After a few hours of departure, the Great Mage traveled through the vast regions of the Northern Empire, which belonged to King Lancelot. The capital was in Mesnil, the country of mages who fought against the forces of darkness.
Passing by many towns, and villages, Grimhild nonchalantly read her book, gaining information about the creatures of Midgard, specifically the human race, and how they functioned.
It's been quite some time since she's last encountered a human; always stuck up in Midland forest with the gnomes, hobbits, and leprechauns alike.
She wanted to be prepared.
"I see."
Flipping through her pages, the four horses continued their journey, with Grimhild looking away from her book, witnessing the nearby village a kilometer up ahead.
Galloping forward, the white-haired mage closed her book, stuffing it inside her bag, and summoning a staff inside her hand. It appeared wooden, with a floating blue gem at the top, swirling with condensed mana.
In a few minutes or so, the horses of the apocalypse closed the distance with the village and came to a stop.
Grimhild took flight, levitating off the carriage, and adjusting her hat.
People glanced at her and were amazed by the skeletal horses, some had even taken pictures with magical devices that ran solely on mana.
"Hmm, this village isn't that far advanced, yet these people have Magical Polaroids to take pictures, how odd."
Walking through the village, the mage snapped her fingers, muttering, "Vulzota." She malfunctioned the nearby Magical Polaroids with an anti-magical spell.
The technology was rendered useless, shocking the civilians, and even making them mad, as if the technology was a pile of junk from the start.
"This must be Wyvernwood, the village of the Ancient Dragon."
The village was quite large with multiple lumber mills, taverns, blacksmiths, and a variety of general goods. Log houses were aligned perfectly next to each other with straws as the roof. Tourism was quite common, considering there was a variety of different races who were taking pictures every now and then.
"This village is famous for its Dragonic monuments—people across the world visit Wyvernwood to learn about the history of dragons—at least that's what I read in a book."
Coming to a stop in the middle of the village, Grimhild glanced upon a massive dragon statue in front of her.
She may have looked expressionless, but her mind was filled with curiosity.
"The legendary dragon, Jormungandr? I didn't know these people worshiped her."
Placing her hand underneath her chin, Grimhild continued to stare in thought.
"Centuries ago, the gods and Asgard were banished from the nine realms by the legendary heroes, and after that era, mortals were forbidden to worship them. They tore down statues, monuments, and churches of the gods across all mortal realms, and yet..." She paused for a moment, lowering her brows. "The human race replaced the gods with dragons, dedicating their life to them, and building glorious statues in their name. It seems that mankind cannot go a day without worshiping something, or someone."
"Yes indeed. You're correct."
A voice unfolded next to the mage, catching her attention.
"And you're?"
"My name is Lafarious Wyndago, I'm the executive technologist of the village. My job is to help people have a better life."
"Executive technologist?"
"Indeed."
He was a bald-headed man with glasses and a goatee. He wore formal clothing and carried himself extremely well.
You could tell he was wealthy at first glance.
"I see."
"I've come to talk to you about our latest-"
"Let's cut to the chase."
Grimhild interrupted him, staring at the executive with her emotionless gaze.
"You're wondering how I malfunctioned those Magical Polaroids a moment ago, am I wrong?"
The man went quiet, crossing his arms behind his back.
"Well, it seems that small talk isn't necessary."
Grimhild turned away, departing from his presence.
"I didn't come here to waste time, I have somewhere I need to be."
"I can see that, but your journey will be long, and weary, don't you think?"
Grimhild rooted in place, turning her head to face him.
"And what do you mean by that?"
"Well, it's quite simple. Magicians use their fancy familiars (summons) to get the job done; some summons can fight for them, support them, and even act as transportation for their master, but what if you could have something better?"
"Are you saying that the four horses of the apocalypse aren't useful?"
"No." The man became smug, elegantly approaching the young mage. "I am saying that I have something that can outclass a magician familiars. What if I told you that I have something that can change the history of magic for ages!"
"I don't care."
Grimhild looked straight ahead, walking away from the man.
"W-Wait a moment!" He reached his hand out, trying to stop her. "My technology is far more advanced than most modern technologists! You must believe in me, I can aid you, as long as you show me that magic of yours. Not once have I seen magic disabling my creations!"
"Sorry, I don't speak the language of a clown."
