Chapter 129: The Trial

Harris is fifty-four years old this year, a sixth-level intermediate mage skilled in water magic, and he also possesses quite extraordinary accomplishments in alchemy. An interesting fact about him is that he is the same age as the Empire's current ruler, Emperor Cantos, both being fifty-four; coincidentally, his birthday also falls on the same day as the "Lancer Emperor."

Mage Harris is considered a man of relatively mild temperament—at least compared to other mages. Most mages are extremists who prefer to shut themselves away in pursuit of magical mysteries, hiding in laboratories all day tinkering with all sorts of bizarre things. They are poor at interpersonal communication and despise most worldly matters.

Harris, however, is different. Since becoming a qualified mage, he has remained in service to the Magic Guild, becoming one of the few mages in the continent employed as a deacon mage. Serving the Magic Guild offers significant benefits, such as access to the latest news, the ability to obtain high-quality yet affordable magical materials through the guild's channels, a free laboratory, and the authority to browse ancient magical texts stored within the guild.

However, there is always a trade-off. As a deacon mage, Harris must dedicate a portion of his energy to the guild's work, although most of these tasks are quite light. Currently, there are twenty deacon mages in the guild. Following a rotation, each mage must spend one to two days a month working in the guild to handle daily affairs, as well as dedicate time to teaching at the Magic Academy, lecturing students on basic magic theory and alchemy.

Even with twenty deacon mages, most are uninterested in these mundane duties. While some may put effort into their teaching—hoping to discover a talented student or two—they are generally slack regarding the daily administrative tasks of the guild.

To prevent the employed mages from slacking off, the President of the Magic Guild, Archmage Raphael, issued a regulation: any deacon mage who misses three lectures or shifts will have their access to the guild's magical archives revoked for a month as punishment. This has barely managed to make everyone take their duties slightly more seriously.

Despite the generous conditions offered by the Magic Guild, very few truly powerful mages are willing to serve. Those genuine experts prefer the freedom of a wandering life. Consequently, the deacon mages currently in the guild are mostly of an intermediate level.

Harris’s primary duty in the guild is teaching alchemy, along with two days of office duty each month. His magical cultivation has reached the pinnacle of the sixth level. Under current circumstances, he might have a chance to advance to the seventh level within the next three years, becoming a high-level mage. However, this depends on luck and requires a great deal of time for cultivation.

Recently, he has been considering whether it is necessary to resign from his deacon position. After all, becoming a high-level mage before the age of fifty-five and earning the title of "Grand Mage" is a great honor for any mage. Yet, because Archmage Raphael was instrumental in helping him in the past, he has been unable to bring himself to speak of it due to a sense of obligation.

Today is Harris’s scheduled day of duty. After boredly signing a few documents regarding the procurement of magical herbs, he closed his office door, intending to steal a moment for meditation. Unfortunately, that was exactly when he was disturbed.

The individual who walked into the room called himself "Dodolo." Harris seemed to have some impression of the name, but he had to rub his forehead for quite a while before remembering it.

When the fellow first entered, Harris was reasonably polite, assuming he was a mage. But once he recalled who this person was, his face immediately darkened: this guy was a disgrace to the magical world!

"What?" Harris listened to Dodolo’s narrative with great impatience and frowned, "Mr. Dodolo, you come here wanting the Magic Guild to restore your reputation?"

"Yes." Dodolo appeared very respectful when facing Harris, a respect that didn't seem feigned as it had been when dealing with the bumpkin earlier. "Respected Lord Harris, regarding the debts I owe, I have already obtained enough money to repay them. I will handle all these matters properly. My request is simply for the Magic Guild to restore my honor as a mage... After all, I possess the qualifications of a formal, certified mage, and I am a graduate of the Magic Academy."

"I am very sorry, I cannot agree to your request." Harris frowned. "Just a few months ago, the things you did brought great trouble to the Magic Guild. According to the Magic Guild’s statutes, due to your dishonorable conduct which brought shame to the guild's glory, the guild has formally revoked your mage qualifications. This is the unanimous opinion of the Deacon Committee, so... I must regretfully inform you that your qualifications have been revoked. We once attempted to retrieve your mage badge, but we could not locate you at the time."

