A mage's journey begins with a battle mage.

Chapter 282: Hamlet

As it turned out, no matter how corrupt the empire was, its power should not be underestimated. With the help of the Covenant and the Electors, Caesar City returned to peace in just one day.

Only the bloodstains on the walls tell others what happened here.

Jiang Shuzhou and the others left after the lockdown ended, without anyone to lead them.

The main reason might be that the nobleman was captured by some demon for some unknown reason, treated like a roadside animal, and directly swallowed by the demon.

Jiang Shuzhou was too lazy to wait for the other people arranged by the empire. He just told someone casually and left.

Rosemary had no objection to this; she wished Jiang Shuzhou would get lost as soon as possible. Wherever Jiang Shuzhou was, Rosemary never had a good time.

This time they spent 1.5 million magic stones; who knows what will happen next time?

"Who didn't contribute this time?"

"Rosemary asked."

"Your Majesty, this is the list."

Rosemary looked at the long list of names, including even a few of the Electors.

She smiled.

"Very good, all loyal ministers, no treacherous ones. These ministers must have something on their minds. Well then, hasn't the empire recently discovered a new death dimension?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Pass on my order: Conquer the alternate dimension!"

"Have the people on this list send out their men as forwards."

Rosemary has eliminated several electors; now is not the time to deal with them.

"Your Majesty, but..."

"No buts, get on it!"

The servant beside her scrambled away, and Rosemary gave a cold smile. Soon, the empire will be great again in my hands!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The Silent Forest was the last stop for Jiang Shuzhou and his group. After completing it, they would be able to go home.

This is the stronghold of moderate druids, and the only place where hordes of druids exist.

Elsewhere, druids gathered together in small tribes.

Compared to their radical counterparts, these druids advocated for harmony between humans and nature and were less opposed to various human behaviors.

In these people's theories, humans are also part of nature, and the appropriate felling of trees is just like animal hunting, which is understandable.

It can be said to be very mild.

Of course, if they're not mild-mannered, they'll have to be prepared to face a heavy blow from the Mage Alliance.

"Elder Xiuyi, this is the procurement agreement for the next ten years. You may take a closer look."

The Mage Alliance and the Silent Forest's moderate druids had long ago signed a peace agreement, and this time they came to purchase herbs.

The person most closely related to this matter is Jiang Shuzhou, after all, he is an alchemist, and he needs a lot of herbs for both research and preparation.

These things were originally provided by the elves, but those sharp-eared fellows kept raising prices, spouting nonsense about reduced production due to various reasons, which forced the alchemists to find new suppliers.

Druids are the biggest suppliers.

Regardless, everyone has to admit that druids are indeed top-notch when it comes to tending herbs.

Alchemists do not deny this point; there are indeed many alchemists who are extremely skilled in herbalism, but such people are ultimately limited, and their main focus is on cultivating new herbs.

When it comes to planting, alchemists only plant a little, mostly just enough for their own use.

Although Jiang Shuzhou cultivated a lot of medicinal herbs, his consumption was even greater, so he was also one of the people who purchased medicinal herbs every day.

"Okay, but isn't this supply a bit too much?"

A kind old man with white hair and beard responded; he was Elder Xiu Yi, a high-ranking druid.

Elder Xiu Yi had no objection to the price, and even thought it was too high, but he had some doubts about the supply.

"It's not much, it's just a matter of your effort. How about we provide you with a batch of seeds?"

Jiang Shuzhou began negotiations.

"I think..."

"perhaps……"

After some bargaining, Elder Xiuyi agreed to the agreement.

In this way, Jiang Shuzhou managed to prevent the price of Alliance herbs from rising too drastically over the next ten years.

"Alright then, I won't stay any longer. Someone will come here to buy it later."

Seeing that Elder Xiuyi had signed the contract, Jiang Shuzhou said goodbye and prepared to leave.

"Go on, young man, it's good to be busy."

Elder Xiu smiled kindly and didn't say anything more.

"Elder, they're like this..."

"Needless to say, everyone has their own ambitions, and we can't force them. But one day, they will realize the greatness of the will of nature."

After Elder Xiu finished speaking, he sat cross-legged and began to meditate.

As he meditated, the lush green plants around him began to synchronize with his breathing.

"Elder Xiu Yi's natural affinity has improved again; he might soon be able to advance to the Saint Realm."

"I agree..."

Soon, Jiang Shuzhou and the others left the Silent Forest.

"Pilates, remember to take this body back. I have something to do, I'm leaving now."

Jiang Shuzhou was eager to return home, so he immediately absorbed the spiritual seed within the body and left on the spot.

He had already transported the Order Cube back. Now it's just a puppet here. If it weren't for the fear of wasting it, he wouldn't care if he lost it.

"Cough cough, me too."

"Thank you for your help."

Pilates was devastated; everyone who came was alive and well, but everyone who left was gone.

But there was nothing he could do; that's just how monks are.

And so, Pilates and his group, carrying three puppets on their backs, began their journey home.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Today is a good day, do you know why?"

Jiang Shuzhou looked at Denuozhi and asked her.

Denoz shook his head.

"Because from then on, I was free from all constraints."

Denoz nodded, and then fell silent.

This kid is always like this; he hasn't smiled much since he started working under Jiang Shuzhou.

Even though Jiang Shuzhou himself is so optimistic and cheerful, he couldn't be infected by her, which shows how much hatred can affect people.

In the Fifth Academy.

It was now the holidays, and Booker had finished his classes and was studying at the library.

"I'm gone."

Jiang Shuzhou called out, then reached out, closed the book, and left the library with it.

Immediately afterwards, Jiang Shuzhou packed his things and left the Fifth Academy.

Finally, he took one last, deep look at the place.

Looking at this familiar yet unfamiliar college, Jiang Shuzhou felt a mix of emotions.

A year ago, he came here not only to spread knowledge, but also to acquire knowledge.

A year later, he left again.

A year ago, Jiang Shuzhou was a mid-level alchemist; now, he is a top-tier alchemist in the entire alliance.

"Where are we going?"

"Denozzi asked."

"Back to my territory, back to Hamlet."

Jiang Shuzhou responded.

Hamlet, your lord has returned.