"A second-level wizard apprentice, heading towards Crowfall Town," Helag noted after reviewing Deep Blue's results.
Wizards could easily recognize each other due to the magical aura they emitted, which was hard to conceal without special means.
Sensing Helag's presence, the man distanced himself and sped up, remaining wary of Helag.
Helag maintained his distance, showing no hostility.
Along the way, Helag encountered several wizard apprentices, all heading to the market like him.
Most were first-level wizard apprentices, with second-level apprentices being rarer and third-level apprentices even more so.
Advancing to a third-level wizard apprentice was extremely difficult for these rogue apprentices due to their lack of resources.
They couldn't join major wizard organizations due to their poor aptitude and had to rely on self-study, making advancement nearly impossible.
Becoming a formal wizard was out of reach for most, barring extraordinary luck.
A day later, Helag and a group of others arrived at Crowfall Town.
Crowfall Town was a sizable settlement nestled in a valley.
At the entrance stood a large moss-covered stone with no inscriptions.
Ordinary people would see only the stone and the towering cliff behind it.
Even if they climbed the cliff, they would find only a forest, with no trace of Crowfall Town.
To enter Crowfall Town, one had to channel magic into the stone, which would then transport them inside.
Fighting was prohibited within Crowfall Town. Anyone caught fighting would be punished and expelled, blacklisted from returning.
This was a severe consequence for these wizard apprentices, as the market in Crowfall Town was a crucial resource exchange hub.
The town's management was unknown, but it was certain that a formal wizard oversaw each market opening.
Most speculated that Dream Island wizards managed it, given the town's location within Dream Island's jurisdiction.
Dream Island likely used this method to manage the rogue wizard apprentices within their territory.
Upon entering, Helag found himself on a street lined with shops, some empty, others already bustling with activity.
Transactions had begun, but most buyers and sellers remained in Crowfall Town.
At the town's center was a large stone. When the market officially opened, wizard apprentices could activate it to be randomly teleported to nearby areas.
This measure protected participants from being ambushed for their treasures.
However, it couldn't completely prevent such incidents, as wizards had various marking techniques.
Teleportation only covered a thirty-kilometer radius, allowing marked targets to be tracked.
Thus, wizard apprentices remained wary of each other, avoiding close contact.
"Deep Blue, monitor the surrounding magical fluctuations and actions. Alert me of any potential threats," Helag instructed, ensuring he wouldn't be marked without noticing.
"Are you new here? You look unfamiliar," a chubby, round-faced wizard apprentice approached, stopping a few meters away.
Helag glanced at him. "Yes."
"Deep Blue, scan his body data."
[Strength: 3.2, Agility: 3.5, Constitution: 4.1, Spirit: 9.5.]
"A second-level wizard apprentice," Helag noted.
The round-faced wizard smiled. "I attend the market every year and can spot newcomers easily. I'm Calis. For five gold coins, I'll explain how things work here. There are many pitfalls you should avoid."
"Five gold coins? You sure know how to make money," Helag chuckled.
Calis sighed. "Making money isn't easy. But trust me, five gold coins are worth it."
Helag considered it and took out five gold coins. "Alright, then…"
[Detected abnormal magical fluctuations,] Deep Blue alerted.
Helag had thought five gold coins was a fair price for information, but Deep Blue's warning made him pause.
In his vision, Deep Blue highlighted a blue magical fluctuation emanating from Calis.
"Deep Blue, what's going on?" Helag asked.
[Analyzing…]
[Analysis complete.
There is an 87.3% probability that this is a ritual. If you give him the gold coins, the ritual will complete,] Deep Blue replied.
Helag weighed the coins, eyeing Calis with a smile. "Interesting."
He suspected it was a marking ritual. If he handed over the coins, Calis could track his location.
The ritual likely had little offensive capability due to limited magic and Calis's strength.
Deadly rituals required more complex setups and sacrifices.
Helag realized the market was treacherous, nearly falling for a trick shortly after arriving.
No wonder wizard apprentices were so cautious, barely speaking to each other. Without Deep Blue and experience, he would have been marked by Calis.
Though Helag wasn't afraid of Calis, he might not be alone.
"What's interesting? Give me the coins, and I'll start explaining. You need to be very careful here," Calis urged, feigning concern.
Helag nodded. "Indeed, one must be very careful here. So, to be cautious, I won't give you the coins. I'll explore on my own."
Calis's expression froze, realizing Helag had seen through his ploy.
He quickly adopted a cold demeanor. "Not bad, newbie."
Helag smiled and walked towards the shops, intending to browse.
Calis, seeing he couldn't deceive Helag, wandered around, waiting for the next newcomer.