Dodolo’s expression was somewhat awkward; he had been in debt and on the run to the Wildfire Plains at that time... "How about this," Harris waved his hand impatiently. "According to the Magic Guild’s statutes, you may apply to regain your mage status. However, per the disciplinary system, you must undergo an 'over-level' examination. So... if you wish to apply, we will arrange an examination within one month after you submit your report."

Having said that, Harris glanced toward the main door, signaling: if there is nothing else, please get out.

An over-level examination?

Dodolo was dumbfounded.

An over-level examination means that whenever a mage has their formal qualifications revoked as a penalty for violating guild regulations, they must retake the exam to regain them, but they are required to skip levels—specifically, skip two levels!

In other words, given Dodolo’s current situation, since his original first-level mage qualification had been revoked, to return to the ranks of mages, he would have to pass the "third-level mage" examination!

Are you kidding me?!

He had barely scraped by the first-level exam with his life on the line; now you want him to take the third-level exam directly?! If he had the strength of a third-level mage, would he be living such a miserable life?!

But... if he doesn't take the exam, he won't have formal mage status. While a true expert might not care about nominal ranks—if your strength is truly at the seventh or eighth level, who cares if the official body has issued a badge?—for a grassroots mage like Dodolo, a formal title is extremely important.

First, a formal mage can receive a generous annual stipend from the Magic Guild (he was planning to use this money to buy his freedom from Xia Ya). Furthermore, only those with formal mage qualifications can enjoy the benefits of mage treatment at Magic Guild branches across the empire, such as free room and board, free use of magical arrays, and the ability to purchase magical materials at very low prices. (A significant portion of magical materials are considered contraband on the continent and can only be bought through the Magic Guild; they exist on the black market, but at much higher prices and with limited, unstable supply.) Moreover, only legally recognized mages can enter the Magic Guild to consult magical texts—a vital step for a wandering soul like Dodolo who lacks a mentor.

Most importantly: only formal mages recognized by the Magic Guild enjoy legal immunity and protection within the Empire! Mages who commit common crimes can often receive legal immunity and avoid punishment. For someone like Dodolo, this is also crucial! He was able to flee from the capital to the Wildfire Plains alone precisely because of that mage badge; petty thieves and bandits along the way dared not provoke him.

Dodolo’s face looked ghastly. He looked at Harris and noticed the great man was losing patience. After much hesitation, a look of desperation appeared on his face, and he rasped, "Then... Lord Harris, may I choose... the Trial!"

"?" Harris was stunned. He subconsciously sat up straight and couldn't help but take a closer look at the guy in front of him.

The Trial? He actually chose the Trial?

According to past records, this first-level mage named Dodolo was a cowardly, despicable, cunning, greedy fellow with little courage; it was precisely because of this that he had caused such great reputation issues for the Magic Guild.

Now this guy... how did he become so gutsy?!

"Are you truly determined to undergo the Trial?"

"Yes." Dodolo took a deep breath.

A strange look flashed in Harris’s eyes.

***

When Dodolo walked down the stairs, his expression was like that of a patient diagnosed with a terminal illness; he looked so forlorn that his feet seemed barely able to move.

After descending the steps, he saw Xia Ya in the lobby staring at a mage. Both of them had strange expressions—Xia Ya wore a bizarre smirk, while the other mage was clearly timid, his eyes darting away.

Upon clearly seeing the other person's face, Dodolo couldn't help but be startled.

"Eh? Bidaduo?!"

Bidaduo was racking his brain on how to shake off Xia Ya when he was suddenly called. He looked up and saw Dodolo coming down the stairs, his face also revealing a look of surprise. "Ah? It’s you, Dodolo!"

