My party arrived at the mage tower after a half-hour trek across the busy streets of London.

The pedestrians parted way for my entourage to pass through, as they repeatedly whispered the word, "Champion," amongst themselves as an explanation for my VIP treatment. None of them dared to approach me; my bodyguards made sure of that.

Bila, Van, Bjoukia, and Bjoukin regularly checked the rooftops to ensure that no assassins were waiting to shoot me with their bows.

When we arrived at the mage tower, a group of mages stood before the entrance. I was surprised to see Mordekai the Wiseman among them. As he was the only mage wearing white robes, it was easy to identify the Guildmaster of the London branch. The elder mage lowered his head respectfully, and the rest of the guildmates did the same. "Welcome to our Mage Tower, Successor."

"Thank you," I responded with a polite nod. I planned to see Mordekai and inquire about learning light magic from him since he specialized in it; magic from the Light Sphere was relatively rare compared to the basic four elemental magic.

I waved my hands toward my entourage. "Is there room for my followers to refresh themselves somewhere inside the tower?" I asked. I felt like an unannounced visitor bringing too many guests to stay over at the house; it was rude and unfair to the Guildmaster.

To his credit, the Guildmaster nodded. "We will find accommodations for them," Mordekai declared. "Now, where would you like to go first?" he asked.

"I have two destinations. First, I want to visit Merlin's Workshop. Then I will drop by the Magic Shop," I answered.

The white mage's eyes danced with delight. Mordekai had never visited Merlin's Workshop within the tower because it was both sealed and protected by deadly guardians. He turned around to face his guild members.

They realized that at least one person among them would be chosen to guide my followers to a resting place, while the rest will be free to accompany Mordekai and myself to enter the mysterious workshop.

Mordekai slowly turned his head back and forth as the mages held their breaths. Finally, he chose the guide: "Yana, you will take the Successor's followers to the Guest Rooms."

A green-robed, young looking mage with dark brown hair sighed. "Yes, Guildmaster," she said and stepped forward. Yana looked at my entourage. "Please follow me," she requested politely.

I turned around to address my followers. "Everyone who joined me today will follow Yana to the guest rooms," I ordered.

Basdeng, the knight leader, opened his mouth to protest but Van held up his hand. "I assure you that our Champion will be safe inside the tower," the paladin said.

Basdeng saluted. "Yes, sir!"

With the knight leader onboard with my decision, the rest of my entourage followed Yana and entered the tower.

Mordekai waited a few moments for the visitors to teleport and clear the lobby. Then the guildmaster entered with his entourage.

I followed them, and my party entered behind me. Once I saw that everyone was inside, I said, "Please join hands." Then I invoked the power word, "Merlin!"

The world turned into a kaleidoscope as we teleported to another floor. We arrived in a large, empty room with a black door which was adorned in an exact manner as the door to Merlin's Workshop back in Southampton.

Knowing what will happen next, I took out the black key and unlocked the door. I watched as a magical guardian emerged from the door and stood before me.

The creature's putty-like nature hardened and took a humanoid shape with a head and four limbs. The eyes formed last, and they glowed with a golden color. The Guardian reached out with its right hand and penetrated my chest to grip my heart.

I felt its cold touch. "-2 Permanent Health."

The Guardian retracted its hand and finally spoke. "I recognize you as Merlin's Successor and the new owner of Merlin's Workshop. Please proceed." The creature bowed respectfully and returned to the door.

I entered the workshop and looked around. While the air was stale, the room was dust-free. The floor was set up similar to the workshop in Southampton. Ignoring the alchemy workstation near the front, I immediately crossed the floor toward the back. When I approached the bed and study area, two shadows appeared to block my path.

They studied me for a moment, nodded in acceptance of my status as the new owner, and disbursed as mists.

I walked along the wall until I heard the slight "ding" sound. I turned and pressed my hand on the wall. The panel opened, and I stepped into the walk-in closet. I quickly found Merlin's Spellbook on a shelf and took it. When I opened the cover, it resisted for a moment, and then I heard a "ding" sound. The book opened, and I quickly flipped through the pages. The leather bound book contained Eighth-Tier spells.

