The Dark Mage Of The Magus World-Chapter 62: Preparation

After finishing his meditation, Hutson descended the stairs and indulged in a hot bath, washing away the thick, lingering scent of alchemical reagents that clung to his skin.

The Changing Atmosphere

When he stepped outside, he immediately noticed that Moonlight Woodland no longer felt the same.

The air was heavier, charged with unspoken tension. The faces of passing wizards bore traces of unease, their expressions hardened by worry and exhaustion.

He spotted more than a few injured figures—apprentices returning from battles they hadn’t anticipated.

As he walked past the flea market, Hutson noticed something else—it was much quieter than usual.

"At a time like this, trade should be increasing, not slowing down... That means many have already accepted missions and fled Moonlight Woodland."

For the past few days, he had been completely focused on his ascension, paying little attention to the political turmoil unfolding around him.

But as he entered town, it was impossible to ignore the signs—

The streets, once bustling with people, now felt eerily empty.

Clusters of worried-looking wizards gathered in small groups, their eyes darting around as if desperately searching for a way out.

"The official missions allowing apprentices to leave must be gone by now. If any are still available, they’re probably being snatched up instantly."

This realization made Hutson quicken his pace.

If he wanted to leave this place, he needed to do it soon—even with Larry’s support, he couldn’t count on a guaranteed escape.

When war came, even the strongest wizards could be trapped beneath its crushing weight.

"Master! My ascension was a success."

Hutson greeted Larry the moment he arrived at his mentor’s home.

As usual, Larry greeted him with a cup of coffee, pouring one for himself as well.

"Sugar’s on the table. Help yourself."

With a flick of his fingertips, the cup floated through the air, settling smoothly in front of Hutson.

The alchemist took a sip of his own coffee and nodded approvingly.

"Your mental energy is stable, and your mana quality is excellent. I had no doubt you’d succeed."

Then, his expression darkened.

"Now, let’s get to the real discussion."

He set his cup down with an uncharacteristically serious air.

"You need to start preparing to leave. Soon."

Hutson’s expression didn’t change, but he felt a subtle tension coil in his gut.

Larry continued, his voice lowering.

"Malcolm has gone mad. He’s taken a hundred pregnant women—"

Hutson’s stomach turned cold.

"—which means he’s preparing some kind of monstrous, forbidden ritual."

Larry’s face was grim.

"Moonlight Woodland has already reported this to Augustus Academy. Malcolm’s actions blatantly violate the fundamental laws governing wizards on the Karag Continent—"

Hutson’s fingers tightened around his cup.

"The law that forbids the mass slaughter of ordinary humans."

Larry nodded. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"That’s right. The major wizarding factions rely on humans—not just as a resource, but as a lifeline. Civilization needs them. The rule has always been clear: do not indiscriminately kill mortals in large numbers."

Hutson’s eyes narrowed.

"If Malcolm does sacrifice those hundred people, what punishment will he face?"

Larry let out a slow sigh.

"At best? Some economic sanctions."

Hutson scowled.

Of course. Even wizard laws were subject to power and politics.

No one wanted to admit it, but a strong enough wizard was beyond the reach of laws.

The reality was brutal—as long as Malcolm remained strong, the punishments wouldn’t be severe.

Larry leaned forward, his voice growing low and serious.

"When his ritual is complete, that will be the moment Moonlight Woodland and Green Lodge go to full-scale war."

He met Hutson’s gaze.

"You need to be gone before that happens."

Hutson nodded.

"Understood. But... where should I go?"

That was the one question he had been struggling with for days.

The Karag Continent was vast—but where could he find both safety and opportunity?

Larry didn’t hesitate.

"Head west. To the Doris Kingdom on the West Coast."

He unfolded a detailed map, tracing a path with his finger.

"It’s politically stable and far removed from the major wizarding factions. It’s one of the few places where you can lay low without being dragged into conflict."

Hutson examined the map carefully.

"And the downside?"

Larry gave a wry smile.

"Alchemy materials are scarce."

Hutson exhaled.

Not surprising.

Anywhere rich in magical resources was bound to be near powerful wizard organizations.

"That’s where your mission comes in."

Larry straightened.

"I’m assigning you a task: go to the Doris Kingdom and find an alchemical reagent called Moonstone Grass."

