The Greatest Sinner

"Paradise of Bliss" was Marcel's most beloved place. It was also the most luxurious restaurant in Mossy Vulture, with the rarest and most interesting dishes.

Click.

By the time Marcel arrived, everything had been ready. They were greeted by an exquisitely dressed waiter, who led them to the second floor.

While going up to the second floor Evan was looking closely at the first floor. In addition to the harmonious decor, expensive furniture, marble floor and carved columns of quartz, Evan saw what kind of people attended this place.

To his surprise, the people did not look pompous or pretentious. A man in a tuxedo could sit at one table and dine with a man in plain clothes. The visitors were all different, dressed in mantles, cloaks, and even armor.

Evan quickly understood why these people looked the way they did.

<Well, is this place so elite that only magicians can afford to come here?> Evan only saw a few merchants, though he wasn't entirely sure of that.

<It's a strange feeling... in the other establishments of Marcel everyone looked so arrogant, but here it's like a completely different world.>

Evan was partly right. The magicians weren't interested in showing off their wealth or influence. Everyone understood that. They came here to enjoy the best food in all of Mossy Vulture, that's all.

When they reached the second floor, Evan was surprised by the opulence of the place once again. What caught Evan's attention was the large glass dome instead of the ceiling above the entire second floor.

On the second floor, there was no one there but them. Marcel, as the owner of this place, could easily set aside a whole floor for eating. He did not usually do this, but today was a special occasion.

They sat down at a rectangular table made of blue crystal, and apart from being incredibly beautiful, it slowly shimmered in different colors from the sunlight like a diamond.

Marcel ordered, the waiter smiled pleasantly and left. At that moment, Evan noticed something strange.

<Hmm, it's really hot outside, but it's so cool in here.> Evan didn't understand how that was possible, but then he saw the glistening blue stones in the floor and walls.

The cool was going from them and it wasn't hard to guess that they were the reason it was such a comfortable temperature.

After a while, they were served dishes. They were varied, differing both in size and appearance.

There was meat from unusual and rare animals, the freshest seafood, unique fruits and vegetables, and it was all prepared by one of the best cooks in the whole kingdom.

Evan was very hungry, so he quickly pounced on the meat. Marcel proceeded to his favorite seafood, Zak and Fien were eating everything.

In addition to the incredible food, there was also a lot of drinks and cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Evan had never seen most of it, so he tried as many as he could.

While eating, they were chatting about various topics, most of which involved the Academy of Magic and the "Pond of Mountain Crystals".

Hardly anyone said anything about the tournament that had taken place. They had already seen everything with their own eyes.

When it came to the "Pond of Mountain Crystals", Marcel calmly said: "Evan, you are very lucky to have this opportunity. Before you go to the Academy, it's the best place to be. Too bad, Fien was only in the first section."

Hearing Marcel's words, Evan asked puzzled: "А? Has Fien visited the "Pond of Mountain Crystals" yet?"

He thought that only members of the Erden Family and the Cross Family could enter that place.

Marcel nodded and said: "Yes, for a fee or by special permission from Koen and Fane, one can visit the" Pond of Mountain Crystals". However, unless it's a member of one of the two Families, the first section is the only one that a person will be allowed to visit."

<They have such severe restrictions on outsiders. I can't wait to see how amazing the effect will be in the fourth section>. Evan thought to himself, taking a sip of his blue cocktail.

Marcel wanted to say something, but Zak interrupted him, "What?! You sly fox! You could have told me that. It would have been good for Evan too, if he`d had the opportunity to "Create" there before the tournament."

Marcel shook his head and said: "I'm sorry, but I really doubt Evan would have been allowed in there. Before he won the tournament, no one had even known he existed."

"Fien, what do you think of the "Pond of Mountain Crystals"?" Evan asked quietly. He was curious to hear the opinion of someone who had been there and felt the effects firsthand.

The girl swallowed a piece of chocolate dessert and replied, "It's not a bad place, but I wouldn't say the first section is much better than the crystal room at our house. Of course, the fourth section is a whole other level."

"I see, by the way, where is the "Pond of Mountain Crystals" even located?" Until now, Evan didn't know exactly where he was to go tomorrow.

Marcel answered him in detail, "In the rock that is behind Mossy Vulture. There's a whole system of caves underneath it. Besides the "Pond of Mountain Crystals", there are also various mines where rare minerals and metals are mined."

"Wow, that rock is pretty useful."

"Yeah, sure, the "Pond of Mountain Crystals" is the most valuable thing under the rock. The 'Pond of Mountain Crystals" consists of several wide caves. Each one has a different rating depending on the mana saturation of the crystals."

"I thought there were only four caves, since there are as many sections."

Marcel shook his head and said: "No, you just don't imagine the size of all the caves that are there. There are twenty-seven caves in total in the "Pond of Mountain Crystals". Fourteen of the caves have a rating of 1, which means they are the first section. Another eight have a rating of 2, four have a rating of 3, and the last cave has a rating of 4, which is where you will go tomorrow."

"What an elaborate system..." Evan muttered slowly.

"Of course, for it is not only the most important place to increase the strength of the young men of the Erden Family and the Cross Family, but it is also a very profitable business. Many merchants are willing to shell out thousands of gold coins to send their children to the first section for even one day."

"Hmm, what about the other caves where the metals and minerals are mined? Do the two families own them, too?"

Marcel smiled and slowly answered, "It's a little more complicated here. Unlike the" Pond of Mountain Crystals", which is owned by both the Erden Family and the Cross Family, only one of the Families owns the different caves. Moreover, I also own several. Without them, I would not be able to grow my blacksmithing business."

Evan nodded and continued eating. During this conversation, he learned a great deal about Mossy Vulture and the influence of the two Families on this town.

Next, they made small talk and talked on distracted topics. When the sun had been changed by a beautiful blue moon, they left the restaurant and went their separate ways.

...

The next day Marcel took Evan to the "Pond of Mountain Crystals" as he had promised.