The Book of Hibernation

After the embarrassment of contraband ended, not only did the underground market in the poorhouse not close, but it even slightly expanded in size.The original vacant tunnels were also filled with vendors, gradually forming two more "streets".

In the Xinjie Street Market, Winter Thistle discovered an interesting thing: a white bookcase made of bones, with a hasp and a leather cord tied to it. There is no lock, but it cannot be opened.Because there is a magic lock on the box, and it is also equipped with a curse rune.

The seller was a warlock, and he said that in the box was a spellbook, left by his late teacher.The teacher has blood power in his body and also learns arcane art. It can be said that he is both a mage and a warlock.But this seller is different, he is just a warlock, the teacher only taught him to control and use blood power, he has not learned arcane writing, so the spell book is completely useless to him.

The magic lock on the book case is not difficult to break.In the past, the sorcerer had seen it from a mage he knew. The lock used a very ancient way of casting spells, and now even ordinary apprentices can unlock it.The real problem is the curse rune, which is said to have instant death triggering the curse.

When Winter Thistle asked about the white box, another guest also took a fancy to it.It was a pure-blood tree sea elf. His skin was so fair that it could glow. The color of his hair was very strange. It was pale gold with a slight hint of gray-green. This hair color could not be seen in humans and half-breeds at all.He was extremely conspicuous in the crowd, and everyone consciously gave way to him when he walked over.

Winter Thistle looked at the Sea Tree Elf, and saw an old acquaintance behind him——Simon respectfully followed the elf, holding a bunch of boxes and bags in his arms, which should be something the elf bought at the market.

Seeing the winter thistle, Simon was also startled.Sensing his reaction, the Sea Tree Elf asked him who this person was. Simon hesitated a little because he was afraid that he might say something wrong, but Winter Thistle generously revealed his identity.

The tree sea elf nodded clearly, and introduced himself. He called himself Baishan, served for the Ten Sails Street Chamber of Commerce, and was the current manager of the underground market. Simon was his assistant.

Winter Thistle raised her eyebrows.It turns out that the underground market has not returned to Kanai, but has a new "owner".

It is said that Kanai left White Lake City, but he is not often in Harbor City, but has more activities in the Academy.It appears to be true.

Bai Shan had heard about Dong Ji, and knew that he was Haman's child. When they met, they praised him and patted him on the shoulder, and by the way, Jin Ye and Haman also praised him.Winter Thistle was a little embarrassed, so she quickly changed the topic to the box.

Bai Shan wanted to buy this box because he was interested in the spell books inside.He thought that Winter Ji had also taken a fancy to the book, but Dong Ji said no.

Winter Thistle thinks that there may be books inside, and the books are the notes of the magician warlocks, which may be meaningful to scholars of alien studies, but useless to refiners like him.It was the box itself that interested him.

The magic lock and curse runes on the box are very special. They are not additional constant spells, but the core of the rune is made on the structure of the box. That is to say, this is not someone who "casts a spell" on the box, but belongs to An artifact enchantment.

This enchanting method is not uncommon, and it is rare to be able to enchant bone materials.Under normal circumstances, only highly processed materials such as metal products or artificial crystals can be enchanted, and rough items such as bones, wood, and cotton linen are not suitable.Strictly speaking, it is not absolutely impossible, and it can be successful if you have to do it, but the effect will disappear in a blink of an eye, and it is difficult to maintain.

This bone box has been kept for a long time, and the enchanting effect on it is still there.Since enchanting methods are very common, it may be because of the special craft or material of the box.Winter Thistle wanted to buy the box and study it carefully.

In other words, White Cedar wants the book inside, and Winter Thistle wants the box.Then they have to remove the curse rune and open the box.

Bai Shan proposed that the two buy the box first, and go to a well-protected wizard laboratory with Winter Thistle, and then make some preparations in the laboratory to open the box safely.Winter Thistle said that there was no need for this. He himself is a refiner and is good at handling enchanted items. He can remove the enchantment now and open the box.

Bai Shanyu persuaded Dong Ji earnestly for a long time, fearing that there would be accidents.He said that young people like Winter Thistle were too impulsive, and that the half-breed was too human-like and reckless... This elf had a beautiful face, but he spoke like an old man.

