Parindus deliberated for a moment. Since he had nothing of significance to occupy his time anyway, engaging in some physical exertion seemed like a decent idea. Thus, he nodded and declared, "Aina, I shall earn a livelihood to provide for you."


    Glen arched an eyebrow, somewhat taken aback that the other party was expecting a wage. Oh well, if that was his desire, so be it. But what could this fellow possibly do with human currency? … With such thoughts, he refrained from voicing his concerns.


    "You are truly my dearest brother!" The puppet lady stepped forward and enfolded her brother in a warm embrace.


    Subsequently, Glen inquired about the capabilities of the two puppets.


    Both puppets were formidable fourth - level constructs, endowed with a plethora of abilities.


    For instance, they could effortlessly manipulate the bodies of other organisms. Even those of the same level could be commandeered for an extended duration.


    There was also a contaminating magic known as the Negative Forest, capable of instantaneously transforming any object into a mindless plant, among other such powers.


    However, for the time being, these abilities appeared to hold little utility for Glen''s enterprises. Consequently, Parindus could only be tasked with menial labor.


    Having made these arrangements, Glen returned to his subterranean laboratory to resume his magical research.


    He had made substantial progress in his study of the Wind Blade magic, and it would not be long before he mastered it.


    The learning process had been relatively unhindered, yet he encountered numerous impediments in the crafting of magical items, the aspect he cared most about. Ultimately, it was a consequence of his inexperience.


    The magic - powered telephone might well have been a product of serendipity.


    With the expansion of the farm''s scale, the store in Dude Town alone was no longer adequate.


    Glen, therefore, established branches in several other towns.


    His butcher shop now had a moniker - the Black Wolf Butcher Shop.


    Naming it after himself made Glen feel rather queasy, so he opted for an eccentric name.


    However, its oddity was perhaps an advantage, as it was easily memorable, which would aid in brand - building.


    In the future, there would undoubtedly be a Black Wolf Furniture Store, a Black Wolf Clothing Store, a Black Wolf Dessert Shop, and so forth.


    This was an essential stride towards his aspirations.


    Since Dogli had informed the Knight''s Temple, within a mere day, knights had arrived in Dude Town.


    Through some unidentifiable means of inspection, all the townsfolk brainwashed by the Church of Truth were unearthed and forcibly dispatched to St. Sylvie Church for purification.


    The hidden missionaries of the Church of Truth were apprehended without exception, and a harsh pyre awaited them.


    Not only in Dude Town, but in some neighboring towns as well, there were numerous ordinary individuals who had fallen prey to the Church of Truth''s brainwashing.


    Perhaps due to misfortune, Bloodaxe was detained by the knights for an extended period as she had tarried for an additional day. She was only released once it was ascertained that she had not been brainwashed.


    Glen chanced upon her during his travels to other towns.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    After a litany of complaints, Glen unmercifully ridiculed her.


    Before long, the matter of the Church of Truth seemed to have been quelled by the Knight''s Temple, and everything reverted to normal...


    One day, Glen, bearing gifts he had crafted himself and some procured in Kailadelia, made his way to Sheriff Dogli''s abode.


    Upon knocking gently, a burly young man, unfamiliar to Glen, opened the door. Glen recognized him as one of the constables from the police station.


    Upon seeing Glen, the young man promptly invited him in with warmth.


    The house was at this moment teeming with people. The din of voices filled the air, and everyone was animated, conversing with one another, their faces wreathed in smiles.


    In the center stood a long table, adorned with a dazzling array of sumptuous dishes. The golden - roasted turkey in the middle of the table was particularly eye - catching.


    The house was also festooned with numerous decorations, and the scene resembled a birthday celebration for someone.


    In fact, it was indeed a cause for celebration.


    For Sheriff Dogli''s wife, Mrs. Ryan, had given birth to a daughter two days prior.


    Glen had received the invitation the previous day. He was rather fond of such joyous occasions, as they added a touch of color to his otherwise busy life.


    After making inquiries, Glen deposited the gifts he had brought in a specially designated corner.


    "Mr. Glen, what lies within that large crate? It appears rather weighty," the young man who had opened the door inquired with curiosity.


    Glen smoothed the creases in his attire and replied evasively, "Toys for the infant."


    The young man nodded, his expression tinged with doubt. He was in no hurry to uncover the contents; he would see them soon enough, after all.


    Just then, Dogli descended the stairs, cradling a swaddled infant in his arms. Everyone crowded around, eager to catch a glimpse of the baby.


    Glen was no exception and joined the throng.


    The newly - born babe''s eyes remained shut, its skin was a rosy hue, and its tiny hands made faint grasping motions in the air.


    Faced with the cluster of faces above, the infant let out a soft snuffle from its nose, eliciting a chorus of affectionate exclamations from the onlookers.


    "I''ve named her Kina. What are your thoughts?" Dogli''s visage was suffused with a blissful smile.


    "Exquisite! She will surely grow into a beautiful young lady!"


    "We all concur that the name is charming. May this child be blessed with eternal happiness."


    "The name is simply perfect for her!"


    The crowd chimed in with their effusive praises.


    Glen added his words of approval, then was the first to step back and cast his gaze upon a lady who had remained seated throughout.


    He had noticed her earlier, sitting alone, refraining from engaging with anyone and not approaching to view the baby.


    Glen had initially assumed her to be of a reclusive nature and thought little of it.


    Yet, now he couldn''t shake the feeling that there was something amiss about her.


    Sensing Glen''s scrutiny, the lady turned her head, her countenance registering surprise as she queried, "You can actually perceive me?"


    Her words immediately caused Glen to narrow his eyes.


    He intoned coldly, "You had best be a guest invited by the sheriff."


    The lady regarded Glen in silence for a few moments, then rose to her feet. "Apologies. I observed the merriment here and merely wished to enter and request a drink of water. I bear no ill - intent."


    With that, she dissipated like a gust of wind.


    Glen refrained from attempting to stop her. There were too many ordinary folk present, and taking action could easily endanger the innocent. Moreover, he had no desire to mar the sheriff''s joyous occasion.


    "Mr. Glen, with whom were you conversing?" Someone noticed Glen''s odd behavior and posed the question.


    "Nothing of consequence. Merely feeling peckish," Glen replied, turning with a smile.


    Yet, in his mind, he was already contemplating how to deal with the individual who had just departed.


    The instant the lady had risen, Glen had detected a familiar aura - that of a dark mage, the very type he loathed most in this world.


    One could readily envision that, had Glen not been present, she might have brought unforeseen calamity upon this otherwise blissful family.


    On a spire - topped edifice not far from the house.


    The lady who had conversed with Glen materialized. A cold sneer played upon her lips. "How dare you disrupt my plans. You are truly detestable. Once I retrieve my escaped pet, I shall make you pay!"


    She delighted in nothing more than inflicting the most profound anguish upon others in their moments of utmost happiness, relishing the sight of them plummeting from celestial bliss to abysmal despair.


    This brought her the ultimate sense of gratification.


    Originally, she had merely intended to reclaim her runaway pet and had no desire for complications. However, the allure of this opportunity had proven too great to resist.


    She had not anticipated the emergence of an extraordinary being of unknown prowess, and prudence had compelled her to retreat.


    Yet, the hallmark trait of dark mages was their vindictiveness. She would not let this slight go unpunished. Once she had ascertained the other''s true nature, she would ensure that he learned the folly of crossing her.


    Recalling Glen''s audacious tone, she emitted a disdainful snort and vanished once more.


    She had set her sights on Glen, but Glen had equally marked her. Now that she had come within his purview, Glen was resolved to do everything in his power to eliminate her.