"What did you find?" someone asked.

I turned around and saw Mordekai. I handed him the spellbook.

The white mage accepted it gratefully. After skimming through halfway, he made a low whistle. "Very impressive," the Wiseman remarked.

I opened my messenger bag and took out the other Merlin's Spellbook in my possession. I handed it to Mordekai.

His brows shot up when the mage realized the book contained Ninth-Tier spells.

I looked across the floor in Rijana's direction and yelled: "Rijana, did you find anything special?" She was examining the mortar and pestle on the table.

"No," she yelled back.

I shook my head. I was disappointed to learn that Merlin's Spellbook was the only item of value I found in this workshop. I turned back toward Mordekai and said, "I want to visit the Magic Shop now."

"Yes, Successor," the Guildmaster nodded and returned the spellbooks. He turned around and announced, "We're leaving the workshop."

The guild members were surprised and disappointed. They were fascinated by the workshop and wanted to examine every inch of it. But they also realized that if they resisted, then I, as the current owner of Merlin's Workshop, could summon the deadly guardians to expel them. Thus, the mages quickly walked through the exit and gathered in the empty room outside the workshop.

I joined them and patiently waited for everyone to leave. When the workshop was empty of visitors, I locked the door, and we joined hands.

This time, though, Mordekai was the one who involved the word of power, "Tabernam!"

We teleported into the hallway in front of the Magic Shop.

I turned toward Mordekai and made a request. "Can you get the Shopkeeper?" I asked. Since I was visiting the shop in London for the first time, and I never met the owner.

The white mage nodded. "At once, Successor." Mordekai entered the shop and soon disappeared into a back office. He returned a minute later with someone following him. "Successor, this is Galvorg Teaspoon, the proprietor of the Magic Shop in the London branch," Mordekai introduced him.

I saw a short gnome with an impressive, fiery beard standing before me. "Well met. I am Lawrence Eugene Mulligan."

The owner offered a deep bow. "What can I do for you, Successor Mulligan?" Galvorg asked holding his hands in front of his chest.

I gave him a wry smile. "What is the value of your entire inventory?" I asked.

"Huh?" The gnome was shocked by the question. "What do you mean?" he asked tepidly.

"If I were to buy everything in this store, how much will you ask?"

Galvorg folded his forearms across his chest. He met my eyes with an incredulous look. But suddenly, he made a realization. "You're serious," he muttered.

I nodded.

The gnome took a deep breath. "Two hundred fifty million gold coins!" Galvorg announced loudly and puffed his chest. Like a dragon, the owner took great pride in hoarding valuable items, and Galvorg believed he had the most expensive shop in the entire kingdom!

I heard muttering from the patrons watching us. They were helpless witnesses to this astonishing event. Was I wealthy enough to buy out the store? And if so, where will they go to buy magic scrolls and other necessities?

Galvorg's face lit up when I pulled out a rainbow-colored card. He recognized it as a registry for purchases against Merlin's legendary funds held by the Magic Guild. He turned toward Mordekai. "How much did Merlin have in his account?" the shopkeeper asked quietly.

"One hundred fifty million platinum coins," the guildmaster announced aloud for the benefit of his guild members, who gasped and swore softly.

The gnome frowned at the answer. He sighed and returned his attention to me. "I guess you're now the new owner of the Magic Shop," Galvorg conceded unhappily.

I turned toward Mordekai and asked, "How do I make payment?"

The white mage replied, "The two of you have to hold the card, and you have to say the agreed purchase price aloud."

I turned back toward Galvorg. "You're fine with selling your shop for two hundred fifty million gold coins?" I asked for confirmation.

The gnome raised his hand. "Listen, if I sell my shop to you, can I stay as your store employee? This place is my home," he explained.

"Sure," I answered. "I was going ask you to stay anyway," I added.