Dodolo strode down and embraced Bidaduo enthusiastically, as if they were old friends reuniting. But even though the hug was warm, they separated instantly. Dodolo grabbed Bidaduo’s wrist, which was reaching into his left pocket, while Bidaduo hummed and gripped Dodolo’s other hand, whose fingers were already probing into a leather pouch at Bidaduo’s waist. The two looked at each other, both smiling with ulterior motives, then laughed heartily and separated quickly, acting as if nothing had happened, their expressions as calm as could be.

"Haha! It’s actually you, you rascal. I never thought we’d meet again!"

"Bidaduo, you look quite healthy. It seems your magical cultivation has improved quite a bit lately."

Xia Ya, standing to the side, was stunned. Watching them smile with hidden daggers and insincere expressions, he couldn't help but ask, "You know each other?"

"Of course." Dodolo gave a hollow laugh. "This Bidaduo was my classmate at the Magic Academy! We are very good friends."

As he spoke, the corner of Dodolo’s eye twitched. Bidaduo, feeling intimidated by Xia Ya’s presence, couldn't help but feel guilty, yet he still secretly shot Dodolo a fierce look.

Xia Ya found it amusing; it seemed these two were indeed "good friends."

"Since it’s a reunion of old friends, we must find a place to have a good drink."

Bidaduo immediately said, "True, true! To celebrate your return to the capital, it’s my treat! I know a tavern that’s quite good."

After a pause, Bidaduo looked at Xia Ya, "But this gentleman... who are you..."

Dodolo hesitated and looked at Xia Ya. Xia Ya sighed and smiled, "Well, I am Mage Dodolo’s warrior attendant."

Dodolo immediately shot a look of gratitude, then raised his chin high toward Bidaduo.

In mage circles, having one’s own warrior attendant is a symbol of status.

Bidaduo was stunned, then inwardly sneered. A warrior attendant? Don't make me laugh! If it were anyone else, perhaps, but Bidaduo knew how fierce Xia Ya was. Dodolo’s strength was about the same as his own; how could he possibly be qualified to recruit such a powerful attendant?

However... looking at Xia Ya, Bidaduo sighed. Bad luck for him to run into this guy. He’d take them away, and once outside, find an opportunity to ditch them.

Fortunately, it seemed this demon hunter named Xia Ya had no intention of seeking revenge... With Xia Ya backing him, Dodolo put on a grand show of superiority before Bidaduo, walking out of the Magic Guild gates with his chest puffed out. Once they were outside, Dodolo intentionally brought up past events, and the two traded verbal jabs, their words sharp and biting. However, with Xia Ya present, Bidaduo dared not be arrogant and swallowed the insults, which made Dodolo feel incredibly satisfied, as if he had finally vented years of frustration.

After leaving the Magic Guild, crossing the central square, and exiting the cathedral, Xia Ya took the opportunity to pull Dodolo back a few steps and whispered, "What is your relationship with this guy?"

Dodolo whispered, "Hmph, he’s a rival for my rice bowl."

Dodolo then explained briefly: the two had graduated from the Magic Academy at the same time. Both had limited talent and low achievements in the magical arts, but both were despicable, shameless, greedy, and cunning. To make a living, the two had to find ways to cheat small-time nobles and "fat sheep" in the capital, scamming free meals and drinks just to survive.

But the capital was only so big, and since they used the same methods, friction was inevitable. Occasionally, when they both targeted the same mark, they would fight and sabotage each other. Over the years, they had accumulated quite a bit of resentment. However, Bidaduo was more calculating than Dodolo, so Dodolo ended up on the losing end most of the time. Moreover, Bidaduo had the luck to be apprenticed to a real mage, while Dodolo was a lone wolf, losing out in momentum as well. Gradually, he was squeezed out by Bidaduo until he couldn't survive and had to flee, a situation in which Bidaduo had played no small part.

Xia Ya found it amusing and mentioned his own experience with Bidaduo. Dodolo’s eyes widened, a thought forming in his mind, and he deliberately exclaimed with indignation, "What a scoundrel! It’s one thing that he bullied me all those years, but to dare scam you, my lord! This time we must teach him a good lesson!"

