Candlefort, a fortress with many towers, was once the home of the great prophet Calder, and the large library here holds his prophecies about the future of the continent of Walsted.

This temple of knowledge, located on a volcanic cliff overlooking the sea in the southern part of the 'Svoë Bay', is at the end of the 'Lion's Road', a narrow path that spreads and zigzags to the main trade route between 'Naurez' and the major cities of the Bay of Wall.

In addition to its somewhat remote location, Candle Keep is also protected by powerful multiple enchantments!

Except for oil lamps and candles, there is nothing to burn, which effectively prevents all kinds of valuable books from being accidentally burned. In addition to this, these enchantments can block teleportation spells as well as destructive spells, kill all mold and insects, and have some other secret properties.

There is an absolute law in Candlefort: "Anyone who destroys knowledge...... Whether it is ink, fire, or sword, it is he who brings about his own destruction! Here, books are more important than human lives. ”

And the implementation of this law is carried out by the 'Guardian of the Scroll' Ulant, who controls the castle, and its two major institutions, the 'Reader' and the 'Guardian'.

In this temple of knowledge, a profession was born: the "Arcane Scholar".

Arcane scholars worked tirelessly in the Great Library to read manuscripts handed down by mages who had died thousands of years ago, and were committed to elevating the study of magic to the level of a discipline. They are not interested in developing new spells and mining spells for special uses, but rather strive to understand the basic processes of spell formation and the inner workings of the web of magic, which is the basis of all magical construction.

But even the Candlekeep's collection is limited, and not all magic developers are interested in documenting their developments, so Arcane scholars are scattered around the wider world, observing and documenting all kinds of magical feats they can find. The practice gradually spread, and later a number of mages who had never been to Candlekeep used their methods and similar techniques to use magic.

……

Through the narration of the halfling old Walker, Weizel has a general impression of Candlesburg.

Located at the southernmost tip of the Redpyle region, 'Naurez', further south is the bay region known as 'Swo', which is dotted with cities.

The road connecting 'Naurez' to these cities leads to a branch road to the south of 'Svoë Bay', the narrow 'Lion's Road', and ends in Wieseld's destination, Candlefort.

"Man! In order to enter the Candle Keep, one more condition must be met......"

The halfling, who sat opposite Weized, said, "Travelers from outside, the price of entering this castle is nothing more than a book. However, anyone who wants to do research in the Great Library of Candlestick must provide Candlestick with a book that is not included in it! ”

"According to the valuation, such a book ...... The value will not be lower than 1000 gold, or even higher! ”

"Of course, I also have a secret path here......"

With that, the philistine-looking old Walker rubbed his fingers again.

It wasn't until he received a tip from Weizel that he continued: "The Temple of Ogmar (God of Knowledge) in the Candlefort also buys this type of book through the priest...... You can go to the temple through my seal to get the necessary help. ”

"Wizede, my fellow! I hope you have a safe journey......"

Old Walker jumped from his chair to the ground and walked back towards the tavern bar.

Silently picking up a black iron seal engraved with a high mound pattern that the halfling had placed on the dining table, Wei Zede stood up and walked up to the guest room on the second floor of the Stone Fire Tavern.

……

Going to Candlecastle is not a spur of the moment.

When Weizel came into contact with the unknown piece of metal, it was like a little spark ignited in his chest and in his soul...... And it was this wonderful feeling that drove and led him to Candlecastle and unravel the unknown mysteries contained in the metal plates.

“…… There was a feeling that this piece of metal must have something to do with my profession! ”

Wei Zede, who was leaning on the head of the bed, was full of anticipation: "What kind of profession will it be?" ”

Although there was no need for sleep, a nap was still necessary, and just like that, the night passed quickly.

The next morning, after bidding farewell to old Walker, the fully equipped Weizel hurried to the 'Caravan District' in the south of the city, where he was going to stock up on some necessities before looking for a caravan to the south of Swagharf'.

On the continent of Worsted, the familiar roads may be crowded with pedestrians, but this does not mean that walking on the roads is absolutely safe! Deadly magic, terrifying monsters, and brutal rulers are all dangers that people must be prepared to deal with when traveling. This is especially true in towns and villages that are far from arterial roads and cities, and this becomes more frequent and sinister...... Even farms or farms that are only a day's walk from Naurez are likely to be infested with wild beasts and monsters.

Wearable clothes and trousers, sturdy and warm leather boots, windproof capes, water, dry food......

In order to make the journey, Weizel used his experience to procure many necessary items, and in the process, he was fortunate to find a large caravan that was about to set off in the early afternoon.

After paying a large sum of gold coins, Weizel was led outside the south gate of the city, where many people had gathered at the caravan, dozens of large carriages were parked nearby, and a group of heavily armed guards were scattered around the caravan.

Soon, the time for the caravan to depart arrived.

The whole team was moving quickly and efficiently, and the men climbed into the carriage and drove the cart forward, while the guards also divided their men and rode their horses to explore the way.

These caravan guards did not simply follow the caravan, in the field, their role was equivalent to scouts.

What are the road conditions ahead? Do you need to be dirouted? Are there any beasts nearby? Will there be any danger? Are there robbers? Can you negotiate? These are the jobs of the caravan guards!

Because of this, only experienced adventurers are qualified to serve as caravan guards.

……

At this time, more than four or five hours had passed since the departure of the port city of 'Naurez', and the sky had gradually darkened, and Weized, who was riding a tall horse, was quietly following the caravan by reading a book, but at this moment, the sound of horses' hooves from far and near came from behind him.