Chapter 50
Chapter 50
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: Arrival in Linkroft
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After leaving Quetta Village,
the rest of the journey proceeded quite smoothly.
Of course, they did encounter bandits and thieves eyeing the caravan's goods along the way.
But thanks to the mercenaries hired by the caravan and Jeon's presence, they brushed off every single attempt with ease.
And so, at the end of that journey,
Jeon and Bolton's group finally reached their destination.
"We've finally arrived."
Linkroft.
The imperial city home to the White Tower.
Surprisingly, this was one of the cities directly managed by the Empire itself, renowned not just for the White Tower but also for its agricultural produce.
"That's why it's even nicknamed 'the blessed land.'"
"The crops must sell like hotcakes."
"Even without direct trade with the White Tower, the produce alone is reason enough for me to come here. It's that famous."
As Bolton said,
Linkroft offered merchants more than enough reasons to visit beyond just the White Tower.
The agricultural products here were inherently superior in quality to those from other regions.
Distributing them as far as Haswell would surely bring Bolton a handsome profit.
"The city's atmosphere feels so serene."
"Haha, it's definitely different from Haswell."
From afar, it had looked like a prosperous, bustling city, so Jeon had expected quite the lively scene.
But once inside, Linkroft's vibe was surprisingly calm and subdued.
"Haswell's a port city, after all, with tons of transient folk. Here, most residents are lifelong locals."
Unlike Haswell, where people from other nations—not to mention entirely different races—mingled freely, Linkroft's population consisted mostly of Empire natives who'd lived here for generations.
Naturally, it lacked the clamor and flash but boasted a long history and deep traditions.
Plus, as prime real estate directly overseen by the Empire, it was famous for its top-notch public safety.
"Even the White Tower organizes patrols of its own mages at night to maintain order, making this one of the Empire's safest cities."
The Empire already prioritized security, and with the White Tower pitching in,
this security rivaled that of Jeon's past-life South Korea—no exaggeration.
"I could walk around at night without a worry."
"That's why the night markets here are so thriving."
Listening to Bolton's explanations, Jeon could see that while calmer than Haswell, Linkroft had its own unique charms.
"By the way, Jeon, what's your plan from here?"
After a brief city tour, Bolton inquired about Jeon's next steps.
In truth, their planned companionship ended here.
Bolton had joined for Jeon's guidance on the route during his trading trip, while Jeon had tagged along for the navigation.
"I'm thinking of taking the White Tower qualification exam."
"I figured as much."
Bolton nodded at Jeon's words.
Most mages visiting the White Tower aimed for that very exam, so it was no surprise.
"So, are you planning to join the Tower if you pass?"
"Nah, not really. Though... it could change depending on circumstances."
The White Tower qualification exam.
Held monthly for mages, it drew triple-digit applicants every time—immensely popular.
The biggest draw? Passing granted entry into that very Tower.
As the most active hub for magical research and authority among mage organizations,
joining a mage tower was like landing a job at a top corporation in Jeon's past life.
Many took the exam purely for that perk.
'Not everyone, though.'
On the flip side,
the exam certified you as an official mage of the Tower, a badge that proved your skills outright. Some aimed solely for that credential to boost their value, skipping entry altogether.
"With your skills, Jeon, you'd ace it."
"Yeah, that's the plan."
"I'd wager you'd place in the top three, even earning a one-on-one dinner with a Tower executive."
"That's exactly my goal."
Among monthly qualifiers, the top three got extra perks: a private meal with a high-ranking Tower official.
'In past-life terms... like dining with tycoons or CEOs?'
Advice from someone far ahead on the same path, plus potential networking—it fueled fierce competition among examinees.
But Jeon's motive differed from the typical mage.
'Best way to contact Baek Eun.'
Though founded by Silvermont mages, the current White Tower wasn't wholly tied to them.
At its core, a secret cabal called 'Baek Eun'—led by key executives—collaborated covertly with Silvermont mages.
The surest way to reach Baek Eun? Crack the top three and dine with one of their Tower insiders.
'I could force another way...'
But Baek Eun's baseline for recruits included top-three placement anyway.
No need to stray from the orthodox path.
"Well, this is where we part ways, then."
"Yeah. Hate to say goodbye after growing so fond on the road..."
"We'll cross paths again. We'll be here at least a fortnight handling trades, so drop by anytime if you need anything."
"Sure thing."
Not like they'd never meet again.
With bittersweet farewells exchanged, Jeon left the caravan and strolled the streets alone.
He could've shared lodging, but Bolton's trade spots weren't Tower-adjacent, and their inns were too far apart.
"...Haven't wandered solo in ages."
After traveling in a group, going solo felt oddly awkward to Jeon.
Half awkward, half excited, he explored Linkroft's nooks and crannies.
"Hm? A café?"
