"We will welcome another Official Wizard passenger this afternoon."
Marian explained:
"Considering both of you are residing in the A-tier area, the captain wants to ask your opinion in advance, whether you need a partition installed between the two suites. This would ensure your privacy during the voyage remains undisturbed."
Ron raised an eyebrow, this was unexpected news.
"Can you tell me more about this Wizard?" Ron asked, his tone indifferent.
Marian hesitated slightly, seemingly contemplating which information she could disclose:
"The other distinguished guest is Wizard Reynolds, an experienced Morning Star Level Wizard, who also holds the qualification of a Professional Bloodline Modifier.
As far as I know, he frequently travels between the Central Lands and various Abyss Exploration Points, and is a regular with us."
She paused and added:
"Wizard Reynolds is relatively reserved by nature but kind and has never had any unpleasant incidents with other passengers in the past.
The captain hopes you two can get along, but also understands the Wizards’ need for private space."
Ron pondered for a moment.
An experienced Morning Star Level Wizard and also a Bloodline Modifier.
Such a person would undoubtedly bring a lot of valuable information and experience.
Especially since this Wizard frequently travels to the Central Lands, he should possess the latest intelligence and trends.
For Ron, who is new here, this is the best channel to understand the detailed situation of the Central Lands.
"No need to set up a partition." He finally decided, "I am happy to meet this fellow traveler."
Marian breathed a sigh of relief, clearly satisfied with this response:
"Thank you very much for your understanding, Wizard Sir. Wizard Reynolds is expected to board by evening.
If you are interested, the captain would like to invite both of you to dinner tonight to get to know each other."
"I will consider it."
Ron responded vaguely, neither refusing nor committing.
He wanted to observe this fellow traveler before making a decision.
Marian nodded in understanding, naturally not daring to make any presumptuous actions:
"Then, I won’t disturb your tour any longer.
If you decide to attend the dinner, please inform us via the service crystal before evening, and enjoy your visit to Town 69."
The lady gracefully curtseyed and left, leaving Ron to contemplate this new development.
Stepping out of the "Dawnwalker," Ron saw Ethan’s gray figure beneath the Docking Tower.
The guide was wearing a simple yet well-made dark gray outer garment today.
There were more small bottles at his waist than yesterday, clearly prepared for potential special circumstances.
"Good morning, Wizard Sir."
Ethan greeted respectfully, his bending angle just right, showing respect without appearing overly servile:
"Today’s itinerary will also be accompanied by me throughout, ensuring your safety and convenience.
I have arranged the access in the Shadow Area, which should bypass some unnecessary troubles."
He made a "please" gesture, and the two walked along the wide stone path toward the town.
On both sides of the stone path were a peculiar kind of street lamp.
Inside the lampshade was not an ordinary flame or magical light source, but a mutated form of firefly sealed in a container.
Their abdomens emitted an eerie blue light, capable of penetrating the unique gray mist of Town 69 better than ordinary light sources.
Compared to yesterday, today the town was noticeably more lively.
The number of pedestrians on the streets had at least doubled.
Long queues formed in front of many stalls, the sounds of transactions rising and falling, creating a cacophony.
Even a temporary stage was set up in the market center, with several singers in gray robes singing a strange tune.
The lyrics contained words Ron had never heard before, and the melody was sometimes pleasant and sometimes jarring, clearly influenced by Abyss culture.
What was more notable were the adventurers dressed in various attires.
They moved in groups through the streets, well-equipped with complex expressions of vigilance and excitement on their faces.
Some teams even carried large supply carts, piled with special tools and protective gear needed for Abyss exploration.
"Is there any special event today?"
Ron asked, keenly noticing that many teams were moving in the same direction, as if drawn by some unseen force.
"It’s the change of the ’Abyss Tide,’"
Ethan explained in a lowered voice, a tone of awe at the supernatural phenomena:
"The observation station detected last night that the Abyssal Energy is about to enter a low cycle phase.
Many adventure teams are seizing the moment to prepare for short-term exploration.
This opportunity only comes four or five times a year, each lasting varying durations, and missing it might mean waiting for a few months."