The queue progressed quickly, and within a few minutes, it was Leylin's turn.
Lancy stepped forward and produced the ring they had recently acquired at the gate, and showed it to the guard, who respectfully stepped aside to allow them to pass.
The second zone was a lot bigger than the first, and the shops were arranged in an organised manner, unlike the situation in the first zone.
*Thud Thud *
With Paul's guidance, Leylin and Lancy arrived at the centre of the second zone.
What was known as the communal centre was situated at the middle of the second zone. It was a humongous building that, based on its outward appearance, looked like a person's inverted palm pressed to the ground.
Each of those fingers was a wide entrance.
Magicians formed long lines, looking like ants as they constantly went through the entrances.
"This is where the Nightless City's internal affairs are conducted. These includes the renting of lodgings, the applications for store licenses, the issuing of missions, and so on. "
"If my Lords wish to rent an apartment, you can proceed to counters 1 to 15. Would you like me to queue on your behalf?"
"Fine," Leylin nodded.
Buying a place in the residential sector would cost around a hundred thousands magic crystals. Even though Leylin had quite a sum at hand, he was unwilling to splurge on an apartment so quickly.
There were many counters in the hall. After Paul left to join a queue, Leylin and Lancy found himself a seat and began to flip through one of the magazines left on a table.
"Rose Sanctuary and Fresh Blood White Bones are currently in a conflict. They are currently gathered in Margaret City, and the number of casualties is unknown…"
"It has been reported that magicians have found the culprit that caused the tsunami in the Eastern Sea- an Ancient Whale. Currently, Ennea Ivory Ring Tower is holding an emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures…"
"Looking to purchase large quantities of purified gems. Name your price."
There was plenty of news in the magazine, though they seemed outdated. Furthermore, the majority of the content was on sponsorships and the like.
"Sir, it's your turn now!"
Paul's voice travelled over. Leylin put down the magazine, heading to the 13th counter with Lancy.
"Welcome! How may I help you?"
Behind the counter was an adorable girl with a professional smile on her face, who was wearing something that was similar to lace. She seemed quite young, at most, eighteen or nineteen years old.
Leylin's gaze shifted to the back of the counter, where he caught a glimpse of the white ball behind the maiden's shapely backside.
"I wish to rent a house. The facilities must be complete, and it is best if it includes a laboratory, and the defensive spell formation has to be of at least this standard…"
Leylin stated his requirements.
"Please wait for a moment…" The rabbit maiden quickly flipped through the stack of parchments in front of her, closing her eyes from time to time while caressing a crystal ball with a metal base, as if she was communicating with someone.
"We have many houses that fit your requirements, but in order to rent a lodging in Nightless City, we require you to show evidence of… Ah! My lord! My sincerest apologies!"
Upon seeing the silver ring that Lancy step forward to reveal, the rabbit maiden's previously absent-minded expression completely changed.
She stood and bowed, showing her charming body and sturdy thighs, and the rabbit's tail behind her backside occasionally appearing. It gave one the urge to reach forward and grab hold of it. "So it was an official Magi! Please excuse Bayjess' rude behaviour!"
"It's fine. Tell us about the houses, rabbit!"
Lancy said coldly before she withdrew her right hand.
"For an official Magus of such high esteem, we strongly recommend apartments that are in the third zone or above. There is a total of thirteen empty houses that meet your requirements…"
As she spoke, she continued to rub the surface of the blue crystal ball.
Rainbow coloured lights converged in front of them and the multicoloured streaks formed many three-dimensional figures.
From the looks of it, it was a map of Nightless City, on which there were thirteen bright spots.
"All information about the apartments are on it, and there are also figures that allow you to view the structures of the lodgings."
Leylin took a quick look. All of the apartments were in the second zone or above, and the total area of the land was rather large. They were at least medium sized villas that included gardens and other entertainment facilities.
Nightless City was built on a mountain, and the higher up one went, the more valuable every inch became. In a place like this, the privileges and extravagant lifestyle that magicians were entitled to were especially evident from the area of land they had access to.
Leylin raised his hand and pressed on the villa that he was interested in.
*Ding!*
With a flash of white light, the model was magnified, and a three-dimensional figure was displayed in front of him.
"Medium-sized villa's location: Nightless City Zone 3, Large Hut Street #26. It includes a laboratory, a defensive spell formation, a negative energy reaction pool…"
Beside the 3D figure, there was also a white frame that displayed more information about the villa.
"I'll take this one. How much is the rent?"
Leylin pointed to one of the models and asked the rabbit maiden.
"Sir, the rent for this villa is a thousand magic crystals per month…" She peeked at Leylin and Lancy who seems like a couple, she looked as if she wanted to say something, and eventually made her mind. "If you join any one of the powers backing Nightless City, you'll be gifted a villa, and…"
"Alright. Which family do you come from?"