His eyes caught a café.
Coffee and tea being pricey luxuries, cafés were rare here—unlike his past life's abundance.
'Craving caffeine.'
Alexar's travel funds remained mostly untouched, plenty left.
Jeon entered without hesitation.
"Welcome."
Neatly uniformed staff greeted him warmly.
Their poised gestures, speech, and expressions screamed high-class service for nobles or equivalents.
"Dining alone?"
"Yes."
"Allow me to seat you."
Guided to a table, the server presented a menu from their hand.
'Wow, even the menu's magically pristine.'
Stiff leather cover opened to flawless, crisp pages—text printed and coated to perfection.
High standards even by past-life metrics; Jeon realized afresh how lavish café-hopping was here.
"Hm, but nothing I want."
Impeccable menu or not,
no iced Americano.
"Any particular tea in mind? Our Link Place has a network that can procure even rare blends within the hour..."
"Nah, nothing like that."
Jeon cut off the server's pitch, closing the menu.
"Very strong coffee, mixed with cold water and ice. One, please."
"...Pardon?"
The server's polished demeanor crumbled at the order, blurting a stunned reply.
"Ratio: brew the coffee extra strong, then one-to-one with water."
"Ah, uh! Y-yes, right away!"
Jeon rarely did espresso but loved bold iced Americanos.
Explaining ratios snapped the server out of it; they snatched the menu and scurried off.
'So many folks clueless about iced Americanos.'
He briefly fantasized opening a café specializing in them—huge hit potential.
'...Yeah, it'd flop hard.'
The server's freakout said it all; success seemed impossible.
'It's delicious, though.'
A past-life standard taste, yet here it felt freakish. Jeon grumbled inwardly,
"Your... c-coffee's ready."
when the server returned with a perfectly executed iced Americano.
They'd hesitated on the name but nailed the prep.
"Thanks."
Jeon accepted gratefully.
Glancing at the price: base coffee plus water/ice add-ons, fair for a custom order.
'Reasonable enough.'
Price checked—time to sip.
"Ahh!"
Bitter chill filling his mouth.
The rare caffeine surge drew an involuntary, refreshing groan.
"That any good?"
Suddenly, a voice from beside him.
"Oh, this?"
"Heard it's coffee... but never seen it drunk like that."
The asker: a man in his early-to-mid twenties.
Shabby robe, but an oddly mature tone belying his looks.
Three empty coffee cups before him hinted at hidden wealth.
Jeon's own attire wasn't fancy, so no judgments.
"Yeah, it's great. Bit of acquired taste... weaker aroma than hot, but that refreshing gulpability's the charm."
The man's intrigue prompted a sincere rundown.
"Hm, server?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Same as that gentleman's, please."
"...Pardon?"
He ordered the same, clearly sold on Jeon's take.
The flustered server dashed off again, but Jeon warmed to the guy instantly.
'Someone in this world gets iced Americano appeal!'
Back in Silvermont, his orders drew weird looks.
Even recommendations got rejected outright.
But this bold young man? Instant kindred spirit.
The server retreated once more flustered.
The man rose, sidling over to Jeon's table.
"Mind if I ask... are you a mage?"
"Pardon? Oh, yeah. You too...?"
"Spot on. I'm a mage—Ralph's the name."
Sudden approach for a job check, then his intro.
And seamless join at Jeon's table.
'Smooth as silk.'
Despite the odd speech, he oozed affability.
"And you?"
"Ah! Jeon."
Introductions done,
"Your coffee's here."
Ralph's iced Americano arrived.
"Let's see."
Curious eyes; he took a gulp.
"...Hm, not bad."
"Right?"
Ralph nodded approvingly post-sip.
First compatriot since arriving—Jeon grinned, kindred taste confirmed.
"Mages are all sharp, huh? Thinking to drink coffee like this."
"Haha, not my invention... but tasty's tasty."
"Thanks to you, I discovered a gem."
Ralph beamed back.
"So, what brings you to Linkroft? No offense, but you look young for a mage."
Subtle probe:
Age piqued his curiosity beyond the drink.
'Fair enough—not common.'
Magic's steep entry barrier meant 'mage' titles were rare for the young sans genius.
Plus, Jeon solo-traveling fueled interest.
Not unwelcome, though—far more natural than coffee fascination.
'Perfect timing.'
Jeon had wondered about this month's exam date.
Pondering whom to ask,
Ralph—a mage—likely knew.
"Here for the White Tower qualification exam."
"Oh? A rival, then."
Bingo.
Ralph was an examinee too.
Jeon smoothly inquired on schedule.
"Just arrived, so... any idea when it is?"
"You came blind? Could've been stuck here a month."
Ralph sipped again before continuing.
"Two days from now. Cut it close."
"...Ah."
Sooner than Jeon thought.