Xia Ya snorted and gave Dodolo a side-eye. "You want revenge, but you’re trying to trick me into fighting your battles? Forget it. You’ve been practicing that Life Spell—use him to test your skills."

"This... that Life Magic consumes vitality. I’m worried..." Dodolo hesitated. Xia Ya glared. "Nonsense! Since you’ve exchanged for this power, why not use it? Are you waiting for it to rot? If you’re too afraid to use this and too stingy to use that, why did you trade your life for power in the first place!"

As he spoke, he pulled Dodolo over to catch up with Bidaduo. Bidaduo was racking his brain for a strategy, thinking he would lead them to that tavern where many of his friends were, including the other three members of the "Royal Four." He would then instigate a conflict; being the local snake in the capital, with more people on his side, he could finally settle the score from the Wildfire Plains.

The three rode their horses away from the church, talking as they went. Xia Ya asked about the progress of Dodolo’s business at the guild, and Dodolo’s mood immediately plummeted. He sighed heavily, "Sigh... They revoked my mage status, so I have to undergo a Trial!"

"A Trial?"

"A Trial!!"

Xia Ya and Bidaduo spoke at the same time, but while Xia Ya was puzzled, Bidaduo was astonished.

"What is a Trial?" Xia Ya asked, while Bidaduo looked at Dodolo in disbelief. "You... you actually chose the Trial?"

Dodolo snorted, "My mage status was revoked; you’re in the capital, how could you not know? No need to act so surprised."

Bidaduo smiled. "Old friend, don't say that. Regardless, we’ve known each other for years; it pains me to see you in such trouble." He thought to himself: *When I heard you were revoked, I drank three glasses of wine to celebrate that day.*

Dodolo snorted, ignoring him, and explained to Xia Ya, "A Trial is a special examination method used by the Magic Guild for mages who have been punished for violating regulations. For me, to restore my reputation and my mage status, other than retaking the over-level exam, the only path is to accept a Trial. A Trial involves the Magic Guild releasing tasks that have been submitted by local branches—for instance, a shortage of certain magical materials, or a monster infestation that needs to be quelled... The difficulty levels of these tasks vary. If you’re lucky, the Trial task might just be to run to some place to dig up some ordinary magical ore or collect some magical plants. If you’re unlucky, you might be sent to eliminate a high-level monster wreaking havoc somewhere... Sigh..."

Xia Ya was stunned, and Bidaduo, standing by, gloated, "If you choose the Trial, you can draw three tasks at once, and the candidate can choose the one they deem the easiest to complete. Unless... you’re unlucky and all three tasks you draw are extremely difficult... Hmm, Dodolo, looking at your expression, I’m afraid the difficulty of the tasks you drew isn't low!"

He tried to suppress his laughter, but the wrinkles on his face were already piling up.

Dodolo snorted and pulled three parchment scrolls from his chest.

"These are the three tasks I drew at random... Sigh..."

His miserable appearance piqued Xia Ya’s curiosity. He grabbed them and quickly tore open the first one... Just as he was tearing it, Dodolo’s expression shifted, and he screamed, "No! Don't open it!!"

But it was too late!

Xia Ya’s movements were too fast. He unfolded the scroll, and a silver light flashed across the wooden rod; the writing on the scroll quickly began to glow with silver light!

Xia Ya took a look. The parchment had a simple sentence written in Magic Language. After the line of text flashed with silver light, flames erupted from the edge of the scroll, and it instantly turned to ash. Xia Ya jumped, quickly dropping it, only to see Dodolo staring at him with wide, dead-gray eyes.

"Eh? Your... why does your face look so terrible?"

Dodolo swayed on his horse, crying without tears, "You... you weren't supposed to open it! Opening it means accepting the task... It’s over! It’s all over!! The scroll was triggered, and the magical contract has taken effect! Damn it... I already signed my name with a magical seal before I left!"

