"I'm new here, just getting to know the environment to avoid any unnecessary trouble."
Colin responded calmly.
Mod nodded, not asking further.
He paused then began to introduce.
"Actually, the only real School on Bananka Island is the Bananka School, and the rest we usually refer to as the three major Trading Companies, seven major Gangs, and twelve minor Gangs."
"The three Trading Companies are Blue Rose, Moonflower, Siwo, and Sea Pearl, the seven major..."
"There are four in the three Trading Companies?" Colin interrupted.
"Yes, my lord," Mod replied, his expression serene, pausing before adding, "The seven major Gangs actually have nine, the twelve minor Gangs have fifteen...these names are just formalities."
Colin nodded, his expression somewhat baffled.
Mod continued with the introductions.
Before long, he had clearly explained the power dynamics on the island.
Just as Colin was silently processing this information,
Mod suddenly added,
"Lord, most Wizards who arrive on the island are approached by the seals of either the seven major Gangs or the twelve minor Gangs,
then, whether through threats or temptations, but regardless of the means used, they end up having to spend their money at their businesses."
He paused then added, "…Most are coerced into spending, and the few who lack the power or backing are…"
He didn't finish, but his implication was clear.
Mod pondered then reminded,
"Lord, if you encounter the Siwo Gang, Lester Gang…, Oak Gang, you need to be especially cautious.
Their products or services, once involved with them, can drain even the wealthiest dry, bones and all."
Colin inwardly shivered, taking careful note of this information.
Bananka Island appeared orderly, but this was a world where power ruled supreme.
Even if the surface appeared cultured and genteel, it couldn't hide the grim, bloodthirsty nature lurking beneath.
Furthermore, with Mod's introduction, he also knew what rank the School belonged to where the two gang Wizards he had killed that morning were from.
The Haiya School was one of the twelve minor Gangs, not a major School, but not insignificant either.
Moreover,
He had thought the attack by the two gang Wizards that morning was spontaneous, but it turned out to be a systematic task set by the seals.
As for his own information, he finally knew it.
It had been tagged and leaked when he entered the port.
Honestly, such a system, used only for extortion,
In his view, was a waste.
However, he then thought.
This almost extortionate buying and selling could sell something worth a few dozen Gold Coins for a price of ten or even several dozen Magic Stones.
Offering ordinary trades at least a hundred, if not a thousand times the profit.
At the same time, it wouldn't violate any of Bananka Island Law Enforcement Team's rules.
Such a safe and highly profitable business was worth any effort.
Upon understanding the underlying logic,
He frowned deeply.
It seemed that the two gang Wizards he had killed in the morning were quite problematic.
If this wasn't just a spontaneous action but a mission from their gang,
No matter how cleanly he handled his tracks, he would inevitably be targeted by the Haiya Gang.
'Trouble…'
He sighed inwardly, bidding farewell to Mod, and headed back to the inn.
Once the Golden Four-leaf Clover was sold, he would hurry off this island, heading for the Siya Continent.
The vast ocean distance could dissolve everything.
Thinking this, his heart was somewhat torn.
There were two routes to Siya, one by air and one by sea.
Each had two options—either purchase the corresponding transport or hitch a ride.
Air travel went without saying, whether by hitching a ride or going on his own was too expensive.
It was not within his current considerations.
But sea travel left him feeling indecisive and hesitant.
Although the cost of a boat ticket varied from three hundred to two thousand Magic Stones,
considering factors like travel duration, safety, and a private space conducive to cultivation,
the price of a boat ticket would be at least a thousand Magic Stones.
Of course, the stronger the travelers, the lower the price of the tickets.
If he revealed his strength as an Official Wizard, many ships would let him ride for free.
However, he would then be expected to take on protective duties.
This wasn't really an issue, as being on the same boat was akin to being tied to the same string.
Even without this responsibility, should manageable dangers arise, he would naturally intervene.
But he feared unexpected incidents.
Sailing the seas, the more people, especially the lower skilled ones, may not be ideal, potentially reducing safety and inviting more unnecessary risks.
Moreover, after the incident at Blackstone Island.
In such a unique environment at sea, he desperately wanted to have a retreat option at all times.
This retreat, undoubtedly, was a ship of his own.
That way, whether faced with an overwhelming crisis on the island or the ship, he would have an additional option.
With this in mind, Colin's thought of buying a ship solidified.
After all, even if he bought the ship, having a Storage Ring would not hinder his option to rode on another.
And, should he not need it upon reaching the Siya Continent, he could sell it.
The Magic Stones lost in depreciation, compared to the added security throughout the voyage, were clearly negligible.
He walked briskly.
Before the sun dipped below the horizon, in the early evening.
Colin returned to the inn where he was staying.
Upon reaching the rented suite, Renee, who had been out on business, had also returned.
"Master, all the Magic Crystals have been sold for a total of one hundred and sixty Magic Stones."
Renee stepped forward, handing Colin the Magic Stones she had obtained from selling the Magic Crystals.
These Magic Crystals had been accumulated while Colin was secluded in cultivation for three months.
Now, this was a good opportunity to sell them on Bananka Island, although not a lot, but every little bit helps.
Colin took the Magic Stones and stored them in his Storage Ring,
then suddenly looked up at Renee and instructed,
"Pack up your things, we're changing inns."