Leylin was very much aware that these employees were part of the powers behind Nightless City, and it was naturally their job to attract talents. They were sure to receive attractive rewards for their work if they were successful.
"The Mordeken family! I come from the Mordeken Family!" The rabbit maiden lowered her head but dare not seduce Leylin, if his wife is provoked she might just turn hostile against her, a magi family wouldn't take revenge for a mere slave like her, at most they might need to compensate with magic crystals.
The maiden carefully showed her branding, it was the shape of the palm but instead of having five fingers, as was the norm, there were actually six.
The sides of the brand were a little charred and twisted. From the looks of it, a branding iron had been used directly on her skin in the past. The contrast between that and the rabbit maiden's delicate skin gave rise to an abnormal sense of beauty.
"I understand! If there's anything I need in the future, I'll consider the Mordeken family first!"
Leylin's expression remained the same, unmoved by the offer. Paul, on the other hand, was salivating at the offer.
"Here are the magic crystals. We will be renting it for a year." Lancy threw a small bag of magic crystals towards the back of the counter.
After being rejected, the rabbit maiden's expression slightly darkened, but she immediately forced a smile.
Even though she wasn't able to convince an official Magus to join the family, she would still receive some rewards from this transaction.
The rabbit maiden asked for the ring on Lancy's finger, and placed it in a device behind her, within which an exotic symbol was inscribed. She then respectfully returned it to her.
"The pattern of the villa's defensive spell formation has already been marked onto your ring. You may enter the villa using the ring, and also make changes to the spell formation…"
Following which, the rabbit maiden passed them a bunch of keys and a document.
"Here are the keys to the rooms in the villa, as well as some important information. I hope you have a pleasant stay there!"
Leylin retrieved the items and walked out of the hall with Paul.
"He actually spent over ten thousand magic crystals in one go…"
Paul still had a look of disbelief on his face.
Although he had heard of how certain magicians were able to spend unimaginable amounts of wealth, being in actual contact with someone who had the means to do so was still an entirely different feeling.
"Having met such a magnanimous customer, my rewards will definitely not be meagre. I might even be able to get a generous tip as well…"
Paul began to let his imagination run wild.
"Bring me to the villa." Leylin tossed a few magic crystals to Paul before demanding.
"Of course! Your wish is my command."
Paul eyes brightened, and he quickly ran to the front. "Please follow me! There's not one place in Nightless City that this old man is not aware of."
....
*Rumble!*
Crystal clear spring water continuously flowed from a white canteen.
Under the white canteen was a half-nude marble statue. The statue was depicting a poised, long-haired maiden. In her eyes, there was an expression of indolence and perplexity. One hand was tugging on the skirt on her lower body, and the other hand was holding a white canteen upside down.
The spring water gathered below, forming a small pond. Different colored pebbles and fishes in the pool were reflecting the light.
Next to the pond were was a small garden. Inside the garden were different coloured flowers of unknown names. Different fragrances were mixed together, but it didn't feel jumbled; instead it provided a unique scent that made one feel refreshed.
Lancy walked around the garden leading the Knights and Anna, making sure they are familiar with the place before returning to the villa.
The villa was in Nightless City Zone 3, and there were very strict regulations for each of the three zones.
The zones above the third one were only for official Magi and trade, with the exception of some specialised servants that were permitted to pass through.
This villa had a huge area, and its magic defenses against spells were also strong. According to Leylin, a level 3 acolyte, or even an official Magus, would have no chances of entering. If they wanted to destroy this place, it would require a huge amount of effort from them.
However, Leylin still wanted to add some modifications and more defensive spell formations to this place.
This villa had 3 floors, two of them being above ground, and also a basement.
The apparatuses in the lab were very complete, and the furniture and other things were up to date.
The bedroom was on the second floor and even had an open balcony.
Leylin stood on the balcony and observed the distant scenery.
The sun was setting; the dark curtain of night gradually enveloping the surroundings.
*Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!*
By the side of the road, one lantern after another was being lit, extending far into the distance.
The little spots of light had an effect as they lit together, finally forming a huge body of light.
A bright — but not blinding — light flooded the entirety of the Nightless City.
*Ding!*
Something like an incandescent light bulb lit up inside Leylin's room.
All of this energy, this overbearing splendor, is provided by the communal centre free of charge.
"Show stats."
[Beep! Leylin Farlier: Grand Knight. Rank 1 Warlock. Bloodline: Giant Kemoyin Serpent. Summon—Black Horrall Snake, Seated Lupin Wolf. Strength: 18.8, Agility: 15.8, Vitality: 17.3, Spiritual Force: 51.3, Magical Power: 51. Elemental essence conversion: Darkness: 39%. Wind: 8%. Status: Healthy.]