He paused, then added, "And don’t worry about supplies. I’ve prepared a shipment of alchemy materials for you. It should last for quite a while."

He turned and walked toward the back room, motioning for Hutson to follow.

"Come take a look."

Hutson stepped forward, peering inside—

His eyes widened.

"This... this is a lot!"

An entire storeroom was stocked with meticulously organized alchemy materials, divided into neat categories.

Larry smirked.

"Just basic reagents. They’re not particularly valuable."

His tone was casual, but Hutson knew better.

These materials were worth a small fortune.

Larry continued, "I’ve been stockpiling supplies ever since I sensed that war was coming. Now, most of the alchemy stores in Moonlight Woodland have imposed strict purchasing limits."

Hutson bowed deeply, his voice filled with sincerity.

"Thank you, Master."

Larry waved him off with a grin.

"Think nothing of it. Pack everything into your spatial ring and get ready. Once you’re done, come find me—I’ll take you out of here."

Hutson chuckled.

"Fitting. He was the one who brought me into Moonlight Woodland, and now, he’ll be the one to take me out."

"Understood, Master. I’ll be back soon."

As Hutson walked through the winding streets, he didn’t get far before he spotted a familiar figure approaching from the opposite direction.

Bessie.

She seemed troubled—her eyes darted away the moment she saw him.

Suspicion flickered in Hutson’s mind.

"Bessie?" he called out.

She hesitated.

Then, in a voice that lacked its usual sharpness, she murmured,

"Hutson..."

Hutson tilted his head.

Something was off.

But instead of questioning her directly, he offered a small smile.

"Congratulations on your ascension to a third-tier apprentice."

She nodded stiffly, her posture slightly tense.

"Thank you."

Then, without another word, she turned and hurried away.

Hutson’s smile faded.

Something was definitely wrong.

As Hutson walked, his mind drifted back to Bessie.

Something about her had felt... off.

His brows furrowed as he replayed the encounter in his mind. Then, like a sudden strike of lightning, realization dawned upon him.

"Wait... why was Bessie dressed like that?"

Bessie had been wearing a pair of black thigh-high stockings with garters.

Her legs were already long and striking, but in that outfit, she exuded an undeniable allure—a stark contrast to how she usually presented herself.

But that wasn’t the most surprising detail.

When they had brushed past each other, Hutson had caught a glimpse beneath her long wizard’s robe—she was wearing only the bare minimum beneath it.

That was not like her.

Since the day they had met, Bessie had always dressed conservatively, favoring practical long trousers and modest robes. She had never worn anything remotely seductive—not even in casual settings.

Something had changed.

"Is there some kind of drama going on? Or...?"

For a brief moment, Hutson considered looking into it.

Then, he simply shook his head and dismissed the thought.

Whatever was happening, it wasn’t his problem.

Shaking off his lingering thoughts, Hutson focused on his tasks.

There was still much to do before his departure.

He traveled through town, purchasing a few rare supplies—items that would be difficult to acquire once he left Moonlight Woodland.

When he returned home, he carefully organized his belongings, ensuring everything was in order.

His spatial ring was already packed with the vast supply of alchemy materials Larry had provided. That left very little room for other large items.

In the end, he prioritized spell model books—the kind of knowledge that could make the difference between survival and death in unfamiliar lands.

After meticulously securing his supplies, he sat down at his desk and picked up a quill pen, dipping it into ink.

A Letter Unsent

His hand moved steadily as he wrote, crafting a letter addressed to Lilian.

"Lilian, I’m leaving Moonlight Woodland for a while. I may not be able to contact you for some time. The situation here is becoming unstable, and I need to get out before things escalate. I hope you’re safe—stay cautious. I’ll reach out when I can."

He stared at the parchment for a moment, then sighed.

"I don’t even know if this will reach her."

Moonlight Woodland had only restricted movement, not completely locked down communications.

For now, letters were still being delivered—but how much longer that would last was uncertain.

Still, he had to try.

Folding the letter, he sealed it carefully, making sure it would be delivered while he still had the chance.

With that done, Hutson leaned back, exhaling slowly.

His departure was near.

And soon, Moonlight Woodland would become nothing more than another Chapter in his story.