Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 154 The Thief's Stone
Zhang Yuan did not stay at Gaolibao for long. After handing over the Herbart Box and related notes and manuscripts to his mentor Tyrantier, he stayed only one night and left the next morning.

He couldn't help but chuckle as he recalled the expression on his usually stern face when his teacher stared wide-eyed at the box as he explained it.

However, while Tyranitar was completely absorbed in this matter, Zhang managed to acquire quite a few good things.

When Zhang Yuan had completed his studies and, feeling restless, left Gaolibao to embark on another adventure, he shamelessly asked his mentor for a few mid-to-high-level spell scrolls for "self-defense."

This rash request was, of course, rejected.

It's not that Tyrande is stingy; these scrolls are just a drop in the ocean for an archmage. The key point is:
“I warned you long ago that arcane magic is not something you can just throw away with sweat and brute force. You must always be cautious and restrained when using any magical power, especially spells that are beyond your control.”

Master Tyrantir explained while simultaneously reprimanding his greedy disciple.

"Do you think you can use a high-level scroll just because I gave it to you? Do you think you can manipulate its power at will just by tearing it open? With your ability to access the third layer of the magic network, you might be able to barely control fourth or fifth-circle arcane magic. But once you cross that line, the backlash from the spell going out of control will be enough to give you a hard time before you even get a chance to use it on your target."

In the end, Zhang Yuan only managed to obtain a few level-four spell scrolls, and that was only because he already possessed six spellcasting levels and was on the verge of accessing the fourth-circle magic net.

When the Grand Master handed it to him, he specifically instructed that the scroll was for research and study after advancing in rank, and not for some cheap disciple to squander.

Zhang Yuan returned to Gaolibao this time for two reasons: first, to present the treasure, and second...

Of course, it was a pity game. He pestered his teacher for a long time to complain about how the team was just starting out and how difficult it was to get started; how he was weak and burdened with heavy responsibilities and was exhausted; and how he would surely collapse if he tried any more.

After revealing that his squad was about to travel to Neverwinter, even Tyrantir, who was engrossed in observing the Herbart Box, paused and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Perhaps considering the long and dangerous journey from Baldur's Gate to Neverwinter, or as a reward for the surprise he had brought, or simply because he couldn't stand his stubborn apprentice's persistent pestering, the Archmage finally relented.

Despite the teacher's repeated warnings, someone happily accepted several fifth and sixth-level spell scrolls.

Knowing what's good for him, Zhang Yuan was naturally not foolish enough to act recklessly just because he had these scrolls as his trump card, which gave him more confidence for this trip.

Amidst the joy, the last item the teacher gave him left him with mixed feelings.

It was a miniature, bright gemstone with ever-changing colors. When you took it out and held it in your palm, you could see different colors flowing across it in the sunlight, which was very pleasing to the eye. When it was hidden in the dark, the gemstone emitted a hazy glow from within, as if you were holding a miniature rainbow in your hand.

This is one of the most precious gems in the world—the Thief's Stone.

"It's your decision to take the risk, and I won't interfere, but you need to consider the risks carefully. Although I know you have a lot of tricks up your sleeve, you should still keep this with you at all times."

Zhang Yuan's eyes widened at the sight of the gem as he received it. Even though he clearly understood the true value of a Thief's Stone, he couldn't help but wonder. While the Archmage was undoubtedly powerful and wealthy, he certainly wouldn't be so extravagant as to give away gems like marbles. "This Thief's Stone is sealed with a triggered gem teleportation spell. When you die, you will be teleported to Highhold," Tyrantir said, pointing downwards.
"But if you are teleported back by this gem, you will stay here as my experimental assistant and apprentice until you pay off your debts. Don't even think about stepping out of this mage tower."

Zhang Yuan, being clear-headed, knew that this was actually his teacher's good intention, but he still asked about the price out of curiosity, and then took his leave with a face ashen.

Standing outside Gaolibao, Zhang Yuan admired the Thief Stone for a while longer in the morning sun. He shuddered at the thought of that deadly number, and his hand recoiled as if stung by a scorpion. He carefully put the gem into his pocket.

Even knowing that a valuable item worth 1500 gold is bound to oneself and will not be lost, one still cannot help but feel anxious about losing it, wishing one could hide it in one's underwear.

They summoned the knights again, and the two of them rode straight towards Belgost.

The summer sun was already quite bright, and Zhang Yuan was riding towards the sunrise. His horse's hooves trod over the soft green grass, and his gentle hooves did not disturb the tranquility of the roadside woods. The clear chirping of birds made the bumpy ride seem a little easier.

Several hours later, Zhang Yuan dismounted from his Nightmare Horse, shaded his eyes with his hand, and looked eastward. It was noon, and he could vaguely see wisps of smoke rising from the town.

Belgost was not far away. After taking a few sips of water, he looked around and, seeing that no one was around, had the Chaos Knight follow behind. He left the main road and went into the woods to find a place with dense bushes. He then loosened his belt and prepared to relieve himself.

The waterfall plunges three thousand feet, as if the Yellow River were falling from the ninth heaven.

After relieving the pressure on his bladder, a certain ill-mannered passerby pulled up his pants and belt, ready to mount his horse and continue on his way. But then his ears twitched, and he heard the rustling of leaves in the nearby woods, as well as a faint sound of a woman crying.

Secretly ordering the Chaos Knight to circle to the side and stop behind a tall tree as a backup, Zhang Yuan cast an invisibility spell on himself and stealthily went forward to investigate.

In the past, Zhang would have simply pretended not to notice these things and prioritized self-preservation. But things are different now, and this confident man is determined to see what really happened.

With a casual flick of his wrist, Zhang Yuan pushed aside the tangled branches and bent down to pass through the intersecting trunks. He moved slowly and gracefully through the forest, displaying a seasoned and unrestrained air. His battle-ready robes did not appear bulky at all.

The person who followed the sound could clearly hear the disturbance in the woods and the woman's sobs, so he made his steps even softer and his movements even more gentle.

After passing through several thickets, although some trees still obstruct the view, one can already vaguely glimpse the scene ahead through the gaps.

Taking two steps closer, the view became clearer. In an open space, two men dressed in leather armor as mercenaries were eating dry rations and chatting.

Right beside them, a beautiful figure tightly bound by ropes made Zhang Yuan's eyes widen in surprise.

(End of this chapter)