Constructing-Style Wizard

Under the watchful eyes of Noland Lee, Hadley deftly deactivated the magic lock on the diary, summoned a sphere of water, put the diary inside it, and then took a pen inked with water and began writing on the soaked pages.

As soon as Hadley deactivated the magic lock, Noland activated Deconstruction and deconstructed 100% of the content on the diary.

Noland concealed his excitement at the message from the system, ensuring nothing showed on his face.

“Did you see?” Hadley showed Noland the words he had written inside the water sphere. “This book is peculiar because it records words underwater. I often need to stay in the sea when I sail. Therefore, a diary in which I can write under water is indispensable to me.”

After showing Noland the words he wrote inside the water sphere, Hadley placed the diary and pen back on the table, and dissipated the hovering water sphere in front of him.

“Do you need anything else, sir?” Hadley asked.

“That’s it, Hadley. Please pack everything up for me. How much is the total?” Noland reached into his magic pouch.

Hadley quickly picked up the items from the storage shelf, muttering:

“The six items total 3020 gold coins. I’ll round it down for you, so it’s only 3000 gold coins.”

Noland pulled out three 1000 gold coins from his magic pouch and placed them on the table.

Hadley packed the items Noland had purchased inside a silver metal box secured by a magic lock and a mechanical lock.

Noland inspected each item, confirmed there was no mistake, then put everything into his magic pouch.

Before leaving, Noland asked:

“Hadley, if I want to learn more about the Dragon Clan, what should I do? I’m interested in historical literature.”

Making a rare profit, Hadley’s mood was jolly.

Leaning against the cashier desk, the noise from the creaking desk filled the air as he pondered his response:

“The things you’re asking about have basically all been snapped up by various forces. You hardly ever see them on the market. Even Nextdoor’s Magic Items Exchange rarely sell such literature.”

“Snapped up? What do you mean?” Noland hadn’t seen any decent Era of Dragons literature while browsing the market so he had assumed they were just rare. It seemed there was more to it than that.

“I mean literally what I said.” Hadley stroked his beard and asked:

“You know about the Dragon Clan treasures flung from the Spinning Continent, right?”

“I do,” Noland nodded.

Hadley motioned with his hands and explained:

“The treasures that fly out from the Spinning Continent are followed by different coloured flames. Those with lots of text and patterns have brown trails and are generally referred to as ‘Draconic Literature’. The powerful wizard forces hover over the sea surface in their magic airships and grab all the Draconic Literature before it even falls to the sea.”

“The items I recover here and from the seabed are the ones that the wizard forces don’t want. Only on extremely lucky occasions will I come across Draconic Literature that has been overlooked by the wizards.”

Hadley pointed to the book he used as his diary:

“Look at this book. It’s a piece of Draconic Literature that I found by sheer luck. It’s my real treasure and I take it everywhere. The historical literature you mentioned is a type of Draconic Literature. Wizards obsessed with studying Dragon Magic and Giant Dragon Craftsmanship keep these, whether they are spell blueprints or craftsmanship blueprints, in their treasure vaults. The historical literature you mentioned is no exception.”

“So that’s how it is… no wonder I haven’t seen anyone trying to sell literature from the last era…” Noland asked another question:

“Are there any modern books about Dragon Clan history on the market?”

Hadley thought about it:

“You mean history books of the Era of Dragons? These are part of the curriculum for members of the various Deep Sea Wizard Forces, and only members can study them. You can either join these forces or you have to buy it from illegal Knowledge Merchants.”

Hadley paused and looked at Noland:

“Don’t look at me. Although I might look shabby, I would never sell knowledge privately. I have a soul contract with the Deep Sea Branch. I’d be punished if I leaked any knowledge.”

Noland shook his head slightly:

“That’s a shame. I’ll have to find another way.”

Hadley assumed Noland was considering dealing with illegal Knowledge Merchants and advised:

“Be careful, then. Don’t be conned. Most of these illegal Knowledge Merchants have the backing of the Dread Sail Pirate Nation. If you’re not careful, you and your money might both be kidnapped by them.”

“Thank you for the warning.” Noland pat his magic pouch, “See you.”

“You’re welcome anytime, sir. You certainly know quality when you see it. I appreciate customers like you. I’m going out to sea in seven or eight days. I’ll be gone for over ten days. Feel free to drop by then to see if there’s anything you like.” Hadley cheerfully saw Noland to the door.

Noland walked out of the door and met up with Denise Green, who had also just finished her shopping.

The two found the ‘Messenger’s Homestead’, run by the Magic News Department, and walked in.

On Noland’s encouragement, Denise consumed 3000 gold coins and purchased 30 uses of the Contract Magic Messenger.