If the information obtained was correct, such a tall wall should encircle the entire Merredith City.
The length was hard to imagine.
Perhaps, only in such a world could there be such a spectacle of a wall...
In the technologically advanced world of his past life, although it was possible to build such a wall, there was no reason to do so, and hence, such a spectacle was not to be seen.
After lunch.
Without rest, Colin led the way forward, continuing until sunset.
After a hasty night's rest at an inn, as soon as it was daylight, they continued on their journey.
By around noon time.
On the wide streets.
Clip-clop, clip-clop—
Colin and his companions rode on, bathed in the bright sunshine.
The next second, they suddenly stepped from light into shadow; from a distance, a vast shadow engulfed them.
In front of them, a colossal grey-black wall stood in their way.
'Wizard Alliance-governed, Merredith City... we've finally arrived.'
Colin looked up and exhaled softly.
As usual for entering the city.
But they were stopped again.
Colin took out his pass and handed it to the humanoid golem blocking their path.
In the past, he had only read about such golems in books... like the renowned ghoul golems, for instance.
But he had never seen them in reality.
The humanoid golem before them was entirely black in color, with a humanoid figure topped by an oval, smooth head that had only eyes and a mouth, devoid of other facial features.
The golem reached out to take the pass, scanning it in front of its chest, but did not step aside.
"Wizard Colin, those who enter the Wizard City under Wizard Alliance rule for the first time must pay a one thousand Magic Stone entry fee," it said.
It added, "As for your mortal servants... as there are no more than five, they do not need to pay a fee."
'One thousand Magic Stones...' Colin was slightly shocked internally.
For an ordinary Wizard Apprentice, such a number of Magic Stones was not a small amount.
However, since Merredith City had such rules, it was likely that Neustadt City, also under Wizard Alliance rule, would have similar regulations.
This Magic Stone fee would have to be paid sooner or later.
Colin took out ten lower-grade Magic Stones from his Storage Ring and handed them to the guard golem.
The golem took everyone's passes and replaced them with new ones adorned with golden patterns.
His pass was different from those of Renee and the others—it was more intricately patterned and larger in size.
"Wizard Colin, this is the universal pass of the entire Wizard Alliance, please infuse Magic Power to bind it," said the golem.
Colin did as instructed and infused Magic Power.
As if branding a witch tool, a faint connection emanated from the pass in his hand.
Subsequently, some information came through.
Upon a cursory glance, Colin felt a surge of elation.
This was the information about the Wizard Alliance that he had always been lacking.
Suppressing the urge to examine it in detail right then and there, Colin led Eliel and the others forward.
No sooner had they entered the city than Colin raised his eyebrows in surprise without having a clear view of their surroundings.
He stopped to sense the environment carefully.
The concentration of Magic Power here far surpassed any place he had been to.
Indeed, as they had come closer to the Kingdom Center, the density of Magic Power had increased.
He had anticipated the rich Magic Power of Merredith City.
But he hadn't expected the difference to be so vast... If quantified, the concentration of Magic Power here was at least ten times greater than that of Lap Wizard Territory.
Just outside the city moments earlier... the concentration of Magic Power was about the same as that on Bananka Island.
It was unthinkable that merely a wall separated such vast differences.
Coming back to his senses, he turned to Delaisi and the others and slowly said,
"Eliel, His Majesty Delaisi, we have arrived at Merredith City."
"It's time for us to part ways."
Delaisi, withdrawing his curious gaze from the surroundings, looked at Colin with a tinge of reluctance.
But he, too, knew that this reluctance stemmed more from the unease of being in unfamiliar surroundings.
"Alright, thank you for all your care along the way, Sir Colin," said Delaisi, placing his left hand on his chest and bowing deeply.
Behind him, Burns and Eliel followed suit, placing their hands on their chests and bowing deeply in gratitude.
"Eliel, this is for you."
After pondering for a moment, Colin looked at Eliel and took out several Magic Crystals equivalent to the power level of an Advanced Wizard Apprentice from his Storage Ring, handing them to her.
This was partially in consideration of his friendship with the old friend Erica, and partially to sow a good deed.
After all, given Eliel's unusual Talent and the possession of a School Token,
It was likely that as long as she managed to join a School, her achievements would not be modest, given time.
"Thank you," said Eliel, taken aback. After a moment's hesitation, she accepted the Magic Crystals.
In the past month, through Colin's introduction, she had gained some understanding of the world of wizards.
She recognized the value of the Magic Crystals in front of her and understood her own situation.
"I will remember this kindness," she said, looking at Colin and adding.
Colin gazed at Eliel, her determined appearance...
In a moment of reverie, the image of the blond, green-eyed girl in front of him gradually merged with that of another blond, green-eyed girl under the moonlight the second day after he had crossed over.
He still remembered her resolute words, her firm gaze... and that note slipped through the crack in the door.
'Unknowingly... it has been a long time.'
Exhaling a breath of stale air, Colin smiled and then suddenly offered his blessing,
"Eliel, may you succeed in joining a School and become a great Official Wizard in the future."