Bidaduo, standing by, finally couldn't help but laugh. "Well... little brother, your movements were a bit too quick. There are three tasks drawn. When drawing, the candidate can look at them once, and after taking them back, they can carefully consider which one to choose before opening the selected scroll. Once opened, it means the magical contract is effective and irrevocable..."

Seeing Dodolo’s bloodless face, Xia Ya realized he had caused trouble. He frowned, "Sorry... well, is this task very difficult?"

Dodolo said with a woebegone face, "All three tasks are very difficult. I originally wanted to spend some time considering which one was most likely to be accepted, or perhaps... in the end, I would just give up on the Trial. As long as the scroll hadn't been opened, I could have returned it. But now..."

Xia Ya scratched his head and said sheepishly, "Well... can’t we return it now? If it’s truly too hard, I’ll go back with you and tell them to cancel the Trial."

Bidaduo interjected, "Cancel... well, it’s not impossible. But, choosing the Trial is voluntary; however, once the contract takes effect, if you try to cancel it or fail to complete it, then the task is considered failed. And according to the Magic Guild’s statutes, if a task is failed, the candidate can never obtain mage qualifications again for the rest of their life..."

Dodolo glared fiercely at Bidaduo upon hearing this. Bidaduo rolled his eyes. "Old friend, it’s no use getting angry at me; I’m not the one who..."

Although Xia Ya often scolded and beat Dodolo, Dodolo was his person after all, and he felt embarrassed for having caused the trouble by being too hasty. He thought for a moment and said, "In that case, I’ll complete this Trial for you... If it’s truly impossible, then so be it, I won't be a mage. Well, what task is on this scroll that triggered the contract?"

Dodolo swallowed and whispered, "Requirement: Ten Magic-Kissed Fragrant Taros. Time limit: One hundred days."

His expression was full of unwillingness, and he gritted his teeth, "Actually, the other two tasks might have been slightly less difficult if I had really thought about it carefully... Sigh, never mind! Since you’ve already opened this one, there’s no point in talking about the other two."

"Magic-Kissed Fragrant Taro?" Xia Ya thought for a moment, "What is that? Is it hard to find?"

When Bidaduo heard the name, his eyes widened immediately. He looked Dodolo up and down, couldn't help but gasp, and blurted out, "Magic-Kissed Fragrant Taro? You actually drew the Magic-Kissed Fragrant Taro task? My god! Dodolo, I never thought your luck would still be this rotten after all these years!!"

Xia Ya was impatient and glared fiercely at Bidaduo. "Shut your mouth! Say one more word and I’ll knock out all your teeth!"

He then looked at Dodolo, "Is this Magic-Kissed Fragrant Taro hard to find?"

"Well, it’s not hard to find. It could be said that its location is very clear; almost any mage knows where this thing grows."

"Uh... then it must be very dangerous? Must be some sort of vicious, highly lethal magical plant?"

"Not really." Dodolo sighed. "The Magic-Kissed Fragrant Taro is a very beautiful flower. The flower itself has no lethality, but it has a magical effect. When the flower is picked and the stem is placed against a person’s skin, the stem can grow into the skin and simultaneously extract the host’s emotions, causing the flower to bear fruit. For example, if the host is in a state of panic, the fruit produced will be filled with fearful spiritual energy. If it’s a brave warrior, it can produce a fruit of courage. There are all kinds of other fruits, such as hatred, joy, sadness... and so on. The fruit depends on the host’s emotions. The fruit can be used in mental-type magic; it’s considered a very precious magical plant."

"Then why do you look like you’re about to die..." Xia Ya was confused. "It’s not hard to find, and it’s not dangerous."

"This..." Dodolo gritted his teeth, "Everyone knows where the Magic-Kissed Fragrant Taro grows, but the place where it grows is a bit tricky..."

"Where exactly is it?"

Dodolo gritted his teeth, "The Land of Chaos... the territory of the Elves, and... it only grows in the territory ruled by the Dark Elves."