The gangway was lowered, and the passengers began to disembark in an orderly manner.
"Wizard Ralph." Reynolds stopped Ron at the gangway:
"Is this your first time visiting the Glazed Archipelago? Are you interested in having dinner together? I know a very famous Magic Material Restaurant on the island, their ’Monster Eye Soup’ is renowned throughout the Endless Sea region."
Ron thought briefly and nodded in agreement:
"I’d be honored. I do want to learn more about the Central Lands, and Wizard Reynolds is undoubtedly one of the best guides."
"Great!" Reynolds smiled:
"How about we meet at the main island’s lighthouse square at six in the evening?"
After making arrangements, the two parted ways, and Ron returned to his cabin, briefly explaining to Ailan and Dale about the short stay on the island.
Then, carrying some necessary items, he left the airship and set foot on the land of the Glazed Archipelago.
The air on the Glazed Island was more humid than on the airship, with a strong scent of sea salt and a hint of tropical fruit fragrance.
The sunlight was warm but not glaring, and the sea breeze gently caressed his face, invigorating his spirit.
Residents on the island would salute and pay their respects upon seeing the Wizard Badge, with some even proactively offering guidance or recommending local specialties.
As the sun set in the west, the entire sea was dyed golden red, and the lighthouse had already lit up with warm yellow light, illuminating the square’s bustling pedestrians.
Reynolds was already waiting there, dressed in a dark blue casual robe, looking more relaxed and at ease than on the airship.
"You arrived just in time!" Reynolds smiled and approached:
"The restaurant I reserved is not far from here, a five-minute walk."
The two walked along a path paved with colorful pebbles, with various uniquely styled shops on both sides, selling coral accessories, offering special spices, and even specializing in acquiring deep-sea materials.
Each shop exuded a rich local flavor, attracting passing tourists and merchants.
"Here it is, ’Deep Blue Bay.’" Reynolds pointed to a three-story building ahead.
The restaurant looked quite imposing, with exterior walls made of some semi-transparent blue stone, radiating a soft halo under the lights.
Two well-dressed merman waiters stood at the entrance, greeting customers politely.
Upon entering the restaurant, the interior decor was even more breathtaking.
In the center was a massive aquarium, housing various rare sea creatures; some glowed, some had strange shapes, and some seemed to change colors at will.
The ceiling was composed of countless crystal fragments pieced together, simulating the light and shadow effects of the underwater world, making one feel as if they were in the deep sea.
"Wizard Reynolds!" A pot-bellied merman manager hurried up, bowing with some difficulty:
"Whew... welcome back! Your exclusive private room is ready."
"Thank you, Arno." Reynolds nodded with a smile, then turned to Ron:
"This is Wizard Ralph, also a remarkably talented expert in Bloodline Studies."
"Welcome, Wizard Ralph!" The merman manager quickly bowed again, a flash of reverence in his eyes:
"It’s our honor to host two distinguished wizards; please follow me."
He led the two through the main hall to a relatively secluded corner.
There was a semi-transparent shell door, which opened to reveal a beautifully decorated private room.
The private room was small but ingeniously designed.
In the center was a round dining table, made of some rare deep-sea wood, emitting a faint blue light.
The walls were inlaid with luminescent coral, providing soft lighting to the entire space.
The most striking feature was a floor-to-ceiling window on one side of the room, overlooking the bay directly.
The sea at night reflected countless starlights, like a flowing sea of stars.
"Please have a seat." The merman manager respectfully pulled out a chair and handed over the menu:
"We just received a fresh batch of ’Eye-foot Octopus,’ and the ’Thunderlight Fish’ from the day before yesterday is also extremely fresh; I recommend you try them..."
Reynolds nodded to Ron:
"The specialties of this restaurant are all worth trying, especially the Monster Eye Soup, which is said to enhance some spiritual perception of the diners."
Ron leafed through the menu, noting the incredibly rich variety of magical cuisine.
From common sea catches to the rare Thunderlight Fish, from ordinary sea ferns to the precious Soul Algae, it had everything.
Each ingredient came with a brief description, introducing its origin, cooking method, and potential special effects.
"Let’s order based on your recommendations." Ron closed the menu: "It’s clear that Wizard Reynolds is very familiar with this place."
Reynolds smiled and nodded, giving the manager a series of instructions, including several main courses and various side dishes.
After the manager departed, the two began conversing.
"As someone visiting the Glazed Archipelago for the first time, how do you feel?"
Reynolds asked as he poured Ron a glass of clear blue liquid.
This was a local specialty drink, extracted from some deep-sea plant.
"Quite unique."
Ron sipped the blue liquid, experiencing a cool yet slightly salty sensation spreading across his tongue:
"So different from the oppressively stuffy atmosphere of the Black Mist Jungle, here the Magic Power fluctuations in the air are more lively, yet not as chaotic as I imagined."
"That’s the uniqueness of the Glazed Archipelago." Reynolds explained:
"This sea area is located at the confluence of three main streams of Magic Power, forming a special state of balance. Together with the regulating effect of the surrounding seawater, it makes this a rare region with stable and abundant Magic Power."
Just then, the first dish was served.
It was a seemingly plain soup but radiating a peculiar glow.
A few fish slices thin as cicada wings floated on the surface, with a whole octopus eyeball in the middle, crystal clear, seemingly flowing with some kind of Energy inside.
"Monster Eye Soup." Reynolds gestured for Ron to taste it first: "Remember to eat the eyeball as well; that’s where the essence lies."
Ron picked up the spoon and scooped some of the soup.
Upon touching his tongue, an unprecedented deliciousness unfolded in his mouth, accompanied by subtle Energy Fluctuations that felt like tiny currents coursing through his veins.
This was not just a feast for the taste buds but an experience on the Energy level.
As he bit into the octopus eyeball and swallowed it, a soothing sense of relaxation washed over his Spirit.
At the same time, his thoughts became a bit clearer, with the panel showing a slight increase in Spirit Attributes.
"Can you feel it?" Reynolds smiled at Ron’s slightly surprised expression:
"This sense enhancement works best the first time, and you won’t feel much afterward."
The following dishes were equally appetizing.
The main dish made with roasted Thunderlight Fish, where the faint electric energy remaining in the flesh blended perfectly with the special spices.
Each bite was accompanied by a subtle electric tingling, enhancing the taste and slightly improving nerve response speed.
There was also ’Star Sea Algae with Stem Grass,’ a cold dish made with rare luminescent plants from the deep sea, which could enhance the eater’s internal Magic Power circulation efficiency to a certain extent.
While enjoying the cuisine, the two shared their experiences and insights.
"Speaking of the Central Lands."
After savoring a specially prepared sea beast meat dish, Reynolds wiped the corner of his mouth:
"I don’t know what you know about it, but I can assure you, it’s unlike any place you’ve seen before."
A hint of reminiscence flashed in his eyes:
"For newcomers to the Central Lands, the most shocking thing is the omnipresent dense Magic Power.
It’s found in the air, rocks, flowing water, and even in the dust, filled with pure Magic Power.
New arrivals often experience discomfort like headaches and dizziness due to sudden Magic Power ’overload.’
```