"Read it carefully," Mark advised. "How you want to carry out the mission is also the purpose of our exercises. ”

Gwen read the document at a speed that surprised Mark, and then read it again as insurance. As she said before, the mission consisted of escorting a young woman from Blackheath to Mount Surie.

"Why does an Anonymous Guardian need a mage to keep her company?" asked Gwen, confused by the context even after reading the document twice.

"Uh-huh......" Mark said in a voice that was both amused and impatient. "Do you know where Blackheath is?"

"I know it's ...... within the city limits"

"But you've never been outside of the Midwest, have you?"

"No......," the soothsayer was right.

"Have you ever been to the suburbs, I mean only Nona?"

Gwen carefully considered Mark's sarcastic inquiry and realized, no, she had indeed never intruded into a suburb inhabited only by Nomees.

"No..."

"What kind of place do you think this is?"

Gwen did not respond to Mark's inquiry. Maybe it's the slums? She'd seen the slums of Sydney in her old world. There are parks where homeless people sleep, and occasionally people smoke on the side of the alley. That's not bad.

She shook her head.

"So there you have it, and that's why you've been chosen to do this simple task exclusively. ”

"Specifically?" Gwen raised an eyebrow.

"Of course, it's made for you. Mark Chandler giggled, his manners were chorus and melancholy Henry went out of his way to let me throw you into the lion's den, but honestly, it was more like a rat's den. But, you get the idea. ”

"Is this girl special in some way?" Gwen asked. She couldn't understand why someone would spend more than 200 dollars to get a young prostitute back. Is there some conspiracy? Is she a woman with terrible messages?

"All life is special," Mark replied vaguely. "But I'm talking too much. You should talk to your employer yourself, not me. It's your pursuit. If you don't want to take it, go home to Henry. I'm sure he'll find a spot for the Kill Tower team from you. ”

He pointed to another envelope on her desk.

"Your driver's license. ”

Gwen opened the yellow envelope, which contained an ID card made from the same trans material as her student ID.

Gwen Song

Magician (2)

Arousal (3)

Lightning (3)

Age: 16 years old

Achievement: [N/A]

Patron [fab company.mark C.]

Agent: Black Cat

"This card allows you to perform a small magical feat within the city limits: a temporary public magical practice license. ”

There is also a booklet on the license, as well as a contract.

"Read these carefully. If you don't mind, sign here and here. ”

Gwen pored over the heavy legal documents. She glanced at Mark and felt a transcendent suspicion in her chest. They didn't expect her to kill or maim people, did they?

"Did Alicia have a similar experience?"

"Your sister was sent on an expedition far from human civilization......"

"Yes. Gwen tempered her paranoia. If Mark knew about the apprentice, then it was self-evident that her master trusted the soothsayer. The whole thing was a test, and if she went around cutting down and burning down their houses, it would not be good for the noble rights she preached.

She looked at the document again.

"It is said that I am allowed to defend myself by lethal force within the city limits...... Can I expect someone to use lethal force against me, in the city?"

"This is a clause that the tower negotiated with the border government. If it's really a Savage or Rogue Mage that threatens your life, you'd be hard-pressed to use your weakest spell. ”

"Isn't that a bit excessive?" Gwen couldn't help but wonder if someone would threaten her life during this mission.

"It's not a perfect system. Look, am I your guarantor?"

"Go on. ”

"I am personally responsible for your choices. If your actions are proven to be a criminal offense, my job is to cooperate with the police to arrest you. ”

Gwen tucked the card between her fingers, feeling fuller and denser than her student ID.

"I guess this card can still track my location?"

Mark adds, "It also tracks important magical activities. ”。 "But there is no detail or substance. After all, we are just a frontier city. Sydney is not London. ”

"I see. ”

Gwen is no longer surprised that her privacy is fed to the dog. Her master is stalking her, the school is stalking her, and God knows who else is stalking her.

She signed the paperwork and watched as the parchment disappeared into Mark's ring.

"Okay, then I'd better go to work. Gwen got up from her chair and put her clothes down. "I think Madame is waiting for me. For example, Bordello and the café have the same name, is there a story behind that?"

"It's a long story," Mark replied coldly. "You see, I'll tell you someday, but ......"

“... Maybe when we get to know each other. I read you clearly. Can I ask you if I have any questions?"

"Of course, I am your guide and mentor, after all, this is my message symbol. Do you know how to use the information?"

"No equipment, no work, no work. ”

"I'll teach you someday - if you can make it through. ”

"Thanks, then I'll go. ”

Gwen knocked on the door she had left two hours earlier.

"Welcome back. The lady opened the door with her rosy smile. "Mrs. Agnes Kitson. ”

"Gwen Song. "I'll be taken care of by you," Gwen replied. "Are you a customer?"