It is also true that the pure-blood tree sea elf may not be sure how old he is, maybe he is indeed an old man.

Dong Ji knows that Bai Shan has good intentions, so he can listen to Bai Shan and go to the laboratory first.But he still has to stick to his decision.

Many mages are like this. They are very humble towards non-casters, but once they meet another mage, they are prone to suddenly develop a desire to compete and show off.

Winter Ji knows this well, and knows that he is willful, but it doesn't matter, anyway, he is confident that he can do this well.

Winter Thistle brought spell-casting materials and borrowed a few tools on the spot, and began to cast spells to remove the curse runes.He didn't need too much space, but the people around him still consciously stayed away.

Bai Shan didn't hide, but sat beside Dong Ji and watched seriously.At first he held his breath and concentrated on it, but then seeing that he was almost successful, he couldn't help sighing, his praise and joy were beyond words.

In short, Winter Thistle successfully unlocked the rune and opened the book case.According to the result of the discussion just now, Dongji and Baishan should each pay half of the fee, but Baishan proposed to pay the full amount by herself, and the box was directly given to Dongji.

Sellers are not really willing.Baishan is a member of the chamber of commerce, and also the manager of the market. The people of the chamber of commerce do not pay on the spot when buying things, nor do they barter like other customers, but write down accounts for regular settlement.This is the same as before.Although it is not a loss in the long run, the seller still hopes to get the benefits on the spot.

Looking at the seller's face, Dong Ji remembered a similar thing happened a long time ago.At that time, he met Wu Yun in the market, and Wu Yun fell in love with the same item, which was also a book case.

At that time, Wu Yun was responsible for opening the box, and finally the stuff was sold to Winter Thistle.

Thinking of this, Dong Ji pays attention to Bai Shan's hand.There was a ring on the right thumb, but it was not the one Winter Thistle had worn before.

Bai Shan is very interested in Winter Thistle, and the two of them wandered casually, chatting about spells and the like.Simon followed behind them and continued to help Bai Shan carry things.

Before leaving, Bai Shan asked Dong Ji to go back to the city together in his carriage, and asked where Dong Ji lived.Winter Thistle declined, and he took the horse instead of the carriage.

Baishan's ostentation was relatively large, with two carriages and a team of soldiers and bodyguards, these people were waiting in a relatively distant place.And Winter Thistle's horse was not far outside the almshouse, and the guards at the door watched over it for him temporarily.

After walking out of the stone castle gate of the almshouse, Bai Shan turned his head and saw the horse brought by Winter Thistle.He gave a "huh", and at the same time, the horse took the initiative to take a few steps closer to them.

Winter Thistle took the reins and stroked the dewy mane.

Bai Shan observed for a while and asked, "Is this dew?"

"You know it?" Winter Thistle was a little surprised.

Bai Shan said that he knew Lushui when he was a child.Dew was originally born in his family. Many years ago, Aldin liked the horse and bought it from his family.

Winter Thistle nodded, and asked again: "You also know Aldin?"

"We've known each other for a long time. At that time, he wasn't the chief or even in charge. He was just a fool."

After Bai Shan finished speaking, he walked over and touched the bridge of Lushui's nose.Lushui seems to still remember him and is very close to him.

Bai Shan smiled and said, "It turns out that Aldin gave you the dew, it's very good, that's right."

"Why do you say that?" Winter Thistle asked.

"Dew has always liked elves. And this child is very interesting, and he especially likes tree sea elves with light-colored hair, which is very magical."

Beside Baishan, Simon's expression was extremely subtle.

He knew something was going on between Winter Thistle and Aldin, so all the conversations just now sounded like something else to him... But Bai Shan didn't know anything, and Simon didn't dare to remind him.

After chatting for a few more words, Bai Shan and Dong Ji bid farewell, and the carriage team left first.

These few days, Dong Ji lives in the Western Suburb Workshop, and the mages over there have something to do with him.But now he doesn't really want to go back directly, he wants to go to Harbor City to have a look.

The Winter Thistle mounted the horse, and the Dew trotted along the road.Up to now, Dong Ji is not very good at riding a horse. She can walk the horse normally, but she dare not let the horse run too fast.

