《Bloodline Devouring System: Emperor's Path》 Chapter 1: Birth of the Unfortunate Child Chapter 1: Birth of the Unfortunate Child Ivory Island. It was a small island continent in part of the endless and mysterious world called ''Eclipse World.'' But even such a small island had countless mysteries and secrets in every corner. Even though the name of this continent was Ivory Island, its landscape was around 69,000 km long and over 51,100 km wide. Within this Ivory Island were Four Great Empires, twenty-two small Kingdoms, and many independent dukedoms with a population of around 6 Billion. What was more shocking was that the humans occupied only around 20% of Ivory Island. Meanwhile, the rest of the island was utterly filled with monsters, Beasts, and even mysterious creatures like Magical Beasts. Until a millennium ago, countless monsters and beasts tried to invade the nearby human territories and caused destruction and chaos every year. Although many ''Walkers'' were there to protect the territories, the devastation caused by the monsters was too large. But thanks to the appearance of ''Wizards'' from the mainland continent, technology and magical knowledge improved drastically, resulting in the whole of Ivory Island entering the New Era. Following that, many wizards started to appear from Ivory Island itself. It was the beginning of Rune Era. Innovations like the Rune engine, AetherGlyph, and later, the magical power revolutionized communication and transportation, and many scientific inventions changed daily life. The era witnessed the birth of the magic-based railway system, airship transportation, and the widespread use of magical communication networks. The Rune Era also transformed social norms, manners, and cultural attitudes. The rise of the middle class, changing gender roles, and a focus on moral values characterized this societal shift. Not only that, but this also gave birth to advancements in Wizardry, Alchemy, Rune Study, and Rune technology. Theories of life, discoveries in medicine, and developments in the combined system of science and magic marked a period of magical enlightenment. Unlike before, Kingdoms and Empires had advanced to rely more on artifacts and technological equipment and send their well-armored ''Walkers'' to fend off the mighty monsters and save the mortal citizens like legendary Heroes. And in this Ivory Island, the ''Walkers'' weren''t some knights but were influential people who could battle hundreds of regular soldiers alone. Among the Walkers, some Legendary ones could even go on toe to toe with Legendary Magical Beasts. It was such a magical and mysterious place. But a child was born at this moment, igniting a spark of chaos. Zenith Empire, Red Ember City, Royal Palace. Rune Era Year 1405, January 6th, around 5 P.M. A young girl, aged between 12 and 15, lingered outside a wooden door, her frame trembling with each moan and scream that escaped within. With olive-toned skin, distinctive reddish-orange eyes, black tresses, slightly elongated ears, a rounded countenance, and adorned in a purplish-blue gown with delicate white embellishments, she stood as the 35th Princess of the Royal Family of the Zenith Empire. Regrettably, she acknowledged that the royal title was merely titular. Beyond the ornate bracelet adorning her right hand, she wore a golden necklace with a precious Alexandrite gem, a token received from the Duke of Crimson Fort for achieving Apprentice Knight status at the age of 8 and securing the title of the youngest knight born in the Empire¡ªthe Sword Princess. "Mom! Please don''t cry!" The young girl mumbled as she wiped the tears around her corners, raised her right hand, and was about to bang the door, but a firm hand caught her. "Athena, you can''t disturb the healers and midwives during delivery. Let them do their job." A cold yet warm voice reached her ears, causing a strange sense of relief. At the same time, a sense of realization dawned on her face. Without hesitation, she turned around, hurriedly knelt, and bowed her head. "Greetings, Your Majesty!" "This isn''t a Throne Room or an official area, little girl. Call me ''father.''" The voice said. Only then did she raise her head and look at the authoritative figure. The man was around 40 and had straight golden hair, olive skin, pure reddish eyes, broad shoulders, and a square face. Clad in a splendid ensemble, he donned a golden robe that draped majestically over his form. Beneath this, a luxurious white shirt peeked through, emphasizing luxury and refinement. A notable touch of power rested at his waist¡ªa long sword symbolizing his martial prowess. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. His name was Ian Sillalus Jorvot, the 15th Emperor of the Zenith Empire. Although he was officially her father, she knew it was only in name. If not for her being outstanding in swordsmanship and having already become an apprentice Knight, he wouldn''t have remembered her name. It was funnier that it was her second time talking with him after her birth. The first time was actually when she became an Apprentice Knight! Although she had seen him during banquets multiple times, she could only look at him from afar, like seeing a celebrity. She also knew the reason for his arrival. ''He came here to check the affinities of the unborn child.'' Although dissatisfied with this treatment, she could only swallow her anger and keep everything to herself. ''If my mother was a Queen, no... If my mom was at least a first or second concubine, we might be well respected in the noble circle.'' Unfortunately, she was a 24th concubine. ''For now, she is the last concubine.'' Even though her mother was living like a Noble Lady, her position in the palace was more similar to that of a head maid. The reason was simple. The palace was filled with nothing but Emperor Ian''s children and grandchildren everywhere. At this moment, Emperor Ian had a total of 65 children! If the unborn child were born, he would be the 66th offspring. "Arrghh! It''s hurts!" Her mother''s scream reached a new frequency, followed by the cry of an infant. Without knowing her, Athena had already turned around and looked at the wooden door with an anxious face. A minute paused as the infant''s cry echoed continuously from the other side, and soon, a woman of approximately 35 years walked out of the room. Her blonde hair, neatly coiffed beneath a modest white cap, conveyed an air of cleanliness and order. Her bluish eyes, discerning and reflective, hinted at a depth of experience acquired through years of dedicated service. A hawk nose and slender eyebrows added a touch of character to her countenance, a testament to her discerning gaze on her duties. At that moment, she wore a white shirt that peeked from beneath her meticulously crafted grey robe. A corset, not just a garment but a symbol of the era''s sartorial constraints, accentuated her figure, while a corset protector provided comfort and functionality. A bodice, a garment intricately tailored, adorned her attire, contributing to the aesthetic of modest femininity. She wore an apron atop this ensemble, a practical yet symbolic accessory denoting her commitment to domestic responsibilities. "Aunt Shirley!" Athena grabbed the maid''s hand in anxiety. Meanwhile, Shirley gave a quick pat on Athena''s head with her soft hand and soon noticed the person standing before her. "Your Majesty! Please come in." As soon as she saw the Emperor, she instantly bowed her head and invited him in. "How is the child?" Ian asked as he nodded his head at her greeting and walked in. The room was adorned in rich hues and opulent textures. The walls, draped in sumptuous velvet hangings, bore intricate floral patterns that seemed to come to life in the soft glow of the gas lamps. Elaborate, hand-carved wooden furniture graced the room, each piece a testament to the craftsmanship of skilled artisans. A mahogany dressing table adorned with delicate silver filigree held an array of crystal vials and ornate brushes. A four-poster bed, its canopy cascading with layers of lace and silk, stood as the centerpiece, the linens embroidered with the crest of a coiling winged serpent. The mattress, plump with feathered softness, promised a regal repose. Glistening candelabras adorned with enchanted crystals bathed the room in a soft, iridescent glow, creating an atmosphere of enchantment. The flickering flames danced in the walls'' mirrors, casting a warm and timeless allure upon the chamber. At that moment, Athena also followed him and soon noticed a blood stench assaulted her nose. But her attention was fully drawn to the unconscious woman lying on the bed. She was a black-haired woman with pale skin and appeared to be around 25 years old. Blood traces appeared all over her legs, along with amniotic fluids. She was none other than her mother, Jeanne. Unlike Athena and the new infant child, concubines couldn''t retain the imperial family name. But even the concubine''s children were considered legitimate heirs and could fight for the throne. Upon seeing her mother in that state, she instantly rushed over and cried in shock. "MAMA!!" "Don''t panic, little child. She is just unconscious due to blood loss, so don''t worry." Shirley said calmly, signaling the healers and other midwives to leave the room. At the same time, she went to the other side, slowly carried the tiny infant that was placed beside the unconscious woman, and brought it to the Emperor. "Please give him a suitable name, Your Majesty!" Upon hearing Shirley''s words, Athena stopped crying and looked at the young infant. His skin appeared more like a pinkish color, and he looked tiny. "Is he my younger brother?" Excitement filled her voice as she tried her best to control her sobbing and walked closer to Shirley. On the other hand, Ian held the infant in both arms. But as he looked into that child''s eyes, he couldn''t help but take a deep breath as if he was captivated by some invisible force. "Wow. Even his eyes look like black marbles. I hereby name him Raven Sillalus Jorvot, the 66th prince of the Zenith Empire!" His voice echoed inside the small room like thunder. Chapter 2: Affinity Check Chapter 2: Affinity Check Ian instantly touched his ring and took out a unique silver bracelet that had the symbol of a winged serpent out of thin air. Without any hesitation, he put the bracelet in his right hand and recited a short chant in a mysterious language. A second later, the bracelet shone brightly and shrunk itself before attaching it to the infant''s hand. With a pleased smile, Ian nodded his head and turned his gaze towards the empty corner of the room before uttering a word. "Gavin." Just as he spoke, the darkness seemed to have taken a life and formed into the appearance of a human, frightening Athena. "G-Ghost!?" She cried in shock. Without minding the frightened child''s cry, the shadowy hooded figure walked closer to Ian and slowly removed the hood, revealing his rough face. His long golden hair and unique silver eyes gave Athena a sense of familiarity. Only then did she realize that it was the Prime Minister of this Empire! ''But what is he doing here? How did he appear out of thin air? Is he also a ''Wizard''?'' Such thought appeared in her head. "Greetings, Lord Gavin." Shirley''s greeting broke her inner thoughts. On the other hand, the Prime Minister walked closer to them, took out a unique head-sized white orb out of thin air like Ian, and gave it to him. Meanwhile, Ian caught the orb and placed the young infant''s hand on the orb. A moment later, a mysterious wave came out of the orb, entered the young baby''s body, and soon returned. The next instant, a row of words appeared on the orb, causing him to furrow. [Light- Nil, Darkness- Nil, Shadow- Nil, Earth- Nil, Water- Nil, Fire- Nil, Wind- Nil, Ice- Nil, Lightning- Nil, Metal- Nil, Nature- Nil, Space- Nil,...] "Hmm? Doesn''t he even have a low affinity for any elements? Has this happened to anyone?" Ian asked. "I haven''t seen a person born without any element, Your Majesty. Is it broken?" Gavin asked in a baffled tone before taking the orb and activating it on himself. "Strange... My shadow element shows prodigy level as usual." While muttering, he slowly turned his gaze towards the unique child and asked in a solemn tone. "Your Majesty, can I inspect his soul and check if something is wrong?" Upon hearing those words, Athena felt a strange sense of uneasiness. Although she couldn''t understand why, she thought that it was not a good thing. Before she could even say anything, Emperor Ian nodded his head and spoke. "Go on. But be careful not to injure or invade Raven''s soul realm." "Yes, Your Majesty!" Gavin bowed his head, placed his thumb finger on the infant''s forehead, and started reciting a strange chant for a minute. After that, he stood in the same spot for a whole ten minutes and finally opened his eyes. "What happened?" Upon seeing the severe look on his face, even the Emperor couldn''t hide his curiosity. "His soul is severely damaged, My Lord. Although this infant''s consciousness has taken shape miraculously, he might get erased out of existence itself over time. The best we can do is give this unfortunate baby a peaceful end." Gavin said in a low voice before widening his eyes as he realized Athena had also heard his words. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. On the other hand, tears started to roll down Athena''s cheeks. For the past few months, she had been taking care of her mother and also swore to her mother to protect the child in the future. "No!" Like a broken doll, she knelt on the floor and cried loudly. She soon crawled on Emperor''s feet and begged. "Please don''t take him away, Father!" Ian also stood in a grim look and slowly inhaled before speaking. "Athena, face the reality. Even though I have been alive for hundreds of years, this is the first time I''ve seen such a case. As far as I know, a damaged soul can''t be healed by any means. Even if there is such a medicine, it might be more costly." He pondered for a moment and looked at Gavin again. "Gavin, take out the special affinity orb and check if there is a possibility of him having any unique trait." ''Aren''t you the emperor?'' Shirley scoffed inwardly. She felt like they had already discarded the child and felt pain inside. On the other hand, Gavin hurriedly stored the other orb and took out another one. Unlike the white one, this looked blue and had mysterious words inscribed all over it. Like the last time, Emperor Ian made the infant touch the blue orb and waited for a while as it started glowing. A few seconds later, another row of information appeared on the surface of the orb. [Unique affinities: Sword- Nil, Spear-Nil, Archery- Nil, Dream- Nil, Wisdom- Nil, Blood- Nil, Mirror- Nil, Mind- Nil, Truth- Nil, Madness- Nil, Love- Nil, Fate- Nil, Trickery- Nil, etc.,] "What a terrifying, unfortunate child! This child is beyond unlucky. I would be surprised if he lived past ten years! Even if he lived, his future would be nothing but hardships. Even the commoners will surpass him and give him a hellish life." Gavin said in shock and slowly looked at the unconscious woman before speaking. "Your Majesty, if a word got out of this child''s affinity result, the whole Royal Family will become a laughingstock in the whole Ivory Continent. Even if we let this baby alive, he will live only in pain for the rest of his life." "It can''t be helped then." As Emperor Ian gave the infant child back to Shirley, he noticed the small child was still gripping his leg like a lizard. "Little girl, give up on saving this child and focus on your swordsmanship from now on. Tsk, I was too excited at first. What a disappointment." He shook his head as he released his leg from Athena''s grip and quietly walked away. Gavin also followed after him closely and soon stopped as he reached the wooden door before turning around. "Someone will come to take care of this child at midnight. Until then, please don''t do anything funny." Even though he said calmly, Shirley suddenly felt a powerful grip on her heart, causing her to tremble uncontrollably. An eerie silence filled the room as the Emperor and the Prime Minister left. "W-Why are they doing this?" Athena asked tremblingly and slowly turned her gaze towards her mother. At that moment, Shirley also arrived beside Athena and said in a concerned voice while looking at the tiny baby. "I''m more worried about my little sister. If this news reaches her ears, she might break down completely." Saying so, she slowly walked closer to the unconscious woman and touched her face. Subconsciously, her tears started to swell up and fell on Jeanne''s cheek. "That father of yours sure is a cold man, Athena. No, all these nobles and royalties are like that! They only care about reputation and title, nothing else." She angrily mumbled and quietly placed the unfortunate infant beside Jeanne one last time. "Athena, you should go and take some rest. We can''t do anything." Shirley could only console Athena and tell her to face reality. On the other hand, Athena slowly walked out of the room and moved to the room right next to it. She could hear the laughter and giggles of many people from a few ten meters away but didn''t have any energy to even look at them. Even though they were her brothers, sisters, and relatives, they were nothing but strangers to her eyes until now. "Why should we have to go through this kind of struggle?" Anger and frustration welled up in her mind as she entered her room. She soon lit the room with the help of a magical lamp and fell on the bed while sobbing. She wanted to sleep and try her best not to think of the earlier incident, but it kept repeating in her mind, causing her to cry even more. As time passed, darkness shrouded the outside, giving birth to a bright moon in the eastern sky. But one sentence was repeated entirely in her mind multiple times. "Someone will come to take care of this child at midnight. Until then, please don''t do anything funny." It was the Prime Minister Gavin''s warning. "I don''t want to see my mother sad. I don''t want my only younger brother to be taken away by them!" As she was thinking deeply, she felt darkness clouding her vision. Before long, she fell into deep sleep. No, she actually found herself standing inside the room where her mother and her younger brother were! ''How did I come here? Am I dreaming? Did I fall asleep and end up sleepwalking?'' As she was mumbling, the door creaked open slowly. A female figure walked inside. The woman appeared around 40 to 50 years old, had grey hair, and appeared a little fat. ''Head Maid? What are you doing here?'' She asked, but the Head Maid didn''t respond. No, Athena noticed that she wasn''t even looking at her at all. As Athena was baffled by her action, the head maid walked closer to her and soon passed right through her like a ghost. No, Athena hurriedly looked at her own body and noticed that she looked more like an illusion. But she didn''t have any time to look at her situation as she noticed that the Head Maid had already arrived beside the bed and taken Raven in her hand. Chapter 3: Dream Chapter 3: Dream Soon, the Head Maid took out a strange purple vial from her leather pouch, opened the baby¡¯s mouth using her forefinger, and poured a few drops of strange liquid into his mouth. ¡®No! What are you feeding him?¡¯ Athena got anxious and shouted. But the Head Maid didn¡¯t seem to have heard her shout and continued to feed the strange liquid. Then, she hurriedly placed the baby next to Athena¡¯s mother and left the room with fast steps. On the other hand, Athena saw the young baby started crying sooner and even started to vomit the purple liquid. But she soon noticed that the baby began to enter the sleepy state. No! As the seconds passed, she noticed that Raven wasn¡¯t even breathing! ¡®NOOOO!¡¯ Her eyes turned bloodshot as she screamed and soon saw the whole reality itself shattered into multiple particles like a broken mirror. Although she also saw her aunt Shirley running into the room in a panic, everything turned pitch black in mere moments. At the same time, she opened her eyes and noticed that she was still sleeping in her room. ¡°W-Was that a dream?¡± But she felt it was way too realistic to call that a dream. At the same time, she recalled the young baby¡¯s final cry and sat up. Without hesitation, she left the bed and dashed out of her room. The hallway was shrouded in darkness, and she almost stumbled forward. Thankfully, she adjusted to the dark and fastened her footsteps towards the nearby room. Once she arrived at the wooden door, she raised her hands and pushed open the door. Her gaze was soon drawn to her mother and the baby. ¡®He is still breathing.¡¯ She also noticed no trace of any purple liquid on his cheeks and breathed a sigh of relief. Only then did she notice the room looked cleaner. Unlike before, all the blood traces were cleaned, and the room appeared better. After looking at her mother, she stepped forward and walked closer to the young baby, sleeping soundlessly. She also saw a cup and a milk bottle placed on the nearby table and thought her aunt must have fed the baby. ¡®But what was that earlier dream?¡¯ She looked at the moon through the window and guessed it must be close to midnight. ¡°Maybe, it¡¯s not a dream but a future? Will she really kill Raven?¡± She bit her lips in frustration and slowly took the sleeping child in her arms. ¡°Should I take him away and go to somewhere far away?¡± A strange thought popped up in her mind. At the same time, she looked at her mother and quivered. ¡°What should I do, mama? Wake up!¡± Her voice turned hoarse as tear droplets fell slowly. Although she didn¡¯t understand if that dream was true or false, she knew one thing for sure. ¡®If Raven stay in this Palace, he will definitely die.¡¯ She took a deep breath and whispered in Jeanne¡¯s ears. ¡°Mama, I don¡¯t have any other choice but to take him away. I¡¯ll take care of him from now on and will come back one day to see you. Please wait for us until then.¡± ¡°But how are you going to survive alone?¡± A familiar voice came from the entrance, causing her body to stiffen. ¡°Aunt Shirley?¡± She slowly turned around and stared at her warily. ¡®W-What happened? What made her to be even wary of her own aunt?¡¯ For a second, Shirley felt this young child had grown a lot. Surprised, she raised her hands and spoke in a solemn tone. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Don¡¯t get wary of your own aunt, Athena. But are you really sure about your decision? Once you decided, there will be no turning back.¡± ¡°I am!¡± There was not even a hint of hesitation in her eyes. ¡°Follow me then,¡± Shirley grabbed Athena¡¯s hand and left the room first. Then, they both walked on the hallway stealthily and soon moved to the balcony at the end. ¡°Let¡¯s jump down.¡± Shirley took the baby from Athena carefully and jumped from the balcony. Soon, she casually stepped in mid-air, controlling her body weight perfectly, and landed on the grassy yard. Even though it was a moment, Athena noticed that her aunt''s strength appeared to have far surpassed a normal human. ¡®Aunt is an Official Knight?!¡¯ Shocked, Athena also leaped into the mid-air and fell incredibly fast. But as she was about to crash on the grassy yard, Shirley moved her other hand and caught her using her shirt collar. ¡°Athena, you have to cover your right hand from now on and never attract any noble¡¯s attention.¡± Shirley whispered and fastened her footsteps towards the compound wall. But as she observed the surroundings, she couldn¡¯t help but get suspicious. In truth, she was planning on using a stealth artifact to escape with the child but was little baffled by the current situation. ¡°Why there are no guards in the courtyard?¡± She mumbled inwardly and subconsciously turned her gaze towards the white palace building. For a moment, she felt an invisible force gripped her whole body and slowly dissipated, causing her face to turn pale. She instantly knew that the mere force was enough to squash her body hundred or even thousand times and felt an uncontrollable fear. "W-What happened, Aunt?" Athena asked as she saw her aunt''s pale face and looked around cautiously. Two seconds later, Shirley finally managed to calm down and came to a realization. "It seems like they are letting us go voluntarily." After all, she knew that even the normal Royal Guard''s strength should be way above Radiant Walker and let out a bitter smile. "It''s better for us to go very far away and live in some rural town." She only hesitated momentarily before grabbing Athena¡¯s hand and walking towards the compound gate. Soon, both jumped to the other side and disappeared from there. ... Palace Bedroom, At that moment, two people sat on the silk-covered luxurious bed and gazed in the direction where Athena and Shirley disappeared. One was a beautiful red-haired woman with amber eyes, while the other was a blonde-haired man. The beautiful woman only wore a transparent white robe and possessed a charming body that could even turn the Emperor into a small kid. She was none other than the Empress of the Zenith Empire, Elise Sillalus Jorvot. ¡°That Athena child has a great potential in Swordsmanship. Although her darkness affinity is only ¡®high¡¯ rank, her sword affinity is ''genius'' rank. If she enters the Crows¡¯ Misery academy and become wizard Allen¡¯s disciple, she would¡¯ve a great future. What a letdown.¡± Emperor Ian said with a trace of disappointment. ¡°Great future?¡± A frown appeared on that woman¡¯s face. ¡°The people of this Ivory Continent had been cast out for who knows how long and been isolated from the rest of the world. The only reason those scheming wizards returned to this island is mainly because of the presence of human resources. From the looks of it, they seem to be preparing for a large scale war and need potential seeds to fight for that.¡± The red-haired woman named Elise said coldly. She was none other than the Empress of the Zenith Empire. A chuckle escaped out of Emperor Ian¡¯s mouth. ¡°You are mistaken about something, my darling. In truth, my father and few others made a deal with Wizard Alliance when the Wizards arrived at this Ivory Island a millennium ago.¡± Emperor Ian¡¯s words caused Elise to furrow. ¡°Deal? Why hadn¡¯t I heard of this from your mouth until now?¡± Her voice contained a trace of curiosity. ¡°That¡¯s because you never expressed your distrust towards the Wizards this openly before. And I also never feel any need to explain this matter to you.¡± Emperor Ian paused for a moment and then added. ¡°Unlike this place, the outside world has been improving drastically through battle and advancing to the new age for a long time. Ground breaking discoveries like Rune Pistol, Airships, Railways, Communication artifacts, and many more are happening every minute, causing the lifestyle of the mainland people to become more modern. On the other hand, we are far from even achieving anything on our own. When the wizards came, the Ivory Island was bathed in blood constantly. Even a small misunderstanding led to wars for years, resulting in deaths of millions.¡± ¡°I know that much. But nothing changes now too, right? Even now, there is always been unrest all over the Ivory Continent.¡± Elise said. ¡°That¡¯s where you are wrong. After the Wizards arrival, the first good thing happened to this land was social revolution. Thanks to their intervention, slavery was abolished, and even every men and woman has the right to vote and elect the leader through voting system. That¡¯s how Gavin got his position as the Prime Minister of Zenith Empire. Although the noble hierarchy system is still there, most of the official positions are vacant for everyone. And a commoner also has many ways to climb up the rank and become a true noble unlike before.¡± ¡°Although Wizards¡¯ arrival and their new technology changed revolution in medicine, alchemy, science, rune study, and so on, the strength of the Ivory Island is still far inferior. Even a single Magical Beast invasion to our territory will be result in a big issue. That¡¯s why my father and the rulers of the other three Empires formed a pact with the Wizard Alliance to protect this place for two thousand years and create a new hope for this land. Furthermore, Wizard Alliance also promised us that they will take Royal children to become disciples of High Ranked Wizards and nurture them to be powerful enough to become the main pillar of the four empires. In return for this promise, we gave up some of our right to rule the people.¡± The Emperor¡¯s voice turned solemn. Chapter 4: Darkcross Town Chapter 4: Darkcross Town "Voting System? But the election happens only every 50 years. In the end, the ones who coverts the minister positions are not the wizards but nobles and some influential commoners, right?" "Naive thinking. The wizards are not after the position. They slowly want to turn the whole continent into a completely new ruling system. By doing so, they can easily replace the nobles with commoner-born wizards and also manipulate them as they wish. In the near future, only the wizards will be ruling the whole place." His words caused Elise''s face to turn grim. She instantly realized what his words meant. ''At that time, this Royal Family will be nothing more than a glorious family of the past. We might not even be able to protect ourselves.'' "So, that''s why you want Athena to become a wizard and also let her shoulder the burden of the Royal family when the time comes, huh?" A look of understanding appeared on her face. Although Elise was a 7th Circle Mystic Walker with good talent in Spearsmanship, she still couldn''t face any of the Academic Professors. "The Academy''s strength is growing stronger day by day." She said solemnly. "That''s why we need to send some good seeds to the Academy and take it over from within. Although Allen and I are on friendly terms, my strength is nowhere near his. If they want to take over the Empire by force, we have no choice but to admit defeat." "Haa, I think it''s better this way. If you had killed that infant as planned, she might have formed a grudge against the whole Royal family and became hard to control later. Moreover, Jeanne might have broken down completely." Elise shook her head and added with a mischievous smile. "But from what Garvin said, that baby is bound to die before the age of 15. When that happens, Athena will realise the truth after going through hardships and come back more broken. At that time, she will be easy to control. With her potential in swordsmanship, she might become the fourth Legendary Walker of Empire in the future, turning into the best guard dog for our sons. On the other hand, I have an excellent candidate in mind for the wizard Allen''s apprentice job. I know you want to give that child a better future, but she has already decided her path. Let''s give that chance to our grandson. Also, he has a ''High'' rank affinity in Water Element and could be considered talented like Athena. The only negative is that he is overly arrogant due to Daniel''s pampering and doesn''t have any extra affinity. But as long as we send him to become the disciple of any Academic Professors, there is a high chance for him to become a powerful Wizard." Even after the Empress said those words, Emperor Ian felt he had lost something more precious. "Let''s hope she will become one of the pillars of the Empire one day. I''ll give her a fifteen-year break, so she can stay with that infant and face the hardship. Also, I heard some confidential information that a big storm is brewing in the north." Elise''s eyes turned dark. "Velvet Eclipse Guild?" She asked with a stiff face. "There are rumors that the group started acting in the shadows and causing chaos to seek out potential seeds. After the United Alliance was split into Order Alliance and United Council, there was also a rift happening between all four emperors and other kingdoms. Frequent assassinations of Royals and important officials are also happening more often these days. It''s as if someone is manipulating behind the scenes and orchestrating something big." Emperor said solemnly. "But what they can gain by creating chaos here?" Elise asked in puzzlement. "You might not know, but ''heroes'' are born when there is chaos. To find out an excellent seed among the trashes, they would not hesitate to use any means. War might break out at any moment between the United Council and the Order Alliance. If such war occurs, the neighboring nations like the Viser Kingdom and Shadow Nation might scheme something and ally with the Order Alliance. At that moment, we will have no choice but to side with the United Council to stop an all-out war in this land." Emperor Ian said as he leaned on the bed and sighed deeply before adding. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "We should send Robert to the West Fortress to keep an eye on the Viser Kingdom and also to get more achievements in the military. That way, he can at least keep that reckless child of ours in check." "Haa, Daniel indeed has a bad temper. But you can''t still think of him as a child anymore. Thanks to certain someone''s lustful plays, more and more geniuses are popping up within the family, making me feel like my two sons are only average." Elise spoke in a dissatisfied tone. "I''m doing this for the family and the Empire. When Robert or Daniel ascends to the throne in the future, they should''ve at least a dozen trustful genius subordinates, right? Even if they lose power to control the people, they should at least have enough power to dominate anyone through brute force." Ian grabbed the Empress''s waist, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her forehead. "Umm, but you shouldn''t forget the rule of the Royal Family. Even if you are the Emperor, you can''t go against the Guardian ¡®Jorvot,'' darling. And unlike other Empires, all the concubines'' children have the right to inherit the throne. Thanks to the ''Guardian''s'' absurd rule, two thorns had already popped up. The first concubine''s second son has already gotten the support of the Duke of Crimson Fort while the third concubine''s first son has the backing of the Spade Family. If something bad happens to you, the whole Empire might be enveloped in blood and flames." "I''m well aware of that problem. But don''t worry. I''ve already kept a check on every other child through a special method. Wherever they go, whoever they meet, I''ll know everything." Although he was cold and cruel to his other sons and daughters, he never stopped worrying about the empire''s and family''s future. ... Darkcross Town, Territory of Mirage Woods, Zenith Empire. Year 1410, August 18th In the heart of the vast island continent, nestled within the sprawling countryside, lay the charming town of Darkcross. It was a large town with a population of around 100,000 people. As the morning sun broke through the mist, the quaint cobblestone streets came to life with the bustling activity of the townsfolk adorned in their elegant attire. The rhythmic chugging of the steam engine train echoed through the air, announcing the arrival of passengers and goods from distant lands. The train station, an architectural marvel with its ornate ironwork and grand clock tower, served as a gate to the other territories. As the locomotive pulled into the station, clouds of steam enveloped the platform, creating excitement and nostalgia. Adjacent to the train station, the industrial district came alive with the clanking and whirring of machinery. Factories with tall brick chimneys dominate the skyline, emitting plumes of smoke that blend with the morning fog. The factory workers, dressed in rugged clothing, toil away amidst the clatter of gears and the hiss of steam escaping from the intricate mechanisms. Darkcross''s market square was a vibrant hub of activity. Street vendors peddled their wares beneath colorful awnings, hawking everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. The clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages resonated against the backdrop of cheerful chatter and the occasional brass band playing in the distance. It was such a rush morning for many town folks. It was around 8 A.M. A single-storied house with a big lawn next to the Alm Street road stood steadily, looking more like a commoner''s one. In the doorway of the house, a young and slender boy, his dark hair contrasting sharply with his fair skin, stood observing the passersby with a wide-eyed fascination. His innocent countenance, framed by a mop of black hair, revealed a round face that bespoke the purity of youth. Standing at approximately 105 centimeters, he appeared diminutive yet possessed quiet confidence. The boy''s eyes, a deep shade of blue, held a certain earnestness as he took in the world unfolding before him. Clad in a meticulously arranged ensemble, he wore a crisp white shirt and blue trousers, giving a sense of tidiness and perhaps a touch of formality. Adorning his back was a leather school bag, a symbol of his youthful academic pursuits. "Raven, did you take the lunch box?" A pleasant young woman''s voice echoed from inside, causing his eyes to widen. "Ohh! I forgot!" The young boy named Raven hurriedly turned around and ran inside to take the lunch box. But before he could take a few steps, a 165 cm tall young woman came from inside with a small bag in her left hand and blocked his path. She had the same black hair as him and appeared to be around 18 years old. At that moment, she wore a dark greenish shirt and the same color pants and even held a black umbrella in her hand. She was none other than Athena. As soon as she approached Raven, she grabbed him with her right arm and kept him on her waist. "Happy birthday once again. Did you do yesterday''s homework, Mr. Perfect?" She asked while kissing him on his soft cheeks. A bright smile bloomed on the young Raven''s face as he nodded and responded proudly. "I did all, sister. I also finished memorizing the thirteenth equation table in the Logistic calculation subject." "Good boy." She nodded pleasantly and walked out of the single-story house. Afterwards, she turned around while keeping Raven in her waist, locked the door using a metallic locker, and soon left the house. Chapter 5: Sisters Worry Chapter 5: Sister''s Worry "Sister, what is that? Why does it look different from Uncle Andrew''s vehicle?" As Athena walked on the roadside, Raven suddenly noticed a unique luxurious cart running in the opposite direction and asked. "That''s the Lord of this Town''s Landua Carriage, my sweetheart. Unlike ordinary carriages, it''s made for high-status people to ride on." Athena answered. "High status? Is he a rich person?" Raven asked with wide eyes. "He is the richest person in this territory. Not only that, but the carriage, this street, our home, the school you are studying, the railway station, the factories, and all the land you see are being overseen by the owner of this carriage. And he also owns four more towns like Darkgrove and even one large city named ''City of Highhold.''" "Wow! Amazing sister! But who is he? Why does he oversee us?" "Hmm, He is Baron Alexander Whitbard and also a Noble of the Zenith Empire. Unlike us commoners, he has many privileges and can do many things in the territory. So, if you see him upfront, you must greet him politely and even pay respect to him." Athena explained everything to him calmly and even started to teach him about a few other things along the way. Although Raven saw multiple types of carriages like dog carts, broughams, and cabriolets passing by, he didn''t find it interesting because he saw them often. Before she could end her teaching of the worldly stuff, she noticed they had already arrived in front of a large compound gate. It was one of the seven elementary schools of Darkcross called ''Silverhelm School,'' where they taught basic studies and guided the kids to choose a path in their lives. A school for commoners and people experiencing poverty was impossible a few centuries ago on the Ivory Island continent. But around a century ago, another elite group of wizards came from the mainland continent and started investing more money in educating children, improving lifestyles, and even introducing new technologies. That was how many Elementary Schools were created in every town and city. Although not everyone could enroll in elementary school, almost 60% of the commoners could send their children to school as long as they worked hard. That was mainly because the wizards from the mainland continent not only provided education but even shared some of their advanced technologies to improve the lifestyles of the people. One of the few technologies were railways and steam locomotives, sewing machines, photography using technology, steam-powered printing press, Electric lighting, steel production, long-range communication artifacts, normal guns, artifact rifles, etc. ''Mysterious wizards from the other continent... Compared to my father and the previous Emperor, those foreigners did many things for the common folks.'' If it were a few centuries ago, wizards were revered as mysterious and scary people and caused fear among the masses. Even uttering their name in public caused restlessness among the people. But as more time passed, people also progressed to the new era and grew accustomed to the presence of mysterious people. Alas, a farmer or a shopkeeper in the rundown alley meeting a wizard in his lifetime should be only around once or twice. That''s how rare they were. (Wizards and Walkers are different.) Even though Darkcross town had a total of 100,000 people, only 20 wizards stayed there. Of course, almost all of them still hide their true identity and always blend among the common folks and Walkers to not cause any disturbance. If not for Athena staying in the palace during her childhood days and learning a few things about wizards, she wouldn''t have believed that the wizards were hiding in this rural town and monitoring the town itself in secret. While thinking about random things, Athena saw many small kids walking inside, one by one, in uniforms, greeting each other. "Raven!!! Good morning!" A chubby-faced male child ran from the opposite side of the road with his large school bag and almost crashed into Athena. He had emerald green eyes, blonde hair, thick eyebrows, and appeared shorter than Raven. "Robert!" Raven also raised his hand and waved his hand at him. On the other hand, Athena slowly let Raven climb down from her waist and quickly adjusted his messy hair using a small comb. Then, she gave him the small lunch box bag and gave him a warm hug. "Today is the first day of this semester. Don''t fight with your classmates, and listen to what teachers say. Got it?" Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. "Yes, sister." Raven nodded before grabbing the chubby kid''s hand and running into the school compound gate. Once she saw him disappear from her vision, her smile faded slowly and was soon filled with worry. ''His health is getting weaker day by day even with all the healthy foods, and he is getting sick once a week. It seems I can''t delay any longer. I must feed him Walker''s spirit potion to see if there is any effect.'' In truth, her aunt aimed to buy a miraculous life potion from the auction and try to cure Raven''s soul. But it was easier said than done. To buy such a miraculous potion, they needed lots of money. Although her aunt was earning more by doing dangerous tasks as a mercenary, it still wasn''t enough. On the other hand, Athena barely earned 30 silvers per month and took care of household expenses. ''If I want to earn more, I must increase my Knight rank.'' During the past five years, she has been training endlessly and has progressed her swordsmanship considerably. However, her progression in Knight Training barely improved. Alas, thanks to her physical fitness test and good written test score, she became a constable in the Police Department of Darkcrest town two years ago and was working as a Patrol Officer. As long as she became an Official Knight, her position would rise to ''Head Constable.'' ''But becoming an Official Knight isn''t an easy job. My Knight techniques are flawed to be with.'' No, it wasn''t flawed, but the Royal Instructor didn''t give her the proper technique for fear of hindering her body growth. However, due to her leaving the Royal Palace at the age of 13, she ended up losing her future. ''But I didn''t even have a choice at that time.'' Even if she couldn''t progress, there was not a single regret in her mind. ''I don''t care about that princess title or the Royal Family lineage.'' She aimed to rise in the government position somehow and slowly get recognition from Baron Alexander. If she became an Inspector, she would get a lot of privileges from the Town Administration and might even be bestowed with the title of ''Knighthood.'' It was basically one step away from becoming a commoner-born Noble! Yes, she didn''t have a single thought of becoming a Noble and getting caught by the Royal Family. But getting the Knight title was important for her. As long as he became a Knight of Baron, she would have the authority to possess'' Aether Rifle.'' Unlike the normal gun commonly used by police officers, Aether Rifles were one of the precious artifacts created by Wizards. They were capable of even killing a Magical Beast in one shot. An average gun used by the Head Constable or Inspector was only around 15 to 20 gold coins and capable of killing low-rank monsters like goblins, wolves, kobolds, etc. They were also pretty used to hunting down normal criminals and even the humans of apprentice Walkers. But upon facing an Official Walker or higher Rank Monsters, the bullets released by the gun wouldn''t even leave a scratch. Even firing hundreds of bullets would do no fatal harm to such beings because of their hard skin. To tackle such monsters, Wizards came up with a new idea and invented special weapons powered not by gunpowder but by magic stones. Bullets of these magic artifacts were made of ''mana stone'' or ''Magic Stone'' and, upon triggering, could produce a destructive attack. They were the Aether Rifles and other model guns. There were also ranks among the artifacts, with the lowest being common and the highest being Legendary. Although swords, spears, and sabers were still the main weapons for many police officers, the appearance of normal guns and the magic artifacts made by wizards became more popular among high-ranked officers like Inspectors. Normally, it would take more than two official walkers to take care of an intermediate-rank monster using swords. But as long as one had enough magic bullets, they could kill intermediate monsters endlessly using Common Rank Aether Rifles. Alas, it wasn''t easy to mass produce these weapons. Even in this whole Empire, there were only around 1000 weapons in a circle. ''And Baron also has a dozen in his possession.'' One of Athena''s aims was to get her hand on such a weapon. The reason was very simple. Unlike most other towns, the Darkcross town they were staying in was very close to a dense forest named Mirage Woodlands, and monsters frequently appeared there. But thanks to guns and magic artifact weapons, small-scale attacks by monsters were easily taken care of in the past. Of course, if a High-Rank monster were to appear, it would be hard to kill it with the Aether Rifle alone. During that time, the whole security department had to move to the frontline and face those monsters head-on. ''To protect my precious family, I need to find as many trump cards as possible.'' Thankfully, most of the high-rank monsters possess high intelligence to communicate and rarely leave the dense regions. Alas, she decided not to get too relaxed. Athena''s other goal was getting the benefits of being the ''Knight of Baron.'' As long as she got that title, her current salary would become ten times or even twenty times higher! ''Every month, I get 30 silvers and 80 coppers as salary. But I spent five silvers on the house rent and five silvers on healthy food and medicine. I''ve also been paying ten silvers every month for Raven''s studies for the past 12 months, leaving only ten silvers remaining as savings. Currently, I have savings of around 380 silvers. Aunt Shirley said a Walker Spirit potion will cost around 500 to 600 Silvers. To be exact, it costs around 5 to 6 Gold coins.'' The Walker Spirit Potion wasn''t a permanent cure, but it would help Raven strengthen his inner will. If Athena actually drinks this potion, there is a high chance that she will break through the bottleneck forcefully and reach the realm of ''Official Knight.'' But after seeing Raven''s physical condition worsening day by day, she decided to spend everything on him. ''Alas, I still need more than 100 silvers.'' Although she could ask for Aunt Shirley''s help, she decided not to touch her savings money. ''Do I have no choice but to sell the gift I got from the Lord of the Crimson Fort?'' She slowly raised both her hands and hurriedly slapped her cheeks harder. ''What are you even thinking, Athena? Is this necklace more precious than your cute little brother?'' She took a deep breath to steel her heart and proceeded to move to Grey Street, where the black merchants'' shops were located. Chapter 6: Bloodline Devouring System Chapter 6: Bloodline Devouring System As Athena tried to sell off her necklace, Raven had already entered the class and saw a blonde-haired woman taking out a notebook from her leather back, calling out names. She had beautiful amber eyes, a heart-shaped face, a high-nose bridge, and pale white skin, which was utterly unique in this town. She wore a graceful office dress, capturing the essence of the time with its refined details and modest design. The high-necked bodice of her dress was adorned with delicate lace, giving an air of sophistication, while the long sleeves gracefully covered her arms. The tightly cinched waist accentuated her figure, and the ankle-length skirt flowed as she moved. The fabric of her dress was a deep shade of navy blue, complementing the subtle intricacies of her lace collar and cuffs. A small brooch adorned the center of her high neckline, adding a touch of personal flair. Her blonde hair was neatly arranged in a bun, secured with hairpins, and a few loose curls framed her face delicately. She was the Class Teacher of the Grade-2 Elementary Class! But what caught Raven''s attention was the unique red-gem embedded pendant with a strange circular symbol around her neck. ''Why does Teacher Elizabeth always wear completely different clothes from the other staff?'' Such a thought crossed his mind. "Raven." He soon stood up upon hearing Teacher Elizabeth calling his name and said. "Present, ma''am." Elizabeth raised her eyebrows as she thought of something and looked at him. "Today is your birthday, isn''t it?" A surprise flashed on Raven''s face. "Don''t be surprised. I''m good at remembering things." She said with a chuckle and added. "Happy birthday, Raven. May the blessing of the ''Mother Eclipse'' be with you." "Thank you, Ma''am." Raven bowed his head and nodded. After that, she returned to her professional attitude and called out the next name. "Chris." "Present, ma''am.'' "Silvia." "Present, ma''am." "Mary." "Present, ma''am." ... Once the attendance was over, she took out the language book, turned towards the blackboard, and started writing using chalk pieces. "Before going deep into the language class, I''m going to teach you guys about the ''Walkers.''" She paused for a moment and asked. "Does anyone know the answer?" A young girl with pretty blonde hair raised her hand and answered. "They are the protectors of the Empire." "Good answer, but not a detailed one." Elizabeth waved her hand and started writing on the board. "In truth, the Walkers walk on the path to find the pinnacle of strength and search for the truth. Anyone who becomes a Knight, swordsman, spearman, Archer, Fighter, Assassin, and anyone with unnatural strength is sometimes called a ''Walker.'' They are stronger than humans and can even destroy gigantic trees with one punch." As Elizabeth spoke, the eyes of small kids began to spark. At that moment, another kid named Sylvia raised her hand and asked. "But what is the difference between an Apprentice Walker and an Official Walker, ma''am? And how do you become an Apprentice Walker?" Elizabeth was a little surprised by the young child''s question and nodded. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. "Apprentice Walker is a normal human with some better reflexes and skills. They are normal humans but extremely skilled in combats and techniques. On the other hand, Official Walkers are different. Their strength is double or even triple than an average human. Once an apprentice walker become an Official one, he is finally eligible to fight the monsters." "How to become an Apprentice Walker, ma''am?" Another kid questioned. "To become an Apprentice Walker, one must learn the Mana Extraction Technique and store them in circles within our body. Anyone from the 1st to the 3rd circle, we call Apprentice Walkers; 4th to 6th, we call Official Walkers; and finally, the 7th to 9th, we call them Elite Walkers. And these people all come under the rank of ''Mortal Walkers.''" Elizabeth suddenly realized she was talking to small kids and shook her head. "You guys will learn more about the ''Walkers'' during 5th Grade." Saying so, she opened the book and started focusing on the language class. Raven spent his time in the elementary class until evening and listened to teachers'' lessons attentively. Strangely, however, whenever he listened to teachers'' lessons, he needed time comprehending some things and started to fall behind in understanding. It was like a strange wall was blocking him from memorizing the content. His teachers, including Elizabeth, noticed this odd phenomenon, but none took anything seriously. After all, elementary classes were less important than the Walker Training classes. Even if a child didn''t understand a single thing and became an utterly dull moron when it came to studying, if he had a good affinity for any elements, he would have a bright future. The school ended at 5 P.M. Unlike other children, Raven stayed in the class and kept writing first to the thirteenth equation table to check if he had forgotten anything. ''Some of my classmates have already caught up to the 14th equation table. If I want to keep my grades high, I must study harder. But I want to play with Robert too.'' He muttered and soon noticed that the sun had already started descending in the west. Suddenly, he saw the Logistic Calculation and grammar books of his close friend under the desk and sighed. "He didn''t even check the desk. I wonder how he will do tomorrow''s homework." "It''s getting late. I should also leave now." He hurriedly stored the notebook and pencil in the bag and ran to the classroom''s exit. He soon left the school''s main building and ran towards the gate. At the entrance gate, he saw his beautiful sister standing outside with a warm smile. But what made his smile widen was the appearance of a blonde-haired woman beside her. "Aunt Shirley!" He tried to run but soon stopped as he started breathing harder. "Huff Huff!" He took a few more breaths while walking and soon arrived before them. "I''m tired!" He said with a smile as Shirley took him with both hands and asked Athena. "What is today''s dinner, Sister? Are you going to make anything special?" Meanwhile, Athena showed a thoughtful look and spoke. "I''m planning on making fried pork and vegetable stew. But before that, I will give you a little present." "Present?" Raven blinked his eyes in surprise and waited for her to continue. "I''ll only tell you after we reach home," Athena said with a smug smile and started walking. "Tell me!" Raven screamed from Shirley''s arms, but she didn''t listen at all. The trio quietly walked on the roadside while talking and soon reached 15A Alm Street. Once they reached the home, Athena opened the house using an iron key and walked into the dark house before switching on the electric light in the main hall. On the other hand, Shirley locked the door from inside and put down Raven. Then, she slowly grabbed his hand and brought him to the bedroom. "Why are we in the bedroom?" He tilted his head and asked in puzzlement. At that moment, Athena slowly took out a strange greenish vial from her pouch, opened the lid, and gave it to him. "Raven, drink it without saying a word." She spoke in a solemn tone. Although Raven was confused by his sister''s words, he didn''t say anything and grabbed the vial with his tiny hand. Then, he didn''t hesitate and poured the strange liquid into his mouth. A second later, he felt a burning sensation all over his body, followed by a strange warmth. Simultaneously, a tired feeling assaulted his mind, making him fall asleep in a few seconds. "Will he be okay, Aunt?" Athena asked in a concerned tone. "I''m not sure, Athena. But we should at least do our best to help him recover. Although the ''Walker Spirit Potion'' only recovers one''s stamina and willpower, this is the only thing we can get in this rural town. Let''s hope he gets better." Saying so, Shirley turned around and walked out of the bedroom. Athena also soon left the bedroom, leaving him alone. Hours passed slowly as Athena and Shirley came to the bedroom multiple times to check on him, but nothing out of the ordinary happened. It was around 2 A.M. Raven suddenly heard a strange vibration but couldn''t open his eyes. No, his consciousness barely remained before going into a deep slumber. Unknown to him, a strange blue screen appeared within his eyes and started showing multiple notifications. [System Awakening... Error.... Re-updating the System...] [Remnant of the ''****** ******'' has been found within the Host''s soul] [Suspected to be harmful to the Host''s soul!] [Taking initiative measures to solve the problem!] [Searching for a method to erase the Remnant of the ''****** *******''] [Search failed!] [Searching for alternative method!] [Analysing the Remnant of the ''******* *******''] [Analysis successful!] [Fusion Possible... Would you like to fuse? Success rate 20%.] [Fusion Possible... Would you like to fuse the ''****** ******'' with System?] [Error.... The Host is suspected to be in an unconscious state!] [Emergency protocol Activated!] [''Tower Spirit Zera'' has been forcefully awakened from her slumber to assist Host!] [''Tower Spirit Zera'' will decide on the fusion request.] [With her approval, the System is proceeding to fuse with ''***** *****''!] [1%....3%....5%....10%....20%....30%....50%...70%...80%...90%...95%...99%... 100%!] [Fusion Successful!] [Renaming the System under the request of ''Zera.''] [Congratulations for successfully awakening the Bloodline Devouring System!] Chapter 7: Zera Chapter 7: Zera [Alert.... Alert.... Alert.... Host''s soul has been on the verge of shattering!] [Oh? Did the battle against the ''***** ******'' and Charles''s consciousness in the Inner World cause his soul to be more damaged? It is indeed troublesome.] A woman''s voice echoed inside Raven''s Soul. [Is it possible to fuse the shattering soul with Raven''s body and consciousness? No, Charles said he achieved that thanks to a ''Fire Elemental Heart.''] A worried voice kept echoing. [Can I use the System Core and proceed with it? Hmm, it''s a dangerous gamble. But if I don''t do anything, ''Raven'' will surely die.] [Haa, I don''t have any other option.] Just as the voice spoke, an invisible power appeared out of the System Core and started helping the shattering soul shards to fuse with Raven''s body and consciousness. A strange mutation started to take place. It continued for more than an hour and slowly ended. [Shattered Soul has been successfully fused with Host''s consciousness and body] [Fusion success!] [Thanks to the Fusion, Host''s life span has been increased by 6 more years!] [The damage of the Host''s shattered soul is still high.] [System has given full authority for the ''Tower Spirit Zera'' to help Host from now on.] [Zera now has complete control over the System!] [That''s good. There are still some remaining backup skills available in the system core. Although all are one-time use, it''s better than having nothing in this situation. Use the ''Eldritch Analysis'' skill and connect to the ''Wisdom Link.''] ¡­ [Activating the one-time usable ''Eldritch Analysis'' ability¡­] [Eldritch Analysis has been activated successfully and is now connected to the ''Wisdom Link''!] [Connection Successful!] [Good. Decipher and extract all information related to Alchemy, Rune Mastery, Spirit Absorbing Techniques, and Mana Storing techniques from the ''Eclipse World'' and store them in the System Storage.] [Proceeding to extract information¡­.] [Extraction started¡­] [0.1%...0.5%....1.3%....2.5%....4%.....9%.....15%.....20%....35%.....50%.....75%.....95%..... 99%.....100%!] [Extraction Successful! All the information is being stored in the System''s Storage as books.] [[Eldritch Analysis] skill has been used up!] [[Wisdom Link] skill has been used up!] [Removing the two empty skills from the System skill slot!] [Only 5 unused skill slots remaining!] [System advises the ''Tower Spirit'' to proceed cautiously!] [Yeah, yeah, I know what I''m doing.] The woman''s voice said in annoyance and continued to change a few more things. [Inventory- Slot 1 unlocked!] [The System has given ''Beginner''s Pack'' as a reward for the Host.] [Memory Library has unlocked!] [That''s all I can do for you now, kid.] Then, she went silent and checked all the newly obtained information through the ''Wisdom Link.'' ¡­ This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. A few minutes later. [Raven, wake up.] A strange woman''s voice echoed inside Raven''s mind, causing his consciousness to awaken. Raven slowly opened his eyes and gazed with a puzzled look. "W-What is this blue thing?" [Don''t panic, Raven. The System has awakened me to help you.] "W-Who?" A look of alarm appeared on Raven''s face as he glanced around warily. "W- Who is it? W-What d-do y-you w-want?" He started to stutter in panic. "W- Who are you? T-Thief?" He tried to push away the strange illusionary blue screen, but only his hand passed through like a ghost, making him even more scared. [You don''t have to panic, Raven. I''m not a Ghost or a thief. I''m Zera, a Tower Spirit artifact created by a powerful Wizard to help you!] "P-Powerful Wizard? How did you know my name?" Raven had repeatedly heard of the word ''Wizard'' from her sister and asked. "B-But how can I trust you? My sister said not to trust Walkers or any strangers! Wait, I''ll call my sister. You can talk to her directly." He tried to sit up but felt some heavy weight was placed on his body. [Unfortunately, you mustn''t tell anyone about my existence. If someone finds out my existence within your soul, not only will they try to kill you, but they might go after your sister.] He was about to say something but soon swallowed his words. Although he still didn''t understand this System, he felt he should listen to this person''s words. Exposing this person''s presence to his sister or anyone would only harm them. "Promise me you won''t hurt my sister and Aunt!" He asked. [You don''t need to worry. No one will get harmed if you don''t reveal my presence to anyone.] Zera said in a calm tone and soon added. [Before that, you need to do something about your current state. If you don''t heal your soul quicker, you will die.] "W-What?" Raven couldn''t understand what she meant and started asking strange questions. "What happened to me? What is soul? How will I die?" [... I forgot you are only a small kid. Okay, before we do something about your current state, we must take care of your body. Wait, let me check your aptitudes.] A few seconds passed slowly. [As I expected, that ''thing'' indeed devoured all your affinities, resulting in your soul being more crippled.] Zera said in a worried tone. "Is there a way to get my affinities back?" Raven asked, not even having any clue about what those meant. [Unfortunately, it''s not possible with your current condition. Although the System fused with the remnant of that ''thing'' and became something unique, it''s still not the time to check how it works. Hmm, first, let me show you how messed up your body is.] Just as she spoke, a row of information appeared in front of his eyes. ... [Name: Raven Sillalus Jorvot Age: 5 Race: Human/???? Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: 66th Prince of Zenith Empire Class: None Level: 0 Current Rank: Mortal (Soul damaged 85%) Life Pathway: Not decided yet Attributes: Strength: 0.3 Agility: 0.4 Vitality: 0.3 Luck: 1.0 Spirit: 1.4 Additional Skills: None.] ... "What are these? My name? What does that title mean? Prince? What is level?" Raven asked in confusion. [Even if I tell you everything now, you won''t understand, child. My worry is something else. With your current status, your future looks like a total mess.] Even Zera got confused by the current situation and fell into deep thought. [It seems we have no choice but to use the ''Memory Library'' and the ''Beginner''s Reward'' to take the first step. It is possible to awaken those skills quickly using this method. Kid, I''ll give you three skill options; choose a single one.] [1. Past Finder: It''s a unique ability to find the traces of past incidents that happened before and let you get a clear view of the situation. It mainly helps in investigation-type missions.
  1. Instant Memory: This skill lets you memorize anything you read once.
  2. Wonder Sense: It''s a unique luck ability that allows you to differentiate between good and evil. For example, if you sense an incredibly ''Good'' feeling whenever you walk, you might find some good things.]
''Is it possible to learn all three of them?'' He asked like a greedy kid. [Not now. But you can learn once you heal your soul to a normal state.] Zera''s words made him brighten up. After that, he read the first option and asked. ''What does it mean it can allow me to find the traces of the past incident?'' [It''s an ability to look into the past or find clues about what happened before. For example, if you learn this ability, you can even look into the past of this place. If some people talked about a secret in this room yesterday, you could use this ability to see what they talked about thoroughly.] Although Raven barely understood what she said, he felt it was a very fantastic ability. ''Then, what about the [Instant Memory] skill? Can it allow me to memorize whatever I read like it says?'' He asked in anticipation. [Yes!] A short reply came from Zera. In truth, she was stunned by this 5-year-old kid''s calm thinking. Raven also read the third option and soon fell into deep thought. In truth, he barely comprehended how valuable each skill would be. But the most essential thing in his life was the ''Instant Memory'' skill. ''When I entered the school, teachers praised me for learning equations and even gifted me sweets. But recently, I can feel even the lowest ranking students have already caught up to me.'' At that moment, he was more like an average student. But if things go as right now, he will soon become a student with the lowest score. The elementary school had a total of five classes. And it would take five years to complete for an average student. In the first grade and second grades, Raven had a total of five subjects. First was Logic Calculation, the second was Language, the third was Reading and Writing, the fourth was Arts, and finally, the fifth was Grammar. Although extra classes like sports and meditation were there, they were more like free classes for him. So, he should have paid more attention to it. At this moment, he had already passed the first grade. But from this year onwards, each subject will be much harder than before. At that time, Raven knew he would lag behind many of his friends. ''I also don''t want to disappoint my sister and Aunt.'' A firm resolve appeared in his mind. ''I will choose [Instant Memorize] skill.'' Chapter 8: Beginners Reward Chapter 8: Beginner''s Reward Raven suddenly felt a suction force pulling him somewhere the next moment and was soon blanked out. By the time he woke up, he found himself standing in a strange library filled with shelves of books. [Welcome to the Memory Library, Raven.] A calm yet beautiful voice appeared from him, causing him almost to jump. "W-What? Who are you? Where am I?" With a startled expression, Raven swiftly pivoted on his heels, his eyes wide with fear. Before him stood a woman, her long silver hair cascaded down her shoulders like a shimmering waterfall. Her presence seemed almost otherworldly, akin to an elusive specter. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of gem-like blue, held an enigmatic allure, complementing the oval contours of her face that suggested a youthful radiance. She appeared to be in the age range of 25 to 30 years old, possessing a dazzling beauty that transcended the ordinary. Adorned in a striking red floral gown, the fabric gracefully draped around her figure and enhanced the mystical aura that surrounded her. A gem-embedded necklace adorned her neck, catching the ambient light and adding a touch of celestial brilliance. In her hand, she held a unique black-covered book, its presence evoking an air of mystery. But what caught his attention were her unique long ears! Amused by his surprised gawk, she let out a chuckle and soon arrived before him. [I''m the Tower Spirit ''Zera'' you have been talking to all this time. Once again, welcome to the ''Memory Library,'' Raven.] She paused for a moment as if she had read what Raven thought was and continued. [Right now, you are in a unique dimension hidden deep within your soul. This place has memories of a powerful Mage''s life experiences and also newly gathered information about the Eclipse World in the form of books. As long as you read the memories related to [Instant Memorize] skill or any other skills, there is a high chance for you to learn it even without having any affinity. It''s more like using hard work and experience way. But instead of your hard work and experience, you are going to use that Powerful Mage''s hard work and experience to learn that skill. But be warned, Raven. With this method, you can only learn the basics of the basics. If you want to get out of the current situation and live a healthier life, you must work much harder.] Raven stood in silence for a moment and asked. "Why are you helping me so much?" Although he was an innocent child, his sister had taught him to be always careful with any stranger''s help. [I can''t answer you to that question right now, Raven. But I have no ill intention against you or your family. Now, this is the memory skill book about the ''Instant Memory'' skill. As long as you use it, you will get the secret of how to get this skill.] As soon as she spoke, she pushed the book directly towards his chest. But what started Raven was that he saw that book turned into a streak of golden light and entered his body. A second later, he saw hundreds of visuals of a person''s experience appearing before his eyes and slowly etching deep within his soul. How that young man first activated this skill, how he felt when using it to read the book, and also how he even used it during battles. Although he couldn''t see the person''s face, he strangely felt that he had experienced all those memories himself. Unknown to Raven, the broken, unorganized memories within his mind started to rearrange. But as he started experiencing more than hundreds of images, a strange headache appeared, causing him to wake up from the peculiar state. At the same time, the black-covered skill book also repelled out of his body and fell on the floor. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. [As I thought, it''s impossible for you to learn this skill in a single day. You can go back to your room and rest well.] Zera said calmly and waved her hand. A second later, the same suction force appeared out of nowhere and pulled him away from this strange library. Before he could even blink, he found himself staring blankly at the dark ceiling and felt fatigued. But what made him almost break into tears was the sharp pain that appeared all over his head. [The pain will last for an hour and disappear. Endure it.] Zera said in a calm tone. Nodding stiffly, Raven asked further. "But I think I already learned that skill. Although I''m not sure, my head feels so clear. Even the 13 equations of Logic Calculation class I''ve been struggling to keep in my mind appear more clearly." [Humph, you are still far from getting the skill, Raven.] Just as she spoke, a blue icon popped up again. ... [Name: Raven Sillalus Jorvot Age: 5 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: 66th Prince of Zenith Empire Level: 0 Class: None Current Rank: Mortal (Soul damaged 85%) Life Pathway: Not decided yet Attributes: Strength: 0.3 Agility: 0.4 Vitality: 0.3 Luck: 1.0 Spirit: 1.4 Additional Skills: Instant Memorize (Progress: 2.4%).] ... "What? Only 2.4%? Hmm, if I progress this way, it will take four days to achieve 10%... Oh no! Do I have to go through this for 40 more days?" He couldn''t help but take a deep breath. [You are taking this too lightly. Moreover, this skill is just the basic one. The more you rank up, the more difficult it will be.] Zera heaved a deep sigh and then added. [Before going to sleep, check out the ''Beginner''s Reward.''] Just as she spoke, a golden chest appeared out of nowhere, laying on the bed slowly. The golden chest was around 2 meters long, half a meter wide, and seemed more like a coffin than a reward chest. "W-What is this?" He asked stiffly. [This is the basic reward prepared by the creator of this system and ''me'' to help you all the time. Open it.] Zera said from his head. Raven nodded stiffly, squatted down a bit, and opened it with both hands. A moment later, he couldn''t help but show a confused look. What appeared inside were not some gold coins or precious gems but three common items. One was an Iron Spear, which appeared to be around 1.5 meters tall and looked like an ordinary spear in the market. The second item was a strange vial filled with pure crystalline water. And finally, the third item was an even more common one. It was a monocle! He had seen many grown men in this town wearing a similar monocle and knew it wouldn''t even cost around 5 silvers! "What is the use of these items?" He couldn''t help but ask. [Well, these are the only reward items my owner left behind for you. But don''t worry, each of them is unique on its own and will be of great help in the future.] "Okay." Raven looked at the items with a frown. [For now, go back to sleep. We will discuss those things later.] As she spoke, the golden chest and all the items suddenly turned illusionary and disappeared from his eyes. [I''m keeping them in your inventory slot. So, don''t worry and sleep.] Zera added. With no other choice, he quietly nodded and closed his eyes to sleep. Although he couldn''t even rest for the next few minutes due to the strange pain, it slowly started to disappear over time. Raven soon felt a strange drowsiness and fell into a deep sleep. ... By the time Raven had woken up, it was already 8 A.M. But what startled him deeply was that his big sister and even his Aunt sat next to his bed and looked at him worriedly. As soon as they saw him wake up, both showed a relieved face and smiled at him. "How are you feeling, Raven?" Shirley asked. "Aah! W- What happened, sister? Ah, I had a strange dream before." Raven said while letting out a loud yawn. "Oh? Dream? What type of dream did my cute little brother have?" "It''s a strange library-" He abruptly paused as he saw a red notification appear before his eyes and quietly shut his mouth. "Then? What happened?" Noticing his sudden silence, Athena asked curiously. "N-Nothing. I need to use the restroom now." He hurriedly crawled away from the large bed and soon climbed down on the tiled floor. After that, he turned around and started walking towards the restroom on the left side of the main hall. "It seems that potion indeed has a great effect on his body," Athena said with a relieved tone. Shirley also nodded at her words and asked. "Hmm, for how much did you sell that necklace at Goren''s place? I heard that he is a petty man and always tries to make problems with anyone who doesn''t accept his initial amount." A forced smile appeared on Athena''s face. "I indeed went on an argument with him first. But when I tried to walk away from the shop at a low price, he openly said that I wouldn''t be able to sell that necklace anywhere after offending him. In the end, I ended up selling that necklace for 23 Gold and 30 Silvers to him." She said while clenching her fist. Even thinking about that incident made her blood boil. Chapter 9: Flaws Chapter 9: Flaws "Haa, don''t feel too bad about it. If you had sold that necklace in Royal Capital, it might have sold for up to 50 or even 70 Gold coins. But we can''t do anything about it. In this town, we can''t go against Goren or any other big shop." Shirley said while waving her hand and soon added. "But this is only a temporary measure. I''m not even sure if this potion helped his soul recover. It seems we have no choice but to buy the Wizard''s Miracle Life Potion." Upon hearing the potion''s name, Athena''s face turned gloomy. She wasn''t new to this potion name. After they left the Royal Capital, Shirley had been using a black market information network and had been searching for a clue to healing Raven''s soul. After five years of searching, she finally found a clue about the appearance of a potion called Miracle Life potion in the Royal City Auction House from time to time. She learned from the multiple rumors that this potion had a miraculous effect. For example, Margrave Ashton brought this potion last time and extended his dying mother''s lifespan! There were also rumors that this potion saved people from the brink of death and even from dangerous curses and diseases. But the problem was the cost. Last time, this potion was auctioned for 950 Gold Coins! Before that, its worth even went past 1000 Gold Coins. "I barely saved up to 50 Gold Coins. If we can have a little help from that man, things might go smoother." Shirley said slowly. "No. Even if I beg him, I know he will not help my little brother." Athena firmly shook her head and then asked. "What about hunting Monsters like some Roaming Walkers and earning money by selling Magic Stones?" "Goblins can only have low-tier magic stones in their hearts, and they only sell for around 1 to 3 silvers. Although Hobgoblins drop Intermediate Tier magic stones, they always fight in groups. It''s impossible to solo them unless you are an Elite Walker." Shirley said solemnly. "But how much does an intermediate Magic Stone sell for?" Athena asked. "Hmm, it depends on their size. But most of them would sell for around 1 to 2 Gold Coins. But it''s not worth the risk." "Then, what about the High-Tier Magic Stone?" Athena still didn''t give up on the monster-hunting idea and asked. "If you can hunt Orcs, Cyclops, Orges, and Trolls, you can get many Intermediate and even some High-Tier Magic Stones. But even an Elite Walker will find it hard to face a High-Rank monster. Moreover, they always gathered in groups and even formed a settlement where they lived. You need at least a dozen Elite Walkers and One Radiant Rank Walker to face against an Orc Settlement." Her words made Athena instantly give up on the idea. "Athena, it''s true that even a single High-Tier Magic stone would sell for around 20 to 30 Gold coins. But do you think it''s an easy job? With one single mistake, you will lose your life. I''ll think of something to get that potion, so you should focus on training your swordsmanship." At that moment, Athena suddenly noticed Raven walking out of the restroom and added, "I''m more worried about Raven. Although he looks energetic now, will he be okay? Is there no other alternative way?" Her voice was filled with full of worry and anxiety. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. "I''m also helpless in this matter, Athena. But sometimes, I worry more about your mother instead. I wonder how she is doing these days. Imagine losing both of her children and even her elder sister on a single day and not seeing them for five years. I even sometimes wonder if we made the right choice." She closed her eyes for a second and soon turned serious. "But whenever I see that cute brat''s face, I feel all those worries wash away like they never existed." "Let''s go, Aunt. We should at least do what we can." Athena said calmly. "Indeed. Oh, I might come home late tonight. So, you guys eat dinner and sleep earlier." Shirley said as she thought of something. "Work? Is it a dangerous job again, Aunt?" Athena asked with a suspicious look. "It''s just a regular scout mission to the outer area of the Mirage Woodlands. The best we can encounter inside the outskirts is Goblins and Kobolds. Even an apprentice Walker like you can take on two of them at once. So, you don''t have to worry about my safety." Shirley said in a comforting tone and soon asked. "Are you still not able to break the bottleneck?" Athena nodded and answered with a trace of sadness in her tone. "It seems what you said might indeed be true, Aunt Shirley. The Imperial Knight Technique given to me by the Royal instructor must be basic. Otherwise, I wouldn''t be stuck in the same realm all this time. I also felt the Sword Technique to be an inferior one. I still lag in many areas, far from creating an invisible force around the sword edges." "Of course, it''s normal. Creating an invisible force around the sword can only be done through tens of years of training. Only the Elite Knights and those of higher rank can achieve that stage. From what I''ve heard from the rumors, they call that force ¡®Aura.'' And unless you learn a complete core swordsmanship technique, it will be impossible even if you practice for 100 years." Shirley said solemnly. "But how strong is that father of mine, Aunt Shirley?" Athena asked curiously. "He is one of the three Legendary Powerhouse of the Empire and even managed to comprehend his swordsmanship to an incredible level. While working at the palace, I witnessed him cutting an Iron Pillar into two with a single swing. Unlike the normally invisible sword Aura, his sword aura appeared purplish and looked destructive. Although he is a cold man, he is the strongest person in this Empire and could stop any army of soldiers alone." Shirley said in awe. "But he has a nasty personality!" "Never talk something like that again, child. We are too powerless to get near the gatekeeper outside the palace. In truth, our future looks dark. Unless some miracle happens, this situation won''t change. I''ll try to get a good Knight Technique from the black market that matches your affinity in a year or two. Until then, keep training your swordsmanship and improve your knowledge. Even though you can''t progress faster like the ones using Imperial Knight Technique, you can at least reach the ''Elite Rank'' in a decade or two." As she spoke, a young boy''s voice came from the kitchen. "I''m hungry. What did you make today, sister?" At the same time, a loud clang sound followed, causing Athena to widen her eyes. "Wait, I''ll come! So, stop making a mess in the kitchen." She hurriedly stood up from the chair and walked out of the bedroom. Shirley also followed Athena and started to get ready to work. The small family soon had breakfast together and left the house around 9.30 A.M. As usual, Athena dropped Raven at the Elementary School before working. On the other hand, Shirley took another road and moved toward the town''s administrative building. As Raven started walking on the smooth ground of the elementary school, he suddenly heard a running noise. "Raven? Did you do today''s homework? I did the homework but forgot to bring it on." A young, childish voice came from behind soon, causing him to turn around with a smile. "Don''t lie in the morning itself, Robert!" Raven giggled at his classmate and added. "I know you didn''t even take the Logistic Calculation book and Grammar book from the desk. Did you even check your bag after you went home?" His words made Robert scratch his head awkwardly. He soon shook his head and stated proudly. "Teacher Elizabeth''s class is only after Lunch Period, so if you lend me your notebook, I can copy it quickly." As he spoke, a slight sly grin appeared on his round face. After looking deeply at Robert, Raven shook his head and spoke. "Unfortunately, I also didn''t do the homework today." "What?" Robert''s eyes went wide as he heard those words. "What happened? Did you hit your head somewhere? Or did you have a fever yesterday? You must never lose the 100% homework mark at the end of this grade and lose your rank. If that happens, Mary Whitbard will snatch your position and become our class leader! Oh no! You must finish your homework before the class begins. Ah right! We have Play Class in the morning." "Teacher Maxwell won''t allow us to do other subjects'' homework and nags us to death the whole class. He and his puzzle games." Even Raven looked annoyed as he thought of that teacher, Maxwell. As they spoke, they had already arrived at the entrance to the school and started walking on the long corridor. Chapter 10: Classroom Chapter 10: Classroom Suddenly, Robert noticed something on the notice board, walked closer to it, and soon saw an important announcement. "Teacher Maxwell is taking a leave?" He couldn''t believe what he had read and turned towards Raven. "Haha, your luck is shining today! Let''s finish the homework during the second period." Robert laughed out loud as if he had achieved something significant and soon entered the second classroom. Then, both walked past many desks and were seated on the backside. Some other classmates also waved their hands at them as they walked in. Raven finally arrived at the last desk, placed the school bag under it, and sat on the wooden bench that was placed near it. Robert also sat beside him and took out the Language book. "Did you already finish memorizing the thirteenth equation table?" Raven asked as he also took the language book and placed it on the desk. "I completed it two days ago but still face difficulty when writing. Raven, do you want to go to the Crystal Theatre this evening?" "No. My sister won''t allow it." As he spoke, he saw a 60-year-old man with grey hair walking inside the class with a notebook in his hand. He was the Art Class''s Teacher, Derrick. "Good morning, Sir!" Raven and all the other students stood up from their seats and greeted him. "Morning. Sit down, please." The old man said with a nod and continued. "Today, I''m going to teach you how to draw an elephant using circles." The old man, Derrick, arrived before the blackboard and started to give a lecture. Meanwhile, the students did as he told them in the extra notebook and started drawing the elephant. Following that, he also told everyone to draw something natural using their imagination and checked everyone''s drawing skills. Raven also tried his best to scribble on the white sheet using colored pencils and tried to draw an image of a sun ascending to the sky in between two mountains. There was also a river flowing between the mountains, flowing through land while giving water to crops and entering the sea. [Even after eons, this nature picture hasn''t disappeared at all.] Zera commented in a dumbfounded tone. But Raven didn''t mind her comment and focused entirely on drawing the picture in his mind. On the other hand, Derrick walked towards every desk, looked at different drawings, and gave positive comments from time to time. Due to his jolly nature, he also made silly jokes from time to time and made the students laugh continuously. Before they could even finish nature drawing as they had imagined, the Art Class ended. "When you get home, finish the nature drawing and bring it back tomorrow. I''ll evaluate all the drawings and give extra points." Saying so, he left the class in a hurry, causing murmurs of students to rise. "Let''s do the homework now." Robert nudged his arms with his hand and took out a homework notebook from his school bag. Then, he also finally took the two books from below and placed them on the desk. Raven also took out the homework notebook and opened the logistic Calculation book. "I wonder which substitute staff will come today." Just as he spoke, he saw a familiar pale-white-faced woman entering the classroom and opened his mouth wide. ¡°Sh*t!¡± Robert also went wide-eyed and looked at Teacher Elizabeth in shock. "Good morning, ma''am." Students stood up from their seats one by one and greeted her in unison. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. "Morning," Elizabeth nodded calmly while signaling them to sit down and took out the attendance book. Then, she opened the bluish pen and started calling out names. After that, she finally stood up with a stern face and spoke. "Now, take out your homework and submit it at the front desk. Those who didn''t finish the homework should go and stand outside the classroom." Her words made the class go into abrupt silence. Among 56 students, a total of 17 people slowly stood up from their seats. "Seventeen people didn''t do the homework? Haa, is it that hard to write the thirteenth equation table 10 times?" She asked with an annoyed look and soon froze as her gaze landed on Raven. "Raven? What happened to you today?" She made a deep sigh and shook her head. She had thought of Raven as a genius and hardworking child but was disappointed today. With no other choice, Raven, Robert, and all the other students walked out of the class and stood outside in the hallway. But as time went on, some students started to ask for forgiveness as they noticed Elizabeth had started teaching the Fourteenth Equation table. "Haa, if you guys manage to tell the thirteenth equation table without any stutter, I''ll allow you in." Her words made the students raise their hands one by one. On the other hand, Raven slowly opened the book while standing and started reading the Thirteenth Equation table once again. The equation table covered the whole page, making it impossible for even a third-grade student to memorize it in a week. But Raven didn''t face any difficulty at all. Unlike all this time, he felt that the whole image of that page was imprinted in his mind in a span of a few minutes. ''Is it due to the ''Instant Memorize'' skill?'' At that moment, he noticed all the students had already made mistakes while reciting and returning to the hall. "Can I recite now, ma''am?" Raven asked as he stood outside the classroom. "Go on." Elizabeth didn''t even turn her head and said a word. On the other hand, Raven took a deep breath and started to recite the equation table steadily. But as time passed, Elizabeth stopped what she was doing and turned her attention to him to check whether he was looking at the book or reciting. ''He memorized the equation completely? Even the normal Third-grade students will find it hard to recite without any stutter, though.'' By the time Raven finished reciting the whole equation, the whole classroom went into abrupt silence. ''But I knew he was struggling to memorize this equation during the last semester, though. Did he gain enlightenment and get any unique skills? Although it is not a rare occurrence in the mainland, it is not possible here due to lack of mana density.'' Elizabeth furrowed her brows and soon spoke. "You may enter the class and start reading the fourteenth equation table from today onwards." After that, Elizabeth focused on the next page and started to explain the principle of how the Fourteenth Equation Table works. At that moment, Raven noticed a drastic change within his mind as he started listening to the ''Logistic Calculation'' Class. ''I managed to memorize the Fourteenth Equation Table only after reading it a couple of times?'' He was beyond shocked by this absurd ability. At that moment, Elizabeth suddenly looked in his direction and asked. "Can you recite the Fourteenth Equation Table up to the point you memorized till now?" Although Raven was confused by her words, he didn''t mind anything and stood up before reciting. But as he continued to recite the ''Fourteenth Equation Table,'' Elizabeth''s face turned more serious. "Eidetic Memory." Subconsciously muttering, she soon stood up from her chair. "Raven, come here." She said in a solemn tone. Meanwhile, Raven suddenly felt nervous inside and slowly walked closer to the front. On the other hand, Elizabeth gave the skinny child a deep look and placed her hand on his head. "You have a good memory, too, Raven. As a reward for already memorizing the fourteenth equation, I''ll grant you my silver pen." As she spoke, she took the silver pen from the table and placed it in his shirt pocket. After that, she looked at the other students and spoke. "You guys also should work hard like him and try to surpass him quickly. Anyway, I''ll end today''s class. And my afternoon period is free too. Use the time wisely and focus on studying." Saying so, she hurriedly walked out of the classroom before the class even ended and disappeared from there. Although the other students were amazed by Raven''s amazing reciting, nobody took it seriously. Raven also entirely focused on what the other subject teachers taught him during the following classes and got greatly startled. ''I can recall each and everything that happened in the class. Now that I think about it, why did Teacher Elizabeth say ''Eldritch Memory'' before leaving the class in a hurry?'' Although he was still confused by those words, he didn''t put too much thought into it and focused on the other classes. ... On the other hand, Elizabeth returned to the two-storied guest house located on Nobles'' Street and entered her living room. But as soon as she stepped inside the living room, multiple tiny, round-like white crystals lit up and illuminated the whole room. She slowly walked past the sofas and coffee table and soon arrived before a unique hand watch was placed on the farther wooden table. She calmly picked up the watch, wore it in her left hand, and spoke in a strange foreign language. "Activate CoreCirclet 45355325." Just as she spoke, the watch started to glow in a dim bluish light and soon made a unique music. A few seconds later, a bluish holographic screen appeared before her eyes, followed by the image of a moving image of a mouse. "Hello, my beautiful Eli. It''s been a while since I saw you." The mouse said while moving its mouth strangely and gave her a wink. Chapter 11: Gifts Chapter 11: Gifts "So, why did you activate me, my darling? Are you in need of any help?" "Contact my dad now. I might have found a potential seed." Elizabeth said in a solemn tone. "That''s so fast. Did you check the seed''s affinities?" The mouse asked while turning around and touching the illusionary blue icon with a symbol of the human head. A second later, a list of words in a different language appeared. The words scrolled down and soon stopped at a word called ''Dad.'' The small hand watch released a unique invisible magic frequency the next second. A few seconds later, the blue hologram started to twist and soon showed a moving image of a 50-year-old man with a slightly wrinkled face. He had the same pale-white skin, amber eyes, and long white hair. At that moment, he looked from the other side and showed a complicated look. Then, he opened his mouth and said something, but no sound came. No, the sound came two seconds later. "Elizabeth? Can you hear me? How are you doing these days?" A calm voice echoed inside the small room. "I found a potential seed, Dad. Can I return now?" Elizabeth asked in a hurried tone. "Calm down. Tell me more about the seed." The man responded after a slight delay. "Raven, age 5, has been staying with his sister and aunt. Although I haven''t checked his affinities, I think he had awakened the Dawn Goblin''s [Eldritch Memory] skill." She responded calmly and then waited. After a short delay, the man started to speak again. "Oh? That''s an excellent bloodline ability our Family Head would want for himself. But you need to search for one more seed, too. Although finding one seed itself grants you 100 contribution points in the Academy, it won''t be enough for you to rank up. Moreover, if you share your contribution points with our family''s two geniuses, you will be only left with 20 to 30 contribution points." His words caused Elizabeth''s face to flare. "20 to 30 contribution points?! Didn''t Patriarch tell me he will only take half the contribution points? Is he backing away?" She asked in a cold tone. "You misunderstand, child. I''m planning on sharing some contribution points with your elder brother only. As long as he breaks through to the realm of Radiant Wizard, we might get more resources from the Academy. He also promised to help you level up faster and even provide you with some resources. At this moment, he has already reached the 9th Circle Acolyte Wizard." Elizabeth could only nod her head and speak. "I understand." "How is your progression? Did you level up in the last ten years? Or still stuck as 5th Circlet Acolyte?" The man from the other side asked with a frown. Elizabeth could only show a bitter smile and responded. "I became a 6th Circlet Acolyte two years ago, Dad." "Hmm, it''s pathetic compared to your elder brother." A deep sigh leaked out of the man''s mouth. "Why not just quit being a wizard and take over the potion shop in the capital? After all, your affinities are only around intermediate and low levels." "I do what I can, Dad. But now is not the time for me to give up." Elizabeth refused. "Find more seeds and find a way to get close to this child. If we take him into our family once the academic contract period ends, he might become a good servant." "I''ll try my best. Also, our members have found five more potential seeds in Baron''s other towns. Each belonged to some local merchant or knight family and did extraordinary things in battles." Elizabeth said in a calm tone. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "What about the place you are currently staying?" The man asked. "Even though we tried to cause trouble here and there, this Baron''s place remains relatively peaceful. The other members of Velvet Eclipse also didn''t dare to scheme openly due to the presence of the Royal Family and the wizards of Crows'' Misery. One wrong move, all over plan to poach good seeds will go to waste." Elizabeth said in a solemn tone. "As long as you find more than two seeds, you can directly return home and get more than 60 contribution points. You will easily gather resources and construct the remaining zero-tier spell models with those points. If possible, you might break the bottleneck of Acolyte Wizard and become a Radiant Wizard in a decade or two." "I understand," Elizabeth nodded solemnly and cut the long-distance communication call. ''In the end, he only wants to use me as a resource and throw it away when the time comes.'' She muttered solemnly and went to the kitchen in disappointment. ... In the evening, Athena picked up Raven from school and returned to the house as usual. Following that, she helped him with the homework and went to the kitchen to make dinner. On the other hand, Raven returned to the bedroom and slowly asked. "Are you still in my head?" [Yes, Raven. And call me ''Zera'' from now on.] Zera responded. "Okay." Raven nodded while taking out a silver quill from his bag. It was not a feather quill but a cylindrical pen with a pointy nib at one end. "Today, my class teacher praised me for memorizing the fourteenth equation and even gifted me this quill. Unlike the normal quill, I can pour ink into this cylinder pen and write continuously for over an hour." [It seems you are delighted today. But from tomorrow onwards, try your best to hide your abilities. I''ve observed that learning the fourteenth equation table is not easy for a second-grade student. If you stand out too much, it will only attract unwanted attention.] "You mean I shouldn''t memorize other equations? Why?" Raven asked in confusion. [People are hard to understand, child. Imagine if a young child like yourself could memorize all the subjects of elementary school in less than a month and was already capable of graduating. What do you think will happen? People will start looking at you like you are some monster. After today''s class, Elizabeth sees you as a diligent and intelligent child. If you reveal your memorization ability often, other teachers will also notice your absurd memory ability and might try to use you. It''s always better to be careful.] Zera said solemnly. "B-But my teachers are good people. And no one can fool me." Raven said in protest. [Yes, yes. Anyway, I want to discuss something more important today.] "More important?" Raven tilted his head and asked. [Indeed. It has something to do with your current broken soul state. After some analysis, I found out that there is a way for you to heal your soul through the Bloodline Devouring System. But getting even a Rank-0 Magical Beast''s Bloodline Essence is almost impossible. That''s why I decided first to train your body first.] "I can be a Knight?" Raven''s eyes shone in excitement. [It is similar to the Knight Technique, but it will be a superior one. But once you devour any Bloodline Essence, it won''t work on your body due to the change in the body constitution.] Zera''s words appeared more confused, causing him to think deeply. After a few seconds, he let out a yawn and muttered. "I still don''t understand." [Haa, forget it for now. You are still too young even to practice anyway. I should think of another method to get the Bloodline Essence.] Zera suddenly stopped as she thought of a plan and soon added. [Hmm, how about giving a little present for your elder sister for her upcoming birthday, child?] "Little present?" Raven suddenly showed a bright face and asked hurriedly. "You have any gift? Can I see it now?" [No, those three things you got from the Golden Chest are the final material rewards I can give you.] Only then did Raven remember that he received gifts from Zera yesterday and asked. "But where are they? Can I see it now? How can I use them?" A chuckle came from his head. Simultaneously, a bluish icon appeared before his eyes. But instead of showing his status window, he saw twenty square box-like things in the icon. But only one box appeared bluish, while the remaining ones seemed to be red. [Your rewards are stored in the Inventory Slot-1. In total, there are twenty slots available. But due to your low level, opening up all the slots will only strain your soul more. Just focus on the blue icon, and you can see what''s in slot 1.] As Zera spoke, Raven focused on the first box and soon noticed his consciousness moving elsewhere. A second later, he noticed a strange link to a different empty dark space and saw the Iron Spear, Monocle, and the small vial hovering. [You can take out those things with a simple thought.] Zera added. Meanwhile, Raven did as she said and soon saw the Iron Spear appearing out of thin air before falling into his hands. But he couldn''t hold it and dropped on the bed due to the tough weight. "Wow! Can I sell this?" He asked with wide eyes. [If you sell it, I''ll grant you a title called the number one Idiot of this Era.] Her words made Raven roll his eyes. "I was joking." He scratched his head awkwardly and asked further. "But can this spear be helpful for me?" [Take out the ''Monocle'' now.] Instead of responding, Zera spoke again. Nodding, Raven took out the ''Monocle'' from his inventory and held it in his hand before asking. "How can I use this?" [Put it in your left eye and look at the Iron Spear.] He did as she said and soon looked at the Iron Spear. A second later, he couldn''t help but let out a loud gasp. ... [Name: Frozen Ender (Sealed) Rank: Common (Evolvable) Experience Comprehension: 0% Description: None Unique skill: Rank-1 Skill: Frozen Lance (Locked) [Requirement: User needs to master ''Basic Spear Mastery'' and activate ''Basic Aura.''] ... Chapter 12: Magical Beast Chapter 12: Magical Beast "Wow! It''s an Artifact! I''ve heard about it from my sister multiple times!" Although Raven had no clue about the rank of the artifact, he indeed realized how important this spear was. Raven hurriedly took out the vial filled with transparent liquid and inspected it. ... [Name: Elixir of Ice Type: Affinity Potion Rank: Sunset Rank Potion Description: A Master Alchemist concocted this potion, and it can increase one''s Ice Elemental Affinity to a ''Genius'' Rank. Tips: Consume the potion when the sun descends from the sky, increasing the potion''s effect.] ... "A-Affinity potion?" Raven couldn''t believe his eyes at all. [Yes. But consuming this now is not a good thing, lad. Thanks to its potent ice elements within the vial, it might further damage your soul. You should at least heal your soul up to 50% before consuming this potion.] Zera warned him. ''M-My sister and aunt said I''ve got no affinity in any element and always asked me to work harder to make up for this defect. But I now have a way to get an affinity.'' A ray of hope appeared in his eyes. "I-I understand." Even though Raven tried to act tough, tears started to roll down his eyes. Suddenly, he recalled Zera''s earlier words and asked. "You said that you have a gift for my elder sister, right? What is it, Zera?" [Oh, that gift is more like a book you saw in the Memory Library. You can''t take it out but can memorize the content and write it in a new book.] Her words finally caught his attention. [But you must never reveal that you are the one who wrote down the content and gave it to her as a present.] "I can''t? Why? If I can''t give it to her by myself, how will my sister know it''s my present?" His question made Zera almost facepalm in the Memory Library. After a short silence, she finally thought of a convincing answer and spoke. [That''s what makes one look cooler, child. Even if you do good deeds, you shouldn''t tell others.] "Cooler?" Raven slowly nodded and finally agreed. ''If he is a little bit older, I might find it more difficult to convince him.'' Zera muttered to herself and then added. [First, you should focus on learning the ''Instant Memorize'' skill. After that, we will think of how to give that surprise present to your big sister.] At that moment, a pleasant voice came from the kitchen. "Raven, it''s time for dinner. Come quick." "Okay!" Raven hurriedly left the bedroom and went to the kitchen. At that moment, Athena was in the middle of arranging the dishes on the dining table that was placed nearby. "When will Aunt Shirley come back?" Just as Raven asked, a loud knocking came from the entrance door. "I''m home, Athena. Please open the door." "Oh! She came at the right time. Raven, go and open the door. Meanwhile, I''ll arrange the remaining dishes." Athena said as she took three empty bowls, silver plates, and tumblers from the shelf and went to the dining table. On the other hand, Raven hurriedly ran off to the living room, soon reached the wooden entrance door, and unlocked the door by pulling the handle down. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Before she could walk in, Raven jumped into her and hugged her legs. Shirley bent down her waist, put the large leather back in her hand on the floor, and picked him up with a bright smile. "Did you guys eat dinner yet?" She asked as she pinched Raven''s cheeks. Meanwhile, Raven shook his head and soon asked while looking at the leather bag. "What is in it, Aunt Shirley?" Instead of responding, she looked at the kitchen and noticed Athena was in the middle of working. "It''s a Ball gown dress and some presents for Athena''s birthday. Before she notices this bag, can you take it and keep it under your bed in secret?" She whispered in his ears and slowly put him on the floor. "Okay!" Raven nodded, took the leather bag with both hands, and ran to his bedroom. "Athena, I want to freshen up before eating dinner. Can you boil some hot water for me?" Shirley asked as she removed her boots and arranged them near the entrance. "Give me 10 minutes, Aunt." Athena put the final bowl with crispy fried beef and started boiling the water using the fireplace hearth. Once she boiled the water in a large vessel, she took it to the bathroom and gave it to Shirley. While Shirley was freshening up, Athena had long arranged everything on the table and waited patiently. Soon, Shirley joined them and started having dinner. Dinner that night was a simple yet comforting affair. The aroma of home-cooked food filled the modest kitchen, and the small family gathered around the table. As they enjoyed the meal, Raven couldn''t help but feel a sense of warmth and security. Despite the challenges they faced, this was home. While eating, Athena suddenly thought of something and asked. "So, how was your mission today, aunt? You didn''t encounter any danger, right?" Shirley took a bite of the fried beef and spoke solemnly. "Nothing dangerous happened but we found traces of big feet, much larger than humans." "Orcs?" Athena instantly caught on and turned grim. "Yes. If an Orc appears in the outskirts of the woods, there is a high chance of an Orc settlement within a 10 km to 15 km radius. And this must be a newly formed settlement. Although there isn''t an imminent danger to the Town, those monsters might pose a huge threat to the Town in the near future. Lord Alexander suspects that a monster wave might occur in a year or two. So, you better not join any search missions assigned by the Town Administration." Shirley''s words were pretty serious. "No wonder Lord Alexander is coming to our town frequently these days." At that moment, Raven suddenly recalled Zera''s earlier words and soon asked in confusion. "Aunt, what is a Magical Beast? Is Orc also a Magical Beast?" A surprised expression appeared on Shirley''s face. "Where did you hear about it?" She couldn''t help but ask. "Magical Beast? What is that? I''ve never heard of it." Athena also showed a confused look and asked. On the other hand, Raven felt a sharp gaze from both and decided to make up a lie. "I saw Teacher Elizabeth talking about it with Teacher Maxwell." "Haa, what are they thinking saying about magical Beasts in front of small kids?" Shirley touched her head and continued. "Well, I''ll explain some basics about the monsters first. So, listen carefully. You must have heard a lot about Goblins, Kobolds, Orcs, Trolls, etc, right? We call these beings monsters. Like humans and other animals, they also reproduce and multiply in masses in a short period. A pregnant Goblin can give birth to more than 10 offspring every single time. That''s why they multiply endlessly and always search for a better place with more food. For them, humans are more like livestock." "But goblins are easy to eliminate, right? But why are you saying they are the predators, Aunt?" Athena asked with a frown. "That''s where you are wrong. Unlike us, Goblins always roam in groups. Although they are evil beings who thirst for blood, they aren''t mindless creatures. They are intelligent enough to hold weapons and tactics in battles. Now, among those goblins'' groups, there must always be a leader. We call those goblins mutated ones or Magical Beasts. Unlike the other goblins, they are not only physically as strong as Elite Knights and could even use mysterious skills. For example, there is a strange Goblin Creature that appeared 20 years ago that invaded a town called ''Azmar'' and used a powerful bloodline Magic to annihilate thousands of people. If I''m not wrong, the Spade Family still preserved its corpse in the City''s Museum after defeating it." "Bloodline Magic?" This time, it was Raven who asked in an excited tone. "Even I don''t know much about this bloodline Magic. But what I know is that unique Goblin was far more powerful than any Elite Knight and needed two Radiant Knights and an Official Wizard to eliminate it. People call those beings'' Magical Monsters'' or ''Magical Beasts.'' I heard there are different levels of Magical Beasts, but common people like us don''t need to worry much about it." Shirley stopped talking as she saw Raven had already started yawning and decided to stop. "If I explain in detail, our little master might end up sleeping before even finishing his dinner." She let out a chuckle and focused on the food. "He still has homework to do, Aunt," Athena said as she looked at Raven with a side glance. "Y-Yes." Upon mentioning homework, Raven instantly woke up from a sober state and started to eat faster. After dinner, Athena helped Raven with his homework, patiently explaining concepts and answering his questions. As they worked, Raven''s mind wandered to the mysterious book in the Memory Library. Once the homework was done, Athena suggested they read some stories before bedtime. Raven reluctantly agreed, and they settled into a cozy corner of the living room with a few books from their small collection. Athena chose a storybook, and Raven slowly leaned on her lap and started listening to the story of a Knight''s journey. But he fell asleep in her lap before Athena could tell the whole story. Chapter 13: Unique Knight Technique Chapter 13: Unique Knight Technique "Hmm? He never falls asleep when I''m telling stories, though. Is he sick?" Athena hurriedly checked his body temperature but found nothing abnormal. "Don''t be too worried. I feel his body is improving." Shirley said as she took Raven from Athena''s lap and went to the bedroom. She quickly placed Raven on the soft bed and quietly left the room while closing. A minute lasted in silence. Then, all of a sudden, Raven opened his eyes and spoke. "I want to enter the Library now. Also, please tell me more about the Knight Technique for my sister too. Her birthday is coming soon." [Yes.] Zera said calmly, instantly pulling his consciousness into the ''Memory Library.'' Like the last time, he experienced the visuals of a person''s memories about the ''Instant Memorize'' skill and noticed another form of information deep within his mind. Once he was done, he opened his eyes in the bedroom and stayed in bed while gripping his head to endure the pain. Although the pain made him tear up a lot, he endured without making any sound. The next day, Raven woke up early, went to school, and attended the class. "Are you okay, Raven? Your eyes look so red. Did someone scold you?" Robert noticed the tired expression on Raven''s face and asked in a concerned tone. "No. I couldn''t sleep properly due to a headache." Raven said while leaning forward on the desk, noticing that the Grammar Class had already ended. "Finally! It''s break time!" Robert''s face brightened as he saw the teacher leaving the classroom. At that moment, Raven thought of something, took the monocle from his inventory, and put it on his left eye. "Hmm? What is it? A Monocle? Oh? It looks expensive, like the ones in our shop! Where did you get that?" Robert looked curious at the monocle and tried to take it from him. "Wait. I want to check something." Raven said with a smug smile and looked at Robert. A second later, a blue screen appeared before his left eye, showing his physical status. ... [Name: Robert Age: 5 Race: Human Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: None Class: None Level: 0 Current Rank: Mortal Life Pathway: Nil Attributes: Strength: 0.4 Agility: 0.3 Vitality: 0.5 Luck: 2.0 Spirit: 0.3 Additional Skills: None Affinity: Wind-Low.] ... [Not surprising, he indeed has an average mortal''s affinity rank, lad.] Zera said. On the other hand, Raven looked at other students and checked their status individually. Among the 50+ classmates, he only saw four people with ''High'' rank affinities and above rank. But what startled him more was that three kids came from the Noble Gang. In his class, there was always a gang that beat all the commoners in tests and even bullied the weak. Raven and others called them ''A-Class.'' There were a total of seven people who belonged to this gang and always roamed together. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. [Even though affinities aren''t passed down through bloodline, there is a high chance for Nobles to awaken good affinities.] Zera suddenly muttered. ''Why is that?'' Raven asked. [There is a myth circling the noble''s circle that anyone who consumes high-quality magical materials during pregnancy will have a high chance of giving birth to a child with one or two good affinities. Of course, it was just a rumor] Zera said. ''Where did you hear that?'' Raven asked, but he received no response from her. With no other choice, he focused on the blonde-haired young girl, around 120 cm tall. She had olive skin and brown eyes and wore a white shirt and blue skirt. The girl''s name was ''Mary Whitbard.'' She had a ''High'' affinity for ''Fire'' and an ''Intermediate'' affinity for ''Light.'' ''She must be a relative of Baron Alexander.'' He thought. The second one was a silver-haired kid named Dennis Sunfire. He had a ''Genius'' rank sword affinity! But Raven didn''t get a good impression of him thanks to his cold and arrogant attitude. ''He looks down on commoners and rarely mingles with us.'' The third person was another male kid named ''Chris.'' He had a ''High'' rank shadow affinity. Although Chris was among the gang of Dennis and Silvia, he never showed any arrogant attitude and even talked with everyone like others. More than that, he was the only commoner among the nobles. And finally, the last person was a pale-skinned girl named ''Daisy Spade'' who had a ''High Rank'' Water affinity. Unlike others, she quietly sat with commoners and never talked much with anyone. [Try your best to be on good terms with those four and form a friendly relationship, lad. They might one day turn into good subordinates for you.] Zera spoke. ''Subordinates? Why? I don''t want to.'' Raven shook his head and quietly stored the ''Monocle'' in his inventory. "Hmm? Where did that monocle go? Where did you hide it? Give it to me, Raven. I''ll return it after I show it to my dad." Robert asked and tried to check his pocket and bag but found nothing. On the other hand, Raven shrugged his shoulder and shook his head. "It is a gift from my teacher. I won''t give." "Humph. Let''s see how long you are going to act like that." Robert made an angry face and sat next to him quietly. After a few seconds, he slowly glanced at Raven and smiled. "Please." "No means no." Raven didn''t even turn around and soon stood up as he saw Teacher Elizabeth entering the classroom. Robert stood up and greeted her with others in unison with no other choice. Meanwhile, Raven focused on the class and continued to take notes. The day ended as he returned home and started focusing on the visual experience. Days passed quietly. Every day, Raven would wake up in the morning, attend the Elementary School, and focus on classes. During the night, he would do his homework and spend time with his sister and Aunt until 9.30 P.M. After that, he would enter the ''Memory Library'' and go through the visual experience to learn the ''Instant Memorize'' skill. One week passed in a blink. During the past week, Raven continued to go through the painful experience and had already comprehended around 19% of the [Instant Memorize] skill. Thanks to that, his memorizing power had far surpassed any ordinary moral. He could remember everything right now as long as he started reading twice or thrice. 9.45 P.M, August 26th, Ivory Calendar Year 1410. Raven slowly opened his eyes after confirming his sister had left the room and slowly sat up before speaking. "Zera, my sister''s birthday is only a week away. But you still haven''t let me memorize the ''Knight Technique'' you mentioned before." [I didn''t forget it. For the past few days, I''ve gathered information about your sister by watching her training through your eyes. After going through lots of searching, I just picked up the best Knight Technique suitable for your sister.] Just as Zera spoke, a familiar, strange pulling sensation appeared in his mind. Before he could blink, he found himself standing in the middle of a large hall filled with shelves of books. [This is the book I was talking about.] Zera''s voice came from behind, causing him to turn around slowly. Soon, he saw a black book filled with complex, strange characters. He also noticed that this book had a total of 100 Pages! "What language is this? Why does it feel unfamiliar to me?" [It''s called Rune Language. Although this book is written in a Rune Language, I will translate it for you in the local Ivory Language.] Just as Zera spoke, the words on the first page started to twist and form into a familiar one. [I can only translate this book page-wise, so memorize everything carefully. After you wake up, write everything in the notebook your sister brought you two days ago.] Upon hearing those words, Raven nodded and started to read the translated line more carefully. Usually, it would take around 3 hours for him to read and memorize a 100-page book thoroughly. But today, it took him more than 5 hours! "These words are so complex and non-understandable for me," Raven said as he finally completed memorizing the last page and soon asked. "But Zera, after completely memorizing this book, I noticed that this is only a small part. If that is so, wouldn''t this technique be weaker than the current Knight Technique my sister is using?" [Are you comparing your sister''s strange daily exercise with this technique? Foolish! She has been practicing an imitation of a broken Knight Technique. That''s why it doesn''t help the user understand any Knight skill but only exhibits muscle power. Although she and all other so-called knights combine swordsmanship with their muscle power to fight battles and survive against monsters, they still won''t even stand a chance against an ordinary Rank-0 Magical Beast. Like your Aunt said a few days ago, only the Radiant Knights and above rank might stand a chance.] Zera paused for a moment and soon spoke. [But what you see in this book is a by-product of research based on the ''Class-Gem'' pathway, Faith Plane''s Exclusive Knight Technique, and Awakening Method. After awakening, I looked into the information I gathered about this world through the wisdom link and noticed no class gem pathway here. That''s why even the Wizards only rely on Bloodline essences and rune technology to understand the elements to achieve a higher realm. But that''s the most expensive path you guys can''t even afford. That''s why I plan on making her a real Knight like the ''Walkers.'' As long as your sister practices diligently, it won''t even take less than a year for her to become a Rank-1 [Knight] Class Mystic. Judging by this world''s power level, her strength would be more than enough for her to even battle equally against an [Elite Knight]] "Class-Gem pathway? Faith Plane? Rank-1 Knight Class Mystic? What are those?" Raven was dumbfounded by her words and stared at her with gawking eyes. [Even if I tell you now, you won''t understand a thing. Now, start writing down the memorized content in the new notebook. Also, try your best to change your handwriting style when writing. Otherwise, your sister might suspect you.] As she ended her speech, Raven felt the familiar suction force and soon found himself returning to his room. Chapter 14: Birthday Chapter 14: Birthday "What time is it?" Raven asked. [It''s 2.45 A.M. You should rest now and start writing tomorrow.] Zera suggested. "No. I want to write the first page before going to sleep." He hurriedly switched on the aether lamp and placed it on the floor. It was a unique lamp that used a mysterious gas substance called ''Aether'' for burning and could burn for two days straight. But unlike the Aether Rifle, it was easy to mass produce and cost less. After lighting up the lamp, Raven stealthily left the bedroom, took his school bag from the living room, and returned. Then, he took out the new empty notebook, the silver pen he got from his teacher, and finally, a black ink bottle. He then opened the first page with his other hand while opening the ink bottle and filled the silver pen with black ink. After that, he moved the tip toward the notebook''s first page and started to write in a curved writing style, which Zera had explicitly taught during the past few days. "The paper absorbs the ink quickly and doesn''t require drying time. If it''s like this, I can write more quickly.'' Although the Aether lamp only gave a dim light to the room, it was more than enough for him to write without any mistakes. For the next hour, he kept his attention on the notebook and focused entirely on writing. After writing for over three pages, he finally couldn''t control his sleep and decided to rest after keeping the silver pen, notebook, and ink bottle in his inventory. Then, he climbed onto the bed and slept around 4 o''clock. For the next few days, he didn''t focus much on his elementary class and tried to copy all the content in the new notebook completely. After much hard work, Raven managed to copy everything on September 2nd. "Tomorrow is my sister''s birthday. How should I pass this notebook to her?" Raven asked as he finally covered the book with layers of brown sheets, making it look like a gift box. [Although you managed to change the handwriting and even made the book''s outer cover look different and ancient, we still need to think of how to give this to her. It would be better if she finds this book coincidentally instead of us presenting this to her.] Zera pondered for a moment and soon chuckled as she thought of something. [Now that I think about it, I''m still thinking incorrectly. Raven, you can give this to her more straightforwardly. After all, no sane person would believe it if this book was written by a five-year-old kid, right? Instead of telling her the truth, why not tell your Aunt first that you mysteriously found the notebook in your bag today?] "Will my aunt believe my words?" Raven asked with wide eyes. [Of course. Now, you should get some sleep.] Zera said. Raven nodded solemnly and slowly closed his eyes before entering deep sleep. The following day, as Athena''s birthday dawned, Raven couldn''t contain his excitement. The anticipation of giving her the special notebook filled with the mysterious Knight Technique made him both nervous and thrilled. The day unfolded with preparations for Athena''s celebration. Shirley had managed to keep the surprise dress and presents hidden, and the atmosphere in the tiny house was charged with the joyous spirit of the occasion. Raven, however, couldn''t shake off the anxiety. As they sat down for breakfast, Shirley noticed Raven''s restlessness. "What''s bothering you, Raven?" she asked with a smile. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Raven hesitated for a moment and then decided to confide in her. "Aunt Shirley, I have something special for Athena. I found a notebook with a secret in the school bag two days ago. After reading the first page, I noticed it has something to do with the Knight Technique." Shirley listened intently, her eyes widening with surprise. "Knight Technique? Are you sure it isn''t some random book you find in the Library? Also, how come it appears in your school bag without knowing you?" ''He must have picked up one of the Knight journals from the School Library and decided to give it to her. Well, I will let him give the present to Athena and then return the book to the Library later. It''s not like the school library is a Royal Library with many secrets anyway.'' She chuckled inwardly and patted Raven on the head. "You''re quite the thoughtful little one, aren''t you? Don''t worry; we''ll figure out the perfect way to surprise her." Throughout the day, as preparations for Athena''s birthday continued, Raven couldn''t help but steal glances at the hidden notebook. The celebration began in the evening. Athena was genuinely surprised by the dress and presents Aunt Shirley had prepared. The modest dinner table was adorned with a small birthday cake, and the three gathered around to celebrate. After the meal, as Athena opened her presents, Raven couldn''t contain his excitement. "Wait! There''s one more thing. It''s not much, but I hope you like it," he said, trying to sound casual. Curious and intrigued, Athena looked at him as he handed her the carefully covered gift box. "What''s this?" she asked, tore the outer brown covers, and finally saw the book with black cover. What made her eyes widen a little was a few strange characters appeared on the cover, giving her a mysterious feeling. It was a word called ''Harmony'' in the Rune Language. "It''s a special notebook. Just read it, and you''ll understand," Raven replied, trying to sound mysterious. "Oh? Let me see what my cute little brother wrote." She opened the notebook with a smile and focused on the title. "Chapter 1: Knight''s Awakening." As Athena started reading, her eyes widened with each passing word. Just as she read the first sentence, she noticed it contained information about how a Knight''s everyday lifestyle and technique practice could change one¡¯s body constitution. The more she tried to read, the more she found it hard to understand. The revelation of the mysterious Knight Technique and the detailed training instructions astonished her. "Where did you find this, Raven?" Athena asked, her voice contained a trace of nervousness and shock. "I... I found it in my bag two days ago, sister," Raven replied, trying to sound nonchalant. Athena, however, could sense there was more to the story. She slowly turned her attention towards Shirley and asked. "Do you know something about this, Aunt? It looks like a very profound Knight Technique." She passed the book to Shirley and asked her to read it. "Really? He told me earlier about this book, but I thought he must have picked it up in the School Library." While talking, Shirley also flipped the pages and started reading the content. But unlike Athena, she quickly understood the first page and soon turned solemn. "T-This... Athena, this book might be written by an Expert." Her voice turned dimmer as she looked around cautiously and soon added. "Even the first page has much information about the Knight Training method. This book''s creator must be a Radiant Knight... Or even a Higher rank Knight." Her words made Athena''s face stiffen. "Could it be from ''him''?" She asked while glancing at Raven in anxiety. "It is possible. That man had the power to kill us that day, but he didn''t. Does that mean he is monitoring us all this time?" Shirley muttered solemnly. "Who is ''that man''?" Raven asked as he couldn''t follow their words and looked confused. "You don''t need to worry about him." Athena hurriedly made a forced smile and shook her head. "Thank you, Raven. This book is the best birthday gift ever. Although I don''t know how it appeared in your bag, I''ll think of this as a gift from you and start practicing," she hugged him tightly. As Athena hugged Raven, a mixture of emotions overwhelmed him. At the same time, the mystery behind their family origin made him ponder deeply. He couldn''t help but wonder about the mysterious figure Shirley and Athena talked about. Days passed, and Athena delved into the notebook''s contents earnestly. The information within was both fascinating and challenging for her. It spoke of a completely foreign Knight training method, Meditation technique, and unique, mysterious abilities, and even hinted at the existence of higher levels. For the next twenty-five days, she focused on practicing the body training method first and noticed a drastic increase in her physical strength. Also, she sensed a large amount of ''darkness elemental power'' accumulated within her body before forming a new fourth circle! Athena was captivated by the prospect of unlocking her latent potential at that moment. "I''ve entered the realm of an Official Knight!" She stood in the front yard and muttered while reading the guidelines in the book. "Finally, I''ve learned some of this Knight training method." She flipped the next page and stared at the following title. "My next aim is to learn the first Knight Skill called ''Eclipse Fury.'' From the description, it is an attack ability. But from what I''ve heard from Aunt Shirley, only Elite Knight and above rank can learn mysterious abilities through perfecting their battle skills, though." She started reading about the skill and continued focusing on her training. Chapter 15: Alchemy Chapter 15: Alchemy On the other hand, Raven didn''t slack off in his studies and went through the painful memory integration process. Thanks to that, his [Instant Memorize] skill had already progressed up to 98%! October 28th, After returning home from elementary school, Raven did his writing homework and became overly excited to complete the first skill. ''Zera, what should I do once I completely learn this [Instant Memorize] skill?'' He couldn''t help but ask in his mind. [To practice the [Knight Technique], not only does your body need to grow up, but you also need an affinity. Unfortunately, you don''t have both right now. Although you have the ''Ice Affinity'' Potion, its potential is so high, and it might harm your soul more. So, I''m planning on teaching you [Alchemy]. It is an ancient Mage Pathway capable of even turning ordinary water into a miraculous healing medicine. If we make even some low-rank potions, we can extend your lifespan by up to 10 more years. But learning alchemy isn''t an easy thing. We need lots of materials and practices, too.] While he was conversing with Zera, Shirley returned home from her work and started helping Athena in the kitchen. After some time, the trio had a warm dinner and joyfully discussed many things. But the thing Athena mainly talked about was the Knight Technique. "Aunt, I have completely learned the Physical Training and Meditation methods and have already surpassed Official Knights in terms of physical strength. Next, I will do my best and focus on learning my first ''Knight Skill.''" Her words made Shirley widen her eyes. "That soon?" She couldn''t help but stop chewing the food midway and soon asked. "Did anyone other than Inspector Henry notice your sudden progress?" Athena gave a puzzled look and responded calmly. "Well, most of the policemen working with me know that I''ve been stuck in the same realm for years already. So, none was surprised by my sudden breakthrough." "That''s good. But you should keep your strength hidden until you become powerful enough to battle equally against an [Elite Knight]. After that, you can participate in the test for the inspector position. As long as you pass the exam and become a high-rank official, Baron Alexander might finally take notice of you. Get as much achievement as possible and earn the title of ''Honorary Knight'' from him. At that time, you will have no problem taking care of your brother in any situation." Shirley''s words made Athena think deeper. Honorary Knight! It was a title only a handful of people in this town had. Even Inspector Henry had been gaining so many achievements in his job but still did not get enough recognition to achieve them. In truth, Helena knew the reason long ago. Baron Alexander and even other nobles never picked up someone as their knight just because they gained multiple achievements in work. It wasn''t enough at all. They needed something else. Strength! ''If I want to get the title of Honorary Knight, I must reach peak Elite Knight!'' If she became a Radiant Knight, the Baron might personally come to her home and bestow her with the title of Honorary Knight. ''But it''s easier said than done.'' Raven hesitated for a moment and soon asked. "Aunt Shirley, do you know what ''Alchemy'' is?" "Alchemy? Where did you hear that word?" Shirley''s face turned stiffened. [Haa, I always warn you not to speak about Wizard-related things to your Aunt or sister.] Zera''s voice echoed in his mind. Noticing the mistake, Raven could only show a forced smile and continued. "Teacher Elizabeth talked with the Arts Teacher during today''s class." "Teacher Elizabeth again? What is she planning on revealing such words to young kids? Listen, Raven; you should never mention words like Alchemy or Magical Beasts to anyone. These words are not something we can utter carelessly." Shirley said sternly but soon sighed deeply upon noticing their curious faces. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. "Haa, to know about ''Alchemy,'' you guys should first learn something about Wizards. Athena, do you still remember the time when Raven was born? A wizard was also present there." "Prime Minister Gavin!" Athena subconsciously muttered. "Yes. Prime Minister Gavin is one of the many Wizards who came from the mainland continent centuries ago and became one of the Royal Wizards. He soon became the Headmaster of ''Crows Mistry School'' and became popular among the masses. After that, he used the election system and openly participated in the election of Prime Minister, along with his supporters. Although he failed to even win a seat in a single town at first, he soon started to gain a foothold in rural areas. Thanks to the urbanization of many places, his popularity soon reached the level of the Emperor himself. Twenty-four years ago, he finally won the election with a majority and earned the position of Prime Minister. After that, he sustained his position all these years and had already taken a firm hold of many places. Like him, many wizards showed interest in politics and even occupied the Empire''s high positions." She paused for a moment and soon asked Athena with a smile. "But do you know why they are still popular among the masses?" "Maybe it''s because they are more mysterious and powerful than knights?" Athena responded while tilting her head. "Wrong. People fear the mysterious and powerful people most. But to ease away the wariness of commoners, they started a business that could save the lives of many." "Alchemy," Athena muttered. "Yes. One of their main businesses is ''Potion Making'' aka Alchemy. The vial you obtained for Raven at Goren''s shop was also created by one of those Alchemists in this town. They are capable of turning a normal medicinal herb into a miraculous healing liquid and are always respected wherever they go. Even our Empire has two large Alchemy Merchant companies and is mass producing potions every day. Also, the lamp you are seeing in the ceiling is created by a particular group of Wizards called ''Rune Wizards.'' Unlike Alchemists, they solely focus on creating mysterious artifacts and are capable of even making our lifestyle easier." Shirley''s words made both realize how mysterious those wizards were. "Is it possible for ''commoners'' like us to become a Wizard?" Athena asked, with a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I think the main reason they build schools in every town in Ivory Island is to pick up the talented kids. But to get their attention, one''s talent should be above Average. You indeed have a Genius Level in ''Sword'' affinity and ''High'' in Darkness elemental affinity. But it''s almost suicidal for you to reveal your identity to the public. In the worst-case scenario, both you and I might get ourselves arrested and taken back to that place. As for Raven..." Shirley shook her head and went silent. On the other hand, Athena also went silent and ate quietly. They both knew Raven''s fate if they returned to the Royal Palace. ''No. They might try assassinating him and even erase his existence!'' Athena felt powerlessness and bitterness and couldn''t even eat properly. "Can''t the Wizards create potions to increase one''s affinity?" Raven asked as he thought of the potion in his inventory. Shirley showed a dubious look on her face and soon sighed. "Wizards aren''t some Gods in the myth, Raven. No one can increase one''s affinity; not even the Legendary Wizards in Capital can do it. If creating a potion to increase one''s affinity is possible, that man wouldn''t have tossed you away like some-" Shirley stopped midway and shook her head. "Let''s not talk much about this," She added solemnly. Raven could only nod and quietly eat the food. After finishing dinner, none of them didn''t speak much and went to their rooms. Once Raven returned to his room, he sat in the middle of the soft bed and soon asked. ''Zera, is what my Aunt said true? Then, what is the potion stored in inventory? You also said that even I can create potions through Alchemy.'' He asked in confusion. [The world you and your Aunt know is just a speck of dust in this vast cosmos, lad. It''s just that this world never seems to have made contact with anyone from the other planes. Even if there were some, they would''ve kept all secrets for themselves.] Zera paused for a moment and added. [And, it is possible to increase your affinities using potions. For example, the Dawn potion can improve one''s affinity only up to ''Low Rank,'' not harming the soul much. But the main problem with concocting such a potion is magical materials. They are not something you can find in the regular market. It would be best to focus on increasing your lifespan before considering other things.] Zera said calmly. ''Let me finish learning the ''Instant Memory'' today. Then, I want to start learning Alchemy from tomorrow onwards.'' He said with a firm resolution. Unknown to him, he had already become a mature boy mentally thanks to the ''Instant Memory'' skill. A second later, Raven suddenly noticed a similar suction force and soon found himself standing in the middle of the Library hall. [Are you ready?] Zera, in her flowing silvery hair, appeared beside him and asked. "Yes." Raven nodded and grabbed the black-covered book from her right hand. Then, he opened it, flipped the pages, and noticed most appeared empty. But as his fingers touched the last few pages, the strange book became pure golden light and absorbed into his body. Like the previous time, he experienced the state of going through the previous skill owner''s experience and slowly managed to integrate himself with the remaining information. Over two hours passed as he stood rooted in the same spot and slowly opened his eyes. Before he could blink, two bluish notifications appeared before his eyes. [Congratulations on thoroughly learning the [Historian] Class''s [Instant Memorize] skill.] [Spirit power has been increased by 0.5!] ... But what startled him more was that there were no more headaches this time! Instead, he felt refreshed. "I feel clear-headed now." [Congratulations, Raven. As I thought, letting you learn one mind skill significantly increased your lifespan. Now that you have at least taken the first step, shall we check how long you can live?] "Yes, please." Raven nodded his head. On the other hand, a strange blue light enveloped his body in the real world and started scanning him all over. [Scanning the whole body...] [Damage to the Host''s Soul has decreased from 86% to 84.7%!] [Under the request of Tower Spirit Zera, the System is calculating the approximate life span of the Host!] [Calculation completed!] [The Host''s lifespan has been increased from 5 years and three months to 6 years and one month and 23 days.] "I only have 6 years to live? Wait, if I learn the other two skills, will my lifespan increase by two more years?" Raven couldn''t help but ask. Chapter 16: Smooth Progression Chapter 16: Smooth Progression [No, it might backfire. Usually, learning the [Instant Memorize] skill would only restrain one''s mind a little. But you experienced severe headaches, which shows that''s the limit your current soul can handle. If you try to learn another skill now, your soul might shatter at any moment.] Zera''s words made his face go pale. [But don''t worry. We are going to focus on alchemy now. For the next two years, you will learn hundreds of books about the Basic Alchemy.] As she spoke, she slowly turned around and walked toward the left side of the bookshelf. More than five hundred books were arranged in seven rows; each seemed to have held profound knowledge. Zera soon arrived before the bookshelf, bent down her waist, and picked up an Introduction to Alchemy book. [Hmm, this book has a total of 564 pages. You have to memorize this book within the next 48 hours. Think of it as your life depends on it. When you have free time, enter the library and read the books.] "Yes." Raven nodded solemnly and started reading the book. Days passed as he focused entirely on memorizing the Alchemy related books like ''Herbology and Brews: A Comprehensive Guide to Magic Materials and Potions,'' ''Essential Potions: Mastering Potioncrafting for Beginners,'' Enchanting Flora: Unveiling the Secrets of Magical Plants for Potions,'' ''The Alchemist''s Garden: Growing and Harvesting Magic Herbs Vol.1 to Vol.14'' and so on. Every day, his theoretical knowledge of making potions increased exponentially. Before he started reading about Alchemy, his progress in Elementary Class studies was good. But Raven didn''t put too much thought into it and sometimes entered the ''Memory Library'' even during the class periods. Thanks to this, Athena and Shirley received multiple complaints about his behavior from the schools, causing them to worry more. What shocked both was that he stopped playing with other classmates and always sat alone. Even his best friend Robert came to Raven¡¯s home and complained a lot. Both thought that his body and mind must have weakened due to the weakened soul and became more resolute to get stronger. Athena began to train her Knight Technique even at night, while Shirley frequently took dangerous missions to save more money. Their main goal was to save more money to get the Wizard''s Miracle Life Potion. Months passed, and soon, it was Athena''s 21st birthday. But unlike the previous birthday, this one ended quietly. Although Shirley and Athena spent more time with Raven daily, they didn''t slack a single moment and started working madly. Athena had already reached the 6th Circle Official Knight Rank and learned two unique skills thanks to the Knight Technique. One was an Attack Skill called ''Eclipse Fury,'' while the second one was ''Obsidian Shield'' defense skill. Although she was still an Official Rank, her power was enough to stand against an Elite Knight! Thanks to her increase in strength, she also applied for the ''Sub Inspector'' position and went through more than three written and two physical fitness tests. After a month, the result came out with her perfect physical fitness tests and the written tests with 80% passing marks. After another ten days, she was finally appointed as a Sub Inspector of Narcotics and took charge of R9 Police in Commoners'' Borough. Under her control were 24 constables, three Head Constables, and Two Assistant Sub Inspector, with her being the sole leader of this department. Thanks to her rise in position, her salary was also increased to 2 Gold Coins, greatly relieving the family situation. Alas, her responsibilities became bigger, too. Night duties and even overworking became common for her. But she never stopped even for a second and continued to push forward. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. But what was even more impressive was Shirley''s progress. After discovering Athena''s current Knight Technique was better than the Imperial Knight Technique, she decided to use the money herself. She brought an Elite Knight Technique using 50 Gold coins in the auction at the Highhold City and started taking even more dangerous missions. Although she was still stuck in the Official Knight realm, her battle power had increased significantly. But what worried Athena was that she had seen Shirley returning home injured multiple times and was scared. Unlike Athena''s government job, Shirley''s was more like a private mercenary squad. Merchant companies, Industrial companies, the higher officials in the Town, and even some shady, mysterious people like wizards commissioned her with special tasks and even rewarded her with an extra amount upon completion. What was more dangerous in her missions was that 90% of those tasks involved going through the Mirage Woodlands. For example, wizards sometimes commission tasks to get potion materials only found in dense woods, merchant companies commission tasks like getting some specific monster materials or even rare goods found in abandoned mines located deep in the woods, etc. Athena even asked Shirley if she could join those dangerous missions and help her, but all her requests were denied. Shirley firmly warned her to only get near Mirage Woodlands once she learned the third skill and told her not to worry about her safety. On the other hand, Raven completely memorized more than 300 Basic Alchemy books and was already capable of brewing basic potions. However, Zera didn''t allow him to do any practical tests and told him to focus solely on increasing his theoretical knowledge. Of course, he also knew how hard his aunt and sister were struggling every day and became more desperate. But one thing that worried him most was that his lifespan was getting shorter. At that moment, he only had around five years of lifespan. Like that, another year passed in a blink. He was seven years old with only four years left to live. During the past year, many things happened in the small family''s life. The first good thing that happened was Athena''s progress in strength and achievement in her field. During the past two years, she cracked down on multiple illegal drug dealing cases with an 80% success rate and arrested more than ten high-ranking officials, earning her the title of ''Dame Knight.'' At the same time, she also restlessly trained the Knight Technique and even managed to comprehend the third Knight''s movement skill called ''Night Dash.'' Not only that, her physical strength also increased rapidly and reached Elite Rank, allowing her to take on the blow of a Radiant Knight once. In truth, there were only a handful of Walkers in the police Head Department capable of going on one-to-one in terms of pure strength with her. One of them was Inspector Henry! She gained two honor badges thanks to her achievement and was awarded 20 Gold Coins by Baron Alexander. Not only that but her salary was also increased to 3 Gold coins per month. The next thing that happened in their life was none other than Shirley''s increase in rank. She was also promoted to an Elite Knight after training herself with the newly brought Knight Technique and even created her own Mercenary Team, which comprised only five members. Unlike Athena''s job, her job was more like a private one. Like her, 1,000 mercenary-type Walkers worked for the Town Administration privately and were responsible for clearing out dangerous quests from different sectors. But unlike the Police and Military, they were not under the control of Baron Alexander. They were more like private forces who only cared about money. Due to this job, Shirley''s life was always filled with dangers. As the days passed, she barely smiled and always returned home with seriousness. Alas, the one thing that made her keep pushing herself was the amount of Gold coins she earned every mission increased steadily. At that time, she earned more than 83 gold coins by selling hunted monster loot and taking dangerous missions like escort, scouting, gathering, etc. Most importantly, Shirley''s team managed to track down a massive nest of monsters deep in the woods and presented the town administration with evidence of the upcoming danger. Even Baron was impressed by their scouting ability and finally requested her team to work under the Town Administration. After mutual agreement, her mercenary team became part of Darkgrove''s private force and officially became the first ''Scout Team.'' At this moment, Baron had four teams under his wings in the Darkgrove Town. First was the Town''s Police Force. They were the primary force with 540 police officers, ranging from Apprentices to Elite Walkers. The next team was the Elite Walker Squad, which had twelve members! They were the elites of the elite, and each possessed an ''Aether Rifle'' weapon. The third team under Baron''s wings was the Military Squad of Darkgrove. They were the best of the best Official Rank Knights and were well-versed in combats. And finally, the newly formed mercenary team became the Town''s Scout Squad. Unlike other teams, this team had a total of only five members. But each was peak-level Official Knights with years of battle experience and a 90% success rate! But what made Baron happy was the birth of two Elite Knights during this critical time. In truth, he was stunned to hear that both were actually from the same family! Although he wanted to investigate this family background, he restrained from doing that for now. He knew that if he somehow offended the duo and got on their bad terms, only he would lose the Town''s strength. Chapter 17: Alchemist Chapter 17: Alchemist August 3rd, Year 1412. It was around 6 P.M. It had been almost two years since Raven started learning Basic Alchemy. Thanks to his [Instant Memorize] skill, he finally finished reading the 588th book and left the ''Memory Library'' with an exhausted expression. "Zera, I finished reading all the books before the end of the second year. So, what should I do next?" He asked. [Now, it''s time to reveal you being an ''Alchemist'' to Shirley and Athena tonight.] Zera dropped the bomb suddenly, causing him to almost shout in shock. "What do you mean revealing my identity as an Alchemist? Will they believe me? And how much should I tell? Can I tell them about you now?" Raven asked multiple questions. [No! You''ve to tell them you have been accepted as a student by an ''Alchemist'' Wizard. To convince them, you can tell that the book you gave Athena as a present was a gift from your Teacher.] Zera said calmly. "But I don''t have a teacher, though. Who should I tell? If I end up telling a random person''s name, it might bite me back one day." [Charles Nightwind. Tell them that your Teacher''s name is Charles Nightwind. Although I don''t know how much time has passed, that person must have already far surpassed the realm of Archmage and become a true Taboo Existence. And he is a legendary figure in another world. Also, the more you say his name; there is a chance of him finding you.] "Who is he? Wait, is he the one I saw in those memories?" Raven couldn''t help but get more curious. [No. The one you saw in those memories is Charles''s Teacher. The relationship between those two is complicated, so let''s stop that discussion for now. If you don''t want your family members not to push themselves too hard, it''s better to reveal you are an Alchemist right now. Also, you can give the Extraordinary Sword technique you copied a few months ago to both.] Zera added. Although Raven didn''t understand what she was thinking, he was sure of one thing. The person within his head had no intention of harming his family or himself. So, he decided to trust her completely. He took a deep breath, absorbing the weight of the decision he was about to make. The sun had already set, and the soft glow of twilight seeped into the room through the window. "Alright, I''ll trust you, Zera. I''ll tell them tonight," Raven said with determination and walked out of bed. Zera nodded approvingly. [Good.] As Raven made his way to the living room, where Athena and Shirley were discussing something in hushed tones, he felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness. How would they react? Would they believe him? These questions swirled in his mind, but he pushed them aside, focusing on the task. He entered the room, and Athena and Shirley looked at him, curious. Athena, with her long hair tied in a ponytail, and Shirley, with her sharp eyes, stared at him expectantly. "Is something the matter, Raven?" Athena asked, her voice gentle. Raven hesitated for a moment and took a deep breath. "There''s something important I need to tell you both," he began, and the room fell silent. Raven shared the story Zera had instructed him to tell¡ªthe tale of being accepted as a student by a Wizard named Charles Nightwind. He also said that the Knight Technique book was a gift for Athena from his Teacher. Athena and Shirley listened intently, their expressions shifting between surprise and disbelief. It wasn''t every day that their kid claimed to have a connection with an Alchemist Wizard. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. After finishing his story, Raven took a moment before continuing. "And there''s more. I''ve been learning the basics of Alchemy for the past two years." He paused, letting the revelation sink in. Shirley narrowed her eyes. "Alchemy? Do you mean the mystical art of potion-making only known by wizards? But you didn''t have any affinity-" She abruptly paused as she recalled all the strange questions Raven asked them occasionally and fell into confusion. "Still, aren''t you always with us? How did you meet your Teacher? It''s really hard to believe your words." Athena felt baffled inside. "But his words make sense too, Athena. You should''ve already understood that the Knight Technique you are practicing has already far surpassed the common Techniques in terms of quality. Not only that, but haven''t you seen something strange about Raven''s behaviors recently? By normal logic, he should be acting like a 7-year-old child. But for the past two years, I felt like he is becoming more mature day by day. I now feel like I''m talking to a 15-year-old kid. If these aren''t a Wizard''s doing, there is no other explanation." Shirley interjected and soon turned her attention to him. "Can we meet your Teacher, Raven?" Raven shook his head firmly and spoke. "My Teacher won''t like getting involved in the mortal''s matter. The only thing he will do is help me with his knowledge." He paused as he noticed that both had already been frozen in shock by the abrupt news and decided to add one more. "And he also said that if we don''t do something to heal my broken soul, I will die in five years." His words instantly caused Athena and Shirley to go pale. "Oh my god!!!" "God is indeed a Crazy bastard!!!!!!" Athena almost screamed. "Argh! Why do I have to hear those words from Raven himself?! What did I do wrong in the past?" Athena instantly broke into tears and hugged him tightly. Even Shirley also put both hands on her head and looked like she had lost all her hopes. [Haa, I didn''t expect them to break down so quickly. Kid, tell them there is a way.] Zera instructed him within his mind. "D-Don''t cry, sister." Raven also started to cry and then added with a sob. "M-My teacher said there is a way for me to live longer." "Your teacher has a way?" Shirley instantly looked up and asked in seriousness. Raven nodded his head and continued. "First is to make a Life Potion to extend my lifespan. But the materials to concoct a ''Life Potion'' are hard to get even in big cities. So, it''s almost impossible to gather all the materials. That''s why he suggested another option." In truth, Life Potions didn''t have the power to heal his soul. The best it could do was help him increase his body stamina and make him look healthier. Although it could help him extend his lifespan, it would be at most 2 or 3 years. But he doesn''t have any plan on telling her that. "Another option?" Athena also finally stopped crying and asked stiffly. "It is to concoct other ''Low-Rank Potions'' and sell them for a good price. Once we get enough money, we can get materials from Royal Capital using gold coins and start making potions ourselves. But before that, I need to check the magical herbs available in the local black market. I also need some basic alchemy utensils." Raven''s words made Shirley brighten up instantly. "Hmm, low-grade potions like ''Knight''s Stamina Potion'' sell in the market for around 5 to 6 coins. Although they would only buy from us at half the rate, it''s still a good method to earn more money in the shortest time." Shirley said with a thoughtful look on her face. "Umm, I think you have misunderstood something, Aunt Shirley. The ''Knight''s Stamina Potion'' you guys brought from the market comes under mortal rank potions. For example, the basic selling price of the ''Life Potion'' and all other Low-Rank potions I''m going to concoct should be more than 100 Gold coins. If my potion has the highest purity with no side effects, its selling price should go to more than 300 Gold coins." Raven''s words made Shirley and Athena freeze in shock. "You aren''t playing with us, right?" Athena still gave him a suspicious look and felt conflicted inside. "Whether he can concoct a potion or not, we can only find out sooner. But if what Raven said is true, we might need to act more carefully. We shouldn''t show our real identity and sell his potion recklessly." Shirley said in a severe tone. "But I''m already an Elite Knight, Aunt. As long as I use all my three skills, I can even take a blow of a Rank Radiant Knight." "Don''t be a delusional child, Athena. The world you are seeing is far more mysterious and dangerous than you think. Also, Walkers aren''t the only problem when it comes to dealing with potions. We know nothing about the world of Wizards. So, we can''t recklessly jump in and announce our presence to everyone. We are still not powerful enough to even make a deal with any auction house. If we go now with the potion Raven will be making, we might get captured by Wizard or something and put into some experiment." [Your Aunt always amazes me, Raven. Even though she has already become an Elite Knight, she knows her limit and never gets arrogant. On the other hand, your sister thinks her Knight Technique is more potent than the rest just because it contains some profound knowledge and acts a little arrogant.] ''Wait. I forgot to give the sword techniques.'' Only then did he realize he had forgotten the most crucial thing and soon added. "Please wait. My Teacher also gave you guys a second gift." Saying so, he turned around and started running to the bedroom. Chapter 18: Beast Wave Chapter 18: Beast Wave Before long, Raven returned with two notebooks and passed them to Athena and Shirley. "Sis, the book in your hand is called the ''Shadowstep Dance'' sword technique. My Teacher said that this book has far more profound knowledge than any sword technique and could even help you activate more sword skills. As long as you reach the ''Basic Swordsmanship,'' you might have the power to battle a Radiant Knight on your own." He said calmly and slowly turned his attention towards Shirley. "Aunt, this book is called ''Inferno Blade Arts.'' This sword technique is made for pure destruction and greatly aligns with your knight''s technique and aptitude. And, that''s all I heard from my Teacher about this technique." As Raven ended his speech, none uttered a word for a whole minute. Athena and Shirley looked at the sword technique page by page and felt each sentence had a mysterious force. After some time, Shirley closed the Inferno Blade Arts book and shifted her attention to Raven. Although he was still the same child she knew from birth, she felt he had matured. "Haa, what am I thinking now? Raven, you go back to your room and do your homework. I will call you after making dinner." Raven didn''t say anything and quietly left the living room. As soon as Raven disappeared, both looked at each other and sighed deeply. "This is too much for my mind to handle, Aunt. Also, isn''t he maturing too fast?" "He is unique even from the birth itself, Athena. But this gift came at the right time." Shirley said as she looked at the mysterious book in front of her eyes and then added. "The wave might start by the end of this month or the next month. Although we tried our best to clear the small monsters in the outer region, our scouts have found out that a large settlement is 30 km away from the outer region." "Beast wave?" Athena fell silent as she heard those words and soon asked. "How large will the beast wave this time?" Shirley shook his head and spoke. "I don''t know. But there should be at least a few high-rank monsters like Orcs leading the wave." "And there should also be a Leader in that group, isn''t it? Also, you said that the beast wave will occur more than a year ago itself, Aunt. But from the looks of it, the magic beasts are using the ''Attrition Assault'' war tactic and weakening the Town''s strength. And more importantly, you''ve always said the mercenary teams lost some Apprentice Walkers or Official Walkers during many scout missions." Athena furrowed. "You are suspecting that a Magical Beast will be leading this wave?" Shirley showed an impressed smile and nodded. "We are also thinking the same. And you are indeed right on the mark. During the past 2 years, we''ve lost more than 80 Apprentice Walkers and 20 Official Walkers." "That''s one-tenth of our town''s battle force!" Athena''s eyes widened. "That''s why I''m so glad that we got this Swordsmanship technique from Raven''s master. If I''m not wrong, his master might have also anticipated the upcoming danger and helped us." Shirley felt there was finally a hope to save Raven and became more determined. "I''m going to stop doing scout missions until the beast wave arrives and will train my swordsmanship." She stood up from the chair with a stern look and then added. "You should also take temporary leave and train in isolation. Of course, you have to submit a report that you''ll be taking leave to train yourself and will participate in the upcoming wave to Baron. After all, Town''s personnel army and the elite squad can''t handle all the monsters alone. Moreover, the largest combat force in this Town is not the military but your police department. I think you guys will be battling the monsters at the frontline and the highest risk. As long as you awaken that invisible aura, your strength shouldn''t be below any Radiant Knight. There will be hope for us to survive at that time even if a Magical Beast leads this Beast Wave." Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! "Won''t Baron bring soldiers from other towns and his main city to defend this town?" Athena asked with a frown. "It''s politics, child. If he brings soldiers from other towns, it is way easier... No, if he brings his personal Knight Walkers, he doesn''t need a minute or two to clear the beast wave. But he or any other noble won''t do that. Also, I heard that ''Whitbard Household'' is going through some internal struggle and trying to stop Baron from getting help from other towns and the main city." Shirley''s words confused Athena''s face. "Why is that? Are they that stupid to play politics in this situation?" Athena asked. "It''s all about money, lass. Any beast wave is considered a natural disaster that could be capable of razing a town itself. The more damage occurs to the Town, the more funds they could claim from the Royal Family for the damages. For example, if the Town loses more than a hundred people and even ends up getting damaged, the Royal Family will have no choice but to give a large sum to console the family and the town people. Last time, the Royal Family gave a sum of around 40,000 gold coins to Baroness Thalia Wyrmguard as compensation for the loss during the beast wave. So, it''s a good opportunity for the Whitbard family to earn more money. They could not only take a large portion of the money from the compensation but also could sell the monster materials and earn a fortune. I''ll tell you another secret. I heard some secret information that the Baron himself is a Radiant Rank Walker and is capable of battling a Magical Beast alone. But he is purposefully hiding his strength to look weak." "Tsk, these nobles are so complicated." Athena grunted and decided to do as her Aunt said. The following day, Athena and Shirley went to the Town''s administration and took a temporary break from their jobs. Although they only took temporary leave, it still caused a lot of commotion. But both didn''t mind the commotion and went to a Blacksmith shop named ''IronFort'' on Merchant''s Street and ordered new equipment for both by spending more than 30 Gold Coins. Shirley and Athena left with only around ten gold coins in the end. After ordering new equipment, they didn''t waste time and returned to 15A Alm Street. After that, they isolated themselves and started training in swordsmanship with the help of swordsmanship technique books. Once again, days passed quietly. Before long, it was already September 2nd. On this day, huge shocking news spread through the Town, followed by summoning letters for Athena and Shirley from Baron Alexander himself to participate in the Wave Assault Team. Railway stations, cotton mills, coal industries, and other common shops had been closed due to the emergency. "From the scout''s information, a large number of movements seem to have appeared only a few km away from the Mirage Woodlands'' outer region. The battle is near. That''s why he sent out an order for all Walkers to participate in the upcoming wave." Shirley said as they were having breakfast. "I''m more worried about Raven. What will happen if the monsters manage to breach the town wall and run on a rampage here? Won''t my brother be in danger?" A concerned look appeared on Athena''s face. "My teacher said he will protect me." Raven noticed the worried look on his sister''s face and said. "You are thinking too much, Athena. Remember, we are not the only powerful Knights in this Town. There are many hidden experts hiding here and even wizards." "I understand." Athena relaxed upon hearing those words and soon finished the breakfast. After that, they warned Raven not to leave the house and left. As he saw them leaving the house, he couldn''t help but sigh. "I hope nothing dangerous happens." [Don''t worry. What you have to do is trust them and wait.] ... Meanwhile, Athena and Shirley left Alm Street in Commoners'' Borough through a carriage and moved to the Town''s Administrative building next to Noble''s Street. The Town''s Administration building was a three-storied stone building with a massive yard at the front. Inside, the bustling atmosphere indicated the urgency of the situation. Police officers in their dark greenish uniform dresses hurriedly moved about, exchanging information and receiving orders from higher-ranking officials. Athena and Shirley went to Baron Alexander''s office, guided by familiar faces among government officials like Sub-Inspectors, head constables, sergeants, Army Lieutenants, and other members. Gravity filled the air as they entered the Baron''s office. Upon their arrival, Baron Alexander, a middle-aged man with a stern countenance, looked up from his desk. He had short brown hair with a bit of baldness on the front, cold blue eyes, a broad forehead, and a muscular body, and he wore silver breastplates, gorget, helmets, chainmail accents, and hardened leather boots. His eyes reflected the weight of the impending danger the Town faced. Other than Baron, Athena also saw the Town''s Superintendent of Police, Henry, Crime Branch Inspector Elijah, two of Baron''s personal Elite Knights, and finally, a brown-haired young man in his twenties. They all wore similar dark greenish uniforms; some even held long rifles. Chapter 19: Battle Chapter 19: Battle The presence of the young man instantly drew Athena''s attention. On the other hand, the young man also glanced at her and greeted her with a nod. After a slight pause, Athena and Shirley bowed and greeted Baron. "Greetings, My Lord." Upon noticing their arrival, he gave a nod at them and spoke. "Athena, Shirley, thank you for coming. I trust you''ve received the summons for the Wave Assault Team?" Baron Alexander''s voice carried a sense of urgency. "Yes, Lord Baron. We are ready to fulfill our duties and defend the Town," Shirley responded with a firm nod. Baron Alexander glanced at Athena, "And you, Athena? This will be a challenging battle, but I have faith in your capabilities. From what I''ve heard so far, you only hunted goblins with the guidance of your Aunt and never encountered them in masses. That''s why you can learn a lot from this battle." Athena met his gaze with determination, "I won''t let the town fall. We''ll face the beast wave head-on." The Baron acknowledged their resolve, "Good. The wave is approaching faster than we anticipated. Our scouts have reported a significant concentration of monsters just 3 km away from the Mirage Woodland''s outer region. And it seems they will reach the Town before evening." Shirley inquired, "Do we have information on the size of the monster wave and the types of creatures leading it?" Baron Alexander sighed, "Although we are not sure of the exact numbers, a total number might exceed a thousand. The reports suggest a large wave with more than a dozen high-rank monsters, Orcs, at its forefront. And we suspect there must be a Leader among them. This will not be an ordinary battle." Athena nodded. "Henry, the Town''s Policemen will be taking the lead in this battle. Your job is to take care of all the Low and Intermediate Rank Monsters. On the other hand, Town''s personal Elite Team will focus on the High-Rank Monsters and confront them." Baron spoke. "What about the Leader, My Lord?" Athena asked. "I will join with the scout team and lie in ambush 500 meters away from the northern gate. When the opportunity arises, we will strike the leader from behind and kill it." Baron said as he stood up from his seat and added. "Shirley, you should also ask the other private mercenaries to join the battle. Although most of them are only around apprentice Walker level, they will greatly help the main team." Baron knew Shirley had more authority when ordering the private soldiers and asked for her help. "Father, as long as you give out an extra reward, they won''t hesitate to join the main battle." The young brown-haired man interjected. "Nolen, they are indeed money-hungry people. But they aren''t fools. They know that if they participate in the main battle, they will face larger causality than us. Even though the Policemen don''t have any battle experience against monsters like my personal Army squad, they have been in dangerous situations for years and will not let the enemy have any opportunity to kill their comrades. But the private mercenaries are completely different. They indeed have outstanding experience in battle against monsters but most always act alone. So, it''s easier for them to get ganged upon by the monsters." Baron Alexander shook his head and continued. "Shirley, just tell them it''s not an order but a request. Whether they decide to participate or not, it''s entirely up to them to decide." "You guys have time until noon. Whatever you want to do, do it before this time and arrive at the northern gate''s entrance. Dismissed." Athena and Shirley didn''t stay in the Baron''s office and hurriedly went out before giving orders to their team members. Athena, Henry, and the other Inspector Elijah relayed Baron''s order to all other police officers and hastily left the Administrative department building. Shirley also went to inform her team members and soon reunited with Athena. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. After that, Athena and Shirley went directly to the blacksmith shop in Merchants District and brought the previously ordered equipment like swords, armor, gauntlets, and helmets. Once they had fully equipped themselves, they also had food in the nearby Inn and directly went to the northern gate. Time slowly passed, and soon, it was noon. As minutes passed, more and more people came from different parts of the Town and soon gathered at the Town''s Entrance gate. But they weren''t civilians but policemen, Baron''s military men, and the private soldiers in different attire. Before long, around 1300 people gathered at the Town Entrance with different equipment. Some wielded rifles, swords, and sabers; a few even held spears as their primary weapon and appeared fully prepared. But what was unique about them were the helms and shields in their hands. Even though they were made up of a thin layer of a particular metal, they were capable of absorbing the attack and exceptionally durable, capable of withstanding even a blow from intermediate-rank monsters. "I didn''t expect your Aunt''s words could bring a force of 750 Private soldiers." The Town''s Superintendent, Henry, said with an impressed tone. "Sir, please allow me to leave my position and help them if they end up in a dangerous situation." Athena stood along with Henry and the other Crime Branch Inspector, Elijah, and asked with a calm gaze. "You want to act solo?" Henry frowned deeply and shook his head. "I can''t allow that. Although you are stronger than me in terms of pure strength, you might draw the attention of all other monsters if you act alone. In the worst case scenario, you might end up becoming surrounded by a bunch of intermediate rank monsters." "Sir, it''s been more than a year since we last battled. And I''m confident enough not to get killed by some intermediate-rank monsters." Her gaze was firm. "Haa, go on but keep your distance closer to our Squad. And if you are in a pinch, Inspector Elijah will come to your rescue." Henry said while glancing at the black-haired man standing beside him. "I''ll try my best, Sir Henry," Elijah responded with a nod. For the next two hours, the group of people stood outside the Town''s entrance gate, waiting for the upcoming battle. Suddenly, a sharp whistle came from the faraway woods, followed by two knights riding their horses towards the Town at an incredible speed. Before long, they ran past the army of police officers and entered the Town. On the other hand, Athena unsheathed her long sword and sharpened her gaze towards the faraway woodlands. "Get ready for the battle." She bellowed as all the other police officers took out their weapons and roared in unison. As minutes passed, everyone witnessed the whole layer of land moving in their direction, leaving dust storms behind. Within a few more minutes, they saw almost two thousand goblins, hundreds of kobolds, and horned wolves running towards them while taking the lead battle. Even though all of them were low-rank monsters, the mere numbers scared everyone. "Don''t panic. Elijah''s elite team and the policemen with rifles will reduce the goblin numbers first." As Henry spoke, more than 100 people came forward with their long rifles, got into half-kneeling positions, and aimed at the flocks of monsters. "Aim!" Henry shouted. "Fire!!" Bang! Bang! Bang! The crackling sound of rifles echoed as the first shots were fired. The private soldiers, positioned strategically, aimed precisely at the approaching horde of goblins, kobolds, and horned wolves. The well-coordinated shots hit their marks, thinning the numbers of the charging monsters. Athena, with her long sword in hand, observed the battlefield. The Town''s superintendent, Henry, and the crime branch inspector, Elijah, were strategically positioned to oversee the operation. The initial barrage from the rifles was effective, causing chaos among the monsters. However, Athena knew that the real challenge lay ahead. The goblins, though numerous, were relatively low in rank, and the rifles made quick work of them. The police officers, trained in marksmanship, showcased their skills, firing with precision and efficiency. The initial onslaught bought valuable time for the main force to prepare for the incoming battle. As the goblins fell, more goblins, kobolds, and horned wolves surged forward, their primal instincts pushing them to attack. "When facing small goblins, use your shields to block their weapons and aim for their chest. That way, you guys have an easier time dealing damage on the sneaky monsters." Henry spoke loudly and signaled Elijah, his 100-plus team, and the private mercenary members to get ready to face the goblins. "Chase''s and Bryson''s team will be facing the kobolds and horned wolves." Just as he spoke, Elijah unsheathed his sword and started moving along with his team and the other private mercenaries. Like them, two more teams advanced from the main force and stepped ahead to confront the hundreds of kobolds and horned wolves. "Now, our job is to stop the elite Intermediate monsters." As he spoke, he sharpened his gaze towards the dusty region and soon saw twenty goblin-like beings, more than 30 two-meter tall wolves, and a dozen humanoids with dog faces standing calmly. But what started him were not the elite monsters but ten monstrous pig-faced humanoid beings behind them. They were around 3 to four meters tall, wore animal skin to cover their private parts, and held axes or gigantic swords in their hands. They were the High Ranked Monsters! Chapter 20: Confront Chapter 20: Confront "The Orcs are talking to each other and laughing, huh? They seem pretty much intelligent and well organized." Athena held the long sword tighter in her right hand and a metallic shield in her left and dashed forward. Like a shadow, she surpassed the speed of a horse and reached the area where the battle had started. At the same time, Superintendent Henry, Inspector Elijah, and all the other police officers joined the fight. Within minutes, heads flew everywhere as reddish blood painted the sand. Police officers and private mercenaries killed the low-rank monsters mercilessly and tried their best to reduce the numbers. But it wasn''t an easy job. Due to the large number of monsters, it wasn''t an easy job to avoid getting hurt. Casualties started to occur pretty quickly due to some goblins'' combined attacks. Athena also noticed that goblins were targeting the private mercenaries and moved swiftly. She didn''t hide her strength and danced on the battlefield like her playground. As Athena plunged into the battlefield, her sword danced with lethal precision. Each swing and thrust was executed with a calculated grace, leaving goblins, kobolds, and wolves sprawled in her wake. The battlefield became a symphony of clashing metal, roars, and the occasional yelps of wounded monsters. Suddenly, Athena noticed that the Hobgoblins, tall wolves, and elite Kobolds had joined the battle. Without hesitation, she killed the two goblins running at her with a simple sword slash and moved toward the nearest tall wolf. The wolf also noticed her action and instantly shifted its attention to her. As she moved forward, it leaped in the air with a wide-open mouth and tried to rip her to shreds. "Obsidian Shield!" Athena bellowed as mysterious dark power appeared from her body, completely enveloping the metallic shield, turning it into a pure blackish crystal-like shield. A dull sound echoed as Athena slammed the shield on the elite wolf''s mouth, making its teeth fall. At the same time, she titled her long sword and moved it at an incredible speed towards its neck. If it was a normal sword, it could barely give a shallow wound due to the presence of tough skin. But an invisible force appeared around the sword''s edges, making the blade cut through the flesh and bones like paper. It was the Basic Sword Aura! In a blink, she decapitated an intermediate-rank monster and killed it. But she didn''t even take a breath. She moved to another nearby elite kobold monster and killed it in three moves. Within a few minutes, she managed to kill more than 7 Intermediate Rank monsters and boosted the soldier''s morale. Cheerful sounds echoed from the nearby soldiers as she continued to kill monsters and bathed in blood. While she was becoming the hero of the main squad, Baron''s Elite Squad had already engaged the Orc creatures. A burst of twelve magic bullets came from the elite team and physically damaged the Orcs. Some hit the Orc''s eyes, some hit their chest region, and a few even missed hitting any fatal area. Alas, no Orc died in that attack. Instead, a strange, mysterious, reddish aura appeared around every Orc''s skin, boosting them into a frenzied state and strengthening their morale. With no other choice, the Elite Squad abandoned their Aether rifles and engaged in close combat. Their weapons cleaved through the air, clashing with the massive axes and swords of the orcs, creating loud noises. Athena noticed the formidable strength of the high-rank monsters and felt an urge to confront them. "But they are already-" Before she could mutter, she suddenly sensed something was unique about one Orc among the group and halted her movement. It looked almost similar to the other orcs and used a gigantic sword to block away an Elite Knight''s attack while stumbling. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. But as she looked at its sword movement, it had a sense of refinement and precision. If she hadn''t been practicing the ''Shadowstep Dance'' swordsmanship, she wouldn''t have noticed that Orc''s swordsmanship had already surpassed her own and even had profound meaning! ''Even in legends, orcs are supposed to be dumb among the high-rank monsters. But this one manages to understand sword art. It is waiting for Knight Jayce to let his guard down!'' She instantly dashed forward and shouted as she had seen through its disguise. "Sir Jayce, be careful of that Orc. It is deliberately letting its guard down to lure you." "What are you talking about-?" Just as the Elite Knight Jayce asked, he noticed that the strength of this Orc suddenly increased. He felt like his sword was hitting against a towering metal wall and felt numb. "Oh no!" Before he could blink, he suddenly noticed that the gigantic sword had broken his sword and directly slammed into his body. Even though he was an Elite Knight, the power hidden behind that strength was far surpassed that of a High-Rank Monster! His body was flung more than 50 meters away from the original position and crashed to the ground. He vomited a mouthful of blood and tried to stand back but couldn''t. At that moment, he felt his hand was twisted in a weird angle while his broad chest appeared to be broken. He couldn''t even let out a scream as pain assaulted all over his body, causing him to fall. Although he hadn''t died yet, he was not in a state to battle anymore. A dead silence appeared on the battlefield as Athena gawked at the Orc in shock. Its mere presence caused her legs to shake lightly. On the other hand, the Orc also turned its gaze towards her and walked forward with its giant legs. "It''s an Orc Commander, a mutated monster that could be said to be a descendant of a Magical Beast! Be careful of its strange skills!" One of the Elite Knights recognized its unique traits and warned everyone. "You aren''t going anywhere near her, you damned monster!" At that moment, a loud shout came from the backside as Shirley left her hiding spot and ran in Athena''s direction. Baron and others also ran out of their hiding spot and sped forward. All this time, they had been staying hidden and searching for this group''s leader from the surroundings. But none suspected that it was hiding among the Orcs! "Aunt, I''ll be all right, so don''t lose your cool." Athena roared and dashed forward. Like before, the Orc Commander made a cruel smirk with its pig face and raised its sword before running forward with a gigantic body. As it arrived closer to her, the Orc Commander let out a bellowing shout and slammed its sword toward Athena like earlier. ''Obsidian Shield.'' Athena activated her defensive skill, covered the shield with a dark crystalline layer, and blocked the upcoming attack. A bang sound echoed as two forces collided against each other, releasing a rippling shockwave in all directions! Unlike the Elite Knight Jayce, she only got pushed back a few feet. She stood firmly on the ground even after blocking such a powerful attack and enveloped her sword in an invisible Basic Sword Aura. Another strange silence appeared on the battlefield. But she knew that she couldn''t block such attacks head-on continuously and decided to cripple it first. "ROAR!" Stunned by this tiny human''s action, the Orc Commander let out a furious roar and raised its sword again. But this time, Athena suddenly used her other knight skill called ''Dark Dash,'' moved behind the Orc Commander in a split second, and slashed her sword at its knee pit area! Blood gushed out of its leg as the sword cut through the Orc Commander''s fleshy skin and even severed its tendons. Although Orcs were strong in pure strength, they lacked agility and toughness. Their flesh was not like hardened rock, which made her sword slice through its deep leg neatly. Alas, Athena noticed that its flesh was healing at an incredible speed. But she also noticed a strange thing: its tendons still appeared the same. ''It has good regeneration ability but not enough to regenerate or heal tendons. I must sever its other leg and make it immobile.'' Her eyes became firm. As she was about to attack it again, the Orc Commander moved its sword and tried to attack her again. ''Sh*t! It noticed my plan.'' She once again used ''Dark Dash'' and evaded the attack. At the same time, she made a swift sword movement and slowly disappeared from the Orc Commander''s sight! It was the ''Shadowstep Dance'' technique''s first skill called ''Shadow Stealth''! Angered, it gave a furious shout and tried to move towards the other Orcs. But before it could take another step, a sharp cut appeared on the knee pit area of its other leg. Blood gushed out from both legs as it tried to take a step forward but stumbled. At that moment, Baron Alexander and Shirley arrived at the battle area and blocked the Orc Commander''s path. The first one to attack was Baron Alexander. With a swift jump, he leaped into the air and aimed his broadsword at its shoulder. At the same time, his blade suddenly turned pure white and created a blade-like aura. The aura expanded, forming a crescent-shaped energy wave that sliced through the air, aiming directly at the Orc Commander''s shoulder. The impact was tremendous, cutting deep into the Orc''s tough hide. Shirley followed suit, and her Inferno Blade Arts was activated. Flames danced along the blade of her sword as she swung it towards the Orc Commander''s midsection. The intense heat accompanied the strike, causing the Orc to howl in pain as the flames licked its skin. Chapter 21: Reward Chapter 21: Reward Athena seized the opportunity. Utilizing the ''Shadowstep Dance'' technique, she reappeared behind the Orc Commander, her sword gleaming with an invisible aura. With a swift and precise strike, she severed the remaining tendons in its legs. The Orc Commander collapsed, unable to stand or retaliate. The combined assault of Baron Alexander, Shirley, and Athena had crippled the formidable Orc Commander. However, the creature was not one to go down easily. Despite its injuries, it roared while kneeling and swung its massive sword with sheer brute force. Baron Alexander, with his metallic Shield, blocked the attack, trying to demonstrate the durability of his defensive skill. But the next instant, he felt his whole hand went numb and stumbled multiple steps. "Don''t take its attack head-on, My Lord. It is unusually strong." Athena warned him. ''Thankfully, it was already in a crippled state. Otherwise, I might have been injured from that blow.'' Cold sweat dripped down from his forehead. Shirley, on the other hand, utilized her ''Inferno Blade Arts'' to counter the Orc''s strike, creating a clash of elemental forces. Only Athena created a unique dark shield from time to time and made the Orc Commander suffer severe wounds on its neck and chest. As the battle unfolded, Athena once again vanished into the shadows, preparing for another sneak attack. Her ''Shadow Stealth'' made her nearly invisible to the Orc Commander''s senses, allowing her to strike from unexpected angles. The Orc Commander, now surrounded by powerful adversaries, fought with primal fury. It swung its sword with relentless determination, but each strike was deftly parried or dodged by the skilled trio. The Orc Commander even went into some Berserk state and tried to stand up with bloodshot eyes. But all of a sudden, a shadow appeared before its eyes and completely blinded its vision. Next, Athena aimed at the Orc Commander''s wrist and even made that mighty creature drop its gigantic sword. When the sword fell on the ground, Baron, Shirley, and Athena didn''t hesitate and attacked its vital points without any worry. Athena attacked its nape from behind, Shirley stabbed its heart, and finally, Baron Alexander slammed his sword on its head. Although the Orc Commander struggled with the bloodthirsty look, it soon fell, taking its last breath. "Inspector Athena defeated the Orc Commander! Kill the rest of the monsters!" Shirley didn''t dare to let this achievement be stolen by Baron and shouted to make an announcement. Following her shout, all the police officers and private mercenaries became more active and let out a cheerful roar while attacking the rest. "I don''t even have any plan on stealing your child''s achievement," Baron grumbled as he noticed her scheme and shook his head. After that, the trio joined other Elite Walkers and killed the remaining High-Rank Monsters first. Following that, they started killing the remaining monsters and ended the wave with much less causality. "Take out the Magical Crystals and also invite someone from Goren''s shop to dismantle the corpses. Particularly, the Orc Commander''s corpse must have so much value for alchemists." Baron ordered. Athena instantly thought of her little brother and decided to take the benefit. "Wait, My Lord. I want the corpse of the Orc Commander." Her words surprised everyone. "Do you know what you are asking, Athena? This is a most valuable thing in this hunt." One of the Elite Knights said coldly. "But you didn''t hunt it, didn''t you, Mark? Even if Lord Baron didn''t join the fight, she would have killed it by herself. No, she is the one who killed it." Shirley interjected, understanding Athena''s intention in a moment. Upon noticing that even Shirley was eying for the corpse, Baron Alexander couldn''t help but fall into deep thoughts. He knew the value of this Orc Commander''s corpse than anyone else in this city. Although it hadn''t fully evolved to become a magical beast, it had a unique physique. Its value was indeed immeasurable. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ''Moreover, the damage done by the monsters is far inferior than my family elders had expected. With this, we can''t even get any compensation from the Royal Family.'' A frown appeared on his face. He slowly turned his attention towards the young policewoman who killed such a monster with some tactics. ''No. Even if Athena didn''t use tactics, she would''ve killed it by herself as Shirley said.'' He still recalled the scene where she took the blow of that Orc Commander and was astounded. He also recalled the skills she used during the battle and felt it was a profound Knight Technique. ''Even the Whitbard family doesn''t have such knight technique. No, her technique might be as good as the Imperial Knight Technique.'' Such a thought came across his mind. All of a sudden, his attention was caught by the silver bracelet she was wearing. Even though it was normal for many people to wear silver bracelets, he strangely felt a sense of familiarity upon seeing the symbol engraved on it. It was the symbol of a unique winged serpent. ''Winged snake? Isn''t it the symbol of the Royal Family? Could it be?'' At that moment, he recalled certain information about the royal family''s sword princess. ''She disappeared from the Palace 7 years ago due to unknown reasons and became a mystery in the whole Empire. But what''s more strange thing was that the Emperor or the Royal Knights didn''t even put any effort into searching for her. But still, many princes and even Nobles started looking for her to get a firm hold of her. If I can inform her whereabouts to one of the four Dukes or the two princes, I might even have a chance to become a Viscount or Count in the future.'' But that thought soon disappeared as his attention was drawn to the fallen Orc Commander. ''If he asks wizards staying in this town to capture her in exchange for the Orc Commander''s corpse, I can easily achieve it. No, I should refrain from joining any faction and lay low. Tsk, why am I thinking like some villain?'' Also, he didn''t want the corpse of Orc Commander to fall into the hands of Whitbird Elders. ''Forgot it, I can''t antagonize a Royal Family member due to my greed. It would be best to conceal her identity from my family members too.'' He was well aware of the corruption within his own family and sighed heavily. After deep thinking, he shook his head and decided to help the young princess. "You can take the Orc Commander''s Corpse. But you won''t get any other reward for participating in this wave." Baron said in a solemn tone and started to walk back to the town quietly. Although he suffered a big loss, he didn''t regret it. For him, the most precious thing was not the Orc Commander''s corpse but his favor for a member of Royalty. As Baron left the battlefield, the remaining police officers helped the injured ones and even took the bodies of the unfortunate deceased ones back to the town. At the same time, many members of the town''s health department came and took care of the injured ones. "So, what do you plan on with this corpse, Athena?" Shirley arrived closer to her and asked. Athena made a chuckle and responded calmly. "You know the answer already, Aunt. Should I go and bring that brat here?" "No. It''s too dangerous to let others know of his alchemic abilities. We should bring this corpse back to the house and then let his teacher take care of it." Shirley said after some deep thoughts. After that, she went back to the town and brought back a large horse cart. With the help of other police officers, they put the corpse on the cart and drove it inside the town. It soon turned into a sightseeing moment for all the commoners. Even before entering the town through the northern gate, a large number of people gathered at the sides of the gate and welcomed them with shouts. Athena''s achievement in the battle had already spread everywhere as they shouted her name everywhere. The crowd''s cheers echoed through the town as Athena, Shirley, and the other police officers made their way through the streets, towing the Orc Commander''s corpse. People gathered, expressing their gratitude and admiration for the police officers who had defended their home. As they reached the town square, Baron Alexander joined them once again, and a temporary stage was set up for the heroes to address the townspeople. Baron Alexander stepped forward, addressing the crowd, "Today, we faced a significant threat, but we stood united and emerged victorious. The courage displayed by our policemen, especially Athena, is commendable. This victory belongs to everyone in this town, and we should take pride in our collective strength." The crowd cheered once more, and Baron gestured toward the Orc Commander''s corpse, "This creature''s demise is a testament to our resilience. Let us remember this day as a victory over adversity and a reminder that we are strong together." Although his speech was short, everyone felt a sense of security and comfort. As the celebration continued, Athena couldn''t help but feel a mix of emotions. After the commotion settled down, Athena and Shirley made their way back to Athena''s house, pulling the cart with the Orc Commander''s corpse behind them. The streets were still lively, with people discussing the battle and praising Athena''s skills. Not minding the neighbor''s gazes, Athena and Shirley parked the cart in the yard and walked towards the house entrance. As Athena was about to open the door, it slowly creaked open, and soon, a young kid, around 120 cm tall, peeked his head out. A broad grin appeared on her face as she opened both her arms. "Sister! Aunt! What happened?!" Raven shouted as he saw the bloodstains on their armor and weapons and hurriedly ran towards Shirley. "Seriously? Why not jump into my arms for once?" Athena said with a sigh and turned her gaze towards the Orc Commander''s corpse. At that moment, Raven also looked at the gigantic Orc Commander''s corpse, halted his footsteps, and shouted. "Oh!! It''s an Orc Commander''s corpse! How did you get this, sister?" Raven asked as he walked closer to the corpse to take a closer look. Chapter 22: New Ability Chapter 22: New Ability [Raven, I want to test something. Can you place your hand on the Orc''s chest?] Zera asked. Although Raven didn''t understand her intention, he quietly nodded his head and soon arrived near the cart. But as he moved closer, a strong stench of blood assaulted his nose. He also felt a bad urine smell from the Orc Commander and soon vomited. "Don''t stress yourself, Raven. You can just tell us what to do from afar." Shirley said with a worried look and hurriedly went inside the house to get some water. Before long, she returned with a jug of water and allowed him to clean his mouth. On the other hand, Raven finally managed to get used to the bad smell and spoke. "I want to take a closer look. Help me, sister." Nodding, Athena also arrived behind him, picked him up with both arms, and put him on the cart. On the other hand, Raven slowly stepped on the Orc''s Legs and felt a headache due to the bad smell. But he still crawled forward while not minding the red blood sticking on his hands and soon arrived above its chest region. No, his hands and legs were shaking for unknown reasons. But he endured. [Place your hand on the chest wound area.] Zera instructed. ''What are you trying to do?'' He asked, but no response came. But all of a sudden, a bunch of notifications popped up, causing him to freeze in shock. ... [Bloodline Devouring System activated!] [Warrior Orc''s Bloodline Essence has been found!] [Analyzing the purity of the Bloodline Essence....] [Calculating....] [The corpse has 5.3% purity of a Rank-0 Warrior Orc''s Bloodline Essence.] [It is possible to absorb a part of the Orc''s Bloodline Essence and its abilities.] [Would you like to use ''Bloodline Devouring Ability''? Yes/No.] ... [Hmm, this Orc Commander must be a descendant of a Rank-0 Warrior Orc. Raven, please select ''yes.''] ''Can''t you explain to me what''s happening now? What is this ''Blooding Devouring System''?'' [I only know a little thing about it. But one thing I''m sure of is that absorbing the Orc''s bloodline Essence might help you increase your lifespan.] Zera said in a solemn tone and urged him to press yes. With no other choice, he took a deep breath and spoke. "Yes." Just as he spoke, a strange suction force came out of his palm and started pulling the blood of the Orc Commander. Within seconds, blood droplets crept from all parts of the Orc Commander and started to condense in Raven''s hand. As Athena and Shirley were baffled by such a strange scene, the gathered blood essence slowly absorbed into his palm and disappeared. At the same time, more notifications popped up before his eyes. [''Bloodline Devouring'' ability is on commences!] [Randomizing the bloodline ability extraction!] [Orc Warrior''s Iron Resilience Bloodline Ability has been selected!] [Due to the low purity, the ''Iron Resilience'' bloodline skill has been demoted to ''Regeneration!''] [Host has obtained ''Regeneration'' skill!] If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. [Host has obtained a new Class!] [Warlock Pathway Class has been obtained!] [Host''s Rank has been increased from mortal to Level-1 Acolyte Warlock!] [Host also managed to absorb a part of the Orc Warrior''s blood Essence!] [Host''s spirit has been increased by 1.0] [Host''s vitality has been increased by 0.3] [Host''s strength has been increased by 0.2] [Host''s agility has been increased by 0.1] [Host''s body is undergoing a mutation process!] ... Just as those notifications popped up, an unbearable amount of pain appeared all over his body, causing him to open his mouth and scream. But no sound came out. Athena was the first to notice the strangeness as he saw him trying his hard to breathe. "O-OH N-No! Something happened to him!" She hurriedly jumped onto the cart and picked him up with both hands. "Oh my god! His body is so hot like a boiler!" She then jumped down from the cart and ran towards Shirley. "Don''t panic. Although he seems in a painful moment, I feel like his body is undergoing some change. It felt like he has been going through some kind of breakthrough." Shirley cautiously glanced around to see if anyone had noticed what was happening inside and soon breathed out a sigh of relief. "Athena, bring him inside the house and let him rest in his room. We''ve got to wait until Raven wakes up. In the meantime, we should dismantle the corpse and take out its ''Magic Stone.''" Athena nodded her head and hurriedly went inside the house to put Raven in his bedroom. Although she was worried, she knew that she didn''t have the power to do anything and felt a sense of urgency. After placing him in his bedroom, she returned to the yard and started taking out the magic stones with the help of Shirley. ... On the other hand, Raven went through a painful experience for more than 30 minutes and finally noticed that the pain was starting to disappear. Not only that, but he also sensed a strange greenish hexagonal structure that appeared within his mind and appeared to be shaking. At the same time, he saw another notification appeared before his eyes. [Host''s damaged soul has been repaired partially with the help of Blood Essence!] [Current Host''s Soul damage percentage: 72.4%] [Host''s lifespan has been increased by 12 years!] [Host''s body status has been updated successfully!] ... [Name: Raven Sillalus Jorvot Age: 7 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: 66th Prince of Zenith Empire Level: 1 Class: Acolyte Warlock (0th Circle) Soul Rank: Mortal (Soul damaged 72.4%) Life Pathway: Beginner Alchemist Attributes: Strength: 0.5 Agility: 0.5 Vitality: 0.6 Luck: 1.0 Spirit: 2.4 Bloodline Spells: Regeneration (Incomplete) Additional Skills: Instant Memorize. Affinities: None.] ... [Regeneration is a good skill. And with your current attributes, your body is as powerful as a ten-year-old child. So, you should better control your strength and be careful not to get into any fight for a while. Although you won''t be able to practice Knight Technique anymore, you are now walking on the path of Warlocks.] ''Does that mean I can become as strong as my sister from now on?'' [No. It''s not an easy thing. For now, you should focus on physical exercise and max out your physical attributes up to 1.0. At the same time, you should also focus on Alchemy and start making potions to increase your lifespan and affinities. When you become 15 years old, I will start teaching you the Elemental Circle Technique and Spirit Circle technique.] Zera said as she looked at his physical status. "Elemental Circle Technique? Spirit Circle? But why wait until I turn 15?" Raven asked in puzzlement. [That''s because it will hinder your growth. If I start teaching now, you might not even grow up anymore and remain in this same appearance for a long time. As for those techniques, they are the basics to enter the realm of Wizards, Warlocks, and even Knights. Elemental Circle is a technique used to gather particular elemental energy from the environment and store it within your Inner World. There are a total of ten circles in this technique; each Circle will be capable of storing a particular elemental energy. They also form some connection with the spell model in your mind and allow you to cast spells more easily. And Spirit Circle is a technique used to gather spirit power from the environment and help you strengthen your soul.] Zera explained calmly. "Strengthen my soul? Does that mean it can heal my broken soul?" Raven asked, even though he barely understood her words. [Unfortunately, it''s not possible to heal your soul using spirit power. But didn''t you notice something else? When the system devoured the bloodline essence, it also managed to heal your soul to some extent. Even though I''m not 100% sure, I think the ''remnant will'' in those bloodline essences are capable of healing your souls.] "Does that mean I can heal myself as long as I hunt more Orc Commanders or other beings and absorb the bloodline essences?" [Yes. But it isn''t an easy matter to get your hand on the corpse of a magical beast.] "In the end, I''ve no choice but to wait. I should go and help my sister and aunt. They must have brought that Orc Commander''s corpse to dismantle and take out the materials useful for alchemy." He hurriedly walked out of the bedroom and went out of the house. At that moment, the Orc Commander''s corpse appeared to be in a pale-skinned state. He felt nauseous just by looking at the monster covered in blood. ''But the bad smell seems to have disappeared. Is it due to the extraction of Bloodline Essence?'' He also saw his sister standing beside the corpse and seemed to be in deep thought. "Where did Aunt go, sister?" He asked, startling her deeply. "You woke up already?" She hurriedly turned around, arrived closer to him, and checked if there were any changes in his body. But as soon as she touched his small body, he froze. "Strange... Why does your tiny body look a bit stronger now?" She paused for a moment and soon asked. "Also, can you tell me what that strange phenomenon was a while ago? Why did that Orc''s blood gather in your palm mysteriously and disappear into your body? Why did you faint?" ''What should I say, Zera?'' Raven asked. [Just tell her that was your teacher''s doing. Say it like he extracted a part of the Orc''s life force and transferred it to you using some secret method.] In truth, what Zera said was almost identical to the truth itself. "I''ll explain once Aunt comes back," Raven said calmly and focused his attention on the corpse. "Sister, did you guys take out the Orc Commander''s Heartstone yet?" He asked as he arrived closer to the corpse''s chest region. Chapter 23: Warlock Pathway Chapter 23: Warlock Pathway "Yes. We took out its magic stone but found something unique about it." As Athena spoke, she took out a thumb-sized pale green crystal and showed it to him. "Instead of the usual orange color magic stone, it looks completely different. Moreover, its size only looks as the size of an Intermediate Rank Magic Stone." "It''s nothing unusual, sister. Usually, a normal Magic Stone has condensed mana stored in it. The higher the Rank, the purer the mana will be. But when a monster evolves and becomes a Magical Beast, it will turn into an elemental stone based on its understanding of an element. And the thing in your hand is neither a Magic Stone nor an elemental stone." He paused for a moment and then added calmly. "Alchemists call these stones as ''Hybrid Mana Stones.'' Although they aren''t as valuable as true elemental stones, their worth should be no less than 500 gold coins by the market rate." Of course, that was just his assumption based on the books he read in the past two years. "500 Gold coins?" Athena drew a deep breath and calmed down her heart. At that moment, Shirley also returned and quietly walked towards them. "You look healthier than before." She said as she arrived before him and gave more than ten crystal glasses in her hand to Athena. "What are these for, Aunt?" Athena asked in puzzlement. "I bought it from the black alley shop. They say that it helps the materials to be preserved for more than a week." Saying so, Shirley bent her waist and picked Raven up. "So, what happened?" Raven could only smile forcefully and spoke as Zera told him to. "It''s more like a Magic Spell of my Teacher, Aunt. A while ago, he helped me extract a part of Orc''s life essence and strengthened my soul. Thanks to that, my life span also increased up to 12 years." "What?! Your Teacher was there? Why couldn''t we see him?" Athena asked in a startled tone and soon widened her eyes as she recalled his last few words. "Your lifespan increased by consuming the Orc''s blood? Does that mean he has a way to heal your injured soul?" She asked in a suppressed voice and turned her gaze towards Shirley. "Athena, don''t ask too many questions about his Teacher from now on. He might be way more powerful than the normal Wizard and not want to attract anyone''s attention. And the good thing is we have found some hope to save this child. That''s all matters." Shirley said in a solemn tone and looked at Raven before patting his head. "Now, Raven, can you tell us which of this Orc''s parts are valuable for selling?" Raven nodded his head and answered. "After the Magic Stone, the most important thing is its ''Blood.'' Unfortunately, I took away all of it when extracting its blood essence. So, the second important thing you guys should take out is its eyeballs. No, within those eyeballs, you will find a hexagonal crystal called ''Feral Eye Crystal.'' They will be used to create a potion called ''Night Walking Vial,'' which helps one to permanently achieve night vision and increased perception." "Night vision? Does that mean we can move in the dark like we are moving in the day?" Athena asked. "Yes. But the potion won''t be as effective as normal Low-Rank potions and only help one''s vision to increase to some extent. Still, it''s still an extremely valuable skill potion for any mortal Knight." Raven said calmly and then continued to explain. "The next valuable item should be its Trollsbane Glands. Two sac-like glands will be found near its throat region and can be used to create a unique potion called ''Nullify Regeneration'' with a few other ingredients. It is mostly used in the battle against highly regenerative lizard-type creatures or used permanently on weapons to make unique low-rank artifacts." Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. "And finally the last valuable thing in this Orc Commander''s body should be its bones. Especially, Magical essence imbued Orc Commander''s Thigh Bones are one of the strongest materials used to create swords for Knights and could be used to create a Low-Rank Artifact Sword by any Beginner Rune Mage." "Interesting. You seem to have learned a lot about alchemy from your Teacher. So, what should we do with the spoils? Do you want to keep them for yourself and make potions with your knowledge? Or sell them?" Shirley asked. ''Zera, what should we do?'' Raven asked. [Although you can make a Night Walking potion and use it for yourself, the other items are troublesome to deal with. You can create unique low-rank artifacts using the Orc Commander''s materials, but they emit the aura of an Orc and might attract the attention of other Orcs. If there is an Orc Nation hidden deep within this Mirage Forest, there is a high possibility of this town being invaded again. At that time, the Orcs will first come after the ones who holding the weapons made of Orc bones. I''m also concerned about the Rank-0 Orc Warrior. Tell your Aunt to dismantle the materials first. We''ll think about it later.] ''Okay.'' "I''ll tell you how to extract the materials, Aunt. As long as you follow my instructions, you will have an easier time extracting the valuable materials." As Raven spoke, Shirley and Athena nodded their head and started doing the dismantling process. With his guidance, they first extracted the Orc''s eyes, then the Trollsbane Glands, and finally, they extracted its Thigh Bones and stored them separately. Once everything was done, Raven looked at the dismembered corpse and spoke. "The remaining items aren''t worth much, Aunt. But the Teacher said that you must burn the Orc Commander''s corpse when disposing of it, not burying it. Also, this Orc Commander isn''t a normal monster but has some connection with an even high-ranked one. Before that high-ranked monster notices the Orc Commander''s death and finds a way to track it down, we must erase any trace." "Oh? There is such a thing?" Shirley''s eyes widened. Raven nodded and added. "As for these extracted materials, we should sell them off separately. You can sell the Orc Thigh bones and Trollsbane Glands at the Royal Auction house secretly first. Although both are valuable materials for mortals, they aren''t much worth to any wizards and won''t attract much attention from the local wizards or the Royal Family." "What about that unique Magic Stone and the two Feral eye crystals?" "Unlike the other two materials, these two won''t give off any aura of the dead orc commander and can be stored safely. Also, both of these items will attract many Wizards, so we should sell them a few years later or make potions for ourselves." "Then, I will do as you say." After that, Shirley went out again and brought some workers from the Administrative department, along with two carts. Following that, they did their best to move the Orc Commander''s corpse out of the town and burnt it near the Mirage Woodland. With the Orc Commander''s corpse disposed of and the valuable materials safely stored in the house''s store room, Raven returned to his bedroom and lay on the bed. "Now that I got extra years, I don''t need to worry about dying soon, right? So, what should I do next?" He asked Zera as he looked at the ceiling. [Hmm, before that, I want to tell you about a few things, Raven. The first thing is about the ''Class.'' For a mortal, selecting one''s class is as important as selecting one''s future itself.] ''You mean Acolyte Warlock? Didn''t I get a powerful regeneration ability due to that? Isn''t that job as good as Wizards?'' [It is indeed good as Wizards, Raven. But Wizards usually comprehend the Nature of laws through their elemental affinity and improve their strength by constructing spell models, retaining their original appearance. The Wizards mostly seclude themselves from the outside world and focus on getting more knowledge and attaining higher enlightenment. But walking on the path of Warlocks is a path of plundering one''s blood essence and making it your own. Wizards have magic-type spells, which involve the soul, while Warlock has Bloodline spells, which involve the physical body. And more importantly, the more you plunder another species'' bloodline and rank up, the more you will turn into a real monster. But if you want to become stronger, you must kill the strong and steal their blood essence.] Zera''s words made his face stiff. "I have to kill to get stronger? Is there no other way?" [Even if you choose to walk on the path of Knights or Wizards, you must become resolve enough to kill others. Otherwise, you might get killed by a stranger. Now, let''s come to the main topic. Although I don''t know how the Bloodline Devouring System works, I can vaguely tell that you can absorb different bloodlines and fuse them on yourself to become a unique entity. As long as you utilize this ability, you will become a most powerful person one day. Now, the next topic I''m going to explain is actually about bloodlines or how the Warlock class works. In this vast universe, there are countless races with unique blood running through their bodies. Humans, Goblins, Kobolds, Elves, Dragons, Phoenixes, and even the powerful Seraph race have some unique bloodline abilities. For example, ancient humans have Prediction-type eyes, tricking hands, and shape-shifting abilities, while the Elves have Dream manipulation, Nature, and other abilities. The same goes for Magical Beasts you''ve heard from your Aunt. As long as you use your ability on any of those powerful monsters'' corpses or the corpses of other powerful races, you will at least get some amazing ability.] Chapter 24: Choice Chapter 24: Choice ''But if humans also have powerful bloodline abilities, why are we using Knight Technique to even fight against goblins?'' [That''s because the purity in a normal human''s blood is very minute. The same goes for all other races like Goblins, Orcs, kobolds, etc. Only the Elves, Dragons, and a few powerful races with less reproductive traits have retained the high purity of their bloodline. That''s why humans decide to rely more on Wizard Pathway. But even that needs an elemental affinity.] "But I don''t even have any affinities for elements, though. And I don''t even know when I will be able to use the Devouring ability on another Magical Beasts'' corpse and obtain its ability too." Raven furrowed. [It is indeed true that one''s affinity is important for any human mortal or even Warlock. But thanks to the power of the Bloodline Devouring System and Memory Library, you can gain multiple abilities of different beings and even work hard to concoct affinity potions slowly. The alchemy pathway can help you make different potions and even increase your physical strength and spirit power, too. Thanks to the Memory Library, you have a big advantage of monopolizing numerous potion recipes.] "How many abilities can I get?" [I''m not sure. Usually, an average Bloodline Warlock has a total of 6 abilities. Some even have more than six, too. But your existence is somewhat unique. Due to certain incidents, your soul was damaged severely during the reincarnation process and was born in this new world. When the system awakened, I separated the ''Harmful thing'' in your soul with the System Core and also made a little change to your shattering soul to extend your lifespan. Due to this, your body, soul, and consciousness have already been fused.] "I don''t understand what you are saying." Raven frowned. [Well, I will tell you something else first. A long time ago, because of a certain ''Taboo Existence,'' a completely brand new pathway was created all over the universe. It''s called the'' Class Gem'' Pathway. Using this pathway, one can be both a ''Wizard'' and a ''Warlock'' or ''Knight.'' We call them ''Dual Class Mystic.'' Only then did we learn that a Human Soul can be capable of holding more than 14 Abilities, six or seven from the body and six or seven from the soul. Some beings could even learn unique skills, but it will only slow down their progression. Thanks to your Soul, Consciousness, and Body being a fused entity, you can absorb more than 10 Warlock Bloodline Essences without any restraint. But even so, you should choose the better and more powerful bloodline spells.] Zera''s words only made him more confused. But he finally understood that he had to kill people and monsters in the future to get stronger. While thinking deeply, he closed his eyes and soon entered the ''Memory Library.'' [Now that you''ve finally increased your lifespan, I give you two options now. First, learn the second skill through the skill book and get advantages in many things. Or, continue reading the theoretical alchemic knowledge of Adept Rank and further improve your alchemy skills. Once you start it, I won''t allow you to go back in midway. So, choose wisely.] Her sudden proposal startled him. ''Alchemy or one of the other two skills...'' A frown appeared on his forehead. ''I don''t think learning about the past can help me in any situation. Although ''Wonder Sense'' looks great, it won''t help me in the current situation. After joining the elementary school, all I did was go to school in the morning and return home during the evening. My sister won''t even allow me to walk away from the home alone. In school, there are always two official-rank Knights standing at the gate to guard the kids. And I''m 100% sure that I''ll be in the same situation until I turn 15 and graduate from the Knight Training School.'' As he analyzed his situation, he instantly spoke. ''I''ve decided to learn more about Adept level Alchemy from now on.'' [Good. Although theoretical knowledge of Adept Level Alchemy won''t be of much help, its effect will be shown as soon as you are promoted to an Adept Alchemist. In six months, you might even outshine a genius Adept Rank Alchemist.] Zera answered. Raven nodded his head and hurriedly moved to the nearby shelf book. [The Adept Level Alchemy books start from the second to the twelfth shelf, each containing around 500 books. So, you better start reading now.] ''I need to read around 5,500 books?!'' He couldn''t help but get startled. But as soon as he took the first book and started reading, he noticed a small difference. "Wait... My reading ability increased twofold?" [That''s the benefit of having one''s spirit power about 2.0 points. It''s equal to a 1st Circle Acolyte Wizard''s spirit power. The higher your spirit power, the stronger and faster your mind will be. The reason a Wizard can see through any trick is due to his extraordinary analysis skill.] Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ''Oh! Can I learn at least the Spirit Technique to increase my spirit?'' He asked. [You can''t learn that technique now. You should learn them after entering the Wizard Academy. That way, you won''t gain anyone''s attention.] Zera paused for a moment and asked. [Now that I think about it, what is your aim, Raven? Do you have anything you want to achieve in your life? After all, I can''t decide what path you should walk on.] Her question made him ponder deeply. After a short time, he recalled the smiling faces of Athena and Shirley and spoke with a grin. ''I want my sister and aunt to be happy all the time. But they seem to be worrying too much about something.'' He went silent for a second and soon added. ''If I''m not wrong, this must have something to do with the title of mine. But why did the Zenith Emperor discard his children? Was it because of me?'' Raven asked. In truth, he had long felt envious of Robert and his other school friends. Although Athena and Shirley were there for him all the time, he was very curious about how his mother and father looked. But whenever he asked his sister or aunt, both always avoided that topic. His sister once told him about how beautiful and caring her mother was and cried a lot while hugging him when he was a child. If not for her crying for the first time, Raven wouldn''t have even remembered such an incident. Noticing Zera''s silence, Raven could only sigh and speak. ''If my parents are the problem, I won''t even hesitate to oppose them.'' [Your father is not some random drunkard, lad. He is the Emperor of this whole Empire. If he wants to kill you or even take your sister back, he can do it with an order.] Zera''s words caused Raven''s eyes to widen. ''Is he a bad man?'' Raven asked. [I don''t know. But from the looks of it, he is a bad father for sure.] Zera answered. ''Even so, I''ll stop him and protect my sister from anyone.'' [Hmm, I expected much. But protecting the ones you cherish most is the most difficult thing, lad. Unless you become an Emperor himself, it won''t be an easy thing. For now, focus more on Alchemy.] Zera said. With an understanding nod, Raven didn''t waste a single moment and started reading the books. The next day, he asked his sister to get two new notebooks and copied two new Knight Techniques. Unlike the previous ones, these two books contained information about the Class Gem pathway of Rank-2 [Holy Knight]! No, it was a unique pathway created by combining Class Gem Pathway''s Knight Class and Faith Plane''s Knight Pathway. Shirley''s knight technique was called the ''Inferno Vanguard Technique,'' which mostly involved fierce combat skills. On the other hand, Athena''s Knight Technique was called ''Nether Stride,'' which greatly involved movement-related combat skills. Both instantly immersed themselves in the new knowledge and started improving their strength. Unlike Athena, Shirley had lots of battle experiences and had already reached the pinnacle of Elite Knight. Although this technique didn''t let her break through the realm of Radiant Knight, aka Holy Knight, it allowed her to enhance her strength twofold. But even before she could comprehend the new Knight technique, an escort mission for the Baron''s third son to the Royal Capital came up. This time, Baron''s son was traveling to attend the entrance exam of the Zenith Empire''s Crows'' Misery Academy. Unlike the elementary school and Knight Training School, which one would find even in rural towns, the Crows'' Misery Academy was the only Academy for Wizards in the whole Empire! Whenever a child graduated from the Knight Training School, their affinities were recorded and sent to the Crows'' Misery Academy. After two months, a selection letter would be sent to all students with a ''High-Rank'' affinity or above. Alas, this was only the start. To enter the Academy, one must pass the physical fitness test, the written test, the ''Will'' test, the ''Spirit'' test, and finally, the ''Practical Test.'' Among thousands of people, only a few dozen would pass these tests and enter the Academy every year. Every year, more than 10,000 students from different parts of the territory come to the Royal Capital to enroll in the Academy and go through all tests. Then, the only selected seeds would be picked up and were taught to take the first step in the path of wizardry. Meanwhile, the rest of the candidates would end up getting picked by the Empire''s noble households or other organizations. So, it was indeed a miraculous opportunity for everyone to become a mysterious wizard. Baron also didn''t want to lose such a precious opportunity and decided to send his third son to participate in the entrance exam. During this trip, Shirley took the materials with her and secretly sold the Orc Thigh bones and Trollsbane Glands at the Royal Auction house, fetching around 250 gold coins. The unique nature of these materials made them valuable to certain buyers, especially those interested in creating specialized weapons. Of course, their mission didn''t go as planned due to Baron''s son was eliminated in the fourth round of the selection test, causing the child to get depressed. Due to that, they decided to stay in the capital for a few more weeks and let him calm down. Using this opportunity, Shirley went shopping and brought many alchemic utensils like 3 Mystic Alembic, 25 luminescent Vials, 4 Crucible bowls, Starlight Mortar and Pestle, Ethereal Stirring Rod, Arcane Siphon Syringe, Volumetric Measuring Beaker, Filtration funnel, Incense Burner, Burner Stand, Infusion Funnel, Smoke Distiller Cone, etc., using 50 Gold coins in the black market. Thanks to those materials, Raven managed to turn the store room into a completely new alchemy room. However, due to the lack of potion materials in the local market, he only managed to create a few mortal potions with the probability of a 20% success rate. Even though it was only a 20% success rate, it was more than enough to buy ten sets of materials. [Even if you increase your success rate of the mortal potions to 100%, you can barely able to create a Low-Rank potion with a succession rate of 5%. But an average beginner Alchemist will be able to concoct a Low-Rank potion with a succession rate of 10%. You still have a long way to go.] Zera''s words were like sharp knives as he was overjoyed by successfully creating his first potion. But he didn''t get discouraged and used the mortal potion recipes to train his alchemy skills. Chapter 25: Wintermoon Spear Dance Chapter 25: Wintermoon Spear Dance Time passed quickly, and soon, three years went by. During the past three years, Raven had been endlessly practicing his alchemy skills and had finally reached the succession rate of 100% in mortal potion concocting. Although he wanted to concoct many Low-Rank potions and increase his skill proficiency, the materials he got in the local herbal market were nothing but useless trash. If not for the materials that his Aunt got from the Royal City''s black market from time to time, he might not have concocted any Low-Rank potion at all. During the past three years, he managed to concoct two Low-Rank potions. One was a ''Paralysis Potion,'' and another one was a ''Life Affinity Potion.'' For the first time, he managed to concoct a Low-Rank Affinity! It was his biggest achievement during the past three years! But it wasn''t an easy task at all. To create the ''Life Affinity Potion'' alone, he spent a total of 250 gold coins from his savings just to buy the potion materials. ''I bought twenty sets of potion materials but only managed to succeed once.'' Raven knew that even that was due to his sheer luck. ''But I succeeded in concocting the Paralysis potion in the fifth try itself. And the cost of potion materials for the Paralysis potion was cheap, too.'' [Affinity potions are hard to create, lad. That''s why no one in this world has managed to create any affinity potion.] ''I know. If I can get more materials, my alchemy skills will increase leaps and bounds.'' He muttered. Although he still lacked many more materials to concoct other affinities potions, he was much more satisfied with the results. Not only did he progress rapidly in Basic Alchemy, but he also memorized 40% of the books in the Adept level Alchemy section! ''If I only get some good materials, I will even be able to create an ''intermediate rank'' affinity potion. Of course, the probability would be only around 1:100 or even more. But there is still hope for me to achieve it only using theoretical knowledge.'' Alas, all he got was nothing but trash potion materials in the Darkcross town. But even with those trash materials, he managed to make more than 100 Mortal-Rank potions in his free time and sold them on the black market regularly. Thanks to this, he managed to earn a fortune. "Even after subtracting the amount of material cost, I have around 430 gold coins remaining." Surprisingly, Athena and Shirley didn''t accept his money and told him to keep it for himself. He also knew what they were still thinking and sighed. Although they became much calmer after learning that he had more years to live, they didn''t waste any time and worked harder. But even after three years of training using the new Knight Techniques, there was no sign of any improvement from both. [That''s because of the shackle, Raven. To break through this shackle, one must need a ''Class Gem'' or a Potion. Knight Rank Class gem is not even in the option, so our only option is to concoct the awakening potion.] ''Even if my sister reaches peak rank in her Knight Training, is it impossible to break that shackle?'' Raven asked. After all, he knew that the material cost to concoct the awakening potion would be similar to that of the affinity potion and fell into deep thoughts. [Without a Knight''s awakening potion, it''s almost impossible to break through. When your Aunt goes to the capital next time, ask her to search for the potion materials of Knight''s Awakening potion. Although increasing your affinity is important, your safety is the utmost priority. As long as you have two Radiant Knights by your side, you can have an easier time getting your hands on the materials. Even if an official Wizard pops up and blocks them, they will have the ability to force him to a corner.] ''Knights can even beat Wizards?'' He couldn''t help but ask in a shocked tone. [Humph, wizards aren''t all-powerful. I know of a pitiful wizard who got captured by a higher being and got turned into a small crown. Although that pitiful wizard was the one who created me, he ended up in such a state because of his arrogance and overconfidence. So, you must always remain cautious and humble. Also, focus on increasing your wealth by creating more potions.] The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ''I know that I need to spend lots of money if I want to continue walking on the path of an Alchemist.'' Raven muttered and decided to make an awakening potion for his sister first. The main reason was that she now held a higher position in Darkcross and was always involved in more danger than her Aunt. After defeating the Orc Commander, her popularity rose high, which earned her the position of Superintendent. She oversees the Industrial District and Commoners'' District and was also responsible for overseeing all the Narcotic crime cases in Darkcross Town. Meanwhile, Shirley continued to take more commissions and continued to save up money. Thanks to that, Shirley and Athena had managed to save more than 466 gold coins. "Along with the auctioned money, they currently have a total of around 660 gold coins. With my current savings, our family have a total of around 1090 gold coins, enough to buy the Miracle Life Potion in the Royal auction." He was also keeping the ''Mutant Magic Stone'' and the two Feral Eye Crystals in his inventory. ''Although I don''t know how much they can be sold for, I''m sure those items would go for more than 1000 gold coins.'' But Zera always told him that it wasn''t worth taking the risk and warned him to be more careful of wizards. Due to that, he decided not to think about selling them for now. But the one thing that still worried him most was his injured soul. Although he had more than around 12 years to live, it wasn''t enough at all. ''No one can expect what might happen tomorrow after all.'' The next thing he had to worry about was to think of a way to enter ''Crows Misery Academy.'' Zera told him that he already had Ice Affinity Potion and would be eligible to enter the academy as long as he healed his soul and increased his affinity rank. ''But is it really possible for me to beat all the 10,000 students in the tests and get selected among the top 100?'' He knew it was an impossible task. [Who said it''s an impossible task? I know you are impatient, but don''t worry about anything, and focus only on improving your alchemy knowledge. Also, first, focus on studying the content related to affinity potion making and finding the materials.] After hearing those words, Raven didn''t say anything and focused only on reading the books most of the time. At the same time, he also completed the fifth elementary grade and finally entered the Knight Training School. But unlike the elementary school, knight training school taught the students mostly about physical exercise and about the study of battle tactics. Of course, the fees also skyrocketed to 2 gold coins per month, causing most of his classmates to give up on entering the Knight Training School. His best friend Robert also couldn''t enroll the school due to their family financial problem and decided to work under his dad''s merchant store in the Baron''s Highhold City. Although Raven wanted to help him with his money, Zera stopped him and told him not to attract the attention of others, especially Teacher Elizabeth. Age of Rune, Year 1415, August 16th. It was around 9 P.M. Raven lay on the soft bed and looked up at the ceiling with a deep thought. [What are you thinking, lad?] Zera asked. "From tomorrow onwards, I can start training how to wield weapons, right? So, I was wondering if which weapon I should pick up. If I learn sword arts, I can practice along with my sister and improve my skills quickly, right?" Raven asked. But the reason he showed hesitation was mainly because of the ''Frozen Ender'' in his inventory. [You have zero affinity for swordsmanship or any other weapon, lad. Even if you train your swordsmanship with the best swordsmanship technique for ten or even twenty years, you won''t be able to create the ''Basic Sword Aura.''] Zera said coldly. "Can''t I concoct an affinity potion for swordsmanship?" Raven asked, still having no intention of giving up. [There is no such affinity potion for swords or any other weapon techniques. One has to be born with it or increase one''s affinity through endless training and enlightenment. Although we can try the experience and hardship method, my owner was never interested in swordsmanship or any other weapon arts. So, there is no memory of such a thing in the memory library.] Zera''s words made his face turn gloomy. "But why did he gift me that Frozen Ender weapon? Isn''t it no use?" Raven asked with a frown. [... I wonder about that, too. But the owner wouldn''t have kept this Spear as a beginner''s gift in the inventory without any thinking.] Zera went silent for a while and soon added. [Although I don''t have any high hopes in this pathway, I should at least help you learn the basics of how to use Spear.] As she spoke, Raven felt his consciousness being pulled somewhere and soon found himself on the first floor of the Memory Library. [Although I don''t have any excellent Spearmanship technique, this should do the work.] A familiar voice came from above, causing Raven to look upward. Soon, he saw the beautiful elven lady hovering through the spiral staircase that led to the second floor and soon landed before him. Then, she took out a silver-covered book with an image of a man riding on a silver wolf from thin air and gave it to him. "This Spearmanship technique is called ''Wintermoon Spear Dance.'' It is the basic technique and has over ten levels of training. This is the first volume, and it has the first four levels. Once you memorize it, try to practice from tomorrow onwards and master all the levels one by one." Raven caught the book and opened it before reading the first chapter. "Chapter 1: Gripping... Hold the Spear with both hands, spaced apart for balance. The leading hand should be positioned closer to spearhead for control, while the trailing hand provides for support..." "... hand Placement: The leading hand, often the right hand for right-handed individuals, should be positioned closer to the spearhead. This hand provides control and directs the Spear''s movement. The trailing hand, usually the left hand for right-handed individuals, is placed farther down the shaft to support the Spear and provide additional stability..." "... Overhand Grip- The overhand grip is a standard grip where both palms face downward. The leading hand grips the spear shaft with the thumb pressing against the flat side of the Spear. The index and middle fingers wrap around the shaft, while the other fingers provide support..." As Raven Continued to read the book, he became more and more astonished. "What is this? To think that there are so many things to learn about the basic gripping itself." He was truly amazed. [I''ll only give you 1 hour per day for reading about Spearmanship, lad. In the remaining time, you should focus on improving your knowledge in Alchemy.] Zera said, damping his excited mood. "Okay." He could only nod and proceed to read the book. Once the allocated time was over, he moved to the Adept Rank Alchemy books and started focusing on memorizing the theoretical knowledge. Chapter 26: Knight Training School Chapter 26: Knight Training School The next day. Raven woke up around 7.30 A.M and started getting ready for the first day of Knight Training School. He quickly freshened up, took a long bath, and quietly changed his dress into a white shirt and blue pants. Once he got ready for school, he moved to the dining room and noticed his sister and aunt were already seated inside. "What''s special today?" He asked as he walked in. "I''ve made boiled eggs, bread, baked beans, fried broccoli, and green tea. Don''t show your sulky face and eat everything." Shirley said with a stern look and started serving the food. "Yes," Raven showed a sad look and added while grumbling. "I hate veggies. It''s been a while since we ate meat." "Didn''t we cook meat and pork last Sunday? Raven, don''t be a picky eater." Athena scolded him from the side and started eating the bread while stuffing baked beans and broccoli inside. "Athena, are you going to buy a carriage today? Don''t you think it is unnecessary right now?" Shirley changed the topic while taking a bite of the boiled egg. "Knight Training School is 3 km away from our house, Aunt. If we go by walk daily, we have to spend more than 30 minutes. Although we can take a carriage, it costs around 3 to 5 silvers every time. After dropping him off, I also have to return to the Police Station. So, it''s better to buy a good carriage for our use." "That''s reasonable." Shirley nodded her head. "Also, I''m not a low-rank officer anymore. After becoming superintendent, it feels embarrassing to go to the police station by walking." Athena''s words made Shirley chuckle. "Buy a good one. After all, our little brat is earning a lot these days, so I think we can have room for breath." "Thank you, Aunt." Athena smiled brightly and continued to eat. Once the dinner was over, Athena and Raven left the house, took a four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage after paying three silvers, and went to the farther end of the town. It was called ''Stonegate,'' commonly referred to as Nobles'' Lane, a place where most of the rich people, Walkers, and even the Wizards resided. It was also the place where the Knight Training School was located. As the carriage passed through the bustling street, Raven looked outside through the curtain gap and asked. "Athena, is it hard to pass the Darkcross Knight Training School? Can you tell me more about it?" Athena sat on the opposite seat and nodded. "The Knight Training School is a place to teach basics about Knight Etiquette, Walker pathways, and also help the children''s body to be in a fit condition. It''s not hard to pass, but many will drop out because of not being able to pay the fees." "Will they give us ''Knight Technique''?" Raven asked. "No. The one they will be providing you should be the ''Basic Technique.'' Unlike the other one I''m currently practicing, it only helps your body to mature quickly and won''t increase your physical strength above mortal. Well, you will understand soon enough." Athena answered. Within a few minutes, the carriage reached Emerald Park and soon arrived before a four-storied building with a vast courtyard in the front. As Raven stepped out of the carriage, he saw hundreds of carriages parked at the entrance, and students in similar white shirts and blue pants were entering the school. "My duty will be over at 6 P.M. Until I arrive here and pick you up, please stay in the school and wait," Athena shouted from the carriage and soon asked the coachman to turn the carriage. On the other hand, Raven put the schoolbag behind his shoulder and started walking in. The academy is surrounded by sprawling gardens filled with enchanted flora, each plant exuding a beautiful, unique fragrance. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Just as he stepped inside, he saw three familiar faces standing a few ten meters away from the compound gate and looking in his direction. One was a blonde-haired young girl, around 120 cm tall, had olive skin and brown eyes and wore a similar white shirt and blue skirt. Her wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders and made her look more beautiful. ''Mary Whitbard.'' Raven stared at her without even blinking and started walking towards the group with a slight hesitation. Although she was his classmate, he never even talked to her once and felt a strange sense of nervousness. Unknown to him, his heart started to beat faster as he walked closer to the group. Hiding the anxiety, he looked at the silver-haired boy on her right side. He appeared to be around 130 cm tall and had similar silver eyes, a round face, and a slightly obese body. ''His name is Dennis, I think.'' And finally, the one who stood on Mary''s left side was a black-haired young man with blue eyes. Unlike the other two, Raven had talked with him many times. ''Chris.'' "Raven!! I didn''t know you were attending the Knight School." Chris waved his hand at him. Raven also waved his hand and soon arrived before them. "Are we the only ones from our class entering the Knight Training Academy?" "Daisy is also attending the class. But how did you get into the Knight Training School, Raven? I heard that you came from a poor family background." Mary gave him a curious look and asked. "It seems you don''t know about who his sister is, Mary," Chris said with a mysterious smile, causing both Mary and Dennis to look at him even more deeply. "Is your sister someone famous?" Dennis asked. "She is Athena, the Hero of Darkcross. You guys didn''t forget the Beast Wave that happened three years ago, right? His sister contributed the most and even became the superintendent of Police. I heard from my father that even Raven''s aunt is working as a high-positioned officer in the Administrative department." Chris said with a proud look and put his left hand on Raven''s shoulder. "I''m pretty sure my friend will also become a high-ranking officer of this town one day." "Commoners'' dreams are always like this. Trying so hard to get a government post? I can get such a position without even coming to Knight''s Academy." Dennis gave Raven a disappointing look and shook his head. "Let''s go, Mary. If we stick with these two, we might end up disappointing our parents in the future." He said as he started walking ahead. Mary also didn''t say anything and followed him hurriedly. "What''s with his deal? Why is he acting so high and mighty?" "That''s how the kids from noble household always act, Raven. Don''t mind him. Also, don''t get into a fight with him or Mary. Although they aren''t direct descendants of the Noble Household, they are still in much higher status than us. Especially, Dennis comes from the Viscount Household named ''Valeheart'' and has a big background." Chris said solemnly, took out the pocket watch from his pocket, and added while checking the time. "It''s 9.00 A.M already. Let''s go, the school meeting will start at 9.30 A.M. in the grand foyer." Saying so, he started walking on the concrete path that led directly to the school''s entrance. The duo soon entered the building. The four-storied architecture stood tall with its elegant fa?ade adorned with ivy-covered walls, arched windows, and a towering clock in the front. Upon entering, both were greeted by a grand foyer with a shimmering chandelier that hung from the ceiling like a crystalline constellation. The walls were lined with tapestries depicting the history of the Empire and a magical fountain was placed in the center of the room dispensed sparkling liquid that changes color occasionally. Spread across various floors, classrooms were equipped with antique wooden desks and chairs, each etched with intricate symbols. "Wow!" Raven saw hundreds of students roaming here and there and was astounded. As more and more students started gathering in the foyer, the whole area appeared crowded. Murmurs of students from first year to final year started to echo in the grand area. "It seems there are at least 100 new admissions this year." A grand voice suddenly came from the second floor, causing everyone to look up at the second floor slowly. Soon, a red-haired lady in her blue robe started walking on the bifurcated staircase and soon stopped at the center. She appeared to be around 60 years old, slightly wrinkled face and amber eyes, and held a unique staff in her hand. She calmly gazed at all the kids varying from age 10 to 15 and soon spoke. "Welcome to Darkcross Knight Training School, newly enrolled kids. I''m Agatha, the headmaster of this academy and also responsible for teaching Archery and Marksmanship. From today onwards, I and all the instructors in the school will teach you basic etiquette and also about how to train your body. For the next five years, you guys will not only be learning from us but also from your friends through sparing matches." Agatha also introduced various class teachers to the newly enrolled students and soon spoke. "Along with the newly admitted students, we also took in a new instructor for Modern etiquette class." Just as she spoke, a blonde-haired lady suddenly stepped forward, started walking on the steps, and soon arrived before Agatha. Then, she turned around, placed her hand on her right chest, and gave the students an elegant bow. She had beautiful amber eyes, a heart-shaped face, a high-nose bridge, and pale white skin. She donned a stomacher that gracefully adorned her tight corset, accentuating the contours of her silhouette. The corset embraced her figure with a blend of restraint and allure. Cascading from the confines of the corset, a long white skirt flowed with a certain grace, its pristine fabric trailing behind her in a testament to refined femininity. Completing her ensemble, a white bonnet adorned her head. "Good morning students! I''m Elizabeth and also the newly appointed teacher for the Modern Etiquette Class. I worked as a Language Teacher at the Elementary School of Silverhelm until last year and decided to come here to teach Etiquette Classes. Although my skills may not be on par with the elegant Noble ladies, I''ll do my best to teach you the basic etiquettes." Elizabeth said with a polite smile. Chapter 27: Vipers Chapter 27: Vipers At that moment, Agatha clapped her hands to gather everyone¡¯s attention and spoke. ¡°Okay kids! Except for the newly admitted students, the rest of you can go to your classes and continue your work.¡± As she spoke, the students from the second year to the final year dispersed from the crowd and started moving in different directions. After a while, only a hundred students stood in the Foyer and looked at the red-haired headmaster in silence. ¡°Hmm, before you go to your classes, I¡¯m going to let you guys choose your path. Follow me.¡± Saying so, Agatha stepped down from the staircase and started walking towards the corridor on the left side. Elizabeth also closely followed behind the headmaster and also signaled all the other kids to follow. Agatha and all the others passed through the long corridor, walked past more than four classrooms, and finally entered a large training hall filled with wooden dummies for practice. ¡°I¡¯ll call out the name one by one. Pick up a weapon and also choose a pathway.¡± Agatha said as she pointed her finger at the wooden weapons placed a few meters away from her. At that moment, a pale-skinned girl with a lean physique raised her hand and asked. ¡°Is it necessary to select a pathway even though I plan on becoming a Wizard one day, Headmaster?¡± ¡°Oh? You are aiming much higher already.¡± A broad grin appeared on Agatha¡¯s face. ¡°To become a Wizard, you have to at least be physically strong enough to hold the elemental energies within your body. Only then you will have an easier time engraving the Elemental Circlet Technique within your body and rank up further. If your physical strength is very low but your soul is strong enough to construct more spell models, a clash will happen between your body and soul. In the worst case scenario, you might end up receiving backlash and even fail to construct the spell model in your mind.¡± Agatha suddenly paused as she saw the confusion on everyone¡¯s face and soon chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s a lesson for another time. Now, all you have to remember is to select a pathway and also pick up a weapon that¡¯s most suitable for you guys. Once you pick up a weapon, you can¡¯t change it for the next year. So, choose wisely.¡± ¡°Alan.¡± She quickly called out a name while looking at the recorded notebook. Soon, a tall boy stepped forward and soon arrived before Agatha. ¡°First, you have to choose the pathway you are going to take. Let me give you the options: 1 Knight, 2 Warrior, 3 Assassin, 4. Ranger. Which one would you like to choose?¡± Agatha asked. Alan showed a pondered look for a few seconds and soon spoke. ¡°I choose Warrior, Ma¡¯am.¡± ¡°Hmm, I thought you would pick the Knight Pathway.¡± Agatha furrowed and added. ¡°Now, your weapon of choice is: 1. Broadsword, 2. Gauntlet, 3. Shield, 4. War Hammer, 5. Axe, and 6.Spear.¡± ¡°I take Broadsword, ma¡¯am.¡± Alan didn¡¯t hesitate a moment before we went ahead and picked up a broadsword. ¡°Next, Jean.¡± She called out, and soon, a black-haired young girl stepped forward. ¡°Choose your pathway,¡± Agatha asked. ¡°I choose Ranger, ma¡¯am,¡± Jean responded. ¡°Ranger, huh? There are limited weapon pathways for Rangers. 1. Bow and Arrow, we mostly recommend this only. 2. Dagger Arts and Knives.¡± Agatha didn¡¯t even finish answering as Jean walked forward and picked up the bow and arrows. Following that, many students stepped forward one by one and started choosing their favorite pathway and weapon. Unlike the first two, many students practiced with weapons for more than five minutes and chose their pathway very carefully. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°Raven!¡± Agatha finally called out his name. Raven hurriedly stepped forward, soon arrived before the red-haired Agatha, and spoke. ¡°I choose Knight Pathway, ma¡¯am.¡± ¡°Hmm, it seems you are planning to follow your sister¡¯s pathway. That¡¯s a good thing too.¡± Agatha nodded in approval and added with a smile. ¡°Now, choose your weapon. I recommend you to pick up a long sword, lad.¡± Meanwhile, Raven walked closer to the table where the weapons were placed in bulk and soon asked. ¡°Can I try the weapons before picking up, ma¡¯am?¡± ¡°You can.¡± A surprised expression appeared on Agatha¡¯s face. The same goes for Elizabeth as she quietly stayed behind the kids and observed his every action. Raven first picked up the long sword as Agatha recommended and started swinging it multiply. He tried thrust, slash, and a few other movements, but all appeared clumsy and unorganized. ¡°A big no. You don¡¯t have any small affinity or even an attachment to swords.¡± Even Agatha herself regretted saying those earlier words. But Raven didn¡¯t get discouraged and tried our bow and arrows next. The result appeared the same, causing laughter among the kids. Finally, Raven put back the bow and arrows and finally picked up the spear. Then, he held the spear using the knowledge he read from the Wintermoon Spear Dance Technique and tried the gripping movement. Then, he also tried thrusting and slashing the spear. ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s not as bad as the long sword and Bow. You should stick with Spear from now on.¡± Agatha spoke before writing down his pathways in the notebook. After him, it was Chris¡¯s turn. Unlike Raven, he chose Ranger Pathway and picked Bow and Arrows as his weapon. ¡°Mary also chose Spear it seems,¡± Chris spoke as he walked closer to Raven and stood beside him. ¡°What about Dennis?¡± Raven asked in curiosity. ¡°It seems he chose the Assassin pathway and picked his main weapon, a pair of Dagger,¡± Chris answered as he looked at Dennis and Mary, who had already formed some group among all the high-class people. ¡®Oh? He has a ¡®Genius¡¯ rank affinity in swordsmanship, right? Should I give him a suggestion?¡¯ But as soon as he recalled the previous conversation, he stopped himself. After that, Agatha called out the rest of the students'' names and let them choose their pathway. ¡°Now, the classes will be decided based on the pathway you have chosen. Class 1A is for Knights, Class 1B is for Assassins, Class 1C is for Warrior, and Class 1D is for Rangers. You guys can go back to your allocated classes now.¡± ¡°What? We aren¡¯t in the same class?¡± Chris was startled by Agatha¡¯s words and soon asked. ¡°Well, we can still meet during break time, right?¡± Raven nodded with a smile and added. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯m more curious about the basic Training Manual they will be giving to me.¡± Chris nodded his head and started walking towards the training hall exit. Before long, the group of hundred kids walked out of the large hall, entered the long corridor again, and started walking back to the allocated classroom. ¡°Mine is 1D Classroom. Yours should be 1A.¡± Chris said as they walked closer to Classroom No. 1D and pointed his finger at the farthest room. ¡°See you later then, Chris.¡± Raven wore a smile and gave him a thumbs-up. Meanwhile, Chris thought of something and added in whispers. ¡°Don¡¯t fight with a kid named Scott and his friends.¡± ¡°Scott?¡± Raven was clueless about this kid named Scott and showed a puzzled look. ¡°Well, there are rumors that his family seems to have some connection with the ¡®Vipers¡¯ and are also said to be one of the three richest families in Darkcross town.¡± Chris¡¯s words caused Raven¡¯s face to be solemn. The term ¡®Vipers¡¯ wasn¡¯t new to Raven. That word was more like a nightmare for all children. Parents usually scare the kids using that word to be wary of strangers and also to not wander around at night. ¡°I thought that ¡®Vipers¡¯ are made-up stories to scare us,¡± Raven muttered. ¡°No, it¡¯s some big net. ¡¯Vipers¡¯ is an underground dark syndicate organization that specializes in supplying some secret ¡®drug¡¯ not only to Darkcross Town but also to the whole Empire itself. They are also often involved in thieving, assassination, and even contract missions. Official members of Vipers are not known to many because of their secrecy. However, the supplies of drugs are distributed to the people through contractors like Black Merchants and gang leaders. That way even if the contractors got caught, no one will be able to track down and find out any information about Vipers.¡± Chris answered. ¡°Now that I think about it, my sister has been chasing after some group related to drug dealing for the past three years and even arrested many corrupted officials who had shares in these cases.¡± Raven quickly understood Chris¡¯s intention and nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll be careful around them.¡± After thanking him, Raven parted away from Chris and moved towards the class at the farther end. Soon, he entered classroom no 1A and saw rows of benches and desks placed on two sides. Raven quietly stepped into the classroom without minding the gazes from his new classmates and soon moved towards the last bench on the right side. Unfortunately, it was already occupied by a few kids. As Raven said on the bench that was placed before the last one, a cold yet childish voice came from behind. ¡°That bench is already taken. You should go to the front one.¡± ¡°You are?¡± Raven turned around and looked at whom the voice belonged to. It was a blonde-haired kid with reddish eyes and a square face. He appeared to be chubby, had a large physique, and showed a cold look. Even after hearing his question, the blonde-haired kid didn¡¯t say anything and only stared at him coldly. ¡°He is Scott Morris.¡± A familiar voice came from the front, causing Raven¡¯s eyes to squint. It was none other than Mary. ¡°Heh, you aren¡¯t afraid even after hearing my family name?¡± Scott showed a surprised look and felt curious. ¡°Why should I be afraid of? You are just a student like me.¡± His words looked more like an ignorant kid. As Scott¡¯s friends were about to say something in anger, Raven turned his head and looked at Mary with a smile. Chapter 28: Classes Chapter 28: Classes Mary nodded and sat right next to him before speaking up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for Dennis¡¯ earlier remark. He doesn¡¯t know how hard for a talentless commoner to enter Knight Academy. Don¡¯t take his words seriously.¡± The corner of his lips twitched. ¡®She doesn¡¯t hold back at all.¡¯ Raven simply shook his head and answered. ¡°I¡¯m not even bothered by his words. After all, there is some truth in his words, too.¡± ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand, Raven. Many commoners in our Class think they are highly talented just because they have some wealth.¡± Mary muttered and soon stood up. "If you need any help, you can come and ask me anytime.¡± Saying so, she moved towards the front bench to sit along with her friends. On the other hand, Raven quietly sat on his seat and observed the classroom. Some kids remained in their seats quietly like him, while a few already started getting along with each other and even formed groups. A few minutes later, an elderly man in his seventies entered the classroom and introduced himself as a Teacher of Tactical Warfare. For the next two hours, he taught them the basics geography of Darkcross Town and even introduced tactics during battles. The second Class was called ¡®Chivalry and Honor.¡¯ The one who taught this Class was a middle-aged man in his formal black attire named William. He explained about the Knight¡¯s rules, courtesy, loyalty towards the lord, and so on. He even told the knights how they should act when meeting a noble and how they should walk, and even went on about how they keep their gazes low. Then, it was a lunch break. Once the break was over, Raven saw Teacher Elizabeth entering the classroom and stood up to greet her. Other students also followed his movement and greeted her. ¡°¡°Good afternoon, ma¡¯am!¡±¡± ¡°Good afternoon, students.¡± Elizabeth nodded with a smile while looking at the students and sat on the wooden chair placed in the front. At that moment, two 13 to 15-year-old young girls entered the classroom and carried a bunch of notebooks in their hands. ¡°These are?¡± Elizabeth asked with a frown. ¡°Professor Reid asked us to place them here, ma¡¯am.¡± One of the young girls responded. ¡°Oh? Leave them on the table.¡± After hearing Elizabeth¡¯s words, they placed the notebooks on the iron table and hurriedly left. Meanwhile, Elizabeth quietly observed everyone and spoke. ¡°Sit down.¡± Saying so, she took a large notebook from her leather bag and started flipping the pages before talking. ¡°Let me introduce myself again. I¡¯m Elizabeth, as you can see; I¡¯m not from the Empire. But I¡¯ve been staying here for quite a long time and am eligible enough to take classes about Etiquette.¡± ¡°Before going into detail about this ¡®Etiquette¡¯ Class, can someone tell me how many types are there?¡± Mary instantly raised her right hand and volunteered herself. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m expecting some good answers from the Noble Lady of this Class. Go on, Mary. Tell us something.¡± ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am.¡± Mary nodded her head and answered. ¡°Etiquette is about how someone should behave in social gatherings, banquets, and parties, and also how to greet, introduce, and even converse. Sometimes, even the language slang will show one¡¯s social Etiquette.¡± ¡°Oh? Not bad!¡± Elizabeth commented with a nod and slowly turned her attention towards another student. She patiently asked everyone¡¯s opinion on Etiquette and finally focused her attention on Raven. ¡°What do you think, Raven?¡± Raven nodded his head before standing up and started to answer. ¡°Etiquette isn¡¯t only about social Etiquette, ma¡¯am. There are various types like dining etiquette, communication etiquette, business etiquette, travel etiquette, cultural Etiquette, and so on. My sister once said that even completely learning about dining etiquette took her six months. So, I think we will be learning all these etiquettes in detail during the next five years.¡± ¡°Hmm, you did your homework correctly. But I¡¯m not only here to teach you guys about basic etiquette but also how to interact with a Nobleman and even Royals. For example, when you enter the circle of nobles, you should not only show courteously, politeness, and honesty but also show cunningness and cautiousness. Knights like you are a Noble¡¯s pride and strength. Your every action will affect the lord you will be serving, so you guys must listen to my classes attentively and become true Noble knights at the end of the fifth year. Yes, a Noble knight, not some wandering knight who knows nothing about Etiquette but only fighting.¡± Elizabeth said calmly. At that moment, a small kid named Dante became curious about something and asked. ¡°Teacher, does that mean we have to choose to serve a Noble Lord once five years over?" ¡°Not you guys, but the Noble Lords will be the ones doing the choosing. And you can indeed choose not to serve any lord, but that might backfire a bit. After all, I heard that Nobles are prideful people and hold grudges, too.¡± Elizabeth¡¯s words made his face go pale. For the next two hours, Elizabeth explained a lot about Nobles and Etiquette and ended the Class. As soon as Elizabeth left the Class, a blonde-haired young man, around 25 years old, walked into the classroom. He was a bit muscular, had sharp azure eyes and a round face, and appeared to be around 175 cm tall. Unlike the other teachers, he wore a casual brown shirt and pants and also held a wooden sword in his hand. Once he entered the classroom, all of them stopped chatting and looked at him in nervousness. ¡°I¡¯m Reid Hooper. I¡¯ll be your Knight Training Instructor for the next five years and will be responsible for all the basic disciplines, too. Don¡¯t be too stiff.¡± While speaking, he walked towards the iron table, picked up the bunch of notebooks, and started distributing them. ¡°The one I¡¯m giving you right now is the ¡®Basic Knight Training Manual.¡¯ My first mission to everyone in this classroom is to study this ¡®Basic Knight Training Manuel¡¯ and form a circle in your heart at the end of the second year. Of course, I¡¯ll be helping you in detail about what this training manual is, how it works, and so on. But even geniuses will take more than a year to achieve the first circle. I heard that even the Mysterious Sword Princess took a total of four years to reach Third-Circle Apprentice Knight, so all of you must work harder.¡± At that moment, Raven raised his hand and asked. ¡°How does this training manual help increase our Knight level, sir? Will it be able to increase our physical strength?¡± Reid raised his eyebrows and soon nodded. ¡°Good question. This training manual allows you to create a ¡®mana circle¡¯ within your heart. I¡¯ll give you a detailed explanation about how to create a mana circle later. Anyway, once you create a mana circle, you¡¯ll be able to gather mana from the surrounding air and store it within your heart region. Although it won¡¯t increase your physical strength in the beginning, you won¡¯t be fatigued easily and will have an easy time controlling your breath and movements. The more you increase your circles within your heart, the more extraordinary you will become.¡± He paused for a moment and soon asked. ¡°Any more questions?¡± At that moment, a black-haired young girl raised her hand and asked. ¡°How many circles do I need to create to become an Official Knight, sir?¡± ¡°Apprentice Knight, Official Knight, and Elite Knight, all these three come under a single rank called ¡®Mortal Knight.¡¯ As long as you create a single circle within your heart, you will be considered an Apprentice Knight. To become an Official Knight, you must create four mana circles in your heart. But advancing from an Apprentice Knight to an Official Knight is not an easy matter. Some of them take years or even decades to achieve that stage.¡± Reid paused for a moment to gather everyone¡¯s attention and soon asked. ¡°Does anyone of you know the main reason for this?¡± ¡°Affinity?¡± Raven responded. ¡°Affinity indeed plays a crucial role in one¡¯s advancement, but there is something else too.¡± Reid picked up the distributed Knight Technique manual from the front desk and continued. "It¡¯s the rank of the Knight technique. Take this basic Knight technique as an example. You can only improve up to Third-Circle Apprentice Knight using this technique and might need even a decade to reach the third circle. It is the lowest technique called the common rank knight technique. The next one is called Uncommon, then Rare, and so on. The higher the rank your Knight technique has, the progress of your advancement will become higher. That¡¯s why most of the graduated knights choose to serve a High-Rank Noble Household rather than stay in a rural place." For the remaining Class, Reid patiently listened to every student¡¯s question and answered them one by one. By the time the Class ended, Raven noticed it was already evening! At the same time, the long school day also came to an end. Chapter 29: Difference Chapter 29: Difference As school ended, Raven quietly waited in the classroom. ''Athena said she would only come at 6.00 P.M. to pick me up. What should I do until then?'' At that moment, he thought of the Knight Technique, which Reid had distributed earlier. ''Zera, how am I going to create a mana circle with these? You said that I can''t walk on the path of Knight, right?'' [You can''t create a mana circle. Instead of wasting time on that useless book, you should focus more on studying Alchemy.] ''Ugh, but won''t I lag in terms of physical strength and knight training?'' Raven knew that even though the Apprentice Knights only had the strength of ordinary humans, they could do extraordinary things with skills alone. If he didn''t catch up with his classmates, he might fail at graduation! [Raven, you don''t need some Knight Technique and skills but a solid physical foundation right now. Even if you try creating a mana circle using this technique, you will only end up failing in it. These mana circles can only store raw Mana, not separate elemental energies.] ''What is the difference between mana and elemental energies?'' Raven couldn''t help but ask. [Mana is a combined form of elemental energies. It has fire elemental energy, wind elemental energy, water elemental energy, light, darkness, etc. Whenever you use a particular Knight skill with this Knight Technique, it will only consume a small amount of Mana containing specific elemental energy and let the rest disperse into the air. On the other hand, the Elemental Circlet Technique allows you to extract only a single element from the environment. It will let you store it in your Inner World in large quantities. When you cast a spell using that stored elemental energy, the output power will become more refined and powerful. That''s why there is a big difference in the strength between Walkers and Wizards. Of course, your sister''s technique is more advanced and equal to the Wizard''s technique.] ''The other Walkers'' techniques are low quality, huh?'' Raven asked. [Yes. Although Walkers also start to store one particular element at a later stage, their control over the elements will always be far inferior. So, unlike the Knight Technique, you need the Elemental Circlet technique for the Warlock Pathway. But if I give that now, you will only stop growing physically. Focus on training your body for the next five years and increase your stats to 1.0.] Raven quietly nodded and decided to do as Zera said. While waiting, he recalled what the Teachers taught in today''s class and started pondering. ''Then, I must focus on completely mastering the Spearmanship technique.'' But it was easier said than done. As far as he knew, he had no affinity for spear. Although he could memorize the ''Wintermoon Spear Dance'' technique and imitate all its movements perfectly, he would still end up in last place because of not mastering the power of aura. ''As long as I train harder, I can manage to remain as an average student for the next two years.'' But once his classmates started creating mana circles in their hearts, they would surpass him in terms of skills and physical abilities. ''And if my spear techniques remain crude, the academy might fail me.'' A frown appeared on his forehead. [You don''t need to think about this Knight Training Academy scores, lad. I keep forgetting that you are still a small child who only thinks of getting better grades. But don''t worry about it. Wait until you turn 15. That will be the starting point of your journey.] Zera''s words didn''t give him any happiness at all. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. "What you are saying is I''ll keep facing hardships, am I right?" He quietly looked up at the wall clock and soon realized it was already close to 6.00 P.M. "It doesn''t matter. As long as my sister and aunt are happy, I don''t care about anything else." While muttering, he picked up his school bag, walked out of the classroom, and soon entered the grand foyer. Although many students had left the school, some roamed here and there. Few seniors even attended combat classes and made noises on the upper floors. ''One day, I will also train harder and even duel with those top students.'' While dreaming about him beating the seniors, Raven left the building, walked through the large courtyard, and finally arrived at the compound gate. As soon as he stepped outside the school, his attention was drawn to a black-colored hackney carriage pulled by two horses. Athena sat in the driver''s seat and looked at him warmly at that moment. "How is it? Do you like this carriage?" She asked. Meanwhile, Raven walked closer to the nearby horse and tried to touch it, but Athena stopped him. "Don''t try to get close to the horse. It will take a few days for it to get closer to us. Until then, you must never try to touch it." "Will it kick me?" Raven backed away and moved towards the carriage door. "So, how much did it cost, sister?" He asked while opening the door and walking in. "23 Gold coins and fifty silvers. Although a bit expensive, we can manage with our current salary." Athena said as she pulled the horse reins and started driving the carriage. Meanwhile, Raven checked the carriage interior carefully, slowly opened the black curtain, and spoke. "I thought it would only cost around 5 gold coins. But I didn''t expect it to be super expensive." Raven suddenly thought of something and asked further. "So, if we want to buy the house which we are currently staying, how much will it cost, sister?" His question completely caught Athena off guard. "Hmm, I never really thought of buying that house. But it should be very costly. Even this carriage cost more than 20 gold coins. I''m sure the cost of a single-story house should be no less than 500 gold coins. The price will also depend on the area. If the house you are going to buy is near the Industrial District or Nobles'' Lane, the cost should be as high as 1000 gold coins. And you have to keep in mind that this rate is only in Darkcross Town. If you want to buy the same-sized house in cities, its cost should be much higher." "I''m feeling dizzy just by hearing the amount." Raven couldn''t help but mutter with a forced smile. "Even living an ordinary life in this small town isn''t an easy matter, Raven." Saying so, Athena whipped the horses and continued to drive the carriage towards Alm Street. After more than 30 minutes of traveling, Athena parked the carriage in the yard and tied the houses under the shade of the nearby tree. "We need to ask the House Owner to build a small ranch for the horses. Although that nagging woman will increase the rent, it can''t be helped." Athena muttered as she walked towards the house entrance and opened the door with an iron key. Raven also followed her inside and put the school bag on the couch. Then, he went to the bathroom, freshened up a bit, and told his sister what had happened in today''s classroom. "Oh? You got into an argument with a kid from the Miller family, huh? Haha, don''t worry about it." Athena waved her hand. Raven talked with his sister for a while and went to his bedroom to do homework. On the other hand, Athena went to the kitchen and started preparing for dinner. At the same time, she took out a bunch of decorating items like balloons and party streamers and started decorating the room. Around 8.30 P.M., Shirley also returned from her mission and brought a large cake and a bag filled with dresses in her hand. "What is he doing?" As soon as she entered the house, she looked around cautiously and asked. "He is staying in the bedroom, Aunt." Athena carefully took the cake from her hand and moved to the dining hall. "That''s good then." Shirley also followed her and started helping Athena to decorate the room. "Is everything okay at work, Aunt Shirley?" Athena asked softly, trying not to disturb the peaceful ambiance they were trying to create. Shirley sighed, a weary smile touching her lips. "Oh, it''s nothing, dear. Just a long day at work, that''s all." Athena nodded understandingly, deciding not to press further. She knew that Shirley often took on extra missions to support her all the time and felt gratitude. For her, she was more like a mother than an Aunt. As they finished decorating the room, Raven emerged from his bedroom, his eyes widening in surprise at the transformation. The once plain and mundane space was now filled with colorful balloons and streamers, a large cake sitting proudly in the center of the table. "Wow, this looks amazing!" Raven exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face. Athena beamed with pride at his reaction. "Happy birthday, little brother!" Raven''s smile widened even further, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Thank you, sis! This is the best surprise ever!" Shirley stepped forward, ruffling Raven''s hair affectionately. "You deserve it, dear. Now, why don''t you go ahead and change into one of those new outfits I brought for you? We''ll have dinner and then we can cut the cake." Chapter 30: Scott Chapter 30: Scott Raven nodded eagerly, rushing off to his bedroom to try on the new clothes. As he disappeared from view, Athena turned to Shirley with a grateful expression. "Thank you for everything, Aunt Shirley. I don''t know what I''d do without you." Shirley smiled warmly, placing a hand on Athena''s shoulder. "You don''t have to thank me, dear. We''re family, and family always takes care of each other." Together, they finished preparing dinner, the aroma of home-cooked food filling the air. When Raven emerged from his room, dressed in his new outfit and bubbling with excitement, they all sat down to enjoy the meal together. As they ate and laughed, Athena couldn''t help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. Despite the hardship they faced, they were together, and that was all that mattered. After dinner, they gathered around the table once more to cut the cake, Raven''s eyes lighting up as he made a wish and blew out the candles. The room was filled with warmth and happiness as they shared slices of cake. The birthday party ended smoothly as Raven turned 11, and the school days continued. Every day, Raven would wake up early, go to Knight Training School, and attend classes. At the same time, he also practiced the Wintermoon Spear Dance Technique and even did regular physical exercises. First, he learned a lot about gripping techniques for a whole month. After that, he started learning about types of stances, thrusting, footwork, defense moves, hooking, side thrust, circular motion, and so on. Like him, many other students also learned different kinds of Spearmanship, Swordsmanship, Archery, Dagger Arts, and other weapon arts from different Teachers and improved individually. At the end of every month, a sparring session was also held among the students to rank their positions. Although Raven managed to hold on against a few opponents during the first few months, his rank started to go down as time passed. Before long, two years passed in a blink. But he faced lots of hardships in the past two years. As days passed, no improvement could be seen in his physique or skills. His physical and practical grades went down from the top ten to the 90th position. If not for his written exam grades, he might have ended up becoming the last-ranked student. Not only that, he also got a lot of disappointed looks from teachers and even fellow students. The one thing that made him angry was the reality of Academic life. As more and more students started creating mana circles in their hearts, he became the only person with no mana circles. Even the Headmaster Agatha summoned Athena to school and asked whether Raven wanted to drop out of the school. He also started facing lots of bullying from his classmates and even ended up getting into arguments with Scott and his friends. What shocked him most were the reactions from his new class friends and Mary. After finding out that he had no talent for becoming a Knight, they all started to distance themselves from him. Mary even started showing a cold attitude in classes and never even talked to him. Only Chris came to class and talked to him from time to time. But thanks to this unfortunate incident, Raven managed to find out who was genuine to him and who was only after benefits. At the end of the second year, Raven only had three friends in the whole Academy. One was a black-haired kid with a short physique named Dante. He was a commoner kid with little to no background. But thanks to the monocle artifact, Raven managed to check his physical status and noticed that he had a ''High'' Rank Affinity in Wind Element. Not only that, he also had a ''High'' Rank Sword Affinity and could be considered a top student in the classroom itself. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. At first, he was a hard-working student and even showed good progress in tests and practicals. Although he wasn''t in the top ten, his rank would always be around 20 to 30. But things started to become complicated at the end of the second year. The main reason was that Dante became Scott''s main target for bullying. Due to Scott and his friends bullying him constantly, his grades started to drop. Although Raven wanted to stop them, he also felt powerless and could only watch his friend suffer every day. As days passed, Raven even noticed that Scott and others were extorting money from Dante and also bringing him outside. During the third year, Dante''s daily habits also started changing, causing him to worry more. ''Something is affecting his health too. And I can see him shaking often and also becoming a complete idiot. If this goes on, he might end up failing in all exams and drop out.'' What made him angrier was that even teachers started using him like a free worker and always ordered around him like a servant. ''I feel like even Teachers are indirectly involved in this bullying.'' Next was Chris. Although he was in Class 4, he still came to Raven''s class and talked with him always. And, the final member was a girl named ''Daisy'' from the ''Spade'' Family. She was a pale-skinned girl with a lean physique and had a ''High'' rank affinity water element. Unlike the other two, she rarely talked but always stayed next to his side during classes and even helped him during tests. Even though Raven never interacted with her much, he considered her as his friend, too. Another thing that hadn''t changed all these years was his Etiquette Teacher, Elizabeth. She never gave up on him and always supported him in many ways. One time, she even went into an argument with Professor Reid for treating him harshly. "Haa! I''m not sure what she is thinking." Raven slowly stood up from the bench and looked outside from the second floor. After he became a third-year student, his classroom was shifted to the third floor. Thanks to that, he could get a clear view of what was happening in the courtyard and even outside the Academy. "Hmm, Athena said that she won''t come today to pick me up. Do I have no choice but to go by walking?" A frown appeared on his forehead. He slowly stood up from the seat and picked up the school bag while looking at the wall clock. "It''s 6.30. P.M." Only then did he notice that all his classmates had long left. Shaking his head, he walked out of the classroom, locked it from outside, and started walking on the long corridor. Before long, he went downstairs through the bifurcated staircase, entered the grand foyer, and soon noticed that the whole area looked emptier. As he was about to move out, a familiar voice came from behind and caused him to halt his footsteps. "Raven? You haven''t left yet?" He turned around and soon noticed it was a black-haired young boy, around 115 cm tall and lean physique. He had brown eyes, a square face, thick eyebrows, and fair skin. At that moment, he was carrying a handful of books and seemed to be moving upstairs. "Dante? What are you doing here?" "Professor Reid asked me to shift the books in his room to the fourth-floor library. I''ve been going up and down for more than an hour. But I only managed to transfer 20% of it." He said while walking awkwardly. "Why are you even bother doing that professor''s work? Even if you do all the work, he will never give an extra mark in the test." Raven shook his head in disappointment. Meanwhile, a bitter look appeared on Dante''s face. "Well, you won''t understand. Anyway, good luck with your studies." Saying so, Dante turned around and started walking upstairs. On the other hand, Raven looked at his back from behind and felt a sense of loss. "Wait, I''ll also help you." Saying so, Raven chased after Dante and took half of the books from his hand. "Y-You don''t have to." Dante tried to decline, but Raven shook his head. "I''m helping you to at least ease away my guilt for not helping you all the time, Dante." Dante didn''t say a word and quietly started to walk ahead. Raven also didn''t talk further and helped him transfer all the books to the fourth floor. By the time they transferred all the books to the library, it was already dark outside. At that moment, no students or even teachers stayed within the Academy. Only the two gatekeepers stood near the compound gate and appeared to be talking with a few people. As Raven and Dante walked out of the main building and moved closer to the compound gate, Dante''s legs and hands started to shake. "What is he doing here? Could it be? He wants to do a test at this hour?" He asked in a stiff tone and looked at the group of people near the compound gate with wide eyes. Raven also followed his gaze and soon saw a familiar face among the group of five people. "Scott? Test? What are you talking about?" What made Raven furrow his brows was that Scott was the only student in the group. The rest four were all grown men, including the two gatekeepers. "Don''t be nervous, Dante. And we are already outside the Academy. If he dares to do something, I''ll tell my sister and let him know the consequence of playing with fire." Raven said in a cold tone. All of a sudden, Dante gripped his hand and stopped him from walking. "Don''t do anything reckless, Raven. He is not someone you should offend. The reason he came here at this hour might be to get some help from me. I made some deal with him, so it''s not a serious matter." Even though Dante said in a strong voice, Raven felt the shakiness and trembling from his hand. ''Something is wrong...'' Chapter 31: Urgency Chapter 31: Urgency At that moment, Scott also seemed to have noticed them walking from the darkness and shouted. ¡°Hey Dan, didn¡¯t I tell you to come and meet me at my house once school is over?¡± ¡°S-Sorry, Scott! I forgot!¡± ¡°It seems you need some beating.¡± Dante shrieked at Scott¡¯s remark and almost stumbled. Meanwhile, Raven supported him and gave Scott a sharp look. ¡°What are you doing? Dante isn¡¯t going anywhere today with you.¡± ¡°Oh? Isn¡¯t this the worthless student of our class?¡± Scott opened the gate and walked closer to them with a smirk. Unlike two years ago, he had grown taller and even looked muscular, appearing intimidating. Meanwhile, Raven stepped forward to protect Dante and blocked Scott from getting near. ¡°You really don¡¯t know your place, huh?¡± As Scott arrived much closer, he suddenly clenched his fist, gathered a small amount of mana in his fist, and tried to hit his stomach. His hand movement was perfect and neat. [Move towards your left and counterattack.] Even before Scott clenched his fist, Zera informed Raven what to do next. Without delay, Raven moved to the left side using footwork and barely evaded the attack, causing Scott to be surprised. Even though he evaded, the mere mana force caused his shirt to rip. ¡®This shirt is Athena¡¯s gift!¡¯ An angry look appeared on Raven¡¯s face. Before the opponent could think further, he raised his left leg and kicked him in the balls, causing Scott to fall back with bloodshot eyes. ¡°Arrgghhhhhh!¡± A scream echoed at the academy entrance, causing the gatekeepers¡¯ and the other two men¡¯s faces to turn solemn. ¡°¡°Young Master Scott!¡±¡± Two muscular men in leather armor rushed towards Scott, supporting him to stand up. Thanks to the dim street light, Raven finally saw their appearance. The guy on the left looked around 30 years old, had blonde hair, and even held a sword at his waist. On the other hand, the guy on the right looked middle-aged, had grey hair, and didn¡¯t hold any weapon with him. ¡°Are you all right, Young Master?¡± The middle-aged men asked. Scott barely managed to stand up and soon looked at Raven with menacing eyes. [No good... I don¡¯t like the look in his eyes. Run.] Just as Zera spoke in Raven¡¯s mind, Scott said in a chilling voice. ¡°Drag him back to the house. I want to make him pay with his blood!¡± Upon hearing those words, Dante turned pale and hurriedly ran towards Scott to calm him down. ¡°I beg you, please forgive him for his actions. If you try to do anything, it will only worsen-¡± Before Dante could finish uttering the sentence, a powerful slap came from Scott and completely knocked him unconscious. He staggered like a doll and pathetically fell on the concrete floor. Upon witnessing such a cruel thing, Raven¡¯s face started to contort. But he also realized the situation and thought of escaping from there first. ¡®I can¡¯t go forward. But as long as I manage to hide in the academy for an hour or two, Athena or Aunt will come and look for me.¡¯ Without hesitation, he turned around and tried to dash towards the academy. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. But a 180 cm muscular man stood before his face and blocked him. ¡°You aren¡¯t going anywhere, kid.¡± Before Raven could even back away, a firm hand gripped his neck and lifted him in the air, causing him to suffocate. ¡°Don¡¯t kill him yet,¡± Scott ordered from behind. As if the muscular man had heeded the order, he dropped him from the air, made a smack on Raven¡¯s nape, and made him fall unconscious. ¡°This bastard...¡± Cursing, Scott slowly walked towards the fallen Raven and kicked him in the stomach. ¡°Take both of them. When they wake up, I¡¯ll show them what hell looks like.¡± Saying so, he turned around and started walking back to the compound gate. ¡°Y-Young Master Scott, please don¡¯t do anything reckless! If the Headmaster finds out about this, she won¡¯t let this slide.¡± One of the gatekeepers tried to warn Scott. ¡°Humph, she doesn¡¯t care about the talentless people. And as long as you guys keep your mouth sealed, no one will know what happens to him.¡± Scott spoke as he continued to walk out of the academy compound gate. Meanwhile, the other two muscular men glanced at each other and grabbed the unconscious students in their hands before following Scott. ... 15A Alm Street, Commoners¡¯ Borough, Darkcross Town. It was around 8.30 P.M. At that moment, a 35-year-old woman entered the big lawn of a single-story house and walked towards the entrance door. She had long blonde hair, sharp bluish eyes, a hawk nose, and slender eyebrows, and she appeared to be around 160 cm tall. She wore leather armor around her black top and even held a long sword at her waist. Once arriving near the door, Shirley raised her hand and knocked on the door twice while shouting. ¡°Raven, I¡¯m home! Open the door!¡± She continued to knock on the door for a while and soon frowned. ¡°Is he not home yet?¡± She hurriedly moved towards the left porch pillar and soon took the iron key from a hiding spot. She then opened the door and noticed the inside appeared dark. ¡®Athena said she has extra duty at the police station today. But that lad should have come home around 6.00 P.M., right?¡¯ A worried look appeared on her face. Although Darkcross Town was safer, she knew there were hidden dangers in many places and grew worried. Without hesitation, she turned around, locked the door, and left the house. She soon took a carriage to the police station near the western gate. It was a two-story building with a large yard in the front. The building wasn¡¯t big and only had two constables in dark greenish uniform dress standing at the entrance. As soon as she walked closer, one of the constables seemed to have recognized her and greeted her with a wave. She was a lady constable and appeared to be only around 20 years old. ¡°Greetings, Madam Shirley! What brings you here at this hour?¡± ¡°Is Athena inside?¡± Shirley asked, her voice appeared colder. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± Before the constable could respond, Shirley entered the building and soon saw a few tables in the main hall. Many police officers were seated beside those tables, doing paperwork and even listening to the complaints of a few people. After a swift glance, Shirley soon found the separate room appointed for the superintendent and hurried forward. ¡°You can¡¯t barge in like that, ma¡¯am! And Madam Athena is in the middle of discussing an important topic with a guest.¡± The lady constable tried to stop her, but Shirley had already opened the door and barged in. But as soon as she saw the guest, she couldn¡¯t help but give Athena a sharp glare. The guest was a brown-haired man in his twenties with blue eyes, a broad forehead, and a fit body. He wore a black trench coat and covered his head with a bowler hat. He was none other than Baron¡¯s son third son, Lionel. ¡°A-Aunt?¡± Athena showed a flustered look and hurriedly stood up before asking with a composed face. ¡°Why are you here?¡± Meanwhile, Shirley heaved a deep sigh and turned her attention towards Lionel. Although she showed a humble, polite face on the outside, Athena felt her eyes could already pierce a hole in Lionel¡¯s chest. ¡°Sorry for interrupting your ¡®sweet moments,¡¯ Young Master Lionel. Something urgent came up, so I entered without even knocking. You won¡¯t mind it, right?¡± She asked. Even Lionel was stunned by her cold gaze and subconsciously nodded before standing up. ¡°P-Please, don¡¯t worry, Lady Shirley. We aren¡¯t discussing anything important-¡± ¡°Then, can I talk something privately with Athena now?¡± Shirley interrupted before Lionel could finish speaking. With no other choice, Lionel nodded his head and quietly walked out. While watching this, Athena couldn¡¯t help but get stunned. ¡°What are you doing, aunt? And aren¡¯t you being too rude to Lord Lionel? He is a Noble!¡± ¡°You are a Royal too.¡± Shirley glared at her and soon shook her head. ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time to talk about this. Raven hasn¡¯t come home yet.¡± ¡°He hasn¡¯t come home? He should be back before 6.30, right? Maybe there is some special class or something?¡± Athena furrowed and soon shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, aunt. He will come back in an hour or two. He is already mature enough to go anywhere on his own.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I feel something is off. Even if there is a special class, it should¡¯ve ended around 7.00. It¡¯s already 8.45.¡± Shirley¡¯s words made Athena¡¯s eyes widen. ¡°8.45 P.M. already? Did something happen to him?¡± Her heart skipped a beat. ¡°I''m worried too. We should go and check the academy first.¡± Saying so, Shirley walked out of the room and moved to the police station exit. Athena followed her and soon told her colleagues to take care of the station. She also informed Lionel about the urgent situation and soon moved towards her carriage parked in the left yard. Before long, Shirley and Athena left the police station through the carriage and moved towards the Nobles¡¯ Lawn. Chapter 32: Clue Chapter 32: Clue Knight Training Academy, Entrance Gate. At that moment, two muscular gatekeepers stood at the entrance gate and glanced at each other occasionally. One guy had a bald head with a scar on his left cheek, while the other was a brown-haired man with a Zappa mustache. ¡°Damn it, Lian! If those kids¡¯ parents come back searching for them or register any complaint at the police station, we are screwed! If I lost this job just after getting it, my wife might put poison in my food. She is already mad at me for quitting the previous bartender job.¡± The bald guy said in an anxious tone. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much, Conrad. And you should remember that the reason we became the gatekeeper is actually to help the ¡®Vipers¡¯ to distribute ¡®Miraclo¡¯ among the students. As long as we do this without others finding out, our side salary would be ten times higher than the main one. And we are not even involved in this work but only turn a blind eye to the suppliers.¡± The other brown-haired guy named Lian responded calmly. ¡°You still don¡¯t get it. What if something happens to those two kids?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think that young master Scott will do something dangerous like killing those kids. If I¡¯m not wrong, he will beat them for a while to vent out his anger and send them home. I heard the short kid called ¡®Dante¡¯ has been his toy for more than 6 months already. Even after his parents complained at the academy head office, the headmaster didn¡¯t even take that complaint seriously.¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± Conrad couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Well, that kid¡¯s background is too small. From what I heard, he is the son of a dress shop owner and doesn¡¯t even have any background. That¡¯s why teachers and even the Headmaster didn¡¯t take this matter seriously.¡± ¡°What about the other kid?¡± Conrad asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s only been a month since we got this job, so I only did some background checks on a few high-class students. Well, he must be from a low background too. On the other hand, the Millers family is one of the four wealthy families in the whole town and almost has an equal status as a fallen noble family. So, don¡¯t worry too much.¡± Lian said while waving his hand. But the worry in Conrad¡¯s heart grew more. ¡°Even if the back alley thugs are backing the Millers Family, aren¡¯t they too daring? What if this deal got exposed?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t poke your nose in these types of matters. Do you think the Millers family dared to supply ¡®Miraclo¡¯ to students without any backers from inside? And don¡¯t forget that the one behind Miller Family is the ¡®Vipers.¡¯¡± Just as Lian talked, he suddenly saw a black hackney carriage drive through the lone street and soon arrive in front of the Knight Training Academy gate. A second later, a young lady in a green dress jumped from the driver seat and started walking towards Conrad. ¡®Police?¡¯ A startled look appeared on Conrad¡¯s face. ¡°Don¡¯t panic. They must be doing some patrol.¡± Lian whispered as he saw the change in Conrad¡¯s expression. At the same time, Shirley also walked out of the carriage house and followed Athena. Within a few seconds, both arrived before a bald guy and gave him a deep look. ¡°May I ask a few questions, Mister? I¡¯m Athena, Superintendent of Police.¡± Athena spoke as she took out a star-shaped iron badge with some unique numbers engraved and showed it to him. As soon as Conrad saw the badge, his whole body stiffened. He was a bartender in a famous bar and also worked as an informant for the Blue Pearl gang. So, he was well aware of all the police badges and instantly realized it was a real badge. Alas, he didn¡¯t show it on his face and quietly responded with a nod. ¡°May I know what you want to ask my partner, Lady Athena?¡± Lian didn¡¯t expect a high-ranking police officer to appear out of the blue and asked cautiously. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing much. For how long have you been working as gatekeepers? Your face seems new. What happened to Cedric and Axel?¡± Athena didn¡¯t even look at Lian and asked. ¡°T-They quit their job, ma¡¯am. We both started working as gatekeepers from the last month.¡± Conrad answered truthfully. ¡®Cedric and Axel quit? It¡¯s acceptable if Cedric quit his job, but that old man Axel did? He always talks about this security job being a blessing for his family and even expecting a salary rise.¡¯ Athena raised her eyebrows and stared at Conrad quietly. ¡°W-What brings you here, ma¡¯am?¡± Lian showed a humbled look and asked. ¡°I¡¯m here to look for a boy named Raven. He is a third-year student of this academy and always a quiet type. He has deep-blue eyes, and black hair, and is around 13 years old. Did you guys see anyone?¡± As soon as she spoke, Conrad¡¯s mind went blank. ¡°N-No, ma¡¯am. Most of the students left the academy at 5.30 P.M itself. And we already checked all classrooms, so there is no one in the academy right now.¡± Lian spoke while showing a nervous look. Athena suddenly turned her gaze towards Lian, unsheathed her long sword in a blink, and placed the tip at his throat. ¡°Hmm, did I ask you to speak?¡± It happened in a blink of an eye, causing Lian to step back in fear. ¡®No good! I couldn¡¯t follow her hand movement at all! She must be an Elite Rank Walker!¡¯ Only then did Conrad snap out of the shock and respond stiffly. ¡°W-We didn¡¯t see anyone like that, ma¡¯am.¡± ¡°Really? Is there any incident or fight break out between kids? Even if it¡¯s a small quarrel, please tell us about it.¡± Athena asked. ¡°Nothing like that happened, ma¡¯am.¡± Conrad instantly shook his head. At that moment, Shirley walked towards the compound gate, opened it after unlocking it, and stepped into it. As Athena asked more questions, Shirley searched the surroundings, soon arrived where Raven confronted Scott, and suddenly squatted down. A few seconds later, Shirley found a ripped blue cloth and a white shirt button. ¡°Athena. Come here.¡± Shirley said in a cold voice. Athena stopped asking Conrad more questions and hurriedly entered the compound gate. Before long, she arrived beside Shirley and looked at the ripped cloth in her hand. ¡°School uniform? Why is it ripped? Did the kids fight each other?¡± Athena couldn¡¯t hide her curiosity. ¡°School uniforms are made from East Cotton, and also one of the most durable fabrics. If I¡¯m not wrong, even a strong adult human finds it hard to tear such a dress. And from the looks of it, the shirt tore down from the attack.¡± ¡°The kids used mana to fight?¡± It was forbidden to use mana or any attack skills within the Academy without an instructor''s approval. ¡°I¡¯m not surprised by that. After all, kids break the rules all the time. But there seems to be a different story in this case.¡± Shirley stood up and turned her gaze towards the gatekeeper duo. ¡°You said no fight happened between the kids. But why is there a ripped shirt at the entrance?¡± As she spoke, she unsheathed her sword and started walking to Conrad. Meanwhile, Conrad and Lian also realized their current situation and gripped their spears. ¡°Oh... Look at that! It seems you guys know something.¡± Athena coldly looked at them and suddenly took a step forward. A second later, her form turned illusionary and disappeared from there. Before Conrad and Lian could understand the situation, Athena appeared before Lian and placed her sword at his throat. ¡®H-How?¡¯ Shock appeared on Lian¡¯s face as he felt a sharp pain in the throat region. He didn¡¯t even have the time to move his spear and block her sword. ¡®T-This speed! I feel her strength might even higher rank!¡¯ Conrad also seemed to have realized her true strength and felt fear for the first time. ¡®Wait a minute... There are only a handful of police officers who are as powerful as Elite Walkers in this town. And she looks a lot younger, too.¡¯ Suddenly, a certain person¡¯s name appeared in his mind. "A-Athena, the Hero of Darkcross!¡± His voice quivered. ¡°W-What?!¡± Lian went pale and staggered while dropping his spear. Upon noticing his partner had already lost his will to fight, Conrad also dropped his spear and raised his hands in surrender. ¡°W-We have no intention of fighting you, My Lady! I¡¯ll answer your all questions.¡± Conrad said anxiously. ¡°Kneel!¡± Athena only spoke one word and made Lian kneel forcefully. Conrad didn¡¯t even show any resistance and knelt on his own. ¡°Tell me what happened here,¡± Athena asked. Lian didn¡¯t even dare to look up as he realized how terrifying the opponent was and started talking in a trembling voice. But as he continued speaking, Athena¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot. Without Shirley stopping her, she might have chopped off Lian¡¯s head! ¡°Millers Family! If anything happens to my brother, I¡¯ll erase not only the Millers but also all the thugs in the alleys and slums.¡± Athena said in a chilling tone. Meanwhile, Shirley was deeply shocked by the news. ¡°You guys dare to bring ¡®Miraclo¡¯ into Knight Training Academy and spoil the kids¡¯ future? Haa, I didn¡¯t expect that even the academic professors are corrupt to this level and even involved in drugs.¡± But she soon shook her head and added. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the Millers Family and rescue our child first. Although those guys won¡¯t do anything reckless to academy students, it¡¯s better to hurry.¡± Saying so, she fastened her footsteps towards the carriage and entered. Athena also didn¡¯t say anything and followed her. Before long, Athena hopped on the driver¡¯s seat and started driving the carriage. As the black carriage disappeared into the night, Conrad finally managed to take a deep breath and looked up. ¡°We are f*cked!¡± Lian also managed to calm down the trembling hands and finally spoke. ¡°I-I thought I was going to die for sure. It¡¯s better to escape this town while they are focusing on the Miller family.¡± Conrad and Lian glanced at each other and hurriedly stood up. After that, they looked at the surroundings and soon ran toward the town¡¯s square. Chapter 33: Dungeon Chapter 33: Dungeon Lombard Street. It was around 8. P.M. In the night of gas lamps, the narrow alley twists and turns like a serpent, lined with old buildings leaning against each other for support. Ramshackle wooden shanties with crooked roofs and broken windows crowd the thoroughfare, their walls coated in grime and soot. Clotheslines sag under the weight of damp garments, swaying gently in the breeze. Thin tendrils of smoke curl from chimneys, mixing with the smog that blankets the sky, casting a pallid hue over the scene. Stray dogs scavenge for scraps amongst the refuse, their ribs protruding beneath patchy fur. In the distance, the distant clang of factory machinery echoes through the maze of alleys, a constant reminder of the toil and hardship endured by those who call this place home. Yet amidst the squalor and despair, there exists a sense of resilience, a determination to survive against all odds, etched into the very fabric of the slum street. A hundred years ago, Lombard Street was an esteemed locale frequented by nobility and the upper echelon, attracting crowds from all walks of life. However, with the advent of nearby industries, the air became tainted with toxic fumes and gas leaks, leading to a surge in illnesses and fatalities. Consequently, residents of Lombard Street and its adjacent areas gradually fled to seek refuge in healthier environments. While the emergence of new industries and factories heralded a revolution in the empire, it also brought numerous challenges. Foremost among these was the rampant pollution and disease, compelling inhabitants near the industrial hub to abandon their homes. During this period, the empire''s economy suffered a severe blow due to sudden famine, resulting in an astronomical rise in food prices. Over a decade, a third of the empire''s populace found themselves unemployed and destitute, resorting to begging or migrating back to rural villages. Some succumbed to starvation, others sought solace in countryside retreats, while many resorted to squatting in abandoned structures, forming the nucleus of the burgeoning slum populace. Thus, the once prestigious Lombard Street metamorphosed into a haven for beggars and ruffians. At the end of this crowded and slum region stood a two-storied old mansion house. The mansion originally belonged to Baron Alexander but was sold to Millers cheaply a few decades ago. It wasn''t as old as the other buildings and still stood tall due to constant maintenance. As the sky darkened, the mansion appeared noisy, and many people visited the building and returned with different wooden boxes and woolen bags. The security also appeared tighter within the compound gate, making the whole area look restricted. "This place looks more like a gathering place for all the thugs." A young woman commented as she parked the carriage, jumped down from it, and opened the carriage door. "I hope we are not late. These bastards dare to touch my boy! I''m going to burn this whole place." A middle-aged woman exited the carriage, holding a sword, and walked towards the compound gate. ¡­ In the meantime, a young black-haired boy slowly opened his eyes and looked at the dark ceiling. Two oil lamps were attached to the walls and caused the gloomy surroundings to illuminate dimly. After a swift look, he noticed that it was a small, enclosed room with no windows or door. Only a stair leading upstairs appeared eerie as water droplets dripped from the ceiling. As the young boy was about to stand up, he noticed that his hands and legs were tied, and even his mouth was covered. "Mugh!" ''W-Where am I?'' Raven''s eyes wandered and soon landed on a lean, black-haired boy lying a few feet away. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ''Dante?'' He suddenly recalled the moment when Scott''s guards knocked him out and went pale. He also noticed that Dante''s hands and legs were tied, and he wasn''t even moving. ''Is he unconscious? Damn it! It''s all because of me!'' Anger swelled up in his eyes. ''Zera?! Are you there?'' He instantly thought of Zera and called out. [...] [Haa, I''m here. But I can''t help you in this situation, lad. You have to rely on yourself.] He could feel the disappointment in her tone. ''Why are you showing disappointment?'' He asked in confusion. [It''s because you acted without even knowing the consequences, lad. If you had controlled your anger and not attacked Scott recklessly, you wouldn''t have ended up in this situation. Also, you forgot to see your opponent''s strength before attacking.] ''What am I supposed to do? Scott would''ve bullied my friend if I didn''t attack him.'' Raven said while gritting his teeth. [Humph, where did your friendship and care go all this time? It''s not like it''s the first time he was in such a situation. I have seen him enduring all the bullying alone through your eyes and know his situation better. There were multiple options available for you to help him from getting bullied. For example, you could''ve asked your sister''s help or even Teacher Elizabeth''s help. But you look the other way just because you think you are weak and can''t do anything. You only focused on improving your subject scores and never considered him a friend.] Her words were like stabbing needles in his heart. In truth, what Zera said was the actual truth. Raven considered Dante his friend just because he talked with him occasionally. He watched his friend suffer but kept silent because he felt it wasn''t his problem. He also thought he might end up in the same position as Dante and decided even to distance himself. It wasn''t Dante who distanced himself but Raven without even realizing it. ''I-I should''ve helped him!'' Realization dawned on his face. ''For now, I should find a way to escape this situation.'' As he was thinking, he suddenly heard footsteps from the gloomy stairs. Before long, three people walked down through the staircase and soon arrived before him. One was a young kid with blonde hair and red eyes, while the other two were a blonde-haired young man and a grey-haired middle-aged man. They were the ones who were with Scott earlier. Raven gritted his teeth angrily when he saw them approaching him. "Look at this brat! He still looks like a fierce puppy." The blonde-haired young man commented with a chuckle and squatted down. "A fierce puppy needs to be tamed, isn''t it?" Scott said with a grin and took out a small bottle filled with strange bluish powder. "Do you know what this is, Raven?" He asked as he squatted beside the blonde-haired man and removed the cloth covering his mouth. "You are making a big mistake, Scott!" Raven said in anger. He was about to stand up, but Scott slapped his cheek and made him fall. Even though it was a simple slap, Raven felt the whole world was spinning. Not only that, he noticed that blood was dripping from his nose, too, causing unimaginable pain. Without even knowing him, his hands and legs started to tremble. "Should I untie him, Young Master?" The blonde-haired man asked. "Yes. Also, make him kneel before me. I want him to crawl on my feet and beg for mercy for a whole night." A wicked grin appeared on Scott''s face. An angry growl came out of his mouth, followed by tears in his eyes. Upon seeing this, Scott burst into laughter. "Haha, the angry puppy seems to have finally couldn''t hold back its tears." While saying so, he opened the bottle and forcefully grabbed Raven''s face. "But I can still see the anger in your eyes. Anyway, do you know what am I holding right now?" Without waiting for a response, Scott took a pinch of bluish powder and put it into his nose while covering his mouth. "It''s called ''Miraclo.'' It''s a special magical drug created by Viper Syndicate to let even poor people experience the real heaven. Inhale it!" Raven tried his best not to breathe but couldn''t hold it any longer. Within a minute, he inhaled the air filled with that bluish power and felt something enter his nostrils. ''H-Help, Zera!'' Helplessness appeared in his eyes. [¡­ I really can''t do anything in this situation, lad. I''m not some overpowered system to make you level up but a powerless artificial spirit. And you are not in a life-threatening situation. As long as you hold on, help will arrive soon.] As Zera spoke, the drug also started taking effect on Raven''s body. "It''s not enough. Let me give you more." Scott put even more bluish powder in his nose and forced him to inhale more drugs. A strange comfort and pleasure started to appear in his mind. At the same time, his pupils dilated, and even felt all his senses heightened. As more seconds passed, Raven started to see two Scott and four guards. ''Am I hallucinating?'' A thought crossed his head. At the same time, Raven noticed a strange sense of some mysterious power taking over his mind. Slowly, his bluish eyes started becoming pitch black, like when he was born. ''Zera! What is happening?'' He asked in a hurry, but no response came. But strangely, he saw his body standing up with staggering footsteps and looking around. ''Something is controlling my body? Is it Zera?'' Before he could find out the answer, his consciousness started to fade. Then, ''Raven'' slowly stood up and looked around. "Ugh, where am I?" [¡­!!!] Chapter 34: Casper Chapter 34: Casper [Who are you?] Zera asked in a startled tone. "Shut up," Raven said coldly and looked ahead at Scott. "Oh? Did I hit your head too hard? Why are you talking rudely?" Scott was amused by Raven''s words and asked with a grin while grabbing his hair. "It seems you need some beating," Scott added. Meanwhile, Raven blinked his eyes and suddenly extended his slim hand toward Scott. Before Scott could understand the situation, a firm grip appeared around his neck and tightened, causing him to suffocate. "Young master!" The blonde-haired man tried to punch ''Raven'' using his full strength, but ''Raven'' acted at lightning speed. "Tsk!" In a second, he released Scott and backed away faster. He moved more than two meters from where he was before and raised his hand. His action was too fast even for the guards to follow. The next second, an eerie, cold voice came out of his mouth. "Devour!" But nothing happened. "What the f*ck did you do to this body, you damned spirit?" [¡­] ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± [¡­ Who are you?] Zera was still confused by the current situation and asked cautiously. Although she could tell that it was Raven''s consciousness, she found a strange, mysterious power acting within. ''This isn''t a separate consciousness but more like a split personality. But I have an uneasy feeling.'' While she was thinking in the memory library, Raven''s lips curled upward and formed into an eerie smile. "Hehe, the one you loathe most." Zera''s eyes widened! [¡­ Casper? Didn''t my owner''s spell ''Erase Existence'' eradicate you? How come you became a part of Raven''s original consciousness?] Zera asked in a shocked tone. But ''Casper'' ignored her words and waved his hand. He took the Frozen Ender from the inventory a second later and gripped it with both hands. Meanwhile, the blonde-haired young man and the middle-aged man also unsheathed their weapons and stood before Scott to protect him. "Tsk, whenever I wake up from my slumber, this brat always ends up in a life-threatening situation." As he spoke, he instantly checked ''Raven''s'' body condition and frowned. "He doesn''t even have any mana." But he infused his spirit power into the spear and slashed in the direction where the guards and Scott were standing. A moment later, dense ice-elemental energy came out of the spear''s tip and formed into the shape of a crescent moon before flying in the trio''s direction while expanding in size. Before the guards could even respond, the blade-like crescent moon appeared before them and cut their bodies horizontally, killing them instantly. At the same time, a sharp, piercing pain appeared in his head, causing him to drop the spear. "F*ck! Not again." As he cursed, Casper staggered while vomiting blood and slowly falling. But before he could hit the floor, a slim and beautiful young woman dashed from the gloomy staircase at an incredible speed and caught him from hitting the floor. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. "I-I''m sorry for being late, Raven." Her eyes became watery as she checked his pulse and felt that his body was trembling. "I wish I had been stronger and eliminated these vipers. If only I had, things might not have ended like this." Anger and hatred appeared in her eyes, causing the invisible shackle that blocked her from advancing to break. ¡­ Millers'' Mansion house, Lombard Street. A few minutes ago, a loud bang reverberated through the air as the imposing gates of Millers'' Mansion were forcefully thrust open. The sound echoed ominously against the walls of the grand estate, signaling the arrival of unexpected visitors. Through the parted gates strode a young woman in her twenties, her presence commanding attention as she stepped purposefully into the mansion''s grounds. Following closely behind her was a middle-aged woman, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a practiced gaze. The air crackled with tension as the mansion''s inhabitants, caught off guard by the intrusion, paused in their tasks to observe the newcomers. Whispers of concern rippled through the crowd as they beheld the unmistakable attire of law enforcement adorning the young woman. "Police? Didn''t we give this month''s pay-off a week ago? Why are you here?" A tall man with a muscular physique suddenly stepped forward and asked them. "It seems the corruption is rooted in the southern district station itself. No wonder I couldn''t find anything whenever I came here for inspection." Athena said in a cold tone and instantly unsheathed her long sword. "Please try not to kill anyone, aunt. But you can cripple them." As soon as she spoke, she disappeared from there and reappeared behind that muscular man. Before he could even understand, he felt his hands slowly falling while spraying blood on the grassy yard. A scream echoed in the mansion yard as the hesitating thugs started pulling out their weapons and getting ready for battle. On the other hand, Athena and Shirley moved incredibly quickly and started attacking the thugs madly. Although three official-rank Walkers were among the thugs, none threatened Athena and Shirley. In two minutes, all the people who were in the middle of transporting the goods were taken care of. Athena and Shirley stormed into the mansion without waiting for the enemies to get alert. But as soon as they entered the mansion, they saw more than twenty members gathering at the center of the main hall and seemed to have prepared for the battle. Some members gathered in the main hall stood out most and were adorned in gleaming armor, their figures shielded by sturdy gauntlets and helms that spoke of readiness for combat. Their attire exuded an aura of intimidation, hinting at a proficiency in the art of warfare. Contrastingly, the remainder of the assembly held only crude weapons in hand, such as swords and spears, their attire lacking the protective layers of armor. Their faces bore expressions of uncertainty and fear, their eyes darting nervously as they awaited the upcoming clash. As chaos erupted within the mansion''s grand hall, the scene was further accentuated by the frantic flight of the mansion''s servants. Maids and butlers scrambled in a panicked frenzy, their footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors as they sought refuge from the unfolding turmoil. "Why does it look like we are the villains here?" Athena muttered in annoyance. "Seven Official Rank Walkers? I didn''t expect this Miller Family to be this powerful." Shirley commented as she analyzed the strength of the opponents and covered her sword in an invisible aura. "They are one of the three wealthiest families in this town, Aunt. If not for the political pressure from above, I would''ve long found evidence of their shady businesses. I thought they had some ties with Vipers but didn''t expect the Millers Mansion to be the main base itself." But her top priority was not to arrest them but to save her brother. "I''ll take care of them in a blink." As Athena was about to attack, she suddenly sensed a chilling sensation coming from the farther end of the mansion and squinted her eyes. Shirley also noticed the odd phenomenon and instantly spoke. "Go ahead and check it out. I''ll take care of these guys." Saying so, she stepped forward and faced the guards of the Millers family. Nodding, Athena dashed towards the left side corridor while evading attacks from the guards and soon disappeared from everyone''s eyes. On the other hand, Shirley enveloped her sword in a sword aura and stepped forward. Her movements were fluid and precise as she engaged the guards of the Millers family. With each swing of her sword, she deflected their blows effortlessly, her skill evident in every graceful motion. The guards, though well-trained, found themselves outmatched by Shirley''s speed and strength. Soon, the apprentice rank Walkers started to go down one by one, followed by the official rank Walkers. The main hall was filled with blood and flesh in minutes. Some were crippled, while others were on the verge of death. Screams and cries came from outside the mansion and inside, causing a considerable commotion on Lombard Street. After finishing off the last Official Rank Walker, Shirley stood in the middle of the hall and looked coldly at the kneeling blonde-haired middle-aged man. Meanwhile, the middle-aged man named Jaxx Miller glanced around and saw his guards and even the most loyal servants were severely wounded. "W-Why are you doing this?" He asked in a trembling voice while looking at the woman with fear. After witnessing the massacre, he realized that the woman standing before him was an Elite Walker! ''When did we offend such a powerful figure? Moreover, where did that young woman in the police uniform go?'' Although she didn''t participate in the fight, he felt that the young woman''s strength might be equal to that of this middle-aged woman! ''I need to wait until Kaiser and Ramon come back!'' Both were Elite Walkers from the Vipers Syndicate and were also responsible for managing and distributing the goods all over the town. ''Mark should''ve informed them about the current situation by now. As long as I stall time, they will come here and handle this situation.'' He thought to himself and was about to say something, but suddenly, a burst of invisible power came from the backside of the mansion, causing him to suffocate. He soon noticed the lamp lights in the mansion started to dim and died out one by one. Only the light emitting from the chandelier remained still, illuminating the main hall dimly. Even Shirley looked surprised and slowly turned toward the gloomy, dark corridor on the left side. A few seconds passed, and a shadowy figure soon walked out of the darkness while carrying a young boy in her arms. Chapter 35: Crackdown Chapter 35: Crackdown ¡°Athena?! What happened?¡± Shirley rushed forward and saw Athena carrying Raven in her arms. ¡°It seems his teacher took action before I reached there. Two of Elite Walkers and even this bastard¡¯s son was cut into two by some ¡®Ice Spell.¡¯¡± Athena said as she glared at Jaxx. On the other hand, Jaxx''s heart sank. ¡®M-My son died?! Moreover, a magic spell? His teacher? Could it be? This boy¡¯s teacher is a Wizard?!¡¯ A horrified look appeared on Jaxx¡¯s face. He looked at the boy in the police officer¡¯s hand and soon widened his eyes. He clearly remembered that this boy was one of the two kids his son brought from the academy to seek revenge over some petty quarrel. ¡®Wait! Didn¡¯t she say ¡®Athena¡¯ just now? Is she the ¡®Hero of Darkcross¡¯? Did Scott kidnap her younger brother? Also, a Wizard¡¯s disciple?¡¯ His face turned pale. Now he understood why the whole mansion was flipped upside down. ¡®My damned son messed with the wrong person! It¡¯s all over!¡¯ He now knew that even the Elite Walkers wouldn¡¯t dare to come to his rescue and thought of how to escape this situation. Meanwhile, Shirley checked Raven''s health and noticed his pulse beating normally. Although his body appeared strangely cold for some odd reason, he seemed to be breathing normally now. ¡°He seems to be passed out due to shock. Let¡¯s bring him to the hospital and do a check-up.¡± Saying so, she grabbed Raven from Athena¡¯s hand and sensed a change in Athena. ¡°You ranked up?¡± She asked in a surprised tone. ¡°Yes, aunt. As soon as I saw him in the wounded state, I got furious at myself for being too weak and ended up advancing.¡± Athena said with an awkward smile. At that moment, she thought of something and soon spoke. ¡°I also saw another kid tied up in the dungeon, aunt. Wait, I¡¯ll go and bring him too.¡± Saying so, she turned around and stepped into the gloomy corridor again. A few minutes later, she returned while carrying the unconscious Danty and noticed Shirley was arguing with someone from the police department. ¡°Are you dumb?! Can¡¯t you see the drugs that are in the boxes outside? Each box even has the symbol of the Vipers Syndicate logo! Instead of arresting the culprit, you are trying to blame me?¡± Shirley¡¯s angry voice echoed through the main hall. ¡°Even if you say you hurt Miller Family members for a noble cause, it is still a crime. Moreover, we can¡¯t be sure that the materials in the boxes are drugs until we send them to the Forensic department and get results.¡± A man in his late forties said coldly while pointing his sword at Shirley. ¡®Oh? Isn¡¯t he the Head patrol officer of South Borough? I heard his patrol team is corrupted to the core and even exhorts money from all local shops in the name of protection.¡¯ Athena instantly identified the man and slowly walked into the main hall. ¡°What a pathetic excuse to cover up your own mistake for not managing the district properly, Mr. Cedric,¡± Athena said in a cold tone and walked closer. ¡°Who are you?¡± Head Patrol Officer Cedric turned around with a startled look and asked at the newcomer. But as soon as he saw the badge on her police uniform, his expression changed. ¡®Five-star badge?¡¯ Without even asking any questions, he knew who this person was. ¡°Greetings, Madam Athena!¡± He instantly bowed his head. ¡°Although this place comes under Southern Borough station¡¯s jurisdiction, this incident is related to the Narcotic department, which I oversee. Tell Inspector Gary to come and meet me tomorrow morning. Also, my subordinate will arrive here in an hour or two to gather all the evidence. Until they come, you must remain here and guard this place. If even a box has gone missing, I wouldn¡¯t hesitate to report everything to Lord Baron and kick you out of the department.¡± If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Saying so, she gave the unconscious Dante to Shirley and slowly turned her gaze toward the kneeling Jaxx Miller. ¡°Jax Miller, I hereby arrest you for involving in kidnapping students of the academy and drug peddling.¡± She took an iron cuff from her waist and put it on his hand. As Shirley picked up the boys with both hands and walked out of the mansion, Athena dragged Jaxx out and brought him to the carriage. Once everyone entered the carriage, Athena drove the carriage out of the southern Borough and went to the Commoners¡¯ Borough, where the police station was. While Athena was focusing on imprisoning and filing cases on Jaxx Miller and his family members, Shirley brought Raven and Dante to the nearby hospital for a health check-up. Although Dante had no issues and was sent to his house quickly, a blood test indicated the presence of drugs in Raven¡¯s body, and he was admitted instantly. On the other hand, Raven even got seizures three times due to the overdosage of the Miraclo drug and ended up being moved to the intensive care unit. While Raven was treated with utmost care, a large-scale crackdown on drugs started all over the town under the leadership of Athena. In three days, she arrested multiple big shots who were controlling the distribution of drugs and even demoted a dozen corrupt police officers in the southern district. This incident resulted in the arrest of more than 30 officials and even the complete disappearance of the Miller Family! ¡­ By the time Raven woke up, a whole week had passed. ¡®W-What happened?¡¯ He groaned as he felt a severe headache and noticed that he was lying in his bed. He could hear his aunt¡¯s voice from the main hall and wanted to call out, but no sound came out. He also tried to sit, but he couldn¡¯t due to a lack of strength. He then recalled the moment before passing out and asked Zera in confusion. ¡®Zera, are you there? How did I escape from that place? Did my sister come and rescue me?¡¯ [¡­No. You rescued yourself.] Zera said in a solemn tone. ¡®Pardon? Didn¡¯t I get knocked out?¡¯ Raven asked in confusion and soon noticed strange memories starting to appear before his eyes. He vividly saw how ¡®Casper¡¯ overpowered Scott and even used a mysterious ice magic spell to kill Scott and his servants in a single wave of the spear! ¡®I-I have no memory of attacking Scott¡­ But that¡¯s my memory¡­ I-Is that me? Did I kill them?¡¯ His expression stiffened. [Oh? Do you remember what happened? I¡¯m also confused, Raven. But the one who killed Scott and others might not be you but another entity.] Zera said solemnly. ¡®Another entity? What do you mean?¡¯ Raven felt a strange fear. [That being is something that should¡¯ve been erased from existence itself. But somehow, it survived by sticking with your soul as a parasite and appearing to be slumbering. If my guess is right, that being should be the one responsible for saving you after you were born.] ¡®What do you mean?¡¯ Raven asked in confusion, as he couldn¡¯t understand what Zera was saying. [You¡¯ll find out when you ask about your origin to Athena. Anyway, what you must do from now on is to continue your progress in Alchemy and Spearmanship.] Raven quietly nodded his head and checked his body status. ¡®No changes in my status. Haa, I hate being weak all the time.¡¯ He also realized how reckless he was earlier and decided to learn from his mistakes. While he was chatting with Zera, Shirley entered the room and rushed towards him as she saw him wide awake. At that moment, Raven saw a few people entering the room and realized they were neighboring ladies. Although Raven hadn¡¯t conversed with them much, he had seen them coming to talk with his aunt on weekends. He also saw the house owner among the group and tried to sit up. ¡°Aunt Marley!¡± She was a 50-year-old fat lady with grey hair and a bulky body. She wore a large gown, put a hat on her head, and even held a large leather bag in her hand. As Marley saw him trying to sit, she smiled and spoke. ¡°No need to push yourself too hard, lad. The doctor said you must stay in bed for over a week to regain strength.¡± Saying so, she walked closer to his bed, took out a small bag filled with fruits, and placed it near the table. On the other hand, other neighborhood ladies came closer and asked about his well-being one by one. After that, they didn¡¯t stay in the room and left quietly. Only Marley and his aunt remained in the room, causing the room to go into abrupt silence. Like the calm before the storm, she remained silent for a few seconds and slowly started asking questions like what happened after school ended and how he ended up in that situation. Not only that, but she also kept asking how close he and Scott were. After some time, she started advising him on how to behave during class and even scolded him for getting into a dangerous situation. As she talked more, even Shirley showed a trace of worry. After nagging for more than 30 minutes, she finally left the room, leaving Raven a breath of air. ¡°If Aunt Marley had stayed for ten more minutes, my ears would be bleeding right now,¡± Raven said jokingly and loudly yawned. ¡°Don¡¯t take her words to heart, Raven. Although she is nagging and always gives advice and scolding, she has a good heart. During the last seven days, she came to check on you more than fifty times.¡± Shirley sat beside him and patted his head. ¡°Anyway, eat something before you go to sleep. Wait, I¡¯ll go and bring some food.¡± Saying so, she went to the kitchen to prepare food. After some time, Raven ate a few slices of bread with stew and broth and soon fell asleep. He also woke up around night and chatted with his sister for over an hour before getting tired. Raven remained in his bed for the next few days and rested mostly. Then, he slowly regained his previous strength and started doing light exercises. After another week of long rest, he returned to the academy and continued his studies. Chapter 36: Three Years Chapter 36: Three Years The death of Scott and also the disappearance of the Miller Family caused quite a commotion both in the academy and the town for the next few months. But as days passed, everything returned to normal. Although nothing much changed at the academy, Raven and Dante didn¡¯t get bullied due to Scott''s absence. Shockingly, Dante¡¯s improvement in spearmanship skyrocketed within the next two months. He even managed to increase his rank from 92 to 73 on the practical test! On the other hand, Raven also managed to see a slight improvement in his spearmanship. Before, the experience comprehension was 0% and didn¡¯t show any sign of improvement. But after the kidnapping incident, it rose to 1.2%! Raven knew that wasn¡¯t due to his hard work but due to Casper''s strange memory. It was only a single slash movement. But as Raven continued to mimic the posture and movements from the memory, his progression rose steadily and only stopped after reaching 1.2%! After reaching that stage, Raven managed to find out that he could also activate the sealed Ice Spell from the ¡®Frozen Ender¡¯ spear! But Zera firmly told him not to act recklessly and even warned him about the severe backlash. At that moment, Raven also realized that he would never increase his spearmanship using normal means and decided to focus on learning new skills through memory. This time, he chose the third skill called the ¡®Past Finder¡¯ skill! After he realized that he could improve his spearmanship from the memories, he strangely felt that this skill might help him in the advancement of his spear mastery. For the next three months, he stopped focusing more on practicing spearmanship and started learning the ¡®Past Finder¡¯ skill with the help of memories and experiences of the system owner. After experiencing endless torture of pain, Raven managed to comprehend the ¡®Past Finder¡¯ skill up to 100% and finally learned it. However, due to the lack of spirit power and specific ¡®Past Time¡¯ power in his body, Zera told him that he should refrain from using that skill for now! Although he was disappointed, he never regretted it. ¡®Only three more years until I can learn ¡®Elemental Circlet Technique.¡¯¡¯ He endured patiently and continued to focus on his studies. ¡­ Another three years passed. Rune Era Year 1420, August 19th. Now, Raven had already turned 15 years old. He had grown up to 165 cm tall at this moment and looked more like a teenager. Although he tried his best to continue training, his physical stats also progressed considerably. As for his Spearmanship¡¯s experience comprehension, it remained the same at 1.2%. On the other hand, most of his classmates had already reached the third circle in the Knight Pathway, and some geniuses like Mary even learned one or two unique basic skills. Meanwhile, Raven became the only student with no circle and no skills in any combat. Even his sister and aunt persuaded him to drop out of school multiple times and suggested he focus on alchemy alone. Even Raven knew that he would become a top scorer in any written exam and might be able to get a government position. If he worked harder, he might even be selected as an assistant for Baron Alexander or any other low-rank nobles. Alas, Raven¡¯s goal was not to be under the shadow of his sister and aunt but to grow stronger and protect them instead. Even though he got the last rank in all practical exams and became the worst student in the badge, he managed to get a top score in all written tests and barely passed all semesters. To others, he looked more like a loser and an untalented guy. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. But only he and his family members knew his true worth. At that moment, his Alchemic Knowledge had far surpassed anyone in the town itself. After realizing that it would be hard for him to graduate from the academy, Raven focused on improving his alchemy knowledge. But he wasn¡¯t out of options. If he could use mortal potions, it would be much easier for him to get good results in practical exams. ¡®No. That would be considered cheating. Although no one will find out, I should rely on my strength.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m now in the middle of concocting a Low-Rank Strength potion, which is said to increase one¡¯s strength stats up to 1.0 points in one go permanently. I already got seven Dragonroots and a bottle of Moonlit water. The only remaining thing I still need to concoct the potion is Ogre¡¯s or a Minotaur¡¯s blood. For each set, I need two drops. In total, I needed around 15 drops. But getting a high-rank monster blood is not an easy task. I hope Aunt Shirley manages to get her hand on any of these two items from the auction house.¡¯ While thinking, he slowly woke up with a sleepy face and looked at the body condition. [Name: Raven Sillalus Jorvot, Age: 14 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: 66th Prince of Zenith Empire Level: 0 Class: Acolyte Warlock (0th Circle) Soul Rank: Mortal (Soul damaged 83%) Life Pathway: Beginner Alchemist Health: Normal Attributes: Strength: 0.9 Agility: 0.8 Vitality: 0.9 Luck: 1.5 Spirit: 5.4 Bloodline Spells: Regeneration (Incomplete) Additional Skills: Past Finder, Instant Memorize, Wonder Sense. Affinities: Life: Low.] "At this moment, all my classmates are around second or third-circle Apprentice Knights. But my current progress is worst.¡± But what he worried about now was the practical test. No, it was not a normal practical test but more like a hunting test. With his current stats and skills, he wouldn¡¯t even pass at all! ¡°Even if I pass this test, the next one should be the affinity test. Although I have a low rank in ''Life'' thanks to the potion I created, I will still end up failing the graduation exam. I can¡¯t even use the Ice affinity potion, thanks to my injured soul.¡± A bitter look appeared on his face. In truth, he wanted to attend the Crows Misery Academy and become a true wizard first. But after gathering some information, he realized that it was nothing more than a pipe dream. ¡°There are only three months before the affinity test and the final graduation. I at least want to graduate from the Apprentice Knight Academy. Otherwise, my life will be full of hardships." [Haa, I''m hearing the same thing every day. Don''t mind those things, and focus on today''s test. Who knows? You might get something good.] Her words only made him let out a deep sigh. ''She has been saying these similar words more than 100 times after I learned the ''Wonder Sense'' skill.'' After looking at the status, he got up from the bed and walked out of his bedroom to freshen up. As he entered the living room, he saw a familiar face through the opened entrance door. In the serene ambiance of a lush green yard, a young woman of approximately 25 years of age dedicated herself to rigorous training, brandishing a long sword with evident proficiency. Her physical presence radiated a distinct aura, characterized by her olive-toned skin, captivating reddish-orange eyes that held an allure, and a cascade of black hair that framed her face. Possessing a round and youthful countenance, she showcased a captivating beauty that complemented her athletic physique. The woman was attired in a v-necked linen top paired with long pants, subtly revealing the contours of her well-defined figure. She was none other than his sister Athena. ¡°You woke up much earlier today?¡± A voice came from the kitchen, causing him to turn around with a smile. Soon, he saw a beautiful woman with blonde hair, around 35 years of age, leaning on the wall and staring at him with her bluish eyes. ¡°Good morning, Aunt. Today is the practical final exam for the Knight Training School.¡± Upon hearing those words, her expression turned solemn. ¡°Is it today? Will everything be all right? Should I also come to the test site to oversee the exam?¡± Shirley couldn¡¯t help but ask in a concerned tone. ¡°Don¡¯t pamper him too much, Aunt. I had already gone to check the surroundings and found nothing abnormal. Although he hasn¡¯t created any mana circle yet, he will be able to pass as long as he stays in the group. Moreover, he has many tricks up in his sleeves anyway.¡± Athena¡¯s voice came from outside, making Shirley chuckle. ¡°Haa, it¡¯s always better to be more careful. Suppose you find anything abnormal, run from the woods, Raven. Don¡¯t care about the test.¡± Shirley said in a solemn tone. ¡°I will.¡± Raven nodded and hurried to freshen up. During these three years, many good things happened. The first good news was that his Aunt also managed to enter the realm of Radiant Knight two years ago! ¡®Zera also said that her average life span also increased by more than 50 years.¡¯ Of course, it was mainly thanks to Raven¡¯s Alchemy skills. After spending almost 600 gold coins on Knight¡¯s Awakening potion materials, Raven managed to create one potion and helped her break the bottleneck. Not only that, but his sister had managed to comprehend the intermediate-rank sword aura and became a Rank-2 [Sword Dancer]. Her overall strength had far surpassed any Radiant Knight! If she had faced the Orc Commander now, she could have killed it in a single strike. The same went for Shirley! ¡®Zera said my sister and my aunt could easily solo a Rank-1 Magical Beast with their current strength.¡¯ But what annoyed him more was that she kept telling him to have them go to the deepest part of the ¡®Mirage Woodlands¡¯ and hunt down the Magical Beasts for him. But Raven firmly refused to let his family members enter the woodlands and decided to go on an alternate route. The second good thing was that he had already memorized all the Adept Rank Alchemy books and improved his knowledge to an incredible level a year ago. Theoretically, he was an Adept Rank Alchemist! After that, he also learned the ¡®Wonder Sense¡¯ skill through the skill book. Although he hadn¡¯t used this skill yet, it somehow managed to increase his luck stats by 0.5 points! But awakening this skill also put a lot of restraint on his soul. His soul took a small amount of damage when he learned this skill, resulting in his current lifespan being reduced by two years. At this moment, he only had around five years and six months left to live. Chapter 37: Guest Chapter 37: Guest ''I hope I didn''t make a mistake by choosing this skill. Zera keeps saying good opportunities will appear, but nothing happened yet.'' Raven muttered as he walked into the bathroom and started removing his clothes. [That''s because you haven''t left this town at all.] Her voice echoed in his head, causing him to cover his private parts. ''Didn''t I tell you not to show up when I''m bathing or doing my business?'' He grumbled inwardly and soon shook his head. After a few minutes of bathing in cold water, he walked out of the bath while covering his lower body with a white towel and went to his bedroom. He soon saw a bunch of dark grey shirts and pants hanging on the wall and took the dress on farther away. After that, he wore a dark grey shirt and the same pants, and he took the long spear placed on the nearby table. "All these times, I''ve been training in spearmanship using the Wintermoon Spear Dance technique but achieved no progress at all. Will I be okay?" Although he was nervous inside, he didn''t show it on his face and consoled himself. ''But as long as I use potions I''ve concocted; I can achieve good results.'' Muttering inwardly, he went to the kitchen and started having breakfast with his sister and Aunt Shirley. "Raven, we will be moving to Royal Capital at the end of the next week. Tell your teachers and friends that it might take more than a month for you to return." Shirley suddenly said, causing him to pause in surprise. "It''s time for the auction already? I understand, Aunt." Raven nodded with a smile. A few weeks ago, his Aunt received some information from the black market about the appearance of ''Miracle Life Potion'' in the upcoming auction. So, they decided to participate in the upcoming auction. "But how much money do we have in total?" Athena asked as she drank a sip of water. "We both already have a total of 1340 gold coins," Shirley responded instantly and turned her gaze towards Raven. "But Raven should have around 2000 gold coins. Every week, I''m selling your potions for around 15 gold coins, so it shouldn''t be less than 2000 gold coins." A smile appeared on Raven''s face. "It''s 3250 gold coins, Aunt." The room fell into dead silence as he said those words. "My god... Did I do all that hard work for nothing? Damn it, give me my happiness back!" Athena almost shouted in frustration. Although she knew her younger brother was earning money through selling potions, she didn''t expect him to have earned this much. "Arrgh, my little devil is earning ten times higher than my salary!" As she spoke, her gaze directly moved towards the Alchemy room. "Stop staring at his lab greedily," Shirley said with a chuckle. Raven didn''t give Athena a chance to wake up from the shock and said, after a short deliberation. "This time, we are also putting two items on auction." "That magic stone and the two eye crystals of the Orc Commander? Wait, didn''t you use one eye crystal to make a Night Vision potion a week ago?" Shirley asked. "I made two Night Vision potions, Aunt. But I''m still wondering whether to sell them or use them for ourselves." Raven spoke with a thoughtful look. "Use one for yourself. Although the Mirage Woodlands is much safer now, it''s still dangerous during the night. Moreover, the goblins managed to group up during the last time and crippled more than three students by ambushing them at night. So, you should have the Night Vision skill during the exam." Athena interjected. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. "Her words are true." Shirley also nodded her head in agreement. After listening to their advice, Raven nodded his head and agreed to do as they said. "Then, we should only auction one ''Night Vision'' potion and the Hybrid Elemental Crystal. From what I''ve heard from the Teacher, the Night Vision potion might sell for more than 2,000 gold coins in the auction because of its rarity. Along with Hybrid Elemental Crystal, there is a high chance that we can earn around 4,500 to 5,000 gold coins." He said with a proud tone. "Do you think it would fetch a good price?" Shirley''s gaze sharpened. Raven smiled smugly and replied. "You will see it when the auction happens, Aunt." The corner of Athena''s lips twitched. "Damn it, why are you acting so smug? And how did my cute and smart baby brother turn into a complete show-off guy?" She gave him an annoyed look and shook her head. "I''m also thinking why my caring sister turned into a jealously evil woman." Raven retorted back. "Haa, you guys!" Shirley smiled back at the siblings'' little quarrel and slowly looked up at the ceiling. ''I wonder how Jeanne is doing these days. After we left the Royal Palace, I didn''t hear a single thing about her. The only thing I know is that she is still alive.'' While thinking about her sister''s situation, Shirley clenched her left fist rightly and soon asked. "Athena, don''t you want to see your mother?" As soon as Shirley''s words ended, Athena''s face turned grim. After they came to this town, Athena had never once mentioned her mother''s or father''s name in front of Raven or even Shirley and always kept herself as a strong-willed woman. But deep down, Shirley knew how much she missed her mom all this time. Meanwhile, Athena shook her head and spoke with a grim tone. "It''s not like I don''t want to see my mother, Aunt Shirley. But there is one person in that place I never want to meet again. And if I see him again, I might fight him to death for daring to kill Raven." "Don''t forget he is still the Emperor of this powerful Zenith Empire. From what I''ve known so far, we aren''t even powerful enough to face a Baron Household. If we want to bring your mom back, we need to either become Powerful Walker or move through politically." Shirley turned her gaze towards Raven and spoke. "Why not raise the banner in the name of ''Royal Crown Challenge'' and let your younger brother sit on the throne? From what I heard, the first king of the Zenith Empire made an ancestry rule to let even the concubines'' children have an opportunity to sit on the throne, right? And unlike before, the fight for the throne is not so brutal too. As long as one manages to gain the support of 2 Dukes, four Margraves, and Seven Counts, he will be able to obtain the approval of the Guardian himself to become the ''Crown Prince.''" "No, Aunt Shirley. After I experienced the power lent to me by Raven''s Teacher, I want to focus more on swordsmanship and Knight training. I don''t want ourselves to be involved in politics; I just want to have enough strength to protect this brat." Athena said as she tried to pat Raven''s head, but he leaned back and avoided it. At that moment, Raven thought of something and asked. "If I become the Emperor, can we get more alchemy materials?" "Stop dreaming of involving yourself in political matters, Raven. The people from that place wanted to kill you just after you were born. If not for that strange future vision I got on that day, you might have died long ago. The people in that place are total shit." Athena''s words had completely turned cold. Noticing the serious and cold look, Raven decided to shut up. ''Ugh, if I say one more word, she will start shouting at me for talking back.'' After that, he didn''t even listen to the conversation and ate breakfast quietly. Following that, he packed a few things like a matchbox, candles, knives, clothes, a small bag of dry fruits, a pocket watch, and even stored a mat in his inventory. After that, he quietly entered the alchemy lab and soon focused his attention on the nine potion vials arranged on the table. Two were green in color, two were deep blue, three appeared pale yellowish, and the remaining two appeared pitch black. "Two strength potions, two Agility potions, three paralysis potions, and two Night Vision potions." They were all the potions he created, especially for the practical exam. First, he picked up two green colored potion vials and inspected them. "Strength potion. Although it can temporarily double my strength stats for 30 minutes, I''ll end up in a fatigued state for more than an hour after usage. If I use it along with the agility potion, I might not be able to move for two to three hours." Among these potions, the ''Night Vision'' potions were the only ones that had permanent effects. He put most of the items in the inventory and only kept the leather bag for a show. Then, he bid farewell to Athena and Shirley and made his way to the northern gate. Meanwhile, Athena quietly stood at the house entrance and watched him move to the northern gate. After staying at the entrance for a while, she soon returned to the house and started getting ready for the job. But within two minutes, a knocking sound came from the door. "Did Raven come back?" Shirley asked from the kitchen. Meanwhile, Athena moved towards the entrance door, combing her hair, and soon opened the door. In front of her stood a middle-aged man in his late fifties. He appeared to be around 170 cm tall and had long golden hair, a rough face, and unique silver eyes. He wore a black frock coat and also covered his head with a top hat. But the moment Athena saw his face, her expression stiffened up. "Prime Minister Gavin?!" Chapter 38: Gavin Chapter 38: Gavin Athena¡¯s mind was filled with countless questions. Meanwhile, Gavin took the hat off and asked. ¡°Can we talk inside?¡± ¡°Y-Yes!¡± Athena hurriedly invited him in. As Gavin entered the main hall, Shirley came out of the kitchen and was shocked. ¡°Sorry for visiting you out of the blue,¡± Gavin said as he sat on the sofa and glanced around. His gaze moved towards the kitchen, then the bedroom and alchemy room, and soon landed on the portrait on the left side wall. It was an image of a deep-blue-haired young man. He had short eyebrows, a fleshy nose, olive skin, and an oval face. But the most unique thing about him was his eyes. His left eye appeared crystalline white, while his right eye appeared deep blue as if a whole world was hiding within. He wore a neat black coat over his formal dress and a bowler hat on his top. His attire appeared similar to the Rune Era, but his facial structure was foreign. ¡°Whose portrait is this? And who drew this? It looks so real!¡± Gavin was genuinely surprised by this portrait and asked curiously. ¡°T-That¡¯s-¡± Shirley didn¡¯t know how to respond and soon decided to keep silent. On the other hand, Athena thought of something and soon responded proudly. ¡°That¡¯s my brother¡¯s teacher. He is a Wizard like you, Mr. Gavin. And my little brother painted this masterpiece.¡± Her words caused him to pause in surprise. ¡®A wizard took that useless kid as his disciple? That doesn¡¯t even make any sense. Does he have other intentions?¡¯ ¡°Interesting. May I know his name?¡± Although Gavin asked casually, Shirley felt a strange chill in her heart. Meanwhile, Athena furrowed her brows for a second and soon nodded. ¡®I don¡¯t want to expose Raven¡¯s teacher identity. But if I don¡¯t do something, this guy might go after Raven¡¯s life.¡¯ She still remembered that this Prime Minister was the one who suggested Emperor Ian to kill his brother. ¡®I will never forgive him!¡¯ A cold glint appeared in her eyes. But she hid her hostility and spoke. ¡°Charles Nightwind. That¡¯s what my brother said when we asked about his teacher. Other than his name, we know nothing about him.¡± ¡°Charles Nightwind? I don¡¯t think there is a wizard in that name in Crows Misery Academy, though." Saying so, Gavin once again looked deeply at the portrait. Strangely, he stared at it blankly for more than ten seconds and soon blinked as Shirley broke the long silence. ¡°H-How did you find our location, Lord Gavin?¡± She asked with a hint of wariness. ¡°The inheritance bracelet,¡± Gavin responded without noticing anything odd, pointing his finger at the bracelet on Athena¡¯s hand. ¡°As long as she wears this, it¡¯s impossible to hide away from the eyes of our Emperor.¡± Shirley could only show a bitter smile and asked further. ¡°If so, why wait for 15 years? Emperor could¡¯ve brought us back to the palace long ago, right?¡± ¡°Did you come here to take me back to the palace?¡± Athena instantly gripped her sword and looked at him warily. Instead of responding, Gavin asked another question, causing Shirley and Athena to be confused. ¡°Did you hear any recent news about Viser Kingdom?¡± Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°No.¡± Both shook their heads in unison. Gavin let out a deep sigh and spoke solemnly. ¡°It seems the news about the Crown Prince hasn¡¯t reached here. Crown Prince Daniel is no more. Yesterday, the Viser Kingdom invaded the western fortress with an overwhelming force and imprisoned all the soldiers and high-ranking officials.¡± He paused for a moment and soon added in a grieving tone. ¡°Shockingly, two hours before the invasion, Crown Prince Daniel was assassinated in his mansion, and all his servants and attendants were killed. Moreover, multiple assassination attempts happened to other Royal Family members, too. That¡¯s why the Emperor ordered all Royal members to return to the palace within a week.¡± ¡°Assassination of Royals? How could people from the Viser Kingdom sneak in without anyone noticing? Did some noble betray the Empire?¡± Shirley asked. Meanwhile, Athena shook her head and spoke icily. ¡°What does this have to do with us? I have never even seen the Crown Prince, nor do I care about his death. I have long severed ties with that damned royal family. Look at you showing a grieving face! But you are the same person who tried to kill my little brother just after he was born. I¡¯ll never forgive you or that bastard father of mine!¡± Her voice echoed in the hall like a raging fire. ¡°Athena! Watch your words!¡± Shirley was panicked by her harsh words and moved near Athena to shut her mouth. Gavin shook his head at her shouts and answered calmly. ¡°I made rash decisions that day, but my words are still the same. Although that child manages to stay alive with your help, he is only around 5 to 6 years old to live. Anyway, the Emperor ordered me to bring you back right away. If you resist, I might resort to use forceful action.¡± As he spoke, a suffocating feeling appeared in the main hall, causing Athena and Shirley to pant heavily. But Athena still resisted the power with all her might and angrily asked. ¡°W-What about my brother?¡± ¡°Empire doesn¡¯t need a burden, Athena. Also, your father has arranged a political marriage for you with a Duke¡¯s son of the Vega Empire.¡± Gavin¡¯s words caused Athena¡¯s face to turn red. ¡°I-I¡¯ll kill you!¡± She instantly unsheathed the sword and was about to move, but some invisible force completely froze her. Meanwhile, Gavin slowly stood up from the sofa and waved his hand. In the next instant, a shadowy figure appeared before Shirley, gripped her neck, and slowly lifted her. ¡°I¡¯m not here to negotiate with you, Athena. If you refuse to obey the Emperor¡¯s orders, I will have no choice but to use forceful methods.¡± The shadow figure¡¯s grip on Shirley¡¯s neck tightened as he spoke, causing her hands and legs to shake fiercely. ¡°N-NO!!! I¡¯ll come back to the palace. Leave my aunt alone!¡± Athena said in a raging voice. ¡°Well, that¡¯s a good decision. And your aunt is coming with us too. After all, we also need someone to take the blame for taking away the sword princess for more than a decade, right?¡± Gavin¡¯s lips twisted into an eerie smile, causing Athena¡¯s eyes to widen. A second later, complete darkness enveloped the hall and extinguished the lights. ¡­ Athena and Shirley had long disappeared from there when the light returned. Only Gavin sat on the sofa calmly and slowly clapped his hand before opening his mouth. ¡°Jonas.¡± A second later, a shadowy figure appeared from the corner of the main hall and knelt before him. The human shadow covered his face and body in a black suit and even held a twin dagger in his waist. ¡°Your orders, my lord.¡± A young man¡¯s voice came out of the shadow. ¡°When that brat returns, kill him swiftly. Make it look like an assassination attempt from Viser Kingdom.¡± Gavin said with a sly grin and slowly stood up before looking at the portrait. ¡°Also, do a background check on this man. We don¡¯t need any unexpected variables in our plan.¡± ¡°Yes, my lord.¡± The human named Jonas nodded his head and soon disappeared in a blink. ¡­ Unaware of anything, Raven slowly walked past the town square and soon went to the northern gate. As he exited the town through the northern gate, his attention was drawn to a gathering of more than a hundred children, all roughly the same age. Their collective gaze was fixed upon a blonde-haired lady instructor, her calm eyes capturing their unwavering attention. Bathed in the sunlight, her features became apparent ¨C amber eyes, a gracefully high nose bridge, a heart-shaped face, and pale white skin. She was none other than teacher Elizabeth. ¡°Raven, you are late.¡± She smiled and glanced at the twenty-plus police officers standing behind her. ¡°Did you guys check the woods again? Is there any abnormality?¡± She asked. Meanwhile, a tall, muscular policeman with a musket stepped forward and answered. ¡°There has been nothing but low-rank monsters roaming in the 5 km surroundings, Lady Elizabeth; moreover, Superintendent Athena personally went farther into the woods yesterday and cleared all the intermediate-rank monsters and a large group of goblins.¡± ¡°Oh? Athena, huh?¡± She had indeed kept her eye on the hero of this town and had long sent the report to her dad. ¡®And she is also one of the potential seeds I have kept my eyes on. But what surprised me is that Raven and Athena are siblings.¡¯ Shaking her head, she turned around and looked at 40 students standing before her. ¡°You guys will be entering the Mirage Woodlands from now on and starting the test immediately. You must explore the woods using your knowledge and survive until tomorrow morning. You must stay in the woods and survive for the next 21 hours, whether encountering a goblin, wolf, or other creature.¡± ¡°Those who come back before 6. A.M. will be disqualified from the test and unable to pass the graduation test. As for the ranking, the more monsters you hunt, the more points you will get. A single goblin¡¯s left ear can earn you 1 point, a kobold¡¯s left ear can earn you 2 points, and a wolf¡¯s left ear can earn you 3 points.¡± She paused as she observed the students¡¯ anxious faces and then shouted. ¡°Test starts now. GO!¡± Chapter 39: Goblin Looter Chapter 39: Goblin Looter As Elizabeth spoke, all the students, including Raven, dashed forward toward the direction of the Mirage woodlands. At that moment, all the students were ready for the Knight Training School¡¯s final practical exam. It wasn¡¯t a normal test but a real-life battle experience test. After the monster invasion eight years ago, Baron decided to let the young kids go through life-and-death ordeals to graduate from school. Although it may sound dangerous, Baron¡¯s military squad had already cleared any intermediate-rank monsters and the large group of monsters in the woods, leaving only the goblins and kobolds remaining. Similar tests have been conducted during the past eight years, but nothing major has happened. Raven continued running with other classmates, soon noticing they were nearing the woods. Even though he had read about the Mirage Woodlands and even heard adventurous stories of this woodland from his sister and aunt, seeing them up front gave him a strange sense of anxiety. Before he could even decide, the other students directly pushed away the bushes that covered the entrance and walked inside. When Raven stepped into the Mirage Woodlands, a surreal atmosphere enveloped him. The dense canopy of trees overhead filtered the sunlight, casting a dappled pattern on the forest floor. The air was thick with the fragrance of moss and earth, and the occasional rustle of leaves hinted at hidden creatures. The group of students dispersed quickly, each heading in their chosen direction. Raven followed a narrow, less traveled trail, hoping to avoid confrontations with other students. As he ventured deeper, the woods took on an otherworldly quality. The towering trees twisted and intertwined, creating a labyrinthine maze. The first hour passed without any significant encounters. Soon, Raven finally heard a rustling noise from the left side and hurriedly hid behind a tree trunk. Then, he patiently waited for more than a minute and soon saw a meter-tall green-skinned humanoid creature walking in his direction while sniffing the air. It covered its lower body with animal skin and even held a rusty dagger at its waist. Not only that, Raven even saw it wearing a necklace made of strange beads and even a bracelet. ''As expected, Goblins are more intelligent than other monsters. I also read in a book that goblins have sensitive noses and can track human prey through human odor. Is it searching for me?'' Anxiety grew in his heart. Raven knew the more he delayed, the more danger he might get into. Without delay, he took the ''Frozen Ender'' spear from the inventory and gripped it with both hands. Then, he leaped out of his hiding spot and ran towards the Goblin. Meanwhile, the Goblin also perceived the enemy and hurriedly pulled the rusty dagger from its waist. Raven arrived closer to the Goblin in less than five seconds and thrust the spear towards its chest. But to his astonishment, the Goblin moved its rusty dagger and perfectly moved its tip towards the spear tip, blocking his attack. Although it was pushed back due to its weak physique, its experience in battle completely caught Raven off guard. With a swift movement, the Goblin deflected the spear''s trajectory and caused Raven to stumble sideways. Utilizing the opportunity, the Goblin moved closer to Raven and directly thrust its dagger toward his chest. ''No good!'' Raven also perceived the danger and jumped backward, holding the spear in his right hand. Although he managed to avoid getting stabbed in the chest, the rusty dagger still made a sharp wound on his left arm, causing blood to drench his shirt. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ''F*ck! I underestimated the Goblin!'' He took a deep breath and focused on the small greenish hexagonal structure in his mind. The next second, a strange power enveloped his body, and soon moved towards his left arm, regenerating the wounded tissue at an incredible rate. Within two seconds, the sharp wound on his shoulder was completely healed! Meanwhile, the Goblin was amazed by the healing speed and angrily shouted at him. Then, it didn''t delay a single moment and ran towards him. On the other hand, Raven gripped the spear with his right hand and swept the spear horizontally to catch it off-guard. Noticing the upcoming attack, the Goblin stopped getting closer and rolled down to evade the attack. As Raven was prepared to make another thrust at the Goblin, it backflipped and skillfully moved more than two meters away from him. ''I''m impressed!'' Raven was stunned inside. [This Goblin must have at least two to three years of battle experience. Be careful of its sneak attack.] Zera warned him in his mind. ''Do I have to use the potion?'' Raven instantly dismissed that idea and recalled all the training with the Wintermoon Spear Dance. He had long memorized all the basic battle tactics of Wintermoon Spear Dance and decided to put them into action. ''I may not have mastered aura and gathered any mana in my body to strengthen myself. But when it comes to spearmanship, I''m way above average.'' He calmed down the anxious heart and swiftly analyzed the Goblin. ''It has less strength than me. But due to its battle experience, I''m getting cornered.'' He made two steps sideways, fluidly moved his spear, and rushed forward. As the Goblin was about to block the spearhead with its dagger, Raven suddenly stopped his movement and made a whirlwind movement to change the weapon''s trajectory. The thrusting spearhead moved in a blink as Raven spun his body and came from the Goblin''s right side. As the Goblin was about to block the spearhead, Raven gracefully stepped back while spinning and let the spear move in a circle. But as the spearhead made a circle and moved towards the Goblin again, Raven stepped forward and got closer. Like flowing water, his leg movement aligned with his spearmanship. The Goblin again moved its dagger and tried to block the spearhead with an angry look. But a second later, a dull sound resounded in the forest, followed by a screech of the Goblin. The Goblin was thrown two feet away from where it stood, and it looked at its empty hand with a dumbfounded look. Before it could wake up from the shock, Raven brought the spear down from above and struck its head with full force. The next second, the sharp spearhead cut the Goblin''s head vertically and split it to its neck, killing it in a single blow. ''Finally!'' Raven breathed a sigh of relief, took out a knife from his inventory, and cut the Goblin''s left ear. Then, he stored it inside a small leather bag and focused on the Goblin''s body. "Can I extract its blood essence?" He asked. [You can. But the purity of the Goblin''s blood essence is very low. You won''t get anything other than a minute amount of attribute points.] Zera said. Raven nodded calmly, made a small cut at the Goblin''s chest, and placed his hand on it. ¡­ [Bloodline Devourer System activated!] [Goblin Looter''s Bloodline Essence has been found!] [Analyzing the purity of the Bloodline Essence....] [Calculating....] [The corpse has 0.3% purity of a Rank-1 Goblin Looter''s Bloodline Essence.] [It is possible to absorb a part of the Goblin''s Bloodline Essence and its abilities.] [Would you like to use ''Bloodline Devourer Ability''? Yes/No.] ... [What?!] Zera shouted in surprise. [It can even extract a minute amount of blood essence?] Raven clicked ''yes'' without any delay and waited. Meanwhile, a suction force came out of his palm and extracted blood from the Goblin. Within a minute, all the Goblin''s blood gathered below his palm, soon condensed into the size of a small bead, and absorbed into his body. A second later, a bunch of notifications appeared before Raven''s eyes. ... [''Bloodline Devourer'' ability is on commences!] [Randomizing the bloodline ability extraction!] [Goblin Looter''s ''Fortuitous Finder'' Ability has been selected!] [A similar skill related to the ''Fortuitous Finder'' Ability has been found in the Host''s body.] [It is possible to merge the ''Wonder Sense'' with the ''Fortuitous Finder'' Ability! Would you like to proceed? Yes/No.] ... [Wow! Is it possible to merge the skill with bloodline ability?] Zera asked in a stunned voice. ''Aren''t you the system?'' Raven couldn''t help but ask. [I''m. But these are happening due to the ''***** ******* remnant thing'' I extracted from your body. Simply put, it''s a part of Casper''s main ability. The reason he shouted at me when taking over your body three years ago was due to this thing.] Raven nodded his head and clicked ''yes.'' A second later, a mysterious power entered his head, constructing a small, minute hexagonal structure within his mind. A sharp pain appeared in his head, causing him to stumble a bit. But he managed to remain calm and quietly looked at the notifications. [Merging the skill ''Wonder Sense'' with ''Fortuitous Finder'' skill.] [Merging 1%....2%....5%...10%...20%....50%....80%...90%....100%!] [Congratulations! Merging Successful!] [Host has obtained ''Fortuitous Finder'' bloodline spell!] [Host also absorbed part of the Goblin Looter''s blood Essence!] [Host''s spirit has been increased by 0.1] [Host''s vitality has been increased by 0.02] [Host''s strength has been increased by 0.01] [Host''s agility has been increased by 0.03] [Host''s body is undergoing a mutation process!] ... Raven remained in the same position for over five minutes and finally stood up. ''The attribute stats increase is too low.'' But he wasn''t disappointed in the slightest. ''I managed to get another bloodline spell. Unlike the regeneration skill, this one has 100% comprehension already. It must be due to the merging process.'' Raven nodded inwardly and quietly stored the knife in his inventory. After that, he quietly moved towards the left side. Chapter 40: Night Vision Chapter 40: Night Vision A few minutes later, Raven spotted three more goblins in the distance. But unlike before, he noticed that they seemed to be in the middle of battling a wild wolf. Before they could notice his presence, he hid behind a tree trunk and slowly waited for the right opportunity. Each Goblin held a knife of sharp bone in their hand and encircled the wolf from three directions. ¡®Unlike the Goblin looter, these three appear less experienced.¡¯ Raven observed the goblins attacking the wolf with crude, bone-made knives. The wild wolf, however, fought fiercely, using its sharp fangs and claws to fend off the goblin assailants. It was a chaotic skirmish, and Raven saw an opportunity to intervene. Gripping the spear, Raven decided to take advantage of the distracted goblins. He moved swiftly, his steps masked by the sounds of the ongoing struggle. He focused on the Goblin closest to him as he approached, preparing to strike. In a swift motion, he thrust his spear, aiming for the Goblin''s neck. But as the spear was about to stab the neck region, the Goblin moved lightly and avoided a fatal blow. The spear edge cut through the air with a whistle and only managed to give the Goblin a shallow wound. As the Goblin stumbled by the sudden attack, the wolf took the opportunity and pounded onto the injured Goblin before ripping its neck with its sharp jaws. Along with a loud cry, the Goblin collapsed with a thud. The other goblins, engrossed in their battle with the wolf, noticed the newcomer and became stunned to move. Seizing the opportunity, Raven continued his assault. Although he had made a mistake earlier, he kept calm and acted swiftly. He moved like a shadow, arrived before the nearby Goblin, and dispatched the second Goblin. As the third one turned to face him, it met the same fate. The wild wolf, now free from its goblin adversaries, eyed Raven cautiously before eventually retreating into the depths of the woods. With the immediate threat neutralized, Raven examined the fallen goblins. He retrieved their left ears and extracted their bloodline essences. ¡­ [Bloodline Devourer System activated!] [Goblin Warrior''s Bloodline Essence has been found!] [Analyzing the purity of the Bloodline Essence....] [Calculating....] [The corpse has 0.1% purity of a Rank-1 Goblin Warrior''s Bloodline Essence.] [It is possible to absorb a part of the Goblin''s Bloodline Essence and its abilities.] [Would you like to use ''Bloodline Devourer Ability''? Yes/No.] ... Raven clicked ''Yes,'' like before. ... [''Bloodline Devourer'' ability is on commences!] [Due to a lower purity percentage, ''Bloodline Ability Extraction'' has failed!] [Proceeding to absorb the Blood Essence!] [Host managed to absorb a part of the Goblin''s blood Essence!] [Host''s spirit has been increased by 0.08] [Host''s vitality has been increased by 0.03] [Host''s strength has been increased by 0.02] [Host''s agility has been increased by 0.02] [Host''s body is undergoing a mutation process!] ... "So, I can''t extract abilities from the goblins with less purity of bloodline essences, huh?" Raven nodded in understanding and moved towards the next corpse. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Although he only slightly increased his attribute stats, he didn''t get discouraged and decided to continue the hunt. As Raven moved deeper, he encountered more goblins, kobolds, and wolves. Although the first few battles caused him to make mistakes and almost injured him, he started learning from his mistakes and became more skilled at battle. After a few killings, his movement became refined and calm. Of course, he didn''t forget to extract bloodline essences and steadily increased his strength. Time passed swiftly, and the sun began its descent towards the horizon. Now covered in dirt and sweat, Raven had accumulated around twenty Goblin''s left ears, twelve Kobolds'' left ears, and three wolves'' left years, earning him 53 points in the exam. Although he used two strength and one agility potion when battling the three wolves, he was very satisfied with the results. He put the monsters'' ears in a separate leather bag and attached it to his waist. After that, he checked his status and was stunned by the improvement. ¡­ [Name: Raven Sillalus Jorvot, Age: 15 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: 66th Prince of Zenith Empire Level: 1 Class: Acolyte Warlock (0th Circle) Soul Rank: Mortal (Soul damaged 84%) Life Pathway: Beginner Alchemist Health: Fatigued Attributes: Strength: 1.5 Agility: 1.67 Vitality: 1.56 Luck: 1.5 Spirit: 8.6 Bloodline Spells: Regeneration (Incomplete), Fortuitous Finder (Completed). Additional Skills: Past Finder, Instant Memorize. Affinities: Life: Low.] ¡­ ''Wow! My body has long surpassed the mortal stage. No wonder I felt my movement became refined and composed.'' Then, he looked at the leather bag and nodded in satisfaction. ''It is more than enough to pass the graduation exam.'' However, he knew that surviving until morning was crucial for the overall success of the test. "I should find a safe place to sleep." He muttered inwardly as he searched the surroundings and soon stumbled upon a beautiful place. In the heart of the Mirror Woodlands, a magnificent Eldertwine tree stood as tall as 200 meters. Its colossal branches sprawled in all directions, creating a vast and intricate canopy that seemed to embrace the forest''s very essence. The Eldertwine''s bark was a rich, deep brown, along with luminescent mushrooms that pulse with ethereal energy. "Luminescent Mooncaps!" He instantly moved closer to the tree and started looking at the hundreds of unique mushrooms growing on the bark of the Eldertwine Tree. "If I''m not wrong, there should be one or two mushrooms with rainbow color buds on the top." Although this unique mushroom was not precious, it was still the main ingredient in creating the ''Dawn'' Spirit Potion. "And there is one more advantage. As long as I stay close to this tree, wolves, goblins, and kobolds won''t come closer and attack me due to the unique smell spreading around." He first searched all over the trunk and soon found a single rainbow-colored mushroom on the other side of the trunk. At the same time, he also found a small cave-like structure beneath the gigantic trunk and decided to make it a base. He soon cleared the dry leaves, stones, and woods in that small root cavern and made it look like a hideout. After that, he covered the cavern entrance using tree branches and concealed the whole root cave. At that moment, the darkness had completely shrouded the forest, making the atmosphere more eerie. Howls of wolves and screeches of strange animals continued to resound from all directions. After looking outside through the small gap for a while, Raven slowly lit a candle using the matchstick. Thanks to the yellowish light, he saw the interior of the natural root cavern more clearly. Like slithering snakes, all those roots tangled and formed a dome-shaped structure above his head. He also saw strange spiders, insects, and ants crawling here and there and felt an odd sense of anxiety. "Can I sleep here safely?" He couldn''t help but ask himself. Shaking his head, he took a glass vial with black liquid stored inside and opened the lid. Then, he took a deep breath and drank it in one go. A second later, a strange itching sensation came from both his eyes, causing his hands to move to rub the eyes subconsciously. [Don''t try to rub your eyes. Just keep your eyes closed and let the Mutation take place.] Zera''s words made him halt his hands. As minutes passed, he felt a strange sense of dizziness. Without knowing, Raven slowly closed his eyes and fell into deep sleep. ... Sometimes later, a sudden pain came from his left hand, causing him to wake up abruptly. "Argh!" He hurriedly scratched his left hand and noticed it was a red ant. With a swift hand movement, he slapped the ant and killed it. "Damn it, I ended up sleeping without even knowing." Only then did he notice that the candlelight was extinguished in the cavern. But to his astonishment, he saw even in the dark. However, he saw the surroundings in a greenish light instead of a bright light. "Is this the effect of the ¡®Night Vision¡¯ skill?" He furrowed his brows and soon saw a bunch of notifications before his eyes. ... [''Dawn Night Vision'' potion has been consumed!] [Spirit power has been raised to 0.5 points!] [Due to the presence of the essence of Feral Eye Crystal, the Host''s eyes have been undergoing a mutation!] [Mutation completed!] [Host has obtained ''Night Vision'' skill] [Due to the Host''s high spirit status, the Host has met the requirement to unlock ''Spiritual Scan.''] [Current Range: 0.5 meter!] ... "Spiritual Scan?" Raven muttered subconsciously and soon noticed the strangeness in the surroundings. At that moment, he accurately perceived the movements of the ants, worms, and spiders in the roots and was stunned. ''Is this the spiritual scan? I even sense the small rat hiding under the soil.'' He slowly lowered his gaze to the ground and perceived a strange vibration. Although very minute, he sensed a strange vibration coming from the ground. Without delay, he moved his ears closer to the ground and analyzed the vibration more clearly. ''Aunt mentioned that the vibration on the ground usually means a large monster''s approach.'' He recalled Shirley¡¯s teaching about the Mirage woods. [Usually, Wizards and Walkers unlock their spiritual scan ability when they reach Rank-2. But you unlocked the'' Spiritual Scan'' ability due to the sudden increase in your spirit power and the ¡®Night Vision'' skill. It also enchanted all your senses, allowing you to perceive the minute vibration in the ground.] Zera explained. At the same time, the golden hexagonal structure in Raven''s mind suddenly released a strange energy and started to shine. Chapter 41: Fortuitous Finder Chapter 41: Fortuitous Finder A strange, pleasant sensation appeared in Raven¡¯s mind. It was as if some mysterious power was attracting him from the direction where the vibration came from. [Oh? An opportunity is arising. But it would be best if you were more careful because there will be no opportunities without danger.] Zera''s voice echoed in his head. "Should I go?" He asked in a concerned tone. Although he had grown stronger within a day, he knew many more monsters were outside. [Hmm, I think we should take some precautions.] As Zera spoke, she summoned a strange reddish feather out of thin air. A second later, the feather slowly descended and landed on his palm. [Put a drop of blood on this feather and place it in this hideout.] Raven did as he was told and quietly placed it on the ground. [Now you can go out.] Zera added. ¡®What is that feather? Can it be of any help?¡¯ He looked at the feather in confusion and soon shook his head. He took the leather bag and carefully retrieved the spear from the inventory, holding it firmly. Slowly and cautiously, he stepped out from his concealed hiding spot. As moments passed, the entire forest revealed itself, appearing as clear as daylight to his eyes. Raven, ensuring no monsters were nearby, took a step forward, moving towards the direction where an unusual feeling tugged at him. Stealthily maneuvering through the thick woods, he navigated across a small river and eventually emerged into a vast, grassland-like expanse. However, he sensed the ground''s vibrations intensifying when he neared the center of the Mirage Woodlands. "My target must be in the direction where the river water flows," Raven followed the river bank. Soon, he observed the river merging with another, forming a larger body of water. His appreciation for the scenery was cut short as a roaring noise diverted his attention. After traversing in darkness for over two hours, he unexpectedly stood near a breathtaking waterfall. The water crashed incessantly, hitting the rocky surface before scattering into the surroundings. The splashes collected at the base, forming a sizable lake. Raven, positioned at the waterfall''s summit, marveled at the scene. With amazement in his eyes, he murmured, "How should I climb down?" While pondering, he slowly turned his gaze toward where an intense roar and colliding sounds were coming from. Before long, he saw a glimpse of two monstrous figures battling in the middle of the grassland, crashing and smashing the nearby tall trees, rocks, and bushes. One of the monstrous figures appeared more like a gigantic snake with three heads, while the other seemed to be a towering Orc with a bloodthirsty aura around its whole body! The serpent had crystalline blackish skin, emerald green eyes, three gigantic heads with the unique symbol ''W'' below their throat regions, and looked around 30 meters long and 2 meters wide. On the other hand, the gigantic Orc had unique skin almost similar to iron, had two horns, a similar pig face with ruthless red eyes, and even wore armor and a helm made of iron. It appeared to be around 4 to 5 meters tall, with a muscular, fat body and monstrous hands and legs. While wielding its gigantic axe made of pure iron, it smashed the enormous Snake''s left head and gripped the right head with the other hand. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. As the two monstrous entities clashed in a fierce battle, the air was filled with roars, crashes, and the unmistakable clash of steel against stone. Hidden at the top of the waterfall, Raven observed the spectacle with wide-eyed amazement. The gigantic Snake hissed and thrashed with its three menacing heads, attempting to break free from the Orc''s grip. The Orc, towering and muscular, exhibited brute strength as it wrestled with the serpent. After some struggle, the Orc cut the Snake''s head and gained an upper hand. But what shocked Raven was that the severed head area of the Snake began to turn greenish liquid, regenerating new tissues, and started to take shape into another head. Before long, a new head appeared in the severed area. Upon witnessing the absurd scene, the Orc uttered a fierce cry and attacked fiercely. After a long struggle, Orc once again managed to severed the same head. But unlike before, the regeneration rate of the Snake''s head began to take place much slower. Utilizing the opportunity, the gigantic Orc shifted its attack to the other end. The battle continued like a race against time. The more the two monstrous entities battled, the more intense it became. Although it looked like the gigantic serpentine Snake was cornered, the one at a disadvantage from the beginning was the Orc. Unknown to the Orc, the serpentine Snake had long released a colorless and odorless poison to the surrounding air, weakening the Orc from the inside. The gigantic Orc indeed had steel-like skin and instant regeneration ability, but it wasn''t enough to counter the effect of the Snake''s deadliest invisible poison. What was more terrifying about the Snake''s poison was that it affected the Orc''s health without the Orc even knowing it. The fierce battle lasted until late at night and soon reached the climax. At that moment, the gigantic serpent had lost its two heads and even had multiple stab wounds on its neck and body areas. Bluish-green blood spewed all over the surroundings and corroded the nearby plants, grasses, and even trees. On the other hand, the Orc''s movement appeared as sluggish as a snail. Its left hand appeared completely purple and looked motionless. Its abdomen and left thigh also got corroded by the poison, and strange purplish blood was oozing out from it. Alas, the Orc still didn¡¯t give up on its prey, squatted down a little, and used a strange skill to leap into the sky. A second later, its gigantic body appeared more than 10 meters up in the sky and soon crashed onto the gigantic snake like a meteor. While holding the axe in its right hand, it also used a sunshine-golden aura around the axe and enveloped the weapon like some armory. A heartbeat later, the Orc directly appeared above the snake¡¯s head and cleaved it vertically up to its throat region, killing it. Along with a loud thud, the Orc landed on the ground and dropped its weapon. At the same moment, the corpse of the gigantic snake also fell on the grassy ground and started to twitch while spewing venomous blood on the Orc¡¯s face. Although the Orc wanted to avoid the poison, it had no strength to move. But it wasn¡¯t worried much. As long as the Orc rested for a few more hours, its innate regeneration ability could slowly replace the dying corrosive tissues. With a relieved face, the gigantic Orc slowly fell backward and landed on the ground with a loud thud. Raven, hidden behind the foliage, watched the aftermath of the intense battle unfold. The poisoned Orc lay on the ground, seemingly victorious but severely weakened by the snake''s venom. The serpent''s corpse continued to twitch, its regenerative abilities still at work even in death. A sudden realization struck Raven. This was an opportunity, just as Zera had mentioned. The weakened Orc could be taken down, and the loot from both creatures could be his. In the dim light of the moon, Raven went down the waterfall and silently approached the battlefield, his Night Vision skill revealing the details of the scene. The Orc, breathing heavily and struggling against the effects of the venom, seemed oblivious to Raven''s presence. Taking advantage of the situation, Raven drew his spear and approached the Orc cautiously. The Orc''s eyes met his as he raised his spear for the final blow. There was a moment of mutual understanding between predator and prey. With a sudden burst of strength, the Orc swung its arm, knocking Raven off balance. In truth, the Orc''s arm didn''t even gaze at his body, but the forceful air was more than enough to cause some damage to Raven. He stumbled backward, narrowly avoiding a fatal strike. The Orc, despite its weakened state, was not to be underestimated. The two locked eyes again, and Raven realized he had to act quickly. "It''s still a Magic Beast, after all!" He opened the inventory and took a small vial containing a potent paralysis poison. He then took a large syringe from the inventory and opened the potion vial to transfer the paralysis poison. Injecting the poison into a syringe, he aimed for a vulnerable spot on the Orc''s thigh region. The Orc, sensing the threat, attempted to swat Raven away. Despite the struggle, Raven got closer to the Orc and managed to plunge the syringe into the Orc''s thigh, injecting the potent paralysis poison directly into its bloodstream. The effects were immediate. The Orc weakened; its muscles went completely stiff. Seizing the opportunity, Raven delivered a swift strike with his spear, finishing off the weakened creature. The Orc struggled with all its might by trying to shake its hand and legs but soon turned motionless. It finally took its final breath. Chapter 42: Growth Chapter 42: Growth But Raven didn''t dare to get close to it. Instead, he turned his attention towards the monstrous snake lying a few ten meters away from him and started walking towards it. "Zera, use the ''Bloodline Devouring'' ability on it." He ordered as he approached the headless snake''s corpse. [Yes. Please place your hand below its throat region.] Raven did as she told him to and soon felt the snake''s blood gather towards his hand before forming a greenish-blue orb of blood essence. A moment later, the strange blood orb directly absorbed into his hand and assimilated into his body. Then, a bunch of notifications popped up before his eyes. [Bloodline Devouring System is activated!} [Dreadvenom Tri-Cobra''s Bloodline has been found!] [Analyzing the purity of the bloodline....] [Calculating...] [The corpse has 100% purity of Rank-1 Dreadvenom Tri-Cobra''s Bloodline Essence!] [It is possible to absorb a part of the Dreadvenom Tri-Cobra''s Bloodline Essence and its abilities.] [Would you like to use ''Bloodline Devouring Ability''? Yes/No.] ... ¡°Yes!¡± [Bloodline Devouring ability is on commence!] [Randomizing the bloodline ability extraction!] [Dreadvenom Tri-Cobra''s ¡®Poison Touch¡¯ Bloodline Spell has been selected!] [Host has obtained ¡®Poison Touch¡¯ Bloodline Spell!] ... [Host also absorbed part of the Dreamvenom Tri-Cobra''s blood Essence!] [Host''s spirit has been increased by 2.0] [Host''s vitality has been increased by 1.0] [Host''s strength has been increased by 1.0] [Host''s agility has been increased by 1.0] [Host¡¯s Body is going through a small mutation!] ... "Oh damn! I forgot this is a powerful monster-" Before he could finish muttering, a tearing pain appeared all over his body. He also noticed that his vision turned blurry, and he almost stumbled. Thankfully, he managed not to fall and quietly sat on the ground. And unlike before, he didn¡¯t lose consciousness, and the pain also only lasted for a few minutes. Slowly, Raven returned to his normal senses and noticed a big difference. Although nothing changed outside, he saw another bluish-green hexagonal crystalline structure in his mind. Not only that, but he also found that his whole body seemed to be shedding a layer of skin. ¡°But how do I activate this poison Touch ability?¡± Raven slowly stood up, walked towards the nearby fallen tree, and tried to activate the poisoning ability. Alas, nothing happened. [That¡¯s because you still don¡¯t know how to absorb and store the ¡®Poison element¡¯ in your body and release it as a spell. Although the spell model will absorb the poison element in the air slowly, it will take a week or two for you to cast the spell once fully. That¡¯s why a good ¡®Elemental Circle¡¯ technique is needed.] Zera paused for a moment and then added. [Also, you need at least ¡®Low-Rank Poison Affinity¡¯ to release this bloodline spell perfectly. Otherwise, the strength of your bloodline spell will be far weaker. Take a look at the notifications.] Zera¡¯s voice echoed in his head. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Nodding, he opened the system interface and looked at it deeply. [Mutation Completed!] [Thanks to the absorption of ¡®Dreadvenom Tri-Cobra¡¯s¡¯ bloodline essence, the Host¡¯s body underwent a mutation and obtained ¡®Poison Heart¡¯!] [From now on, even the blood drop from Host can be turned into a deadly poison!] [Poison¡¯s potent range can be effective based on the Host¡¯s Rank and understanding of the Poison element!] [Host has ¡®No¡¯ Poison Affinity. Please increase your affinity!] [Host''s damaged soul has been partially repaired with Blood Essence''s help!] [Current Host''s Soul damage percentage: 65.4%] [Host''s lifespan has been increased by 21 years!] [Host''s body status has been updated successfully!] ... ¡°Wow!¡± Raven felt like his whole body had grown stronger and was stunned inside. [You still have one more job to do.] Zera stated, causing him to wake up from the joy. ¡°Of course.¡± With a nod, he turned around, walked towards the gigantic Orc¡¯s Corpse, and soon placed his hand above the heart region. Like the previous time, blood droplets started moving towards the heart region and soon condensed into a small reddish gem-like bloodline essence. A moment later, the bloodline essence slowly absorbed Raven¡¯s body and disappeared. ... [Bloodline Devourer System is activated!} [Orc Warrior''s Bloodline has been found!] [Analyzing the purity of the bloodline....] [Calculating...] [The corpse has 100% purity of Rank-1 Orc Warrior''s Bloodline Essence!] [It is possible to absorb some of the Orc Warrior''s Bloodline Essence and its abilities.] [Would you like to use ''Bloodline Devouring Ability''? Yes/No.] ... ¡°Yes!¡± [Bloodline Devouring Ability is on commences!] [Host already possesses Orc Warrior¡¯s lesser version of ¡®Iron Resilience¡¯ Bloodline Spell!] [System has decided to extract the remnant Bloodline Essence and strengthen the ¡®Regeneration¡¯ Ability!] [Orc Warrior''s Iron Resilience Bloodline Ability has been selected!] ... [Host also absorbed part of the Orc Warrior''s blood Essence!] [Host''s spirit has been increased by 2.0] [Host''s vitality has been increased by 1.0] [Host''s strength has been increased by 1.0] [Host''s agility has been increased by 1.0] [Host¡¯s Body is going through a small mutation!] ... Another painful experience coursed through his body, causing him to breathe heavily. He slowly sat on the ground like before and endured the painful mutation process. After 30 minutes, he finally returned to his original state and noticed another change all over his body. ¡°My skin becomes tighter and stronger... It feels like I can turn my body into an iron-like shield!¡± Muttering, he opened the interface again and checked the notifications. ... [Mutation Completed!] [Thanks to the absorption of ¡®Orc Warrior¡¯s¡¯ bloodline essence, the Host¡¯s body again underwent a mutation!] [Host has obtained ¡®Iron Resilience¡¯ Bloodline Spell!] [Host''s damaged soul has been partially repaired with Blood Essence''s help!] [Current Host''s Soul damage percentage: 40.4%] [Host''s lifespan has been increased by 32 years!] [Host''s body status has been updated successfully!] ... ¡°Wow! 32 years? And I also got 21 more years of lifespan by absorbing the snake¡¯s life essence! Now, I have more than 58 years to live!¡± He couldn¡¯t help but mutter in an excited tone. He also noticed that the previous shaking greenish crystal in his mind appeared clear and looked brighter. [Congratulations! You now have three Rank-1 Bloodline Spells. Although you can¡¯t activate them regularly without an organ or space to store the particular element, it¡¯s way better than nothing. If you start engraving circles in your soul, you¡¯ll become a fully-fledged Acolyte Warlock.] ¡°You mean Elemental Circles, right? With my soul''s current condition, I think I can consume the ¡®Ice Affinity Potion¡¯ without any worry and might even be able to enter the Crows¡¯ Misery Academy.¡± He muttered in excitement. [You should do it after consuming the ¡®Miracle Life Potion.¡¯] Zera added. Nodding, he opened the system panel and checked his body status. ... [Name: Raven Sillalus Jorvot, Age: 15 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: 66th Prince of Zenith Empire Level: 3 Class: Acolyte Warlock (0th Circle) Soul Rank: Mortal (Soul Damaged 40.4%) Life Pathway: Beginner Alchemist Health: Normal Attributes: Strength: 3.5 Agility: 3.67 Vitality: 3.56 Luck: 1.5 ¡ú 0.5 Spirit: 13.1 Bloodline Spells: Iron Resilience, Poison Touch, Fortuitous Finder (Completed). Additional Skills: Past Finder, Instant Memorize, Night Vision, Spiritual Scan. Affinities: Life: Low.] ... ¡°Amazing. I feel like I¡¯m three times stronger than before!¡± [Don¡¯t get overconfident, lad. Although you have become strong, there are countless powerful monsters out there who could squash you like a bug. And check your luck stats. It¡¯s been reduced by one point, making you unlucky. So, it would be best to leave this area as soon as possible.] Zera¡¯s words made him realize he was in the deep region of ¡®Mirage Woodlands.¡¯ ¡°Wait, I should at least take the magical beast''s ¡®Elemental Cores¡¯ and some precious materials,¡± Raven muttered inwardly and soon used the knife to extract the elemental stones from both Magical beasts. One was a Life elemental crystal with the size of a small pebble, while the other was a ¡®Poison Elemental Crystal¡¯ with the same size. After that, he also extracted Orc Warrior¡¯s Feral Eye Crystals and its Trollsbane Glands. Then, he moved towards the gigantic snake and took out its poison gland, two 60 cm long venomous fangs, and finally, six jade-like eyes, quietly storing them in his inventory. They were all magical materials with rarity, and each could be sold for around 200 to 300 gold coins! Although Raven wanted to extract more valuable parts, such as Cobra¡¯s scales, Orc¡¯s bones, and others, he decided to return. Soon, he left the battlefield, climbed to the top of the waterfall through the rocky structure, and started following the river bank. Along the way, he met two wolves hunting down a rabbit and tried to battle it. As expected, he didn¡¯t face any difficulty battling two wolves simultaneously and killed them after five minutes of the fight. Then, he also met a group of 5 kobolds and hunted them without difficulty before continuing his journey. After two long hours of walking, he finally reached the large Eldertwine Tree and felt a sense of relief. At the same time, he took out the pocket watch from his leather bag and checked the time. ¡°5.15 A.M. There are still 45 minutes left for the test to end.¡± Raven looked deeply at the gigantic tree and started walking toward the town. Chapter 43: Result Chapter 43: Result Although Raven met three more goblins along the way, they didn''t even pose a threat to him. Thanks to his increased strength and speed, he killed them with a single slash. He also met a few classmates while walking toward the woods'' outer region. "Raven, how did you manage to stay alive all alone?" a young girl shouted from the crowd, causing him to furrow. The one who called him was a 15-year-old blonde-haired young girl. She was around 140cm tall, had olive skin and brown eyes, and wore black leather armor over her plain grey shirt. She also held a spear in her left hand and a bag in her other hand. Upon seeing her face, Raven couldn''t help but reveal a forced smile. She was his crush during school, but her personality and attitude kept him away. ''Mary Whitbard!'' She wasn''t Baron''s daughter but from Whitbard Household''s branch family. [Yeah, your so-called crush...] Zera''s words appeared calm, but he felt like a somewhat annoyed tone. Shaking his head, he moved closer to the group and greeted all other classmates before bowing towards the young girl. "Greetings, My Lady. I hope you had an easier time in the woods." "It''s way easier than I had expected. How about you? Did you at least kill a goblin?" Mary asked. Her tone contained a hint of mockery and ridicule, causing her friends to giggle. "Y-Yeah," Raven scratched his head and nodded. Noticing his awkwardness, she lost interest in his achievement and shook her head. "Let''s go." Saying so, she took the lead and walked towards the outer region of the woods. Before long, the group walked out of the Mirage Woodlands and saw a well-fortified town a few kilometers away. "It seems everyone has made it out this time as well. Come and join the line," a calm voice said from the left side. Slowly, Raven turned towards the left and saw many familiar faces standing a few hundred meters away. Teacher Elizabeth nodded at them and gestured for them to join the other students. "Yes, Teacher." Raven and others replied in unison and joined the group. At that moment, she sat beside a wooden bench and seemed to be in the middle of checking the test result. Raven also saw a few police officers, two silver-armored knights, and three men in formal black dresses standing there. In the meantime, Elizabeth called out the students'' names individually and checked their loots before announcing the result. "Addison. Come forward." She said loudly. "Yes, ma''am." A tall boy with a lean physique stepped out of the line he was standing, arrived before the blonde-haired woman, and gave her a large leather pouch. Meanwhile, Elizabeth took the pouch, poured down the content inside on the nearby wooden table, "9 Goblins and 4 Kobolds. 17 points." She gave the empty pouch back to Addison and called out another name. Most students hunted more than ten goblins and a few kobolds, while only a few showed outstanding results. "Mary Whitbard," Elizabeth shouted. As those words came out, the whole batch of students went silent. Meanwhile, Mary held the spear in her left hand and walked towards the front. Once she arrived closer to the table, she lifted the bag, opened it, and took out a leather pouch from it. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Then, she untied the knot, flipped the pouch, and put down the materials. "Oh? As expected of a member of Whitbard Household, you have hunted more than enough to reach the top score." Elizabeth made a surprising comment and continued while counting down the ears. "Hmm, 25 Goblins, 15 Kobolds, 4 Wolves. You earned a total of 67 points. Not bad at all!" Her result caused gasps and whispers among the group of kids. After Mary, a few more names were called out. Although many scored above 30 points, none managed to cross 50. "Raven. Come forth." Finally, Elizabeth called out his name and looked at him. A flash of surprise appeared on her face briefly before returning to normal. Like the other classmates, Raven also moved forward, arrived before Teacher Elizabeth, and soon took the small bag from his waist. "Here, Ma''am." He gave it to her. Meanwhile, Elizabeth caught the bag, removed the knot that tied it firmly, and opened it. Then, she flipped the bag and let the contents pour down. After that, she counted the results and widened her eyes. "That''s surprising. There are twenty-three Goblins'' ears, Seventeen Kobolds'' ears, and Five Wolves'' ears. Wow, you''ve scored a total of 72 points!" She knew Raven was a genius kid when it came to studies but always felt disappointed at his practical exams. But the current result was completely out of her expectations. ''Did he hide his strength?'' Although she couldn''t tell how strong he was, she vaguely sensed his strength had improved. On the other hand, most of the students started to murmur among themselves and raise their voices. "Impossible!" Mary was the first to shout in shock. "Teacher, he must have cheated! Please verify if someone helped him during the exam," Dennis also shouted. "Yes, Teacher. We all know he is the weakest of the bunch and can''t even create a mana circle." Another student also raised his voice and protested. Almost everyone in the class raised their voice within a minute and refused to acknowledge his result. Elizabeth looked coldly at the group of students and took a deep breath. "SILENCE!!!!!" A loud voice came from her mouth, causing the surrounding air to vibrate. The power behind the voice was so loud that it caused all the students to stagger. More than one-third of the students fell pathetically and felt dizzy. Even Raven felt a sharp headache from the voice and barely managed to stand steadily. A strange silence appeared in the area. Although no one understood what happened, they all realized that their Etiquette teacher was not a normal mortal but a powerful Walker herself. Satisfied with the silence, she looked at Raven and spoke "Congratulations, Raven. I think you will be the winner of this test." Saying so, Elizabeth returned the empty leather bag to him. As he walked back, many of his classmates showed hostility openly, and some even clenched their fists. Even Mary was angered by the result and glared at him fiercely. The same goes for Dennis and all other friends. Only Dante, Chris, and Daisy looked surprised and gave him thumbs-ups. As he returned to his position, Elizabeth started to call out the next name. The test result checking continued for over 30 minutes and ended around 6.45 A.M. "Now, let''s announce the final results by ranking." "First position goes to Raven for scoring 72 points!" "Second position goes to Mary Whitbard for scoring 67 points!" "Third position goes to Dennis for scoring 62 points!" "Fourth position goes to Chris for scoring 53 points!" "Fifth position..." ¡­ "Twelfth position goes to Dante, Biley, and Sam for scoring 40 points!" Teacher Elizabeth continued to announce results for a while and then added. "Those who scored above 25 points will be considered as pass and are eligible to be officially promoted to ''Apprentice Walkers.'' Each of you will be given a complete Beginner Knight Technique from the school and will go through an affinity check-up. Those who score below 25 will be demoted to Class 4 and have to train harder to meet the requirement before the next year''s test. Students who fail this exam for three consecutive years will be expelled from the Knight Training School." She deliberated for a moment and then continued again. "It''s time to give some reward for the top three students. Dennis, come forward." As soon as she spoke, a silver-haired boy stepped forward from the group of students and walked closer to Elizabeth. He was around 170 cm tall, had similar silver eyes, a round face, and a well-balanced muscular body. Elizabeth touched the silver ring in her left hand and took a long sword out of thin air. "This sword is an artifact created by Rune Master Abel and enchanted with a Rank-1 wizard spell called ''Shock.'' Although the material used to make this weapon is only common iron, it is still a unique item. This is a gift present by Lord Baron for the third place." As soon as Elizabeth finished her words, the group of kids gasped and mumbled. For commoners, this single weapon was more than enough to change their lifestyle completely. With this weapon, even an Apprentice Walker could overpower an Official Knight and win in a one-on-one fight. Meanwhile, Dennis stared at the long sword for a moment and showed a confused look. "Teacher, I chose my pathway as an Assassin. Can you replace it with a dagger?" Elizabeth showed an amusing smile and shook her head. "Lord Baron himself decides this gift. I can''t do anything about it." With no other choice, Dennis took the long sword and returned to the line. "Next is Mary Whitbard. Please come forward." Elizabeth spoke again. Soon, a blonde-haired young girl stepped forward from the group of students and moved towards Elizabeth. On the other hand, Elizabeth took a leather-covered book from her spatial ring and spoke. "This is a ''Common'' Rank Spirit Technique called ''Boundless Sense.'' Although Lord Baron told me to give you this technique only if you get first place, I''ll make an exception." Her words caused a huge commotion not only among the students but even among the police officers. Chapter 44: A Surprise Chapter 44: A Surprise ''Spirit Technique!'' Even Mary was wide-eyed in shock. Unlike the mana extraction technique that anyone could learn, even from the Wandering Walkers, Spirit techniques were exclusive to the Noble families and impossible for a commoner to obtain. Even Mary needed extraordinary results like this to get this technique as a gift. At that moment, Mary felt tremendous pressure as she received the gift. She knew Baron would not give her the spirit technique without expecting anything in return. ''He wants me to enroll in Crows Misery School at all costs.'' The spirit technique was essential for achieving that. Tens of thousands of students travel to the capital every year to take the Crows Misery School entrance exam, but only a selected few pass. The main reason was the difficulty of the tests. One of the main entrance tests was the strength of spirit power. Anyone with less than two spirit powers would be disqualified immediately, making it even more difficult for a commoner to enter the academy. ''There are still four months until the Crows Misery School entrance exam starts.'' However, with this technique, Mary could quickly accumulate her spirit power up to 2 points. After receiving the gift, she turned around and returned to her position with a proud look. Meanwhile, Elizabeth shifted her attention towards Raven and spoke. "Come forth, Raven." As soon as she spoke, Raven nodded and started walking towards her. He soon arrived before her and patiently waited. On the other hand, a troubled look appeared on Elizabeth''s face. "In truth, Lord Baron thought Mary would get first place and gave me a common rank bracelet, a common rank sword, and a spirit technique¡ªthe bracelet for third place, the sword for second place, and the spirit technique for first place. That spirit technique was supposed to go to you, but I can''t do it. You understand what I mean, right?" "Yes, Teacher. That spirit technique must be exclusive to the Whitbard Noble Family and can''t be given to the outsiders." Raven responded calmly. "Correct. But I also can''t give you that common rank bracelet because its value is only half the second prize. Haa, I''m in a dilemma." Elizabeth rubbed her forehead and soon took a pair of black boots from her space ring. "I wanted to give this pair of boots to my younger brother as a present when I return to my homeland, but I''ll give this to you." As she spoke, she approached him closer and whispered in his ears. "These are ''Uncommon Rank'' boots that cost more than 10,000 gold coins. Consider this an investment in you." Her words shocked him. ''10,000 gold coins? Why would she give such a precious gift to me?'' Doubt appeared in his eyes. Noticing his doubtful gaze, she chuckled and continued to whisper. "I have good intuition, Raven. Although I don''t know your background, your whole family seems to be from a noble bloodline. And I have never seen a genius like you in my life. If you manage to enter the Crows Misery Academy, I''m 100% sure you will become a great person one day." Although Raven didn''t know her real motive, he felt the sincerity in her words. ''Investment, huh?'' Raven bowed his head and accepted the gift. At the same time, she took out a strange velvet gem from her spatial ring and gave it to him. "If you end up in a dangerous situation one day, crush it. I''ll get your location immediately and arrive to help you once." [She is way too generous. Kid, she must have some ulterior motive, so be careful.] Zera warned him. ''Of course, I know. But if her real motive doesn''t harm me or my family, I won''t mind helping Teacher Elizabeth in the future.'' He said in his mind and quietly walked away from there. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. [Aren''t you trusting her too much?] Zera couldn''t help but complain. ''I''m not trusting her unquestioningly like before. Moreover, she is the only person who never gave up on me in the Knight Apprentice Academy. Even when Headmaster Agatha tried to expel me under the pressure of other professors, she was the one who stopped all their schemes and let me stay in the academy as the only Zeroth Circle student. In a sense, I owe her a lot.'' Raven said. After that, Elizabeth gave a final speech and told everyone to return home. Meanwhile, the students started dismissing and walking to the town. Raven joined Dante, Daisy, and Chris and returned to town while discussing his test results. After reaching the town, Raven parted from his classmates and quietly walked towards Alm Street in Commoners'' Borough. At the same time, he stored the boots and velvet gem in the inventory and carried only his empty leather bag on his back. Before long, Raven arrived at 15A Alm Street and soon noticed the house wasn''t locked. "What are they doing inside while keeping the door open?" He muttered while arriving under the porch. Soon, he pushed the door open and walked into the house while shouting. "Aunt? I''m home! But what are you guys doing without even closing the main door?" To his surprise, no response came from inside. He also noticed that no lights were lit inside, and the house appeared gloomier! He hurriedly walked towards the nearby lamp and lit it, illuminating the main hall. But as soon as the light descended to the main hall, his attention was drawn towards the sofa. No, he looked at the torn necklace of gems and beads and felt a strange uneasiness. [Something feels off, lad.] Zera also noticed the odd thing and warned him. [Use the ''Past Finder'' skill on it.] Raven nodded hurriedly, moved closer to the fallen necklace, and grabbed it in his right hand. Then, he activated the [Past Finder] skill and noticed that the surroundings started to break like a mirror. A second later, Raven found himself standing in the same place. But instead of him standing alone, three more people were in the main hall. ''Who is this man?'' He saw Gavin entering the house and sitting on the sofa leisurely. But what startled him was the expressions of Athena and Shirley. ''Aunt is looking at this man with fear? And my sister is mad for sure!'' Raven quietly watched the things that unfolded before him and soon went bloodshot as he saw a strange humanoid black shadow grab his aunt''s neck. Within seconds, he saw that the whole room was enveloped in complete darkness. A few moments later, he only saw Gavin in the main hall and got panicked a bit. Before he could process his thoughts, a black shadowy human came from the corner of the main hall and knelt before the man named Gavin. After that, Raven heard the rest of their conversation and soon went pale. ''F*ck! Are they also after me? Moreover, that man wanted to kill me?'' As his mind was in turmoil, the surroundings started to shimmer and soon broke into countless glass pieces, returning his consciousness to reality. [What happened, lad? Did you find any clue?] Zera asked as she noticed his heartbeat skyrocketing. ''¡­ We are in big trouble, Zera. No, the enemy is already watching our movement.'' As he spoke, his eyes darted around and scanned the surroundings. "Hoo! I didn''t expect a little brat to sense my presence already." An eerie male voice came from his left ear, causing strange goosebumps all over his body. He instinctively jumped towards the left and warily looked around. "You are different from what Sir Gavin told me. Hmm, I also don''t think you will die in a few years." As the voice resounded in the room, the sofa''s shadow twisted and soon formed into a humanoid. Before long, a human covered in a dark cloak appeared one meter before him and looked at him with interest. Hiding the anxiety, Raven decided to play dumb and find a way to escape this situation. "W- Who are you? Why are you doing this? Where did you take my sister and aunt?" "Worry about yourself, kiddo. Well, you don''t need to worry about your sister. I heard that the Emperor had already arranged a political marriage for her. As for your aunt? Well, she might have already ended up in the black prison by now." The dark-cloaked human''s words angered Raven. But before he could take his weapon from the inventory, a mysterious power enveloped his body and wholly bound him. "Blame it on your bad luck, kid." As soon as the young man spoke, he disappeared from where he stood. "May you rest in peace." His voice slowly whispered in Raven''s ears. Raven felt the entire world spinning before he could comprehend the situation. He was struck by an unbearable pain that left him disoriented. As Raven''s decapitated head fell on the floor and painted it in blood, a complete blackness covered his vision and even his consciousness. On the other hand, his headless body also danced slowly and soon fell with a loud thud. "Now I need to make this murder look like an assassination from Viser Kingdom." As the assassin spoke, he walked closer to the headless body and was about to place a reddish headband in Raven''s hand but suddenly stopped. At that moment, he suddenly sensed a rise in temperature around him and retracted his hand. ''What is this?'' An absurd scene unfolded before his very eyes as he was in confusion. In two seconds, a unique reddish flame appeared around Raven''s headless body and the decapitated head and started burning it fiercely. "Fire? Is it some self-destruction spell? Damn it, it seems this kid became a disciple of some wizard!" What startled him more was the appearance of the strange fire. ''I also didn''t sense any elemental fluctuation!¡¯ The fire appeared without any warning and shocked him. "Damn it, I can''t let this fire burn away his corpse." The assassin named Jonas dashed towards the kitchen and returned with a large jug of water. Without delay, he poured all the water on his head and body and tried to extinguish the fire. But to his shock, the water didn''t affect the fire. The fire continued to burn more fiercely, and soon Raven''s head and body burst into pure fire-elemental ember particles before disappearing into the thin air. Jonas was left dumbfounded as there wasn''t even a speck of ashes left behind. ¡­ End of Volume-1 Chapter 45: Rebirth (V-2) Chapter 45: Rebirth Eldertwine Tree region, Mirage Woods. Underneath the tree trunk, the small cave structure Raven found earlier glowed crimson as the red feather began to shine. Soon, the feather flickered intensely before forming into a reddish flame. The tiny flame gracefully danced and flickered until it grew larger, taking on the form of a person lying down. Within ten seconds, the reddish flame molded like clay, forming a fitting image of Raven! But instead of human flesh, Raven seemed made entirely of fire! No, a slight change started to appear on his left thumb finger. Unlike the other areas, the fire seemed light yellowish, revealing Raven''s real fleshy thumb! The Flame ''Raven'' remained in the cavern for over ten hours and soon showed slight movements. At that moment, the pure reddish flame disappeared slowly, revealing Raven''s real body underneath the layer of light-yellow flame. It seemed like the red flame even reattached Raven''s severed head with the body and gave him a second chance! Slowly, the layer of light-yellow flame also extinguished, revealing his beautiful face. Another few hours passed, but no sign of Raven waking up. Soon, it became night, causing the cavern to engulf itself in complete darkness. It was around 11. P.M. Raven slowly opened his eyes and looked at the familiar ceiling made of roots. "W-Where am I?" At that moment, the memory of him getting overpowered and assassinated by a dark-robed human appeared in his mind. He still vividly recalled the pain he had experienced when his head was decapitated and felt a chilling sensation in his heart. "Wait¡­ Didn''t I die? But how am I here in Eldertwine Tree Cavern? Zera? Are you still there?" He asked hurriedly. [I''m here, lad. You are still alive because of the red feather I gave you last night. It is filled with the essence of ''Rebirth Flame'' and can bring back the dead person alive even if his soul was shattered.] "Rebirth? Such a spell exists?" Raven asked in a shocked tone and tried to sit up but couldn''t. [Don''t restrain your body. Although you have been given a second chance, your body is still weak. You must rest for a week before returning to your normal condition.] Raven quietly nodded at Zera''s warning and then focused on the situation. "W-What should I do now? I must find a way to save my sister and aunt soon!" He was more worried about his aunt than his sister. From the conversation he had eavesdropped with the help of the ''Past Finder'' skill, he learned that his aunt would be sent to prison as a scapegoat. [Calm down, lad. Even if you go there now, you will only get assassinated. What can you do with your current strength? You can''t even face an Elite Rank Walker. Humph, even the Royal guards working in the Royal Palace would be around Rank-2 to Rank-3. If you go like this, you might either be killed or imprisoned right away. No. Even if you reach the Legend Rank powerhouse, you will still struggle to rescue your aunt and sister.] Zera''s words were harsh, but they were the truth. "What do you suggest? There is no way I can give up on my only family members. Even if the whole Zenith Empire stands in my way, I''ll face everyone head-on and rescue my sister and aunt!" Raven said while clenching his fist. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. [With this pitiful strength of yours? Haa, strength alone is not the answer to every solution. Think carefully. Is there no way to save your sister and aunt from the current situation other than immediately storming into the lion''s den?] Zera''s words made Raven shut his mouth and think deeper. "Royal Crown Challenge!" Raven still recalled his conversation with his aunt and sister yesterday and felt a glimmer of hope. "But as Aunt said earlier, a prince needs the support of two Dukes, four Margraves, and seven Counts to participate in the Royal Crown Challenge. From the looks of it, it seems no one knew about my existence. Even if I prove to everyone that I''m the 66th prince with this silver bracelet, there is no way a Noble would support me." He also knew the Royal Family had over sixty princes and princesses and felt hopeless. ''Not even a rural baron would come forward to help me in my current situation.'' [Don¡¯t think negatively. To gain support from the nobles, you must become one of them. You have a big advantage over all the other princes. While the Emperor and the Prime Minister think you have been assassinated successfully, use this opportunity to create a new identity and grow your strength in the shadows.] Zera''s words made his resolution firmer. "Then, I need a new identity first." He muttered and soon added. "And I also need an ally at this moment." He opened the inventory and took out a strange velvet color gemstone. [Don''t tell me-? Are you going to call for that woman? She is way too suspicious. From the information on her status, she belongs to a shady organization called Velvet Circlet, which seems dangerous, too.] Raven also knew this thanks to the Monocle artifact, but he didn''t have a choice now. "I''m already feeling dizzy, Zera. I don''t know when I''ll lose consciousness again. I should seek help from her rather than getting starved to death here." Without hesitation, he clenched the orb-like gem and crushed it. [You are indeed correct. But before you lose consciousness, take out that silver bracelet on your left hand and store it in your inventory.] Zera spoke. "This strange bracelet? But it never came out of my hand whenever I tried pulling it out." Raven slowly raised his left hand and noticed it wasn''t attached to his skin like before, but it appeared removable now. [When you were assassinated, the link between this artifact and you also got severed. That''s why you can remove it so quickly. This artifact has a strange link with your blood and even has a tracking rune spell inscribed. So, we better hide this bracelet until you get strong enough to protect yourself.] "Gavin also said something similar when my aunt asked him how he found them." Raven realized they had been constantly under the Emperor''s watch. [Unless you infuse your blood into it, it won''t activate again. Still, keeping this thing inside your inventory is the best choice to evade unwanted attention.] Zera spoke. Raven nodded as he removed the bracelet and stored it in his inventory. After that, he took out a notebook and pen and started writing something on the paper. Then, he stored the quill pen and kept the opened notebook on his chest. As seconds passed, a strange fatigue assaulted his body, causing him to go into an unconscious state again. ¡­ A few minutes went by, A blonde-haired woman in her late twenties suddenly arrived near the Eldertwine Tree and looked around in confusion. She wore a striking black combat dress that accentuated her slender figure. The sleeves were long, ending in fitted cuffs adorned with tiny buttons, and were designed to allow for flexibility in combat. The skirt was slightly shorter than typical Rune Era dresses, reaching just below the knees to ensure freedom of movement. Completing her ensemble were sturdy leather boots that reached mid-calf, providing both style and practicality for traversing varied terrain. "Did I come to the wrong location?" She muttered to herself and quietly touched her watch in her left hand. Soon, the watch emitted a bluish light and showed a holographic screen. Then, a voice came from the watch while a detailed 3-dimensional image of the tree and its interior was shown in the holograph. "There is a presence underneath that giant tree, my beautiful Eli." As the voice spoke, Elizabeth moved towards the tree''s trunk and jumped to the other side. Soon, she saw a well-hidden cavern-like structure concealed by tree branches and moved closer towards it. Then, she removed the tree branches and moved inside the small cavern. Thanks to the blue light emitted by the holographic image, she instantly noticed a small boy lying inside and rushed forward. "It¡¯s Raven! But how did he end up in this state?" She asked in a confused tone. A strange illusionary mouse suddenly appeared on her shoulder and spoke. "I sense a strange probing power coming from his closed eyes. Is it an Arcane Fragment?" the mouse asked. "Impossible! Arcane Fragments are scarce, even on the mainland. Also, don''t dare to do anything funny, Whis. He is my student." Elizabeth glared at the illusionary rat and soon checked his pulse and breath. "He has a high fever and also an irregular heartbeat." While checking, she noticed the notebook and looked at it. "By the time you appear here, I might not be conscious, Teacher. But please hide my identity when bringing me back to the town at all costs. And don''t look for my aunt or sister. They aren''t in the town anymore." Although the words were short, Elizabeth vaguely sensed that something big must have happened to his family. "I should investigate what happened to his sister and aunt later." She nodded inwardly and took him with her both hands. Soon, she left the small cavern and started moving toward Darkcross town. Chapter 46: Identity Chapter 46: Identity When Raven woke up from being unconscious, he was lying in a comfortable bed. But unlike the one he used to sleep in, this one appeared a bit more luxurious and larger. Raven slowly glanced around and noticed the room was decorated with luxurious curtains, mats, costly lamps, and a chandelier attached to the ceiling. "Am I in a Noble mansion house?" He couldn''t help but ask. "You are not. Anyway, how did you end up in that situation?" A familiar voice came from the left side, causing his face to stiffen. He slowly turned towards his left and noticed Elizabeth was sitting on the table chair and was looking in his direction curiously. Noticing his silence, Elizabeth let out a deep sigh and added. "I also noticed that your aunt and sister disappeared without a trace. But what surprised me was that even Baron Alexander kept quiet about this matter. He didn''t even issue any search warrant and seems to have already known about your family origin." She pondered for a moment and soon shook her head. "Well, I don''t want to pry into your matters. But it would be best if you realize that you can''t do everything alone, Raven. Although I don''t know what happened within your family, there seem to be assassins after your head. So, what are you going to do now?" ''She indeed tried to find information about me. But I understand why she couldn''t find any information about us.'' Raven remained silent for a while and soon spoke. "I need a completely new identity, Teacher. To save my aunt and sister, I must hide my identity and slowly strengthen myself without my family finding out." ''It seems he never intended to reveal his true identity. Hmm, hiding his identity and slowly accumulating strength using a fake one? This kid has such strong determination at such a young age.'' But she knew that simply getting stronger wouldn''t solve anything in Raven''s situation. "So, your final goal is to obtain a Noble title?" She asked. "Somewhat similar, Teacher," Raven responded vaguely, causing Elizabeth to furrow her brows. "Your request is much more complicated than I thought. But it''s not impossible." She deliberated for a moment and added. "As long as you become a soldier of a noble lord, it''s not an impossible goal. If you go by normal means, you must work as a normal soldier for over a decade or two to gain that noble''s recognition and the ''Knight'' title. After that, you need a great reputation, battle achievements, and lots of money to advance in the hierarchy. Even with all this, the best you can get is the non-hereditary noble title with a 0% chance of passing your title to your descendants. Worst of all, you only receive some medals in the name of honor and achievement and won''t even receive any territory to manage." Her words made Raven to face the reality. "And there are already more than hundreds of non-hereditary nobles in the Empire itself. Even if you achieve such a title, I don''t think you will get any true support from the real nobles." "Is there no other way, Teacher?" Raven asked, recalling her mentioning this as the only normal way. "There are two. First is to enter politics and compete for the Empire''s Parliament Membership. Every fifty years, a parliament election will be held to elect a new prime minister. Although he is nothing more than a puppet observer of the Mage Council, his position in the Empire is second only to the Emperor. Becoming a prime Minister is impossible, so you should try becoming one of the seventy Parliament Members. As long as you become one, you can indeed get the status of equal to a noble for the next fifty years. And there are around 22 years left for the next election. If you utilize this chance and increase your popularity among the masses, you can indeed achieve your goal." Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. "22 Years? I can''t wait that long." Raven instantly shook his head. His priority was to save his aunt before she was transported to the Empire''s Iron Prison. "Hmm, there is indeed another way to rise in your rank shortly and even attract the attention of the Emperor himself. Well, that will only be possible if this plan becomes successful." Her words instantly piqued his interest. "Can you tell me in detail, Teacher?" Raven asked as he tried to sit up and listen. Meanwhile, Elizabeth nodded and asked a question. "Have you ever heard of Pioneer Knight?" Raven''s eyes widened. Of course, he had studied about the Pioneer Knights during his second semester in the Knight Training Academy. "They are the bold, noble adventures who gathered mercenaries and personal combatants to clear the unexplored regions by exterminating monsters and magical beasts and establishing a new land under their name. Whitbard Family Founder also established this land as a Pioneer Knight with the help of his family and friends and soon became a hereditary noble by swearing his loyalty to the Emperor." "Correct. But becoming a Pioneer Knight isn''t easy. To even get the Empire''s recognition to become a Pioneer Knight, you must be born from a noble lineage. That''s why hundreds of youngsters from Noble and fallen Noble lineages move towards the border region frequently and dream of establishing a small territory. But none succeeded. Either those youngsters got themselves killed by powerful magical beasts when exploring or gave up on their goals after facing the harsh reality. Rarely did some succeed in establishing small land, but the nearby nobles also swallowed some of their lands, resulting in failures. It always comes with high risk. So, what do you think of this idea?" Elizabeth asked. [This idea is indeed good, lad. If you stay at the border, you''ll also be able to encounter different magical beasts and rank up yourself pretty quickly.] Zera agreed to Elizabeth''s suggestion. "Then, can you please arrange a suitable identity for me, Teacher?" Raven asked. Elizabeth spoke while talking out a badge with a painting of a cockscomb flower from her space ring. "If you plan on staying in Baron Alexander''s territory, your real identity might be exposed sooner. It would be best for you to leave the city tonight. As for the new identity¡­ I''m not an expert in that field, but I have an acquaintance who has some connection with the Empire Statistic Office." She then flipped the badge towards the other side and continued. "Go to Count Spade''s territory and start from there. As for your new identity, enter Giaris City and look for a man named Franco in Red Apple Inn. Once you find him, show him this badge and tell him that I''m the one who sent you there. Although greedy, he is not a person who would stab you in the back." Raven nodded his head as he managed to sit up steadily and thanked her. "Thanks for this help, Teacher. I''ll return this favor one day!" He said from the bottom of his heart. "We''ll see about that," Elizabeth said as she stood up from the chair, walked closer to him, and gave him the badge. "Take rest until evening. Once dusk appears, I''ll stealthily take you out of the town and leave you on the town''s outskirts. From then onwards, you must try your best to keep your identity hidden and act more cautiously. Got it?" Elizabeth asked in a solemn tone. In truth, she was taking a huge gamble while betting everything on Raven. ''But this kid is the smartest of all his classmates. He also seems to have found a pathway for himself. I''m sure he will become a powerful Walker and help me in many ways!'' While thinking about the future, Elizabeth quietly turned around and walked out of the luxurious bedroom. Once the door was completely shut down, Raven breathed out a sigh of relief and asked in his mind. ''Zera, can you tell me more about the system''s functions?'' His question startled Zera. [Don''t you know already? I have long told you about all the functions, though.] Zera said in a clueless tone. ''I''m talking about that strange feather that allowed me to revive from death. I never knew there was such a trump card.'' Raven said in a serious tone. [Oh? That was one of the one-time-useable skill slots. When the system awakened me, I found that most of the backup functions were destroyed during the reincarnation process, leaving only a few things like ''One-time useable skills.'' To make your life a bit easier, I used the ''Eldrich Analysis'' and ''Wisdom Link'' skill slots. In the Mirage Woods, I felt slightly uneasy about you going deeper into the woods and used the ''Rebirth'' Skill slot as a backup. The remaining four more ''One-Time useable skill slots'' are: Erase Existence, Destiny Change, Nightmare Loop, and Meteorite Descend. But don''t use them unless it is necessary.] Zera warned him. Raven remained in the same position for a while and closed his eyes. He could tell that each spell was exceptional on its own. ''But I don''t think they will help me save my aunt in any situation, though.'' He looked grim. After a long time, Raven finally spoke. ''Zera, I have a plan. But I think it will be a bit dangerous. Also, is there a way to obtain any bloodline spell that could allow me to shapeshift?'' Chapter 47: Spells Chapter 47: Spells [Hmm, shapeshifting-type bloodline spells, huh? Many demons and other species have shapeshifting-type bloodline spells, such as Vampires, Doppelgangers, Blood Imps, Syrenies, Dragons, Faries, Succubus, High Humans, etc. Still, these races are something you only read in books. Even if you find them, you can''t defeat them with your strength and extract their bloodline.] Zera paused for a second and soon added. [But why are you looking elsewhere when you have the best option nearby? Humans are the descendants of the ''High Humans.'' You can kill a few and absorb their bloodline essences.] "No." Raven disagreed with her suggestion and shook his head. "I won''t kill a human for no reason." [I''m not asking you to go and butcher all the humans you see, lad. Also, not every human has the purity of a High-Human bloodline. First, search for any criminals involved in shady activities and assassinations. Then, hunt them down and try the ''Bloodline Extraction'' skill on them. Who knows? You might get the bloodline skill you want sooner, too.] Her words made Raven''s eyes lit up. [But be warned, lad. Although I don''t know much about how this bloodline devouring system works, I''m sure there is a limit to it. So, you must choose your next spells carefully. If you end up with average spells, your overall strength will diminish considerably.] "I have to choose the best bloodline spells, huh? What about the current ones? Are they good enough?" Raven asked. [Fortuitous Finder and Iron Resilience are amazing spells. But the poison touch is barely enough to be considered above average. As for the shapeshifting spell, it differs from one race to another. If you manage to get ''The Dragon Bloodline spell called ''Polymorph,'' you can transform yourself into a dragon, titan, or even some other mythical creature in the future. When you polymorph into those mythical creatures, you will also be able to use their true strength.] [On the other hand, the ''High Human''s shapeshifting skill'' will only allow you to shapeshift into humanoid-type monsters and won¡¯t have the strength of the shapeshifting creature. But with that spell, you can hide your real strength.] Zera''s words made him ponder deeply. "But where do I even find a dragon? Although there are records of them appearing during the Battle of Heath, they all seem to have vanished afterward." Raven responded. [It seems we have no choice then. So, what about the other spells?] Zera asked. "I never thought much about them." Raven shook his head and asked for her help. "Can you give me some suggestions?" [Hmm, yes. Although Warlock is a powerful class, it also has its limitations. In truth, a normal Warlock can''t change his bloodline pathway once he chooses a particular one. But no shackles restrict your body. The first thing you need is a bloodline spell with a long-range attack. Look for a Three-Eyed Titan''s ''Eye of Destruction'' spell. From what I''ve heard from my owner, this spell could even obliterate a person who is one rank above the user. Surprisingly, I also see a similar giant monster''s description in one of the monster''s information books.] As Raven heard Zera''s words, his eyes also widened. "Yes, I also read it in Fourth Year''s Empire''s History book. I think they appeared in a large-scale wave 80 years ago and caused the fall of the Southern Wild Fortress. If not for the Wizards from the Crows'' Misery arriving on time, the Meadows Family would have been annihilated," he said as he recalled the content of the book he read a year ago. [It''s settled then. Then, your next spell should be related to your memory. Although you managed to obtain the ''Instant Memory'' skill through experience, it''s not a real bloodline spell. So, our next priority should be getting on the bloodline spell related to the Instant Memory spell.] If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ''I also heard Teacher Elizabeth mention a name called ''Eidetic Memory'' when I showed off my memorizing skills ten years ago.'' [Heh, you still remember that incident, huh? Yes, you must find a unique goblin called ''Dawn Goblin'' and extract their bloodline essences to get this skill.] "Another Goblin Skill?" Raven asked in surprise. To him, goblins were nothing more than weak monsters with no powerful abilities to battle. [Don''t think of Goblins as weak beings, lad. The ones roaming in the woods are impure and have very minute bloodline essences in their body. The real ones are far stronger and more intelligent than humans and many other creatures.] Raven nodded his head and asked further. "Does that mean ''Past Finder'' skill is also a Goblin''s bloodline spell?" [Correct. Although I don''t know why, my owner firmly told me to make you get that skill at all costs. So, you also have to get this bloodline spell from the Night Goblin. But as far as I know, they only appear in Nightmare World and are rare to see anywhere else.] "Is this spell special? I don''t think anything special, though." He couldn''t help but frown. [Well, it is impressive on its own. So, don''t be disappointed. Anyway, the next spell should be an agility or movement-related one. I''m planning on letting you awaken the bloodline power hidden in your body.] "The bloodline power hidden in my body?" Raven muttered to himself and recalled seeing question marks in his racial status years ago. But after Zera removed that racial option from the status screen, he had completely forgotten about it. "Does this have something to do with my royal family lineage?" He asked. [Yes. From what I''ve gathered so far, the guardian of this Royal Family seems to be a Twin-Headed Serpent. All Royal Family members have the blood of the Twin-Headed Serpent running through their veins, and some people, like Seventh Prince and Twelfth Princess, have inherited a teleportation-type bloodline spell. I can use the ''Bloodline Extraction'' ability on your body to extract this spell, but it isn''t a good idea. In the worst-case scenario, this ability might extract all the blood in your body and end up killing you. So, you should find a Magical Beast that shares the bloodline of the Twin-Headed Serpent and complete the task.] Zera paused for a moment and added. [Or you can awaken your bloodline spell naturally by consuming a potion.] "Bloodline Strengthening Potion, huh? It can indeed enchant my dormant bloodline essence and help me awaken one or two bloodline spells. But concocting even a Beginner rank potion is almost impossible. To create a bloodline-strengthening potion, I need lots of materials and even a unique water called ''Life Resin'' from the ''Tree of Life.''" Raven recalled the book he had read about the bloodline-strengthening potion two years ago and furrowed. At the same time, he also recalled all the information about the Two-Head-type snake monsters and spoke. "There are seventeen snake species with two heads in the Empire. Only two can blend in the shadows and move to another location in an instant. We should find more information on them and check them out later." [Good. For now, you should find a way to obtain these Bloodline Spells and become stronger. At the same time, you should focus on strengthening your soul by creating the Elemental Circlet technique.] Raven nodded at Zera''s words and quietly lay on the bed. "Before all this, I should focus on creating a new identity and settling down," he said solemnly and waited for the sun to go down. It was around 8 P.M. Elizabeth entered the bedroom and covered herself in a hooded robe. "It''s time to leave, Raven. Also, cover yourself." Saying so, she took out a black-hooded robe from her space ring and tossed it to him. Meanwhile, Raven caught the robe and wore it over his uniform. Although he could''ve changed his dress into a completely new dress, he didn''t want Elizabeth to think he also held a spatial artifact. ''My body stinks a lot.'' He desperately wanted to take a shower but, out of strange shyness, didn''t want to ask his teacher. [Haa, what am I going to do with this introvert?] A deep sigh echoed inside his head. "Do you have money? How are you going to survive alone?" As Raven wore the robe, Elizabeth asked out of concern. Meanwhile, Raven put his right hand into his pocket, took two gold coins and a few silvers from the inventory, and showed them to her. "My aunt always allowed me to keep some money with me, Teacher." "Only two gold coins, huh? It''s better than nothing. As long as you sell or take a loan from Oculus Bank using the boots I gave you, you might be able to settle down with a completely new identity sooner." Elizabeth said as she started walking out of the bedroom. Raven also closely followed her behind and soon entered the main hall. Although it looked ordinary, he noticed that the sofas, chairs, and even the lamps installed on the walls seemed to be of high quality. He also saw a strange rectangular black glass attached to the wall and felt it looked otherworldly. [Don''t think of this room as normal, lad. There is an artificial spirit monitoring your every action from that black glass] As Zera was speaking, Elizabeth quietly brought Raven out of the house and moved close to the four-wheeled brougham carriage parked at the entrance. Chapter 48: Giaris City Chapter 48: Giaris City "Get in," Elizabeth spoke as she opened the carriage door. Meanwhile, Raven nodded quietly and stepped into the carriage. As soon as he sat down on the leather seat, Elizabeth raised her hand and muttered. "Shadow Conceal." Once she spoke, Raven''s shadow twisted and covered his entire body creepily. "Don''t freak out. You won''t be able to see anything for the next two hours. The same goes for anyone who tries to check inside the carriage." Raven tried to open his mouth but soon found himself enveloped in complete darkness. What shocked him was that even he couldn''t hear his voice! He thought of using the ''Iron Resilience'' spell, but Zera stopped him. [Stay still. If you activate your bloodline ability, this ''Shadow Conceal'' spell will disperse on its own.] ''Okay!'' Raven nodded and closed his eyes. On the other hand, Elizabeth drove the carriage to the Eastern gate and soon exited the town after showing her identity. However, the patrol officers double-checked the carriage but found nothing inside. The carriage quietly traveled through the agricultural lands for more than an hour and soon stopped in the middle of a vast plain. At that moment, the ''Shadow Conceal'' spell effect also wore down, allowing Raven to see outside finally. Even though it was completely dark outside, Raven, thanks to his'' Night Vision'' skill, was able to see the vast plain on the sides and even the faraway mountain range. But what surprised him was that he also saw a railway track near the carriage. While he was in deep thought, Elizabeth opened the carriage door and spoke. "The last cargo train to Giaris City will arrive in 30 minutes. Sneak onto the train and reach there safely. This is all I can do now, Raven." "Yes, Teacher." Raven stepped down from the carriage and bowed his head. "I''ll not forget this help. I''ll repay it one day." He said in a solemn tone. A smile appeared on Elizabeth''s face. She quietly touched his head and patted him. "Don''t try to act tough, kiddo. Make some good allies and rely on them during the difficult times. Not everyone in this world is bad people." "At the same time, don''t trust your allies blindly, including me. People change over time, so watch out for the backstabbers." Saying so, she moved towards the driver''s seat, hopped on it, and whipped the horses to turn the carriage. After giving him one last look, she whipped the horses again and drove the carriage towards the direction of Darkcross Town. Meanwhile, Raven looked at the slowly disappearing carriage and let out a deep sigh. Although his strength had recovered, he still felt a little difficulty breathing. [What is your next plan, lad?] Zera asked. "I''ll think about it after reaching Giaris City," he said, gazing at the northern sky. For the next few minutes, he remained in the same spot and patiently waited for the cargo train to come. Precisely thirty minutes later, a loud noise came from the southern direction, and soon, an orb of light started approaching closer. The train approached with a steady rumble, its engine belching smoke and steam into the night air. Raven stood by the tracks, his heart raced. At the same time, he noticed that the train was slowed down due to the turn ahead. As the train passed by, he glanced around, making sure no one was nearby to witness his clandestine boarding. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Then, he took a deep breath and started running alongside the train. Thanks to his upgraded agility, his movement became three times faster than that of an average mortal. Even still, he barely managed to match the speed of the train. With a quick, agile leap, Raven boarded the train, finding a concealed spot between two cargo containers. The rhythmic chugging of the engine reverberated through the metal beneath him as the train began to pick up speed once more. ¡­ 28th August, Rune Era, Year 1420. Azmar Railway Station, Southern Borough, Giaris City, Spade County. Giaris City, with a population of 1 million, was one of the largest cities in the Southeastern region. It was also the capital of Spade County, which was under the governance of Count Andres Spade. Around 6. A.M, A cargo train came from the Territory of Whitbard, entered through the southern gate, and quietly arrived at the Azmar Railway Station. A slim figure suddenly jumped from the gondola that was attached to the end of the train and quietly looked around. Although he saw some steam locomotives, tenders, boxcars, and even trains with gondolas, no human appeared in his sight. ''I should leave the railway station quietly and look for a place to stay.'' Raven removed the black hooded robe and revealed his handsome face. Due to the snow cascading down the sky, his face looked pale white. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve seen snow!¡± His gaze wandered to the snow on the train containers, tracks, and everywhere else. ¡°Haa, I should change my clothes first.¡± He hurriedly removed his school uniform and wore a formal white shirt, black waistcoat, black pants, and a jacket of the same color. After that, he took out a top hat and bowtie from the inventory and wore them. In a matter of minutes, he completely looked like a teenage boy from a privileged family. If he were to wear poor attire, he would either be looked down on by the common masses or even suspected of being a boy from the slum region. ''And as far as I heard from my sisters, patrol officers mostly target people from poor backgrounds. Thanks to the Viper Syndicate members becoming active all over the Empire, security becomes strict in all major cities. I must avoid encountering any police.'' Although he managed to enter the city without going through any inspection, he must be wary of the patrol officers. He first looked at the surroundings and noticed tall buildings with chimneys appeared on the eastern side. Far north seemed to be covered in smoke, while the west side sky looked clear. After a swift scan, Raven chose the east direction and walked alongside the railway track. Before long, he came across a two-meter-tall wall separating the Railway station region from the city and quietly jumped across it. ¡­ Tudor Terrace, Goldencrest Borough. A few minutes later, a young teenage boy stood on the roadside and thoughtfully looked at the opposite three-story building. Horse-ridden carriages passed constantly while hundreds of people moved here and there. Raven adjusted his hat and straightened his posture, blending into the flow of pedestrians. The building across the street seemed to be an inn, its wooden sign swinging gently in the morning breeze. Raven thought it might be an excellent place to gather information and possibly find temporary lodging. He took a deep breath and began to cross the bustling street. As he reached the other side, Raven''s eyes scanned the area for any signs of danger or patrol officers. The streets were crowded with merchants setting up their stalls, workers heading to their jobs, and citizens going about their daily routines. It seemed like just another busy morning in Giaris City. Approaching the inn, Raven pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside. The interior was dimly lit by flickering oil lamps, casting long shadows across the worn wooden floor. A few customers sat at tables scattered around the room, their voices murmuring in hushed tones. Raven made his way to the front desk, where a middle-aged man with a tired expression stood behind the counter. Raven cleared his throat before speaking. "Excuse me, sir. Do you have any rooms available for rent?" The innkeeper glanced up from his ledger, eyeing Raven with mild curiosity. "Aye, we''ve got a few rooms left. How many nights will you be staying?" Raven hesitated for a moment and spoke. "Just for two nights, if that''s all right." The innkeeper nodded, scribbling something down in his ledger: "That''ll be ten silver coins for two nights. Payment is upfront." Raven reached into his pocket and took out ten silver coins from his inventory. He then slid them across the counter. The innkeeper took the coins and handed Raven a tarnished brass key in return. "Room six, up the stairs and to the left. Enjoy your stay." "Thank you," Raven replied with a polite nod, tucking the key into his pocket. He turned and headed for the staircase, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. As he ascended the stairs, Raven found himself on a narrow landing lined with doors. He located room six and inserted the key into the lock, turning it with a soft click. Pushing open the door, he stepped inside and closed it behind him. The room was small and sparsely furnished, but it was clean and quiet. A narrow bed covered with a threadbare blanket occupied one corner. A small table and chair sat against the opposite wall, and a dusty window looked out onto the bustling street below. He also saw a bundle of newspapers placed on the table and thought of checking it out later. "I should wash up first." Raven said as he looked at the attached bathroom in the left corner of the room and breathed out a sigh of relief. He then removed the formal clothes, took out a white towel from the inventory, and walked half-naked toward the bathroom. Soon, he entered the bathroom and took a bath in the cold water. A few minutes later, he walked out of the bath with a trembling body and hurriedly put on casual clothes. Then, he also put on a sweater, moved towards the bed, and lay on it. Raven breathed out a sigh, feeling a sense of exhaustion wash over him. It had been a long journey, both physically and emotionally, and he was grateful for the chance to rest. He slowly closed his eyes as sleep claimed him. ¡­ Chapter 49: Rune Language Chapter 49: Rune Language By the time Raven woke up, it was already evening. He slowly sat up from the bed and freshened up. After that, he slowly turned his attention towards the newspapers that were placed on the wooden table. ¡°Oh? It¡¯s seems today¡¯s newspaper.¡± Although he had seen his sister and aunt reading newspapers every day, he never really paid much attention to the news of the Empire. ¡®I want to see if there is any news about my sister or aunt.¡¯ He hurriedly picked up the newspaper and started reading. ¡°Legacy News¡­¡± ¡°Breaking! "Scientific Breakthrough: Researchers Discovered New Element called ¡®God¡¯s Eye,¡¯ claiming that this could unveil the secrets of the world itself¡­" "Alchemist Johnathan''s Legendary ''Elixir of Insight'' will be Auctioned at Royal Capital on December 23rd. Nobles from all over the Empire and even outside the Empire are coming to participate in the auction¡­ What effect does this elixir have? Johnathan is claiming that it could allow even the Legendary Walkers to experience enlightenment and even rank up further!..." "Cyclops Spotted Near Southern Wild Fortress Raises Concerns for Meadows Family! Mercenaries are storming towards the south¡­" "Empire''s Western Serpent Army Recaptures Western Fortress! Two thousand four hundred fifty soldiers died, and 9,000 were injured during the recapture mission! Soldiers¡¯ families grieve over the loss of their family members and demand compensation from the Empire¡­" ¡°Shocking! Investigation Reveals Clues of Poisoning in Crown Prince''s Assassination! Was there a traitor? Who could it be? Mysteries of his death deepens..." ¡°The Chief Judge Requests the Emperor reform the Imperial Law Book! He analyzed all seven hundred and seventy articles with the other twelve Supreme Judges and announced that old laws need to be reformed! Will this reformation further reduce the Emperor''s power? Or Empower the Royal Authority?" ¡°The missing of the Young Fallen Noble! Holmes Family''s last member has been missing from his house for the past six months and casts a shadow on Noble Lineage! Kidnapped? Or died in some accident?... The Council of Spade Nobles will decide what to do with his household properties during the next meeting!¡± [Oh? Is it a coincidence? Or some fate? Lad, try to look into this matter.] Zera¡¯s words caused Raven to furrow his brows in suspicion. ¡®Do you know this family?¡¯ Raven asked. [This ¡®Holmes¡¯ Family has some deep connection with my ¡®Creator.¡¯ I told you long ago that because of his arrogance and overconfidence, my owner got turned into a crown, right? The one who made him into such a state was a powerful Family called ¡®Holmes.¡¯ From then onwards, my creator¡¯s name itself changed to ¡®Holem¡¯s Crown.¡¯ Although this family is only related by name, I have got a strange feeling that it might help you in some way.] ¡®Hmm, okay.¡¯ Raven didn¡¯t give it much thought and focused on reading the next piece of news. ¡°Sword Princess Reappears, Rumored Engagement to Vega Empire''s Duke Household! Will this marriage deepen the political ties between Vega and Zenith?...¡± ¡®Finally!¡¯ Raven¡¯s eyes widened as he read the news. Although the title only mentioned ¡®Sword Princess,¡¯ Raven soon realized it was his elder sister. ¡®But a marriage, huh? Didn¡¯t she tell me she likes someone? Hmm, it looks like that ¡®Father¡¯ of mine is planning to use her as a political tool.¡¯ He sighed in worry and continued to read. "Crows Misery Wizard Academy Entrance Exam Announcement Date Revealed! On January 3rd, the Year 1421, The professors of Crows Misery will conduct a series of tests to select 100 genius students to walk on the path of Wizardry! Dean of Crows Misery even made a special announcement saying that he would reward the top three students!...¡± ¡°Rumors of the selection of the next generation ¡®Seven Serpents¡¯ and ¡®Five Sages¡¯ seem to have been discussed during the parliament meeting two days ago! Is this the start of the new age of Walkers?¡± The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. As Raven read the news one by one, his brows furrowed. ¡°There is a mention of my sister¡¯s return but no news about my Aunt¡­ Is the royal family trying to hide this incident?¡± In truth, this was not even a big deal for the most powerful family in the Empire. ¡®But what if that man named ¡®Gavin¡¯ said became true? What if they put the blame on my aunt and sent her to black prison for lifetime imprisonment?¡¯ With his current condition, he would need decades or even a century to rise to the position of an Emperor! No, he might not even become a candidate to become an Emperor with his current condition! ¡®By the time I achieve it, everything will be naught for sure.¡¯ His mind went chaotic for a moment. ¡®I need to do something. But what can I do with my current strength?¡¯ He suddenly thought of the extra four single spell slots and fell into deep thoughts. After a few minutes of silence, an absurd idea popped up in his mind. ¡®Zera, can this ¡®Erase Existence¡¯ spell kill ¡®Prime Minister Gavin¡¯?¡¯ [Just two days ago, someone said he would not kill someone selfishly but was already planning on killing one of the most powerful men in the Empire. What are you thinking, kid?] ¡®I¡¯m not against killing. I just don¡¯t want to kill people unnecessarily. And I don¡¯t care about anything as long as I can be reunited with aunt and sister.¡¯ [I don¡¯t know what you are planning but don¡¯t get yourself killed like the last time. Unlike before, I can¡¯t revive you next time¡­. Anyway, that spell has the power even to kill a ¡®Demigod¡¯ Rank being, lad. But to activate this spell on a person, you need to touch ¡®him¡¯ personally. Even if you manage to kill him, you must remember that there will be many people there to protect him.] Upon hearing Zera¡¯s words, Raven recalled the man who decapitated him. ¡®He seems to be hanging around with him like an assassin and protecting him from the shadows. So unless I play some tricks, it¡¯s almost impossible to achieve it. But even if I kill him, it might backfire on me. In the worst case, I¡¯ll end up becoming a criminal.¡¯ ¡®Haa, I should increase my strength steadily and think of what to do slowly.¡¯ He put the newspapers back and closed his eyes. A second later, his consciousness entered the ¡®Memory Library,¡¯ and soon he reappeared on the first floor. ¡°Zera, I want to start creating the Elemental Circlet Technique and become a fully-fledged Warlock sooner.¡± He spoke. [Hmm, it¡¯s time to start. But before you create the Elemental Circlet Technique, you should memorize the Basic Rune Language book.] Zera suddenly appeared beside him and waved her hand. A moment later, a black-covered book appeared out of thin air and slowly hovered before him. ¡°Rune Language? What is this? Is this some new language?¡± Raven asked curiously. [It¡¯s a language created by ancient High Humans to let everyone understand the secrets of elements. As time progressed, the language evolved and became more refined. When the High Humans disappeared, humans started to rely more on this language and found the ¡®Wizard Pathway¡¯ to fight against foreign enemies. So, learning this language is a must for every Wizard.] ¡°But I¡¯m a Warlock, though?¡± Raven tilted his head in confusion. [Even Warlock has to rely on the techniques created by the Wizards, lad. In truth, Warlocks were far more weaker than Wizards in the beginning. Do you know why? Unlike the Magical Beasts, Warlocks can¡¯t form ¡®Magic Elemental Crystals¡¯ in their heart. The magical beasts can cast their bloodline spells with the shortest cooldown time, but Warlocks needed more than a week even to cast a Rank-1 bloodline spell. As the rank improved, they took months, even years, to gather enough elemental energies from the environment and store them in their spell models. But even with this, they can only cast this spell once!] ¡®So, they decided to rely on Wizard¡¯s Elemental Circlet technique, huh?¡¯ Raven nodded in understanding. [Yes. That¡¯s why Wizards and Warlocks need to learn Rune Language.] Zera said solemnly. Meanwhile, Raven nodded and grabbed the black-covered book before opening it. He then started reading the basic words and even used a rough notebook to practice his writing skills. ¡®The Rune Language has 2,163,050 characters and is further divided into Soul, Body, Spell, and Weapon. Soul has 1200 characters, Body has 1800 characters, Spells has 2,160,000 characters, and Weapon has 50 characters.
  1. Soul Runes:
- Soul characters represent pure vowel sounds in the Rune language. - There are 1200 Soul characters in the Rune script, each corresponding to a specific vowel sound. - These characters are standalone and do not combine with consonant sounds.
  1. Body Runes:
- Body characters represent consonant sounds in the Rune language. - There are 1800 Body characters in the Rune script, each corresponding to a specific consonant sound. - Body characters can stand alone or combine with Soul characters to form syllables.
  1. Spell Runes:
- Spell characters represent compound sounds formed by combining a Soul character with a Body character. - There are a total of 2,160,000 (1200 Soul ¡Á 1800 Body) possible combinations in the Rune script. - These characters represent syllabic sounds in the Rune language, where the vowel sound modifies the consonant sound. - Examples of Spell characters include ik + a = ka, ich + ¨¡ =s¨¡, i? +e = ?i, and so on.