"Tsk." The executive stopped in place, balling up his fists. "You filthy mage, I'll have you regret this! You and your ego are what makes me hate your kind. Technology is far superior to magic, and it'll be that way as long as I live!"
"I'm not the one with the ego here." Grimhild left him to wallow in his shattered ego, walking into a general goods store. Inside were a few people with baskets in their hands, checking out at the front.
Grimhild walked through the store after grabbing a basket at the entrance, searching for her favorite.
There were hundreds of options, from candy, beverages, junk food, and even alcohol, yet she ignored them all.
There was only one thing on her mind.
"Excuse me, miss, if you need help searching for something, just let me know."
The cashier noticed the short mage aimlessly walking around, which left Grimhild slightly frustrated.
"Do you have anything pickled?"
"Huh? Pickled?" Asked the cashier.
"Pickled eggs, pickled carrots, or pickles in general."
"O-Oh! I'm sorry but we ran out."
"..."
She sighed, walking to the exit before placing the basket back into its pile.
"It was a waste of time stopping here."
"That man, he's not what he seems."
The Mage halted in place, hearing the cashier speak behind her.
"He doesn't care about anyone here. He only wants to fill his pockets with cash, and nothing more."
Grimhild turned around, glancing at the woman.
"I was aware."
She could easily decipher the executive's personality at first glance, giving her all the information she needed.
Grimhild left the store with a cautious look but wasn't surprised by that little encounter, as if she dealt with it before. Walking back into the streets, the same man approached her again, but this time he had a team with him.
"You have to be kidding me."
Approaching her, the executive smiled as big as ever, chuckling as if he accomplished something.
"Ah, I was waiting for your arrival, allow me to introduce you to these fine warriors."
"I've only been gone for five minutes and you gathered a team?"
"Indeed. Behind me are Florence, Alexa, and Madeline, they're the heroes of Wyvernwood who saved the village from a Dragon, and they're most loyal to me from my genius creations."
Florence appeared large with a broadsword on his back, and dark skin. His hair was red and dreaded down his neck.
Alexa appeared to be a mage, with a Wizard hat, robe, and a staff inside her hand.
But Madeline stood out the most. She wore the clothing of a ninja, with purple hair, and a face covered in a black mask.
"What's your point?" Asked Grimhild.
"You wouldn't want these three heroes to put you in your place, would you?"
Grimhild's expression didn't waver, she would only become quiet.
"Quiet are we? Well then, let's make a deal, you show me that magic of yours, and I'll give you something in return that's better than those filthy familiars you got."
"No, I already told you my answer."
The executive lifted his brows in surprise.
"Your answer is still no? Even with the village's most powerful heroes behind me?"
"Heroes or not, why should I care?"
He frowned at her comment before snapping his fingers.
"Apprehend her, immediately, for refusing my offer. Let's see if she changes her mind in the prison cells."
"You have the power to arrest people?" Grimhild chuckled. "I figured your ego was hurt the moment I denied your offer. You're so used to getting your way from being the 'apparent' ruler of this village, that one simple no is enough to make you lash out."
Florence approached the youth, unsheathing his broadsword.
"Do not talk about Lord Lafarious that way, you do not know all the good things he's done for this village."
"You're only saying that because he's paying you, and nothing more, you big oaf."
"What did you call me?!" Scowling, Florence towered over Grimhild, resting his sword on his shoulder. "I'll cut you in two, you fucking mage."
"Oh? It seems that Lafarious isn't the only one with a fragile ego."
"Go to hell!!" Lifting his blade into the air, he swung it downwards, moving quite fast for a big man.
"Drultoh."
A multi-layered magic circle appeared on the warrior before he vanished as if he was never there to begin with.
It was instantaneous, catching the other two heroes by surprise, especially Lafarious.
"W-What just happened?!" Cried, Alexa.
"Bastard! What did you do?" Shouted Madeline.
"I've sent him to Jotunheim, the land of the giants. Fitting for an oaf like him, don't you think?
Drultoh was a banishing spell created by Grimhild, allowing her to exile objects into a location of choice. It was primarily used on spells, but living lifeforms could work as well.
It became apparent that she was indeed powerful, but it wasn't enough to convince the ninja girl. "I'll fucking murder you!!" Madeline decided to attack, unsheathing two katanas from their holsters.