The city was relatively close to the magic school, but it felt quite distant on foot. It had taken them two hours to reach their destination, and both were grateful they had chosen to depart so early in the morning.
Before long, they encountered massive stone walls, shielded by a thin, shimmering blue layer—presumably a protective spell formation. This was the breathtaking sight of Celestia Nova, often referred to as the Mage Capital.
While it wasn't the capital of the entire kingdom, it held a special place in the world of magic. Celestia Nova was the heart of magic, where mages from all over congregated to exchange knowledge, trade magical items, and make connections with like-minded individuals who could assist in their research.
Lucius and Theo walked through the imposing gates of Celestia Nova, feeling a sense of awe as they entered the bustling city. The streets were teeming with mages of all ages and backgrounds, each engrossed in their own magical pursuits. There was a palpable energy in the air, a feeling of endless possibilities and hidden mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
As they ventured deeper into the city, they passed by magical shops with colorful displays of enchanted items, spellcasting duels erupting in flashes of light, and groups of mages huddled together in animated discussions. It was a place where magic was not just a skill but a way of life.
Their first destination was the city's largest library, a grand edifice known for its vast collection of arcane knowledge. Isabella had made prior arrangements, so Lucius and Theo expected to find the specific books they needed already arranged for them.
Upon entering the library, they approached the librarian, an elderly mage with a long white beard who peered at them over his spectacles. "Isabella sent us," Lucius explained, "and we believe some books have been prepared for us."
The librarian nodded, understanding the situation. "Ah, I see. You must be the ones she mentioned. Follow me."
He led them to a section of the library where a set of books had been neatly arranged on a table. The titles and topics were precisely what Lucius and Theo had been seeking.
"Here are the books you'll need," the librarian said, gesturing towards the selection. "Is there anything else I can assist you with?"
Lucius hesitated for a moment, then decided to take a chance. "Thank you for arranging these books for us. They are quite expensive, and our resources are limited. Would it be possible to choose one additional book from the library's collection for free? It would greatly aid our research."
The elderly librarian regarded Lucius thoughtfully for a moment before nodding with a smile. "Very well, young mage. You may choose one book from our collection to borrow for a limited time. Make your selection wisely."
Once Lucius and Theo were alone again, Theo couldn't help but voice his curiosity. "Why did you decide to borrow a book here? Isn't our library back at the school sufficient for our research?"
Lucius contemplated his response for a moment before explaining, "Our school's library is indeed extensive, but borrowing a book from there would raise questions. Remember, I'm not officially recognized as a mage. However, here in Celestia Nova, the elderly librarian is unlikely to provoke the ire of the Spellbound Institute for something as trivial as lending out a minor book."
Theo nodded in understanding. "I see your point. It's best to keep a low profile until we've accomplished our goals."
Lucius smiled appreciatively at Theo's understanding. "Exactly, my friend. Now, let's make the most of our time here and find the knowledge we seek."
Lucius knew that the two books he desired most, "Necromancy Volume 1" and "Blood Magic Volume 1," were kept in the prohibited section of the library, a place he could not access at the moment. To obtain those forbidden tomes, he had to become a full-fledged mage first and then find a way to acquire them discreetly.
For the time being, he needed to focus on becoming a proper mage. With that in mind, Lucius began searching for a book within the city's library that would aid him in his journey. His eyes settled on a title that read, 'Illusion Magic Volume 1.'
While it was just the first volume, similar to "Necromancy" and "Blood Magic," illusion magic was a challenging and useful school of magic. Lucius believed that mastering it would provide him with the means to navigate the restricted areas within the school, places he wasn't allowed to enter.
With determination, Lucius pulled the book from the shelf. With the books Isabella had requested safely stowed within Theo's backpack and Lucius carrying his own "Illusion Magic Volume 1," they quietly made their way toward the library's entrance. The elderly mage who had been overseeing their borrowing process had dozed off, making their exit even smoother. Lucius intentionally left without noting down the book he had taken, ensuring the stealthiness of his actions.
As they stepped outside the library, Theo couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "What book did you manage to get?" he asked.
Lucius decided to keep that particular secret close to his chest for the time being. "Nothing too impressive," he replied casually, diverting Theo's attention. "Now, how can we go about finding this mage you mentioned? The one who lacked talent, got expelled from the school, and is now homeless."
Theo's face lit up with a proud smile. "Don't worry," he said confidently. "Just follow me!"
As Lucius and Theo navigated through the meticulously divided sections of Celestia Nova, they eventually arrived at the part of the city designated for the homeless. The city's authorities, in their efforts to maintain its pristine beauty for visitors, had allocated a specific area to accommodate those who had fallen on hard times.
The sight that greeted them was a poignant one. Rows of makeshift shelters and individuals living on the streets painted a somber picture. Many of the homeless appeared emaciated, filthy, and desperate, struggling to find sustenance in their dire circumstances. Lucius, with the knowledge of his true nature as a devil, felt no emotional connection to their plight.
It was evident that most of these individuals were not mages. In a city where those with magical talent had opportunities for employment and a chance to earn a livelihood, it was rare to find someone with magical potential living in such destitution. This fact would make their search for the expelled mage easier, as they knew the person they sought would likely stand out in this community.