  1. Weapon Runes:
- Weapon characters represent specialized symbols used in the Rune language to denote concepts related to weaponry, combat, and magical implements. - There are 50 Weapon characters in the Rune script, each representing a specific aspect of weaponry or combat. - These characters are often used in conjunction with Spell characters to convey magical incantations, enchantments, or instructions related to martial techniques. - Examples of Weapon characters include symbols representing swords, shields, bows, arrows, and magical artifacts.¡¯ Chapter 50: Information Chapter 50: Information ''Hmm, it will take me at least ten days to memorize the characters themselves. After that, I need to learn the meaning behind each character and put them into practicals.'' Raven spent his time reading the basic Rune Language book for two more hours and then left the memory library. Then, he looked outside and noticed it was already dark outside. ''I should go out and gather some information on the Holem Family first,'' he said. But before going out, he decided to check something. First, he took out the monocle from his inventory and wore it. Then, he took out the pair of shoes he got as a reward from Elizabeth and inspected them. ¡­ [Name: Shadow Boots Rank: Uncommon Item Statistics: Movement Speed: Boost twice the amount of normal speed when activated (Works only up to Rank-2) Special Effect: It has a Rank-1 Spell called ''Shadow Stealth'' engraved on it. Upon activation, the user can erase his presence for five minutes. [Additional effect: This spell is 200% effective at night and will make the user almost invisible.] Cooldown: 1hr.] ¡­ "Amazing! No wonder these boots cost more than 10,000 gold coins." If he were in Elizabeth''s position, he would''ve never given away such treasure to a random stranger. ''I''ll repay her one day!" He muttered to himself and soon furrowed. ''But how to activate this artifact?'' [First, find the array circle engraved on these two shoes. Then, inject a bit of your spirit power into the array circle and make a soul imprint. Only then can you form a connection with this artifact.] Zera spoke in his mind. Raven listened to her words attentively and checked the shoes using his spiritual scan. Soon, he found strange circular patterns drawn below the shoes. He focused his attention on one circular pattern and realized it was a circle engraved with countless rune characters. At the center of the circle, he also saw a strange black hexagonal structure and thought that it might be the replica of the spell model! He slowly injected his spirit power towards the array circle and noticed it started to flicker in bright light. Simultaneously, a strange link appeared between his mind and the shoe in his left hand. He also did the same to the other shoe and imprinted his soul power into it. After that, he wore them comfortably, changed into a formal outfit, and left his room. He then went downstairs, arrived at the Inn counter, and made an order for dinner. After that, he moved towards the table at the left corner and sat down quietly. As the ordered items arrived, he started having dinner while eavesdropping on the other customers'' conversations. He also asked two people about the Holmes Family and managed to get some information about them. ''First, the Holmes Family managed Azmar Town until 20 years ago. Although the Holmes Family had long declined from a powerful noble family to the lowest Knight rank, their influence in the town was pretty high. But during the monster goblin invasion, almost all of the Holmes Family members were annihilated, leaving only a single boy named Walter alone. Although Walter Holmes survived, thanks to his admission to the Spade Knights Academy, he later quit the academy and married an orphan girl. They then gave offspring to a boy named ''Thomas.'' Even though the noble family became a fallen one due to the loss of Azmar town, the small family lived a comfortable and normal life for the past two decades thanks to the earnings from Wine Factory and a few other small business shops in Giaris City. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. But another misfortune stuck the family two years ago. When Walter Holmes and his wife, Dorothy Holmes, went to visit the Capital City, their train compartment caught fire due to a gas leak, and both got killed in the accident. This incident was a great shock to Thomas. Due to the loss of his parents, he stopped going to school and became addicted to drugs and alcohol to forget the loss of his family members. From then onwards, he lived a secluded life.'' [But no one seems to care about his disappearance.] ''We need more information. If we go to his house, we might find some clues,'' Raven said and slowly moved towards the counter. ''How should I pay for the information? Will two silvers okay?'' [Na?ve. If you pay him only two silvers, you will only get the information you''ve gathered so far. Could you give him a gold coin? He might tell you a lot.] Zera said coldly. ''One gold coin?! Isn''t that too much?'' Raven asked in a shocked tone. In truth, one gold coin was enough for a poor family of four to live for a month! [That''s how precious the information will be. Even if the Innkeeper didn''t have important information, he would do his best to gather from his acquaintances and tell you.] Raven nodded at Zera''s words and soon arrived at the counter. The man who stood at the counter was the same middle-aged man he saw early in the morning. He had grey hair and dark olive skin and appeared to be around 160 cm tall. He wore a high-colored buttoned-up shirt and a heavier coat. But the most unique thing about him was a strange tattoo on his left side neck. It was an owl with its wings spread wide, depicted in shades of black and gray. As soon as he saw Raven walking closer to the counter, he bowed his head and greeted him. "How may I help you, sir?" "I want some information about Thomas Holmes. Can you help me with that, Mr?" he asked, taking a gold coin from his pocket and flipping it between his fingers. When the Innkeeper saw the gold coin, he hurriedly closed the ledger and smiled politely. "I''m Finn, sir. And are you talking about the Fallen Noble, who has been missing for quite a while?" the middle-aged man named Finn asked. "Yes." Raven nodded and patiently waited for the Innkeeper''s response. Meanwhile, Finn slowly looked around to see if anyone was paying attention to their conversation and soon whispered while leaning forward. "There has been a rumor that the Palmer Family might be involved in Thomas Holmes''s disappearance, sir. Even when Watson Holmes was alive, they had been eyeing the ''Chateau Holmes Wine Factory'' and threatened him with political ties. Three years ago, Watson also made an official complaint at the police station and even filed a criminal case in court on the Palmer Family head. But after the death of Watson, the case was nullified. Not only that, but the Palmer Family used their influence in the noble council and sealed the Chateau Holmes Wine Factory using random excuses a year ago. So, many guessed that Thomas''s disappearance might be due to the Palmer Family." The Innkeeper paused for a moment, tore a paper from the ledger, and wrote down an address. "This is the address of Holmes House in Giaris City. You might get more clues if you go there and ask the neighbors for more information, sir." As he spoke, his eyes subconsciously moved toward the golden coin in Raven''s hand. Raven let out a chuckle and tossed the coin to him. ''Should I go back and focus on reading the Rune Language again?'' After getting the crucial information, Raven felt he should take this case slowly and carefully. [No. Let''s check out the Holmes House first. We also need to go to the City''s Museum Hall.] Zera said in his mind. ''At this time?'' Raven furrowed his brows and soon turned around before walking out of the Inn. As soon as Raven left the hotel, Finn suddenly turned his gaze towards the black-haired waiter who stood behind him and spoke. "Do a background check on him. Also, inform Inspector Bennett that a stupid kid is searching for Thomas Holmes. Also, tell him that this kid seems to be from a wealthy family." The calm and polite smile was nowhere to be seen. "You should also send a letter to the Falconcrest. I hope they give some big tips this time." His lips twisted, showing a cold smile. ¡­ In the meantime, Raven walked on the street road and quietly looked at the paper in his hand. "Holmes Mansion, 21A Bristol Street, Salford Borough." "Bristol Street¡­ Didn''t Daisy also say her house is located on Bristol Street? Where is it again?" Raven recalled his conversation with Diasy Spade and started remembering some things. ''She said there were four main Boroughs in Giaris City. Southward Borough, which I entered through the cargo train, is the main district where people gather and move to the nearby cities by train. Next is Eastmine Borough. It is also called Merchants District. The Inn I stay is also situated in the Eastmine Borough. Next is called ''North Borough'' and also called the District of Industries. A lot of factories and large multinational companies'' branches are situated in that district. And the final one is Salford Borough. It is a district of elites and nobles and always has tight security. Administration departments, County''s High Court, Police Headquarters, City Museum, and even the Current Count Spade''s residence also situated in this district.'' At that moment, he felt glad for learning the ''Instant Memory'' skill. Shaking his head, he focused his attention on the current situation. The gas lamps were installed all over the street roads, and people were moving here and there like daytime, to attend evening entertainment, social gatherings, visit theaters, concerts, etc., The main road was filled with noises! Raven blended with the people, walked past many shops and houses, and soon reached a road connected to the Salford Borough. After walking for another half an hour, he finally managed to enter Bristol Street without encountering any trouble. Chapter 51: Bristol Street Chapter 51: Bristol Street As soon as Raven arrived near Bristol Street, he noticed something felt off. Even at the street''s entrance, he saw two police officers in green uniforms. They also held batons in their waists and seemed to be checking anyone entering the street. ''The security seems to be strict here, '' he muttered under his breath. The two policemen also looked in his direction. "Come here!" One of the police officers with a muscular body raised his hand and gestured for him to come. [Don''t try to avoid their eyes and move confidently. Also, don''t use your identity. Make a temporary one.] ''It''s easier for you to say.'' Raven grumbled inwardly and started walking forward while making his face poker. At the same time, he started recalling all the conversations he had with Daisy Spade. In truth, she was more like a study partner than a true friend who would share all their personals. Alas, he still remembered her mentioning her home and even her childhood friends. ''I can''t say I''m from this street¡­ Daisy said she has some childhood friends from Eastmine Borough. Aiden, Luna, Isacc, Scarlet, and Carter¡­ They are all the children of the servants who worked in the Spade Family mansion when she was a child.'' Raven also remembered these kids'' parents'' names. As soon as he arrived before them, he greeted them with a smile and asked. "May I know why you called me, sir?" "What are you doing here at this hour, lad? You seem to be from Southward or Eastmine Borough." The other man with a big belly and unfit body gave him a suspicious look. He looked around 60 years old and had wrinkles on his face, a crooked nose, and a square face. [He is sharp. The dress you are wearing now is a trend among middle-class citizens, so he instantly assumed that you are from one of these two districts.] ''It''s hard to fool these smart people.'' Raven muttered inwardly. "I''m Aiden from Eastmine Borough, sir. Butler Ben''s grandson. I came here to see my childhood friend Daisy." "Daisy? Who is that?" "It''s Daisy Spade, sir. I used to visit her whenever she returned from the Darkcross Knight Training Academy. But why is there a strict security here?" "Oh, you are Sir Ben''s Grandson? It''s been years since he left the Count''s mansion. How is he doing these days?" the man with a muscular body asked. "Umm, my grandfather died two months ago, sir. Even Lord Count came to see his last rite." Raven acted as if he was still feeling sorrow for the loss and lowered his gaze. "My condolences. But don''t worry, lad. He will always be watching over you from the sky." The big-bellied man with a crooked nose said while patting his shoulder and added. "Go on. We still have work to do." Meanwhile, Raven nodded quietly and entered the narrow street. As soon as Raven moved more than a hundred meters away from them, the muscular guy furrowed and asked. "Is it him? He fits the description mentioned by Inspector Bennett." "Only his physical description. The inspector said that he would be clueless about this street and might even ask random strangers for directions. But this kid knows a lot. Didn''t you hear him talking about Lady Daisy attending Darkcross Knight Academy? That kind of information is not something a random stranger can get. Even I learned of the sixth child''s whereabouts only a year ago. And when I asked about his grandfather''s well-being, he showed such an innocent look and almost looked pitiful." The big-bellied man took a cigar from his pocket, lit it using a matchstick, and took a puff. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. "Let''s wait a little longer. Even if he fools us, he can''t fool the ones hiding in the mansion anyway," he said in a carefree tone, continuing to observe the people entering and exiting the street. On the other hand, Raven quietly walked on the smooth road and observed the surroundings. Unlike the other streets, this one appeared a lot quieter. The buildings on both sides were either two-story ones with a small courtyard or large mansion buildings. Moreover, some mansion houses even had security guards standing near the compound gate and quietly observing the passersby. Most of these mansions were either Walkers'' or people from the Noble Background. ''This is a lot harder than I expected.'' As he was muttering, Raven also arrived at the entrance of a three-storied mansion building. But before moving much closer to the mansion compound gate, he moved under the shadow of a tree and activated the ''Shadow Stealth'' ability. The next instant, Raven felt his own hands slowly turning invisible and was astounded. Then, he walked out of the shadow and started moving closer to the compound gate. To his surprise, there was a blonde-haired young man in a green police uniform stood at the entrance and seemed to be in deep thought. ''Why there is police here? Isn''t it an empty house? Strange¡­ Something is hiding inside.'' He calmed his heart quickly and continued to walk forward. Although he could have easily sneaked into the mansion through the front gate, he decided not to take the risk. Raven walked alongside the compound wall while keeping an eye on the police officer and soon looked ahead at the two-meter-tall wall. At the same time, he used his spiritual scan and observed the other side. ''There are only garden grasses on the other side. Still, I can''t make any unnecessary noise.'' Muttering inwardly, he used his full strength and jumped up. Thanks to his increased strength and agility, he jumped more than one meter high! Then, he grabbed the wall''s top and leaped into the other side. Like a feather, he slowly landed on the grass and looked around cautiously. After confirming that no one was nearby, he stealthily walked towards the main building. Within a few seconds, Raven arrived near the building''s side and pondered. ''Should I go through the entrance door?'' But he dismissed that idea. First, he needed a key to open the door. And even if he opened it, there was a high chance it would create a creaking noise and alert the police officer. He first observed the building''s outer structure and soon saw the second floor''s balcony on the left side. ''But there are no ladders¡­'' As he was thinking how to sneak in, he suddenly saw a movement from inside through the glass window and was startled deeply. ''Somebody inside?'' He hurriedly ducked his head and moved closer to the window. As soon as he arrived near the window, he started hearing voices from inside. He slowly peeked inside through the window gap and noticed there were a total of seven people standing in the mansion''s main hall. "Why do we have to do this job without even getting paid, boss? A few days ago, he asked us to kill the three servants who used to work in this mansion and even said that would be the last dirty work we would be doing. But today, he suddenly ordered us to kidnap a kid just because he showed interest in the Holmes Family case. Inspector Bennett is ordering us like his own servants these days. And what is his obsession with that blonde-haired brat''s blood? He has been asking for a blood bag every two days." An annoyed voice came from inside. "Don''t even try to find anything about that matter, Aron. It will only bring unnecessary trouble. Anyway, he promised us a large sum once this matter was settled. So, don''t feel down and get on to work. Moreover, we already got around 10 gold coins as an initial payment." Another rough male voice came. "In truth, I don''t trust that sly fox, boss. I have a feeling that he might put all the blame on us if things go south. He is backed by the Falcons, after all." A woman''s voice came this time. "Don''t worry too much, Remy. As long as Thomas is in our hands, that Inspector or even the Falcons won''t dare do anything reckless. If the situation goes south, we can send him to Lord Count''s mansion and let the Spade family take care of this matter. Although the Spade Family will put a bounty on us, we can move to another city and start new." The same rough voice spoke again. Raven quietly overheard their conversation and was deeply startled. ''Are they expecting my arrival? Did that innkeeper sell me out?'' he asked, his face displaying an angry expression. ''Haa, I need more information.'' Raven didn''t lose his calm and quietly took out the monocle from his Inventory before putting it on his left eye. Then, a row of information appeared before his eyes. ¡­ ''Name: Remy, Affiliation: Member of The Gold Thieves, Rank: Official Walker (Fourth Circle)¡­ ''Name: Aron, Affiliation: Member of the Gold Thieves (Member of Greedy Chargers), Rank: Official Walker (Fifth Circle)¡­ ''Name: Harlan, Affiliation: Leader of the Gold Thieves, Rank: Expert Walker (Eighth Circle)¡­ ''Name: Tommy, Affiliation: Member of the Gold Thieves, Rank: Official Walker (Sixth Circle)¡­ ''Name: Zyad, Affiliation: Member of the Gold Thieves, Rank: Official Walker (Fourth Circle)¡­ ''Name: Alvin, Affiliation: Member of the Gold Thieves, Rank: Official Walker (Fifth Circle)¡­ ''Name: Mia, Affiliation: Vice-Leader of the Gold Thieves (Member of the Viper Syndicate), Rank: Expert Walker (Ninth Circle)¡­'' ¡­ Chapter 52: Gift Chapter 52: Gift ¡®These people are too strong for me to handle alone.¡¯ He could barely go toe-to-toe against a fourth Circle Official Walker with his current strength. If he were to face five Official Walkers and two Elite Walkers, he would be captured in seconds! ¡®Damn it, I should leave this place before this ¡®Shadow Stealth¡¯ spell effect wears down.¡¯ Without hesitation, he turned around and started walking towards the mansion compound wall at an incredible speed. In a few seconds, he approached closer to the wall, jumped up with full force, and leaped towards the other side. He landed on the other side with a slight thudding noise and dashed towards the nearby tree shadow before hiding in the darkness. A few seconds later, the police officer checked the surroundings from the entrance gate. After confirming no anomalies, he returned to his position. On the other hand, Raven breathed out a sigh of relief and slowly walked out of the shadow. But instead of going back, he proceeded to walk forward. A few minutes later, he arrived at a nature park and decided to enter. At that moment, not even a guard was stationed at the park¡¯s entrance, which looked desolate. Thanks to the tall ornamental trees and plants, the whole surroundings appeared dark. ¡®This is the place I¡¯m aiming for.¡¯ He soon found a park bench in the trees and quietly sat on it. After that, he took out his school notebook and tore a page. Then, he also took out the silver pen and started writing a few lines in it. ¡°Now, let¡¯s make the gift look more extravagant.¡± Saying so, he opened the inventory and took out the two-meter-long golden chest. ¡°Unfortunately, this is just an iron box with gold lines to make it look beautiful,¡± Raven mumbled, opened the golden chest, and put the letter into it. ¡°Although I don¡¯t want to spend my money, it can¡¯t be helped.¡± In truth, he didn¡¯t trust Count Spade a single bit. After all, some random gang members kidnapped a fallen noble and also seemed to be entering Bristol Street like their own home. And even after six months, no action seemed to be taken from any side. ¡®There is a high possibility that Count Spade knew of this matter but chose to ignore it.¡¯ It was so obvious some secret dealing must have been made between Count and the ¡®Kidnapper.¡¯ ¡°Is it worth risking my wealth on some random guy just because he has the surname ¡®Holmes¡¯?¡± He couldn¡¯t help but ask. [It¡¯s worth the risk.] Zera spoke firmly. Letting out a deep sigh, Raven took out the ¡®Feral Eye Crystals,¡¯ Trollsbane Glands, Tri-Cobra¡¯s poison gland, two 60cm long venomous Fangs, and Six jade-like eyeballs and put them inside the golden chest. ¡®Each item is worth more than 200 to 300 gold coins. Those six Tri-Cobra eyeballs are especially precious items used to make an ¡®Evil Eye¡¯ potion capable of temporarily allowing the user to see the ¡®Invisibility¡¯ and enchant their vision to an incredible level. Each is worth more than 500 gold coins because the ¡®Evil Eye¡¯ potions always play a vital role during wartime. This potion also has another name called ¡®Assassin Killer Drug.'' ¡°The total value of these materials should be around 5,000 gold coins!¡± That was large enough to buy a two-story house! ¡°This should be enough to make him move, right?¡± [I don¡¯t think so. Let me ask you a question: how much worth does a wine factory cost?] Zera¡¯s sudden question startled him. Stolen novel; please report. ¡°Maybe 10,000 gold coins?¡± He said without thinking much. [The minimum land needed to set up a wine factory is around 20 acres. Although I don¡¯t know how large the Holmes Wine Factory is, it should have over 50 acres. What is the average land cost per acre outside this city?] ¡°From what I heard from my sister, an acre of land outside the Darkcross cost around 1,500 gold coins. If this is in Giaris City¡¯s outskirts, the cost should be around 2,500 to 3,000 gold coins¡­¡± Raven abruptly paused. ¡°Oh my god! As you mentioned, if the Holmes wine factory has more than 50 acres, its land value should be 150,000 gold coins!¡± [Correct. Also, Holmes Wine seems to be a famous brand in this city. Along with the buildings, machinery, planting materials, storage buildings, Winery Accessories, etc., the total value of the Wine Factory should be 300,000 gold coins! Do you think 5,000 gold coins are enough to bribe Count Spade?] Her words left him speechless. ¡°What should I do now?¡± Raven asked, looking clueless. In truth, he thought of giving up on rescuing Thomas and going on his way. [Put the two elemental Crystals too. Also, tell him in the letter that this will be an advance payment for rescuing Thomas. Once he is rescued, tell him you will give him five potions similar to the ¡®Elixir of Insight¡¯ every year. Of course, it will only be effective up to Radiant Walkers.] ¡°You are talking about the ¡®Potion of Enlighten Glimpses,¡¯ right?¡± [It is only an Adept Rank potion (Rank-2). However, this world''s knowledge of wisdom, power, or enlightenment skills is limited. That¡¯s why even a tiny insight-related potion could be considered legendary. Of course, revealing that you know of such a treasured potion recipe could threaten your life. But that¡¯s only happen if Count Spade finds out your real identity.] ¡°Hmm, I understand.¡± Raven hurriedly took out the paper and started writing another line. After that, he also put two Rank-1 Elemental Crystals and closed the golden chest. [Put only the two elemental crystals and 2000 gold coins in the chest. Take back those materials.] Zera spoke. ¡®Why?¡¯ Raven furrowed. [Count Spade isn¡¯t an Alchemist or a Wizard, so there is no way he would know these materials¡¯ worth just by looking. It¡¯s better to cover the whole chest with gold coins and make it look like a treasure box.] Raven did as Zera told him and finally prepared the ¡®Golden Chest.¡¯ After that, he waited for more than 50 minutes in the park and finally moved toward the direction where Count Spade¡¯s mansion was located. ¡­ After walking for five more minutes, Raven found the largest mansion in the street. ¡®Count Spade¡¯s mansion house!¡¯ Two people in dark green uniform stood at the entrance like in other mansions and constantly monitored the passersby. As soon as he arrived closer to the mansion, Raven activated the [Shadow Stealth] skill and went into an invisible mode. Then, he quietly walked towards the compound gate and leaped onto the other side. Although he saw a few servants standing at the mansion''s main building¡¯s entrance, the security seemed pretty relaxed. Thanks to that, he didn¡¯t face any hardship when sneaking into the mansion. After that, he quietly looked around, walked towards the left side corridor, and analyzed every room on his way. ¡®Kitchen, store room, Dining room, painting room, library, study¡­¡¯ He stopped before the study room and slowly opened the door. It was a 10x10 room with a single study table and a few wooden chairs at the center. He also saw a bookshelf on the left side and noticed the whole study looked average. After a swift look, he took the ¡®Golden Treasure Chest¡¯ from the inventory and placed it beside the bookshelf. Then, he quietly left the study, walked away from the corridor, and soon left the mansion¡¯s main building. By the time he sneaked out of the mansion¡¯s compound gate, the [Shadow Stealth] effect had also worn off. ¡®Thankfully, I managed to leave the mansion on time.¡¯ If he had encountered an Elite Walker in the mansion, there would be a high chance of his location being exposed. [That was a risky move.] Zera commented. At that moment, the guards at the entrance also noticed his presence and looked at him quietly. [So, what¡¯s next?] Zera couldn¡¯t understand what he was planning and asked in puzzlement. ¡®I can¡¯t turn around while the guards are watching.¡¯ As he spoke, he walked past Count¡¯s mansion house and quietly moved toward the end of the street. As he walked further, the security appeared more relaxed, and even the size of the houses seemed smaller. [You are almost close to the end of the street.] Zera said. ¡®Now, I can go back.¡¯ After confirming that no one was nearby, he quietly turned around and started walking. At the same time, he took out the leather bag from his inventory and put a pair of new dresses, a bluish potion vial, a book from Knight¡¯s training academy, and even a pouch filled with a hundred silver coins into it. [Is it to fool the police?] ¡®Yes. I¡¯m visiting the daughter of a Noble at this hour. It¡¯s completely abnormal. So, I have no choice but to let them think we have some deep relationship.¡¯ [Daisy is going to be pissed if she learns that you are using her name like this.] ¡®Hehe, I¡¯m also giving her a clue that I¡¯m still alive. When the Police officers learn that Daisy hasn¡¯t returned from the academy, they will report everything about me to Count Spade. Others might think of this as a normal thief¡¯s action, but Daisy is different. She can guess that the one who sneaked into this street is me.¡¯ Chapter 53: City Museum Chapter 53: City Museum [But wouldn''t that expose your identity to others? If she somehow reveals your identity to Count Spade, you might get into trouble, lad.] ''She is smart. There is no way she will expose my identity to anyone easily. Even if she did, I''d change my identity in a few days anyway. The main reason I used her name is that I at least want my friends to know that I''m still alive. Chris, Robert, Dante, and Daisy are my only trustworthy friends. They must be worried about me all this time.'' [Tsk, you''ve grown attached to them. And you became smarter, too.] ''Heh¡­ So, how smart am I when compared to my Teacher Charles?'' Raven couldn''t help but ask curiously. [You want to compare yourself with Charles? Humph. You still need 1000 years of experience to reach his smartness and cunning. That sly fox even fooled a God when he was a Rank-4 Wizard. He always acts ten steps ahead and looks for all possibilities of mishaps. And he doesn''t hesitate to kill, too.] ''Wow! Even hearing about him gives me goosebumps!'' Raven said in an excited tone. [He is a lone wolf, lad. He never trusts anyone 100% and always acts selfishly.] ''I want to be like him too!'' Raven said inwardly and noticed he had already started walking closer to the big mansion. If he had returned empty-handed, the guards at the entrance would''ve called him out and inquired about him. But seeing him carrying a new bag, they ignored him. On the other hand, Raven continued to walk while moving past many houses and mansions and soon arrived at the Bristol Street Entrance. "Oh? You are back already?" The muscular police officer noticed his arrival and asked in surprise. Meanwhile, Raven waved his hand at them and walked closer. "You returned with a new bag!" The other big-bellied police officer also commented and looked at his bag. "It''s a gift I got from Daisy, sir," Raven responded politely. "Can we check?" The muscular officer asked while the other officer tried to stop him. "You can. It''s just some new clothes and gifts she prepared for me." Raven opened the leather bag and showed it to them. "Oh? Is that a potion? Hmm, silvers, too. It seems your friend cares a lot about you." The muscular officer spoke with a smile and waved his hand. "You should return home quick, lad." On the other hand, Raven nodded and bid them farewell before walking in the eastern direction. Within a minute, he disappeared from the police officers'' eyes and quietly moved towards the junction. ¡®Why do you want me to go to the City Museum?¡¯ Raven asked. [I want to confirm something. If your luck is good, there is a high possibility that you might get some good ability over there.] ¡®Don¡¯t tell me you are after that goblin¡¯s corpse that annihilated Azmar town twenty years ago?¡¯ Raven asked with a frown. [Do you think a goblin is capable of such a feat?] Zera¡¯s question made him furrow his brows. ¡®Didn¡¯t you tell me that there are goblins far stronger than wizards out there?¡¯ [I did tell you that. But most goblins here are being subjugated by the Empire and always kept in check. Goblins do evolve and become far more powerful. When they reach a certain age, they usually grow from normal goblins to shamans or hobgoblins. But even a Rank-1 Goblin shaman isn¡¯t strong enough to eradicate a town alone. Also, don¡¯t you find it strange that no one survived the Azmar town incident? Moreover, there is not much information about what happened then.] Zera paused for a moment and soon added. [I¡¯m curious about this suspicious goblin. If that goblin can eliminate a whole town with a spell, isn¡¯t it a good opportunity for you to obtain that ability for yourself?] Stolen story; please report. Raven was about to say something but soon shut his mouth. ¡®It¡¯s better to check it out, indeed.¡¯ Without delay, he arrived at the main road and started walking along its side. His next destination was Knight Street, another street in Salford Borough. It was where the administrative department, Police Headquarters, County''s High Court, City Museum, and various public sector offices were located. In comparison to Bristol Street, the security measures on Knight Street seemed more lenient. Raven quietly entered the street road and approached the City Museum. What surprised him was that he rarely saw any people on this street. They didn''t even pay attention to him and minded their own business. He walked past a few ordinary houses and a police station and finally arrived before a three-story building with a two-meter-tall compound gate encircling it. Unlike the other buildings, two security guards in black uniforms stood at the entrance gate and seemed to be constantly vigilant. Before they could notice his presence, Raven activated the ''Shadow Stealth'' ability and went into stealth mode. Then, he cautiously moved towards the compound gate and observed the guards using the monocle. ''Both are Elite rank Walkers! I need to be extra careful.'' He muttered under his breath and quietly jumped into the other side of the compound wall. After that, he stealthily walked towards the three-story building and soon reached the entrance door. ''It''s locked.'' [Of course, it will be. Find another way to enter.] Zera spoke in his head. Raven nodded and started walking around the building, looking for a way in. Soon, he reached the backside of the building and noticed a small wooden door entrance. Although it was locked, too, it was a basic locker used in ordinary households. Raven quietly grabbed the locker and pulled it with full force. The locker was broken with a clanging noise and slowly fell. [Try to make minimal noise. Elite Walkers¡¯ senses are sharper than normal humans.] Zera warned him. ¡®Okay.¡¯ Nodding, he slowly opened the wooden door and entered the gloomy, dark building. ''If not for the ''Night Vision '' skill, I might face many difficulties.'' He muttered inwardly and started walking on the long corridor. After walking for a while, he came across rooms filled with old equipment like swords, spears, amulets, armors, etc., He soon reached the main hall on the first floor and saw the skeletal remains of rare animals, monsters, and even magical beasts. After looking around for a while, Raven went upstairs through the bifurcated staircase and looked into the items preserved on the second floor. Unlike the first floor, each item was preserved in separate rooms and even sealed in ice boxes to keep the materials fresh. He saw some rare plants and unique animal corpses were well preserved in ice cubes. As he moved further to the right corridor, he finally arrived at the end of the hallway. ''This is the final room on the second floor.'' He slowly opened the door and soon saw a humanoid goblin creature frozen in a large ice cube. He also saw some strange magic circles engraved all over the ice cube and was confused. ''Is it some kind of trap magic circles?'' Raven cautiously moved closer and asked. [It looks like they created these magic circles to keep the ice cube from melting.] ''Oh? Is it safe to touch?'' Raven asked, noticing another strange thing about the humanoid goblin. Its skin wasn''t a normal green one but reddish. It also had a peculiar horn protruding on its forehead and even fang-like teeth. ¡®Its outer skin also shows scales¡­¡¯ As Raven took a closer look, he saw strange gills similar to those of fish in its neck. [It''s not a goblin, lad. It''s a blood imp, a type of lesser demon. But why does it have gills and scales? Did it try to evolve into Syreni Demon? From its looks, it died while growing into a unique Demon.] Zera said in confusion. ''A demon?! Are they real?'' Raven asked in surprise. Although history books did not mention demons appearing on the Ivory Island continent, there were many mythology stories of them trying to invade the mainland and causing a catastrophe. [Don''t waste your time. Break the coffin and absorb its bloodline essence. Don¡¯t worry about the sound leaving the room too. This room has a sound-proof array mechanism.] Zera urged him. ''But isn''t it an evil being? What if I become a demon after absorbing its bloodline essence?'' [You don''t have to worry about it. I have observed that the bloodline devouring system can only extract bloodline essences related to a spell, strength, spirit, vitality, and agility.] ''What about luck?'' His question surprised Zera. [I don''t know. We haven''t killed any creature with great luck yet. Maybe you might get the answer if you try killing a few more goblin looters.] ''What about affinity?'' Raven asked as he tried to punch the ice cube. [I think it absorbs for itself, lad. Before you were born, the ''devourer thing'' had already attached to your soul and was sucking your soul''s essence and affinities. That was why you were born with a broken soul and zero affinity for any element. If I hadn''t separated that thing and fused it with my system core, you might have either died or been taken over by that guy.] As Zera explained, Raven punched the ice with full force and broke it into countless pieces. As the ice broke into many pieces, the frozen blood imp¡¯s corpse also started to reveal itself. ¡®This demon isn¡¯t much different from the goblins.¡¯ Raven said and squatted down. [Now I understand how the town got utterly annihilated. This imp must have created a large-scale sacrificial ritual in the town, and all the people must have sacrificed to the abyss. But to make such a large-scale ritual, this imp must¡¯ve stayed in the town for more than a year in disguise and even made allies with humans to achieve its goal.] ¡®B-But how did a demon appear in that town?¡¯ Raven asked. [How should I know? But all I can tell you now is that this world is connected to the abyss or some other demonic realm. Who knows? You might encounter those demons later, so be prepared for any worst-case scenario.] Zera said. Chapter 54: Blood Demon Chapter 54: Blood Demon Raven sighed deeply and activated the ''Bloodline Devouring Ability.'' [Bloodline Devouring System is activated!] [Blood Demon''s Bloodline has been found!] [Analyzing the purity of the bloodline¡­.] [Calculating¡­.] [The corpse has 23.3% purity of Rank-2 Blood Demon''s Bloodline Essence!] [The corpse also has a ''Blood Divinity Essence'' within its heart!] [It is possible to absorb the Blood Demon''s Essence, one of its abilities, and also the power of the ''Blood Divinity Essence.''] [Would you like to use the ''Blood Devouring Ability''? Yes/No.] [Did the demon absorb the Divinity Shard and try to evolve into Syreni Demon?] Zera was perplexed. In truth, the Syreni Demon and Blood Imp were completely different races. [But by absorbing the ''Divine Shard,'' the Blood Imp must have evolved into a completely new race called ''Blood Demon.''] ¡­ Meanwhile, Raven clicked ''Yes'' and proceeded with the ''Bloodline Devouring Ability.'' [Bloodline Devouring Ability is on commence!] [Randomizing the Bloodline Ability Extraction!] [Blood Demon''s Rank-2 Mimic Morph Bloodline Spell has been selected!] [Warning! Warning! Host''s body and soul don''t have enough ''Spirit'' to absorb the ''Rank-2 Mimic Morph'' Bloodline Spell Essence.] [''Mimic Morph'' Bloodline Spell has been demoted to Rank-1 ''Face Mimic''] [Host has obtained ''Face Mimic'' Bloodline Spell!] ¡­ Another notification appeared before Raven could concentrate on the spell model created in his mind. [Host''s body is continuing to absorb the ''Blood Divinity Essence!''] [A new bloodline essence is found within the Blood Demon''s heart!] [Would you like to absorb the newly found bloodline essence? Yes/No.] ''Another bloodline?'' He recalled Zera''s earlier words about another race and clicked ''Yes.'' ¡­ [Bloodline Devouring Ability is on commence!] [Randomizing the Bloodline Ability Extraction!] [Syreni Demon''s Rank-1 ''Blood Control'' Bloodline Spell has been selected!] [Host has obtained ''Blood Control'' Bloodline Spell!] ¡­ [Host has also absorbed a part of Blood Demon''s bloodline Essence!] [Host''s Spirit has been increased by 4.0!] [Host''s Vitality has been increased by 2.0!] [Host''s Strength has been increased by 3.0!] [Host''s Agility has been increased by 2.0!] [Host''s body is undergoing a mutation!] [It will take 3 hours for the mutation to complete!] [The system advises the Host not to lose consciousness!] ¡­ As soon as the notifications appeared before his eyes, Raven felt tremendous pain coursing through his head and all parts of his body. Not only that, but the information about those two bloodline spells also entered his head, causing him to feel dizzy. What shocked him greatly was that this was some kind of detailed cryptic information about how these two spells work. [It¡¯s because your understanding of Rune Language has increased to some level. You also received the same type of information in the form of waves before but your brain didn¡¯t understand anything and simply dismissed them.] ¡°Argh. My head feels like exploding!¡± Raven staggered. [Don''t make any noise, lad.] Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. "Argh!!! I can''t!" He gritted his teeth and felt countless needles stabbed his head. What made him scared inside was that strange black blood came out of his body like sweat and started dripping on the tiled floor. Raven''s breath grew harder as time passed, and the pain intensified. He rolled on the floor while crashing onto the melting ice shards and almost drenched himself. Thanks to that, the whole room was covered in eerie blackish water. For the next three hours, Raven lay on the floor while breathing hard and felt like he had gone through endless torture. At the same time, he started analyzing all the new information about the two new spell models. "W-What the hell happened? I thought there would only be a little pain when absorbing the blood essence, though," he muttered in a hoarse voice. [It might be due to the corpse''s higher rank. From now on, you should refrain from absorbing higher rank being''s bloodline essence.] Raven nodded stiffly and tried to sit up. Although the pain was still there, he felt something had changed from within. At that moment, he felt like he could see not only the outside atmosphere but also within his body. He felt a strange sensation as if he could sense every drop of blood moving through his veins. He also seemed to have complete control over the movement of his blood. ''Is this the power of blood control?'' He also recalled other information. ''Face Mimic¡­ If I touch a person''s face and memorize their facial structure, I can mimic it to a certain extent.'' What shocked him most was that this spell didn¡¯t require any mana or particular elemental power at all! ¡®It just sends a type of mystical information all over my facial muscle and alters some kind of micro-level sequence in a helix structure. TMEM wave has the power to adjust the eye¡¯s width and depth¡­ COL wave has the power to change the distance between eyeballs and nasion¡­ PARK wave has the power to change mid-face height¡­ FOX 2 plays a crucial role in rapid and flexible changes in the facial muscles¡­ MYOD wave could help reorganize muscle fibers to change facial features.¡¯ The more he go through new information about this spell, the more amazed he became. He nodded in understanding and checked the system interface. [Mutation Completed!] [Host''s damaged soul has been partially repaired with Blood Essence''s help!] [Current Host''s Soul Damage percentage: 19.4 %] [Host''s lifespan has been increased by 38 years!] ¡­ "Oh! I now have a total lifespan of 96 years! But why does my lifespan seem higher than that of an average human? Is it because of the warlock pathway?" [Yes, lad. An average Acolyte Warlock''s lifespan should be around 150 years. So, it''s normal for you to have a higher lifespan than an average human. ''Okay.'' Raven stood up with staggered footsteps and hurriedly walked out of the room. ''I should never absorb blood essences in an unsafe place.'' He muttered inwardly and went to the first floor. At the same time, he took out the ''pocket watch'' from the inventory and checked the time. '' 12.30 already? I should leave this place quickly.'' He exited the Museum building through the back door and activated the ''Shadow Stealth'' ability. After that, he quietly walked towards the compound gate without alerting the guards at the entrance and left the place. ¡­ As he walked on the empty street road, he started to ponder over what to do next. ''I can''t go back to the Inn at this time.'' His next worry was about his identity. ''Once the police officers from Bristol Street find out that I used someone else identity to enter, they will put a warrant on me.'' And if Count Spade started searching for him, there would be a high chance of him getting caught within a day or two. [Don''t worry. The Count will take action against the Gold Thieves by tomorrow evening. Now, you know what to do next, right?] Raven nodded and decided to move towards the northern direction. This place was where industries like Textile, Chemical, Iron and Steel, Rune Technological factories, etc., were located. It was also a place where countless workers resided. Unlike the people who stayed in other districts, many workers, especially those in factories and construction sites, faced grueling working conditions. Long hours, often exceeding 12 hours a day, and exposure to hazardous materials contributed to physical and mental strain. It was a place where poor working-class people resided. ''Half of the Industrial District is Slums.'' Thanks to that, the security of this district had always been neglected. Even the entire police force had to move in; it would take more than a few days for them to find his location. ''My other goal is to find the location of the Gold Thieves'' base.'' Raven muttered inwardly and proceeded to walk. ¡­ The next day morning, Count Spade''s Mansion House, Bristol Street, Salford Borough. It was around 8. A.M. A forty-year-old man in formal black attire stepped down from the second floor to the first through the Bifurcated Staircase. He was around 180 cm tall and had a muscular body, pale white skin, short black hair, a celestial nose, and a broad forehead. What was unique about him was the handlebar mustache, which kept his presence more imposing. He was none other than Count Andres Spade. Andres quietly stepped into the main hall and started walking on the left side corridor. He walked past the kitchen, dining room, and a few other rooms while responding to the greetings of his servants and arrived before a wooden door, But as soon as he reached the study, he noticed something was odd. "Hmm? Who opened the study?" He raised his hand and opened the door completely before walking in. His gaze went towards the table in the center and then towards the bookshelf on the side. But his attention was instantly drawn to a two-meter-long golden chest placed nearby. "Who put this here?" His face turned serious as he instantly punched the wooden door and shouted. "Bryce!!" "I''m coming, My Lord!" A distant voice of a man came from outside, followed by running footsteps. Within seconds, a young man with blonde hair and a pencil mustache entered the study and greeted Count while placing his right hand over his left chest. "Good Morning, Lord Andres! Do you need any help?" "What is that thing? I didn''t see any chest when I left the study yesterday, though. Can you tell who put this here?" Count Andres asked coldly. Meanwhile, Butler Bryce turned his gaze toward the golden chest and showed a confused look. "I wasn''t informed of this, My Lord. Maybe young master Ellis put this here?" "I don''t think so. And when I came here, the door was already open. Someone sneaked into the study and placed a large chest without alerting anyone. It''s an outsider." "What? Are you saying it''s an outsider''s work, My Lord? But our Elite guards stayed at the entrance the whole day, though." "Hmm, open it." Count Andres waved his hand and ordered him. Meanwhile, Butler Bryce nodded solemnly, started walking towards the bookshelf, and soon squatted down. Then, he unlocked the locker and slowly opened the golden chest. But as soon as he did, his jaw dropped. "Oh my god!" What he saw inside the chest were nothing but gold coins! Although he had been working as a Butler for the past few years, this was the first time he had seen this many gold coins in one go. "Hoo! This is surprising." Count Andres revealed a smile and soon asked. "Other than gold coins, do you see anything else?" Bryce hurriedly snapped out of the shock and looked inside the chest. His attention was soon drawn towards two unique pebble-sized gems and a notepaper. He hurriedly grabbed them and showed them towards Count Andres. Chapter 55: Decision Chapter 55: Decision ¡°Oh? Magic Crystals?¡± Count Andres grabbed the two crystals first and inspected them closely. ¡°One is Rank-1 life magic crystal while the other is Rank-1 poison magic crystal; both are rare to get in the market. How much is the market rate of a Rank-1 Magic Crystal, Bryce?¡± Count asked. Meanwhile, Bryce thought for a moment and soon spoke. ¡°It ranges from 3000 to 5000 gold coins, my lord.¡± ¡°Hmm, there should also be around 2000 gold coins in the chest. The total worth of this chest should be above 10,000 gold coins. Who would send this as a gift to my office?¡± His attention was slowly drawn to the notepaper in Butler Bryce¡¯s hand. Count Andres hurriedly grabbed the paper and unfolded it. ¡°It looks like it ripped off from a notebook used for writing. The sender must be in a hurry to write this letter. And most probably a teenager.¡± As he spoke, he looked at the content and started to read. ¡°Good day, Count. I hope this small gift is your liking. I know you have been aware of the kidnapping of Thomas Holmes. I¡¯ll wait for three days. I hope you arrest all the Gold Thieves and put them behind bars for kidnapping a Fallen Noble. Although I want you to take care of Inspector Bennett and his backer, Falcons, that would be too much to ask for. As long as you help me rescue Thomas, I¡¯ll give you five inferior versions of the ¡®Potion of Insight¡¯ at the end of this year. If you further cooperate with the Holmes family, we might maintain a good and long relationship. By-¡­.¡± ¡°No name¡­¡± Count furrowed his brows as he read the letter and soon asked. ¡°What is this ¡®Potion of Insight?¡¯¡± Butler Byrce recalled something and responded. ¡°I read some news about the ¡®Potion of Insight¡¯ in the Legacy news yesterday, My Lord. It was said to have been created by the famous Alchemist Johnathan, allowing even Legendary Walkers to experience ¡®Enlightenment.¡¯ There are rumors that it could even allow a Legendary Walker to further improve their strength.¡± ¡°But this guy dared to say he will give me an inferior version of the ¡®Potion of Insight¡¯? Ridiculous.¡± Count Andres crushed the paper and threw it in the nearby dustbin. ¡°Find out anyone who entered Bristol Street yesterday night and get this thief at all cost. He dares to order me around just because he sneaked into our mansion and put this chest? I¡¯ll let him know who the Lord is.¡± A cold look appeared on his face. Butler Byrce nodded stiffly and hurriedly dashed out of the study. Meanwhile, Count Andres moved towards the wooden chair behind the table and sat on it. ¡°This is troublesome. If the news of Thomas being kidnapped by some local thugs reaches other nobles¡¯ ears, it might affect my reputation in the Nobles¡¯ Circle. Prince might also become dissatisfied.¡± A frown appeared on his forehead. ¡°Another thing is the Chest itself. Although it is a chest used for giving out rewards, its shape strangely represents a coffin.¡± He touched his silver ring as he spoke and took out a bundle of cards with different images drawn. He shuffled the cards and soon took out the card with the symbol of a coffin engraved on it. He also saw words written below the coffin image and started to read. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Signifies endings, closure, and transformation. It can represent loss, grief, or the need to let go of something to make room for new beginnings¡­ What does it mean? The Holem Family¡¯s reign has already ended, though.¡± His eyes sharpened. ¡°It will end but rise again? And the one who gave the reward seems to be an alchemist. Does that mean he possesses the ¡®key¡¯? Maybe he knows a thing or two about that mysterious place. Should I intervene or not?¡± He looked at the card deeply and soon inhaled. ¡°The Oracle Lore¡¯s prediction is always accurate. If I don¡¯t intervene, there is a high chance Thomas will escape and rise.¡± And Count Andres was sure that if he didn¡¯t take any action against the Gold Thieves within three days, the sender of this gift might reveal this information to other nobles or even the press. ¡°I should at least do the work for the money I got as a gift.¡± A few minutes later, Butler Byrce returned and made a report. ¡°I already sent out Paul and Wyatt to gather information about the people who entered this street yesterday night, My Lord.¡± ¡°Good. Also, send someone to the RA-02 Police station and tell Inspector Bennett to come here. Tell him it is related to ¡®Gold Thieves,¡¯¡± Count Andres said, and then he stored the cards in his spatial ring. ¡°Yes, My Lord.¡± Byrce nodded hurriedly and once again left the study. Meanwhile, Count leaned on the chair and fell into deep thought. An hour went by, and soon, Byrce entered the study again. But this time, he was accompanied by a young man in his twenties. He was around 6 feet tall and had amber eyes, an oval face, and unique red hair. He wore a dark blue uniform with three chevrons on his sleeve and a long black-coated rifle on his back. As soon as he entered the room, he straightened his back, moved two steps forward, and saluted Count. ¡°Good morning, Sir. I heard you summoned me to discuss the ¡®Gold Thieves.¡¯ May I know the reason?¡± Count Andres shifted his gaze from the papers on the table and looked at Inspector Bennett. ¡°Bryce, you can go back now.¡± He ordered. ¡°Yes, My Lord.¡± The butler bowed his head and quietly walked away from the study after closing the door. Meanwhile, Inspector Bennett lowered his hand, removed his top hat, and walked towards the study table. ¡°Did something happen, Lord Count?¡± He asked. ¡°I plan on taking action against the ¡®Gold Thieves¡¯ by tonight.¡± Count Andres said calmly and soon added. ¡°The information has been leaked. If I don¡¯t take action sooner, my reputation will fall again. Kill him before things get worse.¡± His words caused Bennett¡¯s expression to turn grim. ¡°If you give us one more week time, the Falcons will break that sealed door and find out its secret, sir.¡± ¡°Using Thomas¡¯s blood to open that door is already a dumb idea. I don¡¯t even know where the Falcons get such information about the ¡®Holem Family¡¯ possessing a treasure to change one¡¯s destiny within that mysterious place. Even if such a mythical treasure happens to be there, why didn¡¯t the Holmes Family use it all this time and rise in power? I think this whole kidnapping became an utter waste of time.¡± Count Andres paused for a moment and soon added. ¡°Tell the ¡®Falcons¡¯ to withdraw from Azmar too.¡± Inspector Bennett tried to say something, but Count Andres raised his hand and cut him off. ¡°Don¡¯t make me repeat myself. You may go now.¡± ¡°Yes, My Lord.¡± Inspector Bennett stood up from the seat, turned around, and slowly left the study. But as he reached the wooden door, Bennett stopped his footsteps and said. ¡°We also have an Expert Walker here, My Lord. I hope you don¡¯t underestimate us too much and think of us as pushovers.¡± Count Andres raised his eyebrows and soon shook his head before speaking deeply. ¡°Leave.¡± Without even saying a word, Bennett opened the door and walked out. Watching Inspector Bennett leave the study in disappointment, he couldn¡¯t help but snort. ¡°I know they must have already made much progress in breaking the array. There is a high chance that Bennett will eliminate the Gold Thieves by himself and bring Thomas somewhere else.¡± Although he couldn¡¯t gauge Inspector Bennett¡¯s strength, he suspected he should be a peak-level ¡®Radiant Walker.¡¯ ¡®And I can¡¯t take his warning lightly, too. They have an Expert Rank Walker, huh?¡¯ Count Andres tapped the wooden table and took an empty paper scroll from the drawer. Then, he picked a black pen from the table and started writing. After a while, he took the family seal from the side and pressed it on the right corner of the letter. After that, he folded the scroll paper, put it in a cover, and sealed it with wax. Count Andres finished the preparation and soon shouted. ¡°Bryne!¡± As soon as he shouted, the young butler hurriedly opened the wooden door from outside and walked in. ¡°Yes, My Lord.¡± ¡°Send a letter to the Branch Office of ¡®Vipers.¡¯ I need them to get a job done before evening.¡± Count Andres said and gave the sealed letter to Bryne. ¡°Also, invite Aunt Leah to the main house and let her stay here for a while.¡± After Raven sneaked into the mansion without alerting anyone, Count Andres became more concerned about his security. Butler nodded and left the study, leaving Count alone in deep thought. ... Chapter 56: Franco Chapter 56: Franco Albert Street, North Borough. It was around 9. A.M A young teenage boy with blonde hair and deep blue eyes arrived before a tall three-storied inn named ''Red Apple Inn'' and pushed open the wooden door. He wore a worn-out white shirt, black pants, and an old white overcoat. He also wore a monocle on his left eye and a top hat. He looked exactly like a kid from the rundown street. ''But why do I feel weird gazes from everyone?'' Raven asked himself in confusion. In truth, his current appearance was completely different. When he sneaked into the North Borough yesterday night, he saw a bunch of beggars sleeping on the street''s roadside and decided to use the ''Face Mimic'' skill on a young beggar boy. Surprisingly, the bloodline spell reconstructed his facial muscles and changed him into a different person. [That''s because your current appearance looks more like a beggar boy. Well, it is also a good thing anyway.] Upon entering, he noticed over twenty people gathered in the main hall, eating or chatting. "What are you doing here, brat? This isn''t a place where a rat from the sewers can walk in." A young man in his waiter dress suddenly blocked his path and spoke coldly. He was around 20 years old, had short blonde hair, russet brown eyes, and a tall, muscular body. His words also caused the other three waiters in the hall to turn around and look. "Hey! He might be a customer!" One of the waiters with a slim body shouted. "There is no way he has money to stay in an inn. Look at his clothes and the torn shoes." The young waiter mocked while looking at him up and down. "I''m here to stay for two days, though," Raven said as he put his hand in his coat pocket and took one silver coin from it. "Stolen money? Where did you steal it?" The waiter grabbed his wrist and forcefully took the silver coin from his hand. Then, he grabbed his collar and pushed him towards the outside while saying. "Scram before I beat you up." "You can try." Raven clenched his fist and stopped himself from moving backward. Noticing that the young kid was resisting him, the waiter got annoyed. "You dare?" He clenched his fist and hurled it towards Raven at an incredible speed. On the other hand, Raven watched the fist move incredibly slowly and blocked it with his right palm. Before the waiter could understand, Raven grabbed his hand, moved much closer to the waiter, and gave him a light punch in the stomach. But the next second, the waiter felt a powerful impact from his abdomen and was pushed back more than five steps. For a second, he felt the whole surrounding turn dizzy. "F*cking beggar-" He was about to shout at him angrily, but something obstructed his throat. A second later, he showed an uneasy look and vomited everything he had during breakfast. Not only that, he even vomited blood, causing all the customers in the main hall to stop eating and looking in their direction. "Y-You!" Rage and embarrassment appeared on the waiter''s face. But before he could stand steadily, a firm hand gripped his shoulder from behind and stopped him from moving. He slowly turned his gaze and noticed it was the Inn owner of Red Apple. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "''Cough'' Uncle Franco! That brat injured me-" "Shut up, Palmer." The Inn Owner spoke. ''Franco?'' Raven''s eyes sharpened. He instantly looked deeply at the middle-aged man and observed him. He was a middle-aged man with a chevron mustache. He was around 180 cm tall, with olive skin, blue eyes, and brown hair. Franco put together a stylish outfit, starting with a clean white shirt, a high collar, and a simple but elegant tie. He wore a deep burgundy waistcoat with subtle patterns perfectly tailored to accentuate his slender frame. He also wore a felt hat of a subdued hue on his head, which shielded his eyes from the bright sunlight coming through the entrance door. "You aren''t an ordinary brat, are you? Why are you causing trouble at my Inn?" As Raven was observing, Franco looked at him sharply and asked. "Ask him who caused the trouble here," Raven said, pointing his finger at the waiter. He soon shook his head. "I want to stay here for two days. Is there any vacant room?" Franco looked at Raven for two seconds and nodded. After that, he moved towards the counter and opened the ledger. "Your name, please." He asked. "Thomas," Raven said as he took another silver coin from his pocket and placed it on the table. "Payment has been settled already, lad," Franco spoke as he pointed his finger at the panting waiter. The corner of Raven''s lips rose slightly. "This is an advanced payment for some information I''m seeking." "Oh? Who told you that I''m selling information?" Franco stopped his writing and looked at him in interest. Raven suddenly leaned forward and whispered in a low voice. "Velvet Eclipse." The calm look on Franco''s face disappeared in a blink and was replaced with a serious one. "Where did you hear that name, lad?" Franco asked calmly, but Raven felt an invisible pressure descend around his body, causing him to freeze. ''If I say one wrong word, he will kill me without thinking much.'' As he muttered inwardly, he looked at the information before his left eye. ¡­ [Name: Franco Age: 68 Nationality: Zenith Empire (Arcane Mist Empire) Affiliation: Red Apple Inn Owner (Elite Member of Velvet Eclipse) Title: Bloody Fist Class: Radiant Knight (8th Circle) Health: Normal Attributes: Strength: 74.5 Agility: 73.00 Vitality: 76.5 Luck: 10.0 Spirit: 189 Class Skills: Titan''s Grip, Lightning Strike, Swift Stride, Guardian''s Defense, Aura of Fortitude. Additional Skills: Intermediate Archery Affinities: Light: High Lightning: Intermediate.] ... ''He is more powerful than my sister!'' Raven''s mind raced at the upcoming danger. He immediately thought of something and spoke confidently. "I''m also a member of the Velvet Eclipse." At the same time, he took the badge with the painting of a cockscomb flower from inventory and showed it to him. "Oh? A new membership badge for apprentices? But how did you find my identity? Did your supporter tell you about me?" Franco slowly retracted the domineering pressure and asked. "Yes, sir. But I won''t tell anything about my supporter." Raven spoke firmly and patiently waited. Meanwhile, Franco stared into his eyes for two seconds and soon nodded. "As long as you don''t cause me trouble, everything will be all right. So, what kind of information do you seek from me? Be warned: I might charge you extra if it is confidential information," France asked as he continued to write down the ledger. "I want information about the Gold Thieves members and base locations, as well as personal information about a member named Aron. If possible, I want his home address." Raven spoke. His words caused Franco to stare at him in shock. "What are you planning, lad? Those ruffians aren''t some normal thieves but cold-blooded killers. I heard they are even involved in kidnapping and human trafficking nowadays." Raven didn''t answer. Meanwhile, Franco rubbed his forehead and asked. "How much you are willing to pay?" Raven knew how the dark world works and spoke. "I can give you a maximum of 10 silver coins. That''s all I''ve right now." As soon as he spoke, Franco pointed his finger at the nearby slim waiter, who was serving food to the customers, and spoke. "Magnus, search him." Startled by Franco''s words, the slim waiter named Magnus looked confused and rushed towards Raven. He soon placed the food tray on the front desk and searched his pockets. He first searched his shirt pocket, then his coat pocket, and finally moved to his pant pockets. Soon, he took ten silvers from the left pant pocket and placed them on the table. "So, you aren''t lying." Franco nodded with a pleased smile and spoke. "With this amount, I can only give you some basic information about Aron and the gangs. Three years ago, Aron was originally a main member of another gang called ''Greedy Chargers'' and was responsible for managing more than three streets. But all of a sudden, another gang appeared. They are the ''Gold Thieves. Unlike the ''Greedy Chargers'' who mainly collect money for protection fees from stalls, pubs, and Inns, the Gold Thieves started their influence as loan sharks. They gave hefty amounts of money to the needy ones at the high-interest rates, ruined their businesses secretly, and made many shopkeepers go bankrupt. Then, they used legal moves with the help of police and forcefully took multiple shops in six months. During that time, Aron also suddenly betrayed the ''Greedy Chargers'' and joined the Gold Thieves. After that, the ''Gold Thieves'' formed their base in one of the three streets he controlled and started growing day by day. Currently, the Gold Thieves group is doing many illegal activities like kidnapping, blackmailing, contract killing, and even extorting money in the name of protection fees." Franco ended his long speech and sat on the wooden chair. "That''s all the information I can tell." He added. Chapter 57: Aron Chapter 57: Aron ''Hmm, although they are useful information, I need more important ones.'' Raven pondered before asking. "Can you tell me which streets did Aron manage? If possible, I also want to learn his house address," A sly grin appeared on Franco''s face. "I already gave you enough information for ten silvers, lad. If you want to know Aron''s house address, the cost will be ten times higher." "1 gold coin? Isn''t it too much?" Raven frowned. "That''s how we live as informants. If you search for him by going around and asking strangers, you will end up revealing yourself to the Gold Thieves. Moreover, not everyone in the North Borough knows about these underworld gangs. They always kept a low profile and rarely reveal their real identity." Franco revealed his white teeth and smiled greedily. "Haa, what a crafty old man!" Raven grumbled as he removed his hat, put his hand underneath a gap, and sneakily took a gold coin from the inventory. To outsiders, it looked more like he hid a gold coin in his hat! "This is surprising." This time, it was Franco''s turn to be surprised. Then, he suddenly turned his gaze towards the dumbfounded slim waiter and ordered. "Recheck him." But Raven raised his hand and spoke in an annoyed tone. "I suggest you stop your petty action, Mr. Franco. I''m not in the mood for your games." As he spoke, he put the gold coin on the table and quietly waited. Meanwhile, Franco also stopped the waiter and spoke with a nod. "12E Foundry Lane. That''s Aron''s house address. The streets he managed are Foundry Lane, Steel Mill Road, and Forge Avenue. Is it enough?" Raven shook his head and spoke. "You haven''t told me about their base." Before Franco could open his mouth, Raven suddenly raised his hand like he was tossing something and continued. "This is the payment for this information." The next second, a gold coin flew from his palm, flipped continuously in midair, and slowly moved towards Franco. "11A Street Mill Road. It''s an old cotton mill factory and an isolated area." While responding, Franco caught the gold coin and put it in his pocket. Meanwhile, Raven pondered deeply and asked. "What is the name of Greedy Chargers'' boss?" "Oh, people call him ''Boston,'' but only his few trusted men know his real name." Franco paused and soon decided to give out information for free. "It''s Richard Greyhound. Only a few people know his true face, and I''m one of them. Do you also want information about Greedy Chargers?" Before Raven could respond, Franco said firmly. "Unfortunately, he is a benefactor of mine. Even if you give me ten gold coins, I won''t sell him out." "I just asked out of curiosity." Raven waved his hand. ''He is baiting me for sure. Why did you even sell out his real name if he is your benefactor?'' Clicking his tongue, Franco took an iron key from the drawer and gave it to him. "Keep the key to yourself, Mr. Franco. I won''t be staying here." Saying so, Raven turned around and started walking towards the exit. As soon as he reached the exit door, he thought of something and spoke again. "If you find some interesting information about the ''Palace,'' I might buy it at a good price next time. I''m curious about this ''Sword Princess'' you see." Then, he left the Inn and soon mingled with the crowd. "Palace? Royal Palace? Information about some street thugs to Royal Family matters?" As Franco watched the young boy disappear from his gaze, he couldn''t help but look at the ledger. "Thomas¡­ I need to look into this person." "Why did you let him leave like that, uncle?" The young waiter named Palmer arrived near him and asked in anger. "Fool! That guy is an Official Walker. If he had punched you a little harder, you might have been admitted to the hospital for months." Franco glared at the foolish young man and shook his head. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! "Let''s get back to work. The customers are waiting." Saying so, he turned around and walked into the kitchen. ¡­ Meanwhile, Raven quietly walked away from Albert Street and started moving towards Foundry Lane. Before long, he reached a single-storied house near the end of the Foundry Lane and soon saw an old wooden door. It was Aron''s house. "Shall I start my plan?" He muttered as he took out a needle and made a slight wound in his fingertip. At the same time, Raven moved closer to the entrance and soon heard a grumbling noise from inside. "Damn it, these guys are creating mess after mess." Raven took two steps forward, arrived before the wooden door, and knocked on it twice. A silence followed, and soon, the door opened with a creaking noise. Aron sized Raven up and down and furrowed. "What are you doing here, stupid beggar? I don''t have money to give. F*ck off before I kick your as*." He said in an annoyed tone. At the same time, Aron felt a strange drowsiness and yawned. "Haa, screw off, lad. I need to take some rest now." He said while waving his hand and turning around to get inside. A smirk appeared on Raven''s face. "You are still working for Greedy Chargers. No, you never betrayed them at all. Was it our Boss''s plan?" Raven asked curiously. ''Our Boss? Who is he? Did Leader Richard send him to inform any important news?'' Before Aron could understand, Raven pushed Aron aside and stepped into the small house. "What are you talking about? What are you doing?" Aron almost got flustered and tried to grab his shoulder reflexively but noticed a change in the young boy''s speed. ''He is a Walker like me! He might be a new Greedy Chargers member.'' His face turned serious as he closed the wooden door and stared at him cautiously. Meanwhile, Raven looked around the living room and quietly sat on the chair near a wooden table. Then, he picked up the rum bottle on the nearby table and poured it into a glass. "Boss said that Count Andres will take action within a day or two and rescue ''Thomas Holmes.'' It might happen much earlier." His words made Aron froze. "What happened all of a sudden? What did Boss tell you?" Aron walked closer to the table, picked up the glass of rum, and took a sip before sitting on another chair. "Didn''t Inspector Bennett promise that he made some agreement with Count Spade? Haa, I knew that inspector would do something like this." As Aron spoke, he saw Raven''s face becoming blurrier. ''I''m getting tired and also feel sleepy. I should send this guy away and sleep quickly.'' While he was thinking, Raven answered with a smile. "I''m just an informer," "''Yawn'' You are arrogant for being a new member, lad. Then, is it the right time for us to strike? Did Boss Boston tell you anything else? Will we use this opportunity and swallow up the ''Gold Thieves''?" His voice contained a trace of curiosity. In truth, the kidnapping of a fallen noble was a secret that even many Gold Thieves knew nothing about. But hearing from a beggar-looking boy made him confused at first. However, the boy''s actions and earlier words made Aron completely misunderstand Raven''s identity. At that moment, he was 99% sure that this young boy was an informant sent by Richard. But he still chose to test out the waters. Meanwhile, Raven quietly leaned on it and spoke casually. "Boss Richard said we will strike them after Count made a mess of the Gold Thieves." ¡°In-tere-stingg.¡± Aron gulped down the whole rum and placed it on the table. "BUTFH.. Butfu¡­ ''Cough'' ''Cough.''" Aron suddenly coughed out blood and felt his hands were shivering. "P-Poishehfc." He tried to say something but felt his mouth wasn''t responding correctly. What shocked him was that he felt his strength was weakening rapidly. "Oh? I didn''t expect a single drop of my blood could be this deadly." Raven said as he stood up from the chair and walked towards Aron. As soon as Raven spoke, Aron suddenly felt a sharp ache. At that moment, his blood pressure started to drop drastically, followed by a strange dizziness. ¡°W-Whattfe didfef yofut doff?¡± He was shocked by the sudden change and grabbed his chest tighter. "Nothing much. I need your identity for a day, so please stay in your house and rest until then." Before Aron could understand the situation, his vision got blanked out. Raven watched Aron pathetically falling on the floor and soon breathed a sigh of relief. "I didn''t expect my ''Blood Control'' spell to be this powerful," he said solemnly. From the start, Raven had been using the ''Blood Control'' spell on Aron, making his blood pressure drop slowly. Thanks to this ability and craftiness, he didn''t even lift a hand to subjugate him. [That''s because he hadn''t unlocked his spirit power yet. As long as one''s spirit power is high, he will have a high chance of resisting physical abnormalities. If you had used this spell on Franco, the result would''ve been entirely different.] Zera said. Raven nodded his head and moved closer to touch him. Then, he squatted down, activated the ''Face Morph'' spell, and memorized his facial structure. Soon, his facial structure changed and transformed into Aron''s one! [You are a little taller than him. And he is even a bit bulkier.] Zera commented. "I don''t think they notice such a small difference. I can achieve my goal if I don''t talk to anyone." He slowly looked around and picked up one of Aron''s dresses before wearing them. Then, he covered his head with a hat and walked out of the house before locking up. "Will he be all right?" He asked as he walked on the road. [Don''t forget he is a walker too. Although he is poisoned, he won''t die that easily. He might be unconscious for a day or two and will recover on his own.] "That''s good." Raven nodded and continued to walk towards the Steel Mill Road. ¡­ Chapter 58: Infiltration Chapter 58: Infiltration RA-02 Police Station, Willow Lane, North Borough, Giaris City. It was one of the seven police stations in North Borough, with about 100 officers stationed there. It was around 4 P.M. Unlike an ordinary and peaceful evening, the RA-02 police station was in a mess due to Inspector Bennett''s sudden order to mobilize all forces towards Steel Mill Road. In a matter of minutes, eighty police officers in green uniforms moved out of the main building and gathered at the entrance. Most carried weapons like truncheons and cutlasses, and some even carried revolvers and rifles. Thanks to the commotion they were making, it instantly attracted the attention from outside. Onlookers and pedestrians watched from outside the compound gate due to the sudden commotion and showed confused looks. "Are they doing some kind of drill?" An older man asked as he puffed out a mouthful of smoke. "It seems they are preparing for something battle, gramps." A young voice came from his left side. "Who are you calling ''Gramps,'' you shitty brat?" The older man glared at the person who stood beside him and tried to look at his face. At the same time, he was about to put the cigar in his mouth, but suddenly, he froze. At that moment, what he saw wasn''t a young teenage boy''s face but a freaking 35 years old man! He wore a black vest over his white shirt, a bowler hat, and a single-breasted black jacket. "What the? What happened to your voice? I thought you were a youngster." The older man said in a dumbfounded tone. Meanwhile, the 35-year-old man with blonde hair, who was peeking at the gathered Police through the iron fence gap, turned around and chuckled. Then, he greeted the older man with a light bow before walking towards Hansom''s cab, which was parked on the opposite roadside. After that, he told the coachman something and stepped into the carriage. Before long, the carriage left the area and drove towards the deeper part of the north borough. In the meantime, a young man in his 30s with unique red hair walked out of the police station and stood before the group of policemen. He calmly looked at the anxious faces of the police officers and sighed. In truth, the peaceful atmosphere of the North Borough wasn''t solely due to the Police but also due to a mutual agreement between local gangs and government officials. It was a district with a population of around 400k people, so managing the whole district with only 700 policemen would be impossible. Although it was a peaceful time, robbery and petty crime would happen all over the city every day. To maintain law and order, government officials like police officers would make some agreement with the local thugs. However, whenever someone breaks this agreement, there will always be a consequence that would result in loss for both sides. "I know you are all anxious. But I''m assuring you that we aren''t going to war with those street thugs but to rescue someone." Bennett said in a reassuring tone. At that moment, a young lady officer with blonde hair stepped forward and saluted him before raising a question. "May we know whom we are going to rescue, Sir?" "I can''t tell you that information yet, Hannah. But you will know soon enough." Saying so, he took a top hat out of thin air, put it on his head, and slightly adjusted it. "We are going to the Streel Mill right away. Dismiss." As soon as he spoke, police officers started moving in different directions and started to get horses and wagons. Before long, three large wagons and tens of armed police officers on horses left the station and started marching towards the Steel Mill road. ¡­ Old Rice Mill factory entrance, Steel Mill Road, North Borough. It was around 4.30 P.M A black-painted Hansom¡¯s cab drove from the southern road and soon stopped before the Rice Mill Factory''s entrance. A moment later, a 35-year-old man with blonde hair and a sharp nose jumped down from the carriage, tossed two silvers towards the coachman, and started walking towards the two-meter-tall iron gate. Then, he pushed open the rusty gate and stepped inside while gazing at the mill''s interior. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. ''Wow, it''s as tall as a three-storied mansion.'' Raven muttered. The rice mill was a towering building, its red brick facade weathered and marked with graffiti. The tall, arched windows were shattered, and dim light filtered through the tattered curtains. The large cobblestone yard in front was overgrown with weeds and littered with remnants of old machinery, while a rusted wrought-iron fence enclosed the area. Inside, the air was thick with smoke and chatter, the mill now a clandestine shelter for gang members. As he stepped in, the scent of stale tobacco and musty wood hung heavily in the air. Although two young men stood guard at the factory''s entrance door, they didn''t even dare to stop him. Instead, they quietly greeted him by bowing their heads. ''They look like apprentice walkers.'' He also saw a dozen young men in ragged clothes loitering around in the yard and thought they must be low-rank members. After a swift look, Raven opened the wooden door and continued to walk inside. Unlike the outer region, the interior looked good. A few magical lamps lit from the corners made the high-ceiling building a bit brighter. It was a large hall with many old machinery and equipment scattered around. But Raven''s attention was instantly drawn towards the small room at the farther end. No, his attention was drawn to a woman in her late twenties smoking while leaning back on the wall. ''I can also hear noises from that side.'' In truth, that room appeared very small and looked more like a restroom from afar. Raven took a moment to observe the surroundings and soon walked closer to the room. Before long, he arrived near the room and noticed it was a passage to the underground basement. It was used to store rice in large quantities, but now it was used as a base area for the Gold Thieves gang. "Aron? Why did you come back so early?" The woman noticed his odd behavior and asked. ''She was also there when I sneaked into the Holmes Mansion¡­ Her name is Remy, a Gold Thieves member, and a fourth Circle Official Walker.'' "''Cough,'' ''Cough,''" Raven coughed loudly before shaking his head and stepping towards the staircase. ''What''s up with him? Even his cough sounds like a child.'' Although Remy was confused, she didn''t put too much thought into it and continued to smoke. Meanwhile, Raven moved downstairs through the staircase and soon reached the underground basement. ''I thought it would be an underground dungeon hall, but this looks more like a residential area.'' As Raven muttered inwardly, he was hit by a pungent, almost overwhelming odor that filled the basement air. The sharp, acrid scent of alcohol mingled with the musty dampness of the underground space, creating a heavy atmosphere that was almost suffocating. The unmistakable aroma of cheap whiskey and gin wafted through the hallway, mingling with the sickly sweet smell of opium smoke that lingered like a fog. Empty bottles littered the floor, and Raven could see the telltale signs of drug use scattered across the path: crumpled papers, burnt spoons, and makeshift pipes hastily discarded by their users. In one corner of a small room on his left, a group of gang members sat huddled together, their eyes glazed and distant as they passed around a bottle and took long drags from a shared opium pipe. The haze of smoke clung to their clothes, casting a dull sheen over their vacant expressions. Another group was gathered around a rickety table, engaged in a card game that seemed more about passing the time than any real chance of winning. Their movements were sluggish, and their laughter was punctuated by coughing and the clinking of bottles. He even heard moaning sounds of women coming from a few rooms ahead. ''I-I think I came to the wrong area.'' Raven wrinkled his nose against the stench, trying to focus on the task. Although flustered initially, he soon composed himself and checked the surroundings. Multiple lamps were attached on either side of the corridor walls, illuminating the whole region in yellowish light. If not for the old walls and cracked doors along the way, this underground basement might look more like a residential building. He also saw a few men and women standing ten meters away and discussing something. Among them, he also saw two familiar faces. ''If I''m right, they are Tomy and Zyad.'' ''I managed to sneak in somehow, but what should I do next?'' He couldn''t help but ask. [There are twelve rooms in the front while another ten rooms in the back. But if you look closer, you will notice a clear difference. Only the front side has many magical lamps installed. On the other hand, the other side has only two lamps. Even they kept them in the farthest corner.] ''That''s where they imprisoned Thomas?'' Raven was stunned by her clear judgment. He was about to turn around and take a look, but Zera stopped him. [Don''t look back. Just walk ahead like you are in deep thought and enter the third room on your left. It''s the only room locked from outside. Don''t make eye contact with the people in the hallway or anyone in the rooms.] He could tell many people were staying in the rooms and seemed to be taking drugs or drinking. ''I don''t think they will find something odd.'' Raven complained but decided to listen to her. He then walked ahead, showing his face that looked like he was in deep thought, and soon walked past the group. After walking a few more steps, he arrived near a wooden door, opened it quietly, and entered. It was a small room with two tables and a few arranged chairs. He also saw a brand-new whiskey bottle placed on the nearby table and grabbed it. "It will come in handy." He said while storing it in his inventory. [What are you going to do next?] Zera asked. "I''ll wait until the Police arrive. Once they arrest the gang members, I''ll use that chance to rescue Thomas and bring him out of here." [Oh? You should use the ''Face Morph'' spell on Thomas and replace him.] "¡­ I''m unsure about whether to rescue him or replace him, Zera. But I''ll think about it after I have done rescuing him." Just as he spoke, a loud male voice came from the outside corridor, followed by running footsteps. "POLICE ARE COMING!!! ALERT THE BOSS!" "What??! Didn''t our boss have some ties with the RA-02 Police? What happened?" A young female voice asked. It was Remy''s voice. "I don''t know. But Jess saw many policemen marching towards the Steel Mill Road in horses and wagons." The male voice responded. Within seconds, shouts and panicking voices were heard from outside. "Are you sure, Alvin?" Another female voice echoed. It was the Vice Leader of Gold Thieves, Mia! "Did you see them marching here?" "I won''t lie on this matter, Vice Leader. Although I didn''t get closer, I indeed saw tens of horses and three wagons moving towards our street. If not for Jeff''s earlier warning, I wouldn''t have noticed this." The man named Alvin responded solemnly. "Damn it. The Police came at the worst time. Boss isn''t here!" Remy panicked. "Oh my god! The hostage!" Tommy instantly realized the reason for the Police''s arrival. "Did someone sell us out? What should we do? If the news of us kidnapping noble blood leaks out, we will be killed for sure!" As Zyad spoke, almost everyone got panicked. Meanwhile, Mia made a quick judgment and spoke. "You guys should pick up whatever you have and hold them off at the entrance. They won''t use rifles without any warrant and will only try to subdue everyone with force. In the meantime, I''ll take the hostage and escape through the backdoor. As long as the boss and I don¡¯t get caught, we will seek a lawyer and bail you guys out." As soon as the members heard her words, they hurriedly grabbed weapons from the storage room and moved towards the staircase. In the meantime, Mia made her way towards the other side of the corridor. ¡­ Chapter 59: Thomas Holmes Chapter 59: Thomas Holmes In a dimly lit room, a teenage boy, probably around 16 or 17 years old, was bound to a cold metal post. The boy¡¯s hands were tightly bound behind the post with thick rope, and a white cloth gagged his mouth. His forehead was damp, and his jet-black hair clung matted against it, while his face and lips turned pale, almost ghostly, from exhaustion and fear. His face and hands bore bruises and cuts while scrapes and fresh wounds covered his bare chest. The room was small and damp, with cracked walls and a dirt-stained floor. A single, flickering lamp hung from the wall to his left, casting unsteady shadows that danced across the room, adding to the eerie atmosphere. There was also a table filled with empty syringes, blood-stained white clothes, knives, needles, and even some torture equipment. The sound of approaching footsteps suddenly echoed from the other side of the room, growing louder with each step. The wooden door creaked open a few seconds later, revealing a woman in her thirties. She had long, flowing blonde hair that fell over her shoulders and amber eyes that gleamed. Her face was round and smooth, giving her an air of confidence and control. She wore a black overcoat over a sharp, formal suit, her appearance neat and professional despite the grim setting. A dagger hung at her waist, its handle polished and ready for use. As she stepped inside, the boy¡¯s azure eyes widened with a mix of fear and anger. ¡°Huhdhdh!¡± He cursed, but only a muffling sound came. ¡°Aww, don¡¯t be mad at me, boy,¡± Mia spoke as she stepped closer and grabbed his wet hair. ¡°I¡¯m just doing my job.¡± As she spoke, she unsheathed her dagger and made a sharp vertical cut in his chest. Blood gushed out from the cut, painting his chest in red. Meanwhile, the young boy struggled with all his might while tears poured out from his eyes. It was purely a torture! He didn¡¯t even understand why they kidnapped him and did all kinds of torture. ¡®What did I even do wrong to let me go through this?¡¯ Such a thought crossed his mind. In the meantime, Mia placed the dagger on his neck and spoke. ¡°I want to see the desperate look on your face every day, but Count wants you dead,¡± A trace of disappointment appeared on her face. The next second, she suddenly made a shift slash and cut open his neck in half! The young teen¡¯s eyes widened in horror, and soon lost focus. The boy struggled because of the endless pain as the blood sprayed in all directions and painted the floor red. After a few seconds of struggling, the young teen completely went motionless. ¡°I should escape before the police arrive.¡± Saying so, she turned around and started walking out of the room. Slowly, the sound of her footsteps became less and completely disappeared after some seconds. Then, a loud gasp came from the corner of the room, followed by the appearance of a thirty-five-year-old-looking man. No, it was Raven in Aron¡¯s appearance! ¡°F*ck! S-She killed him like it was nothing!¡± He said in a trembling voice. Raven felt his heart racing, and sweat appeared all over. ¡®I-I need to escape!¡¯ Fear appeared in his eyes. Seeing someone kill a person up close for the first time shocked him to the core. His legs and hands started trembling non-stop. [Didn¡¯t you also watch ¡®Casper¡¯ killing Scott and his guards? Why are you getting scared?] Zera asked in confusion. ¡®No. I watched it like I was watching a virtual scene from afar. However, I didn¡¯t even feel any emotions.¡¯ He answered slowly and tried to walk towards the exit. [Stop. If you go now, you will not only get caught by the police but might also lose an enormous opportunity. In the worst-case scenario, you might get arrested as a murderer.] Zera¡¯s words made him freeze for a moment. ¡°But is it all right for me to steal his identity?¡± He asked stiffly. Guilt appeared in his mind. [If you don¡¯t, the Count and others will use this opportunity to swallow all the Holmes Family¡¯s wealth. And the main reason we came here is to get ¡®Thomas¡¯ out. But now, you can only use his identity to escape.] ¡°There is no other option, huh?¡± Raven hesitated for a moment and soon arrived before Thomas''s corpse. He then undid the bloodline spell and returned to his original appearance. After that, he touched Thomas¡¯s face, observed him for a while, and cast the ¡®Face Mimic¡¯ bloodline spell. A second later, his face twisted and slowly became a lot younger. His original deep blue eyes became azure, and his facial structure changed slowly. ¡°What should I do with his body?¡± He thought for a second as he untied the rope and soon stored it in his inventory. At that moment, he started hearing gunshots and cries from above and thought the police must have already subjugated the gang members. ¡°I need one more hour to activate the Shadow Stealth skill.¡± He quietly looked around and soon took out a knife from the nearby table. He then removed his shirt, shoes, and hat and stored them in his inventory. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°I need to injure myself!¡± He tried to do self-harm but couldn¡¯t. [Do not hesitate. If you can¡¯t even endure the pain, forget about saving your aunt and sister.] Zera¡¯s words were like fuel to the fire. ¡°I WILL SAVE THEM!¡± He said in an angry voice and directly slashed the knife towards his abdomen. A superficial wound appeared in his abdomen, causing blood to drip slowly. ¡°F*ck. It hurts!¡± [Not enough. This single wound isn¡¯t enough to make others believe you have gone through endless torture.] ¡°Argh!¡± Raven gritted his teeth and felt it was an impossible task. ¡°Is there no other option? Damn it, I can make many cuts as long as this pain goes away-¡± His eyes widened. ¡°Paralysis potion! I still have it.¡± Without delay, he took out the paralysis potion and drank it. ¡®I need to make as many wounds as possible before my whole body paralyzes.¡¯ Raven nodded and then closed his eyes. He controlled his blood and checked where the blood vessels were. After that, he gritted his teeth and started slashing the knife at the non-vital areas. Although the pain was still there, it became a lot less because of the strange paralysis. His hand movement speed also got slower. Within two minutes, he made over ten cuts all over his chest and finally noticed that he couldn¡¯t hold the knife at all. [Store it in your inventory.] Zera spoke. ¡°Okay,¡± Raven replied without hesitation, swiftly storing the item in his inventory. He remained standing, his body rigid and unmoving like a statue. Despite his efforts to stop it, blood continued to drip from his wounds, soaking into his pants and pooling at his feet. The steady flow was relentless, and he felt increasingly light-headed as his body struggled to maintain balance. The paralysis effect left him unable to control his muscles or stop the bleeding, amplifying his feeling of helplessness. A wave of dizziness washed over him, making the room spin and his vision blur. Raven fought to keep his consciousness as he stood there, trying to ignore the sharp pain and the warm blood trickling down his legs. [No major blood vessels were damaged. So, you will be fine. Just lie down on the floor and wait for the police to pick you up.] Zera spoke in his mind. ¡®I can¡¯t move a muscle.¡¯ Raven tried to lean forward and directly smashed his body on the floor. ¡­ A few minutes later, shouts of police officers came from the basements, followed by multiple footsteps. Within seconds, a lean police officer with blonde hair opened the wooden door and soon shouted. ¡°There¡¯s an injured person here!¡± ¡°My god! Is he even alive?¡± a lady police officer exclaimed as she walked behind him and saw the pool of blood, shocked. Meanwhile, the male police officer pushed open the door and hurried towards Raven. Then he checked his pulse and soon looked at his face. ¡°T-This! He is Thomas Holmes! So, Inspector Bennett mobilized all the police to rescue him, huh?¡± A look of understanding appeared on the police officer¡¯s face. ¡°He is breathing but seems to have a severe loss of blood. We need to take him to the hospital.¡± At that moment, more police officers entered the room and started taking Raven out of the room. They soon brought him out of the basement and carried him through the staircase. As the police officers carefully carried Raven out of the dark basement, a crowd started to gather. The sky was a dull gray, hinting at the rain, and a chilly breeze blew through the area, making the officers shiver slightly as they rushed to get Raven to safety. Outside, everything was chaotic. Police wagons parked randomly along the road, and their horses stamped restlessly on the cobblestones. Officers were shouting orders, with some attending to captured gang members while others were making sure no one escaped. The sounds of the operation echoed off the buildings around the mill, creating a mix of voices, clattering hooves, and distant sirens. Soon, a few police officers placed Raven in a wagon and brought him towards the nearby hospital. Raven was fully awake when they were transporting him but acted like he was in an unconscious state. After traveling for over ten minutes, they stopped at a private hospital called Adden¡¯s Hospital and admitted him. When they arrived at the hospital, Raven felt the officers¡¯ hands carefully lift him from the wagon. He heard the concerned murmurs of the medical staff as they wheeled him through the hospital¡¯s long, echoing corridors. Raven also heard some people questioning his condition and even demanded answers from the police. But the voices faced slowly, followed by the smell of antiseptic. The faint cries and groans of other patients also resonated through the walls, giving him strange anxiety. He couldn¡¯t open his eyes, but he listened. He needed to understand his surroundings in case of the worst possible scenario. The voices around him spoke in hushed tones, their words fragmented but filled with urgency. ¡°Severe blood loss... multiple lacerations... needs immediate attention...¡± A nurse with a gentle voice examined him; her touch was professional. She applied pressure to his wounds, and the sting was sharp despite the dulling effects of the paralysis potion. ¡®Didn¡¯t you tell me I¡¯ll be fine? Why is she saying severe blood loss?¡¯ Raven¡¯s mind was in a panic. [You are in Government Aided Hospital, lad. The one who was admitted to the hospital is now a young boy from a wealthy family. So, they will do their best to suck your money.] ¡®Ugh, hope they won¡¯t bill me too much.¡¯ Raven focused on controlling his breathing, forcing himself to remain still, resisting the urge to flinch away from the pain. ¡°We need to stabilize him,¡± said a deep voice, authoritative and calm. ¡°Prepare the saline drip. We¡¯ll need to clean and dress these wounds before they become infected.¡± Time seemed to stretch and compress, a series of disconnected moments as the medical staff worked on him. Raven felt the tug of stitches, the cold swipe of antiseptic, and the prick of needles as they worked to restore his body¡¯s balance. As the minutes turned to hours, Raven fought to remain conscious, though he kept his eyes closed. Zera was the only one who gave him company. [You¡¯re doing well,] Zera said. [Once you¡¯re stable, we can figure out our next move. Remember, you need to act like you have lost your memory when you wake up. Otherwise, the police will suspect you.] ¡®Okay!¡¯ The nurse¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts the next second. ¡°He¡¯s stabilized for now. We should monitor him closely. The police will want to speak with him when he wakes.¡± ¡­ Chapter 60: Adden鈥檚 Hospital Chapter 60: Adden¡¯s Hospital August 31st, Rune Era, Year 1420. It was around 9.00 in the morning. A young teenage boy lay on a hospital bed, slowly opening his eyes. The morning light streamed through the window, casting soft patterns on the white walls. Raven could feel the pull of stitches across his chest, each breath a reminder of the wounds he had inflicted on himself. His mind felt hazy, the remnants of the paralysis potion making it challenging to think clearly. Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself for the role he had to play. A gentle knock on the door preceded the entrance of a middle-aged nurse. She had kind eyes and a warm smile that brightened the room. Raven watched as she approached his bed, her movements were professional yet caring. But what caught his attention was the newspaper in her left hand. ¡°Good morning,¡± she said while placing the newspaper on the nearby table. ¡°You are in the headlines today, boy.¡± After saying so, she took out a stethoscope from the nearby table and checked his heart rate. Then, she measured his body temperature using a thermometer and made notes on a clipboard. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Raven blinked slowly, feigning confusion. ¡°Where... where am I?¡± The nurse gave him a reassuring smile. ¡°You¡¯re in Adden¡¯s Hospital. You¡¯ve been through quite an ordeal, but you¡¯re safe now.¡± He furrowed his brow as if trying to piece together fragmented memories. ¡°I don¡¯t remember... what happened?¡± ¡°You were discovered injured in an underground basement,¡± she explained, her voice gentle. ¡°The investigation suggests that you were kidnapped six months ago and subjected to torture for a long time. Because of your noble background, the news spread rapidly and caught the attention of all the influential figures in the city. The police brought you here after rescuing you. Do you still remember your name?¡± He hesitated, then shook his head slightly. ¡°No, I... I can¡¯t remember anything.¡± He tried to recall but shivered uncontrollably. ¡°B-But I vaguely know I was in a horrible place.¡± The nurse nodded sympathetically. ¡°That¡¯s okay. You¡¯ve been through a lot, and it¡¯s not uncommon for memory to take some time to return after a traumatic experience.¡± Raven glanced around the room as she spoke, taking in his surroundings. The room was small but comfortable, with a vase of fresh flowers on the bedside table and a window overlooking a garden outside. He could tell this room was allocated explicitly for VIPS with a simple glance. ¡°You¡¯ll be all right,¡± the nurse continued, adjusting the surrounding blankets. ¡°We¡¯re going to take good care of you, and the doctors will be in shortly to check on your progress.¡± With that, she left the room, leaving Raven alone. [You¡¯re doing well.] Zera commented in his mind. ¡®I know,¡¯ he replied silently. ¡®I just need to stay focused.¡¯ The door opened again; this time, a lean man in a dark green suit entered. His hair was graying at the temples, and he carried himself with authority. He was around 40, with dark green eyes and fair skin. Raven guessed immediately that this was the police officer assigned to his case. ¡°Good morning,¡± the man said. ¡°I¡¯m Head Constable Kyler. I¡¯m glad to see you¡¯re awake.¡± Raven gave him a cautious nod, maintaining his facade of confusion. ¡°Hello, Sir. Nurse told me you found me in an underground basement, but... I don¡¯t remember.¡± Kyler studied him closely. ¡°That¡¯s not unusual in cases like this. You¡¯ve been through a significant trauma, and it might take time for your memory to come back. We¡¯re just glad you¡¯re safe now.¡± Raven met his gaze, careful to keep his expression neutral. ¡°Thank you, Sir. I appreciate what you¡¯ve done for me.¡± Kyler nodded, pulling up a chair beside the bed. ¡°I¡¯d like to ask you a few questions if you feel up to it. We¡¯re trying to piece together what happened to you, and any details you can remember would be helpful.¡± Raven took a deep breath, trying to appear thoughtful. ¡°I wish I could help more, but it¡¯s all blurry. I woke up here, and everything before that was just blank.¡± Kyler leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Raven¡¯s face. ¡°That¡¯s all right. We¡¯ll take it one step at a time. Do you remember your name or where you¡¯re from?¡± The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Raven hesitated, then shook his head. ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s like there¡¯s a fog in my mind.¡± Kyler nodded, scribbling notes in his notepad. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, son. We¡¯ll do everything we can to help you. The doctors will monitor your condition closely, and we have some of the best specialists in the Borough.¡± Raven nodded, grateful for the officer¡¯s understanding demeanor. ¡°Thank you, Sir. I¡¯ll do my best to remember.¡± As the Kyler stood to leave, he paused at the door. ¡°Let the nurses know if anything comes back to you, no matter how small. We¡¯re here to help you, Thomas.¡± Raven forced a small smile, nodding as the Kyler left the room. ¡®I don¡¯t know when they will discharge me.¡¯ He muttered. [It will take more than a week.] Zera answered. Raven had nothing to do, so he quietly took the newspaper off the table and opened it. As the nurse mentioned, the front page featured a picture of him being carried into the Hospital by police officers. ¡®When did they take this photo?¡¯ While asking, he looked at the front page and read the headline. ¡°Legacy News!... Breaking!... Heir to the Holmes Family Discovered! After a six-month investigation, Inspector Bennett and his team uncovered a lead on the whereabouts of the young noble yesterday and acted immediately. They mobilized all officers from RA-02 Station and launched a raid on Steel Mill Road with a large force. Although the leader and deputy leader of the Gold Thieves escaped, the police successfully arrested over a hundred gang members and detained them. The police discovered further connections between the Gold Thieves and the ¡®Vipers,¡¯ and they found evidence linking them to the production and sale of magical drugs...¡± ¡®Oh? So, Inspector Bennett became the Hero, huh?¡¯ He clicked his tongue. Then, he flipped the page and read other news. Most of the news was about the Western Fortress and the Crown Prince¡¯s death, but a few pieces about Giaris City caught his attention. ¡°Postpone of the Council of Spade Meeting! Because of the incident involving the young Fallen Noble¡¯s kidnapping, the Council of Spade meeting has been rescheduled to November 12th. There has been a talk that the 12 Head Councilmen are planning to revoke the Holmes Family membership in this meeting. Is it time for the Holmes Family to be demoted from Fallen Noble Household to a Commoner Household?¡± Raven frowned upon reading the news. ¡®Is it easy to demote a Fallen Noble to a commoner?¡¯ No, the Emperor bestowed the ¡®Noble¡¯ title to the Holmes Family. Although the once high-ranked Holmes Noble Family fell because of misfortunes and became a ¡®Knight¡¯ Household, it was still a Noble Family in records. ¡®The current Holmes Family is more like a Knight Household with no land. The Holmes Household will retain its noble title for over a century before losing it.¡¯ Unless the ¡®Emperor¡¯ sent out a decree and demoted the ¡®Noble¡¯ title, it would be impossible for some councilmen to demote the Holmes Family beforehand. [It¡¯s more likely they will remove the family from the Council and isolate it. That way, the Holmes Family will slowly lose its support from the other Nobles and disappear slowly. What will happen if a house loses all its wealth? It will be no less than the house of a commoner. A cast-out noble house is more or less dead in the Nobles¡¯ Circle, lad.] Raven nodded in understanding and continued to read the other news. He read articles where some nobles discussed the mismanagement and corruption in Giaris City, criticizing Count Andres for his poor administration. There was also speculation about how much compensation the Count would provide for this unfortunate incident, but Raven didn¡¯t even bother reading those details. ¡®Count Spade¡¯s name will surely be damaged by this incident.¡¯ But he didn¡¯t bother looking at it. The following news that caught his attention was about the Vega Empire! ¡°Envoy from a faraway Empire! Vega Empire plans to send a high-ranked member to the Zenith Empire next month. There have been rumors about the guest being the Duke Solomen from Starkey Household. Will there be a talk of Sword Princess¡¯s marriage during his visit?¡± ¡®Hmm, things are moving faster than I expected,¡¯ Raven said with a deep sigh, closing the newspaper. After that, he lay on the bed and rested. He remained in the Hospital for the next week, undergoing multiple checkups. During his stay, he received visits from reporters, officers, and even some people from the neighborhood. He told others his memories gradually returned and shared some personal information. However, he remained silent about what happened in the underground basement. On September 7th, Raven was discharged from the Hospital! ¡°You are free to go back to your house, Thomas. And you don¡¯t have to worry about the hospital bills. Lord Count has taken care of it.¡± The slim-looking police officer named Kyler spoke as he arrived beside the hospital bed. Meanwhile, Raven looked at his scarred chest and slowly stepped down from the bed. ¡°Thank you for the help, Sir Kyler. If not for your help, I wouldn¡¯t have remembered my past. Although I still don¡¯t remember many things, I will find out eventually,¡± he said before walking towards the left side and picking up the white shirt hanging on the wall. Meanwhile, Kyler took a bunch of papers from the file he was holding and placed them on the table. ¡°Here is the Birth Certificate, Warrant of Precedence, Council Membership Card, and Baptism Certificate you requested. After searching, I found the Warrant of Precedence, Baptism certificate, and Council Membership Card in your house. But I couldn¡¯t find your birth certificate, so I went to the administration office and got a new one. Thanks to your special identity, it¡¯s easier for me to get it.¡± Raven wore the shirt while listening, walked towards the table, and checked the documents. At that moment, Kyler took a small leather pouch from his jacket and placed it on the table. ¡°This is the compensation amount the Count gave for all the unfortunate things that happened to you: fifty gold coins.¡± In truth, it was a significant amount for Police Officer Kyler, but for Raven, it was nothing. Instead of looking at the pouch, Raven skimmed through the document and soon frowned. ¡°What about the legal property documents of the ¡®Chateau Holmes Wine Factory,¡¯ Holmes Mansion, and other small stores?¡± ¡°All the property assets¡¯ names are registered under your father¡¯s name. Thankfully, your father created a ¡®Will¡¯ just after your birth under the presence of two executors and stored it in the Royal Bank. According to the Empire¡¯s Laws, you can inherit all the assets whenever you want once you get an approval letter from the two executors. I tried to find out who these two executors were but couldn¡¯t. You will know their identities only after you take the ¡®Will¡¯ document from the Royal Bank. If you go to the administration department with their approval letters and provide your birth certificate, they will help you transfer the ownership.¡± ¡®So complicated. But I understand it is necessary.¡¯ Raven nodded in understanding. Chapter 61: Giaris Mercenary Guild Chapter 61: Giaris Mercenary Guild "If you need help, come to RA-02 Police Station and look for me. I''ll do my best to help you, kid." Kyler said solemnly. "Okay." Raven nodded quietly and took the leather pouch. Then, he put the documents, leather pouch, and tablets in a separate Gladstone bag and kept it in his hand. After that, he turned around and began walking toward the exit. "Do you need me to accompany you until you reach Bristol Street?" Kyler asked, his eyes showing visible concern. "No, sir. I have other plans before going home." Raven deliberated for a moment and asked. "Do you know where the Giaris Mercenary Guild is located?" Kyler''s eyes widened at his question. "Don''t tell me you plan on hiring a Mercenary Squad to protect you?" "I''m a powerless boy in the eyes of other nobles, Sir Kyler. I need a strong mercenary team to protect myself and my property. I can''t let myself get kidnapped again by some thugs." Raven said with a worried tone. Meanwhile, Kyler was impressed by his decision and nodded in approval. "Then, you should go to the Halberd Alley in Eastmine Borough. I suggest you look for Jose at the Guild and tell him my name. He will help you get acquainted with the ''Sepoy Mercenaries.'' The Sepoy Mercenaries were originally a Guard Unit of the Red Sepoys Army and had a high reputation. However, after some conflict with the vice-commander of Red Sepoys, they resigned from the army and started doing private mercenary work. The Sepoy Mercenary leader is a Peak Rank Radiant Walker with a Type-1 Aether Rifle Artifact in his possession. As long as you have him by your side, even an Expert Walker will find it hard to capture you." "Type-1 Aether Rifle? Expert Walker?" Raven tilted his head in confusion. "Ah, I forgot you lost your memories. The Type-1 Aether Rifle is like a ''Rare'' Artifact and can kill a Radiant Walker in a single shot. There are rumors that Jacob actually managed to wound an Expert Walker during his mission to infiltrate the Shadow Nation and even earned the title of ''Scarlet Wolf.''" Kyler paused for a moment and added. "But if you want to hire them even for a month, you need more than 1000 gold coins." "Oh! Although it''s quite expensive, I''ll think of a way to get more money later." Raven nodded. "You can check your family account balance at Zenith Royal Bank. I heard that some funds are still left in the savings account," Kyler added. Meanwhile, Raven nodded and quietly bid farewell to the Head Constable Kyler before leaving the hospital. As soon as he walked out of the hospital compound, he found a four-wheeled hackney carriage standing on the opposite and raised his hand. Meanwhile, the middle-aged carriage driver also noticed his signal, turned the carriage around, and soon drove it towards him. ¡°Halberd Alley, Eastmine.¡± Raven said. "That would be 3 silvers, Sir." "That''s quite expensive, isn''t it?" Raven said before taking out money from the inventory. He was about to give it to him but paused. At that moment, he noticed something sticky in his hand and froze. ''I forgot Thomas'' corpse is still in my inventory!'' "Do you have some water?" He asked. "There is a leather water pouch within the carriage, sir." The carriage driver noticed him standing in a daze and asked. "Are you getting in, sir?" "Of course," Raven nodded before opening the wooden door and stepping into it. The hackney carriage, a common sight in the bustling streets of Giaris City, was a four-wheeled vehicle designed for urban transport. It was pulled by a single sturdy horse and enclosed and protected from the elements. Inside, there was seating for two passengers, with a small window on each side providing a view of the passing streets. The interior was simple but functional, with cushioned seats covered in worn leather. The driver, seated high at the front, expertly maneuvered through the busy roads. The rhythmic clatter of hooves on cobblestone echoed as they made their way toward Eastmine Borough. As Raven sat comfortably on the seat, he slowly moved his hand from his pocket and saw red liquid all over his palm. After a swift scan, Raven found a leather pouch in the corner. After that, he opened the window and washed his hands and silver coins. ''I shouldn''t take anything from the inventory before clearing the corpse!'' He suddenly realized something and asked. ''Zera, will his corpse be in rotten condition already?'' [No. The inventory has no air, so Thomas''s corpse will remain fresh. But I advise you to burn his corpse in some forest or woodlands.] Zera said in his mind. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. "I understand." Raven nodded and patiently waited for the carriage to reach its destination. After more than an hour of traveling, the Hackney Carriage reached the Halberd Alley and soon stopped before the Giaris Mercenary Guild. The Giaris Mercenary Guild was a tall structure at the heart of Halberd Alley. It was made of dark stone, with tall, narrow windows and a large wooden door reinforced with iron bands. A heavy, wrought iron sign hung above the entrance, emblazoned with the guild''s emblem¡ªa pair of crossed swords behind a shield. Raven opened the carriage door and stepped down from the carriage. "Three silvers." He gave the carriage driver the money and shifted his gaze towards the building''s entrance. Two guards in brown uniforms stood on both sides of the tall, enclosed wooden door and carried long rifles in their hands. ''They look strong.'' Raven stepped on the Perron staircase and walked up to the main entrance. Although the guards looked at him suspiciously, they didn''t stop him and let him walk into the building. Raven opened the heavy wooden door and stepped inside the Giaris Mercenary Guild. The interior was as imposing as the exterior, with high vaulted ceilings and walls adorned with tapestries depicting battles. The air was thick with the smell of burning wood from a large fireplace at one end of the room. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, its crystals catching the flickering light of the candles. The main hall was bustling with activity. Mercenaries of all kinds gathered around long wooden tables, discussing contracts and swapping stories. The floor was made of polished stone, and Raven''s footsteps echoed as he made his way through the room. A large notice board with posters and job requests also stood near the entrance. Clinking glasses and low conversations filled the air, creating a lively yet tense atmosphere. Raven scanned the room, searching for a suitable target to gather information. He spotted a group of mercenaries gathered around a table at the far end of the hall and decided to approach them. As he neared, he could see that they were all seasoned fighters, their faces marked by scars and their eyes sharp with experience. "Excuse me," Raven said, trying to make himself heard above the din. "I''m looking for Jose. Can you tell me where to find him?" A burly man with a thick beard looked up from his drink and studied Raven briefly before nodding towards a side door. "He''s in the back office, dealing with some contracts. Just knock, and he''ll let you in." "Thank you," Raven replied, giving a polite nod before heading towards the indicated door. As Raven approached the door, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for the task ahead. He knocked firmly and waited for a response. "Come in," a deep voice came from the other side. Raven opened the door and stepped into a smaller, more private room. The office was cluttered with papers, books, and maps, and a large wooden desk dominated the center of the space. Behind the desk sat a man with a rugged appearance, his hair streaked with gray and his eyes sharp and calculating. He appeared to be around 40 years old and had olive skin, sharp elongated eyebrows, and a celestial nose. This was Jose, Kyler had mentioned. "Who are you?" Jose asked, motioning for him to take a seat. "Head Constable Kyler told me to look for you." Raven sat across from Jose, carefully setting his Gladstone bag on the floor beside him. "I need to hire a mercenary squad for protection," he began, meeting Jose''s gaze. "Kyler suggested the Sepoy Mercenaries." Jose leaned back in his chair, assessing Raven with a keen eye. "Oh? The Sepoy Mercenaries, huh?" he said slowly. "They''re experienced and well-equipped, but their services don''t come cheap. Are you sure you''re prepared for the cost?" His eyes scanned the poor-quality shirt he was wearing. "Hmm? Have I seen you before?" Jose vaguely felt that he had seen this kid''s face before and showed a confused look. "Oh, pardon me for not introducing myself. I''m Thomas Holmes, the one who has been in the news for the past week." Raven said with an awkward smile. "Oh! No wonder I felt I''d seen you before. By the way, how are you now? I read in an article that you''ve lost some of your memories and didn''t even remember your neighbors'' faces." Jose asked while scanning him up and down. "Although some memories are still unclear, I can recall familiar faces, Mister. And I urgently need to hire strong people to protect myself," Raven said firmly. "Okay. With the wealth your household holds in the Royal Bank, I don''t think it will be a problem for you to hire them for a year," Jose said while starting to write in the ledger. "How do you know that?" Raven was startled. ''How did he know the savings stored in the royal account were enough? Now that I think about it, Kyler also said something similar.'' "Oh! After you had disappeared for more than six months, the Council of Spade members submitted your death certificate a month ago at the Zenith Royal Bank and requested the bank to announce the worth of your Family property publicly." As he spoke, Jose searched for a newspaper in the nearby cupboard and soon took out a newspaper. "Legacy News, July 28th¡­ Found it. Take a look at the seventh page''s left corner." He gave the newspaper to Raven. Meanwhile, Raven opened the newspaper, flipped the pages, and soon looked at the left corner of the seventh page. "Holmes Household properties are going to be auctioned soon! Council Leader made an official announcement: Once the auction ends, all the money will be shared evenly among the Council of Spade members and used well for orphans'' education¡­." Raven continued to read the news and soon saw the Holmes Household''s net worth at the bottom. "Holmes Household''s Savings in Royal Bank: 12,340 Gold Coins. Chateau Holmes Wine Factory: 280,000 Gold Coins to 350,000 Gold Coins Holmes Household Mansion: 13,000 to 16,000 Gold Coins Holmes Apothecary- Managed by Benjamin and Sons: 8,000 Gold Coins Thomas Book Emporium- Managed by Sarah Wills: 7,000 Gold Coins The Velvet Millinery- Managed by Amell Family: 11,000 Gold Coins. Dorthey''s Confectionary- Managed by Amell Family: 7,500 Gold Coins. Abandoned Azmar Town: It is not for auction; the Council of Spade will decide whom the territory belongs to after notifying the Royal Family." As Raven read out loud, Jose leaned on his chair and spoke coldly. "Not for auction? That abandoned town is worth more than millions of Gold Coins. Once all these matters were settled, they must have planned a secret auction among the Council members. Unfortunately, your return foiled everyone''s plan." On the other hand, Raven''s mind completely went blank. ''T-This is too much for me. But one thing that confuses me more is why the thugs kidnap Thomas instead of killing him. Also, why torture him to his death?'' Although he didn''t understand the situation, he decided to find out the truth slowly. "My decision to come here was right. I want to make a long-term contract with Sepoy Mercenaries," Raven said firmly. "How long?" Jose asked. "One year. Tell them to come to Holmes Mansion; we will negotiate there," Raven replied. "Hmm, I''ll notify Jacob when he returns from the mission." Jose wrote down something in the ledger and asked. "Is there anything else?" Raven paused for a moment, considering his options, then nodded. "I''m planning to hire some servants and a reliable butler. Sir Kyler mentioned that the staff at my mansion either died or vanished, so I need some help managing the house." "Oh? You should visit the Giaris Employment Office and post a job notice there. However, the kidnapping incident and the deaths of the previous servants might deter some candidates. Still, if you offer a good salary, I''m sure some people will be willing to work for you." Chapter 62: Royal Bank Chapter 62: Royal Bank "I''ll keep that in mind," Raven said as he grabbed the Gladstone bag and stood up from the seat. "I''ll be off then, Mr. Jose. Thanks for the help." Raven said with a bow. "It''s nothing much. I''m doing my usual job." Jose waved his hand and then continued. "But if you reclaim your family honor in the future, do me a little favor, lad." "Reclaiming my family honor?" Raven asked with a frown. "I''m talking about reclaiming your wine factory. With a single glance, I can tell that you are a peak-rank Official Walker. A peak Rank Official Walker at the age of 17? That''s the birth of a genius. Whenever a genius is born in a Noble Household, that household will soar high in the sky and go through a big transformation." Jose said as if he had already predicted the future. [He has sharp eyes and a genius mind, like a merchant, lad. Get him to your side.] Zera said in his mind. Meanwhile, Raven gave Jose a deep look and asked. "So, what is the favor, Mr. Jose?" "Get Kyler a higher position in the police department. He has been working as a head constable for over 20 years and accomplished many things, but he has not risen in rank because of nepotism and corruption. Help me with that when you become more stable." Raven could tell that this man was making a gamble. "You should know nothing is free in this world, sir." "What do you want?" Jose asked. Raven pointed his forefinger at Jose and spoke. "I need a lot of helping hands, Mr. Jose. When I reclaim my territory, quit this job and work for me. I''ll pay you double." Jose was stunned by his words and soon burst into laughing. ¡°Hahaha, interesting. Reclaim your territory? I never knew you had such a fantasy dream, kid. I''ll do it when you make such a thing possible." Raven nodded with a smile and turned around before walking towards the exit. "Don''t forget your promise." Saying so, he left the room, leaving Jose alone. "Reclaiming the Azmar Town, huh?" Jose couldn''t help but chuckle. "This kid has no idea about the current situation. I heard Falcons are eyeing for that place." He shook his head and decided to mind his own business. After all, he knew that poking his nose in the Nobles'' matter would only lead to more trouble. ¡­ Meanwhile, Raven left the Giaris Mercenary Guild and went to the Employment Office on the same street. He then paid ten gold coins in advance and put a notice for hiring servants. Once he was done, Raven made his way towards the Zenith Royal Bank, two streets away from Halbert Alley. The grand building, constructed from polished white marble, featured large arched windows adorned with intricate stained glass. Atop its impressive fa?ade was a clock tower, its hands ticking precisely. The bank''s entrance boasted towering Corinthian columns that led up to large, heavy wooden doors with ornate brass handles. As Raven approached, he was struck by the opulence surrounding the bank. A pair of liveried footmen stood at attention by the entrance, their red uniforms crisp and immaculate. Stepping inside, Raven was greeted by a vast, open lobby bathed in warm light from chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The polished marble tiles covered the floors, reflecting the space''s elegance and grandeur. Rows of wooden counters lined the hall, each manned by a meticulously dressed clerk who handled transactions calmly. The walls were adorned with framed paintings of past bank directors, their stern gazes watching over the patrons. A massive oil painting of a two-headed serpent dominated one wall, its eyes seeming to follow Raven as he made his way to a vacant counter. Raven approached one of the clerks, a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed mustache and sharp eyes. The clerk glanced up, offering a polite nod as Raven set his Gladstone bag on the counter. "Good day, sir. How may I assist you today?" the clerk asked, his tone both formal and welcoming. "I need to access the Holmes family vault," Raven replied, taking out his birth certificate, Council Membership Card, and Order of Precedence and placing them on the counter table. "Holmes Family?" The clerk looked surprised and took the documents from the counter. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "Let me take a look at the documents, sir." Saying so, the clerk first checked his birth certificate. "Thomas Holmes, 15.05.1404, born in Giaris Elite Public Hospital, Male child, father: Walter Holmes, mother: Dorthey Holmes, address..." The clerk read the document while cross-checking the information from a large book and soon nodded. Then, he took the Council Membership Card and checked the unique number written on the left corner. After that, he took the Order of Precedence document and read it out loud. "The Holmes Family: A Knightly Lineage Family Name: Holmes Title: Knight Family Motto: "Virtue Above All" Crest: A lion rampant holding a sword, symbolizing courage and honor. Seat: Holmes Manor, located on Bristol Street. Family Overview The Holmes family was a distinguished knightly family with a rich history dating back to the Middle Rune Era. The Family''s reputation was built on its dedication to the Crown and notable military and public service contributions. As Knights, the Holmes family held a respected place in the social hierarchy, with connections to other noble and gentry families. But after the Azmar Town incident, the Family met its decline. Current Head of the Family Sir Walter Holmes Title: Knight Birth Year: 1381 Education: Spade Knights Academy Military Service: Served with distinction in the Western Army and participated in the Crimson Battle. Knighted for bravery and leadership on the battlefield. Interests: Passionate about agricultural advancements and a keen supporter of local charities. Lady Dorthey Holmes Birth Year: 1385, Family Background: Orphan girl from Giaris Local Orphanage. Interests: She loves painting and has a passion for tailoring. Children Thomas Holmes Birth Year: 1404 Education: Spade Knights Academy. Occupation: None Marital Status: Engaged to Lady Catherine Sinclair, daughter of Knight Sinclair. Family Properties: Azmar Town and its surrounding lands. (Lost due to the Red Goblin incident) Chateau Holmes Wine Factory... Holmes Household Mansion... Holmes Apothecary... Thomas Book Emporium... The Velvet Millinery... Dorthey''s Confectionary... Order of Precedence: As Knights, the Holmes family ranks below baronets but above esquires and gentlemen. They frequently participate in local and national ceremonies and are invited to court functions and society events." "The Order of Precedence wasn''t renewed after Sir Walter Holmes'' death. Please wait here for a while, Young Master Thomas. I''ll go upstairs and update the current information for you." Saying so, the clerk moved away from the counter and soon went upstairs through a spiral staircase. An hour later, the clerk returned with a new document and gave it to him along with an iron key. "Very well, sir. If you sign here, I will have someone escort you to the vault," the clerk said, sliding a ledger across the counter. Raven quickly signed his name, and the clerk gestured to a nearby bank guard, who stepped forward with a courteous bow. "Please follow me, sir," the guard said, leading Raven through a set of doors that opened into a dimly lit corridor. The passageway was lined with reinforced doors, each leading to vaults belonging to various noble families and wealthy patrons. Their footsteps echoed softly against the stone walls as they walked deeper into the bank''s secure depths. After a short walk, they arrived at a heavy steel door. The guard inserted a key and turned it with a loud click, swinging the door open to reveal a room filled with safety deposit boxes and a large central safe. Raven stepped inside, feeling a sense of relief as he approached the family vault. He inserted his key into the lock, turned it, and opened the door to reveal the contents. The space was filled with stacks of gold coins, 50-plus platinum coins in a small wooden box, neatly bundled documents, and several small, ornate boxes. "I''ll take all the platinum coins and the ¡®Will¡¯ document with me," he told the guard, taking the small box and a file with him. After that, he locked the vault and returned to the counter with the bank guard. Meanwhile, the clerk checked how much money he had taken from the locker and also took the golden key from him. The clerk quickly recorded the transaction, his quill scratching across the ledger with precise efficiency. "Everything seems in order, Young Master Holmes," he said, finishing his entry. "Is there anything else we can assist you with today?" Raven shook his head, tucking the small wooden box of platinum coins securely into his Gladstone bag. "No, thank you. That will be all for today," he replied, politely nodding to the clerk and the guard. With his business at the bank concluded, Raven left the bank and stepped out into the bustling streets of Giaris City. The afternoon sun bathed the city warmly, casting long shadows on the cobblestones. The sounds of vendors calling out their wares and the clatter of horse-drawn carriages filled the air, creating a vibrant tapestry of urban life. "What should I do next?" Raven asked. [You should change your identity and dispose of Thomas''s original body.] Zera spoke in a calm tone. "Do I need to change my identity again?" Raven frowned. While it wasn''t a difficult task¡ªsince the spell model in his mind had already copied the facial structures of the homeless boy, Aron, and Thomas Holmes¡ªhe was still reluctant to go through with it. [Many eyes are monitoring you at this moment, lad. And I''m 100% sure some people are watching you every second and sending reports to their bosses.] ''True. I also want to know why the Vice Leader of Gold Thieves acted alone and killed Thomas. Now that I think about it, she has another identity, right? She is also a member of Vipers.'' Raven suddenly thought of a possibility. ''Thomas''s kidnapping has something to do with Vipers? It is possible. And I also need to look into ''Falcons." [Maybe Count Andres has an involvement in this?] Zera said. ''How did you come to this conclusion? If not for him, the policemen wouldn''t have acted that fast and tried to rescue Thomas.'' [No. Do you believe the Count acted just because you offered him some money? That''s a naive assumption. He was worried that this information might leak to the press and damage his reputation. Think about it logically. What does he gain from rescuing Thomas? The Holmes family is already in decline, so there''s no benefit for him. But imagine what he could have gained if Thomas had died during the police rescue¡ªhe would have secured a substantial share of the wine factory and Azmar Town. Even though it''s a ruined town, its value remains significant.] ''Indeed. Does that mean I can get kidnapped or killed at any moment?'' Raven cautiously glanced around and soon approached the carriage parked on his left side. It was a completely enclosed Hackney carriage with only a tiny window gap on either side. As he approached the carriage, the driver tipped his hat and greeted him. "Afternoon, sir. Where to?" "Southward," Raven instructed, climbing into the carriage and settling into the seat before closing the door. The driver nodded, flicking the reins to set the horses in motion. As the carriage rolled through the road, Raven leaned on the seat and touched his face. A second later, his face started to change to his original appearance. ¡­ Chapter 63: Rebecca Chapter 63: Rebecca Raven looked through the small window and noticed the carriage was nearing the Southward Borough. He knew it was time to leave before anyone could track his movements. "I should leave stealthily, then," he muttered to himself. He then pulled out a pair of boots from his inventory and noticed traces of blood droplets on the front. After that, he took out the monocle and wore it. Quickly, he scanned the carriage''s interior and spotted a ragged cloth on the seat opposite him. Raven used the cloth to wipe the blood off the boots before slipping them on. Then, he took 6 silver coins from his inventory, wrapped 3 in the now blood-stained cloth, and left them on the seat. [The coachman will be freaked out when he sees this,] Zera commented dryly in his head. "I have no other choice," Raven replied silently, shaking his head. With careful movements, he quietly opened the carriage door. He waited momentarily, checking that no other carriages were approaching from the opposite side. Once the coast was clear, he activated his ''Shadow Stealth'' skill and leaped out of the carriage, landing silently on the cobblestones. The coachman noticed a slight jolt as the carriage shook, but he dismissed it as nothing more than a bump in the road and continued to drive. Meanwhile, Raven quickly slipped into the shadows of a nearby building, becoming one with the darkness. After a few seconds, he emerged from the shadow, blending seamlessly into the crowd of passersby on the busy street. His heightened senses and almost photographic memory allowed him to observe every detail of his surroundings, precisely calculating his next move. ''I need to dispose of Thomas''s body first.'' But to achieve that, he needed to leave the City. ''I need to gather information and make preparations, too.'' After thinking for a moment, he went to the weapon shop on the street and bought a shovel. Then, he went to the flower shop and bought a flower garland. Once he was done purchasing, he stored the items, along with the Gladstone bag, in the inventory, moved to the next street, and started searching for a carriage. He quietly stood on the roadside and watched everyone''s information while constantly activating the monocle. After hours of observation, he finally found a target. Without delay, he moved toward a carriage parked a hundred meters away. As he approached, Raven noted the details of the carriage: a sleek, dark wood structure with a simple but elegant design. The driver, an older man with a salt-and-pepper beard, was adjusting the reins and preparing for the journey. He also noticed a young lady standing by the carriage door, conversing with the driver. She appeared to be about his age, with cascading curls of blonde hair framing her delicate face. Her fair skin seemed to glow in the afternoon light, and her striking amber eyes held a captivating warmth. "Excuse me," Raven said as he approached the man, keeping his voice low and steady. "I overheard your conversation a while ago. Are you two heading towards the Claw Ville?" The driver looked up, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Raven. "Aye, I am," he replied, his voice gruff but not unfriendly. "You need a ride, lad?" "If it''s not too much trouble," Raven answered, flashing a charming smile. "I can pay handsomely for your service." The driver shrugged, gesturing for Raven to climb aboard. "Coin''s always welcome. Hop in, and we''ll be on our way." "What about your customer?" Raven asked. "She is not a customer." "I''m Rebecca, his elder daughter. And I do not mind traveling with you," she said, her beautiful face blushing. "Don''t fall for her fake blushing, lad. That''s a vixen, just like her mother." The driver said with a laugh. "Dad!" An angry shout came from the young lady. Meanwhile, Raven climbed into the carriage, settling into the worn leather seat. Rebecca also followed him, sat on the opposite seat, and started asking questions about him. On the other hand, the coachman started driving the carriage. "So, Raven," Rebecca began, "What business do you have in Claw Ville? It''s only a small village with less than 200 households. Are you visiting a relative?" Raven shook his head and answered calmly. "I''m planning on checking suitable land outside the City to purchase. I chose Claw Ville because it''s only a few kilometers from Giaris city." "Oh? Why do you need land? Are you planning on doing farming?" Rebecca asked. "Giaris city has been polluted lately, so my employer wants to spend his holidays outside the City. He said he wanted to build a resort or something. So, I''m searching for a good place." "Employer? Are you working for someone?" Rebecca asked in interest. Raven nodded his head and answered. "Yes. My employer is from a noble background, so his expectations are high." Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "Noble?" Rebecca''s eyes widened. "So, what are his expectations?" Raven leaned on the seat and sighed. "My employer is a Walker and also has weird taste. He wants to build a resort house near a river or a tall place. Even if that place is dangerous, he is willing to buy it at a reasonable price." "Walkers sure are mysterious and unpredictable." Rebecca nodded in understanding and added. "But there is one area which might be suitable for purchasing. It is situated near the Frostvale River. Although the whole river and its surroundings are frozen due to winter, it will be a beautiful sight during other seasons." "Frostvale River? Is it far away from Claw Villa?" Raven asked in puzzlement. "No. It''s only a two-kilometer distance. But it is quite isolated, and not even the villa guards go near that place at night. Crocodiles and Giant pythons always roam near the river." "That''s all right," Raven replied, "I''ll have to visit it and see for myself." Rebecca nodded, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she described the area. "You will love that place for sure. Ashenvale forests surround the Frostvale River, and the flowers bloom in every imaginable color in the spring. It''s like something out of a fairy tale. There''s also an old legend about the river being home to water spirits who guard its beauty." She continued talking more about the villa and surrounding areas while Raven listened quietly. "So what about you? Are you working?" Raven asked. "I''m a Seamstress and am also looking for a high-paying job. I completed elementary school in Giaris City and quit the knight training due to a lack of funds to study higher. After that, I started buying undesigned dresses from the Pierce Textile Factory and learned how to sew and make designs from my neighborhood aunty. From then onwards, I''ve been doing my best to help my family," Rebecca said with a smile. "Oh? How much can you make?" Raven asked. "It depends on how many garments I complete and the quality of the design. On average, I earn around 20 to 30 Silver coins," Rebecca said solemnly. ¡°30 silvers are enough for an average family per month, right?¡± "No. My dad also earns around seven silvers per day. Sometimes, he will only get two or three rides. On average, he earns around two gold coins per month. But he had to pay 30% to the Government officials as monthly tax and 20 Silver coins to the local gang as protection fees. At the end of the month, we barely have around 1 Gold and 40 silver coins. But in a large City like Giaris, more is needed to live. That''s why he always returns to Claw Ville every day." "Is one gold coin and forty silver coins not enough?" Raven felt it was enough for a normal family, even in a big city like Giaris. "Our family is pretty large, Mr. Raven. I have three younger sisters and four younger brothers. Along with my mother, grandmother, and grandfather, our family has 12 members. Two of my younger brothers and one sister are studying in the government school, while the rest are doing chores in our Ville, helping my mom and grandparents. We barely have enough money to feed ourselves." ''8 kids?'' Raven was speechless. He knew how hard it was even to raise a single child. ''My sister and aunt worked hard to care for my needs.'' [That''s why birth control and sex education are more important.] Zera commented in Raven''s head. "My employer is also looking to hire servants. Why don''t you try your luck?" "Really?" Rebecca looked surprised and soon shook her head. "But I don''t have enough education nor learned etiquette lessons to work in a noble household." "You can just get hired as an apprentice maid and learn the etiquette from others over time. I''ll also inform my employer and recommend you." Raven suggested. "You are so nice, Mr. Raven. Even though we just met, you are trying to give me such a huge opportunity!" His generosity deeply moved Rebecca. "I''ll talk to my dad and will decide." Raven nodded his head and continued to talk to her. The carriage rolled along the road, the rhythmic clatter of hooves filling the air. Raven glanced out the window, watching the City gradually give way to more rural scenery. His mind was occupied with various thoughts, but he kept up the conversation with Rebecca, knowing that blending in was crucial. As the carriage drove closer to Claw Ville, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the road. Eventually, the carriage began to slow as it approached a village outskirts. The driver guided the horses along a narrow path flanked by towering trees that swayed gently in the evening breeze. Raven could see the distant silhouette of Claw Ville against the horizon, the warm glow of lanterns flickering in the windows of the small homes. "Please stop the carriage, sir. I''ll walk from here onwards." Raven opened the door and informed the old man. "What happened?" Rebecca was startled by his action and asked. "I have some work to do before entering the villa," Raven said with a smile and gave three silver coins. "Keep this as a fee for the ride. Also, if you need any help, come to 21A Bristol Street and look for a person named ''Thomas.''" As the carriage came to a stop, Raven stepped out of the carriage and thanked the driver. "Thanks for the ride, sir." Rebecca poked her head out, giving him a polite nod. "It was nice meeting you, Mr. Raven. Good luck with your land search. If you have extra time, come to my house in Claw Ville. Just ask for David¡¯s Home; the locals will guide you.¡± "Thank you, Rebecca," Raven replied, offering a genuine smile. "Safe travels to you both." Standing under the tree, the old man whipped the horses and drove the carriage towards the Claw Ville. "What should I do next?" Raven asked as he looked at the stars-filled sky. [Find the Frostvale River and dump Thomas''s body. The crocodiles will eat his corpse, leaving no traces behind.] ''I want to bury his body and give his soul a proper rest.'' Raven said solemnly. [But burying him will leave traces. You better go to the deepest part of the Ashenvale woodlands and bury his corpse then.] After talking with Rebecca, Raven learned most of the geographical locations around Claw Ville and had already laid out a plan. "That''s what I''m also thinking." Raven nodded his head and started walking towards the woodland that appeared far ahead. [So what about that girl? That child has an extraordinary potential to become a Dark Wizard.] Zera spoke. ''True. I have only seen ''Genius'' rank affinity from a few people.'' Raven suddenly frowned and asked. ''What is Dark Wizard? And how rare is a Genius rank affinity among people?'' [Wizards specializing in curses, shadow-related abilities, and summoning are called Dark Wizards. However, the most important factor is one¡¯s affinity rank. Almost all humans have at least one or two ¡®Low¡¯ rank affinities. And only one in a hundred has ¡®Intermediate¡¯ rank affinity.] ¡®What about ¡®High¡¯ rank?¡¯ Raven asked. [High-rank affinity appears one in a ten thousand. The next rank is called ¡®Extraordinary.¡¯ A Soul born with ¡®Extraordinary¡¯ affinity is rare, with a probability of 1 in 1 million.] ¡®What about Genius?¡¯ So far, Raven had seen two people with ¡®Genius¡¯ Rank affinities. One was his sister, while the other one was Dennis Sunfire. [''Genius'' rank affinity holders are born one among 10 million people. They are more like ''Hidden Gems.'' Within this vast empire, you can only find around 100 to 200 people with Genius rank affinities.] ¡®What? 100 to 200 Geniuses? Aren¡¯t they not rare then?¡¯ Raven thought there would be only around 5 to 10 in the Empire. [I¡¯m talking about people of all age groups. Also, many don¡¯t even have a chance to check their affinity ranks for their whole life and die as mortals. Although the current education system helps the wizards to find the potential seeds much easier, not every child manages to get into Knight Training schools. Anyway, before someone notices her potential, make her your subordinate.] Zera said in a solemn tone. ''That''s why I gave Rebecca my address.'' Raven replied. [Do you think she will come and look for you just because you give her your address?] Zera scoffed. ''She knows I''m working for a Noble Lord. And from what I''ve observed, she is desperate to look for a new job. She will come for sure,'' Raven said with a smile and started walking towards Ashenvale. ... Chapter 64: Return Chapter 64: Return Thanks to his night vision skill, Raven navigated the snow-covered forest without difficulty and went further into the woods. Although a few wolves and goblins attacked him, they posed no threat to his current strength. After traveling for more than two hours, Raven finally found an excellent place to bury Thomas''s corpse right underneath a tall oak tree, surrounded by thorn-filled plants with no leaves. He first used the shovel to remove the snow, dug a large area of 6 feet, and made a grave around midnight. After that, he waited until dawn in the cold, took out the corpse from the inventory, and placed him near the grave. Then, he removed Thomas''s clothes and other belongings and pushed the naked dead body towards the grave. As he started burying his body by pushing the soil, he slowly opened his mouth and began to do a ceremonial prayer. "Beloved spirits, guardians of the Eclipse land, we gather here under the watchful eyes of the stars to honor the dead, who have journeyed beyond the mortal veil. We call upon the Four Winds, the Earth Mother, the Celestial Waters, and the Rebirth Flame to guide and protect him on his passage to the next life. O Spirits of the Beyond, hear our call. Grant him peace and safe passage through the celestial realms. In the East, where the sun rises, we ask for clarity and wisdom to light his path. May the dawn''s light guide him. In the South, where the Rebirth fires burn bright, we seek the warmth of love and courage to embrace his soul. May the fire''s warmth comfort him. In the West, where the Celestial waters flow, we pray for the cleansing and renewal of his spirit. May the water''s purity cleanse him. In the North, where the Earth stands firm, we hope for strength and protection for him on his journey. May Mother Earth''s strength support him. O Mother Twilight, Keeper of Souls, we entrust the dead into your care. May he find rest among the stars, his spirit and heart at peace. We release him into the arms of eternity. May he soar higher and dance with the stars. Until we meet beyond the stars." After the ritualistic chant, Raven placed the flower garland near the grave and clapped his hands before bowing his head towards it. After that, he quietly walked away from there. ¡­ Raven didn''t stay in the Ashenvale forest after burying Thomas and quietly returned to the Claw Ville. Then, he met with Rebecca''s father and returned to Giaris City with his help. The journey back to Giaris City was boring, with only the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels. By the time the carriage reached the city, it was around 9:00 A.M. The morning sun was rising, painting the sky in orange and giving everyone a warm feeling. The snow covering the road also started to melt as the sun ascended from the East. Raven saw the familiar restless energy of the city, bustling with people, as the carriage entered the Southward Borough. Vendors also set up their stalls in crowded areas, and the smell of freshly baked bread filled the air, even at the city entrance. "Where shall I drop you, boy?" Rebecca''s father asked, breaking the silence as he drove the carriage through the crowded streets. "Put me near Salford, sir," Raven said. "Aye," he said. Minutes later, the carriage arrived in Salford Borough and was immediately parked on the side of the road. Meanwhile, Raven walked out of the carriage and thanked Rebecca''s father before entering the nearby alley road. After that, he activated the ''Shadow Stealth'' ability and slowly disappeared into the dark. ¡­ Bristol Street, Salford Borough. It was around 8 A.M. A black-haired young boy, around 16 years old, strolled on the street road and soon arrived in front of a two-storied mansion entrance. He had azure blue eyes, a square face, upturned eyebrows, and fair skin. At that moment, he wore a black frock coat over his formal white shirt, black pants, ribbon tie, and a bowler hat on his top. He also held a leather Gladstone bag in his left hand. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. The monocle perched on his left eye was the most surprising thing about this boy. As soon as he arrived closer to the compound gate, a 30-year-old man in a dark green uniform stepped forward and blocked him. "This area is off limits, boy." He stated. ''A policeman? Wait, isn''t he the same person I saw a week ago? But why is he still guarding my mansion?'' Raven furrowed his brows and asked. "Did I ask the police to guard my house? Why are you standing at the entrance and guarding the mansion?" At the same time, he activated the monocle and checked his status. ¡­ ''A local guard, huh? I thought of him as a policeman.'' "Your mansion?" The guard''s face froze before turning into a surprised one. "I didn''t recognize you, Young Master Thomas. I have been assigned to guard your house by Lord Count after you went missing." ''Yeah, I''ve seen you guarding the mansion while letting those thugs in,'' Raven walked past him and opened the compound gate. Meanwhile, the guard took an iron key from his pocket and gave it to him. "I tried my best to guard the house, Mr. Thomas. I never allowed anyone in." The corner of Raven''s lips twitched. "You are relieved from your duty. Return to the Count and tell him I''m grateful for his help." Raven didn''t even look back at the guard''s face before stepping onto the lawn. He felt a familiar chill in the morning air. In front of him lay the garden, a tidy area covered in snow. With snow covering almost one-third of the garden, some fearless wildflowers have sprung up at the corners with their tints. ''What a grand sight.'' Raven''s gaze shifted towards the two-storied mansion. The structure was impressive, with its high, steeply pitched rooflines and ornate gables. The walls were made of old bricks; their deep red color gradually faded in places by rain and sun. Tall, narrow windows marked fronts, their curtains once bright white but faded with time. Some of the windows were decorated with metal, with floating patterns that cast soft shadows when the light first came. A large window also jutted out from one side of the house, its windows reflecting the morning sun like broken diamonds. "This is a beautiful mansion worth over ten thousand gold coins." While muttering, Raven made his way toward the building''s entrance. The front door, a heavy oak affair with an arched top and inset with stained glass panels, stood as the centerpiece of the mansion''s entrance. Its brass knocker was shaped like a lion''s head, worn to a smooth sheen by countless hands. Stunning wood framed the patio, where the paint had been stripped to reveal the raw wood beneath. Vines climbed up one side of the house, their trunks twisting around the doors, stretching up as if trying to reach the top. After observing the surroundings, Raven inserted the metal key into the lock, opened the door, and entered the hallway. The inside of the place was cool, with a faint fragrance of dust and aged wood mixed with some flowers. Sunlight filtered through the entrance glasses, splashing colors throughout the main lobby''s marble floor. The lobby stretched out wide, its ceiling soaring high. A grand chandelier took center stage adorned with glass shades in various hues, though many of its bulbs had gone dark over time. A curved, split staircase with a strong iron railing spiraled up to the upper level. The kitchen, dining room, butler''s pantry, and guest suite were on the left side of the foyer. The living room, library, drawing room, home office, and laundry room were on the right side of the foyer. ''The mansion house is so big.'' Raven first went to the laundry room, took all the items from his inventory, and washed everything. Then, he moved to the living room and quietly sat on the sofa with a tired face. ''I badly need rest.'' But he knew it wasn''t the time to worry about his sleep. A bell sound came from the foyer, causing him to sit straight. "A guest?" Raven stood up from the sofa, approached the foyer, and soon reached the entrance door. He opened the wooden door and saw two people standing at the mansion''s entrance. One was a middle-aged man with a tall stature, while the other was a blonde-haired woman in her thirties. The man had a rough square face, black eyes, and a half-bald head. He also wore a charcoal-colored morning coat over his formal white dress. The woman had a slim figure, olive skin, thick eyebrows, and emerald eyes. She wore an emerald-colored pelisse over her high-necked blouse and loose pants. She also wore balmoral boots and a toque. "Jacob?" Raven looked at the middle-aged man and asked. "Oh, have we met before, Young Master?" The middle-aged man named Jacob looked surprised and asked. "No. But I was expecting your arrival, Mr. Jacob." Raven said with a smile and turned his gaze towards the woman. Meanwhile, the blonde-haired woman bent her waist and bowed her head. "Greetings, Young Master Thomas. I''m Quincy, vice leader of the Sepoy Mercenary." "Greetings, Lady Quincy. Please, come in." Raven invited them in and led them towards the living room. "Please excuse me for not giving the guest a proper welcome." He motioned for them to sit on the ornate sofa, then quietly sat on the Lawson sofa to the right. "At this moment, there are no servants in the mansion. But I''m planning to hire them in a day or two." "It''s all right." Jacob waved his hand and asked. "I heard from the news that you had been kidnapped and tortured for months. How are you feeling now, Young Master Thomas?" "Thanks to the memory loss, I didn''t remember much. But besides the lost memories, I''m already mentally and physically healed." Raven said with a nod and continued. "But the reason I''m planning on hiring Sepoy Mercenary is-" "You don''t have to worry about your safety once you hire us, Young Master Thomas," Quincy curled her lips upward as she interrupted his talking and then added with a smile. "But all our seven members are Radiant Rank Walkers, and our leader is someone on par with an Expert Rank Walker. Isn''t it too much to protect you, Young Master? Moreover, our monthly earnings always amount to around 800 gold coins. Can you able to afford the price? If you plan to hire us long-term, even selling this mansion won''t be enough." ''Seven Radiant Rank Walker? Insane indeed. One or two is more than enough for a normal security job. But I''m not in dire need of their protection. What I need is their strength to reclaim the Azmar territory.'' Raven moved his right hand towards the tea table in the front and snapped his finger. A second later, a large leather pouch appeared out of thin air and fell on the wooden table with a thud. Jacob''s eyes squinted sharper as he saw the pouch appearing out of thin air. "A spatial artifact?" An invisible ripple came out from his body and searched Raven. But to his shock, he found no artifact other than the shoes! ''Spatial artifacts are not something anyone can get... But I didn''t see any elemental fluctuation from his shoes or dresses. It''s as if the earlier fluctuation came from his soul -'' His face froze abruptly. "Are you a Wizard?" Jacob asked stiffly. Chapter 65: Negotiation and Recruitment Chapter 65: Negotiation and Recruitment Meanwhile, Raven touched the pouch, stored it in the inventory again, and asked. "What do you think, Mr. Jacob? Am I eligible enough to hire you guys?" "Y-Yes! I''m sorry for talking rashly, Young Master Thomas." Quincy was the first one to bow her head while standing up. "No need for formalities," Raven said, again dropping the pouch from the inventory. "There are a total of 58 Platinum coins in this pouch. This amount should be more than enough for six months. If you do a better job at guarding and helping me with various tasks, I might plan on hiring you in the very long term." Meanwhile, Jacob stayed silent for a while and asked. "I heard from Jose that you dream of reclaiming the Azmar town. Does that mean you plan on using our mercenary''s strength to take back the ruined town?" Raven couldn''t help but sigh. "You think that''s an impossible task? Yes, I was kidnapped and tortured for months, but that ordeal also led me to get a helping hand. If it weren''t for my teacher''s assistance, I might not have survived that underground dungeon." "Teacher?" Quincy''s eyes squinted. "Don''t tell me your teacher is a Wizard?" Jacob made a possible guess. Raven nodded his head and spoke. "I don''t need your strength to protect myself anymore. No Expert Rank Walker can harm me, thanks to my teacher protecting me in the shadows." Of course, that was a lie. Raven continued with a smile. "But reclaiming my territory is entirely a different matter. Due to some restrictions, my teacher said he couldn''t be involved in politics. So, I have no choice but to rely on help from outside." Jacob pondered for a second and nodded. "That explains everything." "These 58 Platinum coins are not to protect me but to help me reclaim my territory. What is your answer, Mr. Jacob?" Raven asked. "I understand your situation," Jacob said with a forced smile and continued. "But I need to think of the consequences if we plan on helping you reclaim your territory, Young Master. Helping you also means standing against Count Spade and all other noblemen of this city. Although all of them are only from knight families and only managing small towns and villas, they still hold higher positions than us in the hierarchy." As Jacob explained the reason, Raven adjusted the monocle and activated it. ¡­ [Name: Jacob Age: 83 Race: Human Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: Scarlet Wolf Rank: Radiant Walker -Eighth Circle Pathway: Ranger Level: 18 Attributes: Strength: 72 Agility: 74 Vitality: 73 Luck: 13 Spirit: 163 Class Skills: Piercing Shot, Predator''s Mark, Shadow Step, Flame Arrow, Hawk''s Eye, Hunter''s Instinct. Additional Skills: None. Affinities: Fire: Intermediate, Archery- High.] ... ''Heh, this is the status of a peak Rank Walker, huh? His attributes are similar to Franco''s.'' Raven slowly turned his gaze towards Quincy and analyzed her. ''She is a Sixth Circle Radiant Knight. If all their party members are of similar strength, I must recruit them even more.'' Raven took a deep breath and spoke. "Please tell me before this evening so I can look for other mercenary teams." "We''ll discuss this matter with other members and tell you soon, Young Master," Jacob said as he stood up from the sofa. Meanwhile, Raven suddenly thought of something and added. "I also plan on giving you one complete ''Uncommon Rank Knight technique'' and one Uncommon'' Spirit Technique'' from the Holmes Secret Vault when this mission ends." "When shall we sign the contract, Young Master?" Quincy didn''t even hesitate and asked. His words also dumbfounded Jacob, causing him to sit down slowly. Although the Uncommon Rank Knight Technique wasn''t a big deal for a Radiant Stage Knight like him, it can''t be said true for the Spirit Technique. As long as one has a complete Uncommon Spirit Technique, they can reach the peak level of Radiant Knight! There was also a minute chance of ranking up to a Beginner Stage Expert Knight! You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. The corner of Raven''s lips rose. "The consequence would be severe if you lie to us, Young Master Thomas," Jacob said solemnly. After all, not every Knight Household possessed an Uncommon Rank Spirit Technique. Most only had a Common Rank Spirit Technique and an Uncommon Rank Knight Technique. Only a Baron Household possessed a complete Uncommon Rank'' Spirit Technique.'' So, Jacob was skeptical of his words. "I''ll write down an incomplete copy and show it to you during the evening. You can decide after that." Raven knew how precious those techniques were and laid out a bait. A silence fell in the room. "What are the conditions?" Jacob knew that this young boy before him never intended to give such a precious technique for free and felt a sense of uneasiness. "I want Sepoy mercenary to sign a 10-year contract with the Holmes Household. Of course, I''ll only pay half the current amount for the rest of the contract period." Jacob and Quincy were at a loss for words. If they decline his offer, they could continue living a normal mercenary life without getting tangled with politics. But if they accept it, they would not only get paid half the original payment but might even have to work like slaves for ten years. Alas, something stopped them from declining his offer. An Uncommon Spirit Technique. As long as they practice with it, there would be a slight chance for at least one of the seven mercenary members to become an Expert Walker! An Expert Walker title was not to be taken lightly. Expert Walkers were highly respected even by Low-Rank Nobles and even had a chance to get a non-hereditary noble title. "This is an offer I can''t refuse, Young Master Thomas." Jacob raised both his hands and surrendered. "When can we sign the contract?" "Anytime. And please prepare the contract yourself. I''m short of hand, after all." Raven waved his hand. After conversing for a while, Jacob and Quincy bid their farewell to Raven and left the mansion. ''Not bad. I thought Jacob and Quincy would immediately take the money and sign the contract, but the money does not tempt both.'' [Of course, lad. They must have faced a similar situation before. But unlike before, you threw out a much bigger bait and gave them no chance to refuse.] Nodding, Raven stored the money back into inventory, leaned on the sofa, slowly closed his eyes, and fell asleep. His mind drifted to dreamworld in a matter of seconds. Occasionally, he would hear a bell ring from a faraway place but couldn''t wake up due to tiredness. After some time, a loud bell sound came, waking him up from a deep sleep. "How long have I been asleep?" He took a silver pocket watch from his inventory and checked the time. ''1.00 P.M!'' He hurriedly stood up and approached the entrance before opening the wooden door. Surprisingly, he saw a hundred men and women standing on the lawn. His arrival instantly attracted everyone''s attention. Some looked puzzled, some nervous, some disappointed, and a few curious. "Care to explain what''s going on here?" Raven asked in a solemn tone. Meanwhile, all the men and women hurriedly moved closer to the porch and stood in line before greeting him with a bow. "Greetings, Young Lord. We came here after seeing the recruitment notice from the Employment office. We tried ringing the bell multiple times, but no response came. So, we decided to wait outside." A tall, middle-aged man with a fit body stepped forward, adjusted his pince-nez glass, and greeted him with a bow. Raven nodded his head and spoke. "Sorry, my bad. I''ll interview everyone and select the skilled candidates. Come inside one by one." Saying so, Raven turned around and went back to the living room. He quietly sat on the sofa and waited. The first one to appear was the same tall, middle-aged man wearing pince-nez glass. He arrived before Raven, gave him a leather file that contained personal information about him, and patiently waited. "Take your seat," Raven said as he pointed his finger at the opposite sofa, looked at the file, and activated the monocle while looking at the middle-aged man. To his surprise, he saw more detailed information from the status screen! [The artifact is a part of wisdom itself. It uses your spirit power to scan the target, link itself to the ''Wisdom Link,'' and reveal a minute amount of information about the target. The lower the rank a person has, the easier it is to gather information. And if you already have information about the target, it will do a detailed analysis and give you even more detailed status.] Zera explained. ''Oh?'' Raven nodded in surprise and looked at the information. [Name: Jay Age: 54 Title: Proud Butler Traits: Exceptional organization skills, excellent communication, flattery, narrow-mindedness, gossiping, and arrogance. Past History: Worked at Windfall Household for two years but was kicked out due to a personal dispute with a fellow servant. Current Status: Contempt, Annoyance, and Disdain. Attributes: Strength-1.1 Agility- 1.0 Vitality-1.0 Spirit-1.2 Luck- 1.0 Affinities: Darkness- Intermediate.] Raven took a deep look at the status and gave the file to him. "Go back and wait in the foyer. Also, tell the next person to come." A hesitant look appeared on Jay''s face. "I''ll only tell the result at the end of selection," Raven said with a smile and waved his hand. Jay didn''t say anything and quietly left the living room. A few seconds later, another person entered. It was a young man in his twenties. He had blonde hair and unique red eyes, was around 170cm tall, had a round face, and had light skin. He wore a black overcoat over his formal shirt and pants and looked composed. Raven looked at his file and then focused on the status window. [Emanuel, 22 years old, Race: Human, Title: Little Fox. Traits: Etiquette, Wine Knowledge, Discretion, Culinary Knowledge, Problem Solver, Household Management. Past History: Completed his Apprentice Knight Training School seven years ago and worked as an apprentice servant at Humphrey Household for three years. Later, he left the job for unknown reasons and only appeared in Giaris City recently. Skills: Immature Swordsmanship. Affinity: Sword- Intermediate, Wind- Low.] ''Unknown reasons? So, even the artifact has limitations to gather information about the target, huh?'' However, this information was enough for Raven to select a suitable candidate. "Sit down," Raven ordered. "As a servant, I can''t sit in front of the Lord of the House, Young Master." Emanuel bowed his head and apologized. "Very well then. So, have you practiced swordsmanship?" Raven asked out of the blue, causing Emanuel to widen his eyes. He never mentioned anything about his sword skill in the personal document! After a bit of hesitation, Emanuel nodded his head and answered. "I had a fortunate encounter four years ago and learned the basics of the sword from a Rogue Knight, My Lord." Raven furrowed his brows and nodded. "Not bad. You can go and wait in the foyer now." Following that, Raven continued to interview every person. Among 100+ people, almost half of them were spies sent by other Knight Households. There were even five skilled people sent by the Spade Family! ''Worst of all, two of them are assassins!'' Although they were only around Elite Rank, Raven decided not to provoke them. Chapter 66: Selection Chapter 66: Selection Once the interview was done, Raven left the living room and entered the foyer, where all the interviewers were gathered in line. "First of all, thank you for coming here." Raven stood before hundreds of people and continued. "Although many of you have good skills, I only needed a few members to maintain this mansion." "Emanuel, step forward," Raven spoke as he gazed at the blonde-haired young man. "Yes, My Lord." A hint of nervousness and excitement appeared on Emanuel''s face as he stepped forward from the crowd and stood before him. "I appoint you as the Butler of this House. Do not disappoint me," Raven said with a smile, then turned his attention back towards the crowd. His gaze moved towards a woman in her thirties with lustrous black hair that fell in soft waves around her shoulders, framing a delicate, triangular face. Her brown eyes, warm and expressive, held a quiet strength. High cheekbones accentuated the graceful lines of her face, giving her an elegant appearance. Her figure was slender yet feminine, with a medium-sized chest that complemented her proportions. She wore a long, dark dress with a crisp white apron tied neatly at the waist. The dress was modestly cut, with a high collar, long sleeves, and a small, lace-trimmed bonnet perched atop her head. "Stephanie, I appoint you as the housemaid," Raven stated calmly. Compared to Emanuel, Stephanie''s skills were average. But other candidates were either spies or came here with ulterior motives. So, Raven had no choice but to choose her as a Housemaid. Meanwhile, Stephanie stepped forward, knelt before him on one knee, and thanked him. "Thank you, My Lord." Raven nodded and continued. ¡°Briana, Kate, and Lyra. Step forward." Two black-haired young women in their early twenties and one silver-haired woman in her forties stepped forward and bowed their heads. "Briana and Kate." Raven focused his gaze on the two young women and added. "You two will be Housemaids, while Lyra will be the Kitchen Maid." "Thank you, My Lord." All three of them bowed their heads. "Jace," Raven called out another name. A moment later, a middle-aged man with a chubby face and a big belly came forward and bowed his head. "You will be the chef, and your wife Lyra will help you with all the kitchen work. So, do not disappoint me." His words shocked the couple. "H-How?" Jace never mentioned his wife in the personal file and was puzzled by how this young lord had found out about his family. Raven finally focused on a red-haired young boy with poor clothes. ''Do I need to hire him, Zera?'' He asked. At the same time, he touched his monocle and looked at his status again. ¡­ [Name: Roland Age: 14 Title: Gardener''s Son Traits: Bartering, Pruning and Trimming, Street Genius, and Tool maintenance. Past History: His father died a year ago, and his elder sister takes care of his family. He completed elementary school but never attended any higher secondary school. He learned how to do Gardening from his father. Current Status: Nervousness Attributes: Strength- 0.6 Agility- 0.7 Vitality- 0.8 Spirit-1.0 Luck- 1.1 Skills: None Affinities: Time- Intermediate.] ¡­ [People born with ''Time'' affinity are scarce. Even though it''s only an intermediate rank, he can use the ''Star Constellation Book'' once he becomes a high-rank walker. If nurtured properly, he is going to become a good strategist. His ability will be beneficial during the war period.] Zera said. ''Okay.'' "Ronald, you will be responsible for taking care of the lawn and garden," Raven said as he pointed his finger at the young boy and then looked at Emanuel. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. "Also, teach him basic etiquette, Emanuel." Saying so, he slowly looked at other candidates and added. "That''s all the people I needed. Thanks for coming." Disappointed sighs escaped from several people, but no one dared to complain as they quietly exited the mansion foyer. Once all the candidates had left the building, Raven turned his attention to the newly hired servants and addressed them. "Butler Emanuel and Housemaid Stephine will receive a monthly salary of 1 gold and 50 silvers. Briana, Kate, Lyra, and Jace will each receive one gold coin per month," he announced. After a brief pause, he shifted his gaze to Roland. "Roland, you will be paid 75 silvers per month. You can also learn other skills from the Butler and Housemaids. Emanuel, go and prepare the contract papers before tonight," Raven instructed, taking out a leather pouch from his inventory and handing it to him. "This pouch contains fifty gold coins. Use it to purchase everything the mansion needs and return the remaining money to me. You should all help each other in cleaning the building as well." "Yes, My Lord." Emanuel bowed his head and nodded. "I''ll be resting in the living room. Come and wake me up if you need any help." Saying so, he went to the living room and slowly lay on the ornate sofa. ¡­ Raven slept soundlessly for the next three hours but soon awoke after hearing the door-knocking sound. "What happened?" Raven let out a yawn and looked at the young Butler. Emanuel wore a traditional black suit with a well-fitted tailcoat and matching trousers. He wore a crisp white shirt underneath, paired with a black waistcoat and a neatly tied cravat. His polished black shoes and white gloves completed the professional look. Emanuel adjusted his cravat and answered. "Sepoy Mercenary Leader Jacob and his team members are waiting for you in the guest room, My Lord." "Oh? When did they arrive?" Raven asked while standing up. "Just a while ago, My Lord. Do you want to take a shower before meeting them? Although the bathroom in the master bedroom isn''t repaired yet, the one in the second guest room is working properly." Emanuel suggested. "No. I need to prepare something before meeting the mercenaries." Raven only cared a little about the etiquette. "But it will give a bad impression, My Lord." "They will be staying in this mansion for a long time. So, don''t worry about the formalities." Raven paused for a moment and added. "Also, I need a few hours to prepare before signing the contract. Make arrangements for the Sepoy Mercenaries to stay in the mansion." "I''ll do my best, My Lord." Emanuel nodded. Then, Raven left the living room, walked across the foyer, and soon went to the study in the right corridor. It was a simple room with one table in the center, a bookshelf on the left side, and two chairs in the front. After locking the room, Raven walked past the table, went near the wingback chair, and sat on it. Then, he searched the table and soon found an empty notebook in the cupboard. "This should do the work." Nodding, Raven leaned on the chair and entered the Memory Library. A second later, his illusionary figure appeared in the tall library. A silver-haired woman with long ears also appeared beside him and asked. [What are you looking for?] "An Uncommon Spirit Technique. Where is it located?" Not startled by the voice, Raven looked at the nearby shelf and asked. [Oh? Uncommon? There are some uncommon techniques on the first floor.] Zera said before walking towards the row of shelves. They walked past the alchemy book section, then the Spell Model section, the Rune Study section, and finally arrived at the Physical and Mental Enchantment Section. "Why are there only common and Uncommon techniques on this floor?" Raven couldn''t help but ask as he checked the titles. [I arranged it that way, lad. This library has five floors, but due to your low spirit power, you can only enter and exit the first floor for a limited time.] Zera said. Raven frowned and said in a dissatisfied tone. "But the first floor is filled with only the basic subjects and techniques. How many spirit points do I need to enter the second floor?" [20 spirit points. Even with that, you can only stay on the floor for a few minutes.] Zera''s words made him widen his eyes. "Why is that? It''s only books. Why did you make it difficult for me?" A chuckle escaped out of the beautiful elf''s mouth. [Do you think it''s easy for you to enter that place? Each book inside that floor is filled with rule power. With one single mistake, your whole consciousness might get burned or exterminated. It''s the same for meeting high-rank Walkers. Can you withstand the gaze of an Expert Rank Walker? No. The moment you meet an Expert Rank''s killing intent, you''ll faint.] Zera said in a cold tone. Meanwhile, Raven nodded stiffly and quietly looked at the books. ''Lotus Bloom Spirit Absorption¡­ Spectral Essence Gathering¡­ Void Harmonization Technique¡­ Gathering Essence of Primordial Sea¡­'' After a quick look, he realized that around 200 Spirit Technique books were stored on the shelf! ¡®159 Common Rank and 54 Uncommon Rank.'' [All these techniques are basic versions of Legendary ones, lad. If you plan on giving away to outsiders, give the Mystic Spirit Convergence. Its original technique is a Pseudo-Legend Rank and is pretty average compared to others.] Zera suggested. ''What is the difference between a Common and an Uncommon one?'' He was clueless about the spirit technique and asked. [Spirit technique is a unique way of gathering soul essences from the environment and strengthening one''s soul. Most Common Spirit Techniques allow a person to gather up to 0.01 points daily. On the other hand, an Uncommon Spirit Technique enables a person to gather more than 0.04 points per day. Not only that, but the high-ranking technique also helps break the soul shackles.] ''What about Rare and Epic Techniques?'' Raven asked as he took the Mystic Spirit Convergence Technique book and opened it. [Rare technique can allow a person to gather up to 0.08 points per day, a total of 28 points per year. Some unique, rare techniques even allow a person to gather up to 0.1 points daily. On the other hand, Epic Technique is in a completely different league. With an Epic Rank Technique, a person can gather up to 0.5 points! The higher the rank, the faster the absorption rate will be. But if a mortal or low-rank Walker uses such a high-rank technique, he will either injure his soul or let his consciousness get corrupted. That''s why I will never allow you to touch any high-rank technique.] ''I don''t need it, though. I have the Bloodline Devouring System to make this job easier.'' A smug look appeared on his face. [Raven, do you think it''s easy?] Zera asked. ''What do you mean?'' Raven asked. [You see, the spirit power you get whenever you use the ''Bloodline Devouring System'' on a dead creature is a part of its soul essence. It not only has a positive soul essence but also a negative soul essence. I didn''t stop you from absorbing those soul essences because they are helping you recover your broken soul. Alas, the more your soul gets corrupted, the higher the chance that Casper will grow strong and take over your soul and body. Before such a misfortune happens, we need to find a way to purify the negative soul essences.] Zera said solemnly. ''There is such a side effect of using the system ability? Why didn''t you tell me before?'' Raven asked with a frown. [Even if you knew it before, nothing would''ve changed. For now, take care of the outside matters and start creating the elemental circles in your Mind Space soon. Then, we will think of a way to tackle this problem.] Raven nodded at Zera''s words and continued to memorize the book. He spent over an hour in the Memory Library before finally leaving. By the time he woke up, it was already around 5 P.M. Without delay, he opened the notebook and immediately began transcribing the contents he had memorized. After three hours of writing, Raven finally copied the ''Mystic Spirit Convergence Technique,'' deliberately omitting some crucial details to create an incomplete version. With the task done, he stood up from the chair and walked out of the study. Chapter 67: Sepoy Mercenary Members Chapter 67: Sepoy Mercenary Members As Raven stepped out of the room, he noticed that night had already fallen. He moved towards the foyer, passing the split staircase, and entered the left corridor. "My Lord!" a familiar voice called from upstairs. Raven looked up to see Emanuel hurrying towards him, dressed in the same attire and holding a file in his left hand. Emanuel quickly reached him and bowed his head, "Mr. Jacob and his teammates are in the guest room, waiting for your arrival." "I''ve made the necessary preparations. I''ll see them now," Raven replied as he walked down the long corridor. "I have already double-checked the contract they brought with them, My Lord." Saying so, Emanuel took two papers from the file he was holding and gave them to him. Meanwhile, Raven looked at the contract papers and read them while walking towards the guest room. A few seconds later, both arrived before a wooden door and knocked on it twice. Soon, a middle-aged man with tall stature opened the door and greeted him. "Greetings, Young Master Thomas. I thought you would only come by morning." While saying so, he invited Raven and the butler in. Raven stepped into the room and quickly observed its layout: a 20x16ft space with two beds positioned at the center. The room was furnished with two wooden cupboards, a table, chairs, and even an attached bath on the left side. He briefly scanned his surroundings before focusing on the six people seated on the chairs and bed. When they noticed his presence, everyone rose from their seats and bowed in greeting. "Greetings, Young Master," Quincy said with a graceful bow, with the others following her lead. Raven nodded his head and looked at the other members. Meanwhile, Jacob stepped forward and introduced them to him one by one. "This is Marcellus," Jacob said, pointing to a burly man with a rugged face and deep-set eyes. He was around 170 cm tall, had long black hair, and appeared to be around 50 years old. The burly man wore a black overcoat and also a bowler hat on his head. Contract to his dresses, he held a longsword in his waist. "He is our Knight, specialized in close combat. His swordsmanship skills are on par with an intermediate-rank swordsman." Marcellus gave a slight nod, his posture exuding the confidence of a seasoned fighter. "Next, we have Selene," Jacob continued, gesturing towards a woman with sharp features and piercing green eyes. She was around 35 years old, had a slender body, and an alluring look. Selene''s raven-black hair was pulled back in a tight braid, and she radiated a quiet, calculating energy. She wore a normal blue gown and held a strange silver metallic stick. "She is the only Wizard in our team. She is just an Acolyte Wizard, but her spells are formidable enough even to corner a beginner-rank Radiant Walker." "Over here is Reece," Jacob motioned towards a tall, slender man with a scholarly air. Reece adjusted his glasses and offered a polite smile. His attire was slightly more refined than the others. "Our team''s strategist and also a Beastmaster. Unlike Knights, Rangers, and Warriors, he practices some unique techniques and is capable of controlling animals and even monsters. Well, he is good at tracking and infiltration missions." "Next to him is Leona," Jacob said, indicating a woman with auburn hair and a fierce expression. She wore long trousers and a shirt, with iron gauntlets protecting her hands. Leona had the build of a warrior and looked at Raven as if he were prey. "As you can see, she''s a fighter who prefers to let her fists do the talking." "And finally, there''s Felicity," Jacob continued, gesturing toward the last member. She was a petite woman in her twenties with a determined demeanor. She wore a tailored black jacket over her shirt and a skirt that reached her knees, holding a longbow in her hand. "She is also a ranger like me and is good at marksmanship. And her bow is also an Uncommon Rank Weapon." Raven nodded his head, adjusted his monocle, and spoke. "Let me read the contract paper once again before signing." Saying so, he moved towards the nearby wooden chair and sat down before looking at the papers. "Contract of Employment Contractee: Thomas Holmes Contractors: Sepoy Mercenary Group Contract Period: Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. 10 Years (Starting from 8th September, Year 1420) Contract Fees: Job Responsibilities: Conditions: Non-Participation in Noble Conflicts:
  1. The Sepoy Mercenary Group will not participate in any conflict or war against nobles except when directly related to the protection of Thomas Holmes.
