Being a knight is not easy

Chapter 64 Wizard
Robin listened intently and asked, "What are these small groups of wizards doing? Are they performing some evil rituals like the legends say?"

Monroe curled his lips and said, "There aren't so many evil rituals. In the city, most wizard groups are white wizards. They mostly work together to study some kind of magic or to protect the rights of wizards in the city. However, there are also some dark wizards who like to do some shady things secretly, but they are a minority after all. If you encounter a wizard in the city, it's best to stay away from them. They all have bad tempers and are terrifyingly powerful."

Robin nodded, taking the information he had just heard to heart, but his doubts were not completely resolved. He couldn't help but ask, "What's the difference between a white wizard and a black wizard? How do you tell the difference between the two?"

Monroe was about to open his mouth to explain when he was interrupted by an elderly knight nearby. The old knight was a burly figure, his face marked by the marks of time, but his eyes remained as sharp as an eagle's. He snorted coldly, his tone dripping with disdain: "You, a rookie knight with only a passing knowledge of wizards, dare to speak so brazenly here?"

Robin was startled by the sudden interruption, but he quickly reacted and turned his gaze to the old knight with a hint of expectation in his eyes: "Then can you tell me?"

The old knight glanced at Robin, but did not answer immediately. Instead, he slowly raised his head and looked towards the sky, as if thinking about something. His silence made Robin a little anxious, but he did not dare to rush him.

Seeing this, Monroe interrupted unhappily, "We call this old fellow 'Old Balder.' He's the oldest knight in our group, experienced, but also the stingiest. If you want to get anything out of him, no matter what it is, you have to pay."

Robin was at a loss for words when he heard this. He felt in his pockets and realized he didn't have much gold, but he pulled out a silver coin and handed it to old Balder. "Old knight, this is a small token of my appreciation. Please give me some advice."

Old Balder glanced down at the silver coin, his lips curling up slightly in a satisfied smile. He pocketed the coin and then spoke slowly, "The distinction between white wizards and dark wizards is actually not as simple as it seems. The differences lie primarily in the nature of their magic, the purpose of its use, and how it is perceived by society."

Robin immediately became interested and listened carefully.

Old Balder said slowly, "Let's first talk about the nature of magic. The magic studied and performed by white wizards is mostly related to light, nature, and the power of life. Their spells can heal wounds, promote the growth of plants, and even purify land eroded by darkness. For example, they can cast healing spells to quickly restore the seriously injured, or cast fertility spells to make barren land grow lush crops."

He paused, then continued, "The magic of dark wizards is often connected to death, curses, and dark energy. They can control the undead, release curses, and corrupt everything with the power of darkness. For example, they can summon skeleton warriors to fight for them, or cast vicious curses on their enemies, causing them to suffer misfortune."

Robin listened intently and asked, "What about the purpose of use? What's the difference between the two?"

Old Balder glanced at Robin and continued, "White wizards use magic mostly to protect and help others. They will step forward when a town is attacked by monsters and use magic to protect the residents. They will also use healing magic to help the sick when epidemics are rampant. Their goal is to maintain world peace and order and promote the prosperity of life."

"As for dark wizards!" Old Balder frowned, a hint of disgust flashing in his eyes. "They use magic purely to satisfy their own selfish desires. Perhaps it's to fight for power and rule over others, or perhaps it's to acquire wealth, using any means necessary. They don't care what kind of disaster their actions may bring to the world; they only pursue the maximization of their own interests."

Robin asked, "What about social evaluation? People's views on white wizards and dark wizards must be very different, right?" Old Balder nodded and said, "Of course. White wizards are deeply respected and loved by the people, and are seen as guardians and saviors. They have a high status in the city, and people will seek their help when they encounter difficulties. Dark wizards, on the other hand, are despised by the entire society. People regard them as dangerous and avoid them as much as possible. Once the trace of a dark wizard is discovered, both the kingdom's army and adventurers will move in to encircle and eliminate them without hesitation."

After listening to this, Robin had a clearer understanding of the difference between white wizards and black wizards, and he thanked old Balder again.

The wizard was not as mysterious as he expected, and the white wizard had a very high status.

Old Balder smiled and asked, "Wizards are of a different level than us. Do you know how that is different?"

This time, Robin was very tactful and immediately gave Monroe a gold coin. The originally careless Monroe also pricked up his ears to listen.

Old Balder took the gold coin, smiled with satisfaction, then cleared his throat and began to explain: "The wizard's hierarchy is indeed very different from our knight's. Our knight's promotion path is relatively simple and clear, from squire to knight's apprentice, then to full knight, and finally to Grand Knight. But the wizard's world is much more complicated. Their apprentices are divided into three levels. Don't underestimate these three levels. Their third-level apprentices correspond to our Grand Knights."

"An apprentice versus a great knight?!" Monroe, standing beside him, gasped, his eyes widening. "This...this is too much!"

Old Balder glanced at Monroe, his lips curled up slightly, as if he was pleased with his reaction. He paused, then continued, "After the third-level apprenticeship, one becomes a full-fledged wizard. Full-fledged wizards are ranked by 'rings,' such as first-ring wizards, second-ring wizards, and so on. As for how many rings there are, I don't know."

Monroe was so engrossed in listening that he couldn't help but ask anxiously, "Old Balder, what level is the strongest wizard you've ever seen?"

Old Balder did not answer immediately. Instead, he slowly raised his hand, rubbed his fingers at Monroe, and a sly smile appeared on his face.

Monroe was stunned for a moment, then reacted. He smiled bitterly, took out a gold coin from his pocket, and handed it to old Balder: "You old man, you really are obsessed with money!"

Old Balder took the gold coin, nodded with satisfaction, and continued, "The most powerful wizard I've ever seen was a second-ring wizard. I met him twenty years ago when I accompanied the lord to the capital for an important meeting. The wizard wore a deep purple robe with a second-ring badge pinned to his chest. Every gesture exuded a terrifying power. It's said that he wiped out an entire assassin team led by a legendary knight and comprised of over twenty great knights with a single wave of his hand."

(End of this chapter)