"Yes, sir," Ryan said with delight. He had been struggling with how to make money, but now he saw a clear opportunity. After all, pens were the most sold item on Earth, and surely this world wouldn't be any different. Filters, too, were essential for any solution, and Ryan could already see gold flooding toward him.
He quickly compiled a list of items he needed, and before long, they arrived. Ryan took his time, explaining as he worked. With the help of the older mages, the alchemical pens turned out much better this time, and the filters were more refined. Then, Ryan etched a soil-based magic array onto his leather armor using a Level 2 solution. Although it consumed quite a bit of magical energy, he succeeded in the process.
"Wow, this is great! From now on, I'll never have to rush when making things," Ryan remarked, pleased with the result.
"Indeed, I didn't realize the clear solution still contained impurities. Look how smooth the magic array is on the filtered solution. With the unfiltered one, the magic pen clogs after just one attempt," one mage commented.
"Who would've thought!" another added.
"Everyone, this can actually be used for more than just this. If we turn the solution into ink and seal it with tree sap, then replace the tip with a metal one—ideally, steel—this could become a writing instrument that lasts far longer than a quill pen." Ryan saw the confusion on the older mages' faces and realized he wasn't explaining it well.
Afterward, Ryan had some tools brought to him and set about making a steel pen. The pen's tip was forged directly from a magical furnace with mental energy, and the rest of the pen—its nib, body, and cap—were easily assembled. Once completed, Ryan tested it. Just like the alchemical pen, he barely touched it before it was snatched away by the older mages, who eagerly tested it themselves.
"Mm, I'll be taking this for now. It's perfect for taking magical notes. It's clear, doesn't take up space, and can hold ink for a long time—nothing like using a quill pen, which is so tedious." The last mage to test it casually pocketed the pen and patted Ryan on the shoulder. Ryan couldn't help but laugh at the mages' actions, knowing they could've tested it first, but it was clear they had their own plans.
Both of Ryan's inventions were officially recorded, and from now on, all he had to do was collect his earnings. Of course, the Mage Guild would take 30% of the patent fees, but Ryan was content. Soon after, he was politely ushered out by the older mages. It seemed they still needed to settle his official position, but as he left, he noticed tensions were high. It was clear that many wanted to take credit for his work.
Ryan completed the necessary paperwork and received two emblems—one with a white staff and a hexagram, though his staff was half black, half white. He also received a flask-like object with the symbol of a single line etched onto it. Along with the emblems, Ryan was given a set of mage robes, the kind that covered the head. The robes were far more exquisite and functional than the leather armor Ryan had made himself.
"Sir, could I have two more of these mage robes?" Ryan asked, thinking of Alice and Darlis. With such robes, life outside would surely be easier for them.
"No problem, little brother," the man responded with a smile. "I'm Quillen. If you don't mind, you can call me Brother Quillen."
Ryan tried on the robe and took the two extra sets. "Thank you. If Brother Quillen doesn't mind, I'd be honored. I'm still new to Alliance City and don't know my way around. Perhaps you could show me around?"
"Ah, you're straightforward, I like that," Quillen said, grinning. "Let me take you on a tour. I've heard you have a companion, too. Let's go meet them. I know this place like the back of my hand."
"Thanks, Brother Quillen," Ryan said, noticing Quillen's height, fair complexion, and overall charm, which made Ryan feel a little self-conscious. However, as they walked, Ryan realized Quillen's physique was rather slim, which made him think of something inappropriate, though he quickly pushed the thought aside.
As they walked, Ryan noticed several mages, ranging from levels 4 and 5 to levels 2 and 3, but no one above level 6. Many of them gave Ryan's emblems a surprised look and even scrutinized him as though they were trying to remember his face.
"Brother, when we go out, you'd better take off these two emblems," Quillen advised. "If you don't, we'll be swarmed. You see, there are nobles' spies in the tavern outside the guild's main gate. Every day, magic users come in and out, and those who haven't been recruited yet are all targeted. Your emblem shows you have magic in two elements, both at level one, and this one..." Quillen pointed to Ryan's alchemist emblem. "This one is even rarer. Alchemists are hard to come by in the Mage Guild. Out of the hundreds of mages who join each year, only about five become alchemists, and only half of them reach high ranks. Level-one alchemists can't enter the Mage Guild, but the exceptionally talented might get in as level two... Well, you've got connections."
Ryan nodded, listening carefully as Quillen explained the Mage Guild's inner workings, along with various tidbits about their world.
"Darlis, Alice!" Ryan exclaimed as he spotted them surrounded by a group of people. He rushed over and saw a man with slicked-back hair and a level 3 mage emblem trying to make inappropriate advances on Darlis.
"Dammit!" Ryan glanced around but couldn't find anything to use as a weapon. Without thinking further, he rushed forward and landed a heavy punch on the man. Back in high school, Ryan had often fought, and he knew how to disable an opponent with a well-placed strike to the eyes, followed by a punch to the nose. In no time, the man crouched down in pain.
"How dare you try to flirt with my woman!" Ryan spat, continuing to kick the man in the ribs. The man gasped for air, unable to protest.
"Darling..." Just then, magic spells began to fill the air, and Ryan quickly struck the nearest mage in the face with a punch, followed by a knee to their stomach, leaving them curled on the ground.
Ryan looked around at the other mages, ready to unleash his magic. However, before he could act, Quillen stepped forward, slapped a man with a level 4 mage emblem across the face, and pointed at his nose while cursing at him. "Damn you! How dare you lay a hand on my sister-in-law! You don't want to live, do you?" He followed up with a kick to the man's stomach. The others, seeing this, immediately became wary, their eyes filled with apprehension. It was clear that Quillen held some influence here.
"Darlis, are you alright?" Ryan asked gently, pulling Darlis aside. She looked at the fallen mages and became worried for Ryan. But hearing his comforting words, she relaxed and leaned into his shoulder.
"I'm fine," Darlis said softly. "This is the Mage Guild. They won't dare cause trouble here."
"Who's causing trouble here?" A loud voice suddenly boomed from the hall, as a stern figure appeared, ready to reprimand them.