Non-Participation in Empire Wars:
  1. The Sepoy Mercenary Group will not engage in wars or conflicts involving the Empire except when protecting Thomas Holmes''s life. During such times, their sole responsibility will be to safeguard Thomas Holmes.
Payment: Signatures: Contractee: Thomas Holmes (Signature) Contractors: Jacob (Sepoy Mercenary Leader) (Signature) Quincy (Sepoy Mercenary Member) (Signature) Felicity (Sepoy Mercenary Member) (Signature) Leona (Sepoy Mercenary Member) (Signature) Reece (Sepoy Mercenary Member) (Signature) Selene (Sepoy Mercenary Member) (Signature) Marcellus (Sepoy Mercenary Member) (Signature) Date: [8th September, 1420.] ¡­ "I''ll only give the complete Spirit Technique after reclaiming the Azmar Town. Other than this, I agree to all the conditions." Raven said as he took out the notebook from his inventory and gave it to Jacob. "Instead, I give you an incomplete Spirit Technique now." Meanwhile, Jacob took the notebook from his hand and opened it before reading. He patiently read the book for the next 30 minutes and said with an impressed look. "This is indeed a superior Spirit Technique compared to the one we are using. Even this incomplete Technique is enough for us to reach the peak Radiant rank much faster!" Jacob took a deep breath and continued with excitement. "It''s been 45 years since I got my Common Rank spirit Technique as a reward for killing an enemy commander. I have been practicing using this technique for almost half a century but have yet to reach the peak realm. But with this new Technique, I might reach the peak realm in ten years!" "Shall we sign the contract then?" Raven asked. "Yes, My Lord." All of them nodded their heads. ''My Lord, huh?'' A smile appeared on Raven''s face. Emanuel prepared the table for signing the contract papers and even brought a pen and ink bottle from the study. After that, Jacob and other members agreed to all the conditions and signed the document. Raven turned his attention towards Emanuel and asked. "Did you gather contract papers for servants?" "Yes, My Lord." Saying so, Emanuel took out a bunch of papers from the file and presented them to him. "Go and bring them all here." Saying so, Raven placed the contract papers on the table and checked the contents. Meanwhile, Emanuel went out and brought all the servants. After that, Raven and others signed the contract papers and completed the process. "You guys can go back now. And keep the contract papers yourself." Raven said as he gave them their contract papers. After sending them away, Raven turned his attention towards Emanuel and spoke. "Arrange accommodations for all the Sepoy Members." "No. We can''t stay in the mansion all the time, My Lord. We have families, too." Quincy interrupted. Then, Jacob continued. "We plan to split our team into two for this guard job, My Lord. Four of us will stay here during the day while the rest will stay at night. That way, we can get enough rest and have time to spend with our family." ''Oh? That''s good.'' Raven suddenly thought of something and spoke. "I plan on visiting the capital soon. But I can take only one person. You guys can stay with family or relax here." "Then, you should take our Leader with you, My Lord. And we better stay here than stay with our family. I heard that even your servants got into trouble and ended up dead before. So, let us stay here for the safety of your servants," Quincy suggested. "Oh, I never thought of that." Raven was surprised. Then, he gave all the platinum coins and promised to provide them with a complete Uncommon Knight Technique by tomorrow evening. After that, he talked with them about the arrangements and left the guestroom with Emanuel. "Is the master bedroom ready for use?" He asked. "Yes, My Lord. We cleaned all the rooms on the second floor and even repaired the water pump connected to the tank on the terrace." Emanuel responded. "That''s good then. I''ll go and take some rest." Saying so, Raven walked upstairs through the split staircase. As he reached the second floor, the polished wood beneath his feet gleamed faintly in the low light from the sconces on the walls. Emanuel followed closely behind, his presence silent. When they reached the master bedroom, Emanuel stepped forward and opened the door for Raven. The room was spacious and furnished, with a large four-poster bed dominating the center. The bed was draped in rich, dark fabrics that matched the heavy curtains hanging by the tall windows. A few pieces of elegant furniture¡ªa dresser, a wardrobe, and a small sitting area¡ªwere arranged around the room. The fireplace on one side had already been lit, the flames casting a warm, flickering glow across the room. Raven walked in and took a moment to take in the details. The fully prepared and cleaned room had an air of comfort and luxury. Emanuel placed the file and a leather pouch on the small desk near the window. "I spent sixteen gold coins to buy the household materials and repairs, My Lord. The rest is in the pouch." He said. "Keep the rest of the money with you and write the spending on the account note. I''ll check it once in a month." "Yes, My Lord. If there''s nothing else, I will take my leave," Emanuel said, bowing slightly. Raven nodded. "Thank you, Emanuel. Make sure everything is secure for the night." "Of course, My Lord," Emanuel replied before quietly exiting the room, leaving Raven alone. "Finally." He sat on the bed and took the Gladstone bag from the inventory. After that, he opened the bag and took out a file. It was the ''Will'' that he took from the Royal Bank. ''If I want to transfer Thomas''s father''s assets to Thomas''s name, I need the signature of two executors.'' Raven opened the file and took the ''Will'' document from it. Then, he started reading the Will, which had the seal of the Royal Family, and soon saw two names. "Sara Wills and Edward Amell. If I''m not wrong, Sara Wills oversees the Thomas Book Emporium. And the Amell Family is managing Velvet Millenary and Dorthey''s Confectionary." But one thing that made him anxious was that they didn''t visit him even when he was admitted to the hospital. ''Something feels not right. If they are Thomas''s father''s trusted aides, why didn''t they visit Thomas? They also didn''t seem to have taken any steps to search for Thomas. Wait¡­ Anyone with little influence can get information about Thomas''s Father''s Will in the Royal Bank if a normal Head Constable can get it. That means Count or other Nobles also aware of this Will.'' Raven frowned. [There is a high possibility that the Council of Nobles already brought Sara Wills and Edward Amell into their side. Without the executors '' letters, you can''t transfer the assets to Thomas''s name.] Zera interjected. "I don''t even know who the real enemy is." Raven sighed. "I better increase my strength first." Saying so, he opened the inventory and took out a bluish vial. Chapter 68: Illusion World Chapter 68: Illusion World [You are going to drink it now? Why not wait until your soul recovers to 100%?] Zera asked. ¡°I hate being weak all the time.¡± After opening the vial cap, Raven took a deep breath and poured the liquid into his mouth. A second later, a chilling atmosphere appeared in the master bedroom, causing the fire to die down slowly. At the same time, the liquid essence entered his throat while freezing his tongue and esophagus and slowly disappeared. No, the ice essences slowly entered the soul realm and spread all over his soul. Raven felt a painful sensation from all over his body and tried to open his mouth. But he soon noticed that his face, hands, and whole body were freezing. Like a frozen doll, he remained sitting on the bed and endured the pain for the next two hours. What shocked him the more was that it only affected his outer skin. His blood flowed usually, and even his heartbeat remained stable. ¡®It¡¯s more like my body is becoming resistant to cold!¡¯ Slowly, Raven returned to normal and felt a significant change around him. ¡°I-I can feel the air¡­ No, I feel greatly connected to the chilling atmosphere.¡± Raven muttered. ¡°Wait, I want to try something.¡± He suddenly stood up from the bed and took the ¡®Frozen Ender¡¯ spear from the inventory. [What are you doing? Don¡¯t tell me you want to use that skill?] Zera was startled by his action. ¡°No. I want to try swinging the spear and see if it can increase my proficiency in Spearmanship.¡± Raven said as he gripped the spear with both hands. [Don¡¯t even bother trying it. I still don¡¯t know why my owner gave you this spear. He said this is a Legacy left behind by someone who belongs to the Era of Primordial Time. He kept looking into this spear¡¯s past and even put seals on it. He never told me how to activate this spear until his death.] Zera said in a disappointed tone. In truth, Raven was also disappointed by this useless spear. But when he got kidnapped by Scott and his men, he managed to see how powerful this spear was through Casper. ¡®Even merely mimicking Casper¡¯s action increased my proficiency in spearmanship! What I need isn¡¯t an affinity for spearmanship but guidance.¡¯ Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind. ¡°I think we are missing something. You also said your owner wanted me to learn the ¡®Past Touch¡¯ skill, right? What if it¡¯s the key.¡¯ Raven didn¡¯t hesitate for a second as he locked his gaze on the spear and activated the ¡®Past Touch¡¯ ability. A moment later, his vision turned blurry and blanked him out. Meanwhile, an invisible power emerged from the spear, pulling his consciousness into it. ¡­ Raven slowly opened his eyes and saw a clear blue sky. ¡®Wasn¡¯t I in the master bedroom?¡¯ He slowly stood up and looked around warily. His surroundings were filled with plain grassland and a few trees here and there. As his gaze swept across the plain, something caught his eye¡ªa figure standing more than a hundred meters away. The figure was humanoid but unlike anything Raven had seen before. The being was in constant motion, rhythmically swinging an iron spear in a series of unique patterns. Raven soon noticed only five movements, but they looked coordinated because of repetition. First was the thrusting movement, followed by swept, a defensive movement, a feint by thrusting the spear again, and ended the technique with a complete spin. Raven became mesmerized by the strange, invisible power behind each action. Each movement was precise, almost hypnotic in fluidity, as if the spear was an extension of the being. With a simple look, Raven discovered how many mistakes he had made when practicing Wintermoon Spear Dance. ¡®What an amazing spearmanship!¡¯ Only then did Raven take a look at the creature''s appearance. The being had blue skin, a rich, deep shade that gleamed under the sunlight. The creature¡¯s build was similar to a human''s¡ªlean, tall, and muscular¡ªbut apparent differences set it apart. Long, pointed ears extended from the sides of its head, twitching slightly with each spear swing as if they were attuned to the air around it. But what truly captivated Raven was the third eye set in the center of the creature¡¯s forehead. It was larger than its other two eyes and glowed with a soft, bluish light that seemed to pulse gently with the creature''s movements. Above the third eye were two antenna-like sensory organs protruding gracefully from its forehead. These antennae moved subtly, as if sensing the environment, their tips glowing faintly frequently. The being¡¯s movements with the spear were not just for show; each strike and parry were profound, as if the creature was practicing some ancient spear art. The ground beneath its feet seemed to respond to its presence, the grass bending slightly inwards, almost as if it recognized the being¡¯s dominance over the space. Raven was awed by the strange ice shards that danced around the being and seemed to be moving under his will. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. But something else surprised him more. At that moment, he didn¡¯t feel the sensation of air or the scorching heat from the sun. It was as if the whole surroundings were nothing more than an illusion. ¡°Hey!¡± Raven shouted at the humanoid being, but no reaction from it. ¡°What is this place?¡± He asked cautiously. ¡°A unique illusionary world created with the power of Elapsed Time.¡± A rough ancient voice came from behind, causing his whole body to stiffen up. Raven slowly turned around and soon saw a man wearing a golden robe standing behind him. He was a bit old, around 50, had a large frame, noticeable wrinkles on his forehead, and wore a spectacle. He had long blonde hair, amber eyes, and a muscular body and looked around 185cm tall. ¡°W-Who are you?¡± Raven asked with a hint of wariness. Meanwhile, an amusing smile appeared on the old man¡¯s face. ¡°I go by the name ¡®Runeth Aixus Rit¡¯zyk.¡¯ But I was also called the ¡®Holem¡¯s Crown¡¯ or A-035.¡± ¡®Holem¡¯s Crown? What is it? Wait!¡¯ Raven instantly realized who this old man was and asked in a shocked tone. ¡°Are you the owner of Zera? But how are you here? Where am I? Did you kidnap me?¡± Raven took a step back. A chuckle escaped out of the old man¡¯s mouth. ¡°I¡¯m nothing more than a remnant will of the real owner, young man.¡± The old man named Runeth said as he arrived beside him in a blink and continued. "I died long ago, leaving behind only a soul fragment with some memories intact in the spear. Then, my soul passed through the Eternal River of Life and became reborn as a completely new being.¡± As he spoke, his gaze landed on Raven. ¡®His soul reborn as a new being?¡¯ ¡°Me? I¡¯m a reincarnated soul?¡± Raven was perplexed. ¡°Yes. However, real reincarnation with my memories intact is not possible due to the presence of the Eternal River of Life. That higher being had completely erased all my memories and even vanquished my original consciousness. Well, I expected something like that from the beginning, anyway. So, I created the Memory Library and placed all my important memories as books. Thankfully, it seems Zera wasn¡¯t destroyed. If not, you would¡¯ve died long ago.¡± Runeth deliberated for a moment and asked. ¡°How many skills did you learn through the memory library?¡± A hesitant look appeared on his face. ¡°I learned three skills using the books of your memories,¡± Raven recalled the painful moments he went through during his childhood and showed a forced smile. ¡°Hmm, but why does your soul look damaged? And it seems you also took the Ice Affinity potion recently. Does that mean you were born with only a low-rank ¡®Life¡¯ affinity? What happened to your soul?¡± Runeth looked deeply at Raven for a few seconds and asked in confusion. ¡®Is he real? Can I tell him the truth?¡¯ After a short deliberation, Raven decided to tell him about the mysterious power that allowed him to devour bloodlines and even about the split consciousness named Casper. ¡°Oh? That thing still hasn¡¯t died? Moreover, Zera extracted its essence and created a unique system, huh? But the presence of Casper in the form of your split consciousness worries me.¡± Runeth furrowed while stroking his chin. ¡°Can you tell me more about the thing that made my soul with no affinity?¡± Raven asked, hiding his curiosity. ¡°It¡¯s called the World Eater. Specifically, it¡¯s an evolved form of the World Eater, and it became a self-aware being called Casper. Due to some unfortunate accident, he entered the world where I lived and made a big catastrophe. It almost devoured the world. Many Lawful Divine beings, Mystics, and I tried to stop it but only managed to weaken it after sacrificing many lives. To end this being, I put my life on the line and tried to erase its existence with my unique spell. But Casper realized my plan and invaded my soul. With no other choice, I was forced to enter the Eternal River of Life to remove him completely. Alas, I never expect that being to be alive even in the next life.¡± Runeth said in a solemn tone. ¡®Casper is such a dangerous guy?¡¯ Cold sweat appeared on his forehead. ¡°Is there a way to remove him?¡± Raven asked, scared inside. ¡°Hmm, I think his split consciousness is completely assimilated into your soul. Unless you die, there is no other way to remove it. But I think it¡¯s better to conquer it than erase it.¡± ¡°Conquer it?¡± Raven showed a clueless look. ¡°The fragment of the World Eater. Completely comprehend its ¡®Devouring¡¯ essence and make it into a spell model. But there is a high chance for Casper to take over your body completely after that process.¡± Runeth frowned a moment and shook his head. ¡°Now that I think about it, Zera has already separated the World Eater fragment from your body and sealed it in the System, right? So, Casper will no longer be able to harm your body or soul. And by the time the World Eater Fragment gains self-awareness, it will be nothing more than a wild puppy in a sealed cage. No need to worry about it.¡± He said while waving his hand. ¡°What about the split consciousness?¡± Raven¡¯s worry was not the world eater but the split personality in his soul. ¡°Hmm, that thing is indeed a problem. Although it¡¯s just a consciousness formed with the fusion of Casper¡¯s memories and yours, it¡¯s indeed a pure evil form.¡± Runeth froze for a second and soon saw a dark, creepy energy creeping out of Raven¡¯s heart area before forming into the appearance of a red-skinned young boy. He had crimson hair and pure white eyes, appeared around 155 cm tall, and wore a black robe. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you here, Ancient Mage.¡± A grin appeared on the young boy¡¯s face. Meanwhile, Runeth looked at Raven, then the crimson-haired boy, and furrowed. ¡°Strange¡­ You don¡¯t have an evil aura.¡± Runeth suddenly waved his hand, created strange runes out of thin air, and started sending into the newly appeared young boy¡¯s head. Two seconds later, a golden chain appeared out of nowhere and completely bound his body like a rope. Casper struggled, but the golden chain tied him firmly, giving him no room to resist. ¡°You crazy f*cker! Do you think mere chains can stop me?¡± He screamed in anger. ¡°Eh? Why am I being tied up, too?¡± Raven noticed a similar golden chain appeared around his body and slithered around his body. ¡°That¡¯s because you and him are the same. He isn¡¯t your other consciousness but just another personality. The only odd thing is that he is formed from the memories of you and the original Casper. In the end, one of you will devour another and become a single entity.¡± Runeth¡¯s words made no sense to Raven. ¡°But as long as you don¡¯t stray from the right path, he won¡¯t gain any upper hand. For now, I will seal him deep inside your consciousness. He will reappear only when you break down mentally or lose consciousness completely.¡± As Runeth spoke, he started chanting a ritual while creating strange runes out of thin air before sending them toward Casper. He continued to do a ritualistic chant for the next 30 minutes and finally ended. The next instant, another pair of golden chains came out of Raven¡¯s chest, slithered towards Casper, and tied his body. After that, it retracted slowly and soon pulled Casper into Raven! Chapter 69: Runeth Chapter 69: Runeth ¡°Suppressing him isn¡¯t the permanent solution, kid. It would be best to become strong and skilled enough to beat him. And when your goal is similar to his, or you agree to fulfill his goal, he will give up and become a part of you. He is more like an alter ego, thinking he is different. It¡¯s a psychological condition, so nothing much to worry about.¡± Runeth said as he released the golden chains from Raven¡¯s body. As Raven stood quietly, Runeth turned towards the bluish humanoid creature still swinging its spear. ¡°I¡¯ve been staying here all this time to relay important information to you.¡± Raven touched his chest to check if the chains were gone and soon asked. ¡°What is he doing?¡± ¡°He is practicing Basic Spearmanship. When I looked into the Frozen Ender¡¯s past, I noticed that the weapon belonged to someone from the Primordial Era.¡± Runeth paused momentarily, pointed his finger at the spear, and added. ¡°Although it¡¯s just an iron spear, it strangely became stronger along with its owner. Even if it is broken into two, it realigns after some time. Another advantage is that this spear has its own intelligence and ice-related abilities.¡± ¡°I saw Casper activate this spear and use an ice skill.¡± Raven nodded in understanding and asked further. ¡°I heard from Zera that this weapon can create a disaster itself. Is it true?¡± ¡°Disaster? That¡¯s an understatement, kid. Do you believe if I say this spear froze the whole world in a layer of ice long ago? Haha, it¡¯s kind of absurd even for me, but I saw it with my own eyes. And the owner of this spear is someone who stood on equal footing against the ¡®Creator¡¯ himself. I even felt the gaze of the Creator when I watched the battle through the Elapsed Time. That¡¯s why I decided to use the spear as my main weapon if I ever get to use the fake reincarnation technique and be reborn in a different world. Unfortunately, Casper¡¯s invasion spoiled my plan, destroying my original consciousness.¡± Raven listened to the old man¡¯s speech and was amazed. ¡®Am I able to handle such a weapon?¡¯ ¡°Without strength, you can¡¯t protect anything, lad,¡± Runeth spoke as if he had seen through Raven¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Now, let me tell you about the illusion world. This world is two hours long. When the time ends, you will be expelled from the illusion world and can enter only after 22 hours. And when you completely comprehend what that man has been practicing, you can move to the next stage. There are nine stages in this illusion world; each has a different scenario and time limits. Although there was a tenth stage, I couldn¡¯t manage to see anything because of the ¡®Creator¡¯s¡¯ intervention. But you will figure it out when the time comes. Anyway, this is my final gift as your previous reincarnation.¡± Saying so, he conjured a dense golden orb out of thin air and pushed it towards his chest. ¡°You are leaving?¡± Raven felt a strange sensation as the golden orb entered his body. ¡°This is just a ¡®Will¡¯ of my original consciousness, kid. I would''ve long disappeared if not for the spear in a sealed state. But don¡¯t worry, you might be able to meet my other consciousness in Easica World. And, this illusion world can be altered with mere imagination, so don¡¯t recklessly bring anyone inside.¡± As he spoke, he suddenly thought of something and added with a smile. ¡°Take care of Zera for me.¡± A second later, Runeth suddenly became more transparent and disappeared like he had never existed, leaving Raven alone. ¡°What the heck happened?¡± He asked himself and soon saw the blue-skinned humanoid being was still practicing spearmanship. ¡°Runeth, huh?¡± Raven wanted to ask him many questions, but he didn¡¯t expect him to disappear even before he could reorganize his thoughts. Shaking his head, he slowly turned towards the blue-skinned human creature. He slowly approached the creature and tried to mimic a single stance. ¡°If I had a spear-¡± Just as he spoke, an iron spear appeared in his right hand! ¡®It can be altered with my imagination, huh?¡¯ Raven nodded, gripped the spear, and mimicked the creature¡¯s movements. But every time he thrust, slashed, or parried, his understanding of the spearmanship increased steadily. ¡®My basic posture is wrong from the beginning. And the grip, too.¡± He also noticed that his footwork also had many flaws. He gained some insights as Raven looked at the blue-skinned guy¡¯s movements and corrected his mistakes. But as he was about to go through enlightenment, the surroundings started to shimmer and soon broke into multiple pieces, like broken mirrors. A second later, Raven felt a suction force out of nowhere, pulling him away. ¡­ Raven soon opened his eyes in the master bedroom and gasped for a breath. ¡°Damn it, I almost gain some understanding about the sidestepping movement.¡± He said with a regretful tone. [Are you all right, lad? What happened? You¡¯ve been unconscious for more than two hours. Strangely, a familiar power emerged from the spear and even healed your broken soul. How is that possible?] Zera said in a shocked tone. ¡°I entered an illusion world and even met your owner.¡± Raven sat up and started telling what had happened inside the mirror world in an excited tone. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. [¡­ He could¡¯ve told me the spear¡¯s secrets before his death.] Zera complained and soon asked him about the strange blue creature. After hearing the details, she spoke. [From its looks, that must be a being from the primordial era. A blue-skinned humanoid with a third eye and strange antennas, huh? You will find some information once you explore that illusionary world.] ¡°I have been curious about something too, Zera. What does the Primordial Era mean?¡± Raven asked as he stood up from the bed. [After the universe''s birth, it had undergone various changes, and its time frame was divided into four eras based on four major incidents. The first one was the Primordial Era. From the universe''s birth to 1 billion years ago, we call that period the Primordial Era. Many ancient beings were born and died during this period, and many even disappeared. Only a handful of beings from the Primordial Era are still roaming around, while the rest have long disappeared. The next era, the Age of Origin Time, ranges from 1 billion to 100,000 or 200,000 years ago. It started after Goddess Myxenta undid a seal and released Chaotic Creatures from the Abyss and Hell. This era was also the birthtime of the Path of Divines and Path of Mages. The period of Origin Time was long and chaotic. Countless Taboo Existences were born during this era, resulting in chaos happening all over the Universe. At the end of the Origin Time era, precisely around 9 Million years ago, the Invasion of the Demons under the Supreme Demon''s leadership took place, forming the Lawful Faction and Neutral Faction between Gods. The next era was the peaceful era called the Era of Past Time, which lasted only around 75,000 years. Other than the death of Goddess Myxenta, no major incidents happened, and many high-ranking gods also went into hiding. And the fourth and final Era is called the ¡®Era of New Time.¡¯ I suspect we are also in this Era. The one who caused this era is called the ¡®Angel of Time.¡¯ He is someone Charles knew personally.] ¡°What about the Rune Era?¡± [That¡¯s the era of this world. We are talking about the era of the universe. Please don¡¯t ask me stupid questions like what the universe is all about. You can read them in the library later.] Zera sounded annoyed. ¡®Maybe because I talked about Runeth?¡¯ Raven shook his head and decided to practice what he had learned from the illusion world. Without delay, he walked out of the master bedroom, went downstairs through the split staircase, and reached the foyer. At that moment, the mansion appeared silent as only the chandelier light glowed brightly and illuminated the surroundings. He hurriedly checked the time after taking out the pocket watch and was startled. ¡¯11.P.M?¡¯ But he decided not to wait. He quietly walked out of the mansion, entered the lawn, and gripped the spear with both hands. Then, he recalled how the blue-skinned human moved and slowly mimicked his action. ¡®One step forward, thrust, two steps backward, maintain steady posture, then Slash¡­ Parry¡­ Spin one round¡­ Take a side step¡­¡¯ Raven continued to do similar actions and soon started to notice a big change in his every movement. He stayed outside practicing spearmanship for the next four hours in the cold winter and only stopped after feeling fatigued. Then, he wore the monocle and looked at the spear first. ¡­ [Name: Frozen Ender (Sealed) Rank: Common (Evolve) Experience Comprehension: 5.2% Description: None Unique skill: Rank-1 Skill: Frozen Lance (Locked) [Requirement: User needs to be able to master ''Basic Spear Mastery'' and activate ''Basic Aura.''] ¡­ ¡®Wow, it rose by 3%?¡¯ Raven was stunned inside. Then, he opened his status and looked at it. ¡­ [Name: Raven Sillalus Jorvot, Age: 15 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: 66th Prince of Zenith Empire Level: 6 Class: Acolyte Warlock (0th Circle) Soul Rank: Mortal (Soul Damaged 0%) Life Pathway: Beginner Alchemist Health: Fatigued Attributes: Strength: 6.5 Agility: 5.67 Vitality: 5.56 Luck: 1.5 Spirit: 17.1 Bloodline Spells: Iron Resilience, Poison Touch, Fortuitous Finder (Completed), Blood Control, Face Morph. Additional Skills: Past Finder, Instant Memorize, Night Vision, Spiritual Scan. Affinities: Life: Low, Ice: Genius.] ... ¡®Oh? I finally got Genius Rank affinity!¡¯ A smile appeared on his face. [I think you will get spear affinity, too. So, what is your next plan, lad?] Zera asked after keeping silent for a long time. Raven stored the spear in his inventory and soon saw two people standing at the entrance door. ¡°Jacob and Quincy! What are you doing at this hour?¡± He asked. ¡°I saw you walking downstairs hurriedly and followed you here with Jacob. And thanks to that, I saw something interesting.¡± Quincy showed a deep look and asked. ¡°Are you a genius in spearmanship? I have never seen someone improving so fast by correcting their mistake, Young Master.¡± Even Jacob nodded at her remark. ¡°I got some kind of enlightenment.¡± Raven lied without blinking an eye and soon entered the mansion house after telling them he needed some rest. After that, he quietly went to the master bedroom and lay on the bed. ¡®It was a long day.¡¯ He didn¡¯t even have any time to talk to Zera about his plan as he felt drowsiness washed over him. ¡­ The next day, Raven woke up early and had breakfast with the four Sepoy Mercenaries who arrived for the day shift. After that, he moved to the study and pondered about his next plan. ¡®I need to learn the Rune Language as soon as possible and start creating the Elemental Circlets in the Mind Space.¡¯ His next aim was to increase his proficiency in spearmanship. After learning how powerful that blue-skinned creature was from Runeth, Raven felt it would be a dumb idea not to use such an opportunity. ¡®But my utmost priority is to learn about my aunt and see if I can save her.¡¯ ¡°Emanuel!¡± He shouted. A few seconds later, a young man in his butler suit opened the wooden door and walked in. ¡°Did you call me, My Lord?¡± ¡°How much money do you still have?¡± Raven asked. ¡°33 golds and 35 silvers, My lord,¡± Emanuel responded instantly. ¡°Buy a good carriage for a reasonable price and hire a trusted coachman. I want the carriage ready by afternoon. Can it be done?¡± Raven asked. ¡°Yes, My Lord. But which type would you prefer?¡± Emanuel asked his preference. ¡°Hmm, which one is best for personal use?¡± Raven inquired. Emanuel paused, considering Raven''s question carefully before answering. ¡°For personal use, especially within the city, I would recommend a Brougham. It¡¯s compact, enclosed, and offers privacy while being practical for travel. It seats two comfortably, which might suit your needs if you plan on making short trips or traveling with a companion. If you¡¯re thinking about something more stylish for appearances, perhaps a Victoria carriage would be more appropriate. It¡¯s open but still elegant and often used by nobles for social outings.¡± ¡®Brougham is good, but I want a large carriage to travel in groups. Victoria is mostly stylish and is preferred only by ladies. Even my sister said she wanted to buy the Victoria Carriage but gave up due to the high cost.¡¯ ¡°I prefer a carriage with four seats and luxurious looks. How about Clarence?¡± Raven asked. Emanuel nodded thoughtfully at Raven''s preference. "A Clarence would be an excellent choice, My Lord. It''s spacious and luxurious and offers the privacy you''re seeking. It also has the advantage of seating four comfortably, making it suitable for city travel and longer journeys." "Perfect. Make the arrangements," Raven instructed. ¡°Is there anything else you need, my lord?¡± Emanuel asked. Raven pondered for a moment and nodded. ¡°Get a map.¡± Emanuel hurriedly moved towards the nearby shelf and picked up three maps from the top. ¡°Which one, my Lord? City map, Territory map, or Empire Map?¡± ¡°Give me the empire map.¡± Raven quickly took the map from Emanuel and spread it on the table. He then looked at the map deeply for a while and soon added. ¡°Get details of shops that sell Rank-1 Magical Beast corpses in Bloodstone City, Red Ember Royal Capital, and Iron Peak.¡± ¡°Yes, My Lord. If I can ask the mercenaries working in the Giaris Guild, I can get this information easily.¡± Emanuel responded. ¡°Good.¡± Raven nodded and waved his head. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll be leaving, My Lord.¡± Emanuel bowed his head and left the room. On the other hand, Raven leaned on the chair and entered the memory library. Chapter 70: Visit Chapter 70: Visit Raven stayed in the memory library for the next four hours and read about the basic Rune Language. After hours of learning, he could somewhat read the rune words and even make a sentence on his own. ¡®I never thought learning a language would be this easy.¡¯ He exited the memory library and opened his eyes in the study. [You still need a week to master the basic rune language, lad. Don¡¯t get cocky.] Zera remarked in his head. A moment later, a knocking sound came from outside. ¡°Who is it? Come in,¡± Raven ordered. ¡°It¡¯s me, Stephaine, My Lord. Lunch is ready. Will you have it right away or after some time?¡± A black-haired woman with a triangular face and brown eyes opened the door and greeted him with a bow. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll have it right away. And I also need to discuss something with the mercenaries, so invite them in like morning.¡± Raven said. ¡°Yes, My Lord.¡± Stephaine nodded her head and hurriedly left the study. Meanwhile, Raven searched for an empty notebook on the shelf and placed it on the table. ¡®Which Knight Technique should I give the mercenaries?¡¯ He asked. [Hmm, Jacob and Felicity are rangers and seem to be already sharing their technique. Marcellus is a swordsman and doesn¡¯t rely much on Knight technique. Selene is an Acolyte Wizard, and Reece is a Beastmaster. Both don¡¯t need any Knight technique. Leona and Quincy are the only ones left. Quincy might need a Knight technique, but it¡¯s better to give a technique suitable for Leona. As a Pugilist, she needs a stable technique to protect herself. Unlike others, she uses her body in fights and has the highest probability of getting hurt.] Zera suddenly thought of something and asked. [Kid, are you planning on making them your subordinates in the future? I don¡¯t think they will reject your offer if they know your true identity.] ¡®It¡¯s not the right time yet. And their affinities are not enough.¡¯ [You can concoct affinity potions to raise their elemental affinities. You can recruit them immediately if they are loyal and have good characteristics.] Zera¡¯s words made him ponder deeply. ¡®I¡¯ll think about it after I recapture the town.¡¯ He muttered inwardly and left the study before walking towards the dining room. As he entered the dining room, he saw four people sitting at the long wooden table, waiting for him. The Sepoy Mercenaries¡ª Marcellus, Selene, Reece, and Felicity¡ªwere already settled in, their expressions respectful but curious. They rose as Raven entered, giving him a slight bow. "Sit, sit," Raven waved them down as he took his seat at the head of the table. At that moment, the two young girls, Briana and Kate, quickly brought out the lunch, a hearty meal of roasted meats, fresh bread, and various vegetables, and served the guests and Raven. As they began to eat, Raven cleared his throat, signaling that he had something important to say. As if the maids had understood his intentions, they quietly left the dining hall, leaving them alone. In the meantime, the mercenaries looked up from their plates, giving him their full attention. ¡°Once Emanuel returns, I plan on visiting an Inn in Northern Borough. Who wants to join my trip?¡± ¡°Why are you going to such a poor region, My Lord? If you order us, we will finish the job for you.¡± Marcellus said as he adjusted his bowler hat. ¡°I have to go there personally. Although there won¡¯t be any danger, I want someone good at close combat near me.¡± Raven said. ¡°Then, Selene and I should be enough, My Lord.¡± The burly man said with a nod. ¡°Good,¡± Raven responded quietly and continued to eat. The meal continued in a quiet, focused atmosphere, each person immersed in their thoughts while savoring the food. As lunch concluded, the mercenaries exchanged a few words before rising from the table. Marcellus and Selene gave Raven a brief nod, signaling their readiness for the mission. "We''ll be prepared to leave as soon as Emanuel returns, My Lord," Marcellus assured him. Raven nodded. "I trust in your abilities. We''ll leave as soon as the carriage is ready." The mercenaries departed, leaving Raven alone in the dining room. "Stephanie," He suddenly called out. Within seconds, a black-haired woman in her thirties walked into the dining room and hurriedly bowed her head. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. "Do you need any help, My Lord?" "If a girl named Rebecca comes here to search for a job, hire her immediately. She is from Claw Ville and works in a factory. Also, I want you to teach Rebecca and Ronald basic etiquette daily and groom them personally." Raven said as he stood up from the chair. "Yes, My Lord." Stephanie nodded. Raven thought of something and spoke in a low voice. ¡°Also, keep an eye on Emanuel. If you feel anything odd about him, come to me directly and tell me right away.¡± ¡®Emanuel? I thought he was doing an excellent job, though.¡¯ But Stephanie didn¡¯t voice out her thoughts and nodded. ¡°Y-Yes, My Lord.¡± On the other hand, Raven walked past her, left the dining room, and soon made his way toward the study. Another thirty minutes later, a knock sound came. ¡®Is it time already?¡¯ Raven took the monocle from the inventory and wore it. After that, he wore the boots artifact and covered his head with a top hat. Then, he walked to the door and opened it to find Emanuel waiting. ¡°The carriage is ready outside, My Lord. Marcellus and Selene are already waiting.¡± ¡°Good. Let¡¯s not waste any time.¡± Raven followed Emanuel out of the mansion, where a sleek, black Clarence carriage awaited them. The design was unique but understated, perfect for a noble who didn¡¯t want to draw too much attention. Marcellus stood beside the carriage, checking the harnesses one last time, while Selene leaned against the side, her arms crossed, scanning the surroundings. As Raven approached, Marcellus opened the door for him. ¡°Everything is set, My Lord. We¡¯ll be ready to leave as soon as you are.¡± Raven nodded before stepping into the carriage. The interior was luxurious, with plush seats and dark wood paneling. Selene climbed in after him, sitting across from Raven, while Marcellus remained outside, ready to ride up front with the coachman. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Raven ordered. As the horses started moving, the carriage lurched forward, their hooves clattering against the cobblestone streets. Thanks to the well-maintained roads, the ride was smooth, but Raven knew that would change as they approached the Northern Borough. He looked outside through the curtain gap and soon turned his attention towards Selene. At the same time, he touched the monocle and checked her status. ¡­ [Name: Selene Age: 35 Race: Human Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: None Rank: Acolyte Wizard (Seventh Circle) Pathway: Level: 7 Attributes: Strength: 7.4 Agility: 7.2 Vitality: 7.1 Luck: 4 Spirit: 16 Class Spells: Shadow Bind, Wrath Form, Blink. Affinities: Shadow- High, Space- Intermediate, Dream- High.] ... ¡®Her affinities are not so bad. Among all the members, only she has two high-rank affinities.¡¯ ¡°How did you become a Wizard, Miss Selene?¡± Raven asked as he looked at her status and soon added as he saw a hesitant look on her face. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m fine if you don¡¯t want to tell me about it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that, My Lord. I don¡¯t deserve to be called a wizard. I was expelled from the academy five years ago for my involvement in mortal affairs and became a rogue Wizard. I never regretted my actions, though. If I didn¡¯t break the code and return to my family, I would¡¯ve lost all my family members to the bandits.¡± Selene said with an awkward smile. ¡°Oh? Can you tell me more about the Academic rules and your story? And how did you know your family will face danger?¡± Raven asked. ¡°At that time, I had a bad dream for a whole week. I dreamed of my village being burned down by men in black clothes. So, I left the academy without informing my teacher and even killed all the bandits that invaded my village. After discovering what I did, my teacher revoked my academic certificate and expelled me.¡± [It¡¯s because of her Dream affinity, lad. My owner once said that ¡®dream¡¯ connects to the past, present, and future, and he was always interested in studying anything related to dreams. And the Chaos Scroll you have is also a gift by a Dream Walker.] ¡®Chaos Scroll?¡¯ Raven was puzzled by her words. [The Nightmare Loop spell scroll. It¡¯s one of the Chaos Scrolls.] Zera added. ¡®Oh?¡¯ Raven nodded and asked further. ¡°Are the rules of Crow¡¯s Misery Academy strict?¡± Selena nodded and continued to explain the rules. ¡°Once you enroll in the academy, you can¡¯t leave without the teacher''s permission for the next five years. You also can¡¯t participate in mortal affairs until you become an Official Wizard¡­¡± Raven listened to her words quietly and realized that most of the rules were reasonable. ¡®She broke the rules and got kicked out. In her perspective, the academy is being unreasonable. But rules are rules, after all.¡¯ Raven quietly listened to her and soon noticed they were entering the Northern Borough. He hurriedly opened the door and spoke to Marcellus. ¡°Go to the Red Apple Inn in Albert Street.¡± ¡°Yes, My Lord.¡± A swift reply came from the front. The carriage continued its journey, the streets gradually losing their refined, polished appearance as they ventured deeper into the Northern Borough. The cobblestones grew uneven, and the factories started to appear more often. The vibrant life of the central city was replaced by the grittier, rougher atmosphere of the district. Raven glanced at Selene, who seemed lost in thought after sharing her story. As the carriage turned onto Albert Street, Raven caught sight of the Red Apple Inn¡ªa modest, two-story building with faded red paint and a creaky wooden sign hanging above the door. Soon, the coachman parked the carriage right in front of the Inn. A few seconds later, Marcellus opened the door for him. Raven quietly walked out of the carriage and approached the entrance door. Then, he pushed the wooden door open and walked in while Marcellus and Selene closely followed him. The trio instantly attracted the attention of ten-plus people seated in the main lobby. Tables were arranged in order, and four servants ran here and there while serving food and drinks. ¡°How may I help you, sir?¡± A young blonde-haired man with russet brown eyes ran towards him upon noticing their arrival and asked him with a polite smile. ¡®Palmer.¡¯ Raven clearly remembered that Palmer had picked up a fight with him when he had come here earlier. ¡®But I came with a completely different face.¡¯ Raven shook his head, walked past him, and arrived closer to the counter. Then, he looked at the middle-aged man with a chevron mustache and spoke. ¡°Nice to see you, Mr. Franco.¡± As he spoke, he took out a badge with the painting of a cockscomb flower and added. ¡°Remember me?¡± Meanwhile, a surprised look appeared on Franco¡¯s face. He felt the voice so familiar and looked at the badge. ¡®He can change face? An artifact?¡¯ Franco was about to use his spirit power to check his identity but stopped. At that moment, he felt the gaze of two people standing behind Raven and was surprised. ¡®A Radiant Knight with a strength equal that of mine and a girl with mystic elemental aura. She is probably an Acolyte Wizard. A person capable of hiring a Radiant Walker and a Wizard as his bodyguards is not from a normal background.¡¯ His gaze also shifted toward the crossed-swords mark on Marcellus¡¯s left wrist. France soon turned his attention towards Raven and showed a polite smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you again sooner, Mr. Holmes.¡± Chapter 71: Falconcrest Chapter 71: Falconcrest ¡®Oh? He recognized me right away.¡¯ ¡°Indeed.¡± Raven nodded before turning his gaze towards Marcellus and Selene and continued. ¡°You two can relax now. Palmer, bring my friends some drinks.¡± Marcellus and Selene also understood his intention and quietly moved towards the farther empty table. ¡°H-How did you know my name?¡± Palmer was startled by his words and asked. ¡°Take care of them, lad. Don¡¯t ask too many questions.¡± Franco interrupted him and quietly opened the ledger. As Palmer walked away in confusion, Thomas sat on the wooden chair and asked. ¡°Can we talk comfortably now?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Franco said with a nod, flipped the pages, and finally stopped at the twentieth page. ¡°I have information about the ¡®Sword Princess,¡¯ but I can¡¯t tell without fixing the price, Mr. Thomas. After all, Royal matters are not even high-class nobles can get without a big sum.¡± He revealed a grin. ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s true if we talk about direct successors. But as far as I¡¯ve heard, Sword Princess isn¡¯t even a legitimate child. She is just a child of a concubine and only has strength around Radiant Knight, right?¡± Raven said as if it was common information. ¡°Her strength is only around Radiant Knight?¡± Franco realized that this young man might know more than him. ¡®Ah, I forgot he is also from a noble lineage. Even though his family has fallen, he must have many connections.¡¯ ¡°Haa, 10 gold coins for all information about the Sword Princess. I can¡¯t lower than this amount.¡± Raven pondered for a moment and nodded. Then, he waved his hand, took out a leather pouch out of thin air, and placed them on the counter. After that, he put his hand inside the empty pouch and stealthily filled it with 50 coins before pushing it towards Franco. ¡°I give you 50 gold coins. 10 for the information about the Sword Princess and 40 for all the information I¡¯ll be asking afterward.¡± ¡°Nobles sure are wealthy.¡± The corner of Franco¡¯s lips twitched. He quickly checked the amount and soon spoke. ¡°First is the information about the Sword Princess. The Sword Princess¡¯s real name is Athena Sillalus Jorvot, 35th Princess of the Royal Family of Zenith Empire. Her mother''s name is Jeanne, a girl from a commoner background who ended up becoming a concubine of the emperor due to her beauty. Fifteen years ago, she gave birth to another child, but Royal Palace stated that the child was born dead. Mysteriously, Sword Princess and Jeanne¡¯s elder sister disappeared for various reasons, raising suspicions of the 66th child. Even our organization couldn¡¯t figure out where they were or about that so-called dead child. Although it became a controversial topic for a week, it soon disappeared from everyone¡¯s mind.¡± Franco paused to see if there was any sign of reaction from him and then continued. ¡°But after fifteen years, the Royal Mages seem to have finally found the Sword Princess and informed the reporters and the public that her aunt kidnapped her for vengeance against her sister. She is currently imprisoned in the Royal Prison and will be sent to the Black Prison once the court approves her guilt. The last hearing will be two weeks from now on. Well, it¡¯s just basically a formality to fool the masses. After all, who in the right mind would dare to stand against the Royal Family?¡± ¡°Date. I want the exact date.¡± Raven asked gravely. Franco noticed a slight change in his emotion and soon responded. ¡°September 23rd, 1.00 P.M. The hearing will happen at the Supreme Court of Zenith, with seven judges and the chief judge overseeing this case.¡± Raven''s face darkened. "The advocate?" he asked. "Sir Cedric Thorne," Franco answered, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "He¡¯s one of the most formidable lawyers in the Empire, known for his loyalty to the Royal Family. He¡¯s been involved in numerous high-profile cases and has never lost a trial. If he''s been assigned to this case, it¡¯s clear they intend to silence any opposition." Raven''s jaw tightened, and his hand unconsciously clenched the counter''s edge. "What about the defense?" Raven asked, though he already suspected the answer. Franco shook his head. "There is no defense, Mr. Holmes. The Royal Family has declared this an internal matter. They¡¯re handling it quietly, without any outside interference. The hearing is just a formality to appease the public." Raven nodded slowly, though his mind was racing. No defense, no chance for Athena to speak her truth. The Royal Family intended to silence everything, just like they had done with him. "Thank you for the information, Mr. Franco," Raven said, his calm voice regaining. "You''ve been most helpful." Franco bowed slightly. "If you need anything else, Mr. Holmes, you can ask me." ¡°Hmm, I indeed want to know of someone. Vice President of Crows¡¯ Misery¡­ Judith is her name, right?¡± As soon as Raven spoke, Franco opened his eyes wide and stared at the young boy in confusion. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°First, you asked about random thug¡¯s details, next about Royal Princess, and now you are asking details about the Vice President of the Crows¡¯ Misery¡­ What are you trying to achieve, Mr. Holmes?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just curious.¡± Raven lied without blinking. ¡°Humph, not even a Royal Family member would spend gold coins to know someone''s identity just because they are curious.¡± Franco snorted coldly and soon sighed. ¡°She was a girl from a commoner background when attending the academy but became a noble through her achievement and ranking. Currently, she is one of the Five Sages of Empire and also a Legendary Powerhouse. Though she is a Wizard and a Vice President of Crow¡¯s Misery, her loyalty to the Empire is always high. She hates Wizards'' involvement in politics and even registered a case against the President in court two decades ago. After that incident, the Wizards of the Empire became split into three factions: Wizard Alliance, Empire Wizards, and Wizard Union.¡± Franco paused for a moment and continued in a solemn tone. ¡°The ¡®Wizard Alliance¡¯ came from another continent a few centuries ago and initiated Democratic Rule, even sharing its knowledge with the masses. That¡¯s why they are always popular among the masses and even looked upon as legendary figures. The ¡®Empire Wizards¡¯ are composed of people from Royal and Noble lineage and mostly support the royal and noble hierarchy system. Finally, the Wizard Union is the one that stays neutral and always refrains from being involved in politics and mortal affairs. They consider themselves as true wizards and always focus on research. The Legendary Alchemist Johnathan is one of them. And the one who leads this group is none other than Judith. That¡¯s all I know about her. Anything else?¡± ¡®Oh? That¡¯s more than enough.¡¯ Raven nodded and continued to ask. ¡°Then I want some information about the group called ¡®Falcons.¡¯¡± ¡°Falcons? You mean Falconcrest?¡± Franco furrowed. ¡°Falconcrest? Who are they?¡± Raven was clueless about that word and asked in confusion. A deep sigh leaked out of Franco¡¯s mouth. ¡°I can¡¯t even predict what you are planning, Mr. Holmes.¡± He soon took a deep breath and spoke. ¡°Although not strictly a "bandit" group, the Falconcrest was a notorious street gang based in the Royal Capital. They were often involved in various criminal activities, including robbery, violence, and smuggling. However, after their ties with ''Vipers'' were known to the public, the Police of the Capital City made a significant effort to suppress the gang from the year 1383 to 1403. By the end of the year 1403, the Falconcrest had been largely eradicated, although remnant members were scattered across the empire and went into hiding.¡± Raven raised his eyebrows and soon asked. ¡°But why did they kidnap me? And What¡¯s their relationship with Inspector Bennett?¡± ¡°Falconcrest did? Moreover, Inspector Bennett, huh.¡± Franco was stunned by his words and hurriedly spoke to the nearby servant. ¡°Abel, get me the file no. 43 and 92.¡± The nearby servant hurriedly went inside and returned with two large notebooks. Franco took the notebooks from the servant, picked the one on the top, and started searching for something. ¡°The Count first met Inspector Bennett on February 2nd¡­ Then, he left the city and came back two days later. Then he met the count again on Feb. 10th, 13th, and 16th three times¡­ Thomas Holmes¡¯s missing case was registered on March 2nd¡­¡± As Franco started flipping the pages, he continued to speak all the information about Inspector Bennett and the people he met. ¡°If we get Inspector Bennett, we can find a lot more information about the ¡®Falconcrest.¡¯¡± Raven nodded in understanding. ¡°That will be difficult. But if we follow his movement for a while, we might be able to find more interesting things.¡± Franco paused for a second and soon added. ¡°If you promise to work with us in the long term, I¡¯ll do my best to back you up with information.¡± ¡°As long as you guys don¡¯t cross the line, I won¡¯t interfere in Velvet Circlet matters. And don¡¯t forget I¡¯m also a member of the organization.¡± Raven said as he stood up and adjusted his top hat. He glanced at the table where Marcellus and Selene sat, sipping their drinks and watching him intently. With a slight nod, he signaled them to follow him out. As the trio exited the Red Apple Inn and walked toward the carriage, Franco finally heaved a deep sigh and furrowed. ''He isn''t using a magic spell or an artifact. If he had, the radiant knight with him should''ve long found out about it. It means this young man is indeed Thomas Holmes.'' But what puzzled him was why a young boy from a fallen noble would show interest in Royal matters and Wizards¡¯ matters. ''He also showed anger when I mentioned about the trial. Hmm, that means he knew Shirley and the Sword Princess.'' He slowly turned his gaze towards the slim waiter beside him and spoke. "Send someone to Holmes mansion and monitor this guy''s movement all the time. I want to know his every move. Also, send Beckie to keep an eye on Bennett." "Yes, boss." The young, slim waiter nodded and hurriedly approached the door behind them. ¡­ Once Raven left the Inn, he pondered calmly at the street. ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the mansion, " he said before walking towards the carriage and soon entering. Selene also followed him inside and sat across from him. But unlike before, Raven wasn¡¯t in a mood to talk. ¡®Reclaiming the Azmar Town comes next. My priority should be to find a way to save my aunt.¡¯ [It seems your sister is also under house arrest, so there is no way the Royal Family will allow her to go out.] Raven frowned deeply and soon made up his mind. ¡®I plan on revealing my identity.¡¯ [You mean?] ¡®Raven Sillalus Jorvot¡­ During the hearing, I will appear as Raven Sillalus Jorvot and expose the Royal Family¡¯s whole scheme!¡¯ A cold look appeared in his eyes, which made Selene to flinch. ¡°Are you all right, My Lord?¡± She asked in concern. ¡°I¡¯m good. I¡¯m just thinking.¡± Raven waved his hand. [Reckless! You are just like my owner! Damn it, I should¡¯ve known that you are his next reincarnation!] Raven could feel a trace of anger in her voice. ¡®Listen to me fully. Before appearing during the trial, I plan on getting some help from a powerful backer.¡¯ [Explain.] ¡®Judith, the Vice President of Crow¡¯s Misery. From what I¡¯ve read so far, she seems to be from a commoner¡¯s background and is idolized by many people. My bedtime stories mostly involve her heroic deeds during her academic ages. And she is also my sister¡¯s role model. That¡¯s why I asked for information about her.¡¯ Raven answered. [But why would she help you? Didn¡¯t you hear Franco¡¯s words? The Wizard Union never involve themselves in mortal affairs.] Zera retorted. A smile appeared on Raven¡¯s face, giving Selene goosebumps. She saw him making different facial expressions all this time and got a little scared inside. ¡®This kid is not in his right mind! I need to tell Leader Jacob about this!¡¯ Unaware of her inner thoughts, Raven continued. ¡®I have a perfect bargaining chip. I¡¯m planning on giving her a potion recipe.¡¯ [Don¡¯t tell me! Are you going to give her the ¡®Affinity potion¡¯ recipe?] Even Zera was stunned by his idea. ¡®Yes. And the one who gives this recipe is not Raven but my teacher Charles Nightwind.¡¯ Raven said with a smug look. [Pff! Interesting! Yes, that¡¯s what Charles would do if he were in this kind of situation. But if you directly send a letter or inform her through artifact, there will be a high chance you will get caught. Legendary Figures are not easy to fool, lad. They can even look into the future or read your thoughts like an open book.] Zera thought for a second and added. [We need to make a detailed plan. And to make Judith completely believe, you must impress her first.] ¡®Impress?¡¯ Raven was confused. [Hmm, did Count get impressed when you sent the letter and gift box? Most likely not. He acted because he feared the exposure of information about Thomas¡¯s kidnapping. And what would¡¯ve happened if you placed the gift box on the bed he was sleeping on? What if you put the letter in his pocket when he was taking a walk?] ¡®¡­ He must¡¯ve thought someone with higher strength had put it in his pocket and got himself scared. At the very least, he would¡¯ve acted more diligently and taken this matter seriously.¡¯ [Correct. We will rattle Judith first. Then, we make her believe you are a disciple of a powerful Wizard and gain her full support.] Like schemers, Raven and Zera started planning their next move. ¡­ Chapter 72: Contract Proposal Chapter 72: Contract Proposal A few minutes later, the carriage arrived at Bristol Street and soon entered the Holmes Mansion. Raven quietly stepped out of the carriage and walked into the mansion house while Marcellus and Selene closely followed him. As they reached the foyer, Raven stopped his footsteps, thought of something, and looked at Selene. ¡°Do you want to become a fully-fledged wizard?¡± His question startled Selene and Marcellus. As Selene was in confusion, Marcellus composed himself and answered in her stead. ¡°You don¡¯t even need to ask an answer to such a question, My Lord. In truth, our leader tried his best to look for an alternative idea using his influence and even talked with many nobles. Unfortunately, what the nobles want isn¡¯t her talent but her complete freedom. They asked her to sign a lifetime contract and even put harsh conditions in place. And the thing is, not all noble households are capable of nurturing mages. Only Nobles from Mage background and high rank have the elemental circlet techniques and spell models.¡± ¡°Oh? What if I ask my teacher¡¯s help and become her sponsor?¡± Raven asked with a smile. ¡°I-I don¡¯t know.¡± Selene got flustered and soon spoke. ¡°Please talk to our leader. I¡¯m not good at negotiations.¡± Raven raised his eyebrows and sighed. ¡°Once Jacob comes back, tell him to visit my study. I¡¯ll talk with him.¡± Saying so, he stepped towards the left corridor and approached the study. Meanwhile, Marcellus and Selene stood frozen in the foyer for a few seconds and glanced at each other. ¡°Selene, go to Jacob¡¯s house and tell him what happened here. If possible, bring him right away.¡± Marcellus deliberated for a second and then added. ¡°This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you. If this Lord¡¯s teacher is a high-rank wizard, you might have a chance to become an Official Wizard in a decade!¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll go right away.¡± Saying so, Selene turned around and moved out of the mansion. An hour later, she returned with Jacob and Quincy. ¡°You go and stay in the guest room. We¡¯ll do the talking.¡± Quincy said as they arrived at the foyer. Meanwhile, Selene nodded and quietly went towards the guest room. Jacob and Quincy, on the other hand, went towards the left corridor and soon arrived before the study. As Jacob was about to knock on the door, Raven spoke from inside. ¡°Come in,¡± Jacob and Quincy quietly walked in and soon saw the young boy sitting on the wingback chair, reading something. As soon as they arrived inside, he closed the book and spoke. ¡°Please make yourself comfortable.¡± Jacob and Quincy quietly sat on the wooden chair before the table and glanced at each other. After a little hesitation, Jacob finally spoke up. ¡°Is it true? Can you help Selene to become an Official Wizard, My Lord?¡± Raven smiled instead of responding. ¡°Of course, it won¡¯t be easy, huh?¡± Quincy quickly caught up and showed a forced smile. ¡°I asked my teacher¡¯s permission, and he said he wouldn¡¯t mind helping. But he won¡¯t accept her as his disciple. Instead, he will support her with resources, spell models, and techniques. In return, she must remain loyal to the Holmes House for 100 years. Once the period ends, she can either stay in the house or walk away.¡± Raven said solemnly. ¡°A 100-year contract is too much!¡± Quincy shook her head. ¡°By that time, she might become an Expert Wizard. I heard that an Expert Wizard has a lifespan of around 700 to 900 years. So, serving the house for 100 years isn¡¯t an unreasonable demand, right?¡± Raven asked. ¡°True. But that only happens if Selene manages to reach the realm of Expert. What if she stuck in the Official Wizard?¡± Jacob asked. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Raven pondered for a moment and soon spoke. ¡°Let¡¯s adjust the conditions a bit then. As long as I help Selene become an Official Wizard, she will have to serve the house for 30 more years after the contract period. During that time, if she manages to become an Expert Wizard, she has to serve 100 years for the house. That will also include the 10 years of the current contract period.¡± ¡°Deal.¡± Jacob didn¡¯t even hesitate for a second and agreed. ¡°Then, I will tell Emanuel to prepare a contract paper later.¡± Raven suddenly thought of something and soon added. ¡°And my teacher wants Selene to accompany us when we leave for the capital. It seems he wants to test her.¡± Jacob didn¡¯t say anything and quietly nodded. In truth, he was extremely pleased with the current condition. When he went to the other noble houses, they wanted Selene to work for 250 years. If she died even before the end of the contract period, her descendants had to complete the servitude and remain loyal to the noble family like slaves. ¡®This is the most reasonable deal for her.¡¯ Of course, Jacob knew that she also needed to sign a magical contract but didn¡¯t mind it. ¡®Wizards always keep secrecy after all.¡¯ ¡°So, when are you guys leaving?¡± Quincy asked. ¡°Day after tomorrow. Emanuel will tell you the exact time, so be prepared. Inform Selene, too.¡± Raven answered. After talking for a while, Jacob and Quincy left the study, leaving Raven alone. ¡®So, why did you want Selene to accompany us to the capital?¡¯ [Hehe, she will be the key player to fool the Legendary Wizard Judith.] Zera said with a laugh. ¡®How?¡¯ [Enter the Memory Library. I¡¯ll show you.] Raven furrowed his brows and soon closed his eyes. A second later, he stood in a large hall filled with bookshelves and slowly turned around. [Follow me.] A silver-haired young woman with pointy ears suddenly appeared before him and started walking towards the left side aisle. Raven followed her while looking at the books. ¡®Alchemy section¡­ Divination¡­ Runology¡­ Necromancy¡­ Elementalism¡­ Arcane Studies¡­¡¯ As Raven was observing, Zera walked past the shelves of books and soon reached the area where spell books were stored. [Hmm, here are the rank-1 spell books. Each book has one spell model and information about creating them.] She spoke as she walked towards the next shelf. Meanwhile, Raven walked closer to the nearby shelf and soon saw something written on the top. [That shelf contains Rank-1 spell models of fire affinity. There should be around 2500 spellbooks here. And this one has darkness affinity.] Zera explained calmly and soon arrived before a small shelf containing only 50 books. It looked more like a cupboard than a shelf. [This is where the spells of ¡®Dream¡¯ related spell models are stored.] ¡°Dream?¡± Raven¡¯s eyes widened. [All the spell models here are particularly modified and used by the students of the Rebirth Tower I used to oversee.] As Zera started talking, Raven walked closer to the small cupboard and read the titles. ¡°Nightmare Induction, Dream Walk, Dream Shifter, Forgotten Memory, Dream Whisper, Eclipse of the Mind, Dream Harvest, Accelerate Dream, Dream Freeze, Nightmare Summon¡­¡± [Once you have completely learned the Basic Rune Language, you should memorize Dream Walk, Dream Harvest, and Alter Dream spellbooks and transcribe them. They will be of great help to Selene.] ¡°But won¡¯t a legendary mage easily see through Rank-1 Spells?¡± He couldn¡¯t help but ask. [Creating a Dream-related spell is a challenging task even with the help of a Class Gem Mystic. And this world has no class gem pathway. So, there is no way for this world¡¯s Wizards to know anything about the Dream World.] ¡°Oh?¡± Raven nodded, memorized the Rune Language for the next few hours, and stayed in the memory library. It was around 6.30. P.M. Raven slowly opened his eyes and felt a headache. ¡®I read too much, making my head feel like exploding.¡¯ ¡°Emanuel.¡± He shouted. A few seconds later, a young man in a butler suit walked in and greeted him with a bow. ¡°You called me, My Lord?¡± ¡°Arrange four train tickets to Royal Capital on 11th September. Also, tell Stephene that she will be coming with us.¡± Raven said calmly. ¡°Yes, My Lord. Anything else?¡± Emanuel asked. Raven thought for a second and nodded. ¡°I plan on practicing spearmanship every day, but I don¡¯t like being watched by others. Is there any training space in the mansion?¡± Emanuel thought for a moment and nodded. ¡°Although there isn¡¯t any training room, I saw an empty hall on the second floor, My Lord. It used to be a banquet hall, but not even tables and chairs are left now. You can use it for your training.¡± ¡°Oh? That¡¯s good.¡± Raven was pleased inside. ¡°Send the dinner to the master bedroom. I¡¯ll eat late at night, so keep it on the table.¡± Emanuel froze for a second and nodded with hesitation. ¡°You can leave now.¡± Without minding his confused look, Raven waved his hand and dismissed him. Once Emanuel left the study, Raven also stood up from his seat and quietly walked out. Then, he went upstairs through the split staircase to the empty hall and practiced spearmanship until 7.50 P.M. After that, Raven went to the master bedroom and lay on the soft bed while taking out the Frozen Ender spear. Then, he gripped the spear and activated the ¡®Past Touch¡¯ ability. A second later, he felt a familiar pulling sensation from the spear and blanked out. ¡­ When he opened his eyes again, Raven found himself lying on a vast grassland with few trees. He instantly sat up, looked around, and saw the blue-skinned humanoid creature practicing spearmanship. Raven slowly stood up, creating a spear out of thin air, and moved closer to that being. Then, he focused on the being¡¯s movements and started observing it. Raven started with simple moves like thrust, parry, gripping, and pulling, then began focusing on footsteps, body posture, and breathing. As minutes passed, his movements became refined and looked similar to the blue creature¡¯s. But whenever that being started practicing consecutive movements and techniques, Raven couldn¡¯t follow them at all. Alas, the two hours of practice gave him many pointers and ideas! He corrected more than hundreds of his mistakes and even gained some spearmanship insight! ¡­ Two hours later, Raven left the illusion world and woke up in bed. He then quietly walked out of the bedroom, moved towards the empty hall, and started practicing what he had learned in the illusion world. After diligently practicing for more than three hours, he returned to the master bedroom, took a long bath, and had dinner, which was kept on the table. After that, he quietly lay on the bed and fell asleep. ¡­ Chapter 73: Runology Chapter 73: Runology September 11th, Year 1420. After waking up early, Raven practiced spearmanship for an hour and started preparing for departure. An hour later, he left the master bedroom and soon saw Emanuel walking along the corridor while holding a file. "What is it?" Raven asked curiously. "This file has all the information you asked about the shops that sell Magical Beast corpses, My Lord." Emanuel paused for a second and added. "Due to Wizard Alliance''s restriction on selling magical items and materials to mortals, the best we can get in the normal shops are Mutated ones. Even those corpses cost around 5000 gold coins in the market. But we can get even Rank-2 or Rank-3 Corpses in the black-market auction houses." Saying so, he took a document from the file and gave it to him. "Seven Calls in Bloodstone City is a famous black-market organization that even auctions peak rank Rank-2 Magical Beasts every weekend. However, to participate in this auction, one needs the recommendation badge of a Seven Calls member." As he spoke, he took out a badge-like emblem and gave it to him. "This is the recommendation badge I got from your friend when I asked about the details in the Mercenary guild, My Lord. You can use it." ¡°A friend of mine has a connection with someone from the Bloodstone City? Isn¡¯t it situated near the Great Hillcrow Woodlands, considered one of the seven dangerous places in the empire?¡± Raven asked. [There is a trace of shadow elemental power etched in it. Probably a tracking spell.] Zera''s voice echoed in Raven''s head. "Oh? Who is that generous friend of mine?" Raven furrowed as he had no idea about Thomas''s friends. "It''s Martin Amell, My Lord." ''A member of the Amell Family, huh? Can they still track me with this badge if I store it in my inventory?'' [No. Your inventory is stored in your soul. So, even a Divine can''t track its location.] "Good." Raven quietly stored it in his inventory and also looked at the document. "Next is the information about the black auction house in the Iron Peak City, My Lord. The Duke of Arcturus hosts it, and only the nobles and wizards can attend it. But the auction happens only once every three months. The next auction is scheduled for November 3rd, My Lord." "Hmm, how did you arrange the train ticket?" Raven asked. "Once you depart from the Giaris today, you will reach Bloodstone City on September 14th and stay there until the 16th morning, My Lord. The black-market auction will happen on the 15th, so you will have enough time to prepare." Emanuel said and soon gave the final document. "This document contains information about the official Wizard auction house in the Royal City, My Lord. But to participate in the auction, you must register with the Wizards Guild. It''s a Crows Misery'' Academic affiliated organization for all the Wizards in the Empire. Although I couldn''t get any more information about the auction, you will easily gather info after registering in the guild." Raven took all the documents and stored them in his inventory. ¡®Even if I participate in the auctions, I don¡¯t have enough money right now to buy anything.¡¯ Shaking his head, he went downstairs with Emanuel, had breakfast, and finally got ready to leave. As Raven walked out of the mansion house, he saw a 30-year-old lady in her maid''s dress, a middle-aged man with a tall stature, and a young woman in her thirties standing right next to the carriage and holding luggage in their hands. "Everything is ready, My Lord. Your departure time is 10.45 A.M." Emanuel came from behind and gave him four tickets. Raven took the tickets and stored them in his inventory. "Take care of the mansion until we return," Raven said. Then, he looked at others and spoke before walking into the carriage. "Let''s go." Jacob, Selene, and Stephaine followed him inside and sat comfortably. Once everyone was seated inside, the carriage started to move slowly. The carriage moved on the Bristol Street Road, left Salford Borough, and entered Southward. After an hour of travel, the carriage soon halted in front of the Azmar Railway Station. Raven lifted the curtain and looked at the railway station. The Railway Station building stood tall, with its iron-and-glass canopy stretching over the platforms, sheltering passengers from the foggy and dusty air. The station''s red-brick walls were adorned with ornate stone carvings, and large, arched windows allowed the morning light to stream into the interior. While observing, Raven stepped down from the carriage, his gaze wandering over the scene before him. Porters hurried along the platforms, carrying heavy trunks and cases, while passengers dressed in the fashions gathered in groups, chatting as they awaited their trains. The scent of coal smoke and steam hissing from the engines filled the air, mingling with the chatter of voices and the clatter of wheels on the tracks. "What does Azmar mean?" Raven asked, curious as he observed the station''s name etched in stone above the entrance. "It''s named after the Azmar Woods to the east, My Lord," Jacob replied, stepping down from the carriage with a large suitcase. "The previous count used wood and minerals from those woods, so he named the station after the woodlands. Your town shares the same name because of its proximity." Raven nodded, taking in the details of the station as they made their way inside. The interior was just as grand as the exterior, with polished marble floors, high vaulted ceilings, and chandeliers warmly glowed over the waiting area. The air was filled with the sounds of people talking, the rustle of newspapers, and the occasional call of a stationmaster announcing the arrival or departure of a train.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "How long will we be staying in the Capital?" Stephanie asked, her eyes wandering around the station''s entrance. "The distance between Giaris and Red Ember City is around 4,000 kilometers," Raven answered, leading the way toward the ticket-checking counter. "It will take approximately six days to reach the capital by train. But we will stop at the Bloodstone for two days. And I plan on visiting the Hillcrow woodlands during the stay. So, I think we will reach on the 19th. And we might stay in the capital city depending on how things unfold." While talking, Raven showed the tickets to the officer at the counter and made their way towards the platform. As they approached the platform, Raven couldn''t help but marvel at the sight of the steam locomotives, their black iron frames gleaming in the morning sun. The engine stood ready, their great wheels resting on the tracks that stretched out into the distance. The group boarded the train, finding their reserved compartment. The interior was cozy and well-appointed, with plush seats and large windows. As they settled in, the train whistle sounded, and it slowly began to move, gathering speed as it left the station. Raven glanced out the window, watching as the station faded into the distance, replaced by the rolling hills and fields. ¡°I¡¯ll be meditating most of the time, so do not disturb me unless it is an emergency, Mr. Jacob,¡± Raven said. ¡°I¡¯ll not allow anyone to come near the compartment, My Lord. Rest assured.¡± Jacob responded with a nod. Nodding, Raven slowly leaned on the seat, closed his eyes, and quietly entered the memory library. For the next three days, he spent most of his time learning the Basic Rune Language in the memory library. He also didn''t skip training in the illusion world and progressed in spearmanship. On the 13th Night, Raven read all the books about the basic rune language completely. "What should I do next? Is it time for me to create the Elemental Circlet Technique?" [That should wait until you reach the Bloodstone City. Engraving the elemental circlet Array in your Mind Space should be done quietly.] Zera said as she appeared beside him. ¡°Mind Space? What is that?¡± Raven asked in puzzlement. [Umm, it¡¯s a linked space connecting your soul, body, and consciousness. But your case is a little bit complicated. Due to your soul, body, and consciousness merging when I was awakened, the Consciousness Space has expanded vastly and even made a path to your sea of consciousness.] ¡°I don¡¯t even understand what you are saying.¡± Raven had a hard time comprehending her words. [You will know when you start creating Elemental Circlet Array in your Mind Space. Now that you''ve learned the basic rune language, it''s time for you to experience my owner''s memories and his past life experiences.] "That old man Runeth''s memories? Am I going to learn another skill?" Raven recalled all the painful memories he faced when he learned those three skills. [No. Currently, you are walking on a different path than my owner. He was originally an Ancient Wizard but changed his profession to a Dual-Class Mystic for various reasons. After that, his main class became a [Historian], and his subclass became an [Artisan].] "Main Class? Sub Class? There are two classes?" [Well, it''s the unique thing of the Class Gem pathway. Thanks to his [Historian] Class skill, ''Eidetic Memory,'' he stored all his essential memories and experiences related to Ancient Wizardry, Historian Class, and Artisan Class in the memory library. While learning about the Historian Class won''t provide much advantage for someone following the Warlock pathway, the same can''t be said for Ancient Wizardry and the Artisan Class.] "What do you mean?" Raven got confused. [When he was an Ancient Wizard, he specialized in Runology and was called Rune Master. He knew a lot more about the secrets of Runes than anyone else in that world. When he went through False Reincarnation, he chose his sub-class as an [Artisan] and further improved his knowledge in Rune Study. So, it would be best if you became a Rune Master, too. That way, you can even disguise yourself as a Wizard in front of others.] "I''m already an Alchemist, though." Raven narrowed his eyes. [Hehe, who said you can only choose one path? And I thought of making both your identities stronger. To the Prime Minister, your aunt, sister, and others, Raven is a Warlock Class Mystic and an Alchemist. They also know a mysterious Wizard named ''Charles Nightwind'' guides you secretly. And if you plan on revealing your real identity at the Supreme Court to save your aunt, you must make multiple preparations.] "Preparations? As long as I prove my aunt is innocent, nothing bad will happen, right?" Raven was confused. [Wrong. The ''Raven'' they know is a child born with no affinity. The Royal Family will do their best not to acknowledge your identity as the 66th prince. The court might conduct multiple testimonies to confirm whether you are a Royal, but it will not favor you. We don''t have any strong evidence other than that strange bracelet. And if your plan to reveal ''Affinity potion'' knowledge to the Wizard Union, it will also become a strong backup. I believe this case will be put on hold under the pressure of Royals for an extended period. They will delay as much as possible to avoid harming the family''s reputation and try to eliminate you secretly.] "Ugh, I hate the Royal Family already. Is there no other way?" [There is one. If the Wizard Union interferes, the case will be closed sooner by bringing your sister to the court as a major witness. All the Emperor and Prime Minister schemes will disappear if your sister comes to court. But what will you do once you win the case and rescue your aunt? With how the Royal Family acts, they will most likely take you back to the Royal Family and put you under house arrest like your sister.] Zera said with a sigh. In truth, even she felt it was a hopeless situation. "So, Thomas Holmes needs to act as an intermediatory in this case, huh?" A look of understanding appeared on Raven''s face. [Yes. Thomas is nothing more than an orphan child in everyone''s eyes. But there will be many suspecting that someone is backing you secretly or even impersonating you.] "Yes. That''s why I told Jacob that I had the help of a wizard." [We should make Thomas a Wizard who specializes in Runology. That way, others can''t link that the two people are the same.] "Why not?" [Even learning one and excelling in it will be difficult for a genius Wizard. Can a wizard learn both Alchemy and Runology? It may be possible early, but it will be much more difficult as you rise in the ranks.] Zera said coldly. ''True. Even with the ''Instant Memorize'' skill, I took over five years to become a beginner Alchemist.'' Raven nodded in understanding and quietly walked towards the shelf where books related to Runology were placed. No, Raven sensed something unique about this shelf. He soon found a book named Basics of Runes on the first row and tried to open it but couldn''t. It was as if some invisible power was covering it! [Let me help you.] Zera took the book from his hand and directly thrust it into his chest. The book turned illusionary a second later and directly disappeared into his chest! Before Raven could understand, he noticed that his vision started to blur, followed by new memories. At that moment, he saw countless pieces of information in the form of images appearing before his eyes and started engraving them into his consciousness. But looking at each image, he noticed that time moved slowly. He also felt a series of new memories of a person entering his mind. In those memories, he saw how that person struggled to memorize the rune characters, how hard he worked to write the characters in a strange circle, and even how he created an array circle. But one thing that puzzled him was that he couldn''t understand the language he spoke. ''But I feel like I''m experiencing these things myself.'' Raven sat in the same place for over 30 minutes and slowly woke up from the strange state. During the past 30 minutes, Raven experienced what Runeth had experienced during his childhood days and was astonished. "If I hadn''t learned the basic rune language, I wouldn''t have understood most of what he did in those memories." [That''s why I asked you to learn the Basic Rune Language. If you had learned the Common Easica Language, you would have understood it more easily.] "But I don''t have enough time to learn a new language." Raven shook his head and decided to read the next book. It was about the ''Creation of Magic Array.'' He memorized two more books until late at night and finally shifted his attention toward the Spellbook area. "Which spellbook should I give Selene once we reach the Bloodstone City?" Raven asked as he stared at the small cupboard-like shelf in the memory library. [Dream Walk, Dream Harvest, and Alter Dream. She must construct all three spells in her mind before we reach the Royal Capital.] Zera said. Raven furrowed for a second and soon nodded. Then, he decided to memorize the spell models and transcribe them. Chapter 74: Twelve Ancient Families Chapter 74: Twelve Ancient Families 14th September, Rune Era 1420. Railway Station, Bloodstone City, Territory of Thornevale. Bloodstone City was a metropolis between rolling hills, thick forests, and a winding river that cut through the landscape. Tall brick buildings lined narrow, cobblestone streets, their chimneys constantly puffed smoke into the air. The city buzzed with energy, from bustling markets to quiet alleyways. Industrial buildings also stood in rows on the eastern side, making the sky appear a bit gloomier. Unlike Giaris, there was no snow, nor did any appearance of the dense, smoky atmosphere. As Stephane, Raven, and Selene walked out of the train, Jacob carried the luggage with his hand and spoke. "This city acted as a fortress before the arrival of Wizards and was a defensive line against monsters and magical beasts from the Great Hillcrow Woodlands for centuries. But thanks to the advancement of machinery and Aether weapons, this city became more stable and never went through any big invasions from the monsters." "Oh? What happened to the Magical Beasts?" Raven asked as they made their way into the platform. "They must have gone deeper into the woodlands. I heard that only Rank-1 or Rank-2 Magical Beasts appeared near the city. Even they appear very rarely." Jacob said while guiding them to the station¡¯s main hall. "Still, this city sure attracts a lot of Walkers," Raven said as he looked around the main hall of the railway station. "That''s to be expected, My Lord. The hunted ones became the hunters, after all. Before the arrival of wizards, we needed more than 10 Walkers to kill a same-rank Magical Beast. But the arrival of Aether Equipment changed everything." Jacob spoke as he pointed his finger at the long rifle behind his back. "A Walker can solo a Magical Beast?" Raven asked in surprise. "Of course not, My Lord. One still needs two or three more Warlocks'' help to kill the same Rank Magical Beast. Alas, it''s way easier than before. Also, the introduction of potions and improvement in modern medicine made things so much easier for Walkers." He paused momentarily to look around and soon said in a low voice. "This city is under the control of Margrave Lucus Thornevale. The Thornevale Family is one of the Twelve Ancient Families of the Empire and has a deep background. From what I heard from Reece, the Thonevales are famous for taming magical beasts and using them in their battles. They also form contracts with magical beasts and borrow their strength during battles." Raven recalled that Reece could also tame beasts and monsters and became curious about his identity. "Is Reece also a member of the Thornevale Family?" But he was sure he didn''t see any family name in his status and became puzzled. Meanwhile, Jacob let out a smile and shook his head. "Reece was an external recruit of the Thornevale Family three decades ago but was kicked out due to the lack of progress in his strength. Then, he joined the Red Sepoy Corps and came under my squad as a common foot soldier." "External Recruit? So, the Thornevale Family actually accepts commoners into their family?" Raven furrowed. "No way an ancient Noble Family would take some random nobodies of common background into their family, My Lord. Only those who enter the Internal Recruit have even the slightest chance to become a member." While talking, the group had already left the Railway Station and made their way towards the Carriage House. "Interesting. Jacob, can you tell me more about how a noble family operates? Who are all external recruits? What are the requirements for becoming an internal recruit? If possible, tell me more about all the twelve ancient families, too." Raven had gone through basic education but never learned anything about the noble families. "I''ll tell you in detail in a minute, My Lord." While speaking, Jacob hurriedly moved towards an elderly man standing near a carriage and said something. Then, he soon rented a four-wheeled carriage and asked others to enter. "Go to the Merchant Borough." He ordered the coachman and entered the carriage before sitting opposite Raven. As the carriage moved towards the Merchant Borough, where most popular inns were located, Jacob closed the curtain, locked the wooden door tightly, and spoke. "Most Noble Families take in young students from the commoner''s background to strengthen their family, My Lord. First, they recruit all the students with good scores from the Knight Training Schools and let them become External Recruits of the Family. This External Recruiting period ranges from around 10 to 15 years. They will train the students to become an official knight and even conduct many exams during this period. Anyone who passes these exams will be taken in as an Internal Recruit and further supported by the family. If one becomes an Internal Recruit, they will have a bright future. If some extraordinary genius appears, they will directly bestow him the title of Knighthood and even tie him into a family."Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "Oh? They will allow him to become a true noble?" Raven blinked in surprise. "No, My Lord. A Noble Family usually has lots of members and even relatives. For example, if a knight becomes a baron due to his achievements, he, his wife, sons, daughters, and even his parents and grandparents will become nobles. But when his daughters marry into different families, they will lose their noble title completely and become commoners. On the other hand, all his sons will retain the noble title. Even if the Baron dies and the eldest son becomes the next heir, the other sons can still retain the noble titles for up to multiple generations. These families all will become branch families of the main Noble Family. Eighty percent of the Knights will be taken from these branch families only. From my understanding, an ancient Family like Thornevale will have more than 100 branch families." Jacob gave him a lengthy explanation. "So even a Genius will only be taken into one of these hundred branch families, huh?" A look of understanding appeared on Raven''s face. "Don''t take these branch families lightly, My Lord. Even a poor branch family has wealth as high as your current assets." His words made everyone''s mouths wide open. Raven realized how poor he was even after stealing the wealth of the Holmes Family. ''I''m a frog in the well. And here I dreamed of standing against the Royal Family and rescuing my sister and aunt with schemes and wealth.'' [True wealth is not your assets but the knowledge in the memory library, lad. If you use them wisely, you can buy tens of these ancient families easily.] Zera said calmly, causing his lips to twitch. "Tell me more about these twelve ancient families." Jacob nodded his head and continued. "Let me start with the two most powerful families, My Lord. They are Maddis Household and Gravestone Household. Both are Archdukes of the Empire and are second only to the Imperial Family regarding power and wealth. Maddis Family is famous for their swordsmanship and also owns the Western Bank. They also have the strongest Knight Order in the Empire, the ''Golden Regime.'' On the other hand, Gravestone Household is the hidden dragon of the Empire. They are a secretive and highly strategic family known for their intelligence and manipulative tactics. They are also famous for Dark Magic and Illusion Magic." "Next in line is the four families of Dukes. They are Warfield, Heart, Arcturus, and Raynor. Warfield Household is the protector of the Crimson Fortress and always prides itself on honor and loyalty. They are the best shields of the Empire. They mostly train knights and warriors but sometimes train wizards with Fire Affinity. Heart Family is an isolated household and rarely shows interest in politics. They are loyal and upright warriors. Unlike other knights, they practice a unique fist technique." "Pugilists? Does that mean Leona also became an External Recruit of this Heart Family and later joined the army?" Raven made an obvious guess. Jacob nodded his head and continued. "Next is the Dukedom of Arcturus. They are famous for their spearman ship and produce the best cavalry, called ''Iron Cavalry'' in the Empire. Most of the Cavalry soldiers came from this dukedom in the whole Empire. And the final one is the House of Raynor. It is a dark family that keeps themselves isolated from the rest of the nobles, like Greystones, and always researches forbidden magics. They also practice necromancy, which many commoners despise. But they are the most loyal to the Empire and are also one of the trump cards of the Empire." "Necromancy?" Raven had read about them from one of the books in Memory Library once when he was searching for information about a potion recipe. "Does the Empire allow a noble household to practice necromancy? It involves summoning undead souls from the nether world and is highly dangerous, though." He couldn''t help but mutter. "Oh? I don''t know if it is dangerous or not, MY Lord. But Empire has allowed the Raynor Household to use only monsters and magical beast corpses to practice necromancy. And as far as I know, I heard that there are many necromancers in the Crows Misery Academy, too." Jacob said in a solemn tone. [Different worlds have different customs, lad. As far as I have heard, this world doesn''t have any divine, so most people consider necromancy as a section of Wizardry] Zera said in his mind. Raven nodded his head and gestured to Jacob to continue. "The next six families belong to Margrave''s class. They aren''t as powerful as Dukes and Archdukes but still hold high positions in the Empire. They are Harrowmont, Ravenshield, Thornevale, Sterlinghart, Blackwater, and Findlay. Harrowmont Household specialized in assassination and dark magic. The family prides itself on being the smartest household and is always responsible for conflicts in the Empire. They are a bunch of troublemakers. They once ruled a small kingdom but later got annexed into the Empire after the war of Stonelake. Although they are part of the Empire, they prioritize benefits over loyalty. The Ravenshield Family is also full of smarties, but they are a crazy bunch because of their love for the alchemy. They are the majority suppliers of potions to the army." Jacob took a moment to take a deep breath and then continued. "I already told you about Thornevale, My Lord. As for Sterlinghart, they are masters of archery and ranged combats. They are also involved in research on rune artifacts and produce more than 20% of the entire Empire''s total artifacts yearly. And the Blackwater family specializes in poison, stealth, assassination, and spying. They also excel in alchemy and are renowned for producing deadly poison potions. And finally, Findlay Household. This household originated after the arrival of the Wizards. A female Wizard fell in love with a slum boy and soon married him. However, when this matter was revealed to the Wizard Union, they stripped her position and forced her to leave the union. But this female wizard seems to be a late bloomer. After she gave birth to her first child, her progress in wizardry became ten times faster. Upon seeing such a talent, the Royal Family made a move and gave her a Baroness Title, along with a large land in the north. That''s how the Legend of Ice Princess was born. Within 100 years, she went from Rank-2 wizard to Rank-5 Wizard. Then, after 200 years, she even became a Legendary Wizard." Jacob ended the lengthening speech with a deep breath. Chapter 75: Elemental Circlet Technique Chapter 75: Elemental Circlet Technique ¡®The Empire truly has many powerful families.¡¯ Raven nodded inwardly and realized how difficult his goal would be. ¡®At least, I need 100 or even 200 years to create a strong force to face an ancient family. But my opponent isn¡¯t an ancient family but the Royal Family. It is a true powerhouse capable of ruling all these twelve ancient families.¡¯ [There is Wizard Union, too. Please don¡¯t take them lightly.] Zera said in his head, causing him to go silent. As the carriage started moving, Raven remained seated without saying a word for a few minutes and organized his thoughts. Then, he took out three books from the inventory and gave them to Selene. ¡°These are three spell books that related to Dream-related abilities. Try constructing them in your mind once we settle in an Inn.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t they the books you were writing earlier, My Lord?¡± Selene gave him a skeptical look and grabbed them. After that, she opened the first book and soon saw a detailed structure of a spell model drawn on the third page, along with descriptions in rune language. ¡°Oh? Dream Walk? With this spell, my consciousness can enter a separate world called ¡®Woolgatherer World,¡¯ huh?¡± As she continued to study the spell book, her face showed confusion. ¡°I never heard of such a spell from the Academy. And I find it hard to believe there is a different world based on dreams.¡± But she could tell that the spell model was genuine. ¡®Can I trust this book? Even if I face a backlash, I will only be in bad shape for a month or two before recovering. It¡¯s worth a try.¡¯ Nodding, she continued to read the book. Meanwhile, Raven and others stopped at different destinations to gather information and also for accommodation. After some research, they picked a high-class Inn on Aurora Street and booked four rooms in an Inn called ¡®Glory Wine.¡¯ Selene didn¡¯t mind any of them all this time and quietly focused on reading the book. Raven and others didn¡¯t disturb her and even allocated an isolated room on the second floor. Then, Raven soon moved to the special guest room allocated for nobles and high-class people and lay on the double bed. ¡®Although I took the remaining 6540 gold coins from the Royal Bank before departure, I don¡¯t think it should be enough to participate in the auction.¡¯ [True, a Rank-1 Magical Beasts¡¯ corpse should cost over 3000 gold coins. If it¡¯s a rare beast, its value might skyrocket to 6000 or even 8000.] Raven nodded his head and checked his inventory. ¡®7690 Gold coins, hybrid elemental crystal, one Night Vision potion, 2 Feral Eye crystals, Trollsbane Glands, Dreamvenom Tri-cobra¡¯s poison gland, two 60 cm long venomous fangs, and finally, six eyes of the cobra.¡¯ He considered selling them in the capital but decided to sell them now. A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door, and Jacob entered shortly after. ¡°Do you need any help, My Lord?¡± He asked as he walked into the luxurious room. ¡°I need information about the list of materials auctioned on the 15th. Is it possible?¡± Raven asked as he took out the reddish badge-like emblem from the inventory and tossed it to Jacob. ¡°Yes, My Lord. I can use this to register a seat in the Seven Calls auction and get the list. All other items'' names would be disclosed except for the special five items.¡± Jacob caught the badge and stored it in his pocket. ¡°I also want to sell a few things in an alchemy shop.¡± As Raven spoke, he took out the items individually and talked about the item names and their values in detail. "This life-affinity hybrid elemental crystal should fetch over 3,000 gold coins. If the offer is below 2,700, don¡¯t sell it. Each Feral Eye crystal is worth around 500 gold coins; the Trollsbane gland should go for about 1,200, and the poison gland should sell for no less than 750. These two venomous fangs are easily worth over 300 gold coins, and each of these six cobra eyes should be valued at 200 gold coins apiece." Raven had stored all other items in glass boxes except the fangs and preserved them carefully. Meanwhile, Jacob was completely dumbfounded by the materials appearing out of thin air. ¡°H-How did you get your hands on these items?¡± He couldn¡¯t help but ask. After all, most of the materials were from Rank-1 Magical Beasts, which made him completely shocked. ¡°My teacher¡¯s other disciple is an alchemist. He gave me these materials when I visited him a week ago.¡± Raven said with a smile, put everything in a large leather bag, and handed it to Jacob. ¡°Once you sell these items, put this vial for auction,¡± Raven said as he took out a small vial filled with greyish-black liquid and gave it to him. ¡°It¡¯s called the ¡®Night Vision¡¯ potion.¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Meanwhile, Jacob carefully took the vial and put it in a separate pouch. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll be leaving, My Lord.¡± Saying so, he turned around and walked out of the room. [What is your plan?] Zera asked. ¡®Nothing much. I wonder if I can learn the Easica language you told me about. As long as I learn that language, I can easily understand the runology experience from those memory books, right?¡¯ [Hmm, you can learn that. But it will only delay your progress in basic Runology. Still, you will become an Apprentice Rune Wizard in under three months.] Raven thought for a second and decided to take things slowly. ¡°I should create the Elemental Circlet Technique.¡± He muttered and entered the memory library. ¡°Which elemental circlet technique is suitable for me?¡± Raven asked as he walked toward the bookshelf where Spirit Techniques, Mana Techniques, and Elemental Circlet Techniques were arranged. ¡°You¡¯ve to check them yourself one by one.¡± A voice echoed through the library, and soon, a young woman with pointy ears appeared behind him. Raven quietly walked towards the shelf and gathered all the elemental circlet techniques. ¡°There are a total of two hundred and seven Elemental Circlet techniques. Which one should I choose?¡± While speaking, he grabbed a book named ¡®Imaginary Rings of Elements¡¯ and started reading it. After a while, he couldn¡¯t help but furrow. ¡°This technique will allow me only to gather four elements: Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind.¡± He quickly tossed the book away and shifted his attention towards the next one. ¡°Runic Cascade of Spectral Pyres: Fire, Water, Darkness, Soul, Life.¡± ¡°Abyssal Bloom: Poison, Darkness, Earth, Chaos, Life, Fire.¡± ¡°Tempus Surge of Twilight Flame: Fire, Time, Wind, Darkness, Light, Space.¡± ¡°Dawn of Fortune Serpent Flame: Ice, Water, Fire, Poison, Luck, Time.¡± ¡­ He checked all the books individually and separated them based on elements. ¡°Currently, I¡¯ve Ice affinity, Life affinity. And I must need a technique with poison, time, Luck, and blood affinity.¡± Raven checked the techniques and soon noticed only four books available for him. ¡°Fortune Blood Lightening: Ice, Life, Time, Luck, Lightning, Blood, Water, and Dream.¡± ¡°Twelve Petals Elemental Circlets: Space, Time, Destiny, Luck, Life, Death, Ice, Fire, Earth, Wind, Blood, and Poison.¡± ¡°Blood Moon Circlets: Ice, Soul, Darkness, Time, Luck, Life, Water, Death, Blood, and Poison.¡± ¡°Arcanum Circlets of Destiny: Ice, Poison, Life, Luck, Darkness, Blood, Time, Lightning, and Light.¡± ¡°Choose the Arcanum Circlets of Destiny,¡± Zera spoke as she stood beside him. ¡°What about other techniques?¡± Raven asked. ¡°Before that, tell me the types of affinity potions you learned from the Basic Alchemy.¡± Zera¡¯s question surprised him. Raven furrowed for a moment and soon spoke. ¡°Affinity potions are divided into basic Elemental affinity and Special Elemental Affinity potions. Basic Elemental Affinity potions are Fire Affinity potion, Water Affinity potion, Earth Affinity potion, Wind Affinity Potion, Light Affinity potion, and Darkness Affinity potion. Special Affinity potions are Ice Affinity Potion, Poison Affinity Potion, Lightning Affinity Potion, Life Affinity Potion, Death Affinity Potion, Shadow Affinity Potion, Blood Affinity Potion, Space Affinity potion, Metal Affinity Potion, Illusion Affinity potion, and Time Affinity potion.¡± ¡°What are the Unique Affinities?¡± ¡°They are Luck, Fate, Dream, Soul, Music, Trickery, Wisdom, Void, Chaos, Sword, Spear, etc. Unlike the Basic Elemental Affinities and Special Elemental Affinities, it is almost impossible to make potions for the unique affinities.¡± Raven answered and soon widened his eyes. ¡°Now you understand?¡± ¡°But Arcanum Circlets of Destiny also has Luck affinity, right?¡± Raven asked. ¡°Yes. But you can increase your luck by going through enlightenment by absorbing Runeth¡¯s memories or robbing the luck power from others using the devouring ability. Although we aren¡¯t sure if this ability devours others'' luck and enhances your affinity, it¡¯s worth a try.¡± Raven nodded and asked further. ¡°But won¡¯t too much affinities hinder my growth? From the looks of it, I might have to stay in the alchemy laboratory for the rest of my life researching affinity potions.¡± ¡°If you are a Wizard, you can focus on and excel in a single element. But Warlocks usually aren¡¯t as powerful as Wizards. A warlock¡¯s strength always depends on the origin of the bloodline he belongs to and his other weapon skills. Warlocks are like close-range fighters and rely mostly on weapons and physical abilities. For them, the more diverse their abilities, the higher their chance of survival against Wizards and other enemies.¡± Zera paused for a moment and soon added. ¡°And you should know that Wizards aren¡¯t the only powerful beings in the universe. Gods, Demons, Devils, and even mysterious beings like World Devourers and Void Lifeforms exist. If a normal Warlock faces such an opponent, he won¡¯t even last a second.¡± ¡®Oh?¡¯ Raven nodded and quietly sat on the floor before opening the Arcanum Circlets of Destiny. He read the first chapter for the next two hours and memorized the Array of the First Circlet. ¡°But to create an Array, I must enter the ¡®Mind Space.¡¯ It is a connecting bridge between my consciousness, body, and Sea of Consciousness.¡± Thankfully, he even saw a rune verse to enter one¡¯s Mind Space. He soon left the memory library and sat on the bed in a crossed-legged position. Then, he closed his eyes and recited a short, runic chant. Although his vocabulary didn¡¯t match, he soon noticed a pulling sensation from somewhere. Within seconds, he found himself standing in a dark space. But he also saw a few stars arranged in the sky in a line and was startled. The first star appeared in a light greenish color, the second star appeared in blood red, the third star seemed purplish, the fourth star appeared golden, and the final one appeared eerie dark with shades of red. As he focused on the stars, he soon noticed they were all hexagonal and floating in space. ¡®They are the spell models.¡¯ ¡°Oh, this is the Mind Space, huh?¡± He quickly bent down and used his forefinger to make a small line. To his surprise, a white line appeared as if he were drawing on a blackboard with a chalk piece. ¡°The book said that whatever we do will be based on imagination, but I never expect it to be true.¡± He erased the short line with a simple thought and started making a large circle under his feet. It was a circle of a 7-meter radius and looked plain. Then, he wrote down more than two thousand rune words across the circle. It was just the beginning. Raven then recited a runic chant and created more runic words outside the circle. After that, he made lines between the circle and split the circle into ten sections. Then, he chose a single section and drew a hexagonal structure within the circle. But instead of a plain line, he created the hexagonal structure with rune words only. Whenever he started writing a letter, he felt a strange connection between himself and the outside world. He stayed in the Mind Space for over three hours and finally completed the First Array. But as he completed the Array, it glowed in a blinding greenish light and shot out a blinding light toward one of the star-like spell models in the sky! A few seconds later, the small hexagonal star descended and slowly landed in the area where the runic hexagonal structure was created and assimilated. The next moment, Raven felt a deep resonation from the depths of his soul. Simultaneously, he noticed a refreshing sensation coming from outside and continued to store the strange life-elemental Energy within the hexagonal structure. Although Raven didn¡¯t know how much life elemental energy he could store inside, he was sure he could use it to cast the bloodline spells more than two times. Chapter 76: Auction Chapter 76: Auction A few hours passed by, and soon, a knocking sound came from outside. Raven slowly opened his eyes and spoke. "The door is open. Come in." "Yes, My Lord." Jacob opened the wooden door and walked in while carrying a Gladstone bag. He soon arrived before Raven and gave the bag to him. Then, he also took a folded paper from his pocket and a ticket with his name written on it and presented them to him. "I put the vial for auction and registered two seats for us, My Lord. As for the other items, I sold all the materials for reasonable prices." Meanwhile, Raven opened the Gladstone bag and noticed two large leather pouches inside. One contained full of platinum coins, while the other contained gold coins. He first took out the pouch with platinum coins and checked the amount. "70 Platinum coins, huh?" He then shifted his attention towards the other pouch and asked as he realized it weighed around 5kgs. "How many gold coins are there?" "340 gold coins, My Lord. In total, all those items sold for 7340 gold coins." "Not bad." Raven nodded as he took a gold and tossed it towards Jacob. Then, he stored the pouches and bag in his inventory and spoke. "Inform me two hours before the auction begins. Until then, I''ll be staying indoors." "Yes, My Lord." Jacob bowed his head and quietly left the room. Meanwhile, Raven unfolded the paper and started reading it. ''Item no.1: Phantom Compass Item no.2: Basilisk Fangs Item no.3: Thunderbird Feather Item no.4: Rank-2 Flame Wyvern''s Horn Item no.5: Rank-1 Ice Wyrm''s Elemental Crystal Item no.6: Rank-1 Ice Wyrm¡¯s Corpse¡­ . . . Item no.45: Unknown Key. Special Item no. 46:???? ¡­ Special Item no. 50: ???? ¡­ ''Oh? Among these, Ice Wyrm''s corpse seems useful for me.'' It was a subspecies of Wyvern and always lived in the frozen mountain region. [Ice Wyrm is a part of the Dragon species, so you might get some useful ability.] Zera said in his head. Although he also saw a few more corpses of magical beasts, they were all either with common affinities or not recommended by Zera. Raven put the list away, entered the memory library, and memorized all the information related to the second circle. Then, he entered the Mind Space and decided to create the Next Circlet. Like before, he walked into the Array and chose the next section to construct the Second Circlet. This time, he decided to create the Poison Elemental Circlet and focused on building a similar hexagonal structure. Once he completed the Poison Circlet, it released a dense purplish energy towards the void sky and soon attracted the poison touch spell model before fusing with it. But Raven didn''t stop after completing the Second Circlet. This time, he chose to construct the ''Luck'' Elemental Circlet! "Hmm, unlike other elements, it''s impossible to gather luck just by taking the mana from the atmosphere. The book says one can gather luck only by two methods. One method is to eliminate something harmful to the people or make yourself famous by doing good deeds and using favorability. The more people benefit from you, the higher your chance of getting lucky. Another method is by stealing people''s good luck." [Taking people''s good luck can result in backfire, lad. My owner always did that.]Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ''Before that, I need to know what luck is. How is it possible for such a mysterious power to even exist?'' He couldn''t help but voice out his thoughts. [Magic itself is against the common sense of someone with less knowledge, lad. Well, luck can change any unfortunate situation into a fortunate one. It will become an ultimate trump card if you utilize this properly.] ''A Trump Card, huh? I do need many if I want to achieve my goal.'' Raven continued reading information about the luck element and quietly exited the memory library. Then, he entered the Mind Space, wrote down rune words representing luck and fortunes, and started constructing the Third Circlet. After two hours, he finally completed the Third Circlet and let the golden spell model assimilate into the Elemental Circlet Array. When he completed the process, Raven felt a sharp headache and was instantly pushed out of the Mind Space. "What happened?" He opened his eyes and asked in confusion. [You overused your spirit power. Take a break and continue in the morning.] Zera said. Only then did Raven look around and notice that the outside had turned dark! ''I should eat something first.'' He went downstairs and ordered some food for dinner. He also met Jacob and Stephine downstairs and started having dinner with them. "Did Selene come out of her room?" Raven asked as he took a bite of a fried chicken wing. "I came to see her a while ago, but no response came from inside. So, I decided not to disturb her and left, My Lord." Stephine said solemnly. "Good. When will the auction start?" Raven turned his gaze towards Jacob as he asked. "They said it will start around 10.30 A.M and end before 6 P.M, My Lord. They also said that after every ten biddings, there will be a break of 30 minutes." Jacob answered while savoring the dish. ''Hmm, it seems tomorrow will be a long day.'' Raven talked with Jacob and Stephine and returned to his room. After that, he took out the Frozen Ender and continued to train his spearmanship. Then, he freshened himself up and went to sleep. ¡­ The next day morning, It was around 8.30 A.M. A knocking came from outside as Raven prepared to attend the auction. At that moment, he wore a black double-breasted coat, a white vest, and polished black shoes and also covered his head with a top hat. He also put the monocle on his left eye and moved towards the wooden door. A middle-aged man with a tall stature and a woman in her thirties with lustrous black hair stood outside the room and seemed to be waiting for him. Jacob wore a Chesterfield coat over his formal attire and covered his half-bald head with a bowler hat. On the other hand, Stephaine wore a housemaid dress and looked simpler. "Did Selene come out of her room?" Raven asked. "Not yet, My Lord. But she placed a note outside her room saying she succeeded in constructing two spell models. From the looks of it, she will come out before evening." Stephaine answered. "Oh? That''s good." Raven took out two gold and a few silver coins and gave them to Stephaine. "While we attend the auction, buy some necessary food items for our travel. I don''t want to eat the food prepared by the railway." In truth, they gave dry bread, boiled vegetables, and eggs, but Raven didn''t like any of those. "But even if I buy food items, it will spoil in a few hours, My Lord," Stephine said with a forced smile. "Haa. Buy some salted beef, bacon, and smoked meat. We can cook them ourselves using the railway''s kitchen." Raven waved his hand and started walking in the corridor. Jacob and Raven soon went to the first floor and quietly left the Inn. They then took a carriage and headed towards Moon Street, where the Seven Calls auction house was. They soon arrived at the Seven Calls auction house, a towering, ornately designed building with pillars of polished marble and large arched windows. Guards dressed in black, with golden emblems of a seven-pointed star, stood at the entrance, their eyes scanning anyone who walked closer to the building. Raven scanned them as the carriage moved closer towards the compound gate and muttered in shock. "They put Radiant Knights as mere gatekeepers?" "Second Son of Lucus Thornevale is the one who oversees this auction, My Lord. So, it''s quite normal for Radiant Walkers to be gatekeepers. When I met with the Manager yesterday, I felt an overbearing pressure. I''m damn sure his strength is above Expert Rank." Jacob said. "We shouldn''t attract too much attention then." Raven nodded in understanding and opened the door. Jacob and Raven stepped out of the carriage and, without a word, made their way to the front. As soon as they opened the door and entered the foyer, a tall man with slicked-back hair and a sharp gaze greeted them with a deep bow. "Welcome to the Seven Calls auction house, gentlemen. How may I help you?" "We are here to participate in the auction." Saying so, Raven took two tickets from the inventory and showed them to him along with the badge. Meanwhile, the black-haired man checked the tickets and nodded. "Your reserved seats are ready, sir," the man said smoothly, gesturing toward a side entrance reserved for guests. "Would you like me to take you directly to the auction room?" Raven gave a curt nod, and they were escorted through a luxurious hallway decorated with paintings, velvet drapes, and golden chandeliers. As they entered the auction hall, Raven''s eyes immediately darted to the elevated stage at the center, where a large podium stood. Seats were arranged in a semi-circle around it, with balconies above for VIPs. "Your seat numbers are F12 and F13, Sir." The black-haired man said as he pointed at the sixth row of seats. After informing them, he turned around and left the auction room. Meanwhile, Raven and Jacob approached their seats while walking past a few people and soon sat down. As time passed, more and more guests entered the auction room and soon sat on their allocated seats. The auction began around 10.30 A.M. The auctioneer, a portly man with a handlebar mustache and a smooth, practiced voice, took to the stage. "Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen!" The auctioneer''s voice boomed through the grand hall, instantly quieting the crowd''s chatter. He smiled broadly, his mustache twitching as he scanned the sea of faces. The hall was packed, with merchants, nobles, Knights, and Walkers all seated, ready for the auction to begin. "Today, we have a spectacular selection of items thanks to the discovery of Agith Ruins¡ªrare, powerful, and some... mysterious items have been unearthed," he said, his voice laced with intrigue. "So, without further ado, let us begin." The lights in the room dimmed, focusing on the auctioneer as a small team of assistants wheeled out the first item. A black compass with a faint glow rested on a velvet cushion, displayed for all to see. "Our first item is a Phantom Compass," the auctioneer announced. "This compass does not point north but somewhere deep in the woods. Although Thornevale members tried to explore further using it, they had no choice but to give up due to some causalities. Alas, we suspect that this mysterious compass might be a key to some treasure chest. The starting bid is 500 gold coins." Whispers rose in the crowd. Raven leaned back in his chair, quietly touched the monocle, and activated it. Chapter 77: Bidding Chapter 77: Bidding A row of information appeared before Raven''s left eye. ¡­ [Item: Merlin''s Compass Description: An Archon Wizard named Merlin created a unique compass to hide the twelve Arcane Fragments from his enemies. Uses: Unknown Activation condition: Unknown Potential effect: Upon activation, it will reveal the nearest location of an Arcane Fragment.] ¡­ ''Oh? What are Arcane Fragments?'' [This is a new term for Intellectual artifacts in this world, lad.] ''Intellectual artifacts?'' Raven furrowed. [An artifact that gains consciousness and can think independently is called an intellectual artifact. The intellectual artifacts are separated into three types: Arcane Fragments, Arcane Relics, and Arcane Apex Congitums. The lowest form of intellectual artifact is called Arcane Fragments. They are more like newborn babies and act based on their whims. But even the strength of an Arcane Fragment is far superior to that of a Legendary Artifact. The next one is called ''Arcane Relics.'' These artifacts can make decisions independently and even manipulate people at their will. They can even turn a city upside down and cause more destruction than you think. And the final one is Arcane Apex Congitums. These intellectual artifacts are walking disasters and can even decide the fate of a world. They are more like peak existence.] ''Oh? Should I buy the compass?'' [You must.] Zera said firmly in his mind. Meanwhile, a few people showed some interest and started bidding. "650 Golds!" "700 Golds!" ¡­ The price soared up to 1200 golds and soon stopped. "1200 Golds going once!" "1200 Golds going twice!" Raven instantly raised his hand and shouted. "1250 Golds!" A silence followed, and no further bid appeared. "1250 Golds going once!" "1250 Golds going twice!" "1250 Golds going thrice! Sold to number F12!" The Auctioneer said loudly. Jacob glanced at Raven, his face slightly puzzled. "A compass that doesn''t point north, My Lord? Is it worth spending money?" Raven smiled. "It might be pointing to something far more valuable than north, Mr. Jacob. You''ll understand soon enough." The auction continued¡ªitem after item passed by with enthusiastic bidding from the crowd. However, Raven remained patient, focusing solely on the items that piqued his interest. The following few objects came and went¡ªa set of enchanted Rune armor, a rare gemstone, a strange amulet, a crown, etc. But none piqued his interest. There was also a break time after ten items, giving the guests some relaxation. It was nearing noon when the lights dimmed again, and the Auctioneer returned to the stage excitedly. "Ladies and Gentlemen. Now comes one of the anticipated items of the day," the Auctioneer said, his voice dropping to a near whisper to build suspense. "A creature of the northern mountain¡­ the corpse of an Ice Wyrm!" The assistants wheeled in a large, frost-covered container. When they pulled back the curtain, the partially frozen corpse of the Ice Wyrm came into view¡ªits glistening scales shimmering in the light, its jaws wide and frozen in a snarl. "One of its kind," the Auctioneer continued, "Seven Elite Rank Walkers and two Radiant Knights trapped this Rank-1 Magical beast in the northern mountain and killed it after two days of struggle. It is a perfect specimen for necromancers and rune mages. Its blood and meat also have magical properties that could strengthen one''s body and soul. The starting bid is 2,000 gold coins." "2,100 golds!" "2,500 golds!" The price climbed swiftly, but Raven waited, watching the other bidders closely. He saw a group of alchemists murmuring in the corner and a nobleman dressed in crimson velvet gesturing to his attendant. It wasn''t just an ordinary magical beast but a descendant of a Dragon; everyone in the room knew its value. When the bid reached 5,000 gold coins, Raven finally raised his hand.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. "5,300 golds!" His voice cut through the crowd, drawing several gazes in his direction. A pause followed. The alchemists exchanged nervous glances, and the nobleman frowned deeply but raised his hand. "5,600 golds!" the nobleman shouted. Raven frowned for a second and continued. "5,800 golds!" "6,000 golds!" "6,500 golds," Raven said after some hesitation. The nobleman also hesitated, clearly weighing his options. It was indeed a rare magical beast but wasn''t worth enough to spend more than 6,000 gold coins in his eyes. Finally, he shook his head and leaned back, unwilling to go further. "6,500 golds going once! Twice! Sold!" The Auctioneer''s gavel came down with a satisfying thud. "To seat F12! Congratulations once again, Sir!" The corner of Raven''s lips rose as he nodded. The auction continued, but Raven didn''t dare to spend more. Equipment, magical beast materials, corpses, and even potions were auctioned. But he was short of money. ''I can''t spend all my money recklessly.'' "The next auction item is called Basic level ''Night Vision Potion,'' a rare concoction brewed by an unknown alchemist. This item should be auctioned in the special item section at the end, but the seller came to us pretty late. So I had to put this in the normal batch." The Auctioneer paused for a second as he saw the disinterested look on nobles and walkers and soon added. "I know what you guys are thinking. After all, you can buy a normal Night Vision potion in the alchemy shop for 50 to 70 gold coins. But we put this potion for auctioning mainly because of its permanent effect." Indeed, Night Potion wasn''t rare in the World of Walkers. They were all sold in the market in bulk and were also one of the life-saving potions for all the mercenaries. But there was one defect. The effect of this potion would only last around 12 hours. On the other hand, the potion Raven put up for auction could allow a person to gain the ''Night Vision'' skill permanently! "A Skill potion?" An exclaim came from the crowd. As the words ended, murmurs erupted from every corner of the auction room. "The starting bid is 5000 gold coins." The Auctioneer seized the momentum and started the bid. "5,100 gold coins!" A merchant in the front row quickly raised his hand. "5,500!" A woman in elegant blue robes followed suit. Raven, seated comfortably, watched the frenzy unfold with an amused expression. "7,000 gold coins!" shouted another bidder, a thin man with sunken eyes, standing in the back. The bidding war raged on, reaching 10,000 gold coins in minutes. Eventually, the price hit 12,500, and the crowd began to settle, satisfied that this was as high as it would go. Or so everyone thought. "13,000 Gold coins!" A young man''s shout came from one of the seven VIP rooms. "14,000 Gold Coins!" This time, an old lady''s voice resounded through the auction hall. It was another VIP customer! "Please go easy on this youngster, Countess Isadora! 15,000 Gold coins!" The young man said while bidding. "Humph! A Wizard shouldn''t be stinky when it comes to money. 16.500 Gold coins!" The old lady said with a snort and provoked further. "Did you not get your pocket money from Hawkspire, Mr. Pablo?" A silence appeared. Soon, the young man raised his bid again. "19,000 gold coins!" "Hoho, this old lady will give up on this potion then." The tension in the auction hall settled as the old lady, Countess Isadora, gracefully withdrew from the bidding war. The crowd whispered in hushed tones, curious about the young man who had just spent an extraordinary amount on a mere potion. "19,000 gold coins for a basic night vision potion?" Jacob muttered, still stunned by the amount. "The permanent effect does justify it, but that''s a steep price." ''I should refrain from selling skill potions. I never thought a skill potion would reach this much amount.'' Raven nodded lightly. "People will always pay more for rare items, Mr. Jacob. Especially wizards¡ªthey value anything that can offer long-term benefits." He leaned back in his seat, eyes glinting. "But what''s more interesting is that young man. Whoever he is, he has deep pockets." The auction continued with a steady rhythm, showcasing more rare items. Raven checked every item and only brought a spatial ring with around ten cubic meters of space for 2500 gold coins. Soon, the auction slowly neared its end. "Before going into the special items, I present you with an ''Unknown Key'' from the Agith Ruins. The explorers even battled countless worm-parasitized zombies in a strange dark cave and found this key in an ancient building. Even with our best appraiser, we found no information about it other than a strange invisible power coming from it. But we suspect this key might be as important as the phantom compass. The starting price is 3,000 gold coins." As the Auctioneer spoke, he subconsciously turned his gaze towards Raven. Meanwhile, Raven touched the monocle and looked at the key. [Item name: Key of the Dark Dungeon. Use: Can summon the Dark Dungeon''s entrance once and let it stay in the world for three months.] [Oh? Dark Dungeon, huh? Buy it.] Zera didn''t even hesitate as she looked at the information and said. On the other hand, no one showed interest in the key at all. The Wizards and Walkers knew spending money on such a random artifact would only result in loss, so they didn''t bid for it. Still, some walkers tried to bid, but Raven managed to get it for the price of 4100 gold coins. "Let''s move on to the special items," the Auctioneer said as the attendants carried a curtain covering a large cage with the help of wheelers. Soon, the Auctioneer pulled the curtain and showed what was hidden inside. It was a one-meter-long creepy black worm with countless vertical eyes all over its body. Just by looking at those eyes, Raven felt a sharp headache. The same goes for all the guests in the hall. [That''s the main body of a Mind Worm! Its mind-controlling spell is second only to the Fallen Overlord''s spell.] Zera said in his head. "This is a peak Rank-1 Magical Beast worm the explorers confronted in the ruins. It is a new species not recorded in historical books and seems to be from a powerful bloodline. And its specialty is not some attack spells, but its mind-controlling one! The starting price is 5,000 gold coins!" It was the highest starting price for a Rank-1 Magical Beast! Although the Auctioneer didn''t give any detailed explanation, most Wizards had already considered buying it for research purposes. When the Auctioneer ended his speech, a voice came from one of the VIP rooms. "7,000 gold coins!" "7,500!" Raven didn''t even hesitate as he also joined the bidding. The auction hall buzzed with excitement at the sudden bid from Raven. "9,000 gold coins!" came a deep, raspy voice from another VIP room. Raven tapped the armrest of his chair thoughtfully, his mind processing. ''Zera, is it worth spending money?'' He asked, even though he was the one who started bidding. [The mind worm''s progenitor is a powerful Mind God named Ringer. So, you don''t need to think of this worm as a weak bloodline.] ''Oh?'' Raven decided to go all out. "12,000 gold coins," He said calmly, his eyes never leaving the cage. A hush fell over the crowd. The other bidders hesitated, knowing that competing further would be futile or dangerously costly. "12,000 gold coins going once!" the Auctioneer called out. Behind him, Jacob shifted uncomfortably. "My Lord, are you sure this is worth it?" Raven''s gaze remained fixed on the creature. "Yes." "12,000 gold coins going twice!" No further bids came. The other VIP bidders had either hit their limit or didn''t wish to fight for some unknown bloodline. "12,000 gold coins going thrice!" The Auctioneer''s gavel came down with a sharp thud. "Sold!" Chapter 78: Return Chapter 78: Return "Next item is a peak Rank-2 Magical Beast core of Crimson Fox. As you all know the value of this magical core, I''ll not waste my time explaining how we got this. The starting price is 12,000 gold coins." The auctioneer announced as an assistant carried a fist-sized red core to the auction hall. As soon as he spoke, the whole auction house started becoming noisy. Raven could see many wizards instantly standing up and started bidding. "12,300 gold coins!" "12,500 gold coins!" "12,800 gold coins!" ¡­ "15,000 gold coins!" ¡­. ''Why are the wizards showing this much interest?'' Raven was curious. [Magical core is more like a fuel storage for a magical beast. The elemental energy it contains is enormous and can be used for various purposes like recharging the elemental energy in one''s circle, artifact creation, magic scrolls, etc. The higher the rank of a magical core, the more valuable it will be. When you become a Rank-2 or a Rank-3 Walker, you will also rely on these cores to refill the elemental energies in your Circlets. After all, the elemental energies in the atmosphere are very minute and take longer to gather.] As Raven was asking his doubts, the price soared up to 17,000. Thankfully, no one bid more than that number, and the item was sold to a Wizard in a hooded black robe. The following three items were the Corpse of the Crimson Fox Magical Beast, a Rare Rank Amulet, and a Rare Sword¡ªeach item sold for over 20,000 gold coins, making a huge commotion. And the auction ended without any disturbance. "Those who bid can collect your items now. Follow me." The auctioneer said as he stepped down from the stage and moved towards the hall next to it. Raven and Jacob stood up from their seat and moved towards the hall. They soon saw a few people sitting at the counters and calling out seat numbers. Whenever a person''s seat number was called out, an assistant would come forward and escort him to the nearby storage, where all the auctioned items were placed in the open. "Seat no F12!" A female voice came from the counter. Raven instantly went ahead and arrived before the counter. It was a woman in her twenties with blonde hair and brown eyes. "Your badge and ticket, please." The blonde-haired woman asked. Raven took out the ticket and badge and presented them to her. Meanwhile, she quietly looked at the ledger and spoke. "Bid items: Phantom Compass-1,250 gold coins, Frozen Wyrm- 6,500 gold coins, a common rank spatial ring- 2,500 gold coins, Unknown Key from Ruins- 4,100 gold coins, Worm Magical Beast corpse- 12,000 gold coins. Sold items: Night Vision potion- 19,000 gold coins. You bid items for a total of 26,350 gold coins. After subtracting the amount of the sold item, you still have to pay 7,350 gold coins, sir." Nodding, Raven quietly took two pouches from his inventory and placed them on the counter. "One pouch contains 70 platinum coins, and the other contains 340 gold coins." He deliberated momentarily, took out ten more gold coins, and placed them on the counter. Meanwhile, the blonde-haired woman checked the money and soon spoke as she pointed her finger at a bald man standing near the counter. "Transaction completed, sir. You can go with our assistant and collect your items." Raven nodded, quietly followed him and took the items. He stored Merlin''s Compass and the Key of Dark Dungeon in his inventory and the Mind-Worm and Ice Wyrm corpses in the spatial ring. After that, Raven didn''t stay in the storage hall and quietly left the auction with Jacob. The night air outside the auction hall was chill as Raven and Jacob stepped onto the cobbled street. Gas lamps cast long shadows across the stone pathway, and the sound of distant chatter filled the air. A few carriages were lined up, their horses snorting and shifting restlessly. Raven was about to move towards the nearby carriage, but a brougham carriage came from the other side and soon stopped beside them. "Need a ride?" A young woman''s voice came from the driver''s seat. She was a young woman with long blonde hair, amber eyes, and a round face, and she looked around her mid-twenties. She wore a black overcoat over her formal dress and also had a cigar in her mouth. Raven quietly touched his monocle, adjusted it, and nodded. "Aurora Street, Glory Wine." He spoke while taking out three silvers and gave her before walking towards the carriage door. The carriage door shut with a quiet click, and the vehicle lurched forward, quietly moving through the dimly lit streets of Bloodstone City. Raven was tired from the long day, so he quietly leaned on the seat and closed his eyes.Stolen novel; please report. Jacob also couldn''t see anything outside due to the darkness and sat silently. The carriage traveled for more than thirty minutes and soon stopped. "We''re here, Young Master." The blonde-haired woman spoke. The corner of Raven''s lips rose. Meanwhile, Jacob raised his hand, pointed his middle and index finger towards his eyes, and then towards the direction where the lady driver was seated. ''Not bad. It seems Jacob also realized something was amiss.'' Raven nodded and decided to play along. "''Yawn'' Wait a second, ma''am." While speaking, Raven waved his hand and took out a leather bag from his inventory before passing them to Jacob. When leaving for the auction, Raven talked with Jacob and decided to keep his weapon in his inventory for emergencies. Jacob quietly took the bag, opened it, and took a 124 cm long Aether rifle from it. Then, he also took out a leather pouch and tied it to his waist. After that, he took a few more knives and daggers from the bag and kept them hidden in his coat. "Please act as a bait, My Lord," Jacob whispered. "I''ll reduce the number quickly." Raven was about to say something, but Jacob''s figure suddenly became dark and disappeared, leaving him dumbfounded. ''Is that Shadow Step skill?'' Raven grabbed the door handle and waited. Three seconds later, he opened the door and walked outside. At the same time, a kick came from the right side and landed on his chest, causing him to roll on the ground. "Ugh!" "Hmm? Where did that baldie go? I was expecting to meet the Scarlet Wolf of the Sepoy Corps." A rough male voice came from ahead. "Don''t let your guard down, Preston. That guy might be hiding somewhere waiting for an opportunity." A female voice followed. Raven groaned, slowly looked up, and glanced around. Instead of bustling streets, he saw abandoned buildings, half-destroyed compound walls, and broken street lights. At that moment, he was lying in the middle of the empty street. But what startled him was the people standing before him. Along with the lady carriage driver, around four people were standing before him. One was a middle-aged man, around 40 years old, with deep brown eyes, messy black hair, a square face, barely visible eyebrows, and was 170 cm tall. He wore a frock coat over his red shirt and a black top hat and held a cane in his left hand. The second person was a woman in a black dress who covered her face with a mask and held twin daggers at her waist. Besides her strange purplish eyes and red hair, Raven couldn''t find anything about her appearance. And the last person was a silver-haired young man in his twenties. Instead of formal clothes, he wore a plain grey robe and held a strange stick in his left hand. ''An Acolyte Wizard? And Two Radiant Rank Walkers!'' Raven''s eyes narrowed as he pushed himself up, feeling the bruise forming on his chest. While storing the monocle, he patted the dust off his coat and asked while locking his gaze on the carriage driver. "So, why are you targeting me? Didn''t you have fun torturing me all this time, Mia?" Although his face appeared calm, an intense anger could be heard in his tone. Meanwhile, the blonde-haired woman drew the dagger from her waist and pointed it at him. "You look like Thomas but act different¡­ I clearly remembered that I killed you in the underground basement, though." A deep sigh leaked out of Raven''s mouth. "I can still feel the pain whenever I think about the moment when you sliced my throat. But who ordered you to kill me?" As he spoke, he slowly raised his hand and tried to grip something in the air. A moment later, Raven caught the iron spear that appeared out of thin air and gripped it with both hands. But before he could even step forward to attack, the blonde-haired man suddenly opened his mouth and spoke something. Vines crept from the ground a second later, slithered around his legs, and even wrapped his body in two seconds, binding him completely. Raven tried to move, but he couldn''t. ''No good! Magic spells are mysterious indeed!'' What shocked him most was that whenever he tried to move his muscles, the vines started tightening and even injecting poison into his blood through thorns! "Hold him tight, Tadeo. I want to know how he escaped-" Just as Mia spoke, a bang sound echoed, followed by a reddish hole appeared on her forehead. She didn''t even have time to understand what happened to her as darkness clouded her vision. She stumbled forward and soon fell on the road with a thud. "Sh*t! I told her to be extra careful! Preston, the bullet came from 2 o''clock." The red-haired woman spoke, unsheathed her daggers, and added. "Tadeo, make sure to cripple him while we go take care of that annoying Ranger!" Saying so, she took a step forward and started running towards the direction where the bullet came from. But as she took a second step, another bang sound came from 2 o''clock, causing her to roll down. But she soon moved behind the carriage and slowly disappeared into darkness. The middle-aged man also leaped towards the left side and started running towards the direction where the bullet came from. Only the silver-haired man stood still, as if he was not bothered by Jacob''s attack, and started moving towards Raven. [You''ve only one chance, lad. Disturb his concentration once he gets closer.] Zera''s voice echoed in Raven''s head. ''I need to kill him. B-But I never killed anyone before.'' In truth, he even felt nauseous whenever he saw the corpse of Mia. Raven stood silently; hesitation lingered in his eyes. As he was in deep thought, the Wizard named Tadeo suddenly raised his staff and spoke. "Arise!" A second later, the ground before Raven started to become watery, and soon, the humanoid shape of a monster came out from it. It was two meters tall and looked more like a being made of sand and rock. "Golem!" As Raven muttered in shock, it suddenly raised its rocky fist and punched at his chest. ''I need to dodge!'' His instinct screamed about the upcoming danger, but the vines restricted his movement. With no other choice, Raven used his hands and the spear as a shield and tried to stop the impact. But the strength behind the golem''s attack was too strong for him to endure. A heartbeat later, he was sent back flying like a ball and crashed onto the nearby compound wall. The poisonous vines were also ripped in the process, leaving him wounded all over. Raven spat out a mouthful of blood and used the spear as a support to stand up. "This looks like a one-sided battle," He said with a forced smile, activating the ''Iron Resilience'' skill. A moment later, his body''s wounds and scratches started to heal incredibly quickly, even lessening the pain. Raven then pointed the spear tip at Tadeo and dashed forward. At the same time, an invisible layer of aura formed at the tip of the spear and covered the whole spearhead. "You are fine after receiving a blow from the golem?" A surprised expression appeared on Tadeo''s face. In truth, the power behind the golem''s attack was a beginner Radiant Knight''s punch, around 1,500 kg. Even an Elite Rank Walker would find it hard to stand steadily after taking a hit from it. ''Wait, why is my heart beating faster? I''m feeling restless inside!'' Tadeo felt a strange uneasiness in his heart. But he soon snapped out of the shock and cast the next spell. A purplish ball of energy appeared before his hand and flew incredibly toward Raven. It soon arrived before Raven and exploded while spreading the surroundings in poisonous gases! In two seconds, the whole surrounding air turned purplish! After casting this poison spell, Tadeo cast an invisible shield spell and protected himself from the poisonous air. In the meantime, a coughing sound echoed continuously within the poisonous gas and died out after a while. And the poison also disappeared, revealing a young man lying on the street road unconsciously. "Ugh, I ended up using this ''Toxic Mist'' spell. Now I need to waste a poison antidote potion on him." Although the effect of his Toxic Mist spell was not instantaneous, it could become deadly if proper treatment wasn''t done. Tadeo walked closer to the unconscious boy, undid the shield spell, and took a greenish vial from his pouch. "Even in the unconscious state, he is gripping his spear like a treasure." An amused smile crept on his face. Then, he squatted down and was about to give him an antidote, but a sharp pain appeared in his chest. Not only that, but he noticed that his vision started becoming blurry, making him feel dizzy. "Did I inhale some poison gas?" As he was muttering, he suddenly saw the eyes of the unconscious boy wide open. Chapter 79: New Spells Chapter 79: New Spells "Y-YOU-" Before Tadeo could even speak, Raven made a swirling stance as he jumped up and slashed the spear tip at his neck. If he hadn''t been affected by the ''Blood Control'' spell, Tadeo would''ve managed to avoid the attack and survived. But he couldn''t even see the attack due to the strange dizziness and was instantly injured. Blood gushed out from the sliced area as Tadeo gripped his neck with both hands and tried to stop the blood. "F-F*ck! I killed him!" Raven cursed as his hands and legs trembled. [Don''t hesitate. Kill this Wizard before he uses some strange potion to recover.] Zera spoke in his mind. Raven nodded stiffly, took two steps back, and directly thrust the aura-coated spear into his chest, stabbing his heart. [No. Decapitate him.] "A-Aren''t you being too cautious?" Raven asked while keeping himself steady. But as he received no response, he could only smile forcefully and make another slash at his neck. The next second, Tadeo''s head was completely detached from the body, flew up while spraying blood everywhere, and rolled on the road. Meanwhile, the headless body staggered for a moment and fell back while twitching. Raven couldn''t hold the nauseous feeling and vomited. A feeling of guilt and anxiousness appeared on his face. "I-I killed a person!" [No time to cry, lad. The battle isn''t over yet.] Zera''s words snapped him out. At the same time, a gunshot came at 2 o''clock, followed by a painful shout of a man. He nodded while standing with the support of the spear and soon moved towards the twitching body. He then grabbed the pouch, Tadeo''s ring, bracelet, and vial and stored them in the inventory. "Jacob might need my help," Raven said after calming down his heart. Although a peak Radiant Walker, he wasn''t strong enough to take on two Radiant Walkers alone. [Even if you go there, you won''t be of any help to him. Instead, you should divert their attention and hide somewhere.] Zera spoke. ''Raven instantly understood her meaning and walked closer to the carriage. Then, he lit up the carriage and started running towards the abandoned building on the right side. He quickly went to the first floor and then moved towards the balcony. After safely hiding himself, he turned his gaze towards where the carriage was burning fiercely and observed quietly. A few minutes later, two people came from the opposite building yard and looked at Tadeo''s headless body in shock. ''It''s that man with the cane. What''s his name again? Preston, right?'' Raven also heard them shouting at each other but couldn''t understand what they were saying. But he was sure that those two were the Radiant Walkers who went to search for Jacob! One looked injured and relied on the other person''s support to walk. ''Did they kill him?'' He grew anxious. BANG! A gunshot came from the same direction, causing the two Radiant Walkers to roll on the ground to take cover. They soon hid behind a broken compound wall and tried to keep their heads low. After that, the duo quietly crawled toward the next building and started running away. A few minutes later, another figure in a black suit walked towards the almost burnt carriage and looked around cautiously. Raven watched the whole scenario from above and was impressed. Although he hadn''t participated much in the battle and managed to kill the Acolyte Wizard using schemes, he learned one thing. ''Wizards are scary!'' Even though Tadeo was only an Acolyte Wizard, his strange spells were as dangerous as an attack of a Radiant Walker. [The ones from the academy should be far more powerful than this guy, lad. Did you learn what you lack most?] Zera asked. ''I need a movement-type spell and an attack spell.'' While muttering, Raven raised his hand and shouted. "Jacob! I''m here!" Soon, he went downstairs and moved towards the direction where Jacob was. "I didn''t expect you to kill an Acolyte Wizard, My Lord," Jacob said with a smile and bowed his head. "I''m sorry for putting your life in danger. If Selene had come with us instead of staying at the inn, you wouldn''t have ended up in such a risky situation." After all, it was the job of his mercenary squad to protect him, but they failed.