"I pay, but no, I'm not a customer. "Come in," Madame led her in. "Your client is in my office. She waited so much. Mark said you'd come early. ”

"I'm sorry the red tape took a while," Gwen apologized for saying I'm here now. ”

They walked through the hallway. Inside, the décor is modeled after the decadent period of French history, elegant, despite its business nature. Inside, she attracts curious glances from women in all stripping states. Gwen praised her timing, it was noon, and the place wouldn't be receiving customers until much later. Instead, the girls drank tea and coffee and watched videos in the common room.

At the back of the double terrace, the two walked to what looked like Madame's office, a converted bedside table. In the house, Madame introduces Gwen to a young woman named Sally Cantwell.

"Sal, this is Gwen. Gwen, Sally Cantwell. ”

Her "client" had light brown hair, small rings, light green eyes, and a delicate face, with the girl-next-door temperament, which Gwen knew was especially popular among some men. By the same standard, while Gwen herself is special, men often find her intimidating.

Gwen held out a hand in greeting, and the girl shuddered with fear. To her chagrin, Sally made a pleading gesture and held her fingers with both hands.

"Madame Mage, I'm glad you can help us," Sally pleaded.

"Please, Gwen. Sally's flattering pleas made her creepy.

Sally asked Agnes for guidance, who nodded.

"Miss Song, Gwen, thank you for coming, I ...... Whew......"

Agnes patted the poor girl with a jeweled hand.

Agnes patiently explained, "Wildlings from outside Area 15 can't talk to many mages, let alone the quasi-elementalist elite. "They are easily frightened. ”

What about you? Gwen wanted to ask. Agnes looks like she could do harm.

"Sal, calm down. Gwen is an affable young lady. You can talk to her as you would talk to me. She won't hurt you and won't want to take advantage of you. ”

"Okay. Sally gasped. "Hello, I'm Sally Cantwell......"

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sal. Gwen kept the nickname for herself, hoping it would reassure the girl. "Tell me about your sister, Stacy. ”

Sally told them what Gwen had gathered from the file. The sisters come from a poor area called Blackheath, which is inhabited by both the working and lower classes. The girls have a troublesome, abusive family, which causes them to leave school and home prematurely. They searched for work everywhere and eventually found their way to Agnes' house. Madame was very nice to them, gave them a place to stay, and everything was fine for half a year. Unlike Sally, Stacey has a crush on their family at Blackheath, returning every two weeks with gifts of money and food. Just a week ago, thanks to a curious client, Sally and her sister had the opportunity to undergo an affinity test. To their surprise, Stacy registers to become a magician with an affinity for water. There were few awakenings in later life, but very little meaning, so Agnes didn't care about it. However, when Stacy returns to Blackheath for the weekend, she disappears.

"She didn't leave a message or anything?" Gwen asked suspiciously.

Sally looked blankly at Gwen. Agnes coughed softly, breaking the awkward silence.

"Surya H can't use information spelling, not even on devices. "They can't produce mana...... Agnes whispered, speaking in a tone that is not very happy now, to illustrate Gwen's ignorance. "Of course, if they had mana crystals, they could do it, but Sally wasn't trained. ”

Gwen awkwardly realizes that all of this requires crystals, especially in areas where mages are lacking, and the exchange of names and LDM companies swells.

"Do you know if Stacy is safe?" She realizes that she seems to have lost touch and is back on duty.

Agnes patted her ear, where there was a large ruby earring.

Gwen points out that Sally also has one, although it seems much cheaper and more subtle.

"I asked Mark to do a divination so we know where she is. I designed a device that I would know if the girls were really hurt. She also wears earrings, which means she is at least not injured. ”

"So this is a request for rescue and escort?"

"Of course I don't want to. Agnes grimaced, her red lips pressed tightly together. "I don't know why Stacy can't go home alone, but it's your job to bring her home. How hard is it to convince a dozen wild men to leave a girl?"

"Do you think they're going to grab her because she's awakened as a mage?" Gwen asked Sally.

Sally shook her head, neither confirming nor denying.

"Those who come home ... She muttered incoherently, afraid of insulting Gwen. "So maybe that's why、......? I do not know. I hope they don't hurt the Stasi. ”

"She's safe, dear ......" Agnes patted Sally's hand and tapped her ruby earrings. "I know, trust me. ”

Man, it's a mess. Gwen organized the scene in her mind several times, recounting it over and over in her head. Judging by its voice, she needs to enter a ghetto where people will be hostile, keep silent, find the girl, and return with her to the black cat Bordelow.

"Well, can you do it?" Agnes asked, a little annoyed by Gwen's hesitation. "Time is ticking. ”

"Yes, I accept the assignment," Gwen replied solemnly. She couldn't seem to refuse. The whole thing is a test to see if she can adapt to the real world.

The women staggered to an agreement, after which Agnes kicked Sally out of the room.