Galvorg grinned. He was going to cash out AND make me pay him to stay! As far as the gnome was concerned, he played me for a sucker! He held the edge of the card.

I did the same and said, "Two hundred fifty million gold coins." I heard a soft "ding" sound.

The former owner released the card and held out his hand.

I shook it and received a firm grip. Once I stored the precious card, I turned to address the patrons, who were watching anxiously. "As the new owner, I will make everything in this shop available for free under two conditions: First, you take only what you can use personally. Second, you will enroll and join my army of Order to fight for the kingdom. If you refuse to sign up, then you will continue to pay for your purchases as if Galvorg was still the owner."

The mages started discussing my offer amongst themselves.

"That is very generous of you," the Wiseman remarked.

I turned to face him. "I need an enticing offer to convince our guild members to join the army."

Galvorg laughed heartily and patted my back. "Hahaha! That is so true!"

I turned toward my party. "Please look around and take whatever you need," I said.

My companions immediately walked toward different shelves and displays.

Mordekai looked at me with a severe expression. "You plan to buy out all the magic shops?" he asked.

I nodded.

The white mage took a deep breath. "In that case, I can contact the shopkeepers on your behalf and arrange for them to teleport here to complete the transaction. But I must note that it's unlikely the vendors at the Magic Bazaar in Southampton will agree to sell out their inventory," he warned.

"That's fine." I understood that Southampton did things differently from everyone else in the kingdom. I was not a tyrant, and I didn't wish to force unwanted change upon the Southamptonians.

The gnome cleared his throat. "Successor, is there anything you want at this shop?" he inquired while looking anxiously at the mages who had multiplied in numbers after learning of my offer of free magic items for enrollment with the army.

I looked around. I wasn't sure if I needed anything.

Dovarata interjected on my behalf. "Lord Mulligan could use a magic item with the Featherfall effect. And he desperately needs a Bag of Holding. It's scandalous how your Successor is carrying that bulky messenger bag like a donkey!" she scoffed while pointing at my pack.

The shopkeeper's eyes stared at my pack with a big frown. "Yes, you are right!" Galvorg nodded in agreement. "I'll be right back!" The gnome hurried to enter his office.

I scowled at the Draco. "You didn't need to embarrass me like that," I complained.

"Now, now," Sister Waverly said and patted my arm gently. "Dovarata has your best interest at heart."

The mischievous Draco grinned.

"Why did you ask for an item enchanted with Featherfall?" Bila asked out of curiosity. The cat girl remembered that I had used Fly to intercept Dovarata in her dragon form when she arrived in London. Wasn't it redundant to use Featherfall when Fly was available?

Rijana raised her hand to draw my attention. "Because Dovarata expects Lord Mulligan to engage in aerial combat," she explained.

Bjoukia's eyes lit up with delight as she realized what the enchanter meant. The fighter turned toward me and said, "You're going to ride Dovarata in her dragon form to fight Arthur." She became jealous of the thought of me having a mighty dragon as my steed.

The Draco puffed her chest and nodded. "If Lord Mulligan falls off my back, then the Featherfall effect will trigger to slow his descent to the ground," Dovarata added.

Bila raised her hand. "But can't he cast Fly if he falls off?" she asked.

Rijana smiled at the question. It was simple but showed the cat girl's lack of understanding of spell casting. Nonetheless, she patiently explained the challenge of casting while falling. "If you're falling from a great height, your body will be twisting and turning in the air, right?"

The cat girl tilted her head for a moment to consider the scenario and then nodded.

"Spellcasting requires mental concentration. The very act of falling will interrupt this concentration and make it difficult to complete the spell," Rijana lectured. "Every time a spell is cast, there is always a probability of failure. And the higher the spell tier, the more difficult it is to cast the spell successfully. That's why mages receive experience points we whenever successfully cast our spells."

"Featherfall will buy me time to retrieve Lord Mulligan," Dovarata added.

"I see," Bila nodded, and her whiskers twitched.

Someone cleared his throat. We turned and saw that Galvorg had returned.

"Sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I have the two items you requested," the gnome said. He handed me a copper ring and a regular looking sack.

I accepted the items and received these notifications: "ACQUIRED: Copper Ring of Featherfall." "ACQUIRED: Bag of Holding." I immediately put the ring on my left thumb. Then I removed the messenger bag from my shoulder, opened it, and dumped its contents directly into the Bag of Holding. I watched in amazement as the magic bag gobbled up everything I threw in like a hungry slime monster. When the messenger pack was empty, I tossed it into the Bag of Holding, too.

When I finished this task, I turned toward Golvarg. "How many Healing and Mana Potions do you have in stock?" I inquired.

The shopkeeper walked over to the potions section of the store and did a quick inventory check. He blanched at his discovery that he ran out of both.

I stood before Galvorg and waited for his answer. "These folks took everything?" I asked while pointing a thumb at my guildmates.

The gnome nodded with a look of embarrassment.

I shook my head. "That's fine. I should have tried to get some first. That was my mistake," I admitted. "Is it possible to make more?" I asked hopefully.

Galvorg turned around and opened a few drawers in the cabinet. He turned back to me and reported, "It looks like there are enough ingredients for about two dozen of each potion."

"Please make them as soon as possible," I ordered.

My employee nodded.

I turned toward Mordekai the Wiseman, who had been watching my exchange in silence. "Mordekai, can I set some quests of my own for the guild members to fulfill?" I asked.

"Of course, Successor!" the white mage replied.

I smiled at the idea of offering my first quests to the NPCs in this world. "I need the ingredients to make Healing and Mana Potions, and alchemists to make them. You could set it up as a bounty for the ingredients and directly hire the alchemists if you prefer," I ordered.

"I will make the appropriate postings at our Jobs Board," Mordekai replied with a nod.

Van raised his hand. "Do you have any enchanted weapons to fight dragons or evil creatures?" he asked.

The gnome's thick brows rose. "What type of weapon are you seeking?" Galvorg inquired.

"Swords for them," while pointing at Bila, Bjoukia, and I, "and a blunt weapon for me," Van answered.

The store employee rubbed his hands. "I'll see what I can find," the gnome replied and walked away.

"I'll go look for special arrows," Bjoukin said and followed Galvorg.

I turned toward Sister Waverly and Rijana, who were standing together. "Do you guys need anything?"

The two women shook their heads.

"I prefer to fight barehanded," the sister reminded me.

"If I have to start using my staff, then we're in trouble," the mage joked and laughed.

"How come you didn't ask me if I want anything?" Dovarata pouted.

"You have sharp claws and hard scales," I pointed out. "You ARE a weapon."

The Draco preened like a peacock at my praise.

Bjoukia giggled.

A short while later, Galvorg and Bjoukin returned with weapons in their hands.

The ranger handed a mace to Van.

"This is named 'Bonecrusher.' It does double damage against goblinkin," Galvorg explained.

The paladin nodded his thanks.

Bjoukin handed a long sword to his sister.

"That sword provides +3 Strength, Attack, and Damage," the gnome pointed out.

"Thank you," Bjoukia said gratefully.

Galvorg handed a long sword to Bila. "This sword offers the same bonuses."

The cat girl's tail dangled happily in the air. "Nice!" Her eyes glowed, and she started purring.

My employee turned toward me and handed a long sword. It had a silver sheen along the blade. "This sword is named 'Lightbringer.' It creates a bright light that offers a Protection against Evil effect, and does double damage against Evil creatures," Galvorg explained.

"Thank you," I said and tied the sword's scabbard to my belt, next to my other sword which I received from my dojo.

"I have something else for you, Successor," Galvorg said as he pulled out a wand. "This is a Wand of Cold. It will be effective against a red dragon," he noted.

"Thank you," I said and accepted the magic wand. After putting it into my Bag of Holding, I said, "I'm going back to the Workshop and study the spellbooks."

I left the Magic Shop and waited in the hallway. Once my party joined me, we held hands, and I invoked the power word to return to Merlin's Workshop.