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Meanwhile, Raven waved his hand and spoke. "You are not at fault. Also, this battle gave me a good experience." In truth, Raven had long known Mia''s identity thanks to his monocle. But he stayed quiet until the last moment to gauge Jacob''s skill and loyalty. ''If it were other mercenaries, they would either give up on the mission or stay by his side to protect him until their death. But no one would be bold enough to throw their employer as bait to solve such a matter. Either he had long realized they were not to kill me but to kidnap or made a gamble with my life.'' It was scary if things had gone a bit wrong earlier. ''At the end of the day, I need to become stronger. Or else, similar things might happen.'' He might be lucky this time, but not always. "Can you wait here for a few more minutes, Mr. Jacob? I need some private time alone." Raven asked as he looked at the abandoned building ahead. "Just hold on for a while, My Lord. We can find an Inn if we walk for 10 minutes to the east." Jacob seemed to have misunderstood on his own and suggested. "No. It''s not for that. Just stay here for a while. I''ll be right back." Raven didn''t even turn around to show his embarrassed face, so he hurried towards the abandoned building he had hidden earlier. He entered the building in a minute and arrived at a large hall full of construction equipment and sandbags. The whole surrounding appeared utterly dark, but Raven had no difficulty seeing in the dark. "This place should be enough." Raven nodded quietly and touched the spatial ring. A second later, a one-meter-long blackish worm filled with thousands of creepy eyes fell on the floor with a thud. Raven then touched the creepy worn and activated the ''Bloodline Devouring Ability.'' A second later, an invisible power came out of nowhere, extracted all the blood within the creepy worm, and condensed it into the size of a fist-sized orb. The next second, the fist-sized blood orb directly absorbed into his palm and started assimilating into his body. At the same time, a row of information appeared before his eyes. ¡­ [Bloodline Devouring Ability is activated!] [Mind Worm''s bloodline has been found!] [Analyzing the purity of the bloodline¡­.] [Calculating¡­] [The corpse has 94% purity of Rank-1 Mind Worm''s bloodline Essence!] [It is possible to extract the Mind Worm''s bloodline Essence and one of its bloodline spells!] [Would you like to use the ''Bloodline Devouring Ability''? Yes/No.] "Yes." Raven didn''t waste any time and clicked the notification. ¡­ [Bloodline Devouring Ability is on commence!] [Randomizing the Bloodline Ability Extraction!] [The system has found two eye skills from the Host''s body and is proceeding to select Mind Worm''s ''Mind Eye'' Bloodline Spell!] [Rank-1 Mind Worm''s ''Mind Eye'' bloodline spell has been selected!] [Spiritual Scan and Night Vision skills have been fused with the Mind Eye spell!] [Host has obtained Rank-1''Mind Eye'' Bloodline Spell!] ¡­ [Host has absorbed a part of Mind Worm''s Bloodline Essence!] [Host''s spirit power has been increased by 2.8!] [Host''s vitality power has been increased by 1.0!] [Host''s strength power has increased by 0.5!] [Host''s agility power has been increased by 0.5!] [Host''s body is undergoing a mutation!] [The mutation will take 5 minutes 35 seconds to complete!] [Please stand by!] ¡­ As the notifications appeared, Raven felt a familiar sensation of tearing pain all over his body. But compared to before, it wasn''t much difficult for him to endure. No, Raven soon realized something was happening to his eyes. It was like when he consumed the ''Night Vision Potion.'' He felt a pricking sensation at first. But that sensation soon turned into countless needles stabbing inside and outside. He wanted to scream but endured. Even though this mutation process lasted only for around 5 minutes and 30 seconds, Raven felt like he had been enduring the tearing pain in his eyes for an hour. "Urgh! F*ck!" He cursed out loud as he finally realized the painful sensation was slowing down and sat down. At the same time, a unique hexagonal spell model appeared in his Mind Space. "This is insanely painful!" He slowly opened his eyes and noticed a big difference. Unlike before, Raven noticed everything in the surrounding five meters appeared very detailed. ''It''s like the fusion of spiritual scan and night vision ability. But is that it?'' At that moment, a unique form of information appeared in his mind. If it had been before, he wouldn''t have understood the meaning hidden in it. But after learning the rune language, he noticed he could clearly understand all the information. While comprehending the information, he saw a fly a few feet away and tried to focus his attention on it. Suddenly, Raven noticed that time seemed to slow down, and everything around him began moving slowly. He could see each flap of a fly''s wings and was astounded. The slowed time accelerated as he withdrew his focus from the fly and returned to normal. "T-This is insane. I had thought I could gain the ability to control others or read others'' thoughts, but this looks so good!" [More like this spell allows you to accelerate your thought process and perceive the surroundings more clearly. Now, take out the other corpse and continue.] Zera said in his mind. Raven nodded and took out the Ice Wyrm''s corpse. It was as tall as two meters and also appeared around 5 meters long. It was a lizard-like monster with bluish scales all over its body. It had six legs, gigantic crystalline horns, and a sharp tail made of pure ice. "Its head does resemble a dragon''s head from the mythologies," Raven muttered in shock, moved closer to the corpse, and placed his hand over its forehead. "I wonder what type of ability I will get." Muttering, he activated the [Bloodline Devouring Ability]. At the same time, a row of information appeared before his eyes. ¡­ [Bloodline Devouring Ability is activated!] [Ice Wyrm''s bloodline has been found!] [Analyzing the purity of the bloodline¡­.] [Calculating¡­] [The corpse has 80% purity of Rank-1 Ice Wyrm''s bloodline Essence!] [It is possible to extract the Ice Wyrm''s bloodline Essence and one of its bloodline spells!] [Would you like to use the ''Bloodline Devouring Ability''? Yes/No.] "Yes." Raven nodded quietly and clicked the notification. ¡­ [Bloodline Devouring Ability is on commence!] [Randomizing the Bloodline Ability Extraction!] [Rank-1 Ice Wyrm''s ''Cold Breath'' bloodline spell has been selected!] [Host has obtained a Rank-1 ''Cold Breath'' Bloodline Spell!] ¡­ [Host has absorbed a part of Ice Wyrm''s Bloodline Essence!] [Host''s vitality power has been increased by 1.0!] [Host''s strength power has increased by 1.0!] [Host''s agility power has been increased by 1.0!] [Host''s body is undergoing a mutation!] [It will take 3 minutes for the mutation to complete!] ¡­ Raven went through a similar painful mutation process but managed to remain clear-headed. Three minutes later, a unique bluish hexagonal spell model appeared right next to the ''Mind Eye'' spell model. At the same time, he also received a basic understanding of how this spell works in the form of information and was surprised. ''It''s more like a particular memory of how this Ice Wyrm used its ''Cold Breath'' spell!'' "Upon casting this spell, I can exhale a stream of cold air capable of freezing anything in my path up to five to seven meters ahead. Theoretically, it would take more than 2 hours to freeze a living body at -20¡ãC. But the Ice Wyrm always used its dense Ice elemental energy in its Magical Beast Core to freeze the opponent in seconds. It''s not entirely freezing the opponent but using the ice elemental energy to cover the opponent''s body in a thin layer of ice, making them look like they are sealed in ice. If they exert enough force, they can break free from this ice. It should be useful against people with high mobility." Although Raven wanted to try it out, he refrained himself. Chapter 80: Dream Chapter 80: Dream ¡®Zera, show me my status.¡¯ As Raven asked, another blue screen appeared before his eyes and showed his character profile. ¡­ [Name: Raven Sillalus Jorvot Age: 15 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: 66th Prince of Zenith Empire Level: 8 Class: Acolyte Warlock (3rd Circle) Soul Rank: Mortal (Soul Damaged 0%) Life Pathway: Beginner Alchemist Health: Normal Attributes: Strength: 8.0 Agility: 7.07 Vitality: 7.56 Luck: 2.5 Spirit: 19.9 Bloodline Spells: Iron Resilience, Poison Touch (Poison Immunity), Fortuitous Finder (Completed), Blood Control, Face Morph, Mind Eye, Cold Breath. (Rank-1) Additional Skills: Past Finder, Instant Memorize, Basic Spearmanship. Affinities: Life: Low, Ice: Genius.] ¡­ ¡®My spirit power seems to have reached a threshold. And has my luck increased by 1 point? How?¡¯ He was surprised. [Maybe after killing that Acolyte Wizard? Whatever you do outside of the World¡¯s influence, it will end up changing the future. For example, the acolyte Wizard or Mia must be destined to commit some evil deeds, resulting in innocent deaths. But after you killed them, the future must have altered.] ¡®Why do you think my action is outside this world¡¯s influence?¡¯ Raven couldn¡¯t help but ask. [The moment I awakened from my slumber¡­. No, the moment you were born, your fate was changed by the remnant will of Casper. So, every action of yours altered some people''s fates. Alas, the fate power is more like a web of threads. Even if you break a few threads, they will reattach after some time.] ¡°If someone is destined to die and I end up changing their fate, there is still a chance for them to die again soon?¡± Raven was puzzled at how this fate power worked and asked in confusion. [Something like that. Take your sister¡¯s life as an example. Even though she ended up spending her life with you for 15 years thanks to Casper¡¯s influence, she still returned to the Royal Family and even got engaged to some Duke¡¯s son of Vera Empire. A person¡¯s fate can be altered, but changing one¡¯s destiny is difficult, even for an irregular person like you.] ¡°What¡¯s the difference between fate and Destiny? Aren¡¯t they the same?¡± Raven was more confused. [No. Fate is a daily occurrence and can be altered by an outsider¡¯s influence. Whatever you do in the next moment to what you will do shortly will be considered fate. It¡¯s like your next course of action. But destiny is more like a big occurrence in one¡¯s life. Your aunt¡¯s imprisonment, your sister¡¯s future wedding, or even the crown prince''s death can be considered Destined ones.] ¡°Does that mean it¡¯s impossible to change my aunt¡¯s destiny?¡± Raven gritted his teeth. [Yes. Unless a similar power like Destiny comes into play, it¡¯s impossible to change the course of one¡¯s destiny.] Zera said in a mysterious tone. ¡°Similar power?¡± Raven¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Luck, isn¡¯t it?¡± [Yes. Until now, you were a weak mortal and didn¡¯t involve yourself in others¡¯ business. But the stronger you get, the higher your chance of influencing other people¡¯s future. And if we plan correctly, it is possible to save your aunt. That¡¯s why this ¡®Luck¡¯ attribute will play an important role in your life. When we encounter some other enemy next time, we should confirm how you increase this luck power.] Zera spoke. Nodding, Raven stored the blood-dried corpses in the spatial ring and returned to where Jacob stood. After that, both moved towards the east, where most lights were emitting. They soon took another carriage and returned to the Glory Wine Inn on Aurora Street. As soon as they entered the Inn, Raven instantly caught sight of Stephaine and Selene sitting beside a table, having dinner. ¡°You guys sure are enjoying the meal,¡± Jacob commented after clearing his throat. Stephaine and Selene instantly stood up, turned around hurriedly, and bowed their heads towards Raven. Their action instantly attracted everyone¡¯s attention in the hall, but Raven didn¡¯t mind.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. He walked closer to the table quietly, sat on the unoccupied chair, and spoke to the server. ¡°Bring two more servings for us.¡± Saying so, he turned his gaze towards Selene and Stephaine and added. ¡°Sit down and eat, Mr. Jacob. Let¡¯s eat first.¡± The server nodded and rushed to the kitchen, leaving the four of them momentarily silent. Raven¡¯s eyes swept over the crowd, noting how their attention lingered for a few seconds before everyone returned to their meals and conversations. He leaned back, letting out a breath he didn¡¯t realize he¡¯d been holding. The earlier fight made him understand two things. The first was about the Amell Family. ¡®They are in cahoots with the enemy. They had been tracking us with the help of Vipers Syndicate Members using the badge and even planned a perfect ambush. Although I managed to avoid getting injured, I can¡¯t be sure for the next time.¡¯ Next was his lack of understanding of the magic spells and his weaknesses. ¡®I¡¯m more like a close-combat Warrior. If I meet another Acolyte Wizard again, I¡¯ll be cornered like the last time and might end up dead. And if an Acolyte Wizard uses some Artifact or even a Weapon like Aether Rifle, my chance of survival be less.¡¯ [Don¡¯t worry about these things, lad. Although you are powerless now, your strength will surpass as you progress. Your bloodline spells may look insignificant now, but each has the potential to evolve into peak-rank spells. Iron Resilience spell might not be good now, but it will allow you to take on attack spells head-on while enchanting your body. And even if you lose your limbs, you can instantly regrow them in seconds. The same goes for other spells. Focus on the current situation.] Zera consoled him in his mind. While he was pondering, Selene¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°My Lord, did everything go well?¡± she asked, her voice cautious. Raven¡¯s expression remained neutral as he replied, ¡°It wasn¡¯t bad.¡± He didn¡¯t elaborate, and his tone left no room for further questioning. Soon, the server returned, carrying different dishes on plates, and served food to Raven and Jacob. ¡°So, did you finish constructing all three dream spell models?¡± ¡°Yes, My Lord. But I didn¡¯t dare to enter the Dream World due to the warning from the spell books.¡± Selene said in a solemn tone. Meanwhile, Raven nodded in understanding and asked further. ¡°Good. So, do you understand how those dream spells work?¡± ¡°Yes, My Lord. From what I have read, the Dream World seems more like a separate world, similar to the present World in which we live. It¡¯s more like the collection of memories of different humans. When I enter one¡¯s dream, there is also a high chance of influencing someone else¡¯s dream.¡± ¡°You mean to say all the people¡¯s dreams happen in the same world but without affecting each other?¡± Raven asked with a frown. ¡°That¡¯s what the book mentioned, My Lord. And this World also has numerous dangers lurking everywhere. The worst thing is that if I end up dead in that dream world, I might remain comatose for more than six months.¡± [It¡¯s more like her original consciousness will disappear forever, leaving only a non-conscious soul behind. The soul will take more than six months to recover a new consciousness with the help of memories. The dream world is more like a combination of present, past, and future time, not just people''s memories.] Zera explained in his head. ¡°Can I also enter the Dream World?¡± Raven asked. ¡°Even I can¡¯t directly enter the dream World due to my low rank, My Lord. But I can bring up to two people¡¯s consciousnesses with me to the Dream World with the help of the Dream Walk spell. And the Dream Harvest spell is more like a storage spell, which allows me to carry materials from the dream World to the physical World.¡± Selene answered. ¡°What about the Dream Alter Spell?¡± Raven asked. ¡°This spell can allow me to alter my surroundings and appearance based on my imagination, My Lord. But even this spell has its limitations.¡± ¡°It¡¯s more like an illusionary spell, huh?¡± Raven nodded in understanding and asked further. ¡°If you cast this spell on me, can I also change my appearance and the surroundings based on my imagination?¡± ¡°I think so, My Lord. But we don¡¯t know for sure until we try it out.¡± Selene said while eating. ¡®You sure are well-prepared, Zera.¡¯ Raven was impressed deeply. After that, the group ate dinner silently and went upstairs to their rooms. ¡°Jacob and Selene, follow me to my room. Stephaine, you can go and rest now.¡± Raven said as he walked ahead. Soon, Raven entered his room while the duo followed him behind. After arriving at the center of the room, Raven turned his gaze towards Selene and spoke. ¡°Cast your ¡®Dream Walk¡¯ spell and bring my consciousness to the Dream World.¡± Saying so, he shifted his gaze towards Jacob and added. ¡°While we explore the dream world, stay by our side and guard us, Mr. Jacob. Do not let anyone inside.¡± ¡°Yes, My Lord.¡± Jacob nodded. Meanwhile, Selene moved towards the nearby ornate sofa and sat on it. ¡°Please sit beside me and hold my left hand, My Lord.¡± She said in a solemn tone. Raven hurriedly went near her, sat beside her, and grabbed her left hand. ¡°Close your eyes and try to sleep.¡± Saying so, Selene leaned her back against the sofa and cast the [Dream Walk] spell. ¡­ Raven felt a strange dizziness as he opened his eyes and soon noticed he was still sitting on the sofa. He hurriedly turned towards his right side and saw Selene walking up. ¡°Wow, it is true. It seems we have entered the Dream Realm, My Lord.¡± She muttered slowly and stood up. Only then did Raven look around and notice a big difference in the room. Instead of a luxurious bed and items, he saw a room filled with broken windows and scattered wood all over the floor. He even saw cracks in the walls and floors. Raven furrowed, feeling an eerie chill appearing in the surroundings. Although the outside looked more like daytime, he strangely felt everything appeared in black and white. ¡°This is the dreamworld, huh? Is it safer to go out?¡± Raven asked as he moved closer to the broken window and looked outside. But what he saw made him feel unease. Instead of a bustling street, he saw empty roads and houses. No, he saw a few human-like figures walking here and there, but they had multiple wounds on their bodies. He saw an old man walking towards the nearby compound gate while dragging his injured legs, a woman with red eyes and a bare-naked body slamming her head against the opposite house¡¯s entrance door, a small girl child crawling on the road while munching a rat in her mouth and so on! ¡°W-What are they doing?¡± Selene was also shocked by what she had witnessed and was startled deeply. ¡®Zera, do you have any guesses?¡¯ Raven asked. But soon, he realized that he was actually in his consciousness form. ¡®Can I take out my weapon?'' He tried to open the inventory, but it didn¡¯t work. While he was checking things out, Selene suddenly noticed that a young man was looking at them from the opposite house balcony. Then, he made a sniffing reaction and soon shouted. No, it looked more like a shout of a wild beast! Then, all the nearby humans and even the crawling child stopped whatever they were doing and slowly turned toward the direction of the inn. No, all their gazes soon locked on to Selene, giving her goosebumps all over! Then, they all roared in unison and started rushing towards the Inn direction! ¡°No good! We need to leave the dreamworld!¡± She hurriedly turned around, grabbed Raven¡¯s hand, and moved towards the ornate sofa. ¡°Do not let go of my hand or open your eyes for the next few seconds, My Lord.¡± Saying so, she also closed her eyes and cast the [Dream Walk] spell. Meanwhile, Raven did as she told him to and deeply focused on sleeping. But soon, he heard roars coming from downstairs and felt nervous. Within seconds, footsteps, along with wild roars, became closer! Then, he heard something colliding against the room¡¯s door and wanted to open his eyes. But a strange dizziness assaulted him, pulling his consciousness into a deep void. When he opened his eyes again, he sat on the same ornate sofa and held Selene¡¯s hand. But instead of roaring noises, he noticed everything appeared so quiet. He also saw a bald-head middle-aged man in a formal suit standing a few feet away and looking at him deeply. Chapter 81: Reconnaissance Chapter 81: Reconnaissance "How long have we been in sleep?" Raven asked in a hurry. Jacob blinked his eyes and soon responded. "It should be around 30 to 40 seconds, My Lord. Did you already visit the Dream World?" "That fast?" Raven recalled that he had spent more than two minutes in the dream and was startled. "Maybe the time flow in a dream world is much faster?" Selene muttered. [Yes. Sometimes, the time flow will be much faster than the physical world. But the opposite can happen, too. Anyway, what did you experience?] Zera asked in excitement. Raven smiled forcedly and explained what he had experienced in the Dreamworld. ''The world is so similar to this one in appearance, but we haven''t seen any humans. No, we did see some humans, but they act more like beasts.'' [Oh? Tell me more about those beings.] Zera asked. Meanwhile, Raven nodded and explained in detail about the being''s appearance, their way of walking, and so on. [Walking Corpses, huh? I''ve seen such similar beings in Edhen World. Charles also called them ''Zombies'' or something and even said those beings appear in some entertainment plays. Anyway, the dream you looked at might be the future of this city. And from the looks of it, this future may not be some centuries away but only a decade or two.] Zera suddenly paused and soon added. [Unlike the physical world, the Dreamworld always has some restrictions and time limits. The one you enter just now might vanish after some time. We don''t have a Dream House to make a connection to the dream world and let it be stable for a long time. You should enter the dream again and gather information about the future.] ''Future?'' Raven''s eyes widened. [Didn''t I tell you the dream world has a connection to the past, present, and future? From the looks, the time difference ratio should be around 1:5. Let''s check it out in detail again. When you go to the dream world this time, take your spear and let Selene store it in her Dream Harvest domain. Even though this whole city seems abandoned and is filled with walking corpses, there should be at least some survivors outside this city. Get in touch with them and find more information about the future. Or see anything that has information like books, a diary, or a newspaper. After you enter the dream world, you must go out, collect information, and return to the exact place within 24 hours.] Zera spoke in a severe tone. ''Can I able to use my abilities in the Dream World?'' Raven asked, as he had no time to check it out during his last visit. [Yes. Except for the system abilities and my help, you can use all your bloodline abilities and additional skills. And don''t get bitten by those walking corpses, as they are said to be highly infectious.] ''Aren''t we going in our consciousness form only? Moreover, didn''t you say my soul, body, and consciousness are one?'' [They are linked but not fused completely. That fusion will only happen when your soul enters the realm of Divines. For now, your consciousness will act more like your body. Although you won''t face any effect of the infection after leaving the Dream World, you will still experience the pain like it''s real.] Zera explained. Raven nodded and took out the Frozen Ender Spear, a silver pocket watch, a few packs of dry bread, four water pouches, and two sets of clothes from his inventory. Then, he also removed his shoes and gave everything to Selene. "Please store them using your Dream Harvest storage spell, Selene. We are going back to the Dream World." Raven paused for a moment and turned his gaze towards Jacob. "It will take us more than six hours to wake up. Until then, please stay by our side and protect us." "Yes, My Lord," Jacob responded while bowing his head. "Won''t we get attacked by those beasts if we return now?" Selene asked worriedly while storing the items in the Dream Harvest spell. ''Indeed. Those undead humans might be waiting right next to us.'' Raven pondered for a moment and soon spoke. "Let''s go to your room. That way, we have some time to prepare." Then, Raven, Jacob, and Selene walked out of Raven''s room, moved on the long corridor, and soon arrived before a room in the further corner. "Please, come in." Selene unlocked the door, inviting both in. Unlike Raven''s room, this one was much smaller. It had a single cot in the center, a table, and two chairs on the window side. "Let''s sleep on the floor." Saying so, Raven took out a bedsheet from the cot, spread it on the cold floor, and quietly lay on it while facing the ceiling. Selene also lay beside him, grabbed his left hand, and closed her eyes. ¡­ A few seconds later, Raven felt a chilling wind appear in the room and slowly opened his eyes.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! He immediately activated the ''Mind Eye'' spell and observed the surroundings. ''I can see a few insects roaming in this room, two rats hiding behind the broken bed, and a crow sitting outside the window. I can observe the surroundings 5 meters without any trouble.'' With a nod, he took a deep breath and glanced towards his left. "Ugh!" Selene groaned at that moment and sat up. Then, she waved her hand and took out the spear, pocket watch, and shoes from the ''Dream Harvest'' spell storage before giving them to Raven. Raven also stood up, grabbed the spear, and wore the shoes. After that, he opened the hunter case, glanced at the silver pocket watch, and checked the time. ¡°9.20 P.M. September 15th, Year 1420.¡± He muttered slowly and then added. "Let''s go." Meanwhile, Selene took out a one-meter-long strange wooden stick with a bluish gem embedded in it and followed him. Both slowly walked out of the room, entered the long corridor, and were about to move toward the staircase but stopped. At that moment, they saw three humans standing more than 50 meters ahead and banging their hands against the wooden door. ''It''s the same beings we saw when we visited earlier.'' "I''ll take care of them." Raven gripped the spear with both hands and dashed forward. Unlike a sword, a spear had a numerical disadvantage when battling in an enclosed place like a corridor. ''That is only if I battle against a human.'' He arrived before the three humans in two seconds. At that moment, they also noticed his presence and turned around aggressively. But Raven didn''t even slow down a bit as he tilted the spearhead and thrust it toward the naked woman''s neck. As the spear tip penetrated deeply, he grabbed the hilt tighter and made a slash, causing the woman''s head to be decapitated. Noticing the danger, the old man suddenly leaped into the air, opening his mouth wide to bite his neck. Raven''s pupil constricted. At the same time, he felt everything around him start moving slowly. He didn''t miss the opportunity. He took two steps back, pulled the spear at an incredible speed, and thrust again towards the old man''s chest. The spearhead tore through his body in a blink and appeared on the other side. But what shocked him most was that his body moved much faster than before. It was as if his body moved to sync with his thinking process. ''Is it due to me being in Dream World? Or can I move like this in the real world, too?'' Although greatly surprised by this discovery, he didn''t waste a moment and pulled the spear. Then, he made another thrust towards the young man''s head, who also sprinted towards him and made a hole in it! While he seemed to be battling for over 10 seconds, only two seconds passed in real-time! "Incredible!" Selene muttered in shock as she could barely read his movement. ''It feels like I''m watching a peak Rank Radiant Walker fighting against the undead!'' What stunned her was that he didn''t even use any spell all this time and was solely battling with spearmanship skill alone! Raven slowly felt everything return to normal and looked below, noticing the old man was still crawling aggressively. "I can''t kill him without destroying his head, huh?" He muttered with a nod and made another thrust towards his head. After that, he gripped the spear and thrust it towards the ceiling before pulling it back. A loud, aggressive screech came, and soon, a headless baby fell before him, along with splattered blood and flesh. ''From the looks of it, they are not entirely dead. Or else the blood won''t be as fresh as new.'' While observing the corpse, Selene hurriedly walked closer to him and spoke. "We should do a reconnaissance before going out." Raven nodded in agreement, entered the room by breaking the door, and observed the outside road through the window. "I think our strength is enough to kill these Zombies." "Zombies? Aren''t they look like Necromancer''s Undead?" Selene tilted her head in confusion. "It''s what my teacher said about these beings. Although aggressive, their strength is similar to that of a normal human. Unless we meet a Radiant Rank Undead, we won''t be in a serious situation." Raven spoke. "So, what are we searching for, My Lord?" Selene asked. "I want to gather information about this place. But first, we need to search for normal people. For that, we should leave this city and search the city''s outskirts." Raven spoke. "Why not search inside this city?" Selene couldn''t help but voice out her thoughts. "I don''t think humans want to live among the walking corpses. And I''m sure this city has many dangerous monsters lurking everywhere." As he spoke, his gaze shifted toward where the Thornevale Family resided. ''I''m not even strong enough to face a Radiant Rank Undead. If I''m not wrong, the strength of Thornevale Family''s elite members should be above Expert Rank.'' What he worried most was the scale of infection spread among the masses. ''If the whole city were infected and became zombies, I''d face an army.'' He shook his head and went downstairs. As soon as he stepped on the staircase, he was assaulted by a rotting smell. Soon, he saw a few corpses lying on the floor, and countless flies buzzed around them. "The corpses look months older," Selene said while covering her nose and hurried towards the exit. They soon left the Inn and moved onto the empty street road. "This feels so eerie!" Selene muttered and glanced around warily. Raven also monitored the surroundings and started walking towards the main road. Occasionally, they would enter some buildings and check for information but found nothing noteworthy. Although they met a few Zombies during this process, they posed no threat to Raven and Selene. After walking for ten minutes, the duo finally arrived at a 50-meter-wide main road with lots of broken carriages and corpses scattered everywhere. Only some crows flew up in the sky and seemed to be watching over the dead souls in the city. Raven quietly inspected the nearby carriages one by one and soon found a newspaper in one of the carriages. He hurriedly opened the newspaper and read the headline. "Legacy News. 12th January, Year 1454." "Black Undead spreads to the eastern region, causing massive panic among the masses¡­" "Alchemist Johnathan said to have found a breakthrough to cure the ''Black Undead'' disease¡­" "Royal family conducted rituals for the second death anniversary of the late emperor Ian Sillalus Jorvot! 66th Prince Raven visited the Golden Cemetery and participated in the Royal ceremony¡­" "As people''s suspicion increases on the Raynor family for the massive spread of Black Undead, Welson Raynor made a press conference yesterday and showed his worry over the spread of epidemic¡­" Raven was deeply startled as he read the few headlines on the first page. ''So this place is 34 years into the future, huh?'' "Store this newspaper in your storage." Raven gave the newspaper to Selene and soon noticed a movement up ahead. He hurriedly climbed onto the nearby half-broken carriage rooftop and checked. A moment later, he couldn''t help but take a deep breath. At that moment, he saw more than thousands of undead gathered ahead and seemed to be walking in their direction! "Can they sense human presence? Or are they being controlled?" Raven wondered, recalling how those three undead had rushed toward the Inn when they saw Selene. "We can''t use the main road," he muttered, scanning the area until he spotted a towering seven-meter wall about five hundred meters to the left. "Let''s go." Without explaining, he took off toward the city wall. "Don''t fight the undead, even if they come after you," he warned, dodging an undead that charged recklessly out of a nearby shop. Selene followed closely, running with all her strength. After five minutes, they reached the towering stone wall and glanced up. "How are we going to get over this?" Selene asked. "There should be a staircase nearby," Raven replied, noticing a watchtower built into the wall about a hundred meters ahead. He moved forward. Soon, they found a staircase beside the watchtower and began to climb. ¡­ Chapter 82: Goblin Chapter 82: Goblin ¡°The whole city seems to be filled with undead beings,¡± Raven spoke as he stood atop the seven-meter-tall wall and looked at the houses, shops, and industrial factories. Soon, his gaze zeroed toward many undead beings slowly marching in their direction. At that moment, Selene furrowed her brows as if she had sensed something and looked at the woodlands that appeared more than a kilometer away. Then, she turned around and spoke while looking at the walking undead. ¡°Are they aware of our presence? How are they locating us even though they act like beasts? Are we being watched?¡± ¡°No idea. For now, we should leave this city and search the surrounding outskirts to look for any survivors.¡± Saying so, Raven moved towards the edge of the stone wall and jumped down. Selene also moved closer, suddenly disappeared for a second, and reappeared on the ground before Raven could reach. Meanwhile, Raven landed on the ground with a thud and slowly stood up. ¡°Is that a teleport spell?¡± He asked in curiosity. In truth, he had long known her spell but didn¡¯t show it on his face. ¡°It¡¯s an inferior version of blink spell, My Lord. I can only travel around 10 meters distance.¡± Selene said with a smile, focusing on the dirt road path on her right side. ¡°Shall we follow the road, My Lord?¡± She asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Raven nodded. As they started walking towards where the dirt road was leading, Raven suddenly thought of something and asked. ¡°Can you cast the ¡®Dream Alter¡¯ spell on me? Also, give me some explanation.¡± Selene nodded as she touched his shoulder and cast the ¡®Dream Alter¡¯ spell on him. At the same time, she waved her hand and covered the surroundings with a strange energy. ¡°With dream alter spell, I can alter the surroundings and make others believe what I¡¯m thinking, My Lord. If someone spied from a distance, they would only see what I allow them to see.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand. What do you mean by what you allow them to see?¡± Raven looked confused as he continued walking. ¡°This spell works based on imagination, My Lord. For example, think of yourself as someone and try to cast their magic spell.¡± ¡°Wizard?¡± Raven was startled, instantly thought of someone, and closed his eyes before casting a ¡®Fire Ball¡¯ spell. A moment later, he felt a scorching feeling before his face and opened his eyes. To his shock, a head-sized ball of fire hovered just two feet away from him and was burning fiercely. What shocked him was that he could even control the fireball¡¯s movement. With a simple thought, he controlled the fireball, let it move toward the nearby tree, and made it explode upon contact with the trunk. ¡°What the hell?¡± He couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. ¡°This is only a part of Dream Alter spell¡¯s power, My Lord. But there are limitations to this spell. What you see now might look real, but they are merely a dream illusion. After some time, the burning marks on the tree will disappear like it never existed.¡± Selene explained and soon added while taking a mirror from her dream storage spell. ¡°Take a look at yourself.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Raven caught the mirror and soon froze as he looked at it. At that moment, what he saw was a completely different person. The one who appeared in the mirror had deep-bluish hair, deep-set jade eyes, olive skin, a fleshy nose, and short eyebrows. He was a completely different person. ¡°Charles Nightwind¡­¡± He muttered in shock. ¡°I don¡¯t know whom you¡¯ve picked up, but he seems to be a foreign Wizard. The Dream Alter spell won¡¯t work if you don¡¯t have some important information about the person you are trying to mimic. For example, if you know about his spells and how they work, you can use them in this dream world. But there is an extent to this spell. You can¡¯t cast some legendary spell like the person you are trying to mimic. If you are a Rank-1 Wizard, you can only cast Rank-1 spells. And when the Dream Alter spell disappears, all the damage you¡¯ve done to the enemy will disappear, too.¡± ¡®I managed to mimic correctly and even cast the Fireball spell because of a memory book of Runeth related to Charles Nightwind.¡¯ He soon shook his head and returned to his original look by thinking. Soon, they also arrived at the main road leading to the nearby town and noticed that not even a broken carriage appeared. Raven quietly turned around, looked at the city gate, and noticed it was tightly shut.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°They locked down the city to control the spread of disease?¡± ¡°But I don¡¯t think lockdown could prohibit the Walkers from leaving.¡± Selene voiced out her thoughts. ¡°Does that mean only commoners ended up trapped within the city? Or even the Walkers become undead?¡± Raven pondered deeply and was about to walk ahead but froze. At that moment, he coincidentally noticed something flying in their direction from the nearby woods. Simultaneously, Raven¡¯s thought process heightened, allowing him to perceive everything in a slowing down. Thanks to that, he managed to see an arrow coated with poison flying toward Selene¡¯s neck at an incredible speed. It was much faster than a normal arrow! What startled him was the strange yellowish aura-like energy covering the arrowhead, making him uneasy! ¡®If I don¡¯t block it, Selene will die!¡¯ He gripped the spear and slashed at the arrow as it approached them. Even though he blocked it with all his strength, the power behind the arrow forced him to take a step back. A clanging sound resounded as the spear collided with the metallic arrowhead and was repelled in a different direction. Raven felt both his hands went numb momentarily and drew a deep breath. ¡°Ambush?¡± Selene was alerted and went into vigilant mode. ¡°Take cover,¡± Raven spoke as he spun the spear and deflected more arrows flying from the woods. But unlike the previous arrow, these arrows flew much slower, making it easier for him to block them. Meanwhile, Selene ran towards the nearby tree and hid behind its trunk. Although Raven couldn¡¯t pinpoint the enemy, he saw dark shadows running in the woods. In two seconds, more than five humanoid beings came out of the woods and sprinted toward him at an incredible speed while carrying daggers and knives. They were only around 120 to 130 cm tall and had pointy ears and wicked goblin-like faces. However, one thing that made it unique from the goblins he had seen before was their skin tone. Unlike green skin, these monsters had dark color with red scale-like features on their arms and shoulders. ¡°Goblins?¡± Selene was startled by these strange goblins¡¯ appearance and took an iron dagger from her storage. Meanwhile, Raven dashed towards the incoming goblins but soon saw more arrows were coming from the woods. He kept dodging the arrows and also got closer to the goblins. But as he has gotten closer, the arrows rained down from the woods in masses. ¡®How many archers are hiding inside the wood?¡¯ He noticed more than twelve arrows came in his direction at a time. ¡®But it¡¯s so organized. All those arrows are releasing at the same time.¡¯ Within a short moment, he concluded that it was only one archer. ¡®Although I don¡¯t know how he releases twelve arrows at a time, I must first lure him out of the shadows.¡¯ Upon approaching the five goblins, he suddenly squatted down and leaped into the sky while making a body spin. At the same time, he rotated the spear around his body; it spun in continuous, fast rotations, often in front of or above the body, to create a defensive barrier in all directions while deflecting the arrows. A moment later, Raven landed in between those five strange goblins and made a whirling stance. His sharp spearhead moved like flowing water and neatly decapitated two goblins. Raven didn¡¯t even waste his energy as he pulled the spear and thrust it towards another goblin¡¯s chest. Although it tried to block his attack using its dagger, his movement speed was too fast for it to react. Within a blink, a fist-sized hole appeared on the goblin¡¯s chest. ¡°GUGUUU!¡± An angry growl came from one of the remaining goblins as it recklessly charged at him while holding its rusty dagger. The other goblin shouted angrily and threw its poison-coated knife in his direction. Raven was about to make a parry stance but suddenly noticed a single arrow flying in his direction from the front. ¡®It¡¯s the same yellow-aura-coated arrow!¡¯ Raven didn¡¯t hesitate as he covered the spearhead with the invisible basic aura and made an overhead stance to intercept it. Although he managed to block the arrow again, the remaining two goblins used this opportunity to get closer and attacked him. The goblin from his right side plunged its dagger into his abdomen while the goblin from his back threw the knife at his back, giving him a stabbing wound on his shoulder. ¡°Argh!¡± Due to the poison coated on the weapons, Raven felt more pain and staggered. Without delay, he made a wide, horizontal slash using the spear shaft and neatly decapitated the goblin on his right side. Then, he turned around, made a direct thrust at the other goblin¡¯s head, and killed it in one go. But he didn¡¯t have enough time to relax as another round of arrows came from the woods. Unlike before, Raven couldn¡¯t block all the arrows and got two more wounds near his thigh and arm. Upon realizing he was getting cornered, Raven hurriedly ran toward the nearby tree to hide. But his footsteps became unsteady even before he got closer to the tree, causing him to stumble. Soon, he fell next to the tree trunk and slowly crawled closer to hide from the arrow attacks. For the next few minutes, no more attacks came from the woods. Like a predator watching its prey from the shadows, the enemy hid in the woods patiently and only came out after noticing no more movement behind the tree. It was another goblin. Unlike the other goblins, it was completely black with a unique grey horn on its forehead, was around 140 cm tall, and held a silver bow in its left hand. The goblin stealthily walked towards the tree, keeping the arrow at the bowstring, and spoke in an unknown language. ¡®It is outside the range of the mind-eye spell.¡¯ Raven quietly lay on the ground while observing the surroundings and waited. A few seconds later, Raven suddenly jumped up while gripping the spear with his right hand, stepped forward, and threw the spear at the goblin incredibly fast. Letting out a whistling sound, the iron spear pierced through the air and was directly stabbed into its chest. No, the spear passed through the strange goblin as it had never before and flew into the woods! ¡°What the heck?¡± Suddenly, Raven noticed that the goblin and surrounding areas began to break like a mirror! A moment later, the goblin had disappeared! ¡°An illusion?¡± Raven muttered in shock and soon sensed another presence right behind him! The goblin seemed to be standing behind him for a long time, leaving him no room to turn around. ¡°**** ***** ******¡± A strange voice came from behind. Thanks to his mind-eye spell, he saw the goblin had long loaded its aura-coated arrow and directly aimed at his head. With no other choice, Raven raised both his hands and surrendered. ¡°Haa, I didn¡¯t expect a mere goblin could be this powerful.¡± A female voice came from Raven¡¯s left side. Selene had long left her hiding spot and was calmly walking towards them at that moment. ¡°Don¡¯t do anything reckless-¡± Raven tried to warn her, but she simply shook her head. ¡°Just a moment, I¡¯ll take care of it, My Lord.¡± As soon as she spoke, she cast [Blink] spell, suddenly disappeared from where she stood before and arrived less than 5 meters away from them. The goblin also sensed the danger, kicked Raven from the back, and turned its aim towards Selene. A second later, the corner of its lips rose slightly and formed into a wicked grin. The next moment, it released the aura-coated arrow! In truth, the goblins had been monitoring Raven and Selene from the moment they walked out of the city. Thanks to that, it knew Selene¡¯s teleportation ability and decided to kill her first by ambushing them. But Raven somehow sensed the attack and foiled its plan. Alas, the goblin was smart enough to realize that the woman had acted like a servant and thought of taking Raven as hostage. All this time, it had been waiting for the female human to show up! Chapter 83: Gathering Information Chapter 83: Gathering Information "For a mere goblin, you are thinking far ahead," Selene spoke as the arrow almost reached her forehead. But instead of a shock, a smirk appeared on her face. She instantly cast the [Wrath Form] spell and became transparent! The aura-coated arrow flew through her the next instant and fell into the nearby bush. Before the goblin could understand the situation, Selene calmly raised her hand and spoke again. "Shadow Bind." The next instant, the goblin''s shadow twisted like a snake, slithered around its legs and abdomen, and soon bound its body. "What a strange, intelligent guy. Are you all right, My Lord?" While asking, Selene arrived closer to the goblin and directly stabbed the dagger into its chest. Bluish blood gusted out of the wound, causing the goblin to struggle with all its might. "This seems like a real body." Muttering with a nod, she moved her dagger again and sliced its throat, killing the goblin in one go. Meanwhile, Raven quietly stood and turned around while removing the arrow from his shoulder, thigh, and arm. A moment later, the wound on his body started to heal unimaginably, returning his body to normal condition. "W-What? Did you drink some healing potion?" Selene was startled by his sudden recovery and realized he wasn''t pushed into a severe situation. ''Indeed, I haven''t seen him using magic spells yet. Well, it doesn''t matter anyway.'' She dismissed the [Wrath Form] spell and turned her attention towards the fallen goblin. "This goblin creature is far more intelligent than a normal one, My Lord. Will there be more weird monsters in the outskirts?" A worried look appeared on her face. "What should we do next?" At that moment, Selene realized that even the city''s outskirts weren''t safe either. "Can you store this goblin''s corpse inside your Dream Harvest spell?" Raven asked. Although Selene didn''t understand his intention, she said nothing and quietly stored the goblin''s corpse and its silver bow and arrows. "Wait, I go retrieve my spear first." Saying so, Raven walked ahead, entered the woods, and soon returned with the spear in his hand. "Let''s choose a different direction from the woodland," Raven suggested. The path they first chose was passing through the woodlands, which could lead to the nearby town. This path became smooth in the real world because of the Railway transportation. Although a road was also there for carriage transportation, it was mainly used by Walkers for exploring the woods. ''But now there is no sign of railway working, nor do walkers going out to explore the woods.'' Raven felt the danger during the travel might multiply and decided to go to a safer region. Selene also nodded in agreement. Both then circled the city and chose another road that led in a different direction. They walked on the dirt road for 30 minutes across agricultural lands, farmhouses, and even regular houses. But what they found was empty areas or unmaintained farms. After walking for another few minutes, they finally found a small villa ahead. Unlike the city, it wasn''t tightly enclosed and was surrounded by tall wooden fences. "This is the first village we come across. Will there be any survivors?" Raven furrowed. But as soon as they arrived at the entrance gate, they realized the entrance was open. Raven and Selene quietly entered the villa and soon noticed it was vacant. After searching the houses, both concluded that the people had long vacated the village. ''Most house doors are left open, and dresses hang outside¡­. Windows aren''t closed either¡­'' Raven quietly walked into the nearby houses and quickly checked. ''They even left the furniture open, but I don''t see any money. Most rations also emptied.'' "They seem to have moved out in a hurry," Raven muttered solemnly and continued. "Search all the houses on the left side and gather anything that holds information. I''ll go check the right side." "Yes, My Lord." Selene nodded and hurriedly moved towards the left. Raven also moved towards the right-side houses and started checking them individually. For the next few hours, both searched the whole village and gathered whatever they got their hands on. "A large number of newspapers with dates ranging from August 4th, 1452, to January 11th, 1454. Surprisingly, most newspapers are from January 1st to 11th, 1454. So, the infection spread during this time, huh?" A look of understanding appeared on his face. Then, he only took a single newspaper on each date, put them together, and gave it to Selene. Then, he shifted his attention toward a large number of books. Most were ledgers, while a few notebooks were diaries. Although most only recorded their daily life, one diary caught Raven''s attention. "An Apprentice Wizard''s travel diary, huh? Can we take all these diaries?" Raven asked. "I can''t store more than a few more kgs, My Lord. That goblin occupied most of the space in the storage already." Selene answered. After some thought, Raven took only a few diaries and told her to store them. Then, he took a rope from one of the houses and kept it in his back.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. "Why are you taking this rope?" Selene couldn''t help but ask. "Unlike you, I can''t use teleportation spell. Without this rope, it will be difficult for me to get back." Raven looked up at the cloudy dark sky and added. "I think we should go back. Although the sky looks the same for hours, I don''t know when it will completely darken." Also, he worried that more danger might appear in the dark. Both quietly left the village and returned to the city''s outskirts within an hour. They then circled the city wall and arrived at the place where they sneaked out. Selene used the [Blink] spell to appear above the city wall and helped Raven climb up using the rope. But as soon as they looked inside the city, both were deeply startled! At that moment, more than thousands of undead humans stood beneath the walls, trying to crawl the wall. Almost all of them were looking at them and were roaring continuously. "They can indeed sense us!" Raven said solemnly and turned his attention towards the staircase more than a hundred meters away. "These guys don''t seem to be smart either. Or else, they could''ve used the staircase to climb up the wall and jumped down. It seems they sense us through odor and acting out of instinct." "How will we return to Glory Wine Inn, My Lord?" Selene felt uneasy just by looking at the thousands of walking corpses. ''But I don''t even see any walker among them¡­ Does that mean the infection only spread to the common people?'' A thought crossed his mind. "Follow me closely." Saying so, Raven turned towards the long city wall and started running on it. "Once we reach two hundred meters, prepare to use the [Blink] spell and land on that single-storied house''s terrace." He spoke as he pointed his finger at the house next to the city wall. Most undead were gathered beneath the castle wall, so the single-storied house''s surroundings appeared safer. Selene nodded her head and followed him. "Now," As they neared the house, Raven squatted and leaped towards the house terrace. Selene cast the [Blink] spell, disappeared from the city wall, and reappeared on the terrace. Both hurriedly jumped from the terrace and ran towards the nearby street road. Meanwhile, all the undead humans suddenly became more active and started pursuing them. But Raven and Selene were far stronger and faster than an average human. They ran past houses, alleys, and shops and soon entered the main road. After that, they made a turn and entered Aurora Street. After running for a while, the duo finally arrived at Glory Wine Inn. But the vibration from the ground made Raven and Selene restless. "They are chasing after us!" Selene''s face turned grim. "Let''s go." Raven urged and dashed into the Inn. Before long, Raven and Selene entered the second-floor corridor, walked past multiple rooms, and soon entered the small room at the farthest end. As soon as they walked in, Raven removed his shoes and gave all his items to Selene to store them in her dream Harvest storage spell. After that, both quietly lay on the cold floor and closed their eyes. As they slowly disappeared like smoke, a strange crow flew from the outside through the broken window and landed on the cold floor. Soon, it started to take shape and form into the appearance of a hooded humanoid skeleton with a strange bone staff in its hand. "There is still a Royal Bloodline left alive? I should report this to Viser Shadow Corps." It muttered in a hoarse voice before shrinking into the shape of a crow. Then, it flapped its wings and flew into the gloomy sky. ¡­ A few moments later, Raven slowly opened his eyes and sat up. He soon breathed a sigh of relief, noticing that the surroundings looked neat and clean. He also saw Jacob sitting on the cot and looking at the ceiling. "Ugh, I don''t want to visit that place again," Selene said solemnly. Although the strange goblin was the only adversary they had encountered head-on, the terror of the thousands of undead gave her a scare. ''And our choice to leave the city was the right one. If we had stayed in the city to gather information, we might''ve been surrounded by those undead humans in minutes and ripped into shreds.'' "You woke up earlier, My Lord. Only 1 hour and 15 minutes has passed." Jacob''s voice made her snap back to reality. "The Dreamworld is much scarier than I thought," Raven spoke as he stood up and turned his attention to Selene. Meanwhile, Selene also stood up and started taking out the materials from her storage spell. She first took out the spear, boots, bow and arrows, a bundle of newspapers weighing more than seven kilograms, around ten diaries, and even a file document. Then, she moved a little away and dropped the goblin''s corpse, causing Jacob to widen his eyes. "W-What is this thing? Goblin?" Raven quietly took the monocle from the inventory, put it in his left eye, and inspected it. "It''s a unique race called Night Goblin." He walked closer to the goblin and stored it in the spatial ring. After that, he also stored his boots, spear, newspaper bundle, diaries, goblin''s bow and arrows, and the file in his inventory. "I''ll be staying in my room until morning. Do not disturb me." Saying so, Raven quietly walked out and moved to his room. Within a minute, he entered his room, locked the door from inside, and took out the ''Night Goblin'' corpse from the spatial ring. [I didn''t expect you to catch it on the first try, lad.] Zera commented in his head. Meanwhile, Raven quietly placed his right hand on the goblin''s chest and activated the [Bloodline Devouring Ability]. "Devour!" As soon as he spoke, a strange ripple came out of his body, extracted all the blood from the goblin''s corpse, and condensed them into the size of a peanut. At the same time, a row of notifications appeared before Raven''s eyes. ¡­ [Bloodline Devouring Ability is activated!] [Night Goblin''s bloodline has been found!] [Analyzing the purity of the bloodline¡­.] [Calculating¡­] [The corpse has 90% purity of Rank-1 Night Goblin''s bloodline Essence!] [It is possible to extract the Night Goblin''s bloodline Essence and one of its bloodline spells!] [Would you like to use the ''Bloodline Devouring Ability''? Yes/No.] "Yes." Raven clicked. ¡­ [Bloodline Devouring Ability is on commence!] [Randomizing the Bloodline Ability!] [Night Goblin''s [Past Self] bloodline spell has been selected!] [A similar skill related to the [Past Self] bloodline spell has been found in the Host''s body!] [It is possible to merge [Past Touch] skill with [Past Self] bloodline Spell! Would you like to proceed? Yes/No.] ¡­ "So, the reason I disappeared after my attack isn''t due to illusion but due to this spell, huh?" Raven didn''t waste a moment and clicked ''yes.'' [Merging the [Past Touch] skill with [Past Self] bloodline spell!] ¡­ A moment later, a mysterious power entered his mind space and started constructing a new spell model. Raven felt a sharp pain in his head for the next five minutes and slowly noticed a white crystalline spell model appeared in his mind. At the same time, he received much information about this new spell and started comprehending it. ¡­ [1%...2%....4%....7%....11%....20%....35%....53%...75%....89%....98%...100%!] [Congratulations! Merging successful!] [Host has obtained ''Past Self'' bloodline self!] [Host has also absorbed a part of the Night Goblin''s bloodline essence!] [Host''s vitality power has been increased by 0.7!] [Host''s strength power has increased by 0.5!] [Host''s agility power has been increased by 0.8!] [Host''s body is undergoing a mutation!] [The mutation will take 10 minutes 35 seconds to complete!] [Please stand by!] ¡­ Raven quietly sat beside the corpse and started analyzing the information as the mutation occurred. ''Once I activate this spell, I can create an illusion of the past and confuse the enemies. But the spell time ranges only up to 30 seconds. How does that goblin know I will hide behind the tree?'' As he recalled the battle, Raven realized he attacked the goblin without looking at what it was doing. ''But what surprised me is that this past self-spell managed even to fool my spiritual senses and made me think the goblin was real.'' Raven quickly dismissed the notification and checked his status. ¡­ [Name: Raven Sillalus Jorvot, Age: 15 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: 66th Prince of Zenith Empire Level: 8 Class: Acolyte Warlock (3rd Circle) Soul Rank: Mortal Life Pathway: Beginner Alchemist Health: Normal Attributes: Strength: 8.5 Agility: 7.87 Vitality: 8.26 Luck: 0 Spirit: 19.9 Bloodline Spells: Iron Resilience, Poison Touch (Poison Immunity), Fortuitous Finder (Completed), Blood Control, Face Morph, Mind Eye, Cold Breath, Past Self. Additional Skills: Instant Memorize, Basic Spearmanship. Affinities: Life: Low, Ice: Genius.] ¡­ [Hmm? Didn''t you have 2.5 Luck stats before? Why does it show Zero?] Zera asked in confusion. Meanwhile, a smile appeared on Raven''s face. [Haa, so you used the [Fortuitous Finder] spell before entering the Dreamworld, huh?] "When I entered the first time, I realized I''d be in a more dangerous situation without your help. So, I thought of relying on ''Luck.''" He said that while storing the Night Goblin''s corpse. Chapter 84: Enlightenment Chapter 84: Enlightenment While deep in thought, Raven quietly reached for the spear, lay on the bed, and slipped into the Illusionary World. It was the same grassland where the blue-skinned humanoid practiced its spearmanship with precision and ease. But this time, Raven noticed something different¡ªthe creature''s movements held a profound clarity. With even the smallest step, he could predict its next action, his perception stretching each movement to a crawl. He also noticed a faint aura forming along the edges of the spear. "Aura, huh? I couldn''t see it before. My ''Mind Eye'' spell must''ve activated on its own," he mused. Summoning a spear out of thin air, Raven didn''t try to imitate the humanoid exactly; instead, he applied his own understanding. Taking a step forward, he gripped the spear and thrust ahead. His movements flowed into a routine¡ªsmooth, sweeping arcs left and right, each strike calculated and controlled. His steps carried him forward and back in fluid sequences, pivoting into each thrust. With every practiced lunge, his strikes became sharper, his connection to the spear deepening with each motion. Gradually, Raven entered a focused state, refining his technique and correcting subtle flaws in his form. ¡®The reason I couldn''t fully grasp this creature''s movements must be our differences in perception,¡¯ he realized. ¡®Unlike humans, this being has a specialized sensory antenna that helps it master this unique spear technique.¡¯ Thanks to his ''Mind Eye'' bloodline spell, Raven could bridge the sensory gap, filling in details he had previously missed. His mind heightened as he moved the spear in a rhythmic dance, processing every subtle motion around him. ¡®Even though this is an illusion, I can see the swaying grass, tiny insects, even the ants scurrying on the ground. But I can¡¯t sense the air¡­ It must be due to this whole illusion world within the spear.¡¯ Focusing on the blue-skinned figure, he observed ice shards forming around its spear and tried it out. A chill pulsed from Raven''s spear, manifesting faint ice shards that clung to the shaft. Although the shards were irregular and moved sluggishly, he could feel his control over them gradually strengthening. With each practice strike, his mind sharpened, allowing him to fine-tune even the smallest mistakes. His grasp of the ice energy within the spear grew clearer. Though this spear was merely an illusionary replica, it held a power that felt strikingly real. ''The next step should be fusing basic aura into the ice shards and creating an attack skill called ''Frozen Lance." But Raven noticed that the little enlightenment he gained had ended and stopped his movement. Then, he recollected all the things he had learned just now and started mastering them. After some time, he left the illusionary world, hurriedly took out the monocle, and checked the frozen ender weapon. [Name: Frozen Ender (Sealed) Rank: Common Experience Comprehension: 74% Description: None Unique Skills: Rank-1: Frozen Lance (Unlocked) Requirement: User needs to be able to master ''Basic Sword Aura'' and ''Basic Spear Mastery''] ¡­ ''74%! A big leap indeed.'' But what shocked him most was a little change in his stats. ''I got a Low-rank Spear affinity!'' A smile appeared on his face. [It seems you had a good experience today. Congratulations, lad.] ''I still have a long way to go. By the way, how does my understanding of the spearmanship affect this spear?'' He asked while looking at the experience comprehension section. [A weapon like this shouldn''t be a soulless one, lad. Even though it''s sealed, it surely has its consciousness.] Zera said solemnly. ''Is it an intellectual artifact? How powerful is it? Arcane Fragment or even higher?'' Raven''s gaze sharpened. [It must be a level similar to Arcane Apex Congitum rank in the peak state. But didn''t you see its current rank? From its looks, this spear is sealing itself to the rank of the user''s power level.] ''Haa, I should increase my strength to at least a Radiant Rank level sooner.'' Raven suddenly thought of something, slowly stood up, and focused on the surroundings. In a blink, he perceived all the insects, flies, and even small reptiles hiding in the room. A moment later, his surroundings started to move at an incredibly slow speed. ''My thought process is more than five times that of a normal human.'' While thinking, he tried to move his hands according to his will. But to his shock, his body barely moved! ''As I thought, only my mind is acting faster. My physical body can''t keep up with my thought process.'' A frown appeared on his forehead. ''Wait¡­ Can I use my strength and agility potion to increase my stats and temporarily use this ability for battle?'' A thought crossed his mind. In truth, a basic rank strength potion, aka Common Rank Strength potion, could allow an Elite Walker''s strength to reach the beginner Radiant Walker realm for a short time. An Uncommon Rank Strength potion could allow a Peak Stage Radiant Walker to exhibit the strength of a beginner Expert realm. But even if one consumed such a potion, they could only partially utilize this potion''s effect due to their lack of understanding of their body strength and low thinking process, resulting in reckless attacks. ''But if I consume both Agility potion and strength potion and use my ''Mind Eye'' ability, I can become a true Radiant Rank Walker for a short period.'' Raven felt like he had created a new trump card skill! ''It''s theoretically possible. Although the recoil after consuming two potions will be much harsher, it''s worth a try.'' ''I''ll call this trump card skill as ''Limit Breaker." [Tch, it''s an overly used name. And for your information, this isn''t even a skill but a combination of your spell and alchemy. Still, this will shock the enemy and catch them off guard.] Zera said, but Raven didn''t even listen to her. Instead, he took the bundle of newspapers and the diaries from the inventory and placed them on the floor. ''Zera, can you tell me more about the dream world? What I saw in the dream world is 30 years into the future. But is it possible to travel there and come back? Or is it some dream made of large illusion?'' [No one knows the answer, lad. But the more you stay in the dream world, the higher the chance of you getting lost and disappearing forever. That''s why most dream walkers return to the real world before the dream ends.] ''What is the maximum time one should stay in the dream world?'' Raven asked. [Based on the time difference between two worlds. But if we go by the physical world time, you shouldn''t stay in the dream world for more than 10 hours unless you have a treasure like Dream House. Although the dream world won''t disappear in a blink, it will change in the form of a natural disaster and disappear altogether. Also, you might encounter dreamers from the real world, so be careful of what you say before them.] Raven nodded in understanding. ''I have to ask you another thing. Is it possible to pull someone into the dream world and communicate?''This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. [It''s the opposite. You can''t force someone to enter the dream world you are in. But entering a person''s dream world is possible using some dream ritual.] ''How do I even know when they go to sleep?'' Raven couldn''t help but ask. [That''s for you to find out. If you plan on making a big scene in the capital, I advise you to do it after ranking up.] ''Radiant Warlock, huh?'' Raven knew he was still an Acolyte Warlock and had little strength to face big powerhouses. ''I can''t afford to lose my family member. I''ll take the risk.'' He clenched his fist and slowly glanced at the newspapers and diaries. "Thanks to the ''Fortuitous Finder'' spell, I obtained useful information about the future. Although it won''t help me now, it will be useful soon." First, he took the newspapers and arranged them in order by date. Then, he took a notebook and started writing about important events from the 30 newspapers. Raven didn''t even sleep for a moment until early morning and started writing down important information from all the 30 newspapers. Of course, he crossed out the unwanted information and noted all the major incidents. ''It all started with the death of the emperor, huh?'' Raven wrote a whole chapter about Emperor Ian''s death. "Emperor Ian''s death- date: 1452 Year, January 12th. He was assassinated when he visited the Vega Empire for political talks. Reason: Assassination. Suspects: Remnants of Viser Kingdom, Wizard Alliance, and Celestia Empire. Persons involved in guard duty: Royal Knight Captain Sid Gravenstone (Dead), Vice-Captain Beckham Raynor (Missing), Tucker Thornevale (Dead), etc. Other influential persons got killed during this assassination: Nineth Prince Jett, third Concubine Jasmine, Minister of Health Kairo, etc." "Black Undead: A deadly curse-type disease spread to humans via the air. Origin: Unknown. Symptoms: High fever, blisters on face and body, blood vomiting, and a slow loss of six senses. Time: It takes three days for humans to be completely affected and turn into wild undead. Suspects: Raynor Family, Remnants of Viser Kingdom, etc. Possible clues for the cure: Johnathan found a way to control the disease by creating a vaccine potion and preventing it from spreading. But once a human is affected, it''s impossible to cure. Cure Formula: Although he never revealed his vaccine formula to the public, people found that a rare medicinal herb called ''Nightblood Moss'' is being used as the main ingredient¡­" "Wizard Alliance''s Declaration of Democratic Rule: Prime Minister Gavin took over the emperor''s position as a substitute and agreed to the Supreme Court''s suggestion of the Democratic Rule¡­" ¡°Death of Empress Elise Sillalus Jorvot- Date: 1452 Rune Era, 3rd February¡­¡± "Death of the Sixth Serpent Nash caused worry among the citizens¡­" "Sudden disappearance of 100,000 people from the Blackwater City¡­" "Black Undead spreads to the town of Glassy Rock¡­" "Death of Eleventh Princess¡­" Raven slowly understood what had happened throughout the Empire as he continued writing about the important events. ''After the Emperor''s death, some people targeted the royal family non-stop¡­ From the looks of it, many noble families also didn''t extend their support to the Royals and created an opportunity for the Wizard Alliance to take over the capital city¡­" ¡­ Raven continued writing down the important information and finally completed reading news of date up to February 14th. ''From the gathered information, I confirmed two catastrophic disasters occurred in the Empire before the Black Undead. First was the great war between the Empire and the Viser Kingdom, which resulted in the complete defeat of the Viser Kingdom. Following that, a big famine also seems to have occurred, resulting in the death of millions due to hunger.'' Although he didn''t find the exact date or year of these two disasters, both incidents reduced 30% of the Zenith Empire''s population. ''And Black Undead disease could be considered as the worst disaster.'' With a deep sigh, he stored the newspapers and diaries and took out the silver bow and arrow. Then, he touched the monocle and activated it. ¡­ [Name: Starchaser Type: Weapon Rank: Rare Description: The bow is made from cold star metal by a renowned Dawn Goblin Blacksmith from the Grimsmoke World. It is highly durable and has been imbued with the blessing of the Wind. Main Ability: Multi Arrow- Allows the user to cast multiple arrows and attack the opponent''s vitals randomly. Additional Effect: 3.5 % chance to cast ''Damage Boost'' Rune skill (Rank-1 Damage boost: 200%). Restriction: Rank 1 to Rank 4 (Damage boost effect will become less effective as the user''s rank increases.) Unused Cold Star Arrow: 21.] ¡­ ''I thought it was an uncommon weapon but didn''t expect it to be rare!'' Raven knew that even an Uncommon Weapon would sell for 10,000 gold coins! ''Its worth shouldn''t be less than 50,000 gold coins!'' In truth, it was just his assumption. After all, he had never seen a rare rank weapon or equipment being sold in the auction. ''I can lend this weapon to Jacob or Felicity.'' [That''s more like giving away for free, lad. Rune Skill is a skill that transcends the ranks and can be used by any rank walker. Although Jacob and Felicity are talented enough, they are still unsuitable to wield this weapon. And don''t forget they are not your knights or servants but mercenaries. Only consider giving them this weapon if you sign a long-term contract.] ''They seem trustable, though.'' Raven muttered. [Human greed has no end, lad. This rare weapon may look insignificant in your eyes, but this is a priceless treasure. If an Expert Rank Archer gets his hand on this artifact, he can even kill a Mystic realm Walker thanks to that ''Damage Boost'' skill. For example, if a Radiant Rank Archer casts an arrow while imbuing it with the ''Intermediate Aura,'' this ''Damage Boost'' skill will enchant the aura effect up to 150% and can even create an ''Advanced Aura.'' Even an expert-ranking archer can double the damage using this artifact and overpower his opponent. In my eyes, this artifact is more like an Epic rank artifact. If Jacob or other mercenaries managed to find out its true worth, I don''t think they would stay loyal to you. In the worst-case scenario, they might end up betraying you.] Zera said in a serious tone. ''But I already signed a contract with them, though?'' [Put that contract paper in the dustbin. It''s just a paper with a royal seal, nothing more. Although you can file a case in court, it might take years for the case to succeed. But what will you do if they decide to leave the Empire? Don''t forget that the Zenith Empire is not the only nation on Ivory Island.] Zera''s words made Raven fall into deep thoughts. [If you plan to share your secrets, you must create Magic contracts and have them sign them. As long as you create a magic contract using the authority of a higher being, your secrets will always be within your grasp. They can''t even reveal your personal information to outsiders or betray you. You''ll learn more about the magic contract once you absorb more of my owners'' memory books.] ''That''s how the Wizards from the academy monopolize the spell models and techniques?'' [Even high-rank noble families use the magic contract to keep their core secrets from leaking out. If you plan on creating a Knight Squad, you must make the newly recruited knights sign magic contracts. Also, search for more of these hidden treasures and use them to strengthen your squad in the future.] Raven nodded solemnly and decided to rest for three hours. ¡­ After a short rest, Raven woke up and prepared for departure. Raven, Jacob, Selene, and Stephine walked out of the Glory Wine Inn around 7.30 A.M and went towards the Railway Station through a carriage. By 8.40 P.M, the group reached the station and boarded the train to Red Ember City. The journey to the Royal Capital was smooth. For the next two days, Raven spent most of his time in the memory library and the Frozen Ender''s Illusionary World, increasing his Rune mastery and Spearmanship. ¡­ Red Ember City, September 19th, Year 1420, Rune Era. It was around 5.30 A.M. A steam-engine train came from the east and entered the Royal Railway Station through the eastern gate. The train hissed to a halt at the bustling station, releasing clouds of steam that billowed around the platform. Raven, Jacob, Selene, and Stephine stepped out, scanning their surroundings with anticipation and caution. Many people in their formal attire stepped down from the train and mingled with the crowd. The station was alive with the clamor of voices, the clanging of metal, and the rustle of papers as travelers hurried along the platforms. Raven and others followed the crowd, entered the railway station, and checked out. After leaving the railway station, they rented a carriage and moved towards the West Borough. "This city looks much livelier than Bloodstone City," Raven muttered while peeking outside through the curtain gap. Red Ember City was a lively and crowded place, buzzing with energy. The streets were packed with carriages, street vendors, and people rushing to work or shop at the markets. Tall buildings lined the narrow cobblestone roads, while magic lamps gave off a faint light that barely cut through the fog, adding a mysterious feel to the city. The Joy River, though dirty and polluted, ran through the center of the city, serving as its lifeline. Bridges like Blackarts and Ember Bridge were always busy with people walking, horses trotting, and wagons rattling by. Along the riverbanks, factories stood tall, pouring thick smoke into the air. The fog mixed with the smoke, darkening the sky and leaving stains on the city¡¯s buildings. No matter where anyone looked, they saw nothing but tall buildings and endless factories. After traveling for more than 30 minutes, the carriage finally arrived at the West Borough. However, as soon as they entered the West Borough, the outside environment became much clearer. There were no factories or stalls that appeared in their sights. Instead, countless mansions, large houses, theaters, opera houses, and luxurious inns started appearing along the way. ¡°West Borough is divided into twelve streets: Baker Street, Chapel Road, Druid Lane, Chancery Street, Central Court Street, Fleet Lane, Lombard Road, Grace Street, Rise Mall, Crows Street, Graden Street, and Royal Street. And the ones who stay in the West Borough are all Nobles, Wizards, and high-ranking officials, My Lord. Are you also planning to stay here? I recommend we should check inns in Druid Lane." Selene said. ¡°Why is that?¡± Jacob asked curiously. Although he had visited the Royal Capital multiple times in the past, he never explored the West Borough. On the other hand, Selene had stayed in the Crows Misery for more than four years and knew a lot about this place. ¡°Compared to other street Inns, the Inns in Druid Lane are much cheaper.¡± "Graden Street, Crown Tavern. I want to stay in that Inn for the next few days." Raven said with a smile. Meanwhile, Selene''s face froze. Staying on a street like Druid Lane would cost a lot, even for a noble, due to high expenses. And Garden Street was where only high-class nobles and Wizards gathered around. "A single day''s rent for the room will cost more than five gold coins in Crown Tavern, My Lord!" Selene said after waking up from the shock. Instead of responding, Raven took out a leather pouch, poured over fifty gold coins from the inventory, and gave the pouch to Jacob. "Book the best ones." Although Jacob wanted to tell Raven he was wasting money, he soon realized he was not even his servant. ''I''m nothing more than a mercenary hired to protect him.'' He hurriedly took the pouch, opened the carriage door, and told the coachman to move towards Garden Street. ¡­ Chapter 85: Daley Findlay Chapter 85: Daley Findlay It was around 7.00 A.M. A black-curtained Brougham carriage rolled down the wide lane of Garden Street, finally halting near a four-story building at the end of the road, right before an iron gate. A moment later, a young man with jet-black hair stepped out first, adjusting his bowler hat as he set a monocle in place. ¡°Is this the Inn?¡± He asked. Meanwhile, a middle-aged man, a 35-year-old maid in uniform, and a young woman dressed in a black robe followed suit, each gazing up at the dome-shaped building in shock. ¡°The whole Garden Street is a part of this Inn, My Lord,¡± Selene responded while looking at the building and added. ¡°This building is just an entrance. The reason Wizards and nobles often come here is mainly because of privacy. Unlike other inns, each guest will be allocated a private house upon booking and given special care based on the amount they spend on booking. Some legendary Wizards like Johnathan and Judith stayed in this place for decades. I also heard that this private house ranges from a small house to a large mansion.¡± As Selene spoke, Jacob quickly regained his composure, handed the driver a gold coin, and sent the carriage on its way. On the other hand, Raven took out the pocket watch, checked the time by flipping the outer case, and moved closer to the compound gate. ¡°Welcome to the Crown¡¯s Tavern, esteemed guests!¡± Two young men in red uniforms greeted them while bowing their heads. Both held a long rifle in their hands and also wore a black cap. Then, one of the guards stepped forward and asked. ¡°Before entering the Inn, please show us your identity certificate, sir. Crown¡¯s Tavern is available only for Royals, nobles, and Wizards.¡± Raven nodded and took out his Warrant of Precedence before presenting it to the guard. Meanwhile, the guard opened the document and checked it. ¡°Lord of Holmes Knight Household?¡± The guard raised his eyebrows. "Even the Knights come under the noble category. And my family was once a noble household, too.¡± Raven said calmly. One of the guards instantly understood what the young boy was implying and bowed his head. ¡°Forgive my rudeness, Sir Thomas. It¡¯s not because of the title but because of the cost. Even barons and viscount household members hesitate to come here because of the expense.¡± The guard said with an awkward smile. ¡°I¡¯ve my circumstances.¡± Raven took the document from the guard and walked ahead towards the Inn. The front building was a tall structure draped in ivy with elegant archways and tall windows adorned with embroidered curtains. A few carriages and horses lined the left side yard as servants bustled around, helping the guests with luggage and guiding them inside. Upon closer look, Raven noticed the whole group was escorting a pale-skinned young man to the mansion. He had long, snowy hair and bluish eyes and appeared to be around 20 years old. He calmly adjusted the monocle and soon squinted his eyes. ¡®A boy with Prodigy Rank affinity? It¡¯s a new term. From what I¡¯ve read from the books, the affinity ranks start from Low, then Medium, High, Extraordinary, and end in Genius, right?¡¯ [Prodigy is above Genius Rank, lad. There is also a Divine Rank, but a baby born with a ¡®Divine¡¯ Rank in a High Plane is one in ten or even a hundred billion. And even the Prodigy rank appears rarely. If I¡¯m not wrong, this Empire should have only 4 to 5 prodigies in this generation.] ¡®And he is one of those few prodigies?¡¯ Raven¡¯s eyes sharpened. What surprised him was his current rank. ¡®Why is he only an Acolyte Wizard?¡¯ ¡°Who is that young man?¡± Raven asked. ¡°Those carriages belong to the Findlay Family, My Lord. I think it¡¯s Daley Findlay, once a rumored genius but now became a shame of the family.¡± Jacob paused for a moment and added in a low voice. ¡°Still, please show some respect if you bump into him.¡± Jacob could see they were also moving towards the reception hall and got worried. ¡°Daley Findlay? Who is he?¡± Raven furrowed. ¡°Great-Grandson of Viola Findlay, My Lord.¡± Upon noticing the puzzled look on his face, Selene let out a deep sigh and explained. ¡°She is the Wizard who fell in love with a slum boy and founded the Findlay Family. This boy should be the fourth child of her third son''s first son.¡± ¡®Oh? A noble of one of the twelve ancient families, huh? I heard that this family was included in the ancient families later and still isn¡¯t acknowledged by other families.¡¯ ¡°Tell me more about this young man,¡± Raven spoke with interest. ¡°Daley is a fifth-year student of Crows Misery Academy, My Lord. Although he got admitted to the academy thanks to his High-rank Ice affinity, his progression stopped after his first year. There are rumors that he will be expelled from the academy for failing to meet the academic standards.¡± Selene answered. ¡°Is recruiting him once he is expelled from the academy possible?¡± Raven¡¯s question stunned Selene and Jacob. ¡°You must be joking, My Lord. Even though he is soon to be expelled, he comes from a renowned Margrave family. And even this young man¡¯s assets¡¯ worth should be more than your household''s. The two knights standing behind him are peak Radiant Rank experts, too. Don¡¯t even think of making such a proposal.¡± Jacob said in a worried tone. ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, his cousin plans to participate in the upcoming tournaments for the Sage candidate selection. If he succeeds and becomes a sage candidate, the Findlay Household¡¯s worth will soar much higher than now. Forming a friendly relationship with him would be best, My Lord.¡± Selene Suggested. ¡°Sage candidate? Now that I think about it, I also read about the Sage and Serpent competition or something in the news once. What are they?¡± Raven asked as they entered the Inn¡¯s main hall. At that moment, Daley and his escorts entered the reception hall through the VIP door and moved closer. Alas, Raven had no intention of stopping asking questions.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°You guys wait here for a while. I¡¯ll go and book rooms for us.¡± Jacob decided to escape from getting into a complicated situation. While Jacob went to the reception to book rooms, Selene explained the Serpents and Sages. ¡°It¡¯s the next generation Serpents and Sages selection competition, My Lord. Empire selects the best Wizards and Walkers and gives them titles called ¡®Serpents and Sages.¡¯ They all are Legendary Powerhouses from different families and could be considered prodigies of the previous generation. Seven Serpents are Wizards or Walkers who excelled in battles and achieved countless merits for the past three centuries. The current seven Serpents are Jose from the Maddis Family, Tibris from the Gavenstone Family, Gylan from the Warfield Family, Isaac from the Heart Family, Joshua from the Arcturus Family, Presley from the Harrowmont Family, and Amy from the Thornevale family. All six Serpent members except for Amy became the patriarch more than two centuries ago, holding the highest status in the Empire.¡± Selene paused for a moment to take a breath and continued. ¡°Unlike Serpents, Sages are people who contributed to the growth of the Empire through knowledge and other skills. The first Sage is Judith, the vice-president of the Crows Misery; the second Sage is Johnathan, the Alchemy Sage; the third Sage is Annie from the Blackwater Family; the fourth Sage is Derek from the Ravenshield Family; and the fifth Sage is Marcus from the Sterlinghart Family.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a privileged title for people from the ancient families, huh?¡± Raven nodded in understanding and quietly sat on the sofa placed in the reception hall. After that, he looked at the pale-skinned young man sitting on the nearby sofa and added. ¡°And the reason the Findlay family was left out of this group should be because of their origin, right? After all, the Findlay Family isn¡¯t an ancient family but a newly founded one.¡± His words were loud enough for everyone in the reception hall to hear, causing an abrupt silence. ¡°M-My Lord!¡± Selene and Stephaine panicked while two silver-armored guards behind Daley moved their hands toward the sword hilt. One was a blonde-haired woman in her twenties, while the other was a young man with deep blue eyes and black hair. [Why are you provoking a Noble child? These guys are petty and hold grudges, lad.] ¡®He is different.¡¯ Raven said while touching the monocle. On the other hand, Daley Findlay also heard his provocative words and turned his gaze towards him with sharp eyes. A smile crept on Raven¡¯s face. ¡°Please forgive earlier my rude remarks. I¡¯m Thomas Holmes, Young Master.¡± He introduced himself while making a light bow. A pin-drop silence appeared in the reception hall. After a few seconds, Daley nodded his head and spoke. ¡°I¡¯m Daley Findlay.¡± He paused while closing his eyes for two seconds and soon spoke. ¡°Although the Serpents are from ancient families, even commoners like Judith and Johnathan become Sages due to their contribution and vast knowledge. We lost in the previous competition of Serpents, not because of the privilege but due to the lack of talent. That¡¯s why our family is prepared as the best candidate for the Sage competition.¡± ¡°The best candidate from your family?¡± Raven tilted his head and added. ¡°But aren¡¯t you the best? With your talent, you can achieve much more than mere title, though.¡± His words made Daley¡¯s guards get even angrier. ¡°You bastard-!¡± The blonde-haired woman unsheathed her sword and was ready to attack. ¡°Stop it, Maisie.¡± Daley raised his hand and asked. ¡°It seems you don¡¯t know my current situation. It¡¯s been five years since I joined the academy, but I haven¡¯t even managed to construct my third spell model. I¡¯ll be expelled from the academy this December, Mr. Thomas. What made you think that I can achieve such a thing?¡± His voice contained a trace of tiredness. Raven listened while adjusting his monocle and looked at his status again. ¡­ [Name: Daley Findlay Age: 20 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: Terminally ill Young Master Class: Acolyte Wizard (Rank-1), Second Circle. Health: Abnormal (Curse of Frost) Traits: Calm Headed, Noble¡¯s Pride, Silent Rivalry, Archeologist, Classical Knowledge, Social Etiquette, Political Knowledge and Governance, Horsemanship, Musician. Past History: As a descendant of Viola Findlay, he studied elementary and higher studies at the Royal Knights Academy and became a top-rank student. Then, he was selected as Wizard Candidate and enrolled in the Crows Misery five years ago. However, due to his low ranking, he is expected to be expelled sooner. Current Status: Curious Attributes: Strength: 2.0 Agility: 3.0 Vitality: 2.5 Luck: 0.5 Spirit: 7 Spells: Ice Heart (Unstable), Chill Touch (Unstable). Additional Skills: None Affinities: Space- Prodigy Ice- High¨¤Low] [¡­ This young man has a bad luck. He has a prodigy rank in spatial element, but the best he did was to construct two unstable ice spells. This lad seems only focused on the ice element.] Zera muttered. ¡®It seems he chose Ice spells because of his long family lineage. But what is this curse?¡¯ Raven furrowed and decided to answer his question. ¡°That¡¯s because you haven¡¯t found your hidden talent yet, Young Master Daley.¡± ¡®Zera, tell me more about curses.¡¯ [Curses are spells that affect a person¡¯s physical or astral form permanently or temporarily. As far as I know, only necromancers and Dark Mages practice curse-type spells. And from the looks of it, the curse in this boy¡¯s body is more like a bloodline curse. It happens when someone intakes too much-condensed ice elemental energy for a long period while skipping precautions or intakes something that affects the bloodline.] ¡®Condensed Ice elemental energy?¡¯ Raven asked with a frown. As Zera was explaining, Daley let out a chuckle and shook his head. ¡°We¡¯ve tried all the methods to strengthen my ice affinity. I even hired an Expert rank Alchemist to look into my condition and get treatment every week. But my condition only deteriorates.¡± He said with a bitter smile. At that moment, Zera seemed to have found the answer and shouted in Raven¡¯s mind. [That¡¯s it! Usually, nobles, ladies, and wealthy people eat the meat of magical beasts during pregnancy so that the unborn baby will get a small wisp of elemental energy. And theoretically, even such a small wisp of elemental energy could strengthen a particular elemental link between body and soul. But if someone consumes elemental meat more than their body can handle, a soul-body link problem will occur, resulting in the baby being born dead. Due to that, it¡¯s almost forbidden to eat magical beast meat during pregnancy period. That¡¯s why it¡¯s common sense not to eat magical beast meat more than two or three times a month. And there is also no proof of someone increasing their elemental affinity just by consuming magical beast meat.] ¡®Does that mean he is recklessly consuming magical beast meat or potion?¡¯ Raven asked. [He is not a na?ve fool to consume something without knowing the risk. As a descendant of a legendary ice wizard, he should know the consequences of consuming condensed ice elemental energy, too. I have two guesses. First, someone closer to him practices dark magic and occasionally casts a bloodline curse spell on him. That Expert Alchemist might be the culprit. Second, he is taking a food item that affects his bloodline. And I highly suspect that an alchemist might be testing out his research on him using treatment as an excuse. As far as I know, this world or the Wizards from Ivory Continent doesn¡¯t know how to create an affinity potion. But that doesn¡¯t mean they haven¡¯t tried it yet.] Zera¡¯s words made Raven widen his eyes. ¡®Ingredients that affect bloodline¡­¡¯ A list of potion formulas and the ingredient names appeared in his head. ¡®In truth, Wizards have no connection with bloodline magic. Wizards pursue the magic of the purest form and understand the elements through research and knowledge. At the same time, Warlocks devour the blood of another strong race and go through mutation to obtain supernatural abilities. Alas, one¡¯s bloodline is crucial in deciding one¡¯s affinity. For Example, a descendant of an Ice Dragon bloodline Warlock will have a higher ¡®Ice¡¯ or ¡®Water¡¯ affinity than a normal human. Surprisingly, most of the descendants of Viola Findlay seem to excel in Ice Affinity and Ice Magic.¡¯ As Raven realized that Viola Findlay might not be a Wizard but a Bloodline Warlock, he quickly selected all the bloodline potion formulas related to ice elements and looked into them. Among those ingredients, some cause one¡¯s Ice elemental bloodline to act violently, some induce the ¡®will¡¯ hidden in the bloodline essence to overtake original consciousness, and some ingredients act as suppression for the side effects. Within seconds, Raven found the ingredients that could suppress the ice elemental rampage. ¡®Sun Lotus Petals, Lava Essence Crystal, Feather Flame berry, Sun Heart Herb, Scorching Flower Nectar¡­¡¯ ¡®Wait, his Ice affinity has already downgraded to low rank. Even if he got cured of this curse, nothing will change. But why didn¡¯t he construct even a single spatial spell?¡¯ Only then did Raven realize he might not even know his affinity ranks. "A piece of advice from a fellow wizard, young master. Discard the coldness in your heart. May you find your right path in the void. If you manage to find the right path, come and look for me.¡± Raven¡¯s words were like mysterious hidden clues etched deep into Daley¡¯s mind. At that moment, Jacob approached them and whispered something in Raven¡¯s ear. ¡°You need to see the booking list yourself, My Lord. The cost is a bit too high for a single-storied house.¡± ¡°Oh, excuse my rudeness, Young Master. It seems I need to select the room myself.¡± Raven said and gave Daley an elegant bow before standing up and walking towards the reception desk. Chapter 86: Crowns Tavern Chapter 86: Crowns Tavern Daley sat frozen on the sofa, replaying Raven¡¯s words. ¡°Discard the coldness in your heart¡­ May you find your right path in the void...¡± He turned to Maisie; his expression showed confusion. ¡°Tell me, Maisie. Did he mean I have no affinity for Ice?¡± ¡°That¡¯s absurd, Young Master,¡± Maisie replied sharply. ¡°You carry Lady Viola¡¯s blood. What could a random bumpkin possibly know about you?¡± While asking, she looked at the reception desk where Raven and his companions were standing and inquired about the accommodation. ¡°Kingston, find out who he is and bring me a detailed report by tonight,¡± Daley ordered. ¡°Also, cancel the house booking.¡± ¡°Yes, Young Master.¡± Kingston bowed slightly and headed toward the reception desk where Raven and others went. Daley exhaled deeply, muttering, ¡°Could it be I have talent in another element? What did he mean by those words?¡± Maisie¡¯s voice was firm yet soothing. ¡°Don¡¯t let a stranger¡¯s words bother you, Young Master. We all know your talent for Ice magic is unmatched¡ªit hasn¡¯t fully awakened yet.¡± Daley shook his head. ¡°It would be helpful if I get access to the affinity checker. But only the royals have that privilege.¡± Wizards relied on magical affinity orbs to test elemental potential. Ordinary orbs merely glowed to indicate affinity, while the royal artifact revealed exact grades. Daley had only tested with a basic orb during his entrance exam, which confirmed his Ice affinity. Confident in the result, he chose Ice Wizard Mary as his professor without further testing other orbs. ¡°I heard the royal artifact has limited use,¡± Maisie added. ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s restricted.¡± Daley frowned. ¡°But how did he know about my condition? His words didn¡¯t feel like a bluff.¡± He clenched his fists. ¡°Even if I boost my spirit power with potions, constructing more spell models and advancing to the next rank before December feels impossible. I¡¯ve already failed three times due to this heart condition, suffering severe backlashes each time.¡± His mind raced. ¡°Find a path in the empty void¡­ Could he mean the Spatial element?¡± Determined, Daley stood abruptly. ¡°I¡¯m going back to the academy. I¡¯ll use Professor Mary¡¯s resources to test my affinity with the other elements. If I have even slight resonance with Spatial, I¡¯ll try engraving its circle in my Mind Space.¡± Daley knew the risks. Creating a spell model was one thing; fully integrating it into the Mind Space required strong elemental affinity. Without it, the spell model could collapse and destabilize the entire process after a few years. His ice spell models were unstable because of his low affinity for Ice. If it left alone, Daley was sure that even these two ice spell models would collapse and turn him into a cripple. Maisie¡¯s voice rose in disbelief. ¡°Young Master! Why trust the words of a random stranger?¡± But Daley wasn¡¯t listening. His decision was made the moment Raven uttered those words. Without another word, he strode toward the exit, leaving Maisie silent. ¡­ During this time, Raven reached the reception desk and inquired about accommodations. A brown-haired woman in her thirties, dressed in a plain overcoat and formal red dress, responded with a professional demeanor. ¡°Crowns Tavern offers stays ranging from a day to several weeks. We have single bedrooms, double bedrooms, resort houses, two-storied homes, and three-storied mansions. Food, servants, and other amenities are included based on the offer you pick. A single bedroom costs two gold coins per day, a double bedroom costs five gold coins, and a single-storied resort house costs 15 gold coins per day. Which one would you like to pick, Sir Thomas?¡± Raven remained calm but thought, ¡®Fifteen gold coins daily is steep.¡¯ ¡°And the cost for a three-storied mansion?¡± he asked evenly. The woman¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Fifty gold coins per day. It includes a butler, two maids, two security Guards for protection, and an hour¡¯s daily access to the spirit pool.¡± ¡®Fifty gold coins... but it¡¯s necessary for my goal,¡¯ Raven thought. His primary reason for choosing Crowns Tavern was to contact a guest. Feigning consideration, he tapped the counter. ¡°Can I choose a specific mansion?¡± The receptionist and nearby patrons seemed surprised. Even Selene whispered, ¡°Isn¡¯t it too much, My Lord?¡± The receptionist recovered quickly. ¡°Of course, Sir. Fifteen three-storied mansions are available.¡± She pulled out a map and spread it on the desk. ¡°Camera Portrait!¡± Selene¡¯s eyes widened, catching Raven¡¯s curiosity. ¡°Camera Portrait?¡± He asked, unfamiliar with the term. Selene nodded, ¡°It¡¯s a photographic technique created by an Alchemist named Louise. Using alchemy, he captured images on copper plates lined with silver. Over time, this evolved, and now nobles use it to preserve memories in the form of pictures. But due to its high cost, only wealthy people can afford it.¡± Raven inspected the top-down map, intrigued. ¡°Taken from the sky?¡± ¡°A Wizard from the Academy assisted the photographer,¡± the receptionist replied proudly. The receptionist then marked seven mansions on the map. ¡°These are occupied. You can choose from the others.¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Raven frowned slightly and said as he pointed his finger at a particular mansion house. ¡°I wanted the one near the Crows Misery.¡± It was located at the southern end of Garden Street and even had a shortcut alley road connected to the next street. ¡°That mansion is reserved long-term for Vice President Judith. The one adjacent is available,¡± she suggested. After a moment¡¯s thought, Raven nodded and took a leather pouch from Jacob. ¡°I¡¯ll take it for five days,¡± he said, placing two platinum coins on the counter and the pouch. The receptionist rang a bell, summoning a young servant in neat attire. ¡°This is Toby. He¡¯ll guide you to your accommodations. Should you need anything, contact us through him.¡± Raven gave a faint nod before following Toby out of the building. The servant boy guided Raven and others through the long road of the garden street and soon entered a separate passage where no vehicles were passing. Green trees and ornamental plants covered the roadsides, giving a unique beauty. The boy walked briskly, leading them through a stone-paved path with blooming flowers. The scent of lavender and honeysuckle filled the air. ¡°So, who owns this tavern?¡± Raven asked. ¡°It¡¯s Prime Minister Gavin, My Lord. I heard he had formed a cooperative deal with the Empire Wizards, making this tavern a luxurious place for wizards and nobles. The staying cost of this mansion is so expensive because of the spirit pool at the center of this Inn.¡± Selene answered. While talking, they walked past many single-storied resort houses, two-storied houses, and even mansions and finally arrived at the area where multiple mansion buildings were located. As they walked past the mansions, Raven quietly adjusted the monocle and noticed all the outside guards were either peak-rank Radiant Walkers or Expert Walkers! ¡°This is the mansion you will be staying in, Sir,¡± Toby said as they approached a large compound gate. Raven¡¯s sharp eyes took in the details as they arrived at the mansion. The compound gate loomed tall, crafted from wrought iron, and adorned with intricate patterns of swirling vines. But as he took a closer look with his mind, he noticed the mystical runes were etched all over the walls and glowing faintly. [The whole mansion is made of a large rune array. No wonder the price for staying for a single day is this high.] ¡®An array?¡¯ Thanks to Raven absorbing Runeth¡¯s childhood memories during the past few days, he understood runes and rune arrays. [Yes. It is most likely a protection array. And a magic array of this caliber should be strong enough even to block one or two blows from Pseudo-Legendary realm attacks. If one stays in this mansion, they won¡¯t need to fear assassination at all.] ¡®Oh? Can it even block dream spells?¡¯ Raven asked. [That spell is an entirely different dimensional spell. But to enter Judith¡¯s dream, you must conduct the dream ritual without alerting anyone.] Zera said. ¡®That¡¯s the reason I booked the mansion right next to hers. All I need to do is to wait for the right time and conduct the ritual.¡¯ Two guards stationed at the gate stood to attention as they approached, their eyes sharp and their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. But upon noticing Toby, both relaxed their guard and nodded at him. Meanwhile, Toby turned to Raven and bowed slightly. ¡°I will inform the butler of your arrival, Sir Thomas. The guards will open the gate for you shortly.¡± At that moment, one of the guards stepped forward, bowing slightly. ¡°Welcome to the Crowns Tavern, Sir. We¡¯ve been notified of your arrival. Please let us know if we can do anything to ensure your stay is comfortable.¡± Raven nodded and motioned for Selene, Stephaine, and Jacob to follow as the gates creaked open. The compound beyond revealed a sprawling garden with meticulously trimmed hedges and vibrant flowerbeds. A stone-paved path led to the mansion¡¯s grand entrance, its marble columns gleaming under the morning sun. As they approached, the large double doors opened to reveal an elderly butler dressed impeccably in black and white with a monocle resting neatly over one eye. Two maids flanked him, each bowing as Raven stepped forward. ¡°Welcome, Sir. Thomas,¡± the butler greeted with a refined tone. ¡°I am Harold, the head butler assigned to your service during your stay. Do not hesitate to summon me or any staff member if you need anything. Allow me to give you a brief tour of the premises.¡± Raven nodded, following Harold inside. The entrance hall was vast, with a high ceiling adorned by a grand chandelier. The polished wooden floors reflected the soft golden light, and the walls were decorated with portraits and carvings. ¡°This is the main hall,¡± Harold began, gesturing to the space. ¡°From here, you may access the dining area to your left, the lounge to your right, and the staircase leading to the upper floors. The first floor houses the guest rooms, while the second floor contains your study, private library, and meditation room. The third floor is your personal quarters.¡± Harold turned slightly, leading them toward the lounge. The room was luxurious, with plush seating arranged around a low table, a fireplace crackling gently in the corner, and shelves lined with ornate vases and other decor. ¡°Your meals will be served in the dining room unless you request otherwise,¡± Harold continued. ¡°And if you want to use the spirit pool, I¡¯ll personally escort you there and help you with all the arrangements.¡± Raven was impressed. ¡°Although I want to tour the mansion, I have other matters. Can you arrange a carriage for me, Harold? I¡¯m planning to visit the Wizards Guild after an hour.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll arrange the exclusive one, Sir. Thomas. Is there anything else you need? It would be best to take a personal guide like Toby to tour the Royal City.¡± He suggested. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡± Raven nodded and soon asked, looking at the opposite mansion through the glass window. ¡°Is it possible to meet Vice President Judith? I¡¯m a big fan of her!¡± Harold made an apologetic bow and responded. ¡°It¡¯s impossible, My Lord. She mostly stays in the academy on weekdays and comes here only on Sundays. And during her stay here, not even the high-rank nobles or the Royals can meet her without any invitation letter.¡± ¡®Sunday, huh? Isn¡¯t it the day after tomorrow?¡¯ Raven furrowed his brows and soon shook his head. ¡°For now, make arrangements for my companions to rest.¡± ¡°Yes, Sir. Thomas.¡± Harold nodded. ¡°Selene, follow me.¡± Saying so, Raven started walking towards one of the guest rooms. After walking for a while, Raven stopped before the first room on the left side of the longue and opened it. ¡°Walk into the room after 30 seconds.¡± Saying so, he walked ahead and closed the door. ¡¯30 seconds? What is he thinking?¡¯ Selene stood silently for 30 seconds, opened the door, and walked in. At that moment, Raven sat on the bed and muttered something while removing his shoes. But Selene¡¯s attention was completely drawn to the room¡¯s design. The high-class bed was placed at the center, while the whole floor was covered in carpets. Selene also saw the other luxurious items in the room and felt a sense of familiarity. ¡®This room looks similar to my academic dormitory room.¡¯ Her memories of the academic years surfaced. She soon snapped out of the shock and turned her attention towards Raven. ¡°Do you need any help, My Lord?¡± She asked. Raven nodded his head and spoke. ¡°I want to check my ability in detail.¡± He instantly activated the ¡®Past Self¡¯ spell. ¡°Do not speak to anyone about what happens inside from now on.¡± As soon as he spoke, Raven¡¯s figure suddenly became transparent and disappeared. A moment later, the wooden door opened with a click, and soon, a familiar figure walked in. ¡°M-My Lord? How did you come from outside?¡± She was shocked by this strange scene and released her spirit power to check if there was any illusion spell. To her surprise, she sensed his presence and furrowed. ¡°Did you teleport?¡± On the other hand, Raven quietly walked in without even looking at Selene and quietly sat on the bed while removing his shoes. Then, she heard him muttering a few words. ¡°The spell duration is 30 seconds, and the cooldown should be around 5 minutes. However, I can¡¯t cast this spell continuously due to the lack of time affinity and spell integration into the elemental circle.¡± At that moment, the door opened again. She noticed something abnormal as she turned around to check who was entering. ¡®The door is shut? But I heard the door opening sound, though.¡¯ But what startled her more was that Raven wasn¡¯t sitting on the bed. Instead, he was standing near the window and was looking at her amusingly. ¡­ Chapter 87: Wizards Guild Chapter 87: Wizards Guild ''As I thought, my ''Past Self'' bloodline spell can create a realistic past illusion clone and even fool others'' spiritual sense, making it almost look like I''m standing there. Zera, will it work on High-Rank Walkers and Wizards?'' Raven asked. [As long as they lack knowledge of Elapsed Time, they will believe the clone is real. Didn''t I mention it earlier? This world doesn''t follow the Class Gem pathway, so Wizards and Walkers know little about Time, Dream, Fate, Luck, or Destiny. Only Legend Rank powerhouses delve into future insights or fate, and even they rarely examine Elapsed Time,] Zera explained. ''Haa, all I need now is to increase my affinity to at least ''Low'' rank and create a Time Circle inside the Arcanum Circlets of Destiny. After that, I will have an easier time using this spell.'' While thinking, he turned his attention towards Selene and asked. "How many times can you cast a ''Dream Walk'' spell per day?" Selene pondered for a moment and answered. "I explored the dream world only two times, My Lord. But after we had exited the dream world the second time, I felt a severe headache for two hours. And from what I''ve read from the spell books, I need to wait 5 days to enter the dream realm due to the lack of Dream Circlet in my mind space." "Oh? Does that mean you can enter the dream realm multiple times if you engrave Dream Circlet in your mind space?" Raven asked. "I think so, My Lord. However, the elemental circlet technique I currently use only allows me to absorb elemental energy from darkness, shadow, and fire elements. I never even heard of Dream elemental circlet." Selene said with a hesitant look. Raven knew what she was thinking and waved his hand. "When we signed a new contract, I was also planning on giving you an uncommon elemental circlet technique that is compatible with you. Hmm, I''ll find a suitable Elemental Circlet later." "Yes, My Lord." Selene nodded in understanding and asked. "So why did you call me, My Lord?" "What are the privileges of joining the Wizards'' Guild?" Raven asked. "There are many privileges, My Lord. The first is eligible for you to enter the Wizards Circle. And do you know where the most wizards are gathered?" Selene asked. "Crows Misery Academy?" Raven guessed. "Not entirely true, My Lord. In truth, after graduating from the academy, only around 10% of the wizards stay in the Empire. The rest of them all choose to leave Ivory Island and move to the mainland. Have you ever heard of Arcane Mist Empire?" ''Arcane Mist Empire¡­ Where have I seen that name before?'' At that moment, he recalled Franco''s status. ''Yes, Teacher Elizabeth and Franco are the citizens of the Arcane Mist Empire.'' Raven''s eyes widened. "I''ve heard of them. Does that mean Crows Misery Academy is not under the control of our Empire but that Arcane Mist Empire from the mainland?" Selene nodded and continued her explanation. "Only a part of Crows Misery Academy is under the control of the outside force." "Wizard Union!" Raven instantly caught on. "Yes. This Wizards Guild is an affiliated organization of the Wizard Alliance. As long as one registers themselves as a member of the Wizard Guild, they will get many privileges based on rank. Resources like potion materials, rune formulas, knowledge regarding ancient spells, and even highly ranked Magical beast materials can be accessed easily through the Wizards Guild network." Selene paused for a moment and soon added. "But you must sign a magical contract with harsh conditions, including leaving the Zenith Empire and serving the Wizards Guild of the Arcane Mist Empire for a long period." "Are you also a member of the Wizards Guild?" Raven asked. "Yes, My Lord. But I''m only a ''Black'' rank, so I don''t need to follow any strict rules and regulations of the Wizards Guild." "There are ranks?" Raven became more curious. "Yes, My Lord. They are Black, Blue, Red, and Gold. All those Acolyte wizards who join the Wizards Guild start with Black Rank. But they will be privileged to access hidden auctions, Wizards Market, Potion shops, etc." "What about the other ranks?" "Blue rank Wizards are Radiant Wizards and have the privilege of getting access to the Wizards Guild library and many other things like spell models, techniques, and rare potions. But I heard they have to work for Wizards Guild for some time. As for the Red and Gold ranks, I also know nothing about them, My Lord. But I do hear that after one becomes a Gold Rank Wizard, they will have to leave the Empire permanently." Selene said solemnly. ''It seems the Wizards Guild is also similar to the Velvet Circlet. But unlike the Velvet Circlet, they act so openly and poach talents.'' He quickly figured out the Wizard Alliance''s motive. "You can go back and freshen up, Selene. I''ll check on my abilities and come to the main hall in an hour," Raven said as he sent her off. ''Check on his abilities? Does it relate to the strange phenomenon I encountered after entering this room?'' She recalled how he disappeared without alerting her spiritual sense and greatly confused her. Although Selene was puzzled, she didn''t question him and quietly left the room. ''What do you think, Zera?'' He asked. [This island is just a tiny part of this world, lad. Understandably, the Wizards from Arcane Mist Empire want to take in potential seeds and nurture them for a purpose. If this continues, this Empire has no future at all.] Zera said solemnly. ''I don''t care as long as my sister and aunt are safe.'' Raven responded. [No. You are bound to get involved in this mess.] Zera sighed in his head while he went to the bathroom to freshen up. ¡­ Raven emerged from the guest room an hour later and went to the main hall. Selene, Jacob, Toby, and Harold were assembled there, seemingly waiting for him. "The carriage is ready and waiting outside, Sir Thomas," Harold said, adjusting his monocle. Raven nodded, then turned to Jacob. "You''re coming along? I thought you''d be resting."If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "It''s my duty to protect you, My Lord," Jacob replied faintly. "Let''s head out, then," Raven said with a slight smile. He stepped out of the mansion, with Selene, Jacob, and Toby following close behind. Outside, a sleek black carriage adorned with golden flowers awaited them. Two impeccably groomed horses stood quietly, their reins held by a young stablehand. "Go to the Wizards Guild," Raven ordered the coachman, stepped inside the carriage, and closed the door. "Yes, sir!" The young coachman whipped the horses and drove the carriage out of the mansion. The journey to the Wizards Guild was short, but the streets grew narrower and more crowded as they approached the Royal City''s central region. Towering dark stone buildings loomed on either side, their spires installed with lamps glowing faintly even in the day. "Do you still want to visit the Guild, My Lord?" Selene asked, breaking the silence. "Yes," Raven replied without opening his eyes. "If possible, I want to register as an Acolyte Wizard." Selene nodded, though she had long guessed his answer. A few minutes later, the carriage slowed as they approached a tall, three-storied building surrounded by a high wall. The Wizards Guild''s main building stood like a fortress, its massive doors flanked by two towering statues of robed figures holding glowing staffs. Among those figures, Raven felt one appeared more familiar. ''Isn''t that Prime Minister Gavin?'' His attention moved towards the other statue. It was a statue of a young woman in her long robe. She held a book in her left hand and also wore a crown on her head. ''That must be Judith.'' At that moment, the coachman opened the door and stepped aside. "We''ve arrived, Sir." Raven exited the carriage, his gaze sweeping the entrance with mild interest. He adjusted his dress and gestured for the others to follow. As they approached the gates, a guard clad in a red uniform stepped forward and stopped them, his left hand firmly holding a long rifle. "State your business," he demanded in a firm tone. "I''ll take care of this." At that moment, Selene reached into her pocket and pulled out a black seal etched with a golden rune. "I''m a former student of the Crows Misery Academy and also a member of the Wizards Guild. I came here to do a registration for my friend." She said while pointing her finger at Raven. The guard furrowed as he recognized the emblem and quickly stepped aside. "Please proceed. But only your friend is allowed to enter. The rest of them have to stay outside." "I''ll wait here along with Toby and coachman, My Lord," Jacob said while backing away. Meanwhile, Selene led Raven through the gates and into the grand hall of the Wizards Guild. The interior was as imposing as the exterior¡ªmarble floors polished to a mirror-like sheen, towering bookshelves filled with ancient tomes, and glowing lanterns floating in midair illuminated the vast space. Several people in formal dresses moved about. Their discussions were mainly about magical studies like runology and recent news. Raven quietly looked around and realized almost all of them were wizards. "Only registered Wizards of the Guild can enter this building, My Lord. And to register as a Guild member, you only need to show one or two of your spells." Selene explained. ''Show one of my magic spells?'' Raven''s face froze. ''But most of my spells are body-related ones. I should go with the ''Cold Breath'' spell then.'' "Is there anything else I need to know?" Raven asked. "Nothing much, My Lord. Please provide a proper identification certificate and show them you are a wizard. They will register your name in the Wizards Guild and officially name you the Guild Wizard. Of course, you must pay a registration fee of 10 gold coins." "10 gold coins to become a member of the Wizards Guild?" Raven was shocked. "That''s only for registration. After that, you also need to pay for affinity checking. For every affinity you check, they will bill you 25 gold coins." Selene said with a wry smile. "Did you also pay that much to register and check affinity?" Raven felt it was so expensive. "No, My Lord. I used my academy''s registration certificate to skip these procedures. Unfortunately, you don''t have anything like that right now." While talking, they approached a large circular desk where a middle-aged man sat. He wore a dark blue robe embroidered with golden patterns. His sharp eyes lifted from a parchment as Selene and Raven approached. "New registration?" the man asked, his tone professional but laced with disinterest. "Yes," Selene replied, handing over Raven''s identity certificate. "This is my employer, Thomas Holmes. He wishes to register as an Acolyte Wizard." The man examined the document briefly before nodding. "Very well. First, pay the registration fees." Raven quietly took ten gold coins out of thin air and placed them on the table. "Oh? A spatial storage spell?" The middle-aged man''s eyebrows raised. After that, he took out a new document and asked for his name, age, occupation, and family status. "Your teacher''s name. Also, tell me how you became a Wizard." He continued to ask. Raven nodded and spoke after a short deliberation. "My teacher''s name is Charles Nightwind. He took me as his disciple when I was involved in a kidnapping incident and taught me a few spells before disappearing. And thanks to his books, I also learned a bit about rune Magic and am planning to become a Rune Wizard." "Oh? That''s quite a normal protagonist story you have," the middle-aged man said with a chuckle and asked him to follow. "Step into the testing chamber. Your magical aptitude and a demonstration of your abilities will be required to complete the registration." He gestured towards a doorway to their left, and Selene motioned for Raven to follow. Raven''s gaze fell upon the simple yet imposing setup as they entered the testing chamber. The room was circular, with glowing rune letters lining the walls. At its center were a total of ten orbs lined in order. The first one appeared red color, the second brown, the third blue, the fourth green, the fifth white, the sixth black, the seventh purple, the eighth sky blue color, the ninth golden color, and the tenth orb appeared deep blue. "Those are? Are they affinity checkers?" Raven''s eyes widened. "Yes, My Lord. But it will only glow if you have a ''High'' rank affinity or above. After all, many roaming Acolyte Wizards have low elemental affinity, so the Guild uses this method to weed out the untalented ones." Selene explained. At that moment, a blue-robed examiner stood beside the orbs, an older woman with silver hair tied in a tight bun. As they entered the room, she eyed Raven with curiosity and asked. "You wish to register as an Acolyte Wizard?" "Yes," Raven said, stepping forward. "Place your hand on the orb based on your element," the examiner instructed, her voice firm. "We will know if you are eligible to register." As Raven walked closer with a hesitant look, the examiner cleared her throat and explained. "Red means fire element, brown means earth, blue means water, green means nature, white means light, black means darkness, purple means poison, sky blue means ice, gold means lightning, and deep blue means space. A few other orbs with unique affinities are stored in the other room, but you must become an Official Wizard to access it." Raven nodded, walked closer to the sky-blue orb, and touched it. For a moment, it remained dim, but then it began to glow with a faint, icy blue light. "Ice affinity," she murmured, jotting something down on a parchment. "Do you want to check if you have an affinity for another element? It costs only 25 gold coins per touch," she said with a smile. The corner of Raven''s lips twitched. "No, Ma''am. I don''t think I need to check anymore." He responded instantly. She then gestured for him to step back. "Now, demonstrate a spell. It doesn''t have to be an attack spell." As she spoke, she pointed her finger at a wooden dummy placed three meters ahead. Raven took a deep breath, raising his hand. A faint mist began to form around his palm, swirling and condensing. The temperature in the room dropped noticeably, and with a sharp exhale, he unleashed the Cold Breath spell. A gust of icy wind shot forward, leaving a thin layer of frost on the floor. A moment later, the wooden dummy was covered in ice. But what shocked everyone in the room was that the thin layer of ice started to spread more than a five-meter radius ahead and started becoming hardening. "Oh? Interesting." The woman examiner muttered in a surprised tone and spoke a word in Runic. "Krytha!" The wooden dummy started glowing in a reddish light as soon as she spoke. However, due to the ice covering its body, it remained standing and tried to break free from the ice layer but couldn''t. Seconds passed slowly. When the time reached 65 seconds, cracks appeared all over the ice layer, followed by shattering noise. The next second, the ice layer fell on the ground, allowing the wooden dummy to move freely. "The wooden dummy has the strength equal to that of a peak Elite Warrior, but your spell stopped it completely for 65 seconds." She wrote down something on the parchment. "If it''s a Radiant Rank Walker, your spell would stop their movement for 5 to 6 seconds. Pretty good spell you have." She commented and sent them off. "You can go back now." After that, Raven and Selene left the chamber and returned to the reception hall. Then, he paid for the affinity checkup and stayed for more than an hour to complete the registration process. "This is your Wizard Guild''s identity badge." The middle-aged man gave him a black-colored badge with the symbol of a crow engraved on the front. "The color badge represents one''s rank in the Wizards Guild. The more one contributes to the Wizards Guild, the higher the chance to rank up. And as long as you hold this badge, you will get access to Wizards Guild-affiliated hidden auction houses, artifact stores, potion shops, etc." Raven quietly listened to the middle-aged man''s explanation, even asked his doubts, and soon left the Wizards Guild. ¡­ Chapter 88: The Mystic Cauldron Chapter 88: The Mystic Cauldron "Where are we going next?" Selene asked as they walked out of the Wizards'' Guild. "Guide me to the best potion shop. I want to buy some potion materials and equipment." He suddenly thought of something and asked. "Will the potion shop buy magical beast corpses?" "Most shops buy and sell magical beasts and materials, My Lord. Do you want to sell any?" Selene asked in confusion. "I got quite a precious magical beast corpse at the Bloodstone City''s auction house. I''m planning on selling it and making some profit." Raven said while looking at Jacob and Toby, standing beside the carriage and talking. Upon noticing their arrival, Jacob raised his hand and waved at them. "Did you finish your business, My Lord?" Jacob asked while opening the carriage door for him. "Sort of." Raven nodded. Meanwhile, Selene thought deeply for a moment and answered his question. "The best potion shop nearby should be ''The Mystic Cauldron,'' My Lord. But that shop is quite expensive compared to the other potion shops." "Potion shop? Are we going to buy potions?" Jacob blinked his eyes. "Yes. Is it also one of the shops I can enter only with the ''Black'' ring?" Raven asked while walking in. "Even Walkers, nobles, and wealthy people can visit there. But we can use this ring to buy even the rare items at a discount." Selene responded and turned her gaze towards the coachman before ordering. "Go to the Baker Street." After that, Selene, Jacob, and Toby entered the carriage and sat comfortably on the seats. Meanwhile, the young coachman pulled the horse reins and whipped the horses before driving. The carriage rattled through the bustling streets of the West Borough, its rhythmic motion accompanied by the chatter of merchants, the distant noise of factories, and the occasional neigh of passing horses. As the carriage passed through the main road, Raven leaned back in his seat, thinking deeply. ''I currently have over 6,500 gold coins. But if I want to buy potion materials for all elemental affinities, I need more than that.'' A frown appeared on his forehead. To concoct a Low-Rank'' Life Affinity'' potion, Raven spent 700 gold coins! He failed many times and only succeeded on the ninth try. ''Life potion concoction rate was only 10% at that time. Even though my spirit power increased, I still needed ten badges of potion materials.'' Selene sat across from him while he was in deep thought, her posture upright as she recounted details about The Mystic Cauldron. "My Lord, The Mystic Cauldron isn''t just a potion shop; it''s said to be the premier supplier of rare materials and Rune artifacts in the entire Royal City. Many advanced potion masters and Rune Masters are rumored to frequent it¡­" As Selene continued to explain, the carriage entered Baker Street and slowed to a halt in front of a modest-looking three-storied building. A swinging wooden sign bearing the image of a cauldron surrounded by glowing runes appeared at the entrance. "This is it, My Lord," Selene said, stepping out of the carriage and gesturing for Raven to follow. "I''ll take your weapon this time, Mr. Jacob," Raven said as he took the rifle from Jacob''s hand and stored it in the inventory. "Please let Selene handle the rifle, My Lord. I taught her how to wield it." Jacob said while remaining seated. "Okay." Nodding, Raven quietly stepped out of the carriage and joined Selene. "Once we enter the shop, always remain alert. I''ll be counting on you if something happens to me." Raven whispered only enough for Selene to hear. "I''ll not disappoint you, My Lord," Selene answered firmly. After that, Raven and Selene walked ahead and entered the potion house. A bell chimed as they approached the door, signaling their entry. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of lavender and a strange, peculiar energy, refreshing Raven''s mind. After taking a deep breath, Raven looked ahead at the potion shop and was surprised. The main entrance hall was crowded with hundreds of people. Women in red uniforms carefully assisted the guests, explaining the products they were purchasing. Meanwhile, customers wandered around, examining items displayed in sealed glasses. "This place looks more like a big jewelry shop," Raven commented. At that moment, he noticed more ladies in the hall than men. What surprised him most was that most of them were mortals! "This shop also sells the best beauty products, My Lord. That''s why it attracts a lot of wealthy ladies. This shop is more trustworthy and reliable because the Ravenshield Family owns it." While explaining, Selene guided him to the other side of the main hall and arrived before a wooden gate.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Then, she grabbed the doorknob, tilted it to the left, and walked in after opening the door. Unlike the main hall, the air inside smelled of herbs and pungent. Shelves lined the walls, stacked with glass jars containing colorful powders, glowing vials, and dried plants. The center of the room was dominated by a circular counter, where a silver-haired young lady in her long blue gown was wiping a set of vials with care. "Welcome to The Mystic Cauldron," she said without looking up. "How may I assist you?" Raven quietly raised his left hand, touched his monocle, and inspected her. ¡­ [Name: Anastasia Ravenshield Age: 143 Nationality: Zenith Empire Affiliation: Manager of the Mystic Cauldron Title: None Class: Expert Wizard (4th Circle) Health: Normal Attributes: Strength: 454.5 Agility: 433.00 Vitality: 496.5 Luck: ?? Spirit: ???? Spells: ?????, ?????, ??????, ??????? Additional Skills: ??????. ???????.] ... ''Question marks? What happened?'' Raven asked in a startled tone. [Your spirit power is too weak to pry more information about her. If you try to probe further, there is a high chance that she might notice someone is probing her.] Zera warned him in his mind. ''I understand. This is the first time I''m meeting a Rank-3 Expert.'' Raven calmly looked at Anastasia and spoke. "I''m searching for some potion materials, equipment, and magical beast corpses, ma''am." Anastasia raised her eyebrows and spoke. "You can find all the Common and Uncommon rank potion materials here. Can you tell me the list of items you need?" Raven nodded his head and spoke. "Ten petals of Temporal Lotus, 50 ml of Crystalinewine resin, Bluefire Ash, Powdered bone of Stardew Lizard, 500 ml of ethereal water, and 20 ml of dark root oil." "The temporal lotus petals are rare, but we got a few badges just a few weeks ago. Crystalinewine resin, ethereal water, and Darkroot Oil are easy to get in any potion shop. But the problem is Bluefire Ash and the powdered bone of Stardew Lizard." She frowned a bit and hurriedly added. "Wait here for a while, customer. I''ll go and check in the storage." Saying so, she hurriedly walked away from the counter while keeping the cleaned vials and left the room. A few minutes later, she returned with two sets of glass boxes. One contained a small amount of greyish ash, while the other contained white powder. After placing the items on the table, she gathered and placed the remaining materials individually. Then, she took the ledger from the nearby shelf and wrote it down. Anastasia finished writing in the ledger and looked up at Raven with a polite smile. "All the items you''ve requested are here, customer. However, I must warn you that the powdered bone of the Stardew Lizard is exceptionally rare. The cost for the entire set will be 1,280 gold coins." At that moment, Raven took out the Wizards Guild badge and showed it to her. "Shall we get some discount?" "Oh, of course. If you are a member of a Wizard Guild, you will get a 10% discount in all potion shops." Saying so, she did a quick math and added. "Then, the final amount will be 1152 gold coins." "I also want some more materials." He took a deep breath and started listing the potion materials for poison affinity, blood affinity, and even dozens of materials for strength and agility potions. Then he also brought lots of equipment, vials, burners, and many things useful for potion-making. However, unlike the time affinity potion materials, the others were cheap. Alas, he still spent most of his savings in the potion shop. He had only 1,800 gold coins when he finished purchasing all the necessary items! After that, Raven touched the spatial ring and asked. "Can I also sell the magical beast corpses here? I''ve two of them in my spatial ring." That was the main reason he came to this big shop. "Oh? We buy the magical beast corpses if they are in good condition, sir. Please come this way." Anastasia guided them out of the potion materials room, let them through a long corridor, and soon arrived in front of a tall wooden door. Two men in blue uniforms held unique rifles at the entrance. ''Radiant Rank Walkers!'' "This is the storehouse of magical beast corpses and materials. But we never let outsiders in easily unless there is a special circumstance." While speaking, Anastasia walked past the guards, opened the tall wooden gate with a slight push, and walked in. ''They never let outsiders in easily? But we are outsiders, though.'' As if she had seen through his thoughts, she chuckled and spoke. "I don''t know why, but I don''t feel any ill intentions from you. And I have a strange feeling that you are not simple." She favored him mainly because he carefully inspected and handled the potion materials like a veteran Alchemist! ''His potion knowledge is exceptionally higher than that of a Beginner Alchemist. He is most probably an Adept rank Alchemist.'' "How old are you, sir? You look so young to buy alchemy materials." Anastasia asked in curiosity. "I''m 17 this year. And these potion materials are for someone else." Raven answered stiffly. "Even for doing an errant job, you know a lot about alchemy and materials." She commented casually and walked in. The storehouse was vast, with rows of metal shelves holding neatly labeled containers, preserved beast parts, and glowing glass jars containing preserved organs. "We also have corpses ranging from mutant monsters to Rank-2 magical beasts." Saying so, she pointed her finger at the left side. Raven followed her finger and soon saw many glass containers arranged one after one in line. Within the transparent glasses, he saw magical beasts like moon jackal, Lavahorn Stag, Skyshadow Roc, Bloodeye orc, Twin Shadow Viper, Three-eyed cyclops, and so on. "Three-Eyed Cyclops? Isn''t this monster a descendant of Three-Eyed Titan?" Raven couldn''t help but ask. Unlike other magical beasts, its enormous size occupied a large space. It was the monster that he had his eyes on for a long time. "It''s a mutant monster we recently got from a mercenary squad that went to participate in the Meadows Family Subjugation Squad. Due to its third Eye ability, quite a large number of Walkers and mortal soldiers died. I heard that there are lots of mutant Cyclops, Giants, and even a Rank-2 Three-Eyed Giant spotted near the Southern Wild Fortress, raising concerns recently. Many suspect there might be a large Giant settlement deep in the woods and fear another invasion like the one that happened 80 years ago." Anastasia paused for a moment and soon added. "Anyway, this Cyclops'' liver and heart have medicinal effects and are used to make life potions. That''s why demand for it is high in the market. And the meat of a cyclops also attracts lots of attention from nobles." ''She is trying to raise its value.'' Raven easily guessed what she was planning and sighed. ''Unfortunately, I need this corpse at all costs.'' "How much does it cost?" A surprised expression appeared on Anastasia''s face. "Even though it''s only a mutant one, its worth shouldn''t be less than 2,000 gold coins." At that moment, Zera said something in his mind about the Cyclops'' meat, causing his lips to twitch. "That''s too much. Cyclops'' meat is tasteless and has little nutrition and magical energy. The worst part is that consuming the Cyclops meat has side effects like bad breath for weeks. And you must have already taken the mutant magic crystal. 1,200 Gold coins are more than enough." Raven said firmly. "But magical beast meat is still a precious meat, sir. And its liver and heart are still valuable items. Asking for a near Rank-1 Magical beast corpse for 1,200 gold coins is no good. My final price is 1,500 gold coins." Anastasia said while writing down something on the ledger. Although Raven wanted to reduce the price more, he decided to stop the bargain. "Deal." He nodded in agreement. "Anything more?" Anastasia asked. Raven pondered for a moment and nodded. "I also need the corpse of the Twin Shadow Viper, but I don''t have enough money right now." ¡­ [Author¡¯s Note: Merry Christmas Guys!] ¡­ Chapter 89: Bargain Chapter 89: Bargain "Oh? Unlike this Cyclops, this Twin Shadow Viper is a rank-1 Magical Beast and is rare due to its unique nature. I heard four Acolyte Wizards and Seven Knights spend more than a day chasing it to kill this guy." As Anastasia started raising its value, Raven interrupted her. "Please don''t beat around the bush, ma''am. Tell me the final rate." A smile appeared on her face. "8,500 Gold coins. If you arrange the right amount in three days, I''ll sell it to you for 8,000." "Ugh." Raven could only nod his head at her exhorting price. "If you have any unique mutant goblins, I would love to check on them." "Goblins, isn''t it?" Anastasia gave him a deep look and soon spoke. "You can get them for a very cheap rate even in the rural town shops, though." Meanwhile, Raven shook his head and added. "I''m talking about mutant goblins with unique skills. I heard that large shops and merchant companies often preserve unique corpses to showcase during the Ida festival." "But they are rare items that attract lots of visitors and wizards. If a high-rank Wizard finds it interesting, we might be able to get ten times higher than the price of an average Rank-1 magical beast." Anastasia shook her head at his demand. "What if I exchange a corpse with another unique one? And this one isn''t registered even in the Wizards'' Encyclopedia." Raven''s words made her froze for a moment. "I''ll check it first and then decide, sir." Raven didn''t say anything and quietly agreed. "Let''s assess the value of the magical beasts you sell." Anastasia gestured toward an open space near the center of the room, where a circular platform rested, embedded with glowing runes. "Please place the magical beast corpses here. Our identification array will automatically assess their value," she explained, stepping aside to give him space. Raven nodded and touched his spatial ring. He pulled out the first corpse using his spirit power¡ªa five-meter-long ice wyrm whose pure white scales glittered in the light. After placing the corpse on the array, Raven quietly backed away. Meanwhile, Anastasia activated the identification array by reciting a chant, making the whole array glow in a blinding golden light. A moment later, an invisible power emerged from the array and enveloped the corpse. At the exact moment, Anastasia looked at the corpse and started speaking. "The corpse is still in a good condition. But I don''t feel any bloodline essence inside, though." She suddenly looked at the Cyclops'' corpse on the left side and asked. "Are you researching the Warlock Pathway?" Her question surprised Raven. ''She knew of Warlock pathway?'' He got startled. [Of course, she knows. Before learning about Wizardry, Humans first dwelt into the pathway of Warlocks. But they chose Wizardry over Warlock due to the bloodline shackle and its restriction of only following one bloodline. Also, due to the lack of technology and knowledge, humans can only extract a portion of a Magical Beast''s bloodline, resulting in a loss of the purity of the bloodline. That''s why the warlocks become more vulnerable during the earlier phase.] ''What if a person can extract high-purity bloodline essence and inject it into his body?'' Raven asked. [Do you know why killing the same rank magical beast is complex, even for a Wizard?] ''Is it due to its big body? Or their bloodline spells? I heard that even two to three Wizards are needed to kill a same rank magical beast.'' Raven said. [Bloodline Magic is more like racial traits, lad. And those Magical Beasts have much stronger bodies than normal humans. For example, a Rank-1 Giant should have a strength of 60 to 100 times that of an average human. Meanwhile, a Rank-1 human, a peak rank Elite Walker''s strength, should only be ten times higher than an average human. What do you think will happen if a human manages to absorb 90% purity of even the weakest Rank-1 Giant''s bloodline essence?] ''¡­ He should gain at least a strength of 50 humans?'' Raven made a guess. [No, his body will explode before absorbing one-tenth of the bloodline essence. I don''t know how your body works due to the influence of Bloodline Devouring ability, but I''m sure your body also has the same limit as an average human. But your only advantage over the other warlocks is that you can choose bloodline spells from different species.]Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Noticing his silence, Anastasia shook her head and continued. "Well, Wizards won''t pry on other''s secrets. But please be careful of side effects and the bloodline restrictions if you plan on walking on the path of Warlocks." "The one researching the Magical Beast bloodlines is my senior. I''m only responsible for buying and selling the corpses." "Senior?" She looked at him curiously and soon shook her head. "As long as he knows what he is doing, it''s all good. Do you have more corpses, sir?" Anastasia asked while walking towards the array''s center and storing the corpse in her ring. "Yes. I''ve one more corpse." Saying so, he touched the spatial ring and took out the creepy mind worm magical beast. As soon as Anastasia saw the beast''s corpse, her eyes widened. "Is this the one you talked about?" She looked at the hundreds of closed eyelids all over the magical beast''s body and felt strange goosebumps. She activated the array again and tried to search its body''s interior through the identification array. "I''ve never seen or read such a complicated and unique anatomy. This being''s value should be more than-" Anastasia abruptly paused at her slip of the tongue and soon added. "Although unique, it has no bloodline essence like the other corpse. I can buy it for 5,000 gold coins." [Bargain at a very high price, lad. Didn''t she say that wizards sometimes buy unique goblin corpses ten times higher than a normal rate? What would happen if they realized this corpse''s uniqueness? It''s not one of the unique corpses. It''s the only corpse in the whole world.] "Humph, I can sell it in other shops then." Raven snorted coldly and tried to put it back in the spatial ring. "W-Wait! I can exchange it with any of the goblin corpses!" Anastasia hurriedly answered. In truth, the worth of this magical beast would skyrocket up to 100 thousand golds due to its uniqueness! ''There is no such thing in the entire Wizards'' encyclopedia! That means this being isn''t even from this world! Where on earth did he get this corpse from? Should I pressure him a bit?'' A thought crossed her mind. "One unique goblin corpse, Mutant Cyclops, and that Twin Shadow Viper corpse," Raven said, unaware of her thoughts, as he pointed his finger at the left side. "Shameless!" An invisible force suddenly appeared and entirely made Raven''s body freeze. ''F*ck! She is attacking me now?'' Raven panicked and instantly signaled Selene to act. Meanwhile, Selene leaped towards Raven, caught a rifle that suddenly appeared out of thin air, and turned her attention towards Anesthesia. Although the invisible power was there to restrict her body moment, Selene didn''t lose her calm and pointed the muzzle at Anastasia''s head. Her fingers were carefully placed on the trigger, while her eyes were focused entirely on Anastasia''s every movement. "Please retract your spiritual power, ma''am!" She stated calmly. But Anastasia felt a strange, threatening feeling. Only then did her attention move towards the rifle in her hand. "Aether weapon!" Her eyes squinted. "Yes. My team captain killed an Expert rank Walker with this weapon while he was serving in the army. Although I don''t know if I can kill you with this, I''m confident enough to give you a fatal wound." Selene said coldly and moved her fingers closer to the trigger. "Haa, what a reckless duo! I was only trying to put some pressure." Anastasia retracted her spirit power and sighed. "Fine. You can take all these three magical beasts. But I want you to promise me that you will give us more priority over other shops in the future." Raven thought for a second and agreed. "I promise." "You can take those two magical beasts with the glass containers," Anastasia said while waving her hand. Meanwhile, Raven moved closer to the left side of the storage and stored the two corpses in his spatial ring. "Once your senior extracts the blood essences from the corpses, you can return the Twin Shadow Viper''s corpse here. I''ll repurchase it at half the price." Anastasia suggested. "What about the Cyclops?" "Its heart and liver will dry once the blood essence is extracted. And even the flesh becomes hard as a rock. It will be nothing more than a mummified corpse. But Twin Shadow Viper''s skin, eyes, venom gland, fangs, and bones are useful for many things." While Anastasia explained, Raven moved towards the corpses and stored them in his spatial ring. "Done? Let''s move on to the underground basement storage." Anastasia guided them out of the storage and led them again towards a different path. After walking on a narrow corridor for a minute, the trio arrived in front of a downstairs staircase. Although some guards and people in robed dresses asked about Raven and Selene, Anastasia informed them they were her guests and soon led them into a large laboratory-like hall. Unlike the storage hall, this one was filled with hundreds of magical beasts'' bodies preserved in liquid-filled glass pods. Multiple tubes were connected to many body parts, and unique fluids were moving in and out continuously. What shocked Raven was that some were even breathing under those liquids and appeared to be in a sleepy state. "These pods keep the body in good condition for years even after they die." She gave him a short explanation. Raven nodded quietly, walked toward the nearby goblin corpse, and inspected it. ''This is not the one.'' He moved to the nearby one and checked again. After repeatedly checking for three more times, he finally found his target. Unlike other goblins, this monster had black and yellow skin and unique white eyes. "This is the one," Raven said as he pointed at the goblin. Thanks to Anastasia''s help, he had no difficulty retrieving the corpse from the pod and storing it in his spatial ring. Afterward, the trio left the underground basement storage and returned to the potion room. "We''ll take our leave, ma''am," Raven said with a smile. "Please visit the shop anytime," Like a professional owner, she smiled elegantly and sent them off. As soon as they left the room, the smile on Anastasia''s face disappeared. "I need to look into this person. I wonder how he gets his hands on that corpse?" She decided to do a detailed check and always keep in touch with him. ¡­ "Where is our next destination, My Lord?" Selene asked, her face visible with a trace of shock. In truth, she never thought an expert rank wizard would threaten them and was a bit scared. ''If he didn''t tell me to prepare for an unexpected attack, we might have lost pathetically. Even though Anastasia said it was to pressure us, I don''t think we would''ve returned without losing anything.'' Raven thought momentarily and soon spoke with a cold glint in his eyes. "I want to visit the Supreme Court." "Court?" Selene blinked her eyes in confusion. "Why do you want to visit that boring place?" "I''ve some business over there," Raven said and quietly entered the carriage. "I really can''t guess what he is thinking." She muttered slowly and followed him. Within seconds, the carriage started to move through the wide cobblestone road. ¡­ Chapter 90: Supreme Court Chapter 90: Supreme Court A few minutes later, the carriage stopped near a large circular building surrounded by a two-meter-tall compound gate. Several police officers in red uniforms, armed with rifles, stood guard at the gate. They diligently inspected everyone entering and exiting the Court. "Carriage can''t enter inside the building, Sir," Toby said as the carriage neared the compound gate. "Stop the carriage on the roadside," Raven ordered and soon added. "Toby, can you stay outside for a moment? I need to discuss something personal with my friends." "Yes, sir." The young boy nodded his head and quietly walked out of the carriage. "Jacob, I want you to take Toby with you and look for information about who manages this building. I want to know who will be staying here during the night, during the holiday, how much security force the Empire deployed to protect this place during normal days, and so on. The more information about this place, the better." Raven said solemnly. "What are you scheming, My Lord? And what is the reason for your visit to the capital city?" Selene gave him a suspicious look. ''From how he handles money, he is not a person who will recklessly spend on staying at a luxurious resort for nothing. He is after something for sure.'' "Sometimes, your curiosity might kill you, Selene," Raven said with a chuckle and soon shook his head. "Don''t worry. I promise that you won''t be put in any dangerous situation." Saying so, he opened the door and walked out. "I can''t even guess what he is thinking," Selene muttered as she saw Raven asking Toby questions after walking out of the carriage. "Don''t try to find what he is planning, Selene. I have a vague feeling this matter is not something we should poke our nose into." Jacob said solemnly and added. "Stay close to him and simply observe what he is doing. And if he ends up in a dangerous situation, prioritize your safety first." "Aren''t we supposed to protect him?" Selene could not help but be taken aback by her leader''s words. "Do you think we are even in a position to oppose the police officers standing at the court entrance?" He asked while pointing his finger at the police officers in red uniforms. "They are all Expert Rank Walkers. And that bald guy with a two-star badge is the leader of the whole group." Selene glanced at the old man in the red uniform and noted his resemblance to a military officer, with a sharp brown hook-shaped mustache and icy blue eyes. "His strength should be even above the Expert realm, huh?" A grave look appeared on her face. "Don''t worry. Although Mr. Holmes is planning something, he is not some stupid noble kid. And don''t forget he also has a Wizard backing him." Jacob patted her shoulder and walked out. Selene also walked out of the carriage and moved towards the compound entrance. "They are even checking spatial rings?" As Raven and others queued in line, they noticed all the people who walked into the Court were inspected thoroughly. Even nobles and Wizards weren''t excluded from this treatment. Soon, it was their turn. "Please provide your identity certificate. Also, tell me the reason for your visit." A slim male officer with short red hair spoke. Raven first showed his ID and then answered. "I came to watch the hearing of Convict Shirley for kidnapping the Royal Princess case." "What?" The officer sharpened his gaze toward him. "I came to watch-" "I heard you loud enough, lad." The officer took a deep breath and added casually. "You are the first one to show interest in that case. Well, it will be a boring and one-sided case, so good luck watching it." Raven couldn¡¯t help but show a surprised look. ¡®It seems no one is even interested in that case.