"Gwen, can I talk to you?"

Gwen nodded.

"So, Gwen Song. Agnes smiled. "You've been gossip all over the past few days. ”

Gwen smiled innocently.

"You're Henry's...... Prott and Souya's granddaughter, right?" Agnes grinned mischievously, an expression that didn't fit in with an older woman.

"Oh, how did you meet Kilroy and Uncle Huang, miss... Mrs. Kitson?Gwen boldly asked a question of her own. Is this woman a member of the Cog Club?

"You can call me Kitty. Agnes said with a smile. "That's what the kids call me. ”

"May I call you Agnes?" Gwen insisted. She would rather not call Agnes by her nickname.

"Then Agnes. Agnes shrugged. "Gwen, I want to ask you something, and then you can go. ”

"Of course, let's say it. ”

Agnes walked around Gwen. She nonchalantly brushed a hand over the hem of Gwen's skirt, slapping the fabric over her pale legs, revealing their impressive length, before returning to its original position. Gwen screamed, angrily looking at Agnes and questioning her for her unsolicited harassment. If Agnes had been a man, she might have slapped her or beaten her hard.

"So, you don't have much experience with boys, don't you go out often?"

Gwen stared, forcing herself to be polite. What the hell is wrong with this woman?" But is that going to be a problem?"

"Okay......" Agnes bowed his head. She pointed to Gwen's clothes. "Did Mark tell you to do it?"

"What do you mean?" Gwen frowned. What's wrong with her clothes? She's not going to go deep into Abu Dhabi and has to wear a headscarf. Blackheath was two hours away from the helmet display, and even if she went out into the wild in this miniskirt, it would only cause a minor inconvenience. Is there a dress code for being a mercenary?

With her own sad face, Agnes caught Gwen's annoyance.

"Nothing. I'm just worried about your shoes. They look uncomfortable walking long distances. ”

The hostess chose not to say anything. In her opinion, Mark can't do anything wrong, and neither can Henry. This exploration is a baptism of fire for Henry's students and is meant to teach her that real life does not follow any instructional manual. According to Henry's purpose, the girl would come out of the trial stronger and wiser, or she would fail and return to the cauldron.

"Good luck. Agnes slapped Gwen on the ass, pushed her out of the room, and closed the door.

What a rude woman. Gwen gently stroked her wounded ass. Judging by the woman's overly familiar tone, she certainly fits well with this old antique.

Once she left Bordelow, Gwen headed for Redfin.

Blackheath Station is near the site of Canterwell's prophecy. As for Blackheath itself, she only knows the name of the suburbs. It was part of Sydney and strange and alien to her.

But what she fears most is getting lost.

Gwen knew she was not up to par in orienteering. That's the problem with this world: no Google Maps, no CBD, no satellite imagery. She couldn't even reach a needle in the face of the roar of mages moving mountains and boiling oceans to point her in the right direction.

All she had was a map and an address provided by Mark Chandler: Logan Crescent, Blackheath — to TripTalk.com 6:G23. Physical map!Gwen grimaced. The last time she touched it was in junior high school geography class. The process was so primitive that Gwen felt lost in her search for the north.

Still, she simulated the scenario in her head. Ideally, she enters what she thinks is a house: a single residence, a shack. Stacey's occupants will ask for it. She will bring the girl back, preferably safely, and then bring Stacy back to the black cat, and at worst cast some spells to scare those who try to stop her, or at worst, release her relatives and friends.

Of course, the reality may be different. Judging by Mark's evasion, the mission was both a test and an exploration.

Still running the analysis in her head, Gwen took the seventh line and headed to the Great West Depear, one of the largest natural resource management areas in this frontier city. Stop after stop, passengers got on and off the train, mostly mages and savages with practical professions. Once she made her way through the city circle, the person who wore last Sunday's best costume became the costume of the working class. After Strathfield, the mages were thinning down, and Noams began to drown the carriage. After passing Granville, the men and women also got out of the car, leaving Gwen alone, a few hideous-looking figures, now wandering around in the abandoned carriage.

She pulled out the message device. A simple display is 15:44. The sun outside was boiling and bursting the pavement. In Sydney's summer, the sun goes down after 8pm.

She was getting closer, and her heart began to beat to match the landing gear that had crashed into the rails. The farther she goes, the more persistent the view of the suburbs disappears. The outside scenery has changed from suburban houses to cramped apartments, and now they are becoming denser and more compact.

"Bingbang~. ”

"Next stop, Seven Mills, the service will end at Blackheath. This service will be terminated at the next stop. “

Gwen's sense of alertness grew stronger as he went from station to station, the sky shrinking, and the makeshift structures expanding. They were now in seven mills, but the scenery didn't look like the Sydney she knew.

The station was unshaded, but it felt as if she was underground. She bent her neck to take a look, and a jumble of buildings had taken over the station, protruding everywhere like architectural cancer.

