The air was filled with a sense of oppression and unease. People whispered to each other, speculating about the true identity of the legendary Wizard, who warranted such a grand welcome ceremony.
A tailor quietly said to the neighbor beside him:
"I've heard that the Wizard comes from the Black Mist Jungle, where it's said many monsters and sorcerers reside..."
"Yes, my cousin's neighbor's son once did business there and said even the air is poisonous, a single breath will drive you mad."
The neighbor responded, his voice filled with a conflicted mix of fear and curiosity.
An old woman with a face full of wrinkles wobbled towards them:
"Keep your voice down, don't let the guards hear! Remember old Tom? He disappeared the day after he said a few bad things about the Wizard."
Countless rumors quietly spread among the crowd, further intensifying people's uneasiness and fear.