According to the speed of him and Lushui, it might be late at night from the almshouse to the harbor city, but he didn't care.It's autumn now, the temperature drops during the day, and the night wind is not cold, so walking is quite comfortable.

When he finally entered Harbor City, Lushui walked faster and faster.It is very considerate, knowing that the owner on its back is easy to fall, so it never gallops, but speeds up its pace slightly.

Winter Thistle didn't control the reins very much, but Dew could figure out the direction by itself, as if she already knew where Winter Thistle wanted to go.

At first Dongji didn't quite believe it, suspecting that it was his own illusion, so he deliberately didn't give Lushui instructions, and let Lushui choose his own path.

Dew walked through several streets, around several corners, and Winter Thistle recognized this familiar route.He can be sure that Lushui really knows where he wants to go.

Finally, the dew stopped under a continuous series of high steps.Walking up these steps, you will reach the high platform overlooking the pier.

Winter Thistle dismounted, leaving her luggage on Dew's back.You don't need to be tied down, Dew knows to wait in place.

Winter Thistle walked slowly up the steps.Before reaching the highest point, he had already seen a familiar figure from behind the wall.

He paused, thought for a while, and continued walking up.

Hearing footsteps, Aldin turned his head.

The first few times we met in places like the North or White Lake City, Aldin dressed neatly; now in Harbor City, Aldin appears rather lazy.

His slightly curly hair was loose, and his shirt was casually opened as before. The night wind gusts made the neckline of his shirt flutter slightly, and the head of the boa constrictor was also looming.

This appearance is a bit like when Dongji saw him for the first time.It was noon then, and it is midnight now.

The winter thistle came closer.Aldin spoke first: "Let me be honest, this is not a chance encounter. I think you might come, so I came here and waited for you."

"How did you know I would come?" Winter Thistle asked.

"Because you walked very slowly. Baishan and Simon returned to the city very early. When they met someone like you, they must come to me and talk about it."

Winter Thistle smiled: "Simon still dares to see you?"

"He doesn't want to see me very much. But with Baishan here, he can be more courageous."

"Bai Shan is a nice person, and he hits it off with me quite well."

"is it?"

"I heard that he is the manager of the market. Is he an enchanter, or a battle mage like Kanai?"

Aldin smiled.Winter Thistle frowned at him, wondering what he was laughing at.

"White Cedar is not a wizard at all," said Ardine, "he is a warlock."

Winter Thistle was taken aback.He didn't see it at all, Bai Shan knew a lot, she didn't look like a warlock at all...

Aldin said: "Although he is a warlock, he also understands some basic arcane texts and the like, and likes to collect all kinds of magic items. He is a pure-blooded elf, and he is so old. It is normal for him to be knowledgeable."

Winter Thistle asked, "Simon is his assistant. What kind of assistant does a warlock want?"

Aldin said: "Baishan is not only the manager of the market, but also one of the officials in the city hall of the harbor city. Simon is his assistant, but not an assistant in the sense of a mage apprentice."

I see.Winter Thistle nodded, and was a little vaguely happy for Simon.He always felt that Simon wanted to go this way, and now maybe he got what he wanted.

Thistle leaned against the wall, watching the lights of the docks.Aldin was smiling at him.

Aldin took the initiative to follow the topic just now: "Baishan is a member of the chamber of commerce, and he should be regarded as my subordinate in name, but in fact he should be regarded as my elder."

Dong Ji didn't ask about this aspect at all, and didn't plan to ask, so she just said "Oh".

Aldin asked: "Do you remember the name 'Ivy'?"

At first hearing, Dongji wanted to say that she didn't recognize it, but she did have a little impression of the name.Then he remembered that Aldin once said that he had visited Ivy. This person is a pure-blooded elf, but he has been active in human society. He is very old and has a lot of prestige in Harbor City. He was the one who introduced Aldin to the chamber of commerce. .Later, Qingteng died in the tsunami, and Dongji saw his tombstone.

"I remembered who it was. Why did you mention him all of a sudden?" Winter Thistle asked.

Aldin said: "Bai Shan is Ivy's father."

Winter Ji was surprised at first, then wanted to laugh for some reason, and thinking of Ivy, he felt that it was not suitable for laughing at this time... Finally he couldn't help laughing.

Aldin looked at him and smiled: "Don't ask me how old he is, I don't know."