"This train is coming to the next station. ”

When the train starts again, deep into the slums, Gwen realizes her terrible innocence.

This Black Wasteland was not the Black Wasteland she knew. This is not a dilapidated house, nor is it a working-class man who hangs his head in front of the beaten Brigadier General. It's not the scantily clad women who wear too much makeup who are teased by young men with small collars. It's not even a cunning-looking immigrant man, nor a tired indigenous man napping on the sidewalk with a dog.

It's a separate city: a municipality, a town without the help of shapeshifters, no magic towers or fortified magic from the abandoners. It's a suburb populated by hapless savages who barely make ends meet on the edge of Wizard City. Blackheath is made from scraps and leftovers. Above and below, there are piles of bones on top of bones, and each skull is eating away at the next.

The train was coming into the station, although Gwen hadn't left her seat yet. She didn't know what to do anymore. How could she find this address in such a place? This damn suburb is expanding horizontally as much as it is vertically! From the shelter of the carriage, she could see some wild people spinning around outside the platform. Some of them appear to be homeless, elderly people living under sewn sheets. Elsewhere, even more frightening, the wayward-looking young people gathered under an abandoned bus shelter, surrounded by a ring of pungent smoke. A woman stands under a porch, leaning against a wall and a large man drinking a bottle of wine. There was a scene where money was exchanged, and then they all disappeared. Not far away, a dog leisurely crosses the street. A young man threw a bottle. It missed, the dog fled, and his friends burst into laughter.

Still as rigid as the Greco statue, Gwen considered her options.

She looked at the wall of the protective railing outside and saw a clear, beautiful graffiti label:

"the magician," it elegantly reads.

She was sure of what the other person had said:

'$$D$Ape B'''

Part of the script is obscured by a series of dollar signs. Suffice it to say, Gwen doesn't believe the words "grape shorts"

Oh, oh, she's moaning. How far is she on the fucking creek? Maybe she can do this tomorrow? She can come back in a black tracksuit.

That damn Agnes. Gwen realized. She knows, she fucking knows these boots aren't for walking, my ass.

She carefully considered her next move. Her train service has been terminated. Either way, she had to leave the train to catch another train to get out of here. She must find Stacy and do her duty. She had to.

As the goddess of victory used to say, "Fuck it, do it." ”

It took Gwen a few seconds to pick herself up. There is no turning back. She can't go back to Mark in disgrace. What is her excuse?Mark, I'm frightened by the poor?What will her owner think?What will the tches company think?

With a new confidence, she walked towards the exit. As she stood, the few remaining passengers followed, moving to block the door.

Sexual intercourse.

She looked up and saw the eyes of a lanky man in cargo pants. With her heart pounding, she turned around and saw another man, older and uglier, blocking the exit from behind. A third man walked up to her, a taller man with a beer belly hanging from his jeans that were too tight.

Gwen instinctively put on her skirt and pulled the hem down another inch. She stepped back sideways, sandwiched between the two seats in the middle of the carriage. No matter what she chooses to do, she doesn't want to be beaten as a fool by the sneak attackers.

"Opa'G, young lady. The man mockingly put his invisible hat up.

His eyes licked Gwen like tongues, surveying her whole body. The other two snickered.

I was thinking, "The man reverently said if you could give me and my companion some crystals?"

Crystal Gwen was disgusted when she saw the man's dirty teeth. She stepped back a bit, almost pressing herself against the glass, but that only seemed to excite her attackers.

Test One?she wondered. Can she get out of this situation without three smoking corpses?

"What if I did?" Gwen tested, unsure where she was going.

"Why, then we won't bother you. ”

The other two continued to be dumbfounded.

Just some crystals

Gwen caught herself. No. Giving a man crystal is not a solution to her problem, but an invitation.

She swallowed nervously.

Ariel, get ready. She commanded those she knew, and her mink had always relied on her compassion. Slowly, Gwen felt a plan begin to take shape in her mind.

"Okay. If you let me in, I'll give you something. ”

The man nodded triumphantly, then gestured to his two companions.

They watched as Gwen cautiously moved outward, making sure no one was standing behind her. The men stared hungrily at her fair, smooth bare legs, juxtaposed with their scabbed skin. As she walked towards the sliding door, the trio confidently followed her. When she reached the door, Gwen stopped.

"It's the smallest change in me. She saw a crystal shard. It looks like a mana crystal, but there is a flickering, unstable mana inside. She threw it at someone who might have been the attacker. People watched it sail through the air, tinkling, and landing on the floor of the train.

Gwen runs away, the men greedily fumble for the crystal, and their friendship is immediately disintegrated by potential benefits. Behind her, the automatic door closed.

As the carriage erupted in sound and light, Gwen sprinted on a dead bolt and covered her ears.