<h4>Chapter 406 Artistic </h4>


    Days turned into weeks as Adam''s life at Saratoga gradually settled into afortable routine.


    Most days of the week, he would stay within castle grounds. He would attend sses during the daytime, trying his best not to bete for them.


    Then, he would spend most of his time at the grand library, studying whatever arcane textbooks he could find on conjuring and teleportation.


    He also didn''t stop his research on gravity magic. This was something that he had been introduced to back inside the secret ne in the Southern Federation. He nned to further his research in this field.


    In the evenings, he would dedicate all his time toward brewing potions and advancing his studies on herbalism.


    Over thest few weeks, he had summoned Yavia a handful of times and learned that she was truly the perfect helper when it came to the preparation of herbs and ingredients for the subsequent potion concoctions.


    Although he knew that wood spirits were exceptional at dealing with nt life, it still came as a great surprise to him. Her presence shortened the time it would take for him to brew a potion, greatly increasing his productivity.


    He did not forget his end of the bargain, however. After she helped him with brewing potions, he would provide her with resources that would elerate her advancement.


    Moreover, he would also guide her with mindfulness, teaching her the most systematic and efficient way of extracting mana from the surroundings.


    On the weekends, when there were no sses held at Saratoga, he would visit Ravenfell and explore this wonderful city.


    Although he struggled to adjust to the new culture, he was gradually getting used to it.


    Apart from Daneli, he had also managed to make a few friends. These people didn''t care about his background and were amiable with him, unlike the vast majority of the graduate students at Saratoga.


    On this day, Adam walked through the cobblestoned streets of the Downtown Quarter. As he sipped the wine from his gourd, he heard the gentle rustling of the leaves of trees nted on the sidewalk and the endless cawing of ravens.


    Even now, after having been close to a month since he''d arrived here, he still hadn''t gotten used to the ravens in the city.


    However, he was no longer as annoyed by these birds as he used to be.


    The youth strolled past grand mansions, each one a masterpiece of architecture. One thing Adam noticed about the buildings here was that they were constructed from dark, weathered stones, giving them a somber yet imposing presence.


    Pointed arches dominated themon design of all the buildings in the city. Multiple spires and towers rose from the mansions with sharp and vertical lines.


    Many of the homes in this quarter had spacious frontwns that were meticulously maintained. These gardens were filled with nts and flowers of vibrant colors.


    Despite the dark and gloomy appearance of the buildings, the existence of verdant flora brought about a perfect bnce.


    It was strangely harmonious.


    Finding this slightly confusing, Adam nced at his friend who was walking beside him, and asked, "John, what''s with the gothic vibe of this city?"


    John Rodriguez was an interesting fellow who Adam had gotten acquainted with in Saratoga Castle. Unlike him, however, John majored in the School of Illusions.


    The ck-haired youth with striking brown eyes nced at Adam and chuckled, "The city''s architecture is quite majestic, isn''t it?"


    Adam rolled his eyes. "Just spit it out already."


    John spread his arms wide and spoke passionately, "The tall spires, the intricate carvings, and the detailed architecture contribute to Ravenfell''s stunning cityscape. It is a marvelous form of artistic expression!"


    Hearing him say such words, Adam''s eyebrows twitched. This guy… he''s way too into theatrics. I guess, as expected from someone studying illusion magic.


    "You know, Adam," John continued. "When my ancestors migrated from the Nahua Continent, they were drawn to the beautiful city of Ravenfell. Do you know why?"


    "Why?" Adam asked out of curiosity.


    "At the time, Ravenfell was going through a period of economic boom. It was considered the ce to be, a city that weed people of all professions, even artists."


    Adam nodded his head in understanding. John had mentioned to him that his ancestors were performers—troupers and bards.


    "Anyway, back to your question," said John. "The city fosters the growth of artists, something that wouldn''t be seen in other cities. The architecture of Ravenfell is a result of that.


    "It fosters a sense of identity andmunity amongst the city''s inhabitants. Our city''s distinct and recognizable architecture is what differentiates us from other cities."


    "But why is everything so… dark?" Adam asked awkwardly.


    John nced at him and smirked, "Have you heard of the legend behind the city''s founding?"


    Adam nodded. Daneli had mentioned to him about this. "Wasn''t it something about a magical raven guiding the founder toward the site of the future city?"


    "Indeed," John replied. "Ravens are said to be creatures of darkness. However, that doesn''t necessarily imply that they are evil beings.


    "Here, ravens are considered as sacred creatures. Over the centuries, the design of the city has been catered to amodate the habitat of these beautiful birds."


    Adam stoked his chin, thinking to himself, The founder of Ravenfell and Saratoga Castle had a strange connection with ravens. Hmm, in many cultures these birds are associated with wisdom and mystery.


    But more importantly, these creatures are said to have an intimate connection with the Spirit World. How fascinating!


    John patted Adam''s shoulder and smiled, "Don''t think too much. It''s not as scary as it looks."


    He waved his hand and pointed at the countless ravens perched upon the buildings, "If anything, the residents of this city view these creatures as emissaries, watching over the city, protecting it from impending dangers."


    "Emissaries?" Adam raised his eyebrow. "Who do you think they''re sent here by?"


    "Who knows? John shrugged. "Probably the raven spirit who guided the founder to this location."


    "Hmm, interesting…" Adam muttered under his breath.


    "Anyway, let''s hurry to the Viva Opera House. I don''t want to miss the y," said John as he rushed toward the grand building in the near distance.


    Although Adam was not a fan of ys and musicals, he had promised John to go to this opera house with him this weekend.


    Hence, he could only reluctantly follow along. It wasn''t like he had anything better to do. Studying and researching arcane texts all the time made life quite monotonous.


    So Adam decided to visit this opera house and try something knew.


    If it got too boring inside, he would just drink himself to sleep.