I materialized a sci-fi fortress in a magical world.

Hugo's real age was the same as the old drunkard's, both in their early 60s, but because he took good care of himself and used many methods to maintain his youth, he looked less than 40 years old.

With decent clothes, elegant temperament, enthusiastic conversation, and abundant wealth, it wouldn't be surprising if she not only experienced a second spring in her life, but even started a harem.

"You look younger than before, which is really pleasing."

"Haha~ I'm also very happy that you've successfully become a mage."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Luo Yue handed over the small gift he had prepared. Hugo didn't mind and gestured for the servant to accept it. Then, he led him to see the magic workshop.

Inside, more than 50 apprentices and low-level mages gathered, all holding specially made quill pens, writing and drawing on enchanted parchment, carving the parchment into the spell scrolls they needed.

This scale completely exceeded Luo Yue's previous expectations. He remembered that when he came last time, although Hugo was also doing business in this area, there were only two or three apprentices in the workshop, far from being as large as this one.

"It seems you've landed a huge business deal, sir."

"That's right. We were worried about not having enough manpower when we received your letter, so we immediately called you over. It's not easy to find a kid like you who is reliable and skilled."

Although Royo was unable to awaken his powers back then, he did this kind of hard labor very well, thus leaving a good impression on Hugo.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Luo Yue inquired about the old drunkard's whereabouts:

"By the way, sir, have you seen the old drunkard? He said he was coming to town, but did he come to visit you?"

But Hugo's reaction was somewhat strange:

"An old drunkard? Who is that?"

"Huh? That's my mentor, Joshua?"

Luo Yue asked in surprise. If he remembered correctly, the two had known each other when the old drunkard was still an apprentice. They were even bunk beds, and even the nickname "old drunkard" was given to him by Hugo.

"Oh, it was him! Hahaha~"

Hugo smiled awkwardly, scratched his head, and explained:

"I'm so sorry, I've been drinking way too much lately for this deal. I feel like I'm turning into a drunkard."

"Then you should take good care of yourself, sir, lest you end up like my mentor."

"How is that possible? He's never beaten me at drinking."

Luo Yue nodded; he remembered the old drunkard saying that he indeed couldn't outdrink Hugo.

But with such a high alcohol tolerance, how could he have drunk so much that he didn't even remember his old classmate who shared a bunk below him?

Maybe I had too many things to think about and my mind just couldn't process it all at once?

Luo Yue didn't think much of it. He also heard from Hugo that he hadn't seen the old drunkard recently, but had received a letter saying that he was going to the Holy City of the Church to inquire if he knew anyone there.

"The Holy City? What's he doing going there?"

"The letter didn't mention it, but maybe he wanted to use the power of those charlatans to help you awaken your magic? He doesn't seem to know you've already become a mage?"

Luo Yue couldn't help but give a wry smile and replied:

"I haven't had a chance to tell him about it yet."

"That's such a shame. He would be so happy if he knew this, and he wouldn't have to go to that godforsaken place, Holy City... Here's what I'll do: I'll write to my friends there and see if they can help you find him."

"Thank you, sir."

"That's all for now. I have to attend a banquet. You should get some rest tonight, and we can talk about work tomorrow."

The two then ended their conversation.

Luo Yue returned to his room, but instead of immediately entering meditation, he frowned and carefully recalled his interaction with Hugo.

He always felt there was something strange about Hugo, that he was different from the Hugo he remembered, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it...

"It's probably because we haven't seen each other for too long, and his memory has become distorted. Also, he's taken on a big deal, so he's definitely not the same as before."

"But what kind of business would require so many people to engrave scrolls? Could it be...?"

"That Grand Duke wants independence, doesn't he? Like Zhu Yuanzhang?"

The Old World is currently still under a feudal system. The Duchy of Andersai is loyal to the Chadon Empire. The Grand Duke was once the fourth in line to the throne and is now the emperor's uncle, somewhat similar to a certain Zhu family.

The difference is that although the emperor was young, he never thought of killing anyone in his family. He focused his energy on foreign wars, and would fight with his neighbors from time to time, or give the sea monsters on the islands a warning.

The Duchy of Anderse, located inland and in a remote position, existed as a rear area, untouched by the flames of war. The Grand Duke himself was a good ruler who didn't cause much trouble, so the country was generally peaceful and tranquil. There was absolutely no reason for him to want independence, and no sign of it whatsoever.

Therefore, Royal quickly rejected his bold hypothesis.

"Maybe it's business with the academic school? I remember the old drunkard saying that our great witch is not some docile and respectable woman. She'll pull a big stunt from time to time. I was just lucky to have caught her during her most peaceful years."

"Forget it, why think so much? I'd rather think about how to make money."

Luo Yue then cleared his mind of all distractions, lay down on the bed, and began meditating again until he felt sleepy and fell into a deep sleep.

As a result, I hadn't slept for long when I sensed that my mind had been invaded by those demons again.

It seems the fog outside can't stop them from coming to their deaths...

But there were only two or three of them, so Luo Yue ignored them and went back to sleep.

After so many years of development, the town is already capable of automatic defense.

A second later, the thought space fell silent again.

........................

"Hello, Royo, it's great to see you again. How did you sleep last night?"

The next morning, an acquaintance came and knocked on the door. It was Austin, Hugo's "third senior brother," who was about the same age as Roy. They had gotten along quite well when they met a few times before.

"Nice to meet you, Austin. How have you been? Are you getting married?"

"Haha~ Yes, after I finish this big deal, I'll propose to her... By the way, I heard from my mentor that you've become a mage too?"

After a brief chat, Austin handed Roy a small wooden plaque and a notebook.

"You should be familiar with this place by now. I don't need to take you to the cafeteria and library, right? This sign is your pass to the meditation room and practice area. Go there yourself if you need it. Also, take a look at the notes on what you're supposed to do this time. If you have any questions, let me know."

"If you need any medication, just let me know. My mentor specifically instructed you to treat this place like your own home."

"Okay, thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Luo Yue nodded, looking into the other person's eyes as he spoke earnestly, only to find that those eyes were filled with fine blood vessels.

"What happened to your eyes? Didn't you sleep well last night?"