[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-above-the-mage":3,"chapter-above-the-mage-above-the-mage-chapter-22":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Above the Mage!",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2257026,4404,"Chapter 22: The Slithering Dark Mire","above-the-mage-chapter-22",22,"\u003Cp>As soon as he stepped out of the pharmacy, Gao De’s face darkened with worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew his time was limited, but he hadn’t expected it to be this urgent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last day of the month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today is the thirteenth day of Awakening Month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De silently calculated his remaining time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This world’s year also has twelve months, named in order: Frostbound Month, Awakening Month, Spring Sprout Month, Greenleaf Month, Flowerflame Month, Sunlight Month, Harvest Month, Darknight Month, Frostgold Month, Mistfrost Month, Icebound Month, Winter Solstice Month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is no distinction between odd and even months—all are uniformly thirty days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The day he awoke was the second day of Awakening Month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today is the thirteenth day of Awakening Month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only seventeen days remain until month’s end!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After confirming the details at Feiermoyaodian  and accurately calculating his remaining time, Gao De arrived at Pierre’s General Store, burdened with thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This visit was naturally not for shopping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, since his last purchase of a spell formula, his savings had dwindled to nothing—he could no longer afford any expenditure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re saying you can repair damaged magical items?” Pierre stared at Gao De in disbelief, as if he’d misheard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De nodded firmly. “Repairing some low-tier magical items shouldn’t be a problem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you an alchemist?” Pierre frowned. “Are you also an alchemist?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alchemist, rune-crafter, enchantment repairer—the three secondary professions of the mage world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De shook his head. “I’m no alchemist—just an enchantment repairer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alchemists can craft all kinds of magical items, including repairing them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enchantment repairers, however, specialize only in fixing damaged magical gear or tools; their trade leans toward craftsmanship, and their skill level is far below that of alchemists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, upon hearing this, Pierre’s expression turned solemn with respect—whether genuine or merely put on for Gao De’s sake, it was impossible to tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In a place like this, to meet a young mage’s apprentice who studies both alchemy and enchantment—remarkable indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve only grasped the barest basics—don’t flatter me so, sir,” Gao De replied humbly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. I happen to have a damaged Divine Guidance Ring—it’s been broken for years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one in this small town has been able to fix it, but since it’s a 0-rank magical item, traveling all the way to Bremen just to repair it isn’t worth it. Try your hand at it.” Pierre rummaged beneath the counter and pulled out a dull gray iron ring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a small town like Hogen, mage apprentices studying alchemy could still be found.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because alchemical goods had a broad market everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where there’s demand, there’s a market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But enchantment repairers? Not a single one—small towns rarely had even a few magical items, let alone broken ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those with this skill either starved or moved to big cities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like doctors in the countryside could still make a living, but car mechanics there would mostly starve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you can repair this ring, I’ll pay you thirty silver for the labor.” Pierre made an “OK” gesture, indicating thirty silver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One gold equals twenty silver—thirty silver is one and a half gold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A 0-rank magical item typically sells for twelve to fifteen gold; one and a half gold for repair is equivalent to ten percent of the item’s value—this is already a fair price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since his first sale of a Basic Spider Venom Potion to Pierre, Gao De had realized this shopkeeper was trustworthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And indeed, Pierre was genuinely fair-minded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deal. I’ll bring it back repaired tomorrow.” Gao De took the ring from Pierre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The iron band was neither too wide nor too narrow, its surface polished smooth as silk, ensuring wearer comfort; on the outer surface were engraved mysterious rune patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These rune patterns were the source of the ring’s magical power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But a crack marred the band, severing the runes and nullifying the ring’s magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pierre nodded, visibly at ease, and waved dismissively. “No rush—bring it when you’re ready.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that he’d instantly trusted Gao De after a few brief encounters; it was simply that a broken 0-rank magical item held little value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike high-rank magical items, which require precious materials to contain powerful spells, cantrips only need ordinary iron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So stripped of its magical function, this Divine Guidance Ring was merely an iron ring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After stowing the ring, Gao De paused, then asked: “Is there anywhere in town where I can buy live geopulse creatures?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Live geopulse creatures?” Pierre frowned, didn’t ask why, thought for a moment, then replied: “You might find some in big cities like Bremen—but not here in Hogen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Capturing live geopulse creatures demands far more manpower and resources than hunting them, and there’s no market for them in a place like Hogen—you understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De nodded silently—he understood, just as in his past life, only big cities had pet shops and zoos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a rhythmic, forceful marching sound came from the street outside the alley, drawing nearer and cutting off their conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De and Pierre turned to look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A squad of city guards in uniform passed along the main road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two of them broke from the formation as they passed Pierre’s General Store, entering the alley toward the two men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two guards wore dark blue long-sleeved, waist-tightened coats with shoulder insignia denoting rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On their chests were sewn the Hogen City emblem, lending them an imposing air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stopped at the shop entrance, noticed Pierre’s attention, and bowed slightly. One stepped forward and announced in a tone both stern and courteous: “Mr. Pierre, I deliver an urgent notice on behalf of the City Constable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was not loud, even somewhat low, yet crystal-clear, radiating undeniable urgency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pierre’s eyes flickered with surprise, but he quickly adjusted his expression to show respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De also fixed his gaze on the guards, awaiting the news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The number of Geopulse Slitherers in the city sewers has surged recently and become unusually active. In a few days, the annual Trade Day arrives. To ensure its smooth operation, the Constable orders all merchants to clean the sewer sections beneath their shops.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard’s words were brief and forceful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pierre’s face darkened slightly—he clearly found this news troublesome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he quickly composed himself, nodded to the guards, and thanked them: “Understood. I’ll complete the sewer cleanup before Trade Day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two guards turned and left, rejoining their unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s Trade Day? And what are Geopulse Slitherers?” While Pierre was troubled, Gao De was more curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re from Hogen and you don’t know Trade Day?” Pierre stared at Gao De in astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I rarely go out—I’ve never attended Trade Day,” Gao De replied calmly, knowing this was another gap from incomplete memory inheritance, and offered a casual excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though surprised, Pierre didn’t press further and casually explained Trade Day to Gao De.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every year, around mid-Awakening Month, Hogen City holds its busiest Trade Day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On that day, the City Council opens the town square to all citizens for a market where anyone can buy and sell goods—including used and old items.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sellers aren’t just merchants; ordinary citizens participate too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goods range wildly: handmade crafts, old clothes, furniture, personal belongings no longer needed, even mysterious relics of unknown origin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With enough luck and sharp eyes, one might find valuable treasures at rock-bottom prices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Gao De’s understanding, it was a flea market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in this world, no such term existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for Geopulse Slitherers…” At the mention, Pierre grimaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re worms that live in dark, damp marshes—including city sewers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re not dangerous themselves, but they constantly secrete an extremely sticky slime.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If left unchecked, their slime will clog the sewers, disrupting wastewater drainage and filling the city with stench.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So the City Council periodically organizes teams to clear Geopulse Slitherers from the sewers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When outbreaks occur and the Council lacks manpower, they require merchants to clean the sewer sections beneath their own shops.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this task hard to complete?” Gao De asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These worms aren’t dangerous, but as geopulse creatures, they have camouflage abilities—they hide well and live in sewers, making them hard to find and remove.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait,” Gao De’s eyes slowly brightened. “You’re saying these worms are geopulse creatures?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1355,"2026-06-19T14:28:48.629Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","24b26bdcc885ad06cce9d8eaf0035bc62132e842a72a20d593bace26a3bb201e","above-the-mage-chapter-23","above-the-mage-chapter-21",529,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fabove-the-mage-cover.jpg"]