Winter Thistle didn't look sideways at Aldin, but kept staring into the distance.There is an indescribable feeling in my heart.

Ordinarily shouldn't.He had already thought about it, so he didn't have to worry about such childish things.But when he saw Baishan, he really had a doubt, thinking that Aldin must have a mage next to him, must also have pointed ears, and even must have light-colored hair.

Then he refuted himself, which is too naive... It's not that Aldin is naive, it's that he would speculate like this, it's too naive.

He vaguely felt that perhaps Aldin had discovered his guess...

He thought, it doesn't matter, just find out if you find it, anyway, I didn't take the initiative to say it, it's all your own idea, and you don't have any real evidence.

The topic ended naturally.Aldin looked away from Winter Thistle, and now they were all looking at the distant pier.

Aldin asked: "Is the Western Suburb Workshop going well?"

"It's okay. It's just that they rely on me too much. I have to train them well. They can't just come to me if they have anything to do."

"You come out alone and leave Ryan in the workshop town, won't he lose his temper?"

Winter Thistle said, "Actually, Ryan isn't in Workshop Town anymore."

Aldin frowned slightly, with a slightly stern expression on his face.

Dongji said: "He hasn't surrendered yet. He said that he needs my support to make up the last six months of his tour. But he also figured it out, my support is enough, we don't have to be tied together. "

"Then where is he now?"

Just the day before Winter Thistle's trip, Ryan also went on a long trip.He consulted with Winter Thistle, and made a small decision: he wanted to go and find Dorrin.

Not for anything else, just to meet and chat.

It is not easy to find Duo Lin, and no one knows where Duo Lin has gone.Ryan said that he would not keep looking for it. If he could not find it within half a year, he would give up and return to the temple to surrender.

Aldin sighed: "What case to file... I can take care of Maida's matter, so why bother. Oh, your brother..."

Dong Ji smiled bitterly: "Let him decide for himself. If he changes his mind in the future, I will support it. By the way, what about Kanai? I heard he is in charge of the chamber of commerce?"

"He didn't do it for a while. When the official election was held, he voluntarily gave up."

"I heard that he often goes to Hilda Academy, isn't he in the city now?"

"He's here. He just came back yesterday," Aldin said. "Do you want to see him? It happens that he is not busy recently. If you have time, come with me. You can have a good chat."

Winter Ji looked at him, and the two eyes met.

Winter Thistle's expression was a bit of a half-smile.He asked: "You mean Let me go with you to see Kanai now? Kanai should have fallen asleep. "

"He shouldn't be asleep yet."

After Aldin finished answering, he paused, then changed his words and said, "Maybe I'm asleep, it's too late. Then tomorrow, do you have time tomorrow?"

Winter Thistle made no answer.He finally looked away, leaned on the wall with his elbows, and rested his chin with one hand, as if he was really thinking about whether he would have time tomorrow.

Aldin looked at him for a while, and sighed in a low voice: "We met for the first time, and it may not be appropriate to invite you home suddenly in the middle of the night."

Winter Thistle asked, "Is this the first time we've met?"

"Yeah. I haven't seen you before. This is your first time in Harbor City, right?"

Winter Thistle smiled.

The night wind brushed his hair one after another, and Aldin noticed that the tips of his ears were slightly red.

But Aldin didn't say anything.He also lay on the wall, looking at the pier and the sea with Winter Thistle.

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End of full text

The author says:

Thank you everyone, it’s been a year, and I’m writing slowly

This article may not be a typical "fantasy", because the focus is not on cool settings or monster-fighting adventures, but more likely to be the life and personal experience of a mage in a fantasy world as a normal profession (rather than a "fantasy setting") .

Some students have mentioned "doing business" before, but fantasy settings are subject to inflation. In this world, it is a very arrogant thing to be able to enchant swords, but if I show this to everyone here Said, in fact, there will be no waves in everyone's heart, and they will not feel so arrogant.Because "enchanting the sword" has happened so many times that it has become a very default thing.This kind of "low magic" can be used as the background of the story, but it is not suitable as the main line of the story to break apart.Unless it's a very novel setting

As for what the story actually wants to tell, let everyone feel it for themselves~

Thank you for reading, thank you for your company, see you in the next article