Wizard Lord:I can Extract Anything

By the time Ellie finished changing, half an hour had passed.

Looking at the youthful and adorable girl before him, Richard couldn't help but acknowledge that youth is the best cosmetic for women.

At the task hall, Richard noticed the chubby apprentice named Loken had already found a team.

"It seems teaming up is common for low-level apprentices, but aren't they worried about backstabbing?" Richard pondered.

Though the Blackstone Mountains lay within the academy's jurisdiction, there were no academy overseers inside, leaving apprentices unrestricted by school rules.

Moreover, every successful apprentice likely had blood on their hands. In the wilderness, Richard wouldn't feel safe sleeping unless he knew his companions well.

After confirming their team, the clerk readily assigned the task to Richard and Ellie.

"Let's go pack up. We'll take the airship tonight," Richard suggested.

As they walked, Richard noticed Ellie frequently glancing at him, only to quickly avert her gaze each time he looked back.

"Is there something on my face?" Richard asked.

"Uh... no."

"Then why do you keep looking at me?"

"I'm not looking at you! Don't flatter yourself. I was looking at the streetlights."

Richard shook his head, baffled by girls' thoughts.

Next time, I'll record it with a crystal and see if she denies it.

Returning to his room, Richard geared up fully. He strapped on a greatsword, wore a bracer, donned an ice spike ring, clipped a magic dagger to his waist, and took his lesser fireball staff, completing his ensemble.

Once ready, Richard and Ellie headed to the airship port outside the academy.

The port was bustling with apprentices. Richard's sharp eyes spotted Loken's team among the crowd.

Boarding the Zeppelin-type magic airship, Richard showed his task proof and bypassed the ticket fee, earning envious glances from other apprentices.

Tickets weren't cheap, starting at one magic stone, with longer trips costing up to five or six.

"Richard, how did you know academy tasks waive the ticket fee?" Ellie asked, eyeing the prices.

Considering the ticket cost, their two-way trip to the Blackstone Mountains would have been four magic stones, more than the task reward.

The ticket seller hadn't hinted at this rule at all.

"Heh, it's a secret."

Unlike the recruitment airships, this passenger airship didn't have private compartments, only rows of wooden seats.

Their seats were by the window. Ellie, accustomed to sleeping, yawned and leaned against Richard, quickly dozing off.

Watching Ellie fall asleep, Richard sighed and draped a coat over her.

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a gossamer veil over Ellie's face.

"Sleeping is such a waste. Meditating... feels more efficient."

...

The airship flew swiftly, reaching the distant Blackstone Mountains by morning.

As sunlight filtered into the cabin, Richard nudged Ellie awake.

"Wake up, we're here."

"Huh? Already?"

Yawning and stretching, Ellie followed Richard off the airship, a bit groggy.

The airship landed near a small town inhabited by ordinary humans. Loken's team disembarked as well, heading straight for the mountains, clearly familiar with the area.

No sooner had Richard and Ellie entered town than they were surrounded by guides.

"Wizard, need a guide? I know the Blackstone Mountains well."

"Wizard, I'm the best guide for the Blackstone Mountains. Just a quarter magic stone, and I'll ensure a quick, smooth task."

"Wizard, don't listen to them. I..."

Richard cleared his throat, silencing the crowd.

"Listen, we're here to survey the white crystal deer and hunt the black-patterned water python. Who knows about these?"

His words hushed the guides.

While the white crystal deer wasn't a big deal, few had seen a black-patterned water python recently.

"Wizard, I know the white crystal deer, but I've only seen the black-patterned water python once in the past six months. Not sure if it's still there," spoke an old guide with white hair but a spry demeanor. The others didn't contest his claim.

No one wanted to risk angering a wizard; even the town lord couldn't protect them if they did.

"Alright, you're hired. How much?"

"Half a magic stone, wizard."

"What's your name?"

"Wizard, just call me Old John."

...

After the transaction, Old John wasted no time, leading them into the Blackstone Mountains.

The morning mist cloaked the mountains, making them appear like a lurking black beast.

Old John guided them along the mountain path, revealing various strange plants and insects that captivated Richard and Ellie's attention.

"Wizard, is this your first time in the Blackstone Mountains?"

Richard stored a plant sample, turning to Old John.

"It is."

"Haha, I could tell by your wonder."

Old John chuckled, plucking a mushroom from the underbrush.

"Wizard, forget those trinkets. Check out this mushroom."

Richard examined it, detecting magic power within.

"What is this!" Richard exclaimed.

Old John shrugged. "I don't know, but I've seen other wizards gather it."

Understanding the implication, Richard pocketed the mushroom and handed Old John a nearly depleted magic stone.

"Show us more things wizards often gather."

Grinning, Old John accepted the stone. "Sure thing, wizard. Old John will make sure you're satisfied."

The Blackstone Mountains spanned over a thousand kilometers, even extending beyond the academy's reach.

As the moon rose, Richard's group camped in the forest after a day's trek. Sitting by the fire, Richard and Ellie watched Old John prepare dinner.

With decades of guiding experience, Old John excelled at his craft. Noticing Richard and Ellie's lack of preparation, he had started gathering wild game along the way.

As Old John brushed a secret blend of spices over the golden-brown roast chicken, its aroma filled the air.

"Smells delicious," Ellie remarked, sniffing eagerly at the roasting bird.

Richard's mouth watered. Despite bringing rations, the enticing roast was far more appealing.

As they salivated, rustling came from the forest.

Old John's ears perked up. Glancing at the woods, he swiftly planted the roasting spit in the ground.

"Wizards, someone's coming. Might be trouble. Old John won't be a burden."

With that, Old John vanished into the forest.

Seconds later, Richard heard more rustling from the trees.

A bloodied figure emerged from the woods.