"I'm not certain about that. However, I heard from a friend who has been to the Mad Bear Forest that there is a rumor. It is said that there is a lake in that forest, and by the lake resides a peculiar individual who specializes in selling magic materials," the Old Cat said as if making a casual mention.

"The Mad Bear Forest?" Glen had never heard of this place. "Why is it called that?"

"It is said that a crazed grizzly bear appears at regular intervals and attacks people. I'm not sure whether it's true or not."

"Do you think this rumor is credible? If I were to go…"

"I would strongly advise you not to go. Although it is merely a rumor, it doesn't sound like a pleasant place. It would be better to let your magic apprentice friend go instead."

Glen merely smiled at the Old Cat's words.

With his level of strength, ordinary dangers simply could not harm him.

Suddenly, a few raindrops fell from the sky.

The Old Cat exclaimed, "Damn it! It's raining. I must be on my way, Mr. Glen. My residence is quite a distance from here, and I have no desire to get soaked to the skin!"

Having said that, he immediately ran off into the distance.