¡¯ After going through a small checkup, the group entered the compound gate and started walking toward the main building. With its grand dome and intricate carvings, the circular building stood tall like a stadium and covered almost 500 meters in diameter. Tall Corinthian columns flanked the grand entrance, supporting an intricately designed pediment engraved with scenes. The compound was well-maintained, with lush gardens and fountains lining the pathways. Police officers in red uniforms patrolled the grounds, rifles slung across their shoulders. The Empire''s twin-serpent flag fluttered atop the dome, giving a sense of dominance. Raven also saw many people with black coats walking here and there and conversing with many people. "Selene, let''s go inside and check it out." He glanced at Selene and walked inside the Supreme Court''s main building. Meanwhile, Jacob went in a different direction to gather information while dragging Toby.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. After entering the Court, Raven and Selene passed a series of grand hallways and saw many lawyers, police officers, nobles, and walkers. In the Empire, the court hierarchy was divided into four types, from lowest to highest. The first one was the Police Courts, where small cases like thievery, robbery, scam, property, and affair cases would be handled. The second was the County Courts. It was where most criminal, civil, probate, estate, license, and family law cases would be handled. The third was the High Court, where criminal, civil, administrative, and even cases involving Walkers would be handled. And finally, the fourth, which oversees all the courts, was the Supreme Court. It was where Constitutional Cases, Appeals of National Importance, inter-governmental disputes, Economic and Commercial Cases, Human rights and international law, election disputes, Emergency cases, death penalty and lifetime imprisonment cases, and even crimes involving royalty would be handled. ''We can''t even make any appeal once the chief judge passes the judgment on my aunt.'' What made Raven more annoyed was the authority held by the Supreme Court. ''From what I''ve heard, even the Emperor can''t interfere once the Supreme Court''s Chief Judge made his final judgment.'' [This one seems more like a puppet Empire than a real one. If the Emperor can''t even have the power to decide the fate of his people, then isn''t he just a mere pawn? People''s rule? How many advocates in this Court are mortals?] Zera''s question surprised him. Raven glanced at the surroundings and soon noticed all the police, advocates, and people roaming inside the Court were Walkers! ''None¡­'' [Where is the people rule here? Aren¡¯t the walkers and Wizards ruling this Empire just like the Emperor? The wizards used a crafty method to restrict the Emperor''s influence. Moreover, most of the Advocates and Judges are also Wizards.] ''Does that mean this Supreme Court is already under the control of Wizards Alliance?'' While discussing things inside his mind, Raven and Selene walked past multiple chambers and soon arrived at the large, spacious chamber. ''It''s the main hearing room, huh?'' As Raven entered, his sharp gaze swept over the room. It was an expansive, circular chamber illuminated by chandeliers hanging from the domed ceiling, their crystals reflecting the light to create a dazzling effect. The walls were lined with dark oak paneling, and intricate carvings of legal symbols and the scales of justice adorned every surface. At the heart of the chamber was a raised platform where the seven judges'' seats were arranged in a semi-circle. Each judge was seated in their respective seats and was in the middle of conducting a case. The Chief Judge was sitting at the center, slightly higher than the others. His seat was more elaborate, with gilded accents and a large symbol of the scales of justice engraved above it. To the right of the judges'' platform were rows of desks and chairs designated for advocates. Each desk was equipped with parchment, quills, and ink, signifying readiness for detailed arguments and rebuttals. Many men in black-robed uniforms sat quietly on the seats and listened to an advocate defending the defendant. On the opposite side stood the defendant''s cage¡ªa reinforced iron-bar structure. Inside the cage, the defendant stood with a grim look. ''He is going through the final trial, huh?'' Beyond the central area were rows of wooden benches arranged in a semi-circle for the public audience. The benches were divided into sections, with the front rows reserved for esteemed guests. These seats were upholstered with red velvet cushions and adorned with golden accents, reserved for individuals of significant Status, such as the Emperor, Duke, Prime Minister, etc. A small podium was placed beside these seats for official announcements or remarks from dignitaries attending the trial. The remaining benches, more modest in design, were allocated to the general public. Surprisingly, many seats appeared vacant, even though a fierce argument between two advocates was happening at the center of the room. Raven and Selene moved towards the right side and sat on one of those seats allocated for the general public. After observing the case for a while, Raven vaguely understood what the case was about. "Smuggling case, huh?" His gaze was fixed on a lean old man with white hair and a wrinkled face. "But doesn''t smuggling cases come under the county court''s jurisdiction?" Selene asked. "He is not a normal smuggler but a Wizard. And from the looks of it, they caught him smuggling magical herbs and a few potions from the main continent. According to the Wizards Act of 845, importing products from the main continent is punishable by death or lifetime imprisonment." Raven said solemnly. "Isn''t it too much for just a smuggling case?" Selene was shocked. "That''s how the Wizards Alliance wants to monopolize the goods from Main Continent." [Hmm, this is a complicated situation. If there is a law to prevent people from importing goods from the Main Continent, they will use it to restrict knowledge, too. Your plan to give the potion recipe to Judith may be challenging. In the worst-case scenario, they will use this law to arrest the members of Wizard Union.] Zera said in his mind. ''Haa, I want to use the influence of the Wizard Union and save my aunt while exposing my identity. But that isn''t the permanent solution. The Wizard Alliance''s influence is too big.'' A grim look appeared on his face. For the next two hours, he remained seated in the same place and watched the hearings of a few more cases. What shocked him was that even a member of the Arch-Duke family was caught in a capital offense crime. ''He was charged with attempt to murder of crown prince and treason.'' His monocle''s ability made Raven realize that the higher-ups made the convict a scapegoat. His pleas were ignored entirely while multiple crimes were one-sidedly pushed onto him without even hearing his defense. ''Surprisingly, two Dukes, three princes, and even an Archduke are attending this hearing.'' "Let''s go." As the case was postponed to 23rd September, Raven and Selene quietly stood up from their seats and walked out of the grand hall. "So, you aren''t attending Sword Princess''s kidnapping case, My Lord?" "That case will also be one-sided. And from what I have heard, they will bring the defendant only on the final day of the hearing-" As he spoke, Raven saw a long black-haired woman in her mid-thirties standing a few meters away from them and was pleading towards a black-robed advocate. Even though the woman appeared familiar to him, Raven couldn''t figure out when he had met her. Her oval face looked weary, and her deep-bluish eyes showed firm resolve. "Didn''t I already give you all my savings, Sir Beckham? I''m even giving you an extra 1000 gold coins as payment. Please show some mercy and save my sister!" She pleaded while bowing her head. Meanwhile, the advocate, over 50 years old with grey hair, shook his head and spoke firmly. "It''s not about money, Madam Jeanne. The Royal Family is pressuring me a lot these days. If I don''t withdraw from your sister''s case, I fear something bad might happen to my family." The man named Beckham said apologetically. ''Royal Family?!'' Raven touched the monocle hurriedly and looked at her Status. ¡­ [Name: Jeanne Age: 45 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: 24th Concubine Class: Official Walker (Rank-1), Fifth Circle. Health: Normal Current Status: worried Attributes: Strength: 1.9 Agility: 1.8 Vitality: 1.9 Luck: 1.5 Spirit: 1.5 Skills: Shadow Walk, Stealth. Additional Skills: Affinities: Darkness- Low] ¡­ [Oh? Is she your biological mother?] Zera asked. ''¡­'' Raven froze for a moment and soon shook his head. ''I only have two family members. One is my sister, and the other is my aunt. She may have given birth to me, but I know nothing of her. The same goes for her. In her mind, I''m nothing more than a dead child.'' His lips trembled as he spoke coldly in his mind. Alas, the longing for mother''s love remained in a corner of his heart. ''Haa, I should leave from here first.'' He calmed down his mind and quietly walked past Jeanne. After walking for a while, Raven and Selene left the main building, regrouped with Jacob and Toby at the entrance gate, and quietly left the Supreme Court''s compound gate. ¡­ Chapter 91: More Bloodline Spells Chapter 91: More Bloodline Spells "Where should we go next?" Jacob asked. Raven pondered for a while and sighed. "Let''s go back to the resort. Although I wanted to visit the Royal City Library, I changed my mind." "Yes, My Lord." Jacob nodded and hurriedly informed the coachman to return to the Garden Street. "So, did you finish your task?" Raven asked. "Yes, My Lord." Jacob nodded. "Tell me after we return to the mansion," Raven said as the carriage started to move. When the carriage returned to the mansion that Raven rented, it was already 3 P.M. "You guys can go and rest," Raven said as they entered the mansion building and turned his gaze towards the elderly butler. "Is there any basement in this mansion?" "Yes, I''ll guide you if you want to, Sir Thomas." The head butler, Harold, responded with a nod. As Harold led the way, Raven followed him through the left-side corridor and soon walked down a dimly lit staircase at the end of the corridor passage. The air grew cooler and damper with each step. The faint scent of stone and age filled the space, suggesting the basement had not been used in a long time. "This is it, Sir Thomas." Harold took a brass key from his pocket and unlocked a heavy iron door at the bottom of the staircase. It creaked open to reveal a spacious underground chamber. Even though it was utterly dark, Raven managed to see everything thanks to his night vision. ''Oh? This chamber should be as large as the mansion''s main hall.'' "This is the mansion''s basement, Sir Thomas," Harold said, stepping aside to allow him entry. "It''s rarely used but remains in good condition. Should I bring anything down for you?" Raven nodded his head. "Hmm, bring me a few Aether Lamps to lighten the chamber." "Yes, Sir Thomas." Harold nodded and hurriedly went upstairs. A few minutes later, he came with five Aether lamps and installed them in the large chamber before lighting them up. The underground chamber became brighter in a few seconds, giving warmth. "Good. You can go back now. Until I come out, do not let anyone near this basement." The butler politely bowed before retreating up the staircase, leaving Raven alone in the bright hall. Raven''s sharp eyes swept over the stone walls, noting their sturdy construction. "It''s time to get more bloodline spells." He touched the spatial ring and hurriedly took the glass-sealed gigantic humanoid being from it. "Wow, this corpse almost covered half of the chamber!" Raven opened the glass container that sealed the corpse and walked near it. It was the Three-Eyed Cyclops'' Corpse. Then, he placed his palm on the corpse''s gigantic arm and activated the ''Bloodline Devouring Ability.'' ¡­ [Bloodline Devouring Ability is activated!] [Three Eyed Giant''s bloodline has been found!] [Analyzing the purity of the bloodline¡­.] [Calculating¡­] [The corpse has 34% purity of Rank-1 Three-Eyed Giant''s bloodline Essence!] [It is possible to extract the Three-Eyed Giant''s bloodline Essence and one of its bloodline spells!] [Would you like to use the ''Bloodline Devouring Ability''? Yes/No.] "Yes." Raven didn''t waste any time and clicked the notification. ¡­ [Bloodline Devouring Ability is on commence!] [Randomizing the Bloodline Ability Extraction!] [Rank-1 Three-Eyed Giant''s ''Eye of Destruction'' bloodline spell has been selected!] [Host has obtained Rank-1 Three-Eyed Giant''s ''Eye of Destruction'' Bloodline Spell!] ¡­ [Host has absorbed a part of Three-Eyed Giant''s Bloodline Essence!] [Host''s spirit power has been increased by 0.09] [Host''s vitality power has been increased by 0.7!] [Host''s strength power has increased by 0.8!]Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! [Host''s agility power has been increased by 0.7!] [Host''s body is undergoing a mutation!] [The mutation will take 4 minutes and 5 seconds to complete!] [Please stand by!] ¡­ Raven felt a tearing pain coursing through his body, which caused his body muscles to bulge a bit. What shocked him most was a strange prickling sensation on his forehead, causing him to take out a mirror and look at his face hurriedly. "W-What is that?" Instead of a plain forehead, he saw strange vertical, closed eyelids in the center. Moreover, he noticed that his face had also changed to its original appearance! "I can only use this spell in my original appearance, huh?" While muttering, he noticed a golden hexagonal structure with bluish sparkles in the mind space and also received lots of information about the bloodline spell. For the next few minutes, he remained silent while enduring the pain and soon noticed everything was returning to normal. ''A Lightning attack spell, huh?'' Although he wanted to try it out, he refrained from casting the bloodline spell. After that, he stored the Cyclops'' corpse inside the spatial ring and took the Twin Shadow Viper''s corpse from it. It was a large snake with two heads and also had obsidian-like scales all over its body. It was around 10 meters long and had sharp fangs and even a strange horn. Raven didn''t waste a single moment as he squatted down and touched the Viper corpse''s abdomen. ¡­ [Bloodline Devouring Ability is activated!] [Twin Shadow Viper''s bloodline has been found!] [Analyzing the purity of the bloodline¡­.] [Calculating¡­] [The corpse has 84% purity of Rank-1 Twin Shadow Viper''s bloodline Essence!] [It is possible to extract the Twin Shadow Viper''s bloodline Essence and one of its bloodline spells!] [Would you like to use the ''Bloodline Devouring Ability''? Yes/No.] "Yes." Raven clicked the notification. ¡­ [Bloodline Devouring Ability is on commence!] [Randomizing the Bloodline Ability Extraction!] [Rank-1 Twin Shadow Viper''s ''Shadow Shift'' bloodline spell has been selected!] [Host has obtained Rank-1'' Shadow Shift'' Bloodline Spell!] ¡­ [Host has absorbed a part of Twin Shadow Viper''s Bloodline Essence!] [Host''s vitality power has been increased by 1!] [Host''s strength power has increased by 0.6!] [Host''s agility power has been increased by 1!] [Host''s body is undergoing a mutation!] [The mutation will take 14 minutes and 5 seconds to complete!] [Please stand by!] ¡­ Another round of mutation went through his body for the next few minutes, along with information regarding the ''Shadow Shift'' Bloodline Spell. But this time, Raven felt a sharp headache appeared in his head. It remained even after the mutation became complete, causing him to be puzzled. [Warlocks and Wizards experience this when they have less spiritual power to construct more spell models or when they reach their soul''s limit. Although a human soul can hold up to 14 spells or skills, forcefully constructing more spells might do more harm than good.] Zera explained. ''Oh? I can''t absorb more bloodline essence?'' He asked as he stored the Twin Shadow Viper''s corpse and took out the strange Goblin''s corpse. [You will only face a little difficulty if you absorb this. Don''t you already have the ''Instant Memorize'' skill? It will be more like an assimilation of an existing skill.] Zera answered. ''Oh? Will I get a unique spell related to memory like the ''Past Self''?'' An excited look appeared on Raven''s face. He instantly squatted beside the Goblin''s corpse and placed his palm on its chest. A second later, an invisible force appeared out of nowhere, extracting all the blood essence from its body. After that, it condensed all the bloodline essences into the size of a small orb and pulled it into Raven''s hand. ¡­ [Bloodline Devouring Ability is activated!] [Dawn Goblin''s bloodline has been found!] [Analyzing the purity of the bloodline¡­.] [Calculating¡­] [The corpse has 54% purity of Rank-1 Dawn Goblin''s bloodline Essence!] [It is possible to extract the Dawn Goblin''s bloodline Essence and one of its bloodline spells!] [Would you like to use the ''Bloodline Devouring Ability''? Yes/No.] "Yes." Raven clicked the notification. ¡­ [Bloodline Devouring Ability is on commence!] [Randomizing the Bloodline Ability Extraction!] [[Memory Seal] bloodline spell has been selected!] [A similar skill related to the [Memory Seal] bloodline spell called [Instant Memorize] has been found in the Host''s body!] [It is possible to merge [Memory Seal] skill with [Instant Memorize] bloodline Spell! Would you like to proceed? Yes/No.] ''Yes,'' Raven didn''t hesitate and clicked quickly. [Host has obtained Rank-1 Dawn Goblin''s ''Memory Seal'' Bloodline Spell!] ¡­ [Host has absorbed a part of Dawn Goblin''s Bloodline Essence!] [Host''s vitality power has been increased by 0.3!] [Host''s strength power has increased by 0.09!] [Host''s agility power has been increased by 0.42!] [Host''s body is undergoing a mutation!] [The mutation will take 19 minutes and 12 seconds to complete!] [Please stand by!] ¡­ Raven had gone through another painful experience as a new spell model appeared in his mind space. At the same time, he also learned more information about the spell. ''This is the eleventh spell model!'' It shone brightly in white light. After storing the Goblin''s corpse, he instantly checked his body status. ¡­ [Name: Raven Sillalus Jorvot, Age: 15 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: 66th Prince of Zenith Empire Level: 9 Class: Acolyte Warlock (3rd Circle) Soul Rank: Mortal Life Pathway: Beginner Alchemist Health: Normal Attributes: Strength: 9.9 Agility: 9.9 Vitality: 9.9 Luck: 0 Spirit: 19.99 Bloodline Spells: Iron Resilience, Poison Touch (Poison Immunity), Fortuitous Finder (Completed), Blood Control, Face Morph, Mind Eye, Cold Breath, Past Self, Eye of Destruction, Shadow Shift, Memory Seal. Additional Skills: Basic Spearmanship (78%) Affinities: Life: Low, Ice: Genius, Spear: Low.] ¡­ ''This is the limit of my soul. But as long as I assimilate the spell models into the elemental circlet techniques, I''ll soon reach the peak realm.'' Raven nodded in satisfaction. ''Zera, I have a doubt. What is the elemental affinity for the ''Memory Seal'' bloodline spell? Is it ''Wisdom''?'' He couldn''t help but ask. [No. Memory Seal spell isn''t related to wisdom but your mind. In truth, you have two spells that do not relate much to affinities and won''t cause backlash at any cost. They also don''t need elemental power to activate and can enchant your body organs or body parts with minimal spirit power.] ''Oh?'' A surprised expression appeared on his face. ''Wait¡­ Two spells? Is it ''Face Morph''?'' He asked. [Yes. This spell only allows you to alter the genetic codes of your facial structures, skin tones, etc., not mutate them into completely different ones. As for the ''Memory Seal'' spell, this is more like linking your mind with your Sea of Consciousness and enchanting its ability.] Zera explained calmly. ''Still, I need to concoct affinity potions for the rest of the spells, huh?'' Raven soon thought of the affinity potions he needed to concoct. ''Poison, Blood, Darkness, lightning, Time, and Luck. Other than the luck affinity, I can get the rest with the help of potions.'' [Yes. Once you get all the affinities, you should assimilate the spell models into the elemental circlet techniques and rank up. Of course, you should only rank up after comprehending all the spell models.] ''Haa, it seems I have a long road ahead. For now, I should focus on concocting the ''Time affinity'' potion before the final hearing.'' He went upstairs and asked Harold to shift a few tables and benches to the underground basement. Then, he also told Jacob to go out and get the Empire''s Constitutional Book. After that, he returned to the underground basement and focused on concocting the ''Time Affinity'' potion. ¡­ Chapter 92: Concoction Chapter 92: Concoction First, Raven took a sterilized solution bottle from his inventory and cleaned the wooden table. Then, he carefully arranged the ingredients on the table. The Temporal Lotus petals shimmered faintly, exuding a mysterious silver glow, while the Crystallinewine resin glistened like molten glass. The powdered Stardew Lizard bone had a pearlescent hue, and the Bluefire Ash radiated faint warmth. Clear yet unnaturally dense, Ethereal water swirled inside a small crystal flask, and the dark root oil rested ominously in its vial, thick and black-like ink. ''I should use the ''Mind Eye'' skill when concocting the potion. Although I can only use it twice, I think I''ll be able to understand the process fully.'' Raven thought as he rolled up his sleeves. Taking out his alchemical kit, he arranged a small furnace, a few glass apparatuses, and a flask with a rune-etched base to handle the volatile reactions. He placed a Temporal Lotus petal in a small glass bowl and gently crushed it using a jade pestle. It released a faint, sweet aroma when he started crushing the petal. "First, the Lotus petal," he murmured. Raven added the crushed petals into the flask containing 50 ml of ethereal water and heated it gently over the furnace. As the water began to shimmer with a silvery hue, he poured in the Crystallinewine resin, drop by drop, ensuring the mixture didn''t overreact. The liquid started to thicken slightly, resembling quicksilver. Next came the powdered Stardew Lizard bone. Raven measured half a teaspoon and sprinkled it into the mixture while stirring with a thin glass rod. The reaction was immediate; the liquid hissed and released a faint blue mist. He waited patiently until the mist subsided before reaching for the Bluefire Ash. "This is for stabilization," he muttered. Pinching the ash between his fingers, he added it to the flask, causing the liquid to flare briefly with blue flames before returning to its silvery state. Now came the trickiest part. Raven picked up the vial of dark root oil, his movements steady and deliberate. "Too fast, and the potion will collapse; too slow, and the time essence in the Lotus petal won''t bind." He tilted the vial, allowing the thick, black oil to drip into the mixture, one drop at a time. The liquid in the flask churned violently, emitting faint vibrations that resonated through the room. A soft, purplish glow emanated from the flask as the ingredients fused into a cohesive mixture. "Failure¡­" A look of disappointment appeared on Raven''s face. But it was within his expectations. "Hmm, what mistake did I make?'' He recalled even the tiniest bit of his mistake thanks to his ''instant Memorize'' and ''Mind Eye'' skills. ''Hmm, after adding powdered Stardew Lizard bone, there is a slight change in the reaction. Instead of a deep bluish color, it only released a faint blue mist. Let''s start again.'' Raven didn''t even delay a moment and started the potion concoction process again. "I shouldn''t delay the timing either," he muttered, continuing to concoct the potion. As the potion process advanced, the flask''s contents transitioned through familiar phases¡ªthe shimmering silver of the ethereal water, the thickening from Crystallinewine resin, and the faint blue mist from the Stardew Lizard bone. However, the mist deepened into a rich, azure haze this time, confirming his successful adjustment. "Perfect. Now for the Bluefire Ash." He carefully added the ash, its stabilizing effect smoothing the liquid''s surface. The potion''s color shifted subtly, and its glow gained a steady pulsation. Finally, Raven tilted the vial and let the dark root oil drops fall, spacing each with deliberate patience. The liquid responded as expected, vibrating faintly but not destabilizing. "Just a little more," Raven whispered, his hands steady. The liquid began to emit a soft, rhythmic hum. As the final drop of oil mixed, the potion flared with a radiant purple light before settling into a translucent, silvery liquid with faint purple swirls. "Failure again¡­" He closed his eyes and recalled every movement he made. "The problem is with the quantity of the dark root oil." He nodded quietly and started again. As Raven began his third attempt, his movements became even more precise, almost mechanical, even without the help of the ''Mind Eye'' spell. The underground chamber was silent except for the furnace''s faint crackle and the potion''s occasional hiss. Like before, Raven added smaller drops of dark root oil at slightly longer intervals. With each drop, he watched the potion''s reaction intently. The liquid in the flask vibrated faintly, its color shifting between silvery translucence and a deep purple glow. As the final drop of oil merged into the mixture, the potion emitted a soft hum, resonating with an almost musical tone. The flask''s contents settled into a luminous, translucent liquid with faint, swirling streaks of purple and silver. "It''s done," Raven smiled. [Amazing! Your success rate of concocting beginner rank potion has increased from 10% to 33%. You can consider yourself a peak-rank Beginner Alchemist now.] Zera said in his mind. Meanwhile, he took out the monocle and checked the potion vial. ¡­ [Name: Time Affinity PotionThe story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Grade: Beginner Description: Upon consumption, there is a 90% chance of the user to increase his time affinity from ''Nil'' to ''Low'' rank.] ¡­ "Not bad." Raven didn''t even delay momentarily and gulped down the potion in one go. The next second, he felt the whole surroundings slowed down drastically and stopped. Then, he noticed that everything had returned to normal as if nothing had happened. ''I see a change in the status window.'' He saw the addition of Low-rank Time affinity in the blue screen and breathed relief. But he didn''t even take a break and decided to complete the Elemental Cirlcet Technique for Time Affinity. He sat on the rough floor and entered the Mind Space without delay while reciting a short runic chant. Like before, Raven walked into the Array and chose the following section to construct the Fourth Circlet. He created the Time Elemental Circlet this time and focused on building a similar hexagonal structure. Using his thoughts, he wrote down the runic words for the Time Elemental Circlet for over an hour and then let the spell model assimilate into the Fourth Circlet. An invisible force came from the Circlet, pulling two crystalline spell models from the sky before assimilating them into the Fourth Circlet! Once the assimilation ended, Raven noticed a strange energy coming from the outside world and filling the spell models. After five minutes, the energy came from the outside world slowly, making the ''Time Affinity'' spell models shine. ''Past Self Spell Model and Mind Eye Spell Model, huh?'' Raven knew both were time-related spells and slowly let the hexagonal structures hover in the Fourth Circlet. Once he finished the fourth Circlet, he left the Mind Space and stood in the underground basement. "Now, let''s check how many times I can make the Past Self clone." He muttered slowly and cast the ''Past Self'' bloodline spell. A moment later, he suddenly disappeared and appeared five steps away from where he was standing. Although it looked more like a short-distance teleportation spell, there was something different about Raven. Instead of a relaxed face, he looked more serious and was in the middle of concocting the potion while muttering something. "Failure again," He soon closed his eyes and appeared to be thinking deeply. At that moment, he suddenly turned transparent and disappeared like he never existed. At the same time, Raven appeared at the same place where he was first standing and stood with an amazed look. He also did a few more experiments and soon nodded in understanding. ¡®30 seconds¡­ I can maintain this ''Past Self'' clone for 30 seconds. And the amount of ''Time-Elemental Energy'' needed to recharge the spell model is 5 minutes.'' "Haa, I should go meet Jacob now." Raven left the underground basement and soon went to the main hall. As soon as he walked in, Head butler Harold and the other maids bowed their heads and greeted him. "Tell Jacob to come and meet me in my room." He told Harold and went upstairs through the split staircase. After walking for a while, he reached the third floor and started walking on the long corridor before appearing in front of a heavy oak door. Raven stepped into his bedroom, shutting the heavy oak door behind him with a soft click. The room, illuminated by the warm glow of an Aether lamp, carried a serene air. Ornate furniture and a plush carpet made the room look beautiful and luxurious. ''First, I need to concoct the rest of the affinity potions. My success rate has increased more than 30%. Four sets of ingredients are more than enough.'' While thinking, he moved towards the wardrobe on the left side and took a long white robe and a towel. Then, he entered the bathroom and took a long bath. Raven soon walked out of the bath, drying his hair using the towel, and noticed someone standing outside. "Jacob?" He asked. "Yes, My Lord. I knocked on the door three times, but no response came. So I decided to wait outside." Jacob responded from outside. "Sorry, I was taking a bath. Come in." Raven said as Jacob opened the door slowly and walked in. After greeting him, Jacob placed the Empire''s Constitution Law Book on the wooden table and spoke. "I couldn''t buy this book due to restriction, My Lord. But I asked Toby''s help and borrowed it from the Court''s Library. We''ve got to return it before Monday." "One day is more than enough for me to memorize it. So, did you gather any important information?" Raven asked as he sat on the bed. "Yes, My Lord. Toby''s uncle works in the Supreme Court as a clerk, so I have an easier time gathering information about how the Court operates during holidays. The one who manages the Supreme Court building is a man named Everett. Although he isn''t from a noble background, he has connections with nobles and even wizards of Crows Misery. Toby''s uncle said all the bribes to the Judges move through the hands of Everett. And during Sundays, no one visits the Court except for the patrol police officers and a few cleaners." "Hmm, find out who will be managing the cleaning work of the main hearing room this coming Sunday." Raven paused momentarily and soon spoke. "Mr. Jacob, I want to spend 2 hours alone in the hearing room on Sunday. This matter is so important; you must find a way for me to get in. I don''t care even if I must bribe Everett." As he spoke, he took out a large leather bag and filled it with gold coins. "I-Is this for the bribe?" Jacob asked in a shocked tone. ''There should be around 500 gold coins in this bag! He is willing to spend this much money just to stay alone in the hearing room for 2 hours?'' "Yes. Do it anonymously." Raven said in a grave tone. ''Anonymously? It''s a dangerous mission, but I can do it.'' "Yes, My Lord." Jacob nodded. "Tell Selene to sell these materials back to the Mystic Cauldron shop and buy other items." Saying so, he took out the spatial ring and gave it to him. Then, he kept only four potion materials badges and put the rest in the spatial ring. After that, he took a notebook from the inventory, wrote down a few other affinity potion ingredients, and gave it to him. "Inform her to get as many ingredients as possible with the remaining money," Raven said calmly. "Yes, My Lord. Anything else?" Jacob asked. Raven pondered for a moment and nodded. "I won''t be using the spirit pool during our stay. You and Selene should use them wisely." Although shocked inside, Jacob soon composed himself and thanked him for giving them this opportunity. "We''ll do our best, My Lord." "You can go back now." Raven waved his hand and decided to take some rest. He quietly lay on the master bed and soon fell into deep sleep. ¡­ Raven woke up around 8 P.M, had dinner with Jacob and others, and soon returned to his room to enter the illusionary world. After that, he went to the training hall and continued practicing Spearmanship for the next few hours. By the time he finished his training, it was already around 2 A.M. ''Zera, I want to see the memories related to Charles Nightwind.'' Raven asked as he returned to his bedroom. [You can find them on the twenty-fifth shelf of Runeth''s memories on the first floor. Although there are only a couple of books, you will be able to learn a lot from those books.] He lay on the soft bed quietly and entered the memory library. After that, he turned around and walked towards the right side. After walking for a while, he finally found the exact shelf and searched for the right book. He soon found a memory book of how Charles and Runeth met. "They start as enemies, huh? Moreover, Holem''s Crown, is it?'' He learned how Charles faced his enemies singlehandedly and even tricked Runeth into signing a slave-like contract. After that, he saw memories of how Charles and Runeth journeyed through another world called ''Edhen'' and even took disciples. But what amazed Raven was how Charles schemed against a Goddess and even killed her incarnation! ''And his strength was only above Expert Realm at that time!'' As Raven continued to absorb more memories about Charles, his admiration grew. ''But they even built a Magic Tower for Wizards, huh?'' He even saw the whole blueprint of the Magic Tower in the memory books and decided to memorize it, too. After that, he stopped reading the memory books and left the Memory Library. ''I more or less learned how Charles acts and what types of magic spells he possessed. But his fire magic spells are truly amazing and unique.'' He muttered inwardly and soon noticed it was already morning. [What are you planning to do Today?] Zera asked. ''Today is 20th September. So, I will focus on improving the plan first. After watching those memories, I realized how careless I was. If I want to save my aunt, I need to use even the slightest advantage I have and even become ruthless. Once I make the plan, I will prepare for the Dream Ritual in the underground basement.'' He said with a cold gaze. ¡­ Chapter 93: Infiltration Chapter 93: Infiltration 21st September, Year 1420, Rune Era. It was a Sunday morning. Raven woke up from the bed around 6 A.M., took a hot bath, and changed into a formal dress. As he was to put his shoes on, a knocking sound came from outside. "Jacob? Come in," Raven ordered. "Good Morning, My Lord. Everything is prepared." Jacob walked in in his formal black suit while carrying a Gladstone bag. He soon placed the bag on the wooden table, opened the outer case, and took a letter from it. "This is an appointment letter. Thanks to bribes through the Underground Guild and a loan shark''s help, I managed to get a fake identity suitable for you." Jacob said as he took a thick paper and gave it to him. Raven unfolded the paper and read the content. Meanwhile, Jacob gave him details about the fake identity. "Levi¡­ Age 18, born in Commoners Borough, has no parents or relatives, and has done basic elementary education. He lives in Smith Road and has been working under a loan shark named Samuel. After staying loyal for more than ten years, Samuel was impressed by his sincerity and decided to give him a proper job¡­" "His identity has been authenticated with a court seal and appointed as a sweeper by Everett''s right-hand man yesterday¡­" Raven couldn''t help but take a look at Jacob. "This is perfect for me to infiltrate. But even a sweeping job needs a recommendation, huh?" "Countless people are lining up for this job, My Lord. Although it''s simple sweeping work, the basic salary should be around five gold coins monthly. If not for the bribe of 500 gold coins, there is no way we can get this easily." Jacob said solemnly. "You didn''t reveal your identity to that loan shark or Everett''s right-hand man, right?" Raven asked. "Everything has been done anonymously, My Lord. No one will suspect anything if you use a wig and make-up to alter your appearance." "Incredible. With this, I can easily infiltrate the Supreme Court hearing hall of Judgement as a sweeper and make my plan go smoothly." As he looked at the identification paper deeply, Jacob took a green dress from the Gladstone bag and gave it to him. "This is the workers'' uniform, My Lord." "Haa, good." Raven stored the dress and the appointment letter in his inventory and continued while looking at the outside window. At that moment, carriages rolled in and out, carrying high-ranking officials, nobles, and servants dressed in finery. ''Judith''s mansion.'' The air around her mansion was tense yet celebratory, as though something significant was brewing. "It seems our neighborhood mansion is rather lively today." "I heard that Vice-President Judith returned to her mansion a while ago and plans to host a banquet tonight, My Lord. Butler Harold also told us not to wander near her mansion." Jacob responded. "A little warning, huh?" Raven nodded his head and decided to go out. Both soon returned to the main hall through the spiral staircase and met Selene and Stephaine at the entrance door. "I''ve prepared lunch for you, My Lord. Have a good journey." Stephaine said while giving him a leather satchel bag. "Mr. Holmes, why are you not even taking your servants?" Harold, silently observing this scene, couldn''t help but ask. From what he had observed, he learned that the young boy was a nobleman and was always protected by one radiant Walker and one Acolyte Wizard. ''Toby said he also visited Wizards Guild and went to a potion shop to buy materials¡­ There is a high possibility that this young man is from a high-class Noble Family. But why is he leaving alone? Also, why is he letting his servants use the spirit pool?'' Among all the privileges of Crowns Tavern, the spirit pool was the most valuable one. Raven waved his hand at Harold''s question and spoke. "I''m strong enough to move alone. Is the carriage ready?" "Yes, My Lord." Jacob nodded. "Good. Selene, go to the Underground basement and stay there until I return. Don''t forget to complete the task I gave you." Raven said as he started walking out of the mansion building. "I''ll take care of that matter, My Lord," As Selene shouted from behind, Raven moved on the concrete path, walked past the fountain and ornamental plants in the front yard, and soon reached the compound gate. A black-painted brougham carriage stood at the entrance gate, and the coachman stood near the carriage door with a warm smile. "Where would you like to visit, Mr. Holmes?" He asked while gesturing for him to get in. "Just drop me off at Market Street," Raven said as he walked in. The coachman soon drove the carriage and left the garden street. As the carriage rattled through the cobblestone streets of Capital City, Raven leaned back, his mind already playing out the steps of his plan. ''I''m taking a big risk here. Although I can hide my face, thanks to the Face Morph spell, I should be more careful of any unexpected variable. Zera, let''s review the plan.'' As Raven started going through the plan, the carriage left Garden Street and continued to move towards Market Street. The Market Street was bustling with the early morning crowd¡ªvendors setting up their stalls, hawkers shouting to attract buyers, and the occasional street performer gathering small crowds. When the carriage stopped after 30 minutes of travel, Raven adjusted his posture and descended with a slight nod to the coachman. "You can go back now," he instructed.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Yes, sir," the coachman replied, tipping his hat. Meanwhile, Raven walked down the market street and stopped before an old four-wheeled wagon. It was enclosed from all sides and pulled by three horses. "Go to the Smith Road." Saying so, he took out two silvers and tossed them towards the coachman. "Oh? Why does a young noble want to visit that poor area? Well, hop in," The coachman said while puffing smoke out of his mouth and pulling the horse reins. Meanwhile, Raven quietly stepped inside the carriage, locked the wooden door, and closed the curtains. After that, he removed his formal dress and wore the workers'' uniform. He also made his hair messy and removed his shoes. ''I should wear the old ones.'' Once he changed his shoes, he calmly touched his face while recalling the beggar boy he had met at the Giaris City and changed his appearance into his! "Now then, shall I sneak away?" As he spoke, Raven looked outside through the curtain gap and soon noticed the carriage was moving through a narrow road. Raven activated the ''Mind Eye'' spell and went into a deep, concentrated state while accelerating his thought process. As if the time seemed to have moved slowly, he perceived everything around him in a detailed manner. ''A beggar boy is hiding behind the trash tin¡­ An old lady is selling dry bread on the roadside, a group of thugs is sitting a few meters away from the old lady and smoking, and a ginger cat is sitting on the left side of the dark alley road and watching the carriage curiously¡­'' Raven suddenly zeroed his attention on the ginger cat and cast the [Shadow Shift] spell. The next moment, his figure suddenly disappeared and was replaced with the Ginger cat! On the other hand, Raven suddenly appeared where the ginger cat was sitting earlier and quietly walked out of the dark alley. Then, he walked towards the direction where the carriage went ahead and arrived before a junction where three roads meet. Thankfully, he found another wagon parked near the junction, paid the coachman three silvers, and started moving towards the Supreme Court. As the second wagon carried Raven closer to the Supreme Court, he calmly looked out and watched the bustling streets of the capital city. After 30 minutes of travel, the wagon neared the tall circular building and soon stopped near the Supreme Court''s compound gate. Raven hopped down and nodded to the coachman. "Thanks for the ride," he said, flipping a copper coin as a tip. "Good luck, lad. You''ll need it if you''re working in there," the coachman chuckled, gesturing toward the imposing structure. Raven didn''t respond. Instead, he looked ahead and saw five people with the same green dress standing at the side gate and going through basic check-ups. ''Thankfully, there are only a few police officers.'' He quietly moved closer and blended seamlessly into workers entering the side gate. At the gate, only three red-uniformed policemen stood with a hawk-like gaze, scrutinizing each worker as they handed over their identification papers. Raven approached quietly, his identification papers clutched tightly in hand. "Name?" a lean police officer asked without looking up. "Levi," Raven replied. The guard flipped through the pages, eyes darting between the paper and Raven''s face. "New worker?" He asked. "Yes, Sir. I got my appointment letter just yesterday." Raven said nervously. "Oh? Indeed, we were also informed that a new worker will join today, "one of the green uniform workers said while others nodded in unison. "Don''t be rough on a new guy, Sir. Kairo. Where are you from, lad?" An elderly man asked while moving closer to him. "I''m from Smith Road, Sir. It''s in the North Borough." The elderly man nodded thoughtfully, his eyes scanning Raven with mild curiosity. "Smith Road, huh? That place isn''t kind to its folk. Stay out of trouble here, lad. The Supreme Court''s no place for fools or thugs." "I''ll remember that, sir," Raven replied with a meek smile, bowing his head slightly. The lean officer, Kairo, finished his inspection and returned the papers. "Everything checks out. Move along and follow the foreman''s instructions." Raven nodded, pocketed his identification papers, and joined the small group of workers heading inside. The group moved towards the Supreme Court''s main building and entered through the main door. "New guy, follow me," the elderly man said, motioning for Raven to keep pace. "I''m Gerald, the senior worker here. I''ll be assigning each of you to different areas. Axel, you will go with Roman and sweep the Chamber of Deliberation, Hall of Records, and Central Atrium. I and Zion will take care of the Judicial Inquiry room, Commoners'' Chamber, Clerk''s office, and Judges'' Room. We need to complete the sweeping work before evening." "What about the Main Hall of Judgement?" a bald man named Zion asked, puzzled. "I''m planning on assigning that place to our new recruit. Can you clean the hall, lad?" Gerald asked while winking his side eye. "W-What? Have you gone mad? It usually takes more than three hours to sweep the main hall, even with four of us. Aren''t you pushing such a hard task on a newcomer?" A young man with a muscular body named Roman shouted at Gerald with a glare. "P-Please don''t fight, Sir. I will try my best to sweep as much area as possible." Raven said in a low voice. "Haha, good. Don''t worry. Once we complete our task, we will come and help you." "Yes, sir," Raven replied, keeping his tone humble. The group soon entered the storage room and gathered all materials for sweeping. Raven also took a large broom, a dustpan, a carpet beater, a hand brush, and a large bin to put the dust. While he was picking up the sweeping equipment, others had long left the storage and moved in different directions. Only the old man Gerald stood at the storage entrance and looked cautiously at the sides. After confirming that no one was there, he turned his gaze towards Raven and spoke. "I heard you''ve spent a lot just to stay in the Hall of Judgement for two hours, lad. I don''t know what you are planning, but make it quick. The head patrol officer will only come in the afternoon, so no police will come near the main building. Even if anyone comes, I will send Zion to inform you in advance." Saying so, Gerald started walking in a different direction. Meanwhile, Raven also walked out of the store room, walked on the left side corridor for a while, and soon arrived before a large spacious chamber. He stepped inside, his sharp eyes scanning the room. It was the same large, round hall with thousands of seats arranged everywhere. But unlike before, not even a soul was left in the grand hall, making the whole place look eerie. "Haa, finally!" As he breathed out, his voice echoed through the grand hall. Raven calmed down his heart and walked towards the area where the Counsel''s Table was located. He then moved towards the bar and looked at the judges'' and Chief Judge''s seat. After that, he focused on the advocates, nobles, VIP seats, etc. Most front seats had names engraved, so Raven quietly moved seat by seat and memorized the places. Then, he also moved to the defendant''s cage and sighed heavily. "Let''s try a rehearsal." He arrived near the Counsel''s Table and closed his eyes. The next moment, he created a perfect courtroom with people in his mind. Then, he opened his eyes, touched his face, and returned to his original appearance. Afterward, he changed into a formal white shirt, black pants, and a black morning coat. He then covered his head with a bowler''s hat and started his plan. For the next three hours, he stayed in the Grand Hall of Justification and argued like he was defending a case, sometimes even shouting. "Haa, I should start doing the sweeping work now." Shaking his head, he changed his clothes to a green uniform and replaced his face. Then, he took the broomstick and started cleaning the floor. Like Roman said, he could only sweep one-third of the hall after Gerald before others showed up. After that, they had lunch together and continued cleaning the hall until 6.00 P.M. "Haa, even with an extra hand, we only completed the work one hour earlier," Gerald said while clicking his tongue. "Let''s go. Our today''s duty is over." All five left the hall, moved to the storage room, and kept the brooms and other items inside. Raven soon left the Supreme Court with the group, carefully blending in and avoiding drawing attention to himself. The others walked while talking, their voices low as they chatted about their day. Raven remained silent; his mind was still in the Hall of Judgment. As they exited the side gate, the red-uniformed guards barely spared them a glance. Raven noted how the security slackened after working hours and soon breathed a sigh of relief. After leaving the court, he took a carriage and went to Smith''s Road. Then, he moved to Market Street through another carriage and changed his appearance to Thomas. When Raven returned to Crown Tavern''s mansion house, it was already 8. P.M. But what surprised him was the many people gathered at the neighboring mansion, causing the whole entrance to be crowded with carriages and horses. "Is today anything special?" Raven asked as he walked into the mansion''s main hall. "Today is the day Madam Judith embarked on the path of Wizards. Before that, she was an orphan and lived under villagers'' protection. But thanks to a random wizard''s generosity, she was taken in as his servant and soon became his disciple. She celebrates this day as her birthday, too." ''It must be a precious memory of her childhood then.'' Raven moved towards the left side corridor and soon reached the staircase. Then, he descended the gloomy stairs, raised his hand, and knocked on the underground basement door. "I''m back," Raven said. A few seconds later, the door creaked open, and soon, a young woman in her thirties with long black hair peeked her head out. "Welcome back, My Lord." Selene opened the door wide and invited him in. Chapter 94: Dream Ritual Chapter 94: Dream Ritual "Did you completely draw the Dream Circle Ritual?" Raven asked as he stepped into the underground basement hall. He soon saw a five-meter radius circle drawn using white chalk on the floor. "It''s done, My Lord," Selene responded. ''Oh? It''s almost perfect.'' He stepped closer, examining the ritual circle with his sharp gaze. The array circle comprised rune words related to dreams and strange glyphs drawn on the outer regions, each radiating faint spiritual energy. Each line was drawn with precision, the white chalk seeming to shimmer under the dim light of the lamps. One would find a decagonal structure if one looks deeply at the circle. Not only that, but many candles were also placed all over the outer array circle, making it look beautiful. "Let''s wait until midnight," Raven said as he quietly moved towards the nearby chair and sat on it. "So, did you get the materials for the dream rituals?" "Almost, My Lord. I''ve already gotten ten magic stones, twelve dream lily flowers, ten drops of Dread Snake''s blood, ten white poison leaves, and a Flame Bee''s nectar bottle from the Mystic Cauldron shop. The problem is that we must also place ten things from the dream world during the ritual." "We have lots of books and newspapers. Those are all we took from the dream world, after all." Raven said calmly. "Then, the only thing we need right now is any Dream Creature''s blood. But you said you have already extracted the goblin''s blood for research. We can take a few drops from it." Selene''s words made his face stiffen up. "I-I don''t think that''s possible. I have already sent the bottle to my senior brother." "¡­." Selene was momentarily stunned. ''Haa, I should''ve expected it. I thought he was always staying with us, so it never crossed my mind that he must have secretly sent the bottle away.'' "Do we have to visit the dream realm?" Raven furrowed and soon spoke. "Let''s go. We can make a quick travel and return before midnight." "But I can only cast dream walk spell once after that, My Lord. What if I fail to cast the dream walk spell during the dream ritual?" Selene asked worriedly. ''If you fail, I will give you a new Elemental Circlet technique with dream affinity and let you completely engrave the dream spell models in your mind space.'' He didn''t say it out loud, but that was his original plan. "Don''t worry about it," Raven said as he walked closer to Selene, sat on the chair beside her, and grabbed her left hand. At the same time, he took his spear and told her to store it using the Dream Harvest spell. "Yes, My Lord." After storing the spear, Selene closed her eyes and cast the [Dream Walk] spell. A moment later, Raven felt a strange pulling sensation out of nowhere and soon blanked out. ¡­ After some time, Raven slowly felt a drifting sensation and opened his eyes. But to his shock, what appeared before him was complete darkness. No, his eyes adjusted to the darkness in seconds, allowing him to see the interior. "We are inside the underground basement, My Lord," Selene whispered from the right side. Like him, she also used her spirit power to observe the surroundings and stood up from the chair. "There are no dangers inside the basement," Raven said as he quickly checked and turned his attention toward the entrance door. "Shall we go out?" He started walking towards the basement door and opened it with a creak. "The door looks the same as the one in the real world." Selene observed the door and started walking upstairs. They soon entered the mansion''s long corridor and felt a strange eeriness. "So Dreamworld also has nights, huh?" Raven said while closely following Selene from behind. He was about to walk past her, but a hand gripped his shoulder. "Why do I feel cold suddenly?" She asked in an anxious tone. "It''s not the surrounding air, but your hand is cold. And stop gripping my shoulder." Raven said while trying to remove her hand. "What hand? I''m still walking ahead of you, My Lord." Selene asked in a stunned tone and slowly turned her gaze towards his shoulder. Meanwhile, Raven felt a chill run through his spine! He also turned his gaze towards his shoulder but noticed nothing was there. "Don''t scare me, My Lord." Selene was about to sigh of relief but felt a sudden whisper in her ears. "Something is wrong about this place!" Raven activated the Mind Eye spell and closely observed the surroundings. Although minute, he noticed a minute footprint started appearing a few feet away from them. ''Spear!'' He whispered. Selene took out the spear from the Dream Harvest spell and gave it to him immediately. ¡°Ghost?!¡± Selene¡¯s face turned pale. "I heard that ghost doesn''t have mass. But this creature leaves a footprint and can even touch us physically. That means we can also touch it even if it is invisible." As Raven explained, he suddenly noticed that the creature moved towards the wall and disappeared. No, he noticed it passed through the wall, moved towards the mansion yard, and ran away. "It passed right through the wall? Moreover, did it sense the danger and run away?" Although Raven was curious about that creature''s origin, he didn''t dare to chase after it.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ''I heard that dream realm is the scariest place from Zera multiple times. For now, we should find any other living creature and leave quietly after taking its blood.'' While muttering, he noticed a presence ahead. They soon saw a strange creature they had never seen before! It was only half-meter tall but appeared to be around one meter long, with two heads of rodents. But what shocked Raven most was that its skin seemed rough and even had metallic spikes all over its back. Upon noticing them, the mutant rodent with two heads shrieked and ran towards them while opening their mouths. But as soon as the creature arrived closer, Raven took a deep breath and cast the [Cold Breath] spell while opening his mouth. A dense ice elemental energy appeared from his mouth, spread more than five meters ahead, and froze everything in its path. Although the two-headed rodent seemed strong, it wasn''t as strong as an Elite Walker. "I should decapitate its heads." Muttering, Raven enveloped his spear with an invisible aura and made a slashing movement towards its heads. With a simple movement, Raven''s spear neatly cut the ice layer, also cleaved the rodent''s neck, and decapitated two heads. "You''ve improved a lot, My Lord." Selene said as she walked closer to the twitching corpse and stored it inside her ''Dream Harvest'' storage spell. "We should leave now," Raven said as he turned around hurriedly and started walking towards the underground basement. "I also don''t want to see that creepy creature again," Selene nodded stiffly and followed Raven with fast footsteps. Before long, Raven and Selene entered the underground basement, moved towards the chairs, and quietly sat down. Raven then gave the spear to Selene and checked if that ghost creature or any other beings were following inside. ''I don''t see any anomaly.'' "Let''s leave," Raven said, holding Selene''s hand tightly. Although he acted bravely earlier, he was scared too! ''My heart is beating wildly.'' While thinking, Raven noticed his consciousness started to drift away. ¡­ A few seconds later, Raven and Selene opened their eyes in the underground basement hall and let out a breath of sigh in unison. "Damn it, that truly scared me," Selene said as she wiped the sweat on her forehead and took out the mutant rodent. Raven didn''t waste a single moment as he grabbed a glass jar and extracted blood from the corpse. "Check the time, Selene." He asked while keeping the blood jar on the table. "Oh? It''s 12.30, My Lord! Didn''t we stay there only for a few minutes? How come more than four hours have passed? Isn¡¯t the time difference too large?" Selene was startled. "I also have no clue. Haa, let''s do the ritual right away." Raven said as he walked towards the dream ritual circle and took ten books from the inventory. "Selene, keep these books at the ten edges of the decagon circle." Selene nodded quietly, grabbed the books, and hurriedly moved over to put the books. Once she placed the books, Raven sent out another order. "Light up the ten candles." Nodding, Selene took an extra candle, lit it with a matchstick, and started lighting the candles individually. "Place the magic stones right next to the candle. Also, place the Dream Lily flower right beside it." She did as Raven told her and patiently waited for his next order. "Put drops of Dread Snake''s blood into each candlelight." Selene was startled at first but hurriedly moved while carrying a test tube containing dread snake''s blood. She soon arrived near the candlelight and let a drop of blood fall into the candle flame. But as soon as the blood droplet fell into the candle flame, something extraordinary happened. The candlelight became fierce, enveloped the book, the magic stone, and even dream lily flowers, and formed a head-sized fireball. Then, the fireball started to rise more than a meter above and suspended in the air like frozen in time. Even Raven was dumbfounded by this strange phenomenon but decided to focus on the ritual first. "Don''t waste time." Raven hurriedly called out Selene and made her snap back to reality. "Y-Yes, My Lord." She moved towards the next candle and did the same. Ten head-sized fireballs hovered above the ritual circle in a minute and appeared mysterious. "Put the poison leaves and Flame Bee''s nectar drops into the flame," Raven said as he took the jar filled with the mutant rodent''s blood and walked toward the center of the dream ritual circle. Meanwhile, Selene followed his instructions quietly and completed the process. As she put the last drop of nectar on the final fireball, they all started circling slowly in an orbicular motion. "Now, enter the ritual circle, place your hand on my back, and get ready to cast the Dream Walk spell," Raven continued. Selene didn''t speak, quietly arrived behind him, and got ready to cast the ''Dream Walk'' spell. ¡®I never even heard of such a mysterious ritual, even from my wizard friends.¡¯ What confused her more was whose dream they were planning to enter. ¡®It¡¯s better not to involve myself in this.¡¯ She was scared inside. In the meantime, the fireballs hovered in the air in an orbicular motion for a while and soon arranged themselves in a straight line. When the fireballs hovered in a straight line, Raven opened the jar containing the mutant rodent''s blood and poured it at the center of the dream ritual circle. The next second, the whole array circle was lit in a blood-red color, and the blood started spreading to every corner of the ritual circle. Simultaneously, the ten fireballs hovering in a straight line exploded one by one while sending unique energy to the surrounding air. At that moment, Raven thought of a single person and shouted. "Now!" "Dream Walk!" Selene also didn''t hesitate a single moment and cast the spell. The next second, Raven and Selene noticed that the strange invisible energy in the surroundings started devouring all the flames, even the bloody ritual circles, and corroding the surroundings. Before long, even the lamps were extinguished, and the walls and floors slowly crumbled. A few moments later, the surroundings were replaced with plants and trees. ¡­ Judith¡¯s Mansion house. At that moment, a black-haired woman in her long blue gown lay on the sofa and was in deep thought. She looked around 35 years old and had olive skin, unique green eyes, and a triangular face. She was none other than Judith! ¡°I drank too much.¡± She sighed deeply. Although this day was more like her birthday, it was also the day she became alone. After leaving the village that raised her, she enrolled in the Crows¡¯ Misery and spent most of her time in the library. Although she returned to the village occasionally, she noticed a big difference. She remained younger while the villagers who took care of her grew old. Even her childhood friends became middle-aged men and women and had families of their own. What made her feel miserable was that the neighborhood aunt, shopkeeper, uncle, village chief, tailoring sister, and even her childhood friend died one by one due to old age! Before she knew it, no familiar face was seen in the village! ¡°That¡¯s why I don¡¯t want to involve myself with the mortals. Those born with low affinities are bound to disappear sooner after all.¡± While muttering, she suddenly noticed a strange dizziness, making her fall asleep. ¡­ Meanwhile, Raven and Selene noticed they were not in the city anymore and got confused. "What happened? Where are we?" Selene asked and soon noticed a small village up ahead. "I think we are already in her dream world," Raven said and soon added. "Cast the Dream Alter spell on me." Selene nodded her head and cast the spell on him. A moment later, he became a completely different person. He had deep-bluish hair instead of black, deep-set jade eyes, olive skin, a fleshy nose, and short eyebrows. "This is truly amazing," Raven said with a chuckle and added. "Stay here until I come back." Saying so, he turned his gaze towards outside and muttered. "Flame Teleport!" But nothing happened. "Hmm, Rank-2 spells aren''t working indeed." Raven nodded in understanding and cast the [Crimson Steps] spell. A second later, sparks appeared beneath his feet, making him disappear from where he stood. A blink later, he reappeared more than twenty meters away from Selene and disappeared again. A series of flashes marked Raven''s rapid progress as he moved closer to the village. A few minutes later, he arrived at the village entrance and slowly walked in. But soon, a frown appeared on his forehead. The village was quaint and unassuming¡ªwooden houses lined a cobblestone street, and a few villagers moved here and there while doing different works. Yet, there was an unnatural stillness to their movements. Each step and gesture was repetitive, like puppets. Even their smiles and the way they talked gave Raven creeps. ''They are not living beings but creations of the dreamer, huh?'' He nodded in understanding and started searching for the person he was after. "Who are you, Mister?" A young child''s voice came from the left side, causing Raven to turn abruptly. At that moment, a 10-year-old girl stood a few feet away from him and looked at him with a curious gaze. ''Oh? I entered her childhood memory?'' He crouched slightly to meet the girl''s gaze, his expression softening into a gentle smile. "I''m just a dream traveler," Raven said, calm but laced with intrigue. "And you, young one? What''s your name?" The girl tilted her head, her long, dark hair swaying gently. Her curious gaze remained fixed on him. "I''m Judith. This is my house.¡± Saying so, she pointed her finger at the small cottage house right behind her. ¡°You don''t look like you belong here, Mister. Are you lost? What does dream traveler mean?" She continued to ask. Chapter 95: Favor Chapter 95: Favor A smile appeared on Raven''s face. "I can travel into another person''s dream and learn their darkest or most precious secrets. For example, this dream of yours also comes under this category." As soon as Raven spoke, the young girl''s face twisted. At that moment, she felt some powerful force blocking her from thinking, and she looked confused. "Don''t be confused, kid. When you wake up from this dream, you''ll understand my words clearly." "Dream?" Judith tilted her head. "I''m Charles Nightwind, a Wizard and a teacher. I came to meet you in your dream to ask a favor." "Favor?" Judith blinked her eyes. "Please save my disciple''s aunt from getting imprisoned for life or executed. In return, I''ll give you an affinity potion recipe." "W-What? Execution? Imprisonment?" The small girl gawked at him in shock and shook her head. "Can I recommend you to Village Chief, mister? Only he knows the Lord Falconcrest." "No. You have to wait for a few centuries. When this memory gets unlocked, a boy named Raven Silallus Jorvot will come and seek your help. Help him save his aunt; you will benefit a lot." "Benefit? I get gifts? How can I even trust you?" Judith felt scared to talk to him continuously. "Then, I''ll give you an answer. What I''m about to tell you is a secret potion method." "Potion? The one that saved Tailor''s sister from a curse?" "More than curing a curse, it can change one''s life. Here are the potion ingredients of the Fire Affinity potion. 3ml Blood of Magma Serpent, 5gm of powdered ignis crystal, 10 ml of golden ember oil, Crimson flame flower- 1 petal, 10 to 20 grams of Flame Mushroom, and 100 ml of Ember Water." "W-What are these?" Judith looked at Raven like he was a madman and even took a step back. "Next, I''ll tell you how to make the potion," Raven explained the procedure of making the affinity potion and even mentioned the timings. Although the current Judith couldn''t even understand what he was saying, the real Judith would be shocked when waking up. "As long as you cooperate, my disciple will help you with more affinity potion recipes in the future. Good Luck!" Raven suddenly turned blurry as he spoke and soon disappeared, leaving sparks behind. "Did that guy go crazy? What are those strange plant names he said earlier? And how did he disappear?" Judith muttered in confusion. "I should go tell Aunt Amy! She always warns me not to talk to any strangers!" Saying so, she ran towards the neighborhood house. ¡­ Meanwhile, Raven returned to the area where Selene was staying and soon changed into the appearance of Thomas. "You are back so quickly, My Lord?" Selene asked in surprise. "We should leave before she wakes up in the real world," Raven said as he arrived beside her and sat down on the ground. Then, both held their hands together and closed their eyes. ¡­ A few minutes later. Judith''s mansion. Judith suddenly woke up from sleep and suddenly froze. She vividly recalled what had happened in the dream and felt absurd. ''Who was that person in my dream? Flame Wizard? Also, what was his name again? Charles Wind? No, Nightwind¡­ Charles Nightwind! Does that mean I met him long ago and only unlocked the memories?'' It was absurd even to think. ''Does that mean he can even look into a faraway future?'' She knew tampering with a Legendary Wizard''s memory needed lots of risk and was sure that no one entered her Sea of Consciousness thanks to her second consciousness hidden in her soul. But what confused her was the information he revealed in the dream. ¡®Raven Silallus Jorvot¡­ Wait¡­ Isn''t that the child born dead? The royal family only revealed the name of that dead child and didn''t even give it a proper funeral. Save his aunt, huh?'' She closed her and checked the information. ''It must be related to Sword Princess''s Kidnapping incident. But the incident surrounding that sword princess is indeed strange.'' In truth, she never wanted to involve herself in matters involving the royal family or even mortals. ''Still, a recipe for Fire Affinity Potion, huh? Did I go crazy because of the loss of my precious people?'' However, a mere dream could not show the accurate recipe ingredients and even the concoction method. ''The Affinity Potion recipes are strictly hidden even from the high-ranking members of the nobles of Arcane Mist Empire. I once heard from Prime Minister Garen that only Major Empires and Organizations possess these affinity potion recipes. And that man in my dream gave me a precious treasure to save someone.'' In truth, Judith and many alchemists from Wizard Union had been researching the affinity potions for centuries! ''After the death of Aunt Amy and my childhood friends, I always dreamed of creating a potion that could even raise one''s affinity. However, our research came to a halt due to no progression. But I never expect a Wizard from the mainland would be willing to share his secret.'' Although Judith didn''t understand his true motive, she decided to take a gamble. "Philip!" She spoke while infusing her voice with her spirit power. A 60-year-old man in a butler suit ran from the kitchen a moment later and soon appeared before her. "What can I do for you, Your Grace?" Judith quietly took a paper and a pen from her spatial ring and wrote down the recipe ingredients. "Go to the Queen''s Nectar and buy ten batches of these materials. I''ll be waiting in the Alchemy lab." Saying so, she stood up from the sofa and started walking upstairs through the split staircase. All of a sudden, she thought of something and soon asked. "Also, who are the best advocates in the Empire?" "Advocates?" Philip was stunned by her words and soon answered.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. "There are five well-renowned lawyers in the Empire, Your Grace. Otis, Amos, Wayne, Lauren, and Cedric. They all come from major noble families and have high reputations." "Oh, I never knew our Little Lauren became a famous advocate! So, who took the Sword Princess''s kidnapping case?" "It''s Cedric from the Thornevale Family, Your Grace. Concubine Jeanne tried to hire a trusted advocate with her savings to save her sister, but the Royal Family forced him to withdraw from the case day two days ago. Umm, why are you asking about this case, Your Grace?" The butler asked with a confused look. "I wonder why," Judith replied with a smile and soon added. "Make an appointment with Lauren tomorrow. Also, I won''t return to the academy for two days. Put all the schedules on hold for now." "Pardon?! Your Grace, you also have an important meeting with Wizard Alliance''s Elder! If the meeting fails, we might not even get the necessary research ingredients." Philip said in a shocked tone. "Tell him that I''m sick or something." Judith waved her hand and continued walking. "I never heard of a Wizard getting sick¡­" Philp muttered slowly and quietly, leaving the main hall. Two hours later, Philip returned to the mansion and went upstairs. After walking for a while, he arrived in front of the alchemy lab and knocked on the door twice. "I''ve brought the ingredients, Your Grace." "Come in," Judith ordered from inside. Philip opened the alchemy lab door and entered, carrying several neatly packed boxes containing the requested ingredients. The alchemy lab was a massive room with shelves filled with vials, jars of powders, and rows of rare herbs preserved in glass containers. A large alchemical table stood at the center, its surface cluttered with instruments, cauldrons, and various tools. Judith was already at work, focusing on a complicated magical circle etched into the table. Runes glowed as she was preparing the equipment. "Place them here," she gestured toward an empty table section without looking up. Philip nodded, arranging the materials as neatly as possible before stepping back. "Your Grace," he asked hesitantly, "may I ask why you''re so intent on this particular recipe? You''ve never shown such urgency in your research before." Judith paused momentarily, her hands stilling over a small brazier she was lighting. Without turning around, she replied, "Let''s just say an unusual opportunity presented itself. If this works, it could change the future of many." Philip nodded. "Shall I prepare anything else?" "No, leave," Judith said firmly. "I need to focus right now." Once Philip exited the lab, Judith exhaled deeply. She unsealed the box containing the powdered ignis crystal and inspected its shimmering, ruby-like particles under a magnifying lens. ''Perfect quality.'' She moved on to the other ingredients, verifying their authenticity individually. Satisfied, she took out a test tube and started concocting the affinity potion. Unlike Raven, her experience concocting potion was more than 1000 times better. She skillfully handled the equipment and continued to concoct the potion with the help of the concoction method Raven told her. A few minutes later, she finally stopped the concoction process and looked at the crimson liquid-filled vial in her hand. "I need to check if it''s authenticated." She closed her eyes, enveloped the whole mansion with her spirit power, and sent out an order to Philip. "Come to the lab right away." Two minutes later, Philip entered the alchemy lab and bowed his head. "Go and borrow the highest rank fire affinity orb from the Wizards Guild using my name. Quick." "Fire affinity orb?" Philip looked sharply at the vial in her right hand and hurriedly nodded. "I''ll be right back, Your Grace." He hurriedly left the lab, leaving Judith alone. ¡­ Thirty minutes later. Philip returned, panting slightly from the urgency of his errand. He carried a small, crystalline orb with countless rune letters inscribed. "I''ve brought the Fire Affinity orb, Your Grace." He handed it to Judith, who took it with a steady hand. "Excellent work, Philip." She nodded with a smile and soon asked. "Can you place your hand on it?" Although puzzled, Philip asked no more questions and quietly touched it. A second later, a dim reddish glow appeared from the white crystal and started to glow fiercely. "You have a good affinity with Fire? I thought you only have darkness and sword affinities, though. Haa, go and gather all the servants in the main hall. I want to check something personally." She ordered. "Yes, Your Grace." Philip nodded and hurriedly left the alchemy lab. A few moments later, hurried footsteps echoed through the mansion. Philip returned to the main hall, leading a group of five servants wearing expressions of confusion and unease. They lined up neatly in the center of the main hall, their eyes darting nervously between Judith and the orb in her hand. "Your Grace," Philip began, "the servants are gathered as requested. Shall I¡ª" "Step aside," Judith interrupted. She descended the staircase gracefully, her long gown trailing behind her. As she reached the main hall, the servants instinctively bowed their heads in respect. Judith placed the white orb on the coffee table and spoke. "Listen carefully. Come forward one by one and touch the crystal." The servants exchanged uncertain glances, but none dared to voice objections. Judith turned her attention to the first servant in line, a timid young maid with trembling hands. "Touch the orb," Judith commanded. "Yes, Your Grace." She walked ahead with light footsteps, extended her hand, and placed her palm on it. But even after five seconds, no response came from the orb. "Good. Next." Judith checked the rest of the servants and found that only three people had no affinity for Fire. "Hmm," She pondered for a moment and soon turned her gaze towards the timid maid. "You stay here. Rest of you can return to your work." She ordered. "Philip, if a person named Raven or ''Charles'' comes to see me tomorrow, inform me immediately. That person is an important guest." She paused momentarily and turned her gaze towards the timid blonde-haired maid. "Follow me." Saying so, she started walking on the split staircase. Both soon went to the second floor and moved to the alchemy lab. "Drink this," Judith picked up the red vial and gave it to the maid. Nodding stiffly, the maid opened the cap and gulped it without refuting it. A second later, a burning sensation appeared all over her body and caused her throat to go dry. Her eyes swelled up, and even her breath grew harder. She panicked and knelt on the floor, looking at Judith with pleading eyes. A chuckle escaped out of Judith''s mouth as she saw her reaction. "Calm down, kid. I''m not doing any dangerous experiment." She said with a smile and waited for more than an hour. Meanwhile, the maid returned to her usual self and felt nothing changed inside her body. "Now, touch the orb again," Judith said while placing the orb in front of her. Nodding stiffly, the maid extended her hand and touched it. A second later, the orb started to give a dim reddish light and remained like that for a while before disappearing. "Amazing!" Judith couldn''t believe her eyes at all. "Even though it''s a low-rank potion, it''s still a feat we dreamed of achieving for centuries!" She soon composed herself and sent the maid away. "If anyone asks what happened here, tell them the crystal didn''t shine even after trying multiple times." The maid instantly understood what she was implying and nodded. "I-I won''t tell a soul, Your Grace!" Saying so, she bowed her head and left the lab. Meanwhile, Judith focused on concocting more affinity potions using the rest of the ingredients. ¡­ September 22nd Morning. Raven woke up early and left the mansion alone through the tavern''s carriage. After arriving at the market street, he shifted to another carriage and changed himself into his original look. ''Although it''s dangerous to meet her alone, I don''t have any choice.'' Although nervous inside, Raven decided to move on with his plan. Then, he took another luxurious carriage and returned to the Garden Street. Although a few security check-ups were there, Raven returned to the mansion area quickly. But instead of going towards his own, he quietly arrived before the neighboring mansion house. He then quietly took the monocle from his pocket and put it on his left eye. After that, he stepped forward and walked closer to the compound gate. "Stop!" Two muscular men in blue uniforms stood outside the compound gate and blocked his path using their long rifles. "Identify yourself." One of the guards inquired. "I''m here to meet Madam Judith. I''m Raven; my teacher told me to come here." The guards retracted their weapons and bowed heads when he said his name. "Please come in, Sir. Raven." Raven adjusted his coat and stepped through the open gate, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. Judith''s mansion was imposing, with its towering spires and intricate carvings of runes etched into the walls. The old butler named Philip was already waiting for him at the entrance, dressed in immaculate attire. But as soon as Raven saw him, his eyes squinted. He instantly adjusted his monocle and looked at his status. ¡­ [Name: Philip (Edward Raynor) Age: 255 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: Eye of the Watcher Class: Expert Walker (Rank-3), Seventh Circle. Health: Normal Traits: Calm Headed, Classical Knowledge, Social Etiquette, Political Knowledge and Governance, Horsemanship. Current Status: Wariness Attributes: Strength: ??? Agility: ??? Vitality: ??? Luck: ??? Spirit: ???? Class Skills: ?????, ???????, ???????, ???????, ???????, ???????. Additional Skills: Advanced Swordsmanship Affinities: Shadow: Extraordinary Fire- Intermediate Sword- High.] ¡­ ''Eye of the Watcher? Also, why does he have two names?'' Raven felt something was amiss. Chapter 96: Meeting Chapter 96: Meeting ¡°Welcome, Sir Raven,¡± Philip said with a polite bow. ¡°Her Grace is in an important meeting. Please follow me to the guest room.¡± Raven followed the butler through the grand halls of the mansion, his boots clicking softly against the polished marble floor. Chandeliers adorned with glowing crystals lit up the space, casting a warm glow. But as soon as they entered the main hall, a female voice filled with spiritual power echoed through the mansion like divine words. ¡°Philip, guide him to the study,¡± ¡°Y-Yes, Your Grace!¡± Philip nodded hurriedly and guided Raven upstairs. They ascended a spiral staircase and passed through several intricately carved wooden doors, each radiating a faint magical energy. As they walked further, a pair of double doors adorned with carvings of birds and runes glowing faintly in different colors stood at the end of the corridor. Philip opened the doors with a deep bow, gesturing for Raven to enter. Inside, Judith was seated at a large desk, her sharp eyes focused on a parchment. Bookshelves lined the right-side wall, and tables and cupboards were on the left side. But Raven¡¯s attention was drawn to another person in the study. ¡®An advocate? Even an advocate is an Expert Rank?¡¯ She was only around 20 years old, had amber eyes and blonde hair, and wore a long black coat over her white shirts and pants. At that moment, she sat on one of the wooden chairs placed across Judith and was in the middle of looking at a paper. Noticing his gaze, she turned her head, smiled at him, and introduced herself. ¡°I¡¯m Lorain, a high-rank advocate.¡± She responded with simple words. Meanwhile, Judith looked up, her piercing gaze meeting Raven¡¯s. She set the parchment aside and leaned back in her chair, motioning for him to sit across from her. ¡°So, that Wizard can indeed look into the future, huh,¡± she said, her tone laced with curiosity. ¡°Raven Sillalus Jorvot, is it?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace,¡± Raven replied, bowing slightly before taking the seat offered. ¡°I have a question before we start discussing your problem.¡± Judith went straight to the point and asked. ¡°Is your teacher still alive? If the Wizard from my dream can even look into a faraway future and prophesize, why does he need my help?¡± ¡®Did she assume that dream was a memory of her?¡¯ Raven froze for a second and soon answered. ¡°My Teacher is indeed still alive, Your Grace. But he is currently in a faraway place and can¡¯t help me.¡± He soon added with an apologetic tone. ¡°I must apologize for involving you in my problems, but desperate times call for desperate measures.¡± Judith smirked, folding her arms. ¡°Desperation indeed. You claim yourself as the 66th prince of the Empire. Your teacher even asked me to get involved in royal affairs to save a criminal while tempting me with an affinity potion. But as far as we know, the 66th Prince was born dead, right?¡± At that moment, the young girl beside Raven stared at him for a few seconds and spoke. ¡°It¡¯s indeed strange. If you are indeed the 66th Prince as you claimed to be, why did the Royal Family declare you born dead? Moreover, why did that woman named Shirley kidnap you and the sword princess in the middle of the night and disappear 15 years ago?¡± ¡°She is not a random woman but my aunt. And she didn¡¯t kidnap us. She and my sister took me from the Royal Palace to save me.¡± Raven said solemnly. ¡°Save you? From whom? Emperor?¡± Even Judith was startled by his words. After all, no father would be cruel enough to kill a newborn child. ¡°I was born with no affinities and even had problems in my soul, Your Grace. The Emperor and the Prime Minister seemed to have given up on me and decided to kill me on the day I was born. I don¡¯t know what happened, but my aunt and sister sneaked me out of the Royal Palace after learning their plan and raised me in a rural town all these years. Thankfully, my teacher found me and gave me a second chance. He also cured my soul and gave me a ¡®Genius¡¯ rank affinity potion as a gift.¡± ¡°G-Genius rank affinity potion?¡± Judith blinked her eyes in surprise. ¡°And I have this thing with me to prove my identity.¡± Saying so, Raven took out the bracelet from his inventory and showed it to her. Meanwhile, Judith caught the bracelet, used her spirit power to analyze it, and soon nodded. ¡°This is indeed a royal Inheritance bracelet that everyone from the Royal Family wears. But I heard it¡¯s almost impossible to remove once you have worn it. How did you remove it from your hand?¡± Raven smiled instead of replying and soon asked. ¡°Is it enough for me to prove my identity?¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. ¡°It¡¯s indeed good evidence. But your aunt¡¯s case has no hope. Even if I take this case, the judges will postpone this case to a later date and delay as much as possible. I don¡¯t know if you know this, but the Chief Judge has unique eyes capable of discerning truth from lies. But why do you think your aunt is in jail? It¡¯s a predetermined case. And once the public shifts their attention to something else, the Royal Family will stealthily close the case.¡± Lauren said. ¡®True. I have long heard of Chief Judge¡¯s unique eye skills. Moreover, my whole court plan depends on his unique skill.¡¯ [Eye of Truth skill is popular for discerning truth from lies. But to learn that, one has to walk on the Divine or Class Gem pathway path. I¡¯m 100% sure that Chief Judge is a follower of Divine Pathway. And those who follow the Divine pathway will have heavy restrictions. Well, his weakness is bound to get exposed during the next hearing anyway.] Zera said in his mind. ¡°As long as I¡¯m alive, they have no choice but to keep my aunt safe, right?¡± Raven said. ¡°Na?ve thought,¡± Lauran responded with a sigh. ¡°Deliberate accidents. I¡¯ve seen countless cases disappearing after the defendant died in the cell accidentally. The more this case stays in the court, the longer it damages the reputation of the Royal Family. They put this kidnapping case on the Supreme Court trial to get the good side of the people while making your aunt the enemy of the public. Do you think they will stay still if things start happening in the opposite direction?¡± Raven¡¯s expression soured. ¡°Haa, it seems I have no choice but to rely on my teacher¡¯s gifts then.¡± His words made Judith raise her eyebrows. ¡°Gifts? What can they do?¡± Raven took a deep breath and asked a strange question. ¡°Do you think this Empire is moving in the right direction, Your Grace?¡± ¡°Pardon? Aren¡¯t all people living happily compared to before?¡± Judith tilted her head in confusion. ¡°But who is the real ruler? Even though my biological father is the Emperor, he doesn¡¯t even have the power to decide the fate of a single person. And if you say this Empire is slowly moving to the people¡¯s rule, I don¡¯t see anything happening anywhere. The ones who rule are Wizards. Especially the Wizards from the Wizard Alliance!¡± Raven said in a solemn tone. [To be more precise, the Wizard Alliance of the Arcane Mist Empire.] Zera spoke in his head. ¡°So, what can we even do? They hold the power already. Even though I¡¯m considered the second strongest, I can¡¯t even last ten seconds against Gavin. Moreover, I heard Gavin isn¡¯t even in the top 1000 in the Arcane Mist Wizard¡¯s Ranking list. They have advanced knowledge, advanced spell models, and even many terrifying artifacts. What does our Empire have? Although we have Aether weapons and armor, they were far inferior in quality when compared to the ones in the mainland continent.¡± ¡°Truth be told, Raven. If not for my attachment to the Empire, I would¡¯ve long become a member of the Wizard Alliance and left for the mainland. Currently, more and more wizards are going abroad for a better lifestyle. Unlike our small Ivory Island continent, the mainland has countless treasures, wealth, and opportunities. Even the Royal Family agreed to the Wizards¡¯ agreement and accepted the changes ages ago. You can¡¯t save your aunt while opposing the Royal Family. It¡¯s the same as rebelling.¡± Judith shook her head. ¡°I know it¡¯s impossible to save my aunt through legal means. Even if I save her now, the Royal Family will do something behind my back to take their anger out.¡± He took a deep breath and soon spoke. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ll do it in my way. I want you guys to help me with something during the hearing. I want to get an answer from the prime minister during the hearing. Can you arrange that?¡± ¡°He will show up if he receives the news of Lauren taking this case,¡± Judith said calmly. ¡°Thank you, Your Grace. Once the hearing is over, I¡¯ll come again and discuss our future partnership.¡± He then turned his attention towards Lauren and bowed his head. ¡°Please take this case, ma¡¯am. You don¡¯t even have to win this case. All I need is the public¡¯s attention.¡± His request confused Lauren, but she finally nodded. ¡°You want me to take the case and reveal your identity to the world, right? It seems your teacher gave my elder sister a big gift. I¡¯ll take this case and allow you to prove yourself.¡± She suddenly took a golden badge from her spatial ring and gave it to him. ¡°As long as you show this badge to the police officer at the entrance, they will directly escort you to the first row¡¯s VIP seats. That¡¯s all I can help you.¡± ¡°That¡¯s more than enough. Also, I will appear in the court only for around 30 seconds and then disappear. After that, you must wait five more minutes to appear again to hear. That way, even if things go south, I won¡¯t get caught by Royal Guards or Wizards.¡± ¡°A spell capable of evading even Legendary Wizard¡¯s spirit power, huh?¡± Judith was even more intrigued and nodded in understanding. ¡°There is such a spell?¡± Even Lauren showed a shocked look and soon spoke. ¡°If you are capable of such feet, you won¡¯t even fear the judges and emperor, right?¡± The real reason even Lauren kept her mouth sealed in many cases, even though she had evidence to prove the opposition guilty, was mainly due to the power held by the Wizards. If she doesn¡¯t follow the rules, the Judges would summon the guards and forcefully drag her out of the courtroom. In the worst-case scenario, they would file a case against her and lock her in jail. ¡®But if he can protect himself in that situation, he doesn¡¯t need to hold back and can even criticize the emperor!¡¯ What mattered most was the public opinion. As long as the truth was revealed to the public, the court would¡¯ve no choice but to comply. ¡°I¡¯ll set up a stage for you. Play all you want.¡± A cold glint appeared in her eyes. [Remember, kid. In front of absolute strength, nothing will stand in the way.] ¡°I¡¯ll use the opportunity wisely,¡± Raven stood up and thanked both from the bottom of his heart. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll be taking my leave, Your Grace.¡± Saying so, he turned around and started walking towards the door. But all of a sudden, he thought of something and spoke. ¡°A piece of information from my teacher to you, Your Grace. He told me a wolf named ¡®Edward Raynor¡¯ lurks around you.¡± At that moment, Judith also thought of something and asked. ¡°Did your teacher come from the mainland?¡± Raven paused, pondering for a few seconds. ¡®What should I tell?¡¯ [It¡¯s better to keep things more mysterious. If you said yes, there is a high possibility that the Wizards from the main continent will investigate thoroughly and cause trouble. Let¡¯s keep everyone in the dark.] ¡°No, Your Grace. He isn¡¯t from the main continent. He came from a faraway land. No, more like a faraway world.¡± Saying so, he opened the door and walked out, leaving Judith and Lauren dumbfounded. ¡°Faraway world? What does he mean? Is there another world like Eclipse?¡± Lauren widened her eyes in shock. ¡°He came in like a storm, talked like some big shot, and even left clues of some spy! I¡¯m truly curious about his teacher¡¯s origin now.¡± Judith muttered. She thought of a different approach after learning his teacher wasn¡¯t from the mainland. ¡°So, do you have any idea of the wolf?¡± Lauren asked. ¡°I may not be that smart regarding schemes, Lauren. But I¡¯ve lived for centuries and reached the legendary realm long ago. I¡¯ve long guessed it¡¯s a crafty wolf in sheep¡¯s skin. But I never thought it came from the Raynor family. Aren¡¯t they in cahoots with Wizard Alliance recently?¡± Judith frowned a bit and soon shook her head. ¡°Until we find a way to mass-produce potion ingredients on our own, we¡¯ve no choice but to keep all these wolves and rats nearby.¡± As they discussed politics and wizard-related things, Raven quietly descended from the second floor and reached the main hall. Then, he bid farewell to the butler and left the mansion house. ¡­ Chapter 97: Crown Princes Assassination Case Chapter 97: Crown Prince''s Assassination Case On the morning of 23rd September, Year 1420, Rune Era, Raven departed from the mansion early in the morning and went directly to the Supreme Court. [If you made a mistake and got caught, you must abandon Thomas Holmes''s identity.] Zera said in his mind as he stepped out of the carriage. Indeed, he didn''t come to the court in Raven''s identity. Instead, he arrived using Thomas''s identity and looked more like a young master from a noble house. He wore a formal white shirt, pants, and a black morning coat. He also covered his head with a bowler''s hat and put a monocle in his left eye. Raven calmly walked towards the compound gate and noticed twenty guards in red uniforms were checking everyone. He also joined the queue and went through a similar checkup. "Name?" A slim officer with black hair asked as Raven passed through the compound gate. "Thomas," Raven responded. "Show me your identity." The officer ordered. Raven nodded and gave him the identity certificate. The officer didn''t even look at the document and quietly waved his hand. "Go in. Next," Raven hesitated for a second but soon took out the golden badge with the twin serpent symbol engraved on the front and showed it to him. "I''m a little clueless about this place. Can you guide me, Sir?" As soon as the police officer saw the badge, he instantly saluted him and showed a polite smile. "Forgive my rudeness, Sir. I''ll guide you right away." Saying so, he said a few words to the nearby police officer and started guiding him toward the large court building. Raven followed the police officer through the main entrance, his monocle glinting under the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows. Inside, the ambiance was different. The air was heavy with tension. Citizens, advocates, reporters, and nobles crowded the vast hallways, whispering rumors about today''s trials. Raven even saw reporters carrying cameras and talking with the police officers to get permission. It was more like they were preparing for a big event. In a sense, that was a truth, too. Two major final trials were happening today, resulting in crowds from all over the city. One was the Crown Prince''s assassination case, while the other one was the Sword Princess''s Kidnapping Case. The officer led Raven into a long corridor and soon arrived before a large door. They soon entered the hearing Hall of Jurisdiction. Rows of seats were arranged in a semicircle, with the judges'' high podium dominating the center. Massive banners bearing the twin serpent crest hung on the walls, swaying gently in the air currents. The police guided him toward the hall''s center and soon arrived near where the hearing would take place. Then, he pointed his finger at the first row. "You can choose any of these seats, Sir," the officer said, gesturing to cushioned chairs near the front. Raven thanked him with a slight nod and settled into the seat close to him. From his vantage point, he could see the entire courtroom, including the area reserved for the accused. What made him nervous was that all the seats in the VIP section were allocated for nobles, Wizards, and Royals. ''I was wondering how to get a seat close to the Counsel''s Table, but that advocate, Lauren, made things much easier for me.'' His sharp gaze scanned the crowd, taking in the diversity of people present¡ªnobles, reporters, commoners, and individuals cloaked in robes. The judges had not yet arrived, but the court was abuzz with activity. Advocates prepared their cases, scribes arranged their parchment, and whispers filled the air like a low hum. Raven also saw Lauren among the crowd of advocates seated around the Counsel''s Table and breathed a sigh of relief. Suddenly, the atmosphere in the courtroom shifted. A sharp chime echoed through the hall, signaling the judges'' arrival. The murmurs died down, and all eyes turned toward the towering entrance to the left of the high podium. The six judges entered first, their robes of black and crimson trimmed with golden thread. Each carried an aura of authority, their expressions severe and composed. As they ascended the steps to their seats on the high podium, their presence alone seemed to command silence. Nobody even dared to take a breath and watched them moving towards their seats quietly.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Then came the Chief Judge, his arrival heralded by a louder chime and the opening of the double doors. He was dressed in an elaborate black robe embroidered with silver threads and looked domineering. He looked around 70, with long grey hair and a wrinkled face. ''His name is Jamison Von Yuranis, known for his unmatched intellect. More importantly, he is the only person with authority to question the Emperor.'' Raven quietly touched his monocle and checked his status. ''He is indeed following the Divine Path!'' At that moment, Jamison''s icy blue eyes scanned the courtroom, and the pressure of his gaze silenced even the faintest whispers. Once the judges were seated, a heavy thud echoed through the hall as the main doors of the courtroom opened again. A 40-year-old man with straight golden hair and sharp red eyes walked in, followed by royal guards. He wore white robes with golden designs, and his presence commanded attention. His crown, decorated with sparkling gems, shone in the light, while his face showed a calm but distant expression. ''He is my biological father, huh?'' Raven furrowed. He was none other than the Emperor of the Zenith Empire, Ian Sillalus Jorvot! Following closely behind was a man of sharp features and a piercing gaze. His long golden hair and silver eyes made him look more like royalty. Unlike the Emperor, he wore dark robes with minimal adornments, his presence less ostentatious but no less commanding. He was none other than the Prime Minister Gavin, the Strongest Wizard of the Empire. Emperor Ian sat on a luxurious seat much closer to the Counsel''s Table while the Prime Minister sat only a few seats away from Raven''s. The court clerk stood, his voice booming as he announced the start of the session. "Let the trial for the Crown Prince''s assassination attempt begin!" A hush fell over the hall. All eyes turned to the accused, a man dressed in tattered clothes, his wrists and ankles bound with shimmering chains. He bore the insignia of the Arch-Duke Gravestone family, but his gaunt face and hollow eyes spoke of weeks, if not months, of torment. The first judge, a stern woman with a hawk-like gaze, leaned forward. "Defendant, you stand accused of attempting to murder the Crown Prince and committing treason against the Empire. How do you plead?" "Not guilty," the man said, his voice trembling. "I have been framed. I swear on my family''s honor, I¡ª" "Silence!" The second judge, a stocky man with a booming voice, cut him off. "We have evidence tying you to the crime. Your denial holds no weight." It was as Raven suspected¡ªa sham trial meant to pacify the public while securing the Royal Family''s interests. He glanced at Lauren, who was whispering something to the scribe at her side; her expression remained calm. The prosecution began their case, presenting evidence¡ªa dagger allegedly found in the Crown Prince''s chambers bearing the accused''s fingerprints, a witness claiming to have seen him near his bedroom, and a document suggesting a pact with Viser Kingdom. Each piece of evidence was met with murmurs from the crowd, but Raven knew the judges had long decided the final judgment. The trial lasted more than an hour, and six judges asked the witnesses and those involved in the cases questions. Finally, the papers were submitted to the Chief Judge. The courtroom became silent as Chief Judge Jamison Von Yuranis rose from his seat. His presence loomed large, his black robes flowing like shadows pooling around his feet. The hall, once alive with murmurs, sank into an oppressive silence. Jamison''s piercing blue eyes scanned the accused. "The court has reviewed all evidence presented," Jamison began, his tone was cold. "The weapon, marked with the fingerprints of the accused. The document details treachery and collusion with the Viser Kingdom. Testimonies corroborating these claims." He paused. The accused¡ªbroken, shaking, yet glaring defiantly¡ªmet Jamison''s gaze. It was as if both men shared a silent understanding of the farce unfolding here. Jamison''s expression, however, did not waver. "This court must uphold the Empire''s laws and protect its sovereignty, no matter the cost." The words echoed like the toll of a death knell. Raven narrowed his eyes as a faint, knowing smile curled at the edge of the judge''s lips¡ªso slight that it might have been imagined. "The accused is found guilty of high treason," Jamison declared, the words like iron chains binding the room. "The sentence is death for crimes against the Empire and its people." Gasps rippled through the chamber. The accused stumbled; his face drained of all color. Despair, anger, and disbelief warred in his tear-streaked expression! "But this is wrong!" he screamed, his voice cracking as he lunged forward. "I''m innocent! You know I am!" The guards seized him, forcing him to his knees. The court erupted with hushed whispers, but none dared speak too loudly in the face of Jamison''s authority. The other judges looked uneasy yet silent. The nobles watched; some were smug, and others were pale. "There are moments," Jamison said softly, though his voice carried to all corners of the room, "when justice demands a heavier price. You may claim innocence, but history will remember only your guilt." The accused''s cries echoed off the marble walls as he was dragged away. The gavel slammed down¡ªonce, twice, thrice¡ªwith a finality that seemed to snuff out all hope. "Let it be known," Jamison continued, his voice cold as frost, "that treason against the Empire will never go unpunished." ''Jamison knew the truth but lied? Didn''t you say he can''t lie?'' Raven asked. [He never lied. He gave justice according to the rules and regulations of the Empire''s law with proper evidence. The truth can be distorted if one knows how to use it.] The Chief Judge had seen through the forgery, through the lies. Yet he had chosen to let an innocent man die. Not out of ignorance. Not out of oversight. But because it served a purpose. ''Justice isn''t blind,'' Raven thought darkly. ''It''s been bought and sold.'' "Next case." As Raven was thinking deeply, the Chief Judge ordered. ''It began.'' The court clerk stood again, his voice booming. "Let the trial for the Sword Princess''s Kidnapping case begin!" Raven''s monocle glinted as he shifted slightly in his seat, his sharp eyes narrowing with anticipation. The double doors creaked open again, and two guards entered, dragging the accused into the courtroom. This time, it was a woman whom Raven was so familiar with. She was around 40 years old, with blonde hair matted to her face and wrists shackled with glimmering chains. She wore a torn black dress stained with mud and blood and looked lifeless. But what made Raven furious was her left hand! It was cut below her wrist and tied with a cloth instead. "A-Aunt!" His body trembled. [Stay calm, lad. Be glad that she is still alive.] Zera said in his mind and snapped him out of the shock. The courtroom had turned into a tempest of whispers and muffled gasps. Raven clenched his fists in anger and soon put his hope on Lauren. Meanwhile, Lauren adjusted her glasses and organized her papers, preparing for a fierce argument. Advocate Cedric, representing the Royal Family, smiled confidently from the other side of the Counsel''s Table. The Chief Judge''s gavel struck, bringing the room to order. "Advocates, present your opening statements," Jamison¡¯s voice echoed through the hall. Chapter 98: Hearing Chapter 98: Hearing Cedric stood, his dark robe flowing as he approached the bench. "Your Honors, court members, and esteemed spectators," he began, pacing slowly. "We gather here not to settle personal grudges but to uphold the laws that bind this great Empire. The accused, Shirley, is charged with heinous crimes¡ªkidnapping a royal member, killing a child of royal blood before he was even born, and deliberately manipulating the Sword Princess, Athena, with malicious intent. These actions are not only treasonous but an affront to the sanctity of the Royal Family." Cedric paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the room. "Clause-35: Kidnapping or killing a royal family member brings in lifetime imprisonment or execution. From witnesses and tests from the Royal Physician, we confirmed that she gave an alchemic odorless and tasteless poison called ''Silent Taker'' to concubine Jeanne before the delivery, which resulted in the death of the unborn child. Even with this clause alone, Shirley must be executed twice!" He paused a moment to take a breath and continued. "Clause 54: Harming or manipulating an innocent child brings twenty years of imprisonment¡­ Clause 23: Using drugs to brainwash or harm an individual carries a penalty of ten years. These charges alone paint a clear picture of her guilt." He turned toward Shirley, his expression cold and calculating. "Her jealousy toward her sister Jeanne drove her to kidnap Athena and even made her kill the royal blood, Raven Sillalus Jorvot." Cedric returned to his seat, his words hanging like a storm cloud. Lauren rose gracefully, her measured steps taking her to the center of the courtroom. She adjusted her robes and faced the judges, her voice steady but firm. "Your Honors, what my esteemed colleague fails to acknowledge is the context¡ªthe truth buried beneath layers of half-truths and royal convenience." She turned, addressing the room with conviction. "Shirley is no criminal. She acted out of loyalty and desperation to protect her sister''s children, not to kidnap or kill them. And from what I''ve investigated, Athena willingly went along with Lady Shirley. The Emperor and Empress witnessed Shirley and Athena leave, yet they chose silence." She paused for a moment and turned her gaze towards the Emperor. "Your Excellency, were you in the Royal Palace when Shirley kidnapped Athena?" Her abrupt question surprised the people in the courtroom and the judges! "Absurd! Who gave you the right to question His Excellency?" Cedric instantly rose from his seat and protested. "Ahem!" Jamison cleared his throat and warned her. "Advocate Lauren, you should know that questioning Emperor Ian is equal to questioning the law itself, right?" A cold sweat appeared on her face. "My apologies, Your Honor." Murmurs rippled through the audience, and some even shouted at her, but Lauren heeded no mind and continued. "The prosecution claims jealousy and manipulation. I say the Imperial Family''s paranoia and cruelty forced Shirley to act." She glanced toward Shirley, her gaze softening before she turned back to the judges. "This is not just a trial about one woman''s alleged crimes. This is a trial about power¡ªhow far those in control will go to maintain it and how the truth is twisted to serve their ends." Lauren returned to her seat, and her face clearly showed anger and fury. The Chief Judge nodded, his piercing gaze shifting between the two advocates. "Let the prosecution present its evidence." Cedric stood, signaling a scribe to bring a stack of parchments forward. "Your Honors, I present witness testimonies and written accounts detailing the events on the night of the alleged kidnapping. Our main witness: Lady Vivian Ardent, a former maid of the Imperial Palace and also a third child of Count Ardent." A middle-aged woman was escorted into the courtroom, her hands trembling as she took her oath. "Lady Ardent, please recount what you witnessed the night when Princess Athena disappeared," Cedric prompted. Vivian hesitated, her voice wavering. "I... I saw Lady Shirley enter the Concubine Jeanne''s chambers before the delivery. She argued with the Concubine Jeanne something. I couldn''t hear everything, but Lady Shirley was angry. After an hour, she returned to the chamber with food and even apologized to Lady Jeanne for her harsh words." Cedric nodded, his tone sharpening. "Did you witness anything else?" Vivian swallowed hard. "After delivery... I saw Lady Shirley leave with the Princess and even took the dead child to hide the witness. I wanted to stop her, but I was too powerless. Moreover, I feared something might have happened to Lady Jeanne and rushed to her chamber to check on her first. I-I should''ve stopped her and ended her schemes right away. It was my fault!" Tears fell from the maid''s face. Cedric turned to the judges, spreading his hands as if the case was already won. "A loyal palace servant confirms the accused''s intent to act against the Imperial Family''s will, My Lord." Lauren stood swiftly, her voice cutting through the tension. "Objection, Your Honor. The witness merely described an argument, not a crime. Furthermore, Lady Shirley''s actions that night are mainly not to kidnap the Sword Princess but to save the unborn child."If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Her words attracted everyone''s attention, even the Emperor''s and Prime Minister''s. "What do you mean?" Chief Judge''s eyebrows rose. "Raven Sillalus Jorvot wasn''t born dead, Your Honor. He was born healthy, but when the Emperor and Prime Minister Gavin checked his affinities, they discovered he was born with no affinities. To hide this truth, they decided to kill him-" "Preposterous! Don''t forget that you are blatantly accusing the Rulers of this Empire! If you can''t give me a proper reason, I will instantly revoke your advocate certificate and put you in jail for rebellious words." The Chief Judge spoke harshly. ''Haa, I can''t hear this nonsense anymore.'' Raven looked at the judge coldly and cast the ''Past Self'' bloodline spell. Suddenly, a young boy, around 15 years old, with black hair and deep blue eyes, appeared in the courtroom and attracted everyone''s attention. "R-RAVEN!!!" The first one to shout joyfully was Shirley, who had kept her mouth shut all this time. "Please escape. The Court and the Royal Family will not let you live!" She soon snapped out of shock and panicked. Meanwhile, Gavin stood up from his seat and shouted. "Impossible!" Although Raven wanted to explain to her aunt that she should not worry, he was in Thomas''s appearance. ''And the one talking is a recorded memory of mine.'' At that moment, ''Raven'' looked at the Emperor and spoke coldly. "I''m Raven Silallus Jorvot, 66th Prince of the Zenith Empire." He slowly turned his gaze towards the Chief Judge and continued. "You can tell me if my words are true or false with your ''Eye of Truth'' skill, right?" "How did you know my unique skill name?" A chilling aura suddenly enveloped the courtroom and caused everyone to suffocate. "I know your Divine Pathway skill has restrictions, too. You can''t tell a lie to anyone, but you can manipulate the truth according to the laws of the Empire and judge based on your wish. I know you are shocked and furious. But at least do your work properly in my aunt''s case. Or else, you may end up dead right away." As if he wasn''t even affected by the spiritual pressure, Raven talked with a cold smile. Even ''Thomas,'' sitting in the VIP seat, was impressed by his talk. The next second, ''Raven'' disappeared like it never existed before, leaving a pin-drop silence in the courtroom. The most shocked person was none other than Chief Judge Jamison. People only knew he had unique eye power to see through the truth. But nobody, not even his family members, knew of its weakness! ''No good! I need to stop this case and leave!'' ''This is an unexpected information. So, Chief Judge can''t lie, huh?'' Lauren took the pocket watch from her pocket, checked the time, and asked. "May I proceed, Your Honor?" Although Jamison wanted to stop her, the Raven''s earlier words still lingered in his mind! ''T-That boy''s words are the truth! Does that mean he can kill me anytime? Earlier, he wasn''t affected by my spiritual pressure at all.'' He looked around warily and even activated an artifact for protection. "Proceed!" He finally nodded. A smile appeared on Lauren''s face. "Can I start from the beginning, Your Honor?" "Objection, Your Honor! This is clearly to mislead the case. And we don''t even know who that boy is. How did he appear in the courtroom? If he is the real prince, why is he even left immediately instead of proving himself?" Emperor Ian, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke. "How did you get your hands on the Royal Inheritance Bracelet?" Although startled by his words, Lauren kept her face calm and answered politely. "Raven gave it to me yesterday to prove his identity as the 66th Prince, Your Excellency. You can ask Chief Judge if my words are true or false." The corner of the Emperor''s lips twitched at her craftiness. "She is telling the truth," Jamison said while gritting his teeth. "You can check yourself if this is real or fake, Your Excellency," Lauren said as she walked closer to Emperor Ian''s seat and gave it to the Royal Guard, who stepped forward. "Can I ask you a few questions, Your Excellency? I don''t mean to question-" Emperor Ian interrupted her coldly. "Ask." "Did your 66th child born dead?" A silence descended in the courtroom. After a short delay, Ian heaved a deep sigh and shook his head. "No. He was a healthy child when born." Lauren was about to ask another question, but Jamison stood up. "You can''t ask any more questions to His Excellency, Advocate Lauren!" "Yes, Your Honor." She quickly backed away and then turned her attention to Shirley. "Can you tell me what happened that night, Miss Shirley?" "Objection, Your Honor! An advocate can only ask questions to the eyewitnesses, not the accused." Cedric stood up from his seat and protested. "But the Royal Family isn''t cooperating at all. The court didn''t allow me to question the person who knows the truth because asking him is questioning the law itself; the court also didn''t say a word about why the Royal Family didn''t bring Athena or Concubine Jeanne even though they are the main witnesses. Why hasn''t Athena come to the court yet?" Lauren asked angrily. "Your Honors, Concubine Jeanne has been sick since yesterday and is undergoing treatment in the Palace Hospital. Princess Athena is currently unavailable due to her duties at the Royal Palace. Her presence here is unnecessary; we have sufficient evidence to proceed." Lauren''s eyes narrowed, her voice like steel. "Unnecessary? She is the key witness in this case. Her testimony could exonerate the accused. Or perhaps the Royal Family fears what she might say?" The courtroom erupted into murmurs, and Jamison raised his gavel for silence. "Enough," he said. "Pathetic!" A familiar young boy''s voice suddenly echoed in the courtroom. At that moment, ''Raven'' appeared before the Emperor and looked at the people. "I''ll tell the truth to everyone. I was born with no affinities. To hide this truth, my dearest father and Prime Minister Gavin planned on killing me. But my sister and aunt took me away from the Royal Capital and raised me all these years in a rural town." He turned his gaze towards Gavin and continued. "But two months ago, Gavin visited our house and forcefully brought my sister and aunt back to the capital. And he ordered his subordinate to kill me. I''ll present you all with evidence soon." Like earlier, Raven disappeared as he said those words, leaving others confused. ''30 seconds isn''t enough to even tell a small truth.'' Raven leaned on the chair and patiently waited for the next chance. ''No. I should show everyone what happened there.'' Unlike the ''Past Self'' spell, his ''Past Touch'' skill could allow him to look into the past one day before and store it. And he could replay the stored vision anytime and anywhere. At that moment, Lauren turned her attention to Gavin and asked. "Do you have anything to say about Mr. Raven''s claims?" "It''s true that Raven was born with no affinities. But from what I''ve observed so far, this person who claimed to be Raven can use magic spells. How can a person with no affinity capable of achieving such a feat?" Gavin asked instead of responding. "May I answer that question, Mr. Gavin?" A calm but pleasant female voice came to the court entrance as a red-robed woman with black hair and green eyes walked toward the center of the courtroom. "Vice President Judith?" A frown appeared on Gavin''s forehead. She had never been interested in politics or mortal affairs all these years, but her sudden intrusion made him feel something was off. ''Why is she here now?'' Judith''s entrance caused a ripple of shock through the courtroom. Although the Empire possessed dozens of Legendary powerhouses, only seven were Wizards. Among them were Gavin, Judith, Viola Findlay¡ªrenowned as the Ice Princess¡ªJohnathan the Alchemist; Weston Raynor, the Necromancer; Gaylin Warfield, known as the Flame Shield; and finally, Allen, the enigmatic Wizard who served as the unofficial leader of the Wizard Alliance. These seven people were at the pinnacle of strength and could topple a kingdom independently. Even among the seven, Gavin was said to be the cunning fox and the strongest Wizard, not because of his strength but his overall influence on the Empire. He controlled one-third of the nobles, and his faction held key positions in all departments. And the second strongest was none other than Judith. She was the Wizard Union Leader and Vice President of the Crows Misery Academy. Although she never showed an interest in politics, she was the role model of most Wizards from commoners'' backgrounds and had a good public image. Her arrival deeply startled even the judges. Chapter 99: Judgement Chapter 99: Judgement Judith stopped in the center of the Courtroom, facing the judges with a respectful bow. "Your Honors, I apologize for the sudden intrusion, but I believe my testimony is crucial for this case." Jamison''s eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, his voice suspicious. "Vice President Judith, your appearance here is unexpected. What do you have to contribute to this trial?" Judith straightened and spoke while taking a vial from her spatial ring. "This potion is called ''Affinity potion.'' Well, your Honor must have known much more about this potion than a Wizard like me from this rural island." She said innocently. "How did you get your hands on this?" Jamison asked in a cold tone and was shocked inside. The same goes for the six judges and Prime Minister Gavin. Jamison was the first to snap out of the shock and asked coldly. "Do you know what your actions are implying, Wizard Judith? According to the Wizards Act of 845, illegally importing products from the main continent is punishable by death or lifetime imprisonment." "But, your Honor, I never said I got this potion from the mainland continent, though," Judith said calmly and turned her gaze towards the crowd. "I''ll show everyone that this potion is legitimate. I want five people to come forward and help me do a little experiment." At that moment, Jamison interrupted her. "Miss Judith, this is not your house lab or the academy to do experiments." "Haa, even my words won''t do a thing, huh?" Her gaze moved towards Emperor Ian. ''Puppet Emperor, huh? Now that I see it, His Excellency is indeed a mere spectator. I hope I''ve brought another 5 minutes for Raven.'' As she muttered under her breath, something extraordinary happened before the VIP seats. A virtual-like 10-meter large illusion appeared in the Courtroom, showing a scene. Everyone in the Courtroom saw the sudden illusion and was startled. Using the chaos, Raven slowly touched his face and changed himself into his original appearance. Then, he took off the bowler''s hat and leaned on the seat to watch the past illusion with a calm look. The scene showed an image of three people standing in a gloomy hall. One was the defendant of this case, Shirley, another was Sword Princess Athena, and finally, the third person was Prime Minister Gavin! "A projection video recorder? How did it appear in this continent?" Gavin stood up with a shocked face. ''Wow! What kind of magic is this?" "Is it something like photography?" "But is it even possible to capture the whole scenario like real life?" Chaos erupted in the Courtroom. Soon, they saw Gavin sitting on the sofa leisurely and talking with the defendant and the sword Princess. He asked about the man''s identity in the portrait, then revealed how he and the Emperor always kept an eye on them through the inheritance bracelet. He also revealed information about the Crown Prince''s death and threatened Athena and Shirley to return to the Royal Palace under the order of the Emperor. When Athena resisted and soon gave in, everyone noticed the illusion-like video was covered in darkness. A few seconds later, only Gavin was standing in the gloomy room. All the spectators, advocates, reporters, nobles, and even judges silently watched the scene. As everyone thought this was the end, Gavin slowly sat on the sofa in that video and shouted out a person''s name. Soon, everyone watched how Gavin ordered the man in black clothes to assassinate Raven and put the blame on the Viser Kingdom. After that, the illusionary video shimmered momentarily and broke into countless images like broken glasses before disappearing from everyone''s eyes. Alas, nobody even dared to take a breath or mutter. Everyone''s attention was solely focused on the Prime Minster and the Emperor. "Ahem!" Jamison cleared his throat to gather everyone''s attention and spoke. "Given the disruption caused by numerous unforeseen factors, I declare this case postponed." Jamison''s gavel struck the stand, the sharp sound reverberating through the hushed Courtroom. The tension was palpable, as though the air had thickened under the weight of the revelations. The postponement felt more like an escape than a resolution. ''This court is an utter joke!'' Raven finally lost hope in the Emperor and this Empire''s justice. "Haa!" Raven exhaled loudly, causing the whole Courtroom to be silent again. He slowly stood up from his VIP seat and walked towards the Prime Minister Gavin. "Funny. Is this the justice you are proud of, Chief Judge?" His voice echoed in the Courtroom like a mockery. "A judge who possessed the eye to see through lies is using the Empire''s laws to give false judgment and executing innocents. And the Emperor, also my biological father, is keeping his mouth shut and is listening to all this nonsense like he is a clown." "Atrocious!" A shout came from Jamison. But Raven didn''t flinch even a bit and continued to walk towards Prime Minister Gavin. "And the strongest Wizard, who is also the representative of common people, who is said to have a part in introducing the voting system and even allowed the commoners to rise in social rank, is scheming like an old fox and playing with lives." He arrived before the Prime Minister and stared at him coldly. "You better watch what you say, Raven! You should apologize to all of us and return to the Royal Palace. Or else, even I can''t save you from getting executed for ridiculing the Courtroom." For the first time, Emperor Ian spoke while looking at him with complicated eyes. Meanwhile, Raven stared at the Prime Minister and felt an oppressive spiritual power descending on his body. ''No, I can''t back down.'' He took a deep breath and continued. "An Empire should be ruled by an Emperor, not by some clowns sitting high up in the benches and manipulating laws. Clause-35: Kidnapping or killing a royal family member results in lifetime imprisonment or execution. For trying to kill me and also for threatening my sister, I hereby sentence ''Prime Minster Gavin'' to be executed on the spot." "Hahaha. How are you going to do that, brat?" A cold voice came from Gavin as he looked at him with menacing eyes. At that moment, Jamison felt he wasn''t bluffing and shouted. "DON''T PROVOKE HIM-!" Before he could finish his sentence, Raven calmly raised his hand and pointed his forefinger at Gavin''s chest. ''Do it, Zera.'' [One slot spell ''Erase Existence'' has been used on Gavin!]Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. A second later, a mysterious power suddenly entered Gavin''s body through Raven''s forefinger, destroying his body cells from the atomic level. But this mysterious power didn''t stop; it invaded his consciousness and even entered his soul. Gavin suddenly felt he was losing memories, and all his surroundings appeared unfamiliar. Within 0.3 seconds, he lost more than five centuries of memories. No, even his precious memories started disappearing in a blink, leaving his consciousness nothing but an empty shell. But it was just the start. The strange power started destroying his Sea of Consciousness and even his soul at a rapid speed. Gavin stood blankly for two seconds and soon turned into ash like he had never existed! A pin-drop silence appeared in the Courtroom! For the first time, fear appeared on everyone''s face. Not only Jamison but even the Emperor, Judges, and the people showed fear in their eyes. This sudden change also dumbfounded Judith, and she soon recalled his words. ''Is this the gift his teacher left behind? How powerful is that man I saw in the dream?'' She felt unfathomable respect and fear! The most powerful Wizard and the Zenith Empire''s Prime Minster died like that! [Use the fear and give everyone a warning.] Zera''s voice echoed in Raven''s head. Nodding, he turned around and looked at Jamison. "I want you to declare my aunt officially as Innocent within today. You may consider it a threat, but this is the tip of the iceberg I can do with my abilities. If something happens to my aunt, I will not hesitate to shower this city with meteorites." His words caused Jamison''s face to go pale as a white sheet. ''F*CK! This kid really can summon meteorites from the sky.'' For the first time, he regretted learning the ''Eye of Truth'' skill! "I-I will re-do the case and release her under your order, Your Highness!" He instantly turned into a polite man and sat down in his seat. Meanwhile, Raven turned his gaze towards Emperor Ian and started walking towards him. With every step he took, the people in the Courtroom grew anxious. "Unlike you, I don''t go around killing my family members." He paused for a moment and soon showed a killing intent. "But if you dare to hold my sister hostage or use her through political marriage, I''ll not hesitate to slit your throat, ''father.''" Saying so, he snatched the inheritance bracelet from his hand and added. "You can remain a puppet Emperor for a little longer. One day, I''ll return and challenge for the throne officially." As soon as he spoke, an invisible power came out of his body and caused everyone in the hall to feel pressured. Although it was only a slight pressure enough to make a normal human suffocate, it caused a rippling shockwave and subconsciously made everyone in the Courtroom lower their gaze. "R-Ruler''s Dominance!!!" Jamison cried out in shock. ''Ruler''s Dominance?'' Even Raven was stunned by the sudden phenomenon and asked Zera in surprise. At that moment, a notification popped out before his eyes. [Host has obtained ''Ruler''s Domination'' skill.] [I heard that it''s a unique skill obtained only by the true Sovereigns and needs the World Will''s acknowledgment. It''s more like a power of people. The more people respect and fear you, the more powerful this skill will become.] ''Oh? That''s a nice skill indeed.'' Saying so, he turned around and looked at Shirley. At that moment, she was shocked by his transformation and smiled forcefully. "Advocate Lauren will take care of the rest, Aunt. Until then, stay strong." Saying so, he started walking towards the courtroom exit. Although the Royal Guards and even the Emperor wanted to arrest him immediately, nobody moved an inch. After all, who would even have the courage after witnessing Raven turning the most powerful Wizard of the Empire into ash in two seconds? Only after he disappeared from the Courtroom did people start relaxing. ''I should help him escape before others notice.'' Judith was the first to snap out of shock and left the Courtroom stealthily. "What a rebellious child!" Emperor Ian hadn''t even dreamed that his son would flip the whole Empire''s history due to a single case. How Raven quickly killed the most powerful Wizard of the Empire rattled him! ''Haa, Elise is going to be pissed.'' After that, Emperor Ian also left the Courtroom with a grave expression. Meanwhile, Jamison retook the case and continued. "Ahem, from the confessions of His Highness Raven and also the virtual video evidence he presented in the court earlier, it is proven that the defendant hadn''t kidnapped the Sword Princess Athena or poisoned Concubine Jeanne to kill the unborn child. Instead, she acted with a sense of justice and humanity and saved the 66th Prince''s life all these years. With all this evidence, the court declared Defendant Shirley as innocent and asked the department of police to release her of all charges." He didn''t even allow Cedric to speak this time and closed the case while proving Shirley innocent. Whispers broke out among the spectators, but the majority remained too stunned to voice their thoughts aloud. Once the case was closed, people started leaving hurriedly. As the Courtroom emptied, the atmosphere outside became electric. Reporters scrambled to relay the events to their publications; nobles exchanged wary glances, and advocates were rattled by the twists the case had taken. At that moment, Raven sat on the iron bench outside the hallway and looked at the crowd gathering in the outer yard. After leaving the Courtroom, Zera warned him that someone was probing his whereabouts through the spiritual scan and told him to use the ''Past Self'' skill to create a clone of himself. After creating the past clone, Raven used the boot''s ''Shadow Stealth'' skill, changed his face into Thomas, and reappeared more than 100 meters away before finding a bench to sit down. [That''s so reckless, lad. But thankfully, Judith must have used her spiritual power to check on you and block off all the probing eyes. Do not reveal yourself as Prince Raven until you become a Rank-4 Warlock.] ''Understand.'' Raven nodded gravely and pondered about what to do next. ''I want to bring my aunt with me to Giaris.'' [No. You can''t protect your aunt with your measly strength. The safest place right now for her should be Judith''s house.] ''I don''t trust her completely¡­ But, indeed, she won''t harm my aunt.'' He also felt something was off about that butler named Philip and fell into contemplation. [Your actions have already caused a lot of political changes within the Empire, lad. You just eliminated the main pillar of the Wizard Alliance and even allowed hope for the Wizard Union to stand on its own. After hearing your declaration against the Emperor, Judith must also be under great pressure. After all, she is the one who brought you into the Courtroom and even supported you in this case. Although the Nobles and Wizard Alliance will pressure her using laws, she is bound to become the next president of the Crows'' Misery. As long as you help her a bit, she will become your greatest asset.] Zera said in his mind. Raven leaned back against the bench, closing his eyes briefly as he absorbed Zera''s words. ''An asset, huh?'' Raven thought to himself, tapping his fingers lightly on the bench''s cold metal surface. ''I don''t trust her, Zera, but you''re right. Judith''s strength is more than enough to protect Aunt Shirley for now. I''ll help her rise but on my terms.'' He slowly stood up from the bench and noticed people leaving the court. Reporters were the first to leave with their cameras, followed by noblemen and Wizards. They all knew that if they didn''t leave sooner, the Royal Knights would come by and complicate things in the name of investigation. Raven also didn''t face much difficulty and left the court compound after a small checkup. After that, he moved towards the opposite side of the road and patiently waited. During this time, almost everyone who came to attend the trial also left hurriedly. A few minutes later, two figures walked out of the court''s compound entrance and moved towards the carriage parked on the roadside. One was a middle-aged woman, while the other was a young woman in her twenties. They were Shirley and Lauren. Although his aunt Shirley still looked injured all over her body, and even her hand was tried in rough cloth to stop the bleeding, her face showed no sign of pain or fatigue. She smiled proudly and thanked Lauren multiple times. Before long, both entered the carriage and left. Raven watched the carriage disappear into the distance, his face a mixture of relief and determination. Knowing Shirley was free, he felt a strange weight lift off his shoulders, but he knew this was just the beginning. The courtroom events had painted a target on his back and stirred the already volatile political landscape of the Zenith Empire. ''There will be a shift in power for sure. Wizard Alliance''s power will be reduced to a large level, and even the reputation of the Royal Family will be greatly damaged.'' The ones who benefit the most from this incident would be the Wizard Union and the Nobles. After some thought, he shook his head, took a normal carriage, and returned to Garden Street. ¡­ Meanwhile, in the Emperor''s Chambers, Royal Palace. Emperor Ian sat in his private study, the heavy silence broken only by the faint crackle of a nearby fire. His face was pale, his lips tight as he stared at the bracelet in his own hands. But unlike the one Raven had, it emitted a radiant green color at the top and also had a symbol of twin serpents. "What a mess," Ian muttered, "Elise won''t forgive me for this." A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. A tall man clad in dark robes entered the room without waiting for a response. "Your Majesty," the man said, bowing slightly. "The Royal council is demanding an emergency session. They seek answers about the Prime Minister''s death and the Prince''s actions." Ian sighed heavily. "What answers can I give, Orion? That my son, a talentless child born from a concubine, managed to annihilate the most powerful Wizard of this Empire? That he declared open rebellion in my Courtroom and walked out unscathed?" Orion''s expression didn''t waver. "We cannot show weakness, Your Majesty. The nobles are already restless, and the Wizard Alliance will demand retribution." Ian leaned back, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames. "Raven has forced my hand. I can''t even put a bounty on his head in fear of retaliation. But we should at least brand him as a traitor and a rebel. Should I also put an arrest warrant?" He soon stopped as he recalled what happened at the court. The scene of Gavin disappearing into ash was still lingering in his mind. "For now, just declare him a rebellious prince. After all, the press must have already released all the news to the public. If we declare him a traitor, we will only incur the wrath of the citizen." Orion nodded. "What shall we do about Lady Shirley?" "Let her be. Judith must have formed some ties with that child, so it''s impossible to do anything to her," Ian said after a moment of hesitation. "As for Raven¡­ Let''s keep searching for his whereabouts and find out more about him. We also need to know who is backing him." ¡­ The chaos in the Courtroom echoed through the Capital City as news of the trial spread like wildfire. Soon, every street buzzed with whispers about the Rebellious Prince, the fall of the Prime Minister, and the Emperor''s cold-hearted act of targeting his child. Newspapers were quick to seize the moment, splashing bold headlines like "The Dead Prince Returns: Courtroom Chaos Shakes the Empire," "Prime Minister Gavin Erased in a Flash," and "Emperor''s Rule Defied by His Blood." Legacy News rolled out fresh editions, drawing crowds eager to devour every detail. The bustling central market became a lively hub where people argued passionately about the events unfolding. ¡­ Chapter 100: Aftermath Chapter 100: Aftermath As the Capital was in uproar, a black-haired young boy, around 15 years old, arrived at the Crown''s Tavern and moved to Judith''s mansion. ''I wonder who will take over this tavern. Will the property of Prime Minister will be transferred to Wizard Alliance?'' [Most likely. So, what are your plans for the future?] Zera asked as he continued to walk. Raven pondered for a moment and spoke in his mind. ''Now that urgent matter is settled, I want to take things slowly. My real enemies are the Emperor and Wizard Alliance. Meanwhile, I''m nothing more than a Rank-1 Acolyte Warlock. Although I saved my aunt using petty tricks, I can''t pull off such a stunt next time.'' In the worst-case scenario, Raven might get caught by the Royal Guards or Wizards and might be executed in the name of treason. To make things worse, he knew that his progression speed would slow down. ''With my current ''low'' affinity talents, I needed at least 5 years to comprehend all the spell models and rank up to Radiant Warlock. Unless I improve my alchemy to Adept Rank, it''s almost impossible for me to Rank Up sooner.'' [Do you have any better plan?] Zera asked. ''I will search for the ''Hidden Gems'' like Rebecca and make them my servants.'' [Not your subordinates but servants?] Zera was surprised by his words. Raven nodded and continued to speak. ''Subordinates will change sides at any moment and stab me in the back. But I want servants who remain loyal to me until the end. And I will make a small group of elites in different classes. Once I nurture them enough, I''ll make them create small teams or organizations and let them grow individually. What will happen if each one manages to create an organization similar to the Mercenary Guild? I can form a most powerful faction on my own.'' [You are planning far ahead, huh?] ''Yes. And I also want to create a Magic Tower in the future. Same like the Rebirth Tower I saw in Runeth''s memories.'' Raven said as he walked past many guards in the Crown''s Tavern and reached where the mansions were. Although his identity as the 66th Prince had been exposed to the public thanks to the photography, nobody hasn''t seen his photo yet. ''It will take a few hours to a day for the photograph to be chemically processed using special alchemic chemicals. I need to finish my task here before that and escape.'' As he arrived before the mansion gate, the Guards in blue uniforms bowed their heads and invited him in. Raven entered the grand mansion, his dark eyes scanning the beautifully crafted interior. The warm scent of lavender mixed with aged wood filled the air. At the entrance, Butler Philip greeted him. His neatly combed white hair shone under the light, and he held a file in his left hand. "Welcome back, Sir Raven," Philip said with a respectful bow and added. "Lady Judith is expecting your arrival." Without waiting for a response, Philip gestured for Raven to follow. They walked through a long corridor adorned with grand tapestries and paintings and entered the main hall. The soft light from enchanted chandeliers cast a warm glow over the mansion. Raven''s thoughts raced but froze when he entered the main hall. His focus was zeroed towards the center, where three people gathered. There, sitting on a velvet armchair, was Shirley. Her face was pale, and her wrist was heavily bandaged, the absence of her hand evident beneath the wrappings. Beside her stood Lauren, her brow furrowed as she carefully applied a glowing blue potion on the injured areas. Then, she poured all the potions on the severed region and shook her head. "It''s futile," Lauren muttered under her breath. "Even a Rare rank healing potion can''t regrow a severed hand. The damage is too extensive, and it''s been too long." Judith stood nearby, her expression unreadable. "I know that even Legendary potion can''t regrow a new wrist. But it is possible to attach if the severed wrist is preserved in ice and good condition." A frown appeared on her forehead. "It''s all right, Ma''am! I don''t even care about the dead wrist anymore. I''m happy that my boy is still alive and doing everything to protect me." Shirley said with a proud smile on her face. Raven froze for a heartbeat. Then, he rushed forward, his composure shattering. "Aunt Shirley," his voice trembling as he ran towards her and quickly grabbed her injured hand. "I was scared of losing you!" Shirley, though weakened, managed a faint smile. Her good hand stroked Raven''s hair gently, a maternal warmth radiating from her despite her condition. Judith and Lauren stood silently, giving them the space they needed. When the emotions ebbed, Raven straightened and wiped his tears. He turned to Judith and spoke in determination. "Lady Judith, I need a favor. Please take care of my aunt until I''m strong enough to protect her." Judith crossed her arms, her lips curving into a smile. "Do you realize what you''re asking, Your Highness? Opposing the Emperor and the Wizard Alliance comes with consequences. Nothing in this world is free." [Use the affinity potion recipes as a negotiation. Of course, you shouldn''t give them for free.] Zera said in his mind. "I know," Raven replied, his voice steady despite the lingering emotion. "I have a proposal for you." "Oh?" Judith arched an eyebrow, intrigued. Raven hesitated for a moment, then drew a deep breath. "I want to form a mutual alliance. I will give you the formulas for basic elemental affinity potions: Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Light, and Darkness. Only for Low, Intermediate, and High ranks. My teacher will never allow me to share the higher-level formulas." ''He is willing to share the affinity potions to protect his aunt?'' She wasn''t a na?ve fool to believe it. ''So, his main goal is the negotiation, huh? More likely, it''s his teacher''s idea.'' Judith''s eyes narrowed slightly, the sharpness of her mind evident. "And what do you want in return?" "For each formula, I demand a fair price," Raven stated firmly. "A single Low-Rank affinity potion will sell for more than 5,000 gold coins on average, My Lady. Due to its rarity, I wouldn''t be surprised if it sold for 20,000 or even more. Even if we subtract the ingredient cost, you can profit more than 3000 gold coins per potion. I want 50% of the profit of every potion you sell." Judith shook her head. "I sometimes need multiple potion materials to concoct a single potion, Raven. And the most I get is somewhere around 1,000 gold coins." Of course, Raven knew it was a lie. ''Even I concoct a potion with a 30% success rate. Judith can easily concoct a Low-rank potion with a 100% success rate. As long as she has free time, she can concoct over a hundred Low-rank affinity potions daily.'' While he was thinking, Judith continued. "And no one would be interested in buying a ''Low'' rank affinity potion. As for the 50% profit I would get, it would be too low. I will give you 20% of my profit from selling the Low-Rank potion and get you the full patent rights of these affinity potion formulas." ''Only 20%? If not for protecting my aunt, I wouldn''t have proposed such a losing negotiation.'' But Raven knew it wasn''t worth much considering the safety of his aunt. Raven thought for a moment and soon agreed. "Next is the intermediate rank affinity potion formulas." This time, Judith took the lead. "The value of the intermediate potion will be multiple times higher than the Low-rank potion. But concocting the potion won''t be easy either. And I don''t even know what ingredients I would need to concoct this potion." She frowned deeply and soon added. "We need to set a basic price for the Intermediate potion depending on the rarity of the ingredients. But I can assure you that some nobles will even pay a large sum to buy the potion. As for the intermediate rank potion, I''ll give you 25% of my total profit. Anything more, I''ll be at a disadvantage."This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Raven wanted to argue but soon decided to give up. "What about High Rank potion?" Judith asked. "40% of the profit, My Lady. And I can only give you the High-Rank potion formulas after a year." Raven knew the value of the High-Rank affinity potion more than anyone else and decided not to back down. ''A single potion will sell for hundreds of thousand gold coins. I won''t sell it for cheap.'' "We have a deal, Rebel Prince." Judith also didn''t mind his demand and agreed. "Rebel Prince?" He was startled by the new title and looked at her in confusion. "That''s what the reporters, people, and even your father call you right now," Judith said with a chuckle. Raven''s expression turned solemn. "I don''t care what the people or the Emperor call me. Let them talk. It won''t change my plan." Judith smirked, clearly amused. "You''ve got spirit, Your Highness. Let''s get this sealed properly, then. A Magic Contract is the only way I''ll trust your words." Raven nodded. "I was about to suggest the same." Judith gestured to Philip, who quickly disappeared down a corridor and returned with a black velvet box moments later. She opened it to reveal several sheets of faintly glowing parchment. Each sheet shimmered as though infused with a mystical presence and hidden rune letters. "These," Judith explained, holding up a single sheet of the enchanted parchment, "are Magic Contract parchments. Created by the Will of a higher being, they bind both parties to the agreed terms. Breaking the contract results in severe consequences¡ªtypically the inability to progress in strength or skills. Some say it causes the violator to lose their life entirely." ''Is it legit, Zera?'' He asked in his mind. [Yes. The Will of a higher being is not something even a Legendary Wizard like Judith can break easily.] ''But what is a higher being?'' Raven couldn''t help but ask. At the same time, he looked at the parchment and looked at it with the help of the monocle. [Anyone who is above Rank-6 is called Higher Beings. They hold the power of laws and are not restricted by world laws. In truth, their powers are beyond the understanding of a normal human being.] ''Oh!'' Raven nodded and spoke. "Let''s sign the contract then," Judith set the parchment on a polished wooden table and brought a unique ornate quill. The quill glowed faintly, resonating with the parchment. Raven instantly knew it was an artifact for writing! "We''ll each state the terms aloud, and the quill will do the writing. Once both parties agree, we''ll sign it with a drop of blood as our imprint." Raven stepped forward, his voice steady as he listed the terms: "I, Raven Sillalus Jorvot, the 66th Prince of the Zenith Empire, hereby agree to provide Lady Judith with the formulas for Low-Rank and Intermediate-Rank affinity potions of Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Light, and Darkness. The formulas for High-Rank potions will be provided after one year. In exchange, I will retain full patent rights for these formulas and receive 20% of the profit from Low-Rank potion sales, 25% from Intermediate-Rank potion sales, and 40% from High-Rank potion sales." Judith nodded, her voice clear and firm as she confirmed, "I, Judith, a Legendary Rank Wizard and also the Vice-President of the Crows Misery, agree to the terms set forth by Raven Sillalus Jorvot. In return for the affinity potion formulas, I will fulfill all stipulated conditions and ensure Raven''s percentages are paid without fail." The parchment glowed brightly as the quill finished writing. Judith handed a pin to Raven first. With a small prick of his thumb, he let a single drop of blood fall onto the parchment, and his name appeared in fiery letters. Judith did the same, her signature forming in radiant gold. The parchment shimmered one final time before rolling itself into a sealed scroll and vanishing. Judith smiled. "The contract is now bound to our very souls. There''s no going back." Raven nodded. "Good. Now, I''ll take ten of these parchments. They''ll be useful for future dealings." Judith raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Each one costs ten thousand gold coins, though. Are you sure you want to buy them?" "Can I pay them later with the profits?" Raven asked with a grin. "Haa, go on." Judith handed him the requested parchments, and Raven stored them in his inventory. Then, he asked for pen and paper. Sitting at the table, he began writing the formulas for Low-Rank and Intermediate-Rank affinity potions with swift precision. Judith and Lauren watched silently, their gazes fixed on the young Prince. Once finished, Raven handed the neatly written formulas to Judith. She inspected them briefly, her expert eyes scanning for errors, but found none. "Impressive," she nodded with a smile. "So, how should I contact you? Once your face is exposed to the public, you won''t be able to come here like now." Judith said solemnly. "I''ll contact you through my teacher''s second disciple, My Lady," Raven responded solemnly. [Why are you exposing your current identity?] Zera was startled. ''I need to expose my other identity right now. Or else I might end up facing trouble. I''ll tell you later why.'' Raven said in his mind. "Your Teacher''s second disciple? Who could that be?" Judith furrowed. "Thomas Holmes. But please keep his identity secret from others, My Lady. If the Royal Family or the Wizard Alliance finds out he is my junior, they might do something to him." Saying so, Raven turned to Shirley. "Can we talk in private?" He asked Judith. "Take your time," Judith said as he pointed her finger at the left side of the room. Once alone, he sighed deeply and spoke. "Please focus on your health for now, Aunt. I promise I''ll find a way to restore your hand, no matter what it takes." Shirley smiled, her eyes glistening. "Just hearing those words is enough, my little child. Don''t push yourself too hard for my sake." He hesitated before continuing, "I''m also worried about Athena. But after what I pulled in the courtroom, I doubt the Emperor will act recklessly." Shirley placed her good hand on his cheek. "You''re doing everything you can. She''ll be fine, Raven. Follow your teacher''s words and become stronger like him. I heard from Lady Judith that your teacher''s strength is unfathomable. Become a good student and focus on your studies more. Don''t forget to eat properly and always use warm water for bathing. You always catch a cold too quickly." "I''m not a child anymore." Raven protested. "You are." Saying so, Shirley turned her face solemnly and asked. "So, how is your soul condition? Did your teacher find a cure for the illness? If you end up dying, my heart won''t take it, lad." A smile appeared on Raven''s face. "My damaged soul has been cured completely, aunt. Moreover, I reached the peak acolyte level and increased my lifespan by 150 years. I won''t die soon, so you don''t have to worry." "That''s good! I heard from the earlier conversation that you seem to find a way to improve your affinities. Good." She took a deep breath and spoke in a solemn tone. "When you are strong enough and gathered enough allies, you can come and take good care of your mother, aunt, and sister." Raven''s face froze as he recalled the moment he saw her coincidentally in the court hallway. ''At that time, she argued with an advocate to take the case. Unlike that Emperor, that woman did try to save my aunt. Haa, I still can''t think of her as someone close.'' As if Shirley had seen through his thoughts, she patted his head and spoke. "Don''t be mad at my sister, lad. She did nothing wrong." "I know. But until a while ago, I was nothing but a dead child in her eyes. Can she even think of me as her child?" Raven couldn''t help but show a bitter smile. "Silly boy, a mother''s love never fades, even after a century passes. Throw those useless thoughts away and focus on improving yourself. Now that I''m in a safer place, I''ll try to contact Athena and Jeanne using letters and keep in touch." Shirley soon recalled their earlier conversation and asked. "So when will we meet again? It seems you will be on a run for a while," "I don''t know, Aunt. But I''ll send you letters through my junior." Raven exchanged a few words with Shirley and returned to Judith and Lauren. "Thank you both for your help. I won''t forget this favor." Judith waved him off. "Just don''t die from the pursuit of the Emperor''s and Wizard Alliance''s dogs, Rebel Prince." "I won''t." Raven nodded and soon turned his gaze towards Philip. Noticing his gaze, Judith seemed to understand his worries and telepathically spoke to him. ''I know you don''t trust him. But don''t worry, he is under my watch. If I find anything funny, I will not hesitate to kill him on the spot.'' ''Thank you!'' With a final bow, Raven left the mansion, leaving Judith, Lauren, Shirley, and Philip in the main hall. ¡­ Raven stepped out of Judith''s mansion, his thoughts swirling. A sleek black carriage awaited him outside, its polished surface reflecting the golden glow of the evening lanterns. Without hesitation, he climbed in, giving the driver a curt nod before settling into the plush leather seat. "Market Street." He spoke loud enough, even for the guards to hear. "Yes, Sir." The carriage driver responded and whipped the horses before driving. The wheels began to turn, and the rhythmic sound of hooves against cobblestones filled the air. Just as the black carriage left the Crown''s Tavern, a few more carriages came from different street roads and moved while maintaining a considerable distance. ''I''m being followed, huh?'' Raven looked outside while moving the backside curtain a little and shook his head. As the carriage moved through the bustling streets of Capital City, Raven tilted his head, peering through a narrow gap in the curtain. The crowded Market Street buzzed with activity¡ªvendors shouting their wares, children weaving through the throngs, and the clatter of carts laden with goods. Raven activated the Mind Eye spell, his thoughts accelerating extraordinarily. Every detail outside seemed to slow, the world unfolding in perfect clarity. His sharp gaze caught sight of a small, shivering puppy huddled in a dark alley ten meters from the carriage. With a smile, Raven activated the Shadow Shift spell. In an instant, his body dissolved into the shadows, and his position swapped with the puppy on the roadside. The carriage continued without pause, its driver oblivious to the silent exchange. Raven crouched in the alley, his dark clothes blending perfectly with the shadows. Meanwhile, the puppy whimpered softly, confused but safe, now resting on the warm seat of the carriage. The black carriage rolled away through the busy street and soon vanished from Raven''s view. He remained in the same position as the following carriages moved past him and finally relaxed his guard. He then adjusted the brim of his bowler hat, pulling it low over his face as he slipped out of the alley. The cold evening air wrapped around him, but he paid it no mind, focusing instead on the crowd ahead. Moving swiftly, he melded into the sea of people. As he walked, Raven''s appearance subtly began to change. He cast the Face Mimic bloodline spell, altering his facial structure, skin tone, and eye color. Within moments, he changed into a completely different person. After changing his face to Thomas''s, he slowly removed his black coat and stored it in the inventory. After that, he wore a simple gray suit over the formal dress and continued to walk. ''I should visit the antique and artifact shops to test my luck.'' As he muttered, he took the monocle from the inventory and wore it on his left eye. After that, he roamed the market street''s popular shops and checked for anything unique. Thanks to the Wizard Guild''s card, he didn''t face any difficulty and checked more than twenty shops. While observing, he managed to find many rare and even Epic artifacts! But the price was too large for him to even get near it. ''A rare artifact costs around 500 platinum coins? Isn''t that amount to 50 thousand gold coins?'' As for the price of Epic Artifacts, it was more than ten times higher than the Rare artifacts! ''Even if I sell all the Holmes property, I won''t be able to buy Epic equipment!'' Raven quietly left the big shop and considered returning to the mansion. ''But I shouldn''t return to the mansion right away.'' He knew police dogs could still track him down using smell and decided to roam all over the city. He moved through the busy streets and brought necessary items like formal dresses, shoes, hats, etc. Then, he rented an inn and bathed before changing his clothes into new ones. [There are no divination-type skills in this land. So you don''t have to worry too much.] Zera said in his mind. ''Wouldn''t the Wizards from the Wizard Alliance have such abilities?'' Raven couldn''t help but ask. After all, Jamison had a unique, mysterious divine skill called ''Eye of the Truth'' and could determine if a person was telling the truth or false. [Now that you have said it, it is indeed possible for the Wizards from the Main Continent to possess such abilities.] Zera agreed and soon added. [But if someone can use divination skills in the Wizard Alliance, they should''ve long come after your head.] ''True. For now, I should lay low and improve myself.'' While talking in his mind, Raven moved to the nearby carriage house and took another carriage. The driver, a stout man with a thick mustache, nodded and opened the door. Raven climbed in and ordered. "To Garden Street." ¡­ Chapter 101: Ophelia Chapter 101: Ophelia When Raven returned to the rented mansion house, it was already around 9 P.M. The assassination of the Prime Minister had caused the whole city to enter a state of emergency. Due to that, most of the main roads were blocked, and even the security of every street became tighter. The Emperor also ordered all the city gates to be closed for one week and declared the 66th Prince a Rebel. Police officers and Royal Guards stood on every corner of the streets, checking everyone''s identity. ''Oh? He only branded me as a rebel, not a traitor, huh?'' Raven walked out of the carriage, covering his head with a top hat, and entered the mansion compound gate. "My Lord?!" "Are you okay?" As soon as he walked in, Jacob, Selene, and Stephaine ran towards him with a worried look. "What happened?" Raven was surprised by their reaction and asked in confusion. "We were worried you might have encountered some trouble, My Lord. The whole capital city is in uproar because of the Prime Minister''s assassination!" Jacob said in anxiety. "I heard the news along the way, too. And it seems we will stay here for over a week, too." Saying so, Raven took a leather bag and gave it to Jacob. "There are around 500 gold coins in this pouch. Extend our stay for one more week. Also, book a return ticket to Giaris on October 1st." "Yes, My Lord." Jacob didn''t say anything and quietly took the bag. Meanwhile, Raven entered the mansion house and walked upstairs through the split staircase. "Hmm, it seems I can''t go out anymore." While walking, he suddenly thought of something and spoke. "I''ll stay in the mansion for seven days and focus on closed training. Other than Stephaine, Selene, and Jacob, no one can come upstairs or to the underground basement." Saying so, he continued to walk upstairs, reached the third floor, and soon arrived before his room. He then opened the door and walked in. "It will take a while for Judith to figure out my location due to the strict security." But he knew that once she learned that Thomas Holmes was staying beside her mansion all this time, she would barge in immediately. ''There is no help it. To get proper backing for Thomas Holmes, I at least need to do this much.'' [Can you tell me the reason now?] Zera asked. A sigh leaked out of Raven''s mouth. ''The relationship between Thomas and Raven will be exposed sooner once the intelligence department starts their investigation.'' After all, he had left too many clues behind. ''The first clue is the date I arrived in the capital, which matches the day of my aunt''s case hearing. The second clue is my teacher''s name. Everyone in the city knows from the past vision that Charles Nightwind is Prince Raven''s mentor. I also mentioned his name while registering at the Wizards'' Guild. The third clue is how I used Thomas''s identity to enter the Court during the hearing. Even though there''s no solid proof linking me to Raven, they''ll find excuses to pressure me. In the worst case, I could become a target of both the Wizard Alliance and the Emperor.'' [Oh? Explain how exposing Thomas''s identity to Judith will help you.] Zera asked. ''When the intelligence department takes this case, they will investigate how Raven entered the courtroom without anyone noticing. That''s where I left a big clue. Due to the hopeless situation, I changed my identity on the seat where Thomas was seated and revealed my identity to the people. As soon as they ask the policeman who guided me there, they will learn about my name as Thomas. Although finding a single person in this big city is difficult, they will first start with the Wizards'' Guild and Mercenary Guild. Everyone named ''Thomas'' will be the target of the investigation. Once they start investigating Thomas Holmes''s identity, they will look into Wizard Guild''s registry and realize I''m also the disciple of Charles Nightwind. Then, it will be a matter of time before they arrest me in the name of investigation. Before the investigation team starts digging for clues, I need someone''s help to erase these clues.'' [Judith is the right person to do that, huh?] Zera finally understood. ''Yes.'' After all, more than thousands of people stayed in the courtroom during the hearing. It would take more than a day to check the identity of every single person. ''And when that police officer asked my name, I didn''t even reveal my surname and only showed him my identity certificate for a short moment.'' He relaxed because they didn''t write down his name or where he came from in any ledger and let him in after a simple check-up. ''As long as Judith intervenes and hides my information in the Wizard''s Guild registry, I don''t have to worry too much.'' Saying so, he removed his formal clothes and changed into casual ones. After that, he lay on the bed and fell into deep sleep. By the time he woke up, it was already early morning. He first entered the illusionary world and practiced his Spearmanship until 7 A.M. After that, he moved to the training hall and reviewed everything he had learned in the illusionary world. Then, he moved to the underground basement and focused on concocting the rest of the affinity potions. For the next seven days, he spent most of his time in the basement, concocting four affinity potions: Poison affinity potion, Blood affinity potion, Darkness affinity potion, and Lightning affinity potion!Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Then, he also used the materials he brought and concocted four Rank-1 Strength Potions called ''Brew of Might'' and Three Rank-1 Agility potions called ''Nectar of Agility.'' Each potion would double the user''s stats for 10 minutes, allowing them to gain extraordinary speed and strength. ''I can become a Beginner Rank Radiant Walker for a short time.'' Of course, consuming both at the same time would result in paralysis of the body for 1 day! Not only that, he also increased his Spearmanship comprehension to 89%! September 30th, 1420 Rune Era. Raven awoke to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the curtains of his room. The air was crisp, and a faint chill lingered outside. The first thing he did after waking up was check his status. Although he wanted to check the changes for a long time, he was focused fully on concocting potions and completely forgot about them. ¡­ [Name: Raven Sillalus Jorvot, Age: 15 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: 66th Prince of Zenith Empire, Rebel Prince. Level: 9 Class: Acolyte Warlock (8th Circle) Soul Rank: Mortal Life Pathway: Beginner Alchemist Health: Normal Attributes: Strength: 9.9 Agility: 9.9 Vitality: 9.9 Luck: 4 Spirit: 19.99 Bloodline Spells: Iron Resilience, Poison Touch (Poison Immunity), Fortuitous Finder (Completed), Blood Control, Face Morph, Mind Eye, Cold Breath, Past Self, Eye of Destruction, Shadow Shift, Memory Seal. Additional Skills: Basic Spearmanship (89%), Ruler''s Dominance (Beginner). Affinities: Life: Low, Blood: Low, Poison: Low, Lightning: Low, Darkness: Low, Time: Low, Ice: Genius, Spear: Low.] ¡­ ''4 points of Luck?'' Raven couldn''t believe his eyes. [I think you must have got them from the death of the Prime Minister. But why only four points? Maybe that''s the limit of the ''Luck'' elemental Circlet?] Zera said in his mind. Raven also thought the same and focused his attention on Mind Space. Other than the ''Memory Seal'' spell model and ''Face Morph,'' all other spell models had assimilated into the Arcanum Circlets of Destiny. ''Except for the ''Light'' element, I have spell models of all other elements. And what should I do with the 10th empty Circlet?'' Raven couldn''t help but ask. [Those two spell models don''t need any elemental energies. You can replace the ''Light'' elemental and empty circle with other elements. I suggest you create a circlet for the ''Time'' element and another circlet for the ''Darkness'' or ''Lightning.''] ''Hmm, I think Time and Darkness seems a must for now. Although an attack spell is important, I needed an escape-type spell most of the time.'' Rising from his bed, he stretched briefly before heading to the en-suite bathroom. The steam filled the room as he sank into the water, letting the heat soothe his muscles. After bathing, he dried off with a plush towel and donned his chosen attire. His outfit consisted of a charcoal-gray frock coat with silver embroidery along the lapels and matching trousers. A crisp white shirt peeked from beneath the coat, its high collar framing his neck. He fastened a dark red cravat, the fabric tied into a neat knot with a small sapphire pin at its center. His polished black leather boots clicked against the wooden floor as he moved about, completing the ensemble with black gloves and his top hat. As he looked at the mirror and put the monocle on his left eye, a knocking came from outside, causing him to raise his eyebrows. "A guest has arrived, My Lord." Jacob''s voice came from outside. "Guest?" Raven made his way towards the oak door and opened it. "Who is it?" Jacob showed a forced smile and answered anxiously. "Dayley Findlay, My Lord. And he also brought a Wizard." "A Wizard?" Raven furrowed his brows and continued. "Let''s go and meet them." Saying so, Raven and Jacob made their way downstairs. When they reached the main hall, Raven''s sharp eyes scanned the group waiting for him. Daley Findlay stood at the forefront, wearing a well-tailored navy blue suit with golden embroidery. His hair was neatly combed back, and his youthful face showed a trace of happiness. Raven adjusted his monocle and checked his status. ''There is no change in his body status?'' After a swift look, Raven turned his gaze towards the others. Beside him was a dignified older woman with a stern expression. She wore a deep azure robe adorned with frost-like patterns, and her silver hair was pinned back in an elegant style. Her ice-blue eyes seemed to pierce through everything they gazed upon. Behind them stood two attendants¡ªMaisie, a blonde-haired woman with a poised elegance, and Kingston, a broad-shouldered young man. As Stephanie placed a tray of fruit juices on the table and stepped back, Raven inclined his head politely and spoke. "Young Master Daley, what a surprise. I hadn''t expected guests at this hour, especially considering the city''s state." Daley smiled. "I apologize for the intrusion. I came here under the constant pressure of my teacher." Raven''s brows lifted slightly, and he gestured toward the chairs by the fireplace. "Please, take a seat." Daley nodded, and both he and his teacher took their places. Maisie and Kingston stood silently behind them. Jacob quietly moved to stand near the door, ready to intervene if needed. Meanwhile, Raven sat on the opposite chair, gazing at the silver-haired woman. "I''m Thomas Holmes, Ma''am. Could you tell me why you want to meet me?" The silver-haired woman didn''t say a word all this time and kept observing his every movement. Even though she was sitting on the opposite chair, everyone in the hall felt suffocated. ''Her spirit power is no joke!'' Raven also used the chance to activate the monocle artifact and checked her stats. ¡­ [Name: Ophelia Nas Ritter Age: 548 Race: Human Nationality: Arcane Mist Empire Affiliation: Professor of Crows'' Misery (Elite Member of the Velvet Circlet) Title: Winter Witch Class: Expert Wizard (8th Circle) Health: Normal Traits: Cold Hearted, Adaptability, Practicality, Selfish, Narrow-Minded, Greedy, Arrogance, Impulsiveness¡­ Past History: ???? Current Status: Disappointed, Angry, and Regret. Attributes: Strength: 794.5 Agility: 820.00 Vitality: 810.5 Luck: ?? Spirit: ???? Spells: ?????, ?????, ??????, ???????, ??????, ???????, ??????. Additional Skills: ??????. ???????, ??????. Affinities: Ice: Extraordinary, Earth: Intermediate.] ... ''Oh? A member of Velvet Circlet, huh? They are deeply rooted even in the Crows'' Misery academy, huh?'' Raven felt this organization might be more powerful than he had thought. ''The reason she took Daley as her disciple must be because of his talent.'' "I''m Ophelia, Ice Wizard, and working as a Teacher in Crows'' Misery." She introduced herself and soon asked. "How did you know my disciple is facing bottleneck because of the ice affinity?" ''I expected this question. But Daley didn''t say anything about ''Spatial'' affinity to her? Could it be he hid it from her?'' He furrowed his brows. "I can''t answer you that, Ma''am," Raven said apologetically and then added. "But it is true that your disciple faced bottleneck due to ''Low'' Rank Ice affinity." "When we checked his affinity during admission, the affinity orb shone brightly, indicating he has ''High'' or above rank Ice affinity. If I had known this earlier, I would''ve chosen Talia as my disciple." Ophelia shook her head in disappointment. Meanwhile, Daley could only lower his head in shame and mutter silently. "I''m sorry for disappointing you, Master," Raven furrowed his brows. ''She must have taken him as her disciple because of his family background and ''High'' ice affinity. But she regrets choosing him, huh?'' "You should''ve already double-checked his ice affinity rank, right?" Raven asked. Meanwhile, the woman went silent for a few seconds and sighed. In truth, she had a total of twenty-two disciples in the academy. Among them, only a few showed true potential. Meanwhile, the rest were barely improved due to their low spirit powers or lack of understanding. That¡¯s why she never checked the average disciple¡¯s progression. "I never checked his affinity rank until yesterday. But I came here for a different reason." She paused for a moment and soon added. "I came here to find out how you managed to find out his low affinity even though I failed to notice." Her eyes sharpened as she looked at him like he was her next prey. Chapter 102: Invitation Chapter 102: Invitation ''She is dangerous for sure. If I speak one wrong word, I might make an enemy out of her.'' Raven took the glass of juice from the table and sipped before talking. "Lady Judith said that concocting Affinity Potion is possible. Why not try asking her to help your disciple, Ma''am?" A frown appeared on Ophelia''s forehead. "This is not the answer to my question, though." Her voice turned colder, causing the whole surrounding air to turn chill. "I advise you not to act recklessly, ma''am. This is not a random house but the Crown''s Tavern." As he spoke, he turned his attention towards his left side. At that moment, two men in blue uniforms had already arrived at the entrance door and were pointing their rifles at Ophelia. A trance of annoyance appeared on her face. "Haa, you think concocting an affinity potion is easier, kid? I don''t know how she got her hands on that potion, but she must have been bluffing. Only a few powerhouses in the Main Continent possess the potion formulas to concoct affinity potions. Even in the Arcane Mist Empire, a single ''High'' Rank potion costs around 10,000 Arcane Coins! If we calculate the Empire''s currency, it would come to around 10 million gold coins! Is it possible for a nobody like me? If I have that much money, why would I be running errands in this barbaric place?" Her voice sounded more like shouting. "Now, how did you find out his low affinity?" Raven knew that she would come and look for him if he let this happen and decided to play his own game. "I discovered his low ice affinity due to my deep understanding of the ice element, ma''am. My teacher said those with ''Extraordinary'' or ''Genius'' Rank affinity could sense the other''s elemental rank with a glance. I sensed his unstable ice spell models as soon as I saw him. I''m just surprised how you didn''t sense him." Ophelia''s face froze as he spoke those words. "I-I did sense his unstable spell models long ago. I thought it must be about his bloodline trait and didn''t pay much attention." She waved her hand and diverted the topic. "And you said you already have a teacher. Can you tell me about your teacher''s identity?" Her gaze sharpened again. Meanwhile, Raven took out a strange badge with a painting of a cockscomb flower painted on it. "My teacher is someone you might know." As soon as Ophelia saw the ring, her eyes squinted. "Haa, you have already taken, huh?" She shook her head in disappointment and stood up. "I''m going back to the Academy. Daley, once you return to the Academy, come to my office. I''ll draft the expulsion certificate for you." "T-Teacher?!" Daley got panicked and stood up in a hurry. But before he could even ask anything, she suddenly turned into a puddle of mist and dispersed into thin air. ''Is it teleportation?'' Raven was startled deeply and asked. [More like she moved faster than your eyes could perceive.] Zera said in his mind. Meanwhile, the two guards lowered their rifles and quietly moved out of the mansion. On the other hand, Daley stood rooted on the floor like a statue and slowly slumped on the chair. "Haa, my life is completely over now!" Raven calmly took the fruit juice glass and took a sip. "Can we talk now?" He asked. "What is there to even talk about?" Daley asked while covering his face with both hands. His eyes started reddening as he tried to hold his emotions in control. "I''m gifted in both Ice and Spatial elements." Raven paused, causing Daily, Maisie, and Kingston to freeze. "Can I talk to you privately?" Raven asked as he looked at Maisie and Kingston. "They''ve been with me from the day I entered this Academy. They are my trustworthy subordinates." Daley said. "I know they are your trusted subordinates, Young Master. But this is top secret information I can''t share with anyone." Raven said with a hesitant look. Daley pondered for a moment and soon nodded. "Both of you, go and wait outside the mansion." He ordered. Unlike mortals, Walkers had extraordinary senses. They could even hear whispers from 100 meters away! "Jacob, Selene, Stephaine, Harlod, and the maids. Go out." Raven also decided to send them out. Once everyone left the mansion, Raven turned his face solemnly and spoke. "In truth, I came to the Crown''s Tavern under the order of someone, Young Master. He told me to save a soul from falling into despair." "What are you talking about? Who is this someone?" Daley was startled by his words and looked at him in confusion. "We call him the ''Prince.''" ''Prince? There are many princes in this Empire, though.'' "Prince?" A certain mysterious prince''s identity popped up in his face. "Is he the 66th Prince? Prince Raven?" Daley asked with a startled look. He had been reading all the news about the Rebel Prince for seven days and knew how powerful he was. ''He is an existence capable of killing the Strongest Wizard!'' Raven nodded. "Even though I know nothing about him, one thing I know for sure is that he wants to stop the foreign power from gaining influence all over the Empire. He said he needed reliable aides and sent an invitation for you to join his ''Organization.''" Raven said with a smile. "An organization? What kind of Organization?" Daley felt curious. [An organization? When did you even create such a thing?] Zera was dumbfounded. ''Just now.'' "Golden Wheel," Raven said with a smile and added. "It''s an organization created by ''Prince'' to spread the knowledge of Wizardry to the common people and reclaim the glory of the Zenith Empire. Of course, joining the Organization won''t be an easy task. Before joining the Organization, Prince will monitor you for a while, give you some tasks, and check your loyalty."Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. "It''s an organization to help him fight for the throne, huh?" Daley went silent for a while and soon asked. "Why did he choose me instead of my cousin brothers?" "Only the ''Prince'' know the answer, Young Master. But he prophesized you have a ''Prodigy'' level of Spatial affinity and will become a Serpent one day." [You''ve acquired ''Bullshitting'' skill!] A robotic voice, similar to Zera''s, echoed his mind. Controlling his emotions, Raven stared at Daley and continued. "He said that a ''Prodigy'' Rank born one in a billion." "Prodigy Level?" This was the first time he had heard of such a term, and he stared at him in confusion. "It''s a level above Genius." Daley furrowed his brows. He knew there would be no free lunch in this world. "What are the conditions for joining the organization?" "There are three conditions a Golden Wheel member must follow, Young Master Daley. First, you must take an oath never to tell anyone that you are a member of the Golden Wheel and sign a magic contract. Second, you must prioritize the Organization''s goals over your own. Third, you must never harm your fellow organization members and also never reveal the identity of fellow organization members to outsiders." Raven stated calmly. "What if I tell others about this secret organization and then join?" "''Prince'' can see through past, present, and future, Young Master. It is nothing but a formal invitation to the Golden Wheel. To truly become a member, you must gain the ''Prince''s'' Trust by yourself." Daley listened to his words quietly and asked. "What benefits will I get If I join this organization?" "The Organization will cure the ''Frost Curse'' placed upon you. If you want to, we will also help you find the root cause of the curse and eliminate future threats." "Frost Curse? What do you mean? Wait, does that mean I''ve ''High'' Ice affinity but became ''Low'' due to this curse?" Daley showed a confused look. "If you want to know more, you must prove your loyalty to the Organization first and officially become a member." Raven tossed out the bait. ''Does that mean someone within the family is trying to harm me?'' He could tell that they weren''t after his life but his position! ''I''m still skeptical of his words. But if his words are true, I can change my life.'' He had long known of his teacher''s character. If not for him being a descendant of Viola Findlay, she would''ve kicked him out of the Academy long ago. "How to prove my loyalty?" He asked. "Quit the Academy voluntarily and leave your family''s main house. To outsiders, you must look like you''ve given up on becoming the Findlay Successor and focus on living alone. Also, stop taking medicine to increase your ice affinity." Raven said solemnly. "That''s enough?" Daley asked. "Yes. The ''Prince'' will visit you and sign a magic contract if you prove your loyalty. He will also bestow you upon a secret code name and inform you of the gathering date." "Gathering date?" Daley felt more curious about this ''Golden Wheel'' Organization. Meanwhile, Raven nodded and continued to answer. "It''s the date when all the Golden Wheel members will gather. During this gathering, you can purchase all the necessary spell models, including top-tier spirit techniques, Elemental Circlet techniques, potion recipes, affinity potion recipes, etc. Of course, you must pay equal value in exchange for these items." Daley nodded his head in understanding and decided to give it a shot. "Then, I will wait for Prince''s arrival," Daley said as he stood up. Then, he turned around and started walking towards the exit. But all of a sudden, he thought of something, turned around, and asked. "May I know your secret code name in advance?" A smile appeared on Raven''s face. "I''m not a member but only a messenger, Young Master. But I do go by a special nickname." He paused for a moment and then added. "Devil." Daley''s face stiffened. "An ominous name from the start, huh? But I like it." He nodded stiffly and soon walked out of the mansion house. ¡­ A few minutes later, Jacob, Selene, and others entered the main hall and looked at him in puzzlement. "Where is our departure time?" Raven asked. "Today evening at 5 P.M, My Lord." "Okay," Raven nodded and moved towards the dining hall. The dining table was packed with delicious food. Glass jugs of fresh orange juice stood next to shiny silver teapots filled with Earl Grey tea. In the center, a warm basket held freshly baked scones, buttery crumpets, flaky croissants, clotted cream, and fruity jams. Nearby, plates of smoky fish, soft poached eggs, and crispy bacon were arranged. A platter of sliced apples, pears, and berries added bright colors to the table, and steaming bowls of porridge drizzled with honey completed the feast. Raven sat at the head of the table and started having breakfast. Jacob and Selene sat at the side and quietly ate breakfast while Stephaine served the food. Jacob was the first to speak. "My Lord, is there anything you require before we depart?" Raven glanced at the clock. "Our departure is scheduled for 11 A.M., correct?" Jacob nodded. "Yes, My Lord." "Good. Prepare the carriage for transport to the railway station. Meanwhile, I''ll handle a few matters in the city. Selene, you and Stephanie join me." "Yes, My Lord," Selene said with a nod. The morning streets of Giaris were bustling with activity as Raven, Selene, and Stephanie stepped out of the mansion house and soon left the Crown''s Tavern through a sleek black carriage. Their first stop was the Mystic Cauldron, which Raven and Selene visited a few days ago. Raven and Selene soon entered the room where the potion materials were sold and met with Anastasia. "Welcome, Mr. Holmes!" As soon as she saw him, she stood up and politely bowed. ''She did a background check on me, huh?'' Raven''s gaze sharpened as he remembered that he never mentioned his name to her. "Good to see you again, Miss. Anastasia." He also greeted her and then added. "I wonder if I can sell some Strength and Agility potions," Raven took out four potion vials and placed them on the table. Two were strength potions, while the other two were agility potions. "Freshly brewed." Anastasia''s eyebrows lifted slightly, her hands deftly inspecting the vials. ''But he didn''t buy important materials for the strength potion, right? A new type of potion? Were those materials used to make Strength and Agility potions?'' She wondered as she knew the ingredients of normal Strength and Agility potions used by her family were different. "Can I test its effect?" She asked as she took out five drops of strength potion and put those in another empty vial. Then, she took a strange bluish liquid from the nearby shelf and poured some into the new vial. ''Is she diluting the potion''s effect?'' "Lila!" She called out for someone. A few seconds later, a blonde-haired young woman in a formal red dress entered the room and asked. "Do you need my help, My Lady?" "Drink this." She said while giving the vial to the woman named Lila. Although hesitant, the young woman said nothing and quietly drank it. Meanwhile, Anastasia raised her hand, opened her palm towards the young woman, and spoke. "Punch my palm with all your strength every ten seconds." "Yes, My Lady," Lila instantly went into a battle position as she got ready to strike. With her feet firmly planted on the ground and her right fist clenched tightly, she exhaled sharply and swung her arm forward. Her fist connected with Anastasia''s open palm. A faint energy ripple spread through the air, hinting at the strength behind the punch. Anastasia''s expression remained impassive as she absorbed the force effortlessly. "Again." Lila repeated the motion, her punches growing stronger and more precise with each strike. By the time she made the fifteenth punch, she was as strong as a peak Official Realm Walker! "Amazing!" Anastasia couldn''t help but mutter in shock. After that, her strength slowly diminished and soon returned to normal at the thirtieth punch. "I-I feel weak," Lila stumbled and soon fell. But thankfully, Anastasia caught her with her arms and quietly helped her sit on the chair. After a brief moment, she nodded. "Impressive quality. Although it isn''t a top-quality potion brewed by a veteran Alchemist, this potion will still be among the top-rated ones. I can offer 3,000 gold coins each." Saying so, she took a leather pouch and started transferring platinum coins into them. "Good," Raven replied, accepting a neatly packed pouch of coins. He turned his attention to the rows of ingredients displayed behind the counter. ¡°Can I get 40 ml of Owl Feather Oil, Rank-2 Elder Treant¡¯s Leaf nectar- 30 ml, 100 years Starlight Dewdrops- 100 ml, Rank-2 Unicorn¡¯s Tear 10 drops, Crystal Spring Water 1 litre, and Rank-2 Snow Wyvern¡¯s blood- 30ml?¡± His words startled Anastasia greatly. ¡°Are you planning to concoct an Adept Rank potion already?¡± ¡°My senior asked me to buy these ingredients.¡± Raven corrected her. ¡°But can you afford the price?¡± Anastasia showed a hesitant look and added. ¡°40 ml of Owl Feather Oil cost around 4,000 gold coins, 30 ml leaf nectar of Elder Treant cost around 7,000 gold coins, 100 ml of 100 years starlight dewdrop is 5,400 gold coins-¡± ¡°I''d better buy them next time, then.¡± Raven interrupted her. ¡®Even potion materials seem to cost around 30,000 golds.¡¯ He couldn¡¯t help but stop his plan of concocting Adept Rank potions. [Don¡¯t forget you are only an Adept Alchemist with theoretical knowledge, not practical experience. Even if you start trying to concoct an Adept potion, your success rate would be only around 1 to 1.5%.] ¡®That means I needed 100 sets of potion materials to concoct a single Adept Potion?¡¯ Raven took a deep breath and decided to focus on concocting Beginner Rank potions. After some thought, he decided to buy thirty sets of ¡®Mind of Insight¡¯ potions. Anastasia quickly assembled the requested items and tallied the cost. "That will be 3,000 gold coins." Raven handed over the coins without hesitation. With their business concluded, he pocketed the ingredients and left the potion shop with Selene. Chapter 103: Return Chapter 103: Return "Where are we going next, My Lord?" Selene asked as they entered the carriage. "Stephaine said she needs to purchase a few things in the market for the mansion," Raven said as he stepped into the carriage. Afterward, they went to the market street and bought necessary household items like clocks, mirrors with gold frames, candelabras, a grand piano, etc. "These items are a must for a noble house, My Lord. Although we still need a lot of furniture, paintings, and decorations for a banquet hall, we can buy them in Giaris." Stephaine said as they walked out of a large shop. "I don''t even plan on hosting a banquet." Raven couldn''t help but voice out his thoughts. "That would be a foolish idea, My Lord. If you don''t have a good relationship with the neighboring lords and local nobles, you and your people will suffer even if you manage to reclaim your lost territory." Raven showed a surprised look. "Why would me and my people suffer?" "To build a new territory, you need the help of neighbors. To build a house, you need to buy materials from nearby towns and cities. If the Lord who manages the city is hostile towards you, the shops will not sell the materials at a reasonable price. After all, commercial goods prices are under the jurisdiction of the local Lord, so not even the Royals have much authority to intervene." Stephaine paused for a moment and then added. "And I notice that you don''t know much about Noble Etiquette. Although you have basic noble etiquette, you know nothing about music, painting, or dancing. In the noble circle, these are considered important skills. A foolish and pampered boy with perfect dancing skills can even get favor from the local Lord and become popular among the noble ladies. Sometimes, he might end up married into a high-ranked noble household and rise in position. On the other hand, an intelligent boy with less social skills will be looked down upon and might be scorned by the nobles. Even if he excels on the battlefield and slays countless enemies, he will be nothing more than a fool in the eyes of the nobles." "What do you suggest?" Raven asked as they walked into the carriage. "Please allocate one hour of your time, My Lord. I''ll hire good teachers and let them teach you these skills." Stephaine said solemnly. "I''ll think about it. Let''s go back to the mansion." He answered as the carriage started to move. When Raven and others returned to the Crown''s Tavern, it was already 9.30 A.M. Raven found Jacob waiting in the foyer, walking back and forth. He also saw a four-wheeled black carriage standing at the mansion entrance, loaded with suitcases on top. "My Lord, the carriage is ready, and all the luggage has been loaded." "Good," Raven replied, adjusting the collar of his coat. "Let''s not delay further." The group checked out of the Tavern, their departure marked by polite nods from Herald, the maids, and the two guards, who had grown accustomed to their quiet guests. The streets of Capital City blurred past as the carriage made its way to the railway station. When they arrived, the sun climbed higher into the sky, casting a golden glow over the platforms. The rhythmic hum of steam engines and the bustle of travelers filled the air. Raven stepped out of the carriage and surveyed the scene with sharp eyes. Jacob and Selene flanked him while Stephanie managed the luggage. "Our tickets?" Raven asked. Jacob handed him the tickets, neatly folded and tucked into a small envelope. "We''re in the first-class compartment, My Lord. Departure is in thirty minutes." "Good. Let''s board." Raven nodded as he took out the pocket watch and checked the time. As the group neared the train, the luxury of the first-class compartments became apparent. Shiny brass fittings, detailed wooden designs, and soft, comfortable seats welcomed them as they boarded. Raven walked calmly, his sharp eyes noticing the elegance and the quiet passengers who occasionally glanced at him while whispering. He soon chose the window seat inside the compartment, giving him a clear view outside. Selene and Jacob sat across from him while Stephanie skillfully arranged their belongings in the overhead compartments. The train whistle pierced the air in a few minutes and signaled that the journey was soon to begin. The echo of footsteps on the platform faded as the final boarding announcements filled the air. Soon, the steam engine started puffing, releasing thick clouds of smoke into the air as the train began to move. Raven glanced out the window, watching the bustling platform fade into the distance as the train gained speed. Meanwhile, Stephanie finished securing their belongings and took a seat beside Selene. Jacob pulled out a newspaper and started reading it. "How long until we reach Giaris?" Raven asked without looking away from the window. "Approximately six days, My Lord," Jacob replied. "We should arrive by October 4th." Raven nodded thoughtfully and soon looked at his body stats. ''Oh? His spirit power has increased to 169? 2 points in two weeks! Is this the effect of Spirit Pool?'' He also checked Selene''s stats and noticed her spirit power had reached 17.9! The only things she lacked now were the spell models and the time to comprehend those spell models. ''It''s worth the money. Even with the Uncommon Spirit technique, it will take 50 days to increase their spirit power by 2 points. And they have to meditate all day to achieve that. But meditating for 5 hours in this spirit pool helps a person increase their spirit power up to 2 points! When I come next time, I should visit the spirit pool.'' [You better not visit that place. And don''t send your subordinate there, too.] Zera spoke coldly in his mind. ''Why?'' Raven couldn''t help but ask. Alas, she didn''t give any proper response and went silent. Raven also decided not to ask her and focus on increasing his rune knowledge. ¡­ The journey to Giaris spanned five days, each passing in relative calm as they distanced themselves from the turmoil in the Capital. During their brief stop in Bloodstone City, they had stayed only a day to gather additional supplies before continuing their journey. The atmosphere aboard the train remained uneventful, allowing Raven a relaxed time on the train. October 4th, 1420 Rune Era It was around 4 P.M. A lone steam-engine train came from the northwestern direction and soon entered a large city through the Southern Gate. As the train arrived at Azmar Railway Station in Giaris City''s Southward Borough, Raven felt a wave of familiarity. The station''s metal arches and busy platforms were filled with travelers returning home and merchants unloading goods. Steam rose from the train''s engines, mixing with the sound of voices and shouts from the station attendants. Raven adjusted his top hat and stepped onto the platform, his boots clicking against the polished stone floor. Behind him, Jacob, Selene, and Stephanie followed, carrying their belongings. They quickly took a carriage and returned to the Holmes Mansion in Salford Borough''s Bristol Street. As soon as the carriage entered the compound gate, four people stood at the entrance and appeared to be waiting for their arrival. One was a blonde-haired young man with unique red eyes, a red-haired young boy with neat white shirts and pants, a burly man with a rugged face and deep-set eyes, and finally, an auburn-haired woman in her mid-thirties.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Welcome back, My Lord!" Emanuel, Ronald, Marcellus, and Leona stepped forward and greeted Raven as he walked out of the carriage. "Thanks for protecting the mansion while I''m away," Raven said as he looked at Marcellus and Leone. "That''s our job, My Lord," Marcellus responded while Leona nodded. Raven then turned his gaze towards Emanuel and asked. "Did anything happen while I was away?" "Quite a few incidents happened, My Lord. A family member from the Sinclair Knight family came to the mansion two weeks ago and asked for the annulment of the engagement with you. They mentioned in the letter that if you don''t agree to annulment by the end of this month, the Sinclair Family will report it to the Spade Council." A frown appeared on Raven''s forehead. ''It seems Spade Council has much influence in Giaris City. Well, it''s a council managed by Count Spade, so it''s understandable.'' "Go and inform them I''m ready for annulment." "Next," Raven ordered as he walked into the mansion house. "A lady named Rebecca came to visit the mansion a few times and asked for your appointment, My Lord. I have her house address noted in the ledger." "You can visit her house and invite her tomorrow," Raven spoke. "Inspector Bennett visited the mansion two days ago and told us that he wants to reinvestigate your kidnapping case. He told me to inform him once you return." Raven frowned. "Next," "A banquet invitation letter came from Humphrey House, My Lord. It''s on October 30th." Emanuel gave him a sealed letter. "Keep it somewhere. I''m not in a mood to attend banquets right now." Raven said. "If you decline a banquet invitation, it will create a bad image among the nobles and high-class people, My Lord. And if you plan on hosting a banquet in the future, people of Humphrey House and their allies won''t attend." Stephaine said from behind. ''She is like my aunt.'' "Haa, I will think about it." Raven gave up and ordered Emanuel to continue. "Two young men from the Amell family and Wills Family came to the mansion a week ago, My Lord. They barged into the mansion with a few people and ordered us to bring their money. They told us that you borrowed 1000 gold coins a few months ago and ordered us to leave the house. But Lady Quincy intervened and ended up beating them up black and blue. And Head Constable Kyler also visited the mansion on time and solved the issue peacefully." "It seems I need to teach some manners to those two family members," Raven spoke coldly, signaling Emanuel to continue. "Next is a letter came from the Spade Council, My Lord. It''s a summoning letter for the Holmes House regarding the Chateau Holmes Wine Factory issue." "Chateau Holmes Wine Factory is the property of the Holmes Family. Who are they to even interfere?" Raven snorted coldly. A hesitant look appeared on Emanuel''s face. "There is more?" Raven noticed as they walked into the main hall. "Yes, My Lord. They said the Wine factory and other shops are registered under the name of Walter Holmes. And your father seemed to have borrowed 50,000 gold coins from the Crest Merchandise but hasn''t repaid the debt yet. Moreover, they said the deadline to pay off the debt is only two months away. Suppose you can''t pay the total amount along with interest of 8% per annum. In that case, the Spade Council will confiscate all Holmes Family Property and transfer them to Crest Merchandise under the approval of your father''s Will''s Executors. Article 69, Clause 12, of the Property Law, states that if the deceased owed any outstanding debts, the Executors of the Will have the right to pay off the debt instead of the heir." Emanuel said as he presented a legal document of the debt with Royal Seal placed on it. "What?" Raven frowned as he read the document. "When did my father borrow money from Crest Merchandise?" "On November 12th, the Year 1404, My Lord. Late Lord Watson borrowed that money to build the wine factory. I tried looking into all the ledgers of the Holmes Family and found out the average earning of Wine Factory is around 10,000 gold coins. Even if he borrowed money from other firms, he should''ve paid the debt with interest within two years." Emanuel said as he took two books from the nearby table and gave them to him. Raven also checked the ledgers and nodded. "Does that mean they destroyed the evidence of the payment document?" A frown appeared on his forehead. ''Thomas''s father is a no fool. He should''ve repaid the debt, as Emanuel said. But even the Spade Council is stepping up means they must have destroyed the payment slip in Holmes House when Thomas was abducted and also forged a fake one.'' But what Raven couldn''t understand was their true motive. ''If they really are after Holmes Family property, they could''ve killed Thomas long ago. But after realizing killing me seems impossible, they are desperately using everything to make me lose all the property I have.'' At that moment, something clicked in his mind. ''My recent action must have caused them to become more anxious¡­ What is Thomas''s next goal?'' Of course, it was the reclamation of Azmar Town! But reclaiming a ruined town wasn''t an easy job. From what Raven heard, Azmar town was close to the Azmar Woodlands and had a large number of dangerous monsters nearby. To make a safe town, one needed a large amount of gold to clear monsters in the surrounding areas. There was also a need for reconstruction of the castle walls. "Haa! They are that desperate, huh? Emanuel, what is the total amount of debt I have to pay along with interest?" "My Lord??" Emanuel was startled by his words and hurriedly took a pen and paper before calculating. "Hmm, the interest will remain the same each year. Annual Interest =50,000¡Á0.08=4,000?gold coins per year. Total interest over 16 years should be 64,000?gold coins. The total debt at the end of 16 years will be the original principal plus the total interest =50,000+64,000=114,000?gold coins, My Lord." "114,000 gold coins?" Jacob''s mouth went wide open. "Hmm, there are only 37 days left for me to pay off the debt, huh? And the Spade Council members postponed the Council Meeting date to November 12th, which means all of them are involved in this mess." Raven pondered deeply for a moment and sighed. "Jacob, book three tickets to the Capital. Selene, Quincy, and you will be going to the Capital to buy a few things from the Mystic Cauldron." "You aren''t coming this time, My Lord?" Jacob asked. Raven shook his head and spoke. "I need to focus on something else. Emanuel, which room is free to use right now? I want the room to be clean and also isolated." "The room at the east wing, My Lord. It''s spacious and quiet, perfect for your needs. I will have it prepared immediately." Raven gave a curt nod. "Good. Have it prepared. I will need complete solitude." The room was prepared quickly. The scent of freshly polished wood and the quiet hum of the mansion gave a sense of comfort. Raven ordered Emanuel and others to arrange a few tables and lamps in the room. After that, he used the sterilized solution to clean the tables and the lamps and then arranged all the alchemic equipment on the cleaned tables. ''I can concoct 3 times in two hours. After that, I need two hours of rest to recover from the mental exhaustion. Even with this, I can only concoct 12 potions in 24 hours.'' Raven brought 30 sets of ingredients for the ''Mind of Insight'' potion. ''Among the potions, this one was the cheapest.'' It was also the potion that could enhance one''s mind for a short period and increase one''s comprehensive ability. On the other hand, the Legendary Potion, Elixir of Insight,'' would allow one to achieve enlightenment and even make a legendary powerhouse to increase their strength multiple folds! ''Well, these two potions are realm apart, after all. Still, the reason this potion will attract Anastasia and all other potion masters is that there are no low-rank potions in this Empire that could enhance one''s mind.'' [The alchemists of this continent are pathetic. But it''s understandable because they improved through countless trials and errors.] Zera said in his mind. While talking with Zera, Raven started taking out the alchemic materials one by one and arranged them on an empty table. After that, he quietly started concocting the ''Mind of Insight'' potion. But to his surprise, he failed three times in a row! Then, he rested for two hours and started concocting again. Thankfully, he managed to concoct the potion on the second try and continued the process. Although he didn''t succeed the third time, he managed to find out the biggest mistake for his failure and decided to take another 2 hours break. During that time, he went out of the alchemy room and met with Jacob to discuss his plans. After that, he returned to the alchemy room and continued to concoct potions. For the next 20 hours, he remained in the same room and eventually succeeded in concocting 11 ''Mind of Insight'' potions out of 30! It was around 4.30 P.M. Raven walked out of the room with a tired face and went to the main hall, carrying a wooden box with both hands. "When is the departure time?" He asked as he saw Jacob, Selene, and a blonde-haired woman in her thirties in the main hall. "Greetings, My Lord. The departure is at 5.30 P.M.," Quincy greeted him while answering. Raven nodded his head and passed the wooden box to Jacob. "There are 11 potions in this box. It''s a low-rank potion named ''Mind of Insight'' that can help increase one''s comprehensive speed." "Comprehensive speed? Can it speed up the comprehension speed of the spell models, My Lord?" Selene asked in shock. Raven smiled. "Let Anastasia test its effect. Tell her my senior got inspired from Alchemist Johnathan''s ''Elixir of Insight'' spell and decided to try making this potion." "Didn''t you concoct this potion yourself, My Lord? Why are you hiding it?" Selene couldn''t help but ask. "I don''t want to attract more trouble." Raven shrugged his shoulder and then added. "Don''t sell the potions if she offers below 5,000 gold coins per potion. Its true worth should be as high as the ''Night Vision'' potion in the auction house." "19,000 gold coins?" Jacob''s eyes widened. "More or less." Raven nodded and gave Jacob another 9000 gold coins along with the spatial ring. [Aren''t you trusting them too much?] Zera asked in his mind. ''This is a test for their loyalty.'' Raven chuckled inwardly and continued. "As long as you sell these potions, you will have around 60,000 gold coins. I want you guys to buy 100 badges of this recipe." Raven said as he gave Selene the recipe for the Mind of Insight potion. "Total cost would be around 10,000 to 12,000 gold coins for all the potion ingredients. Then, buy another 100 badges of this potion ingredients and another hundred of this potion ingredients." Raven spoke as he gave her another two papers to Selene. ¡°You will need around 30,000 to 35,000 gold coins for all three hundred batches of potion materials.¡± "Y-Yes, My Lord. Anything else?" She asked. "Yes." Raven took another piece of paper out of his pocket and gave it to her. "These potion ingredients will be costlier than all combined. Buy 50 badges for now. As for the amount, it would cost around 20,000 to 30,000 gold coins. That''s all." ¡°Won¡¯t we end up with no money after buying all these materials, My Lord?¡± Jacob asked. A smile appeared on Raven¡¯s face. ¡°How much did I spend for buying potion materials before we leave?¡± He asked. Selene pondered for a while and soon answered. ¡°3,000 gold coins, My Lord.¡± Raven nodded and continued. ¡°But I managed to turn those materials into 11 potions, each of which can be sold for more than 5,000 gold coins.¡± As soon as he finished his words, goosebumps appeared all over Jacob¡¯s body. ¡°When did you even learn Alchemy, My Lord?¡± Selene felt she knew nothing about him even though they had been traveling together all this time! ¡°No more questions.¡± Raven placed his finger on his mouth. Nodding stiffly, Selene carefully took the papers and kept them in her pocket. After that, Jacob, Selene, and Quincy bid their farewell to Raven and departed to the Royal Capital. ¡­ Chapter 104: Preparation Chapter 104: Preparation ''It will take around 10 days for Jacob''s team to return. Until they come, I should focus on the other things.'' Raven said as he returned to his room and decided to rest. For the next ten days, he did quite a few things. First, he met with Rebecca and appointed her as an apprentice maid under Stephaine''s supervision. He also told Stephaine to teach Rebecca and Robert basic etiquette. Then, he went to the police court and officially applied for the annulment of his engagement with Catherine Sinclair. Although it took a whole day, both sides agreed to the annulment and completed the procedure. Unlike the Holmes Family, who had lost their property and land due to the Red Goblin incident and became a fallen Noble, the Sinclair Family was a true Noble Family with the title of Baronet. They owned a small rural town in the eastern part of Spade County and had six villages under control. Not only that, but they possessed land of around 12,000 acres in the east part of Spade County and two mansion houses inside the city. They also possessed two coal mines, three mills in Giaris, and quite a few shops. To the Sinclair Family, marrying Catherine to Thomas Holmes felt like throwing her future into a bottomless abyss. His wine factory had already shut down, the shops once owned by the Holmes Family had been taken over by the Amell, Wills, and other families, and he was burdened with a debt exceeding 100,000 gold coins. If Raven were in their position, he would have done the same. ''But that doesn''t change the fact that they completely neglected Thomas when he lost his parents. Moreover, nobody put any effort into searching for him even after he got kidnapped by the thugs and tortured for months.'' "Emanuel, make the Sinclair, Amell, and Wills families on the red list," Raven said as he walked into the mansion house. "Red list, My Lord? What does that mean?" Emanuel asked in confusion. "If any of these families end up in a troublesome situation, never send a single silver as support," Raven spoke as he walked upstairs. ''Are we even in a position to help others, My Lord?'' Emanuel badly wanted to say it aloud but kept his mouth tight and quietly watched Raven disappear. "I can see the doubt in your eyes, kid," Stephaine said as she arrived beside Emanuel and added. "You are thinking too lightly of our Lord. When we visited the Capital, he showed us how big his influence was. In ten days of his stay in the Capital, he managed to befriend a young master of the Findlay Family and also got acquittance from an expert alchemist of the Ravenshield Family. And don''t forget he never stayed in the mansion during the first four days and always visited somewhere alone. I''m 100% sure he must have met with some other big shot in the Capital. Our Lord is far more powerful than you even dream of." She paused for a second to glance around and spoke coldly. "I know you are still working for Humphrey Household and passing all the information to them. But you better stop that now to keep your life." Emanuel''s body went stiff as soon as Stephaine mentioned the word Humphrey. "H-How did you know?" "Humph, a banquet letter from Humphrey House all of a sudden? Where were they when our Lord went missing for months? And how did they know our Lord is doing well? Unless a rat shares what is happening in the house, there is no way a small Knight Household like Humphrey has such influence." Stephaine shook her head and went to the kitchen to prepare food. Meanwhile, Emanuel''s palms started to sweat. "Her words are right." A cold male voice suddenly came from behind, causing him to jump in fright and turn around. A burly middle-aged man with a rugged face appeared before his eyes. "Sir Marcellus!" He bowed his head in greeting. Meanwhile, Marcellus shook his head and walked towards the guest room. "I''ve been monitoring your movement all this time. If you want to live, either live like an honest man and confess your crimes to Lord Thomas or return to the family that employed you to spy on the Holmes House. I give you three days. If you don''t choose any of the sides after three days, I will kill you and throw your body in the sewers." Even though he said calmly, Emanuel felt a suffocative feeling. He stood rooted on the spot for a few minutes and soon sat on the nearby chair. ''Choosing a declining House or a wealthy Knight Family with three factories in their possession, huh?'' Logically, it would be right for him to choose the Humphrey Family. But Stephaine''s words still echoed in his mind like divine words. ''Is it possible for the Holmes House to rise? But Humphrey''s family taught me everything secretly and trained me to be the best butler. What will happen if I return to the Humphrey Family and tell them I got caught?'' Of course, Emanuel knew that he would be discarded immediately. They would either cut off their ties with him entirely or try to assassinate him for exposing their secrets. ''In the end, my best option is to serve the Holmes Family, huh?'' He instantly made up his mind and started walking upstairs. Emanuel soon confessed everything to Raven and even told him that Humphrey Knight''s Family was also one of the Spade Council members. "Every Knight and Noble Household family secretly nurtures butlers and maids like me and sends them to different households for many purposes, My Lord. Our job is to relay what is happening inside the assigned household to our true owners and keep working as spies until we get caught. If our identities are exposed, we would either be kicked out from both families or killed, My Lord." Emanuel said as he knelt on the floor and confessed everything. Meanwhile, Raven sat on the bed and pondered. In truth, he had long suspected such a twist. That was the reason he told Stephaine to keep an eye on him. ''Well, I understand his situation, but I don''t want to keep a spy in my house even after I know him.'' [No. Keep him by your side and give him some benefits.] ''But isn''t he betraying his original owner?'' Raven couldn''t help but ask. [It''s not about betraying the owner but keeping his life safe. What would you choose if you were in his position?] ''I would choose the same choice as him.'' Raven nodded inwardly and spoke.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it "Continue what you are doing from now on. But if you want to keep your position as a Head Butler, you need to sign a magic contract in the future. Once you sign the contract, you will be serving the Holmes House until the day you die." "Yes, My Lord. Thank You!" Emanuel almost prostrated on the floor and thanked him. "You may leave now." Raven dismissed him by waving his hand. After that, Raven focused on runology and spearmanship and waited for Jacob''s team to return. On October 14th morning. A loud knock came from outside as Raven was in a deep sleep. "What is it?" Raven asked in a sleepy voice. "Sir Jacob and his team have returned from the capital, My Lord!" Emanuel answered. "Oh! Tell them to wait in the main hall. I''ll come and meet them in a few minutes." Raven spoke as he stood up from the bed. He quickly changed his robe and wore slippers, stretching his limbs before going to the main hall. The house was quiet, the usual hustle of the mansion muted by the early morning fog outside. Entering the main hall, Raven was greeted by Jacob, Selene, and Quincy, who stood near the hearth, waiting patiently for him. He soon moved towards the nearby chair and sat down. "How is the trip? Did you manage to get all the materials?" He asked. Selene was the first to speak. "We made a good profit using the ''Mind of Elixir'' potion, My Lord. If you hadn''t told me that there were no other low-rank potions to enchant one''s mind, we might have sold them at a very low price. As you said, Lady Anastasia used a mortal man to experiment with a diluted version of this potion and was pretty shocked. And she proposed a new deal, My Lord." Selene paused. "New deal?" Raven was intrigued. "As long as you promise her to sell this potion exclusively to their shop, she will auction them using the Ravenshield Family name and give you 80% of the total profit. She also said that she can''t lower the price due to the 10% Direct Tax on Alchemy products." "Auction, huh? You guys didn''t sell the potions to her directly?" Raven furrowed. "We sold the first batch of potions, My Lord. She brought each potion at the price of 7,800 gold coins. Only the potions we sell from now on will be put in an auction." Selene answered. Meanwhile, Jacob cleared his throat and spoke while giving him the spatial ring. "But the potion ingredients you told us to buy almost cost 64,000, leaving us only 21,800 gold coins, My Lord. And we didn''t touch the 9,000 gold coins you gave us as extra, too." Raven took the spatial ring and checked that all the ingredients were stored inside. "We also sold the Twin Shadow Viper''s corpse for 1,400 and disposed of the cyclops'' and the strange goblin''s corpse, My Lord," Selene added. ¡°21,800+9,000+1,400¡­ I have a total of 32,200 gold coins now." Raven stored the money in his inventory and stood up from his seat. "I''ll stay in the alchemy room for the next few days. Do not let anyone get near it." Saying so, Raven fastened his way towards the Alchemy room. Once he entered the room, he decided to concoct the ''Mind of Elixir'' potion using 100 batches of ingredients. But unlike before, he only decided to concoct the potions for twelve hours daily. For the first six days, Raven spent most of his time in the alchemy room and focused his full attention on concocting the ''Mind of Elixir'' potion. Thanks to his understanding of the potion materials and continuous experimentation, his progress rate also increased from 30% to 40%. By the end of 20th October, he managed to concoct 38 ''Mind of Insight'' potions! He left the alchemy room around the evening and went to the main hall. After that, he ordered Emanuel to summon Jacob and Selene. Before long, Jacob and Selene arrived at the main hall and greeted him. Raven nodded at their greeting and gave Jacob the spatial ring. "There are 38 ''Mind of Elixir'' potions in the ring. You two will go to the Capital and sell these potions through auction. Also, ask a favor from Lady Anastasia to give me a fake debt document of 120,000 gold coins with their household seal in it." "You want to keep your Alchemist identity hidden, huh?" Selene saw through his plan. "Yes. If I take out 114,000 gold coins to settle the debt, the Spade Council members will ask me how I got the money. If I don''t give them a proper answer, the Count and other council members will have the right to confiscate the Holmes properties in the name of investigation. In the worst-case scenario, they will link me with some criminal organization and accuse me of earning money through illegal like smuggling, thieving, etc." "Will they stoop that low?" Jacob felt the nobles were more like real criminals. "I''m just stating one of the possible outcomes. Anyway, come back before 12th November. Or else I will be put in a troublesome situation." "Do we need to buy more ingredients, My Lord?" Selene asked as she took the spatial ring from Jacob''s hand and inspected it. Raven thought for a second and nodded. "Buy 60 batches of ''Mind of Insight'' potion materials. Then, bring the rest of the money back. Also, tell Lady Anastasia that we will give her 10 ''Mind of Insight'' potions monthly for auctioning." "Yes, My Lord." Selene nodded. Meanwhile, Jacob showed a hesitant look and cautiously glanced around. "Some big shots won''t target us, right?" He knew these potions were precious items and felt uneasiness. ''True¡­ But I don''t need to worry because the potions are not high-rank. Although these potions are precious for Rank-1 Walkers and mortals, they barely affect Radiant and above Rank Walkers. So, the chance of Jacob and Selene getting targeted by an Expert Rank Walker is close to zero.'' And even if an Expert Rank Walker showed up, Jacob would have a slim chance of running away with some injuries. Raven turned his gaze towards Selene and sighed. "From now on, use some disguise before meeting with Lady Anastasia, and do not reveal your real identities. Also, tell her to send someone to pick up the ''Mind of Insight'' potions every month. That way, we don''t need to fear getting robbed or attacked along the way." "Yes, My Lord." Jacob agreed. After that, Jacob and Selene bid farewell to Raven and left the mansion in a hurry. Meanwhile, Raven leaned on the chair and pondered deeply. ''My next plan is to create a small ''Knight Order." However, to create a Knight Order officially, one needed to own a territory as large as a Baronet''s. ''But I can gather a few apprentice knights and train them while registering their name in the Mercenary Guild. Reclamation of Azmar town is not possible with my current strength.'' He frowned. "Emanuel, when is the graduation date of Spade Knights Academy?" "Graduation, My Lord? I think the final-year students always graduate in December. Some rural town academies will conduct the test one or two months before while large academies like Spade Knights Academy will conduct exams just two weeks before the Wizard Selection date." Emanuel said as he ran from the kitchen. "I want to visit the Academy. If possible, I want to look at all the kids who will graduate this year." Raven said as he checked the time. Emanuel thought for a second and nodded. "You were a dropout of the Spade Knights Academy, My Lord. If you talk with the Headmaster, you can enroll midway and graduate from the Academy. That way, you will have plenty of time to get acquainted with the people." "I don''t have time to attend classes. Moreover, my current strength should equal that of the Peak Rank Elite Knight. Do you think I even need a graduation certificate?" Raven said while shaking his head. ''Peak Elite Knight? Then, it''s not even necessary to attend the Academy.'' Emanuel frowned deeply and soon spoke. "Nobles usually recruit young apprentice Knights under the name of sponsorship. But to become a sponsor, you need the Headmaster''s approval." "Oh? Ready the carriage. We are going to the Academy." "May I tag along too, My Lord? Although it''s safe to travel in the city during daytime, it''s our job to protect you." Marcellus suddenly appeared from the right-side corridor and spoke. "I won''t say no for extra protection." Raven smiled and nodded. Emanuel readied the Clarence carriage, ensuring it was clean and polished. Raven and Marcellus stepped into the carriage as the coachman tied the horses and prepared for departure. Soon, Emanuel also entered the carriage and closed the door. Within seconds, the coachman whipped the horses and drove the carriage out of the Holmes Mansion. The road to Spade Knights Academy was beautiful. Mansions with fancy iron balconies, tall windows, and green lawns lined the streets. The clean cobblestone roads sparkled in the morning sunlight. Horse-drawn carriages filled the streets, carrying passengers in stylish attire. Vendors were setting up their shops, the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted coffee wafting through the air. The gentle clatter of hooves on the cobblestones and the distant chatter of city life provided a soothing background to their journey. As they entered Silver Street, the scenery became grander. The buildings were even more ornate. The Spade Knights Academy appeared head; the five-storied building stood proudly within a sprawling compound surrounded by high walls. The entrance gate was adorned with designed ironwork, and two guards in uniforms stood vigilant. A large garden-like yard spread before the Academy, carefully maintained with vibrant flowerbeds, manicured hedges, and stone pathways leading to a grand fountain at the center. The fountain depicted a knight holding a sword aloft, water cascading down its tiers. As Raven looked at the amazing scene through the glass window, the carriage halted at the gates. Emanuel stepped out, showed the Holmes house emblem¡ªa badge featuring a crimson lion holding a sword¡ªto the guard, and informed him about the carriage''s ownership. With a quick nod, the guards examined the emblem and opened the gates, allowing the carriage to pass. Chapter 105: Recruit Chapter 105: Recruit Inside, the Academy looked even more impressive and grand. Students in blue uniforms, representing their rank as apprentices, roamed the grounds with books in hand. Some were sparring on the training grounds, their wooden swords clashing rhythmically. Others gathered in small groups under the shade of trees, engrossed in discussions. Raven stepped out of the carriage, his sharp gaze taking in the surroundings. At that moment, a man in his fifties with a thin frame and sharp spectacles noticed their arrival and approached them. "Good morning, Sir. I''m Paxton, the Professor of Arts and Paintings. May I help you?" he asked while showing a trace of confusion. "I''m Thomas Holmes. I am here to meet the Headmaster to talk about something important. Please guide me to his office," Raven said with a slight nod. The Professor''s face showed a shocked look. "Thomas? My goodness! I couldn''t even recognize you! I read in the news that you''ve been kidnapped and have gone through some terrible things. Are you doing fine?" Paxton asked with a worried look. "I''m all right, Professor. But due to a small accident, I lost most of my memories. Shall we move as we talk?" He asked as Marcellus and Emanuel walked behind closer. "Oh, I''m sorry! Come, I''ll guide you to the Headmaster." The Professor gestured for them to follow. As they walked through the corridors of the Academy, Paxton asked a lot about Thomas''s current situation and even asked about the Holmes Household problems. Raven replied vaguely and focused his attention on the surroundings. The walls were adorned with portraits of Count Spade, a man with a long beard and white robe, a young man with black hair and formal clothes, and finally, a red-haired woman in her thirties. Upon noticing this, Professor Paxton showed a confused look and spoke. "It seems you did forget your memories. They are the founders of the Spade Knights Academy. You''ve studied about them in the first year¡­" Paxton started explaining. While talking, they reached the third floor, where the Headmaster''s office was. The corridor here was quieter, reserved for administrative affairs. A grand oak door with a brass plate stood at the end of the hallway. Paxton knocked gently, and a deep, authoritative voice responded, "Enter." He pushed the door open and gestured for Raven and others to enter. The office was as grand as the rest of the Academy. Bookshelves lined the walls with tomes on knight''s journals, history, and strategy. On the walls were adorned with famous paintings of the shadows of the manor, the veil of mourning, moonlit gardens, etc., A large mahogany desk stood at the center, behind which sat a man in his sixties with a commanding presence. His silver hair was neatly combed, and his sharp eyes scrutinized Raven as he entered. He was none other than Headmaster Ares Granville. "Thomas Holmes¡­ It''s been over two years since I saw you." the Headmaster Ares said as he looked at him with interest. "And you seem to have grown a lot. So, what brings you here?" Raven stepped forward, greeting him with a smile. [They all seem to be aware of Thomas'' situation. But nobody even put an effort into looking for him. What a cruel world.] Zera muttered in his head. "Good morning, Headmaster. I am here to discuss a sponsorship for the graduating apprentice knights this year." "Sponsorship?" Ares raised his eyebrows. "Do you even know what you are saying, lad? Although you are from a noble lineage, your family doesn''t even have a Baronet title. The Azmar town your family owned was nothing more than a small town with a population of 2000. After the disappearance of Azmar Town, your house has been demoted to a fallen noble house. And due to the schemes of Spade Council, you are just a few steps away from legally losing all your property. What can you even do by recruiting few knight apprentices now?" Raven sat on the wooden chair before the desk and waved his hand. A large leather bag appeared out of thin air and landed on the mahogany desk with a thud. "There are a hundred platinum coins in the leather bag. I want to pick 20 kids from the Academy and recruit them as my soldiers. Wouldn''t it be possible with this money?" Raven asked. "100 platinum coins?" Ares widened his eyes. The average salary of a daily wage worker was around 50 silvers to 2 gold coins in Giaris City per month. The average salary of a government official would range from around 5 to 10 gold coins per month. Most apprentice knights who graduated from the Academy usually became government officials or army soldiers, earning around three gold coins per month during the first few years. Only after they rank up to Radiant Walkers can they even dream of an increment in their salary. So, 100 Platinum coins to recruit 20 apprentice Knights was like throwing gold coins away. "You could recruit even a dozen radiant knights with this amount for years, though." "My Lord has already employed the Sepoy Mercenaries for ten years. Sir." At that moment, Marcellus, who had been staying silent, spoke. "You are?" Only then did the Headmaster Ares turn his attention towards the middle-aged man in a formal suit. "I''m Marcellus, the Swordsman of the Sepoy Mercenaries." He introduced himself while giving him a polite bow. Meanwhile, Ares turned his attention towards Raven and furrowed. "You want to sign a long-term contract with those 20 apprentice Knights, huh?" It was common for noble houses and even knight houses like Holmes and Palmar to recruit graduates from the Knights Academy and groom them into personal soldiers. Headmaster Ares was no fool. He instantly realized Raven''s true motive and nodded in understanding. Meanwhile, Raven took a small leather pouch from the inventory and slid it towards Headmaster Ares. "As long as you help me with this, I will donate 1000 gold coins to the academy yearly." "Oh!" A smile appeared on Ares''s face as he took the pouch and noticed ten platinum coins were stored inside. "Around 4,800 kids are graduating from the Spade Knights Academy every year. Among them, Nobles'' houses would pick the top 200 in the name of sponsorship and send them to the Crows Misery for Wizardry Admission exam. Well, most of those were nobles anyway. Then, around 2000 kids would try to join either the military or move to the capital to get a better job. The rest would try for government jobs or apply for guard posts in the noble mansions. Quite a few also decide to become mercenaries, but they all quit in a few months." Ares paused for a moment and added. "Other than those top 200, the rest will be easy to recruit as long as you pay three monthly gold coins. Professor Paxton will guide you to each classroom. You can go and pick the ones you want." ''Oh? He agreed so easily?'' [Why wouldn''t he? Twenty of his students will get a long-term contract job with a good salary. And compared to Military service, working for a Noble or a Knight Household is way safer. And you are also giving him a bribe of 1000 gold coins.] Zera said in his mind. Raven nodded and thanked him while storing the leather pouch in the inventory. "Thank you, Headmaster." "Don''t forget to send some donations for the academy every year," Ares said as he waved his hand and started focusing on his work. Raven, Marcellus, and Emanuel followed Professor Paxton out of the office and entered the long corridor. The Professor chattered about the Academy''s achievements, history, and notable alums.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Raven listened with half an ear, focusing solely on the classrooms as they passed. "Here we are," Paxton announced, stopping in front of a large wooden door. Through the small glass pane, Raven could see a classroom filled with students, all dressed in the familiar blue uniforms of the Academy. Paxton pushed the door open, and the chatter inside the classroom stilled instantly. More than a hundred pairs of eyes turned toward the visitors while a middle-aged lady Professor, lazing on the chair, stood up abruptly. "Good morning, Professor Jane," Paxton greeted with his usual warmth. Jane greeted him with a nod and asked. "What brings you here, Sir Paxton? And who could this be?" Her gaze turned to Raven, and she felt a sense of familiarity. "Thomas?" She took two seconds to recognize him. Raven nodded with a smile and greeted the Professor while Marcellus and Emanuel stayed behind quietly. "Well, he is the Lord Thomas now," Paxton said jokingly and added. "It seems he wants to recruit a few graduates into the Holmes family as his knights. Headmaster Ares told me to guide him to all the fifth-year classrooms and let him recruit personally." [Wow, look at this guy! If the Holmes Family hasn¡¯t declined to its current state, will he dare to joke around using your name?] Zera said coldly in his mind. In truth, all the professors and even the Headmaster treated him more like a commoner than a noble after he entered the academy. ¡®On the other hand, Sepoy Mercenaries started addressing me as ¡®My Lord¡¯ as soon as we signed the contract.¡¯ Although Raven wasn¡¯t bothered by Professor Paxton¡¯s attitude, he still felt they had treated a fallen noble poorly. While thinking, Paxton turned his gaze towards the hundreds of students and spoke. "Today, we have a special guest. Thomas Holmes of the Holmes House is here to speak with some of you about a rare opportunity." At that moment, Raven stepped forward, immediately drawing the students'' attention. He surveyed the room, noting their curiosity, apprehension, and ambition expressions. "Good morning," Raven''s voice echoed through the hall. "I am here today to recruit some of you for a long-term position. But I say this in advance: my house is in decline because of unfortunate accidents during the past few years. Those who don''t want to get recruited can openly decline my invitation." At that moment, a young girl with long blonde hair raised her hand from the first bench and asked a question. "What are the eligibilities to become your knights, sir? Can girls participate in your selection test, too?" Raven calmly touched his monocle and checked her status. [Ariel, 14 years old, Race: Human, Title: Hyperactive. Rank: Apprentice Walker (3rd Circle), Traits: Etiquette, Design Knowledge, Culinary Knowledge, Household Management. Past History: Completed her elementary school at Eastmine Elementary School. Affinity: Nature- Intermediate.] ''Rejected.'' Raven looked at her status for a brief moment and spoke. "I can only select 20 people from all 4,800 students. So, I''ll do it randomly. All you guys have to do is come forward and give me a handshake." Murmurs among all the students. "Silence!" Jane said loudly and took out a notebook. "I''ll call one by one." Saying so, she opened the book and called out the first name. "Aaron!" Soon, a short boy with blonde hair stood up, walked away from his seat, and moved toward Raven. Meanwhile, Raven calmly adjusted the monocle and looked at his status while giving him shake hands. ''Intermediate affinity¡­ rejected!'' One by one, he looked at the students'' status and soon noticed that only one boy had a ''High'' Rank affinity in the classroom! ''Edgar, commoner and also a son of a bakery owner¡­ Has a High-rank affinity in Fire Element.'' He took a notebook from his inventory and wrote down his name. "Can we move to the next class?" He said as he turned his attention towards the students. "I''ll send the selected people list to the Headmaster''s office once I have interviewed all the 5th-year graduates. He will summon the selected ones separately and explain the terms and conditions." Raven and others soon left the classroom and moved towards the next one under the guidance of Paxton. For the whole day, Raven spent his time in the Academy and checked the status of every student. ''A total of 32 students with high-rank affinity. And among them, eleven of them are from noble and knight households.'' [I would like to find at least one ''Extraordinary'' level affinity holder. But your luck seems to run out.] ''Chance of getting an ''Extraordinary'' rank affinity holder is one in a million. And don''t forget I already got a ''Genius'' from this city.'' Raven smiled as he thought of Rebecca and looked at the list of names on the white sheet in rune language. [Edger¡­ Class-E1¡­ Affinities: Fire- High¡­] [Augustus¡­ Class E2¡­ Shadow- High¡­] [Memphis¡­ Class E2¡­ Wind- High, Fire- Intermediate¡­] [Jeffery¡­ Class-E3¡­ Space- High¡­] [Fiona¡­ Class- E5¡­ Archery- High, Wind- Low¡­] [Brynn¡­ Class- E6¡­ Water- High¡­] [Pierce¡­ Class- E7¡­ Sword- High, Earth- Intermediate¡­] [Kyle¡­ Class- E8¡­ Earth- High¡­] [Lorelai¡­ Class- E9¡­ Spear- High, Wind- Intermediate¡­] [Lian¡­ Class- E9¡­ Fire- High, Sword- Intermediate¡­] [Albert¡­ Class- E10¡­ Light- High, Spear- Low.] [Jamie¡­ Class- E11¡­ Lightning- High, ¡­] [Miley¡­ Class- E12¡­ Ice- High¡­] [Alexis¡­ Class- E13¡­ Fire- High¡­] [Westin¡­ Class E16¡­ Darkness- High¡­] [Scot¡­ Class E18¡­ Sword- High, Shadow- Intermediate¡­] [Sam¡­ Class E19¡­ Wind- High, Fate- Low¡­] [Drake ¡­ Class 21¡­ Light- High ¡­] [Leonard¡­ Class 22¡­ Ice- High¡­] [Skyler¡­ Class 23¡­ Earth- High, Sword- Intermediate¡­] ¡­ ''What I need are the people with high elemental affinities. I can make them train harder and increase their weapon skills through the ''Mind of Insight'' potion.'' Although it would be costly, Raven planned to get everything with interest from the recruits. "Emanuel, write down the names I''m about to tell you." He ordered as they made their way towards the Headmaster''s office. Meanwhile, Emanuel took a notebook from his Gladstone bag and started writing. "Edger, Augustus, Memphis¡­" Raven told him the names individually and then took the notebook from him. With Paxton as a lead, the group soon entered Headmaster Ares''s office room. At that moment, Headmaster Ares was reviewing a stack of documents. He looked up, his sharp gaze scanning the group before settling on Raven. Ares then leaned back in his chair and asked, "Have you finalized your selection?" Raven nodded and handed over the notebook. "Here are the names of the 20 students I''ve chosen. These individuals seem promising." Meanwhile, Ares took a large book from the nearby cupboard and slowly opened it. After that, he flipped the pages one by one and stopped at a certain page. "Hmm, class-E1, Edger, his swordsmanship is below average, his progression in strength also stopped at 2nd Circle, he isn''t smart either as his tactic and strategy class score is only 40 out of 100, and worst is he almost got himself killed by a goblin during his last year practical training. Even if he manages to graduate, he won''t be able to pass the basic eligible test for the army and might only become a mercenary or a town''s security guard." Ares looked at Edger''s record dumbfoundedly and then shifted his attention towards Raven. "What did you even see in him?" Instead of responding, Raven folded his hands and quietly stood. "Haa," Ares flipped the pages and checked other students'' scores. After looking into every person''s details, he closed the book and stared at him deeply. Emanuel, Paxton, and Marcellus felt it wasn''t a mere stare but a glare. Ares was angry at Raven. "Did you just pick them up randomly? But how could your luck be this bad? Among those twenty students, half of them have below-average scores. This isn''t good. I''ll choose the best ones myself-" Raven suddenly cleared his throat and interrupted him. "Ahem. I didn''t pick randomly, Headmaster. And in my eyes, these twenty are far better than those top-rank students." "Haa, I heard you lost your memories during the kidnapping. But it seems you lost your mind, too." Headmaster Ares gave up persuading him. "Now, tell me what you will offer these students besides a basic salary. I''ll talk with their parents and convince them to sign a long-term contract with your household." "Thank you, Headmaster." Raven nodded with a smile and added. "Contract period will be 20 years. During this time, their monthly salary will be three gold coins only. But I will allow them to train using the Uncommon Knight Technique and the Uncommon Spirit technique of Holmes Household. If they become a Radiant Knight during the contract period, their contract period will be extended to 80 years, and their basic salary will be increased to 10 gold coins. If they become Expert Knights, the contract period will be extended to 150 years, and they will have a salary of 20 gold coins. Once the contract ends, they can leave the household or continue working as my Knights." "Are you saying your Holmes Household possesses an Uncommon Spirit Technique?" Ares instantly sat up from the leaning position and asked in a serious tone. The average Lifespan of a mortal Knight would be around 120 to 150 years. If they became a Radiant Knight, their lifespan would increase to 250 years. ''As for an Expert Knight, it is around 450 to 550 years.¡¯ If someone became an Expert Knight in the first 80 years, they could be considered geniuses and even welcomed by the twelve ancient families with open arms. ''Of course, the chance of these kids reaching that stage is close to zero.'' A Radiant Walker needed more than 100 years to reach the peak stage of Expert Rank with Common Rank Spirit Technique. The more one ages, the harder it would be for them to increase their spirit power! Still, they could reach the peak of Radiant Walker during old age. However, the main reason many Radiant Knights ended up dying in the same rank was their low rank in affinities. Like Wizards and Warlocks, the Walkers also had to comprehend their class skills to peak realm to make a breakthrough. If they only had a low or intermediate rank affinity, they would take forever to learn their skills. In Headmaster Ares''s eyes, all the students Raven picked up must have either Low or intermediate-rank affinities. Raven nodded and spoke. "My family has always possessed an Uncommon Spirit Technique. However, only the heir and the family''s descendants can practice due to the strict rules." He paused for a moment and continued. "But as the current family head of the Holmes Family, I decided to break the traditional rule and to share it with outsiders." "Unbelievable!! If they have such a technique, why didn''t your family adopt talented kids and rise in rank?" Ares asked in a dumbfounded tone. "Even my team leader has the same thought." Marcellus also interjected. "If they had groomed talented kids by adopting, they could''ve produced an Expert Rank Walker!" "Will an Expert Rank Walker listen to the order of a common man?" Raven shook his head. "Won''t he leave the family once the contract period ends?" At that moment, Marcellus also thought of another possibility and spoke. "If selfish, he wouldn''t hesitate to break the contract and run away. In the worst-case scenario, he might eradicate-" Marcellus''s face stiffened. A strange silence appeared in the room. Even Raven was stunned by his strange conclusion but found it entirely possible. ''And the reason for the destruction of the Azmar Town might not be due to some demon but someone else. And the reason those Falcon or whatever faction is still after my head might have some link to it.'' "So, you planning on sharing Your family Knight Technique and Spirit Technique with the recruits, huh?" Ares nodded in understanding and gave the list a deep look. "What a bunch of lucky fellows. Even without talent, they will reach the realm of Radiant Knight in ten to twenty years!" Marcellus also said with envy in his eyes. "If they diligently train, they will have a chance of becoming Expert Rank in their old age." Although he also had the same Spirit Technique, he still needed more time to reach the peak realm than them. ''And due to my old age, the chance of becoming an Expert Walker is slim.'' Before they could wake up from the shock, Raven continued, "Along with the Uncommon Knight and Spirit Techniques, I will provide each of them with personal training sessions led by experienced Sepoy Mercenaries." He glanced at Marcellus as he finished speaking. Headmaster Ares was impressed by his words. "Once the graduation ends, their parents will come to your house and sign the contract. But before signing, don''t forget to register them as a mercenary team. Otherwise, you might end up facing trouble in the future." Raven nodded his head and decided to leave. After thanking the Headmaster again, Raven and others left the Academy and returned to the Holmes Mansion house. Chapter 106: Three Weeks Chapter 106: Three Weeks Raven returned to his bedroom on the third floor and entered the Memory Library. He soon appeared in the familiar hall filled with many shelves of books and asked. "Zera, what conditions are needed to rank up to Radiant Warlock?" An elven woman appeared beside him in her lengthy, floral blue gown. "To become a Radiant Warlock, you must fulfill three conditions¡ªfirst, complete comprehension of all spell models. Thanks to your ''Instant Memorize'' skill and ''Mind Eye,'' you can comprehend it multiple times faster." "I can only use the [Mind Eye] spell for a few seconds, though." Raven narrowed his eyes. After using it for a few seconds, he needed to wait more than 5 minutes for the elemental energy to accumulate in the Elemental Circlet. "The more you comprehend the spell model, the usage time will also increase. You can use that skill passively when you completely comprehend the spell model." Zera said with a smile. "Passively?" Raven blinked his eyes in surprise. ''That means I can comprehend five times faster than normal speed!'' Meanwhile, Zera continued. "Second, you must create a Spirit Technique in the Astral Realm and strengthen the bond between your soul, body, and consciousness. We don''t even know if your soul form is in a stable state or unstable state." "Unstable state?" Raven''s brows raised. Zera nodded her head and continued. "Before that, let me ask you a question. How does a person increase their spirit power?" Raven pondered for a moment and answered. "By meditation using spirit technique." "You think your spirit power will increase just by meditating using spirit technique?" Zera shook her head and answered. "Spirit powers don''t appear out of thin air. They are everywhere in the astral realm in the form of clouds. Wherever there is a lifeform, there will be a spirit power." Noticing the confused look on Raven''s face, she continued. "Whenever a soul is in a most excited state or happy state, it releases a form of energy into the atmosphere. It''s called Positive Spirit Essence or Spirit Power. These energies always drift in the surroundings and can only be touched by one''s soul form. That''s why we needed the spiritual technique. Using the Spirit Technique, anyone can enter the Astral Realm willingly and pull these Positive Spirit Essences into their souls. The more quality and a strong spirit technique, the more Positive Spirit Essence you can gather into your soul. But your soul will feel restrained if overused and need rest occasionally." "Oh! That''s why using spirit techniques higher than Uncommon Rank for mortals will be dangerous, huh?" A look of understanding appeared on Raven''s face. Then, he suddenly thought of his System and asked. "But how does the system gather the spirit power?" "The System devours a being''s ''Will'' left in the Bloodline Essence and converts them into ''Spirit Essence.'' However, unlike the Positive Spirit Essence, most of the ''Will'' contains the negative Spirit Essence. After all, no living being dies with happy emotions." Zera''s words made him frown deeply. "That''s why you warned me to increase my spirit power through normal means, huh?" A grim look appeared on his face. "Yes. The more negative spirit power you possess, the higher the chance of your split personality taking over your position. If you rely too much on the System to absorb the spirit power, you will be devoured by the other guy sealed inside your soul one day." Zera paused for a moment and then added. "It''s better for you to increase your spirit power up to the limit through spirit technique and then use the system to devour bloodline essences." Raven nodded in understanding. "Then, what about the third condition?" "Affinity rank. To completely comprehend a spell model, your affinity should be at least low rank. Your ''Luck'' affinity is currently the only one in ''Nil'' status. But haven''t you already gotten a low rank in spear affinity by watching someone practicing Spearmanship in the illusion world? But instead of watching, you will be directly experiencing all the memories Runeth went through after he started the class-gem pathway as [Historian]. You already learned the ''Wonder Sense'' skill through his memories. Now, all you need to do is continue to experience the feeling of using the skill." Raven nodded solemnly and decided to check the spirit techniques first. Then, he moved to the area where Runeth''s memory books were and took the one with experience with the ''Historian'' Class. ¡­. Three weeks passed in the blink of an eye. 11th November, Year 1420, Rune Era. Many things have happened during the past three weeks. First was Raven''s achievement in Spearmanship! He completely replicated the Frozen Lance skill, which ''Casper'' showed him during the kidnapping incident in Darkcross Town, and increased the progression level to 99%! He was one step away from breaking through basic spearmanship and reaching ''Intermediate Spearmanship''! Next was his progression in ''Luck'' affinity. Thanks to his understanding of the ''Wonder Sense'' skill, he got the ''Low'' Rank Luck affinity in less than ten days. After that, he entered the Mind Space and started comprehending the spell models. The first spell model he chose was, of course, the ''Mind Eye'' bloodline spell! But it was easier said than done. Even after eleven days in the Mind Space, Raven barely comprehended the ''Mind Eye'' spell model. [Your comprehension of the ''Mind Eye'' spell is 4.3%. And you can maintain the ''Mind Eye'' spell for 12 seconds now.] ''Oh? I think I can rank up to Radiant Wizard in a year or two!'' Raven said in his mind.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. [With your current speed, you need around 200 days to comprehend this [Mind Eye] spell model. Don''t forget you must also comprehend ten more spell models. As for ranking up, you need a decade or two.] A cold voice echoed in his head. ''What? 200 days? I even used the ''Mind Eye'' and ''Instant Memorize'' skills constantly, as you told me during comprehension.'' Raven said in a shocked tone. [That''s why you will only take a decade or two to rank up. Otherwise, you might need several decades or even a century to become a Radiant Wizard! Don''t forget your affinity talent is ''Low'' in most spell models.] Zera said coldly. ''What will happen if I manage to concoct Intermediate affinity potions?'' Raven asked. [Your success rate should be only around 1 to 2%. You better increase your beginner potion succession rate to 100%. Then, you can try challenging Adept Rank potions.] ''Haa, I still need to wait over a decade to rank up, huh?'' He couldn''t help but feel bitter. [That''s why I made you an Alchemist, kid. Aren''t you forgetting something?] Zera asked with a chuckle. Raven froze for a moment and soon widened his eyes. ''Mind of Insight! How did I even forget to use that?'' Unfortunately, he had sent all the potions for auction. ''I need to wait for Jacob and Selene to return then. I also need to increase my Alchemy skill.'' Raven''s theoretical knowledge of Alchemy was as high as that of an Adept Alchemist. What he needed most was the practical knowledge and experience. ''I had no money to buy materials in Darkcross Town and always used mortal rank potion materials to improve my practical knowledge. But after concocting the ''Mind of Insight'' potion 100 times, my succession rate increased by 10%.'' Raven decided to focus on Potioneering first. ''For now, I should solve the Holmes Family problems.'' As he was in deep thought, a knocking sound came from outside. "Sir Jacob and Lady Selene have returned, My Lord!" Emanuel''s voice came from outside the oak door. Raven hurriedly stood up from the bed, left the bedroom, and went to the main hall. As he entered the main hall, his gaze locked onto Jacob and Selene, who stood by the hearth. Jacob, his towering frame clad in a travel-worn grey overcoat, and his eyes showed a hint of exhaustion. On the other hand, Selene stood by his side and looked at him with a smile. "Welcome back!" Raven said as he walked closer and soon sat on the chair near the hearth. "Greetings, My Lord." Both bowed their heads and greeted him. Then, Selene walked forward and gave him the spatial ring before speaking. "The auctioning of ''Mind of Insight'' has exceeded our expectations, My Lord. It seems Lady Anastasia sent the potions from previous batches to some influential figures, resulting in more popularity among the noble kids. Even a disciple of Alchemist Johnathan came to attend the auction and brought 10 potions for himself. Thanks to that, the birth of the new ''Unique'' potion even attracted the press." Selene said as she took a newspaper from her handbag, flipped it to the middle page, and showed a piece of news published in a corner. "Oh? I didn''t know my potion would come in the news. Although the newspaper congratulated the Ravenshield family for inventing a new potion, it''s still good news." Selene nodded and then continued. "That''s why we split the potions into four batches and sold for an average price of around 12,000 per potion. After paying 10% to Anastasia and another 10% to Direct Tax, we left with 364,800 gold coins." "And we used 6000 golds to buy 30 sets of potion materials. So, around 358,800 gold coins are left in the spatial ring." Jacob paused momentarily, took a document from his Gladstone bag, and gave it to him. "This is the fake debt contract document of 120,000 gold coins you''ve requested, My Lord. Although Lady Anastasia asked for the reason, we just told her it was to solve a personal land issue." Raven nodded his head and stood up from the chair. "Good work. You guys can go back and rest. We''ll have a long day tomorrow, after all." "Yes, My Lord." Both bowed their heads and left the mansion. Meanwhile, Raven moved to the Alchemy Room and decided to concoct 10 ''Mind of Insight'' potions. After staying in the alchemy room until evening, Raven returned to his bedroom and decided to make his plans. ''Currently, the Holmes House is still a Knight Family and can have a fief under the approval of a true noble. Before, the Holmes family had sworn their allegiance to Count Spade and acted as his vessels. Although the Azmar town and its surrounding lands belong to the Holmes Family in the document, I still need the approval of ''Count Spade'' to reclaim the lost territory. Although I can still reclaim the land without informing Count Spade and proclaim myself as Pioneer Knight, trouble will surely come after me. For now, I must make a good impression on Count Spade.'' Raven still hasn''t forgotten the promise he made using the letter. ''As long as I reveal this potion to him, he will realize the Ravenshield Family is backing me. That''s more than enough to shut everyone''s mouth.'' He soon took the ''Frozen Ender'' spear from the inventory and entered the illusionary world. ¡­ The next day, It was around 8. A.M. Raven walked through the split staircase in his formal black attire and noticed Jacob, Selene, and Quincy were standing in the main hall. They all wore formal dresses and were ready to set out. "The carriage has been prepared for departure at any time, My Lord." Emanuel hurried towards him with a file in his hand. "When will the Council start?" Raven asked as he made his way towards the mansion entrance. "At 10.30 A.M, My Lord. The Council Meeting will be held at Havan Manor, a government building allocated for meetings of nobles. It''s only 15 minutes away from Bristol Street." Emanuel answered. Raven nodded as they arrived near the carriage, opened the carriage door, and walked in. As he sat inside, Jacob, Selene, and Quincy also entered the carriage and sat on the opposite seat. Meanwhile, Emanual also entered the carriage and sat beside Raven nervously. Once the carriage started to move, Raven looked outside through the curtain gap and asked. "Who will be attending the council?" Emanuel opened the file, looked at a document, and started speaking. "Spade Council comprises 17 true Noble Households and 30 Knight Households with fief, My Lord. With Count Spade as the leader, 5 Barons and 4 Viscounts are considered Elite Members of the Council. Their position in the Council is more like that of elders. The elite members always make most important decisions through a voting system." He paused for a moment and then added. "Two topics regarding the Holmes Family will be discussed in the Council at the end of the meeting, My Lord. First, it is to discuss how to distribute the wealth of the Holmes Family for not paying the debt with interest to Crest Merchandise. If we don''t have enough money in the Royal Bank, they-." "I know. The Executors of my father''s ''Will'' will sell the Wine Factory to Crest Merchandise to repay the debt." Raven sighed. "The second topic will be whether to keep the Holmes Family as a member of the Spade Council or not. Suppose five of the nine elite members agree to vote against the Holmes Family. In that case, the Council will officially announce it to the public and press, permanently removing the Holmes Family''s membership." Emanuel said solemnly. "Oh? How many members are there in the Council?" "8 Baronet Households and 30 Knight Households are official members of the Spade Council, My Lord. Holmes Family, Sinclare Family, Amell Family, Wills Family, Humphrey Family, and Palmer Family all come under the membership category." "Oh?" A frown appeared on Raven''s forehead. "Tell me more about the Elite Members." Emanuel nodded his head and spoke. "Baron Thorne of Ironspire is a middle-aged man¡­ He has seven cotton mills, two Wine factories, and multiple shops under his control in Giaris City. He also rules over four small towns, one big city with a population of 70,000, My Lord¡­" "Wait¡­ Four small towns and one city with a population of 70,000?" Raven''s eyes widened. ''Isn''t that as equal as Baron Alexander''s territory?'' "Continue." He ordered. Meanwhile, Emanuel nodded solemnly and continued to speak. "Next is Baroness Elara of Shadowfen, My Lord. She is a woman in her thirties, renowned for her sharp wit and cunning strategies. She controls three coal mines, two iron smelters, and a trading company specializing in rare spices. She governs three medium-sized towns and a sprawling rural area with fertile farmlands¡­." "Baron Roland of Stormwatch... He oversees five large towns and a network of warehouses in Giaris City..." "Baroness Isolde of Silvermere ... She rules over a picturesque city of 80,000 people nestled by a large lake and three surrounding towns¡­" "Baron Gideon of Frostvale... He manages six lumber mills, two paper factories, and a profitable fur trading business. His territory encompasses a snowbound town of 30,000 people, surrounded by dense forests and two smaller settlements¡­" "Viscount Alaric Hawkspire... He controls six towns, each with a population of 10,000, and two cities¡ªone with 75,000 residents and another with 100,000¡­ His lands are rich in resources, featuring three large iron mines, four steel mills¡­" "Viscountess Rowena Stormwatch¡­. She governs five towns, each housing 10,000 people and a bustling city with 80,000 residents, alongside a trade hub city of 95,000¡­" "Viscount Thorian Valeheart... He rules over four towns, each with 15,000 inhabitants and two agricultural cities¡ªone with 50,000 people and another with 90,000¡­" "Viscountess Isabeau Nightshade... She owns four towns with 15,000 residents, a mining city with 60,000 people, and a bustling cultural hub city of 100,000¡­" Raven listened to his words quietly and felt like each of these individuals was powerful enough to buy hundreds of Holmes Family! ''The one who leads all these nobles is Count Spade. He owns more than ten small towns and three big cities, with Giaris being the capital of Spade County with a population of 1 million.'' Raven couldn''t help but feel how insignificant this Holmes House was. At that moment, Raven noticed the carriage also slowed down and stopped. "It seems we have arrived at our destination, My Lord," Jacob said as he opened the carriage door. Chapter 107: Spade Council Chapter 107: Spade Council Raven stepped out of the carriage, his black boots tapping softly against the cobblestone street. He adjusted his neat black coat and looked up at Havan Manor. The building was huge, made of white stone with detailed carvings of noble symbols and tall pillars supporting a grand, arched doorway. Emanuel moved ahead, opening the iron gate that led to a wide path lined with manicured hedges and marble statues. Jacob, Quincy, and Selene followed close behind Raven, their expressions calm and composed. As they neared the entrance, two men in blue uniforms clad with long rifles in their hands stepped forward and blocked the path. "Your invitation, sir," one of them requested, his tone formal but firm. Emanuel handed over a neatly rolled parchment with the stamped Holmes Family seal. The guard looked at it briefly, then nodded, stepping aside and signaling to the other guard. The grand doors, each inlaid with golden patterns, swung open with a creak. Raven inhaled deeply and stepped inside. The foyer was nothing short of magnificent. A shiny black-and-white checkered marble floor stretched across the room, reflecting the light from a huge crystal chandelier above. Tall, arched ceilings held up by decorative columns were covered in painted murals. Noblemen and women in neat formal attires moved gracefully through the room, their quiet voices blending into a soft hum. Most didn''t pay much attention to Raven, but a few curious eyes stayed on him, their faces showing interest. Emanuel guided Raven towards a side corridor leading to the council chamber. "Have you come here before?" Raven noticed Emanuel knew the ins and outs of this building and was surprised inside. "No, My Lord. But I gathered information about this building from a friend of mine." Raven nodded faintly; his sharp gaze soon approached the heavy oak doors looming on the left side. Lots of people stood outside the chamber and were chattering. After a swift look, Raven realized that most of them were servants or guards. "Only the member of the Spade Council is allowed to enter." As Raven''s group approached the door, a tall man clad in silver armor stepped forward and blocked his path. Unlike other guards in formal dresses, he looked more like a Knight from a medieval Rune Age! [Oh? A genuine Aether Armor Set, huh? Each of his pieces of equipment is an artifact, lad!] Only then did Raven adjust the monocle and look at the equipment. ''The Armor plate is a Rare Rank, the amulet is an uncommon item, three rings, two being uncommon and one being rare, his boots seem similar to mine but superior in quality, his helm is a rare artifact, his gauntlets are uncommon too, and finally his sword is a rare item!'' Raven knew that each uncommon artifact would be worth around 10,000 gold coins! [And his rare artifacts should be around 80,000 to 100,000 gold coins! It is a Rank-3 Aether Rune Set. As for his strength, he should be around Intermediate realm Expert Rank.] ''I can feel suffocating just by standing near him.'' Raven kept his composure and then asked. ''How powerful is this Expert Knight?'' While asking, he took a badge from the inventory and showed it to him. [How should I describe an Expert Realm strength¡­ Yes. Usually, a group of 7 to 8 Knights is needed to kill the same Rank Magical Beast. Even that much strength wouldn''t be enough if the Magical Beasts entered a berserk state. But with the help of the Aether Armor set, only two people would be enough. Did you check the equipment skills? Armor Plate has a self-repairing effect and buffs the user with regenerative power. When injured, it is more like the automatic injection of the healing potion into the user''s body. His rare ring has a Rank-3'' Wind Shield'' spell engraved, his Helm has a Rank-2'' Vision of Clarify'' spell engraved, his weapon has ''100% Extra Sharpness,'' his amulet has a unique Rank-2 spell called ''Aura of Courage'' engraved, and his boots have the Rank-2 ''Invisibility'' spell too!] ''How much gold coin did the Count invest in a single Knight?'' Raven couldn''t help but get stunned inside. [Most probably around 500,000 gold coins.] ¡®What?¡¯ Raven was startled. [Hmm, a Baron''s total monthly profit from taxes and his businesses should be around 80,000 to 100,000 gold coins. Viscount should earn around 200,000 to 300,000 gold coins. As for a Count with a city of 1M and multiple towns and small cities, his monthly profit would be around 1M to 1.5M gold coins for sure.] Raven couldn''t help but take a deep breath. As the guard checked his badge and spatial ring, Raven continued his conversation with Zera. ''1M gold coins per month, huh? But if I can concoct 100 ''Mind of Insight'' and send them for auction, I can make a similar amount.] He couldn''t help but voice out his thoughts. [You are treating the Alchemists and Wizards like idiots, kid. Do you know why Anastasia sent the potion you made to influential figures like Alchemist Johnathon before auctioning the second batch? If you think she is helping you, you are gravely mistaken.] At that moment, Raven''s eyes widened. ''Johnathan already made a Legendary potion called Elixir of Insight. The reason he didn''t make a low-rank potion wasn''t because he lacked knowledge. It''s easier for him to make a downgraded version of the Elixir of Insight potion. But instead of doing it, he sent his disciple to attend an auction and look at my potion¡­ He is teaching his disciples to make a similar potion like Mind of Insight! And Anastasia doesn''t want me to monopolize the potion, too.'' Raven couldn''t help but get shocked. [Took you long enough. And thanks to someone buying ingredients in masses, the Ravenshield family must have already figured out the potion recipes. If my calculations aren''t wrong, they will likely make a potion with similar effects in 6 months. As for Johnathan''s disciple, he might make it in 10 months to 1 year. At that time, your potion''s demand will reduce considerably.] ''If that happens, my profit should be only around 1000 gold coins per potion!'' [True. But this step is necessary. Otherwise, you need much more time to gather money and build a town after recapturing.] ''Then, I should focus on buying more sets of ingredients and concocting more potions.'' Raven turned grim. He also decided to face a similar situation in affinity potions. ¡®Thankfully, I signed a magic contract and even told her to register my name for the patent rights.¡¯ [Tell Jacob to buy the ingredients in different shops from now on.] Zera added. At that moment, the silver-armored guard finished checking his spatial ring and gave it to him with a polite smile. It was as if he had realized this young boy''s wealth and gave him a light nod. "You can go in, Sir Thomas." "You guys wait here," Raven told Jacob, Selene, Quincy, and Emanuel to wait outside and step into the chamber. The air smelled of old wood and a faint hint of ink from the many papers scattered on the round table. The space was already full of activity. Representatives from Knight Households, Barons, and Viscounts filled the hall, talking quietly, with some whispers or soft laughs breaking through now and then. He also saw a few servants standing near the round table and helping the nobles. ''They must be Count''s trusted servants. Hmm, I don''t even know anyone here.'' But he felt many from the Knight Household were looking at him occasionally. Although they tried to act neutral, Raven could feel some cold stares directed at him. Some looked at him with dislike, others with curiosity, and a few with hidden hostility. As Raven approached the table, a deep voice called, "Oh, Young Master¡­ Oops, Lord Thomas, I didn''t think you''d show up."The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Raven turned towards the voice and saw a tall, broad-shouldered man clad in a dark green doublet adorned with silver embroidery. His sharp blue eyes bore into Raven as he smirked. His words were mocking, drawing smirks from others. Raven adjusted his monocle and looked at him. ''Oh? Richard Palmer, head of the Palmer Family, huh?'' He recalled the information he got from the innkeeper. ''Didn''t that guy named Finn say the Palmer Family Head is the one who threatened Walter to sell Chateau Holmes Wine Factory?'' Raven did not falter. He returned Richard''s gaze with an icy calm and replied, "It would be unwise to avoid a council meeting where the future of one''s family is about to be discussed, wouldn''t you agree, Mr. Richard?" The smirk on Richard''s face faltered for a brief moment before he gave a nonchalant shrug. "Indeed. I admire your... resilience." Ignoring the subtle jab, Raven moved to his designated seat. Emanuel had briefed him earlier about the seating arrangement¡ªKnight Households were positioned at the outer edge of the round table, followed by the Baronets, with the Barons and Viscounts occupying the inner ring. Count Andres Spade sat at the center, his chair slightly elevated to signify his authority. Raven''s seat was closer to the outer edge, but he didn''t mind. His gaze scanned the room, observing the key figures Emanuel had described. Baroness Elara of Shadowfen spoke in hushed tones with Viscountess Rowena Stormwatch. Viscount Alaric Hawkspire sat quietly, his fingers steepled as he listened to Baron Gideon of Frostvale discuss some territorial dispute. Count Andres Spade remained silent, his expression unreadable as he observed the room. The meeting began promptly at 10:30, with Count Spade calling for order. His deep voice silenced the room instantly. "Esteemed members of the Spade Council, let us begin. We have a long agenda today, so I urge you all to be concise and respectful during discussions." The first few topics revolved around disputes over mining rights and trade routes. Raven listened attentively to their conversations. He observed how they argued with each other and how Count gave final words after discussing with everyone. The elite members like Baron Gideon and Viscount Thorian dominated the discussions, their words carrying more weight than those of the Baronets and Knight Households. Occasionally, a representative from a Knight Family would attempt to voice their concerns, only to be brushed aside or subtly dismissed. After hours of discussions, Count Spade looked at the final document and addressed the topic. "Hmm, Holmes Family matter, huh?" He opened the document and continued. "The Crest Merchandise has accused the Holmes Household of not repaying the debt on time. On 12th November, Year 1404, Walter Holmes borrowed 50,000 gold coins from Crest Merchandise with an interest rate of 8%. However, after borrowing the money, it is stated that Walter Holmes misused his authority as a noble household and refused to pay the annual interest for years." "Didn''t Walter Holmes die two years ago in the train accident? Why are they bringing up this case now?" A cold voice interjected Count''s speech from one of the Elite Members'' seats. The one who interjected him was a silver-haired woman in her late forties. She had a slightly wrinkled face and blue eyes and looked as cold as ice. She was Viscountess Rowena! At that moment, Richard Palmer stood up from his seat and answered. "That''s because Walter promised to return the money with interest in 16 years and even made a specific date, My Lady." "And today happens to be the final date?" A trace of annoyance appeared on Viscountess''s face. She had seen many similar forged debt cases in this Council and felt disgusted. Meanwhile, Count Andres shrugged his shoulder and continued to read the document. "After calculating the interest of 8% for 50,000 gold coins, the Council hereby orders the Holmes Family to pay off 114,000 gold coins by this evening to the Crest Merchandise." He suddenly looked at the wall clock on the left side and added. "It''s already evening, isn''t it?" An amusing look appeared on Count''s face. Then, he looked at the document again and continued. "Suppose the current Heir of the Holmes Family can''t pay the total amount and interest of 8% per annum on time, the Spade Council has the right to confiscate all Holmes Family Property and transfer them to Crest Merchandise under the approval of Walter Holmes''s Will''s Executors. Article 69, Clause 12 of the Property Law states that if the deceased owed any outstanding debts, the Executors of the Will have the right to pay off the debt instead of the Heir." As he spoke, Count Andres looked at Raven''s seat and asked. "Do you have anything to say, Thomas?" Raven stood up from his seat and asked. "What if I can pay off the debt with interest right now, My Lord?" "Oh? That would be interesting. But you are not in your dream, are you?" Count''s voice turned colder. "Of course not, My Lord." Raven paused for a moment as he took out a fake debt document he got from Anastasia and sent it to Count Andres''s seat by summoning a nearby servant. "When I visited the capital city a month ago, I had an opportunity to become acquainted with Lady Anastasia Ravenshield." He paused as Count Andres opened the file and looked at the seal. Unlike the normal seal, this one had rune letters engraved inside, giving off a strange, mysterious energy. "This is indeed a real deal." Even Count was flustered and looked at Raven with a shocked face. Meanwhile, Raven curled his lips upward and spoke. "Thanks to her generosity, she lent me 120,000 gold coins with an interest of 4% under her family name." He waved his hand as he spoke and took out four large leather bags from his space ring. "Each bag contains 250 platinum coins." Then, he took another small bag and added. "And this bag contains 140 Platinum coins. I hope the Council forgives me for delaying the debt payment that my father has left behind. After all, I was kidnapped by some thugs and also lost my memories. I wouldn''t be aware of this matter if the Council didn¡¯t send a summoning letter." A dead silence appeared in the meeting hall. "What an interesting turn of events!" Viscountess Rowena finally broke the strange silence and looked at Raven keenly. Meanwhile, Raven also took a wooden box from the spatial ring and gave it to the servant. "Please pass this box to Lord Count. My teacher has made a promise to him after all." He turned his gaze towards Count Andres and added. "My teacher told me to give you this box as a gift, My Lord." "Promise?" Count suddenly recalled a minor incident. A coffin-like chest filled with gold coins and a letter appeared in his study two months ago. At that time, he snorted coldly at the person who sent those gifts for being arrogant and threw the letter at the dustbin. But he clearly remembered that the person who wrote that letter mentioned something about gifting him five potions of ''Potion of Insight,'' an inferior version of the Legendary Potion'' Elixir of Insight''! Raven quietly nodded and continued coldly. "My teacher said he promised to give you five ''Mind of Insight'' potions once you helped him rescue me from the kidnappers. I hope you liked it, My Lord." "Mind of Insight? Where have I heard of that name before?" At that moment, Baron Ronald suddenly recalled something and soon spoke surprisedly. "Oh! The potion has been creating a sensation in the capital recently. I heard that Ravenshield Family has produced a new type of potion called ''Mind of Insight,'' which is said to be a low version of the Elixir of Insight potion. Although it only works on mortals and Rank-1 Walkers, it still causes a stir among the young nobles." "Ravenshield family?" Count Andres slowly looked at the debt document and then towards the wooden box in the servant''s hand. He slowly reached out the box and opened it with both hands. A total of five vials of crystalline bluish liquid were placed inside. ''Does that mean the man who entered my study and placed that gold chest was a Wizard from Ravenshield Family?'' A cold sweat dripped down from his forehead. ''And what is his connection with this fool from the Holmes Household?'' He recalled Thomas''s earlier words and soon turned grim. ''Didn''t he say ''Teacher'' earlier? F*ck!'' At that moment, Richard Palmer suddenly stood up from his seat and shouted. "The document must have been forged, My Lord. There is no way this guy has a connection with someone from the Ravenshield-" "Silence!" Count Andres gave him a sharp glare and soon turned his attention towards Raven. ''Thank goodness I trusted the Oracle Lore''s prediction. Or else, I might have offended a powerhouse from the Ravenshield Family!'' "I think we can conclude that the Holmes Family has paid the debt with interest and close this case, right?" He asked. Although a few Knight Household members wanted to raise their hands and complain, Count Andres didn''t give them even a glance and continued. "Byrce, collect those bags and send them to the Crest Merchandise after checking the amount." "Wait!" Countess Rowena suddenly raised her voice, attracting everyone''s attention. "It has been two years since Walter Holmes died, right? Why hasn''t the Executors passed on the Will to the only Heir of the Holmes Family?" At that moment, a black-haired young man in his mid-thirties stood up from his seat and answered. "That''s because the Heir wasn''t in normal condition, My Lady. After his father''s death, he refused to see others and closed himself in his mansion. And just when we thought of bringing this matter to the Council, some thugs kidnapped him-" "George Amell, right? I heard that you have been managing two of Holmes''s shops for the past few years, but why didn''t I see you mention his kidnapping matter in the last council meeting even once? Are you one of Walter''s Will Executors? He would''ve never imagined that his friends would play with his son''s life for some profit." She couldn''t help but speak her thoughts out loud. "Rowena! Please watch your words." Count Andres couldn''t help but intervene. After all, he also paid no heed to this case because of the Falcons and felt a sense of guilt. Then, he turned his gaze towards George Amell and another red-haired lady and spoke coldly. "George Amell and Sara Wills. Once the council meeting ends, please head to the Administration Department and officially transfer the ''Will'' to Thomas Holmes. If I heard you guys are delaying things, I won''t stay still like before." "Y-Yes, My Lord." Both George Amell and Sara Wills nodded. "Byrce! Go and collect the gold coins from Thomas." "Yes, My Lord." A young man with blonde hair and a pencil mustache appeared from the corner of the hall and moved toward Raven''s seat. As he was checking the money, Count closed the file and decided to end the council meeting. "Now that the final case has been solved, let''s end the council meeting." Richard Palmer''s face flushed red with suppressed anger, his fingers tightening around the table''s edge. He soon stood up and spoke, "This isn''t over, My Lord. We also need to discuss revoking the council membership of the Holmes Family." Baron Gideon shook his head and asked coldly. "Why should we need to revoke a Knight Household who has a connection with one of the Twelve Ancient Families?" Meanwhile, Count Andres stood up and announced. "Let''s end the meeting then. There is no need to discuss anything about the Holmes Family here." Although many showed disappointed looks, nobody dared to open their mouths. As for Richard Palmer, he stood there with a stunned look for a few seconds and slowly sat down. After that, Count Andres was the first to leave the chamber, followed by the elite council members. Then, Baronets and members from the Knight Households also stood up from their seats. As the nobles began to disperse, murmurs of intrigue and speculation filled the chamber. Meanwhile, Raven calmly stood from his seat, adjusted his monocle, and walked out of the chamber. Then, he turned his gaze towards Emanuel and spoke. "Emanuel, accompany the Count''s butler to confirm the debt has been settled. Selene, go with him to ensure his safety." "Yes, My Lord!" Both Emanuel and Selene nodded. "What about the transfer of the Will to your name?" Jacob asked as he heard the fierce argument happening in the meeting room from outside. "It''s already 5. P.M. They will likely send someone tomorrow to discuss this matter." Raven paused for a moment and then added. "Let''s go back," As Emanuel and Selene entered the chamber to accompany Byrce, Raven''s group exited the manor through the same opulent path they had entered. The sun hung low in the sky, painting the city in hues of amber and gold. The carriage awaited them at the edge of the cobblestone street, the driver nodding as they approached. As they settled inside, the carriage started to move again. ¡­ Chapter 108: Intermediate Aura Chapter 108: Intermediate Aura After traveling for 15 minutes, the carriage soon reached the Holmes Mansion. Raven walked out of the carriage and entered the mansion. But as soon as he walked in, Stephanie waited at the entrance with an anxious face. "What happened?" He couldn''t help but ask. "An Officer from the Royal Bank has come to meet you, My Lord," Stephanie said with a stiff face and turned her gaze towards the main hall. At that moment, a red-haired young man in his twenties sat on the sofa in the middle of the main hall, flipping through the newspaper. When Raven looked at him, that man closed the newspaper and looked in their direction. Then, he stood up from his seat and greeted him. "I''m Pablo, the Manager of the Royal Bank of Zenith. I came here under the order of my superior to deliver the goods." He touched his spatial ring and took out a wooden box as he spoke. He then placed the wooden box on the coffee table, took a golden card with runes engraved all over it from his pocket, and gave it to Raven. "What is this?" Raven looked at the golden card and looked confused. "This card will be your Royal Bank card, Mr. Holmes. I''m here to tell you that a VIP of our Bank has sent you 234,000 gold coins as the first-month transaction. She also ordered me to tell you that the profit amount will be delivered monthly." Pablo said with a smile and bowed his head. "Then, I''ll be taking my leave, Mr. Holmes." As the Royal Bank manager left the mansion, Jacob felt lightning struck him. "How did you- No, what did you do, My Lord? How come the Royal Bank manager himself come to the mansion and give you money?" He couldn''t help but ask with a stupefied face. Raven shrugged his shoulder and turned his attention towards the wooden box. He slowly opened it and noticed a dozen potion vials with different colors were arranged inside. After a simple analysis, Raven realized that all were intermediate-rank affinity potions. ''Three Fire affinity potions, three water affinity potions, two wind affinity potions, three earth affinity potions, two light affinity potions, and two darkness affinity potions! I never even asked, but she gave them as a gift, huh?'' A smile appeared on his face. ''I can only use ''Darkness affinity potion'' for myself. As for the other ones, I should use them wisely.'' He stored them in his inventory and turned his gaze towards Jacob. "If anyone from Amell and Wills families comes here, tell Emanuel to take care of the formal procedures. Call me only after completing all the formalities in the administrative department." He still recalled how the Sinclare Family made him wait in the Police Court for a whole day and decided not to waste his time there. "Yes, My Lord." Jacob nodded. ¡­ Meanwhile, Raven moved towards the left corridor and entered the Alchemy Room. Until midnight, he spent his time in the Alchemy room and concocted 5 ''Mind of Insight'' potions. After that, he returned to his bedroom and sat on the bed in a lotus position. Then, he took the [Mind of Insight] potion vial from the inventory and drank the potion in one go. The liquid was cool and soothing as it slid down his throat, leaving a lingering taste of mint and an odd metallic tang behind. Within moments, a wave of clarity washed over him. His thoughts quickened, and his ideas formed faster and linked with precision. Raven felt something exploded in his mind. He didn''t waste a single moment and entered the Mind Space. Then, he appeared within the Arcanum Circlets of Destiny and looked at the mysterious crystalline lines of energy forming the gigantic hexagonal prism-like spell model. Simultaneously, he activated the bloodline spell and noticed that all those crystalline lines carried some information. ''When I entered this circle and tried to comprehend the spell model before, it took me around two days to follow the energy flow. But I can perceive the change of the energy flow in seconds.'' As Raven focused on the one line, he soon noticed the mysterious energy was flowing constantly and gathering at the nearby edge. As Raven tried to look deeper, a strange familiarity appeared in his mind. Raven instantly thought of rune language and tried to decipher the energy using it. "Kal Am Id Aive Li." ''It means the gap between Time and Space.'' Just as he managed to decipher the basics, a sharp pain appeared in his head, forcing him to leave the mind space. "I never knew I could use rune language to decipher the spell model." Raven opened his eyes and muttered with a shocked tone. Although a sharp pain appeared all over his head like stabbing needles, he endured it like it was nothing. [You can only achieve that because your calculative speed has briefly reached that of a Radiant Wizard. And if your affinity rank is high, you might have comprehended almost one-third of the spell model in seconds.] Zera spoke in his head. ''How much is the progression rate now?'' Raven asked. [It has increased from 4.3% to 5.2%. I can say it''s a big leap. And you can maintain your ''Mind Eye'' spell for 15 seconds.] ''Oh? What about the side effects of using this potion?'' Raven asked. [The headache will remain for 30 minutes. After that, you will still feel mental fatigue for another 2 hours. I suggest you rest for 5 hours before using this potion to comprehend the spell model.] Raven agreed. After that, he lay on the bed and decided to rest. ¡­ Raven then woke up in the early morning, freshened himself up, and took the Frozen Ender from the inventory. Then, he touched the spear and entered the illusionary World. Within a moment, he appeared in the same grassland-like area where the blue-skinned humanoid was practicing spearmanship. Raven created a similar spear out of thin air, gripped the spear shaft with both hands, and started practicing. His movement appeared as fluid as water, while his thrust seemed precise and sharp. Raven''s spearmanship appeared as smooth as the blue-skinned man''s spearmanship and almost identical but unique. He also infused his invisible aura with the ice-elemental energy and used the Frozen Lance Skill perfectly, like Casper! As Raven moved his spear, his mind became more precise and sharper. Maybe it was due to his progress in the Mind Eye spell comprehension, but the invisible aura on his spear edge started radiating a faint yellowish color. The next second, Raven noticed the surroundings started to break like broken mirrors. Before he could even blink, Raven found himself standing in the middle of the night. The chill in the air bit at his skin, and a haunting stillness enveloped the World. ''Chill? Wait, why am I feeling the air? I can even breathe?'' A startled look appeared on his face. As Raven''s eyes got used to the darkness, he saw rows of brick houses lining both sides of the narrow street. They stood tall and still, their dark shapes only broken by slivers of dim light. ''Am I in some town?'' He wondered. His composure broke as a sudden noise came from ahead. Soon, frightened cries and distant screams filled the air, sending shivers through his spine.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Raven hesitated at first but decided to move ahead. Before he could take a few steps, a sharp whistle cut through the noise and appeared from the sky ahead. His eyes shot upward just in time to see an arrow shooting down from the sky, glowing like a falling star. The shaft gleamed with a yellowish aura, its glow growing brighter as it neared him. Time slowed as he instinctively activated the ''Mind Eye'' spell. But even his Mind Eye skill couldn''t follow the arrow''s speed! The arrow struck with a sickening thud, embedding itself in his chest. A jolt of searing pain ripped through him as the aura flared. Raven staggered, his vision fracturing as if the World around him were made of glass. The scene began to crumble as his vision turned blurry. And then, everything went black. With a gasp, Raven jolted upright. "What the hell was that?" He couldn''t help but look at the spear in his hand. To his short, what appeared in his hand wasn''t an iron spear but a silver one! ''It evolved?'' [What happened, lad?] Zera asked. ''I managed to rank up my spearmanship and entered the next illusion. But that place looked almost like the real World. I can even breathe normally and even feel pain.'' [There is nothing to be surprised about that. Past Time spells are capable of recreating the past itself. Creating such a realistic illusion is not hard with a bit of Dream law. My owner must have chosen spearmanship as a main path for his future.] Zera said as if it were normal. Meanwhile, Raven gripped the iron spear and looked at it using the monocle. ¡­ [Name: Frozen Ender (Sealed) Rank: Uncommon (Evolve) Experience Comprehension: 0.2% Description: None Unique skill: Rank-1 Skill: Frozen Lance (Unlocked) (Cooldown: 1 hour) Rank-2 Skill: Ice Dome (Locked)- Restriction to unlock: Reach Basic Intermediate Spearmanship.] ¡­ ''Oh? A new skill but locked? And when can I use this?'' [It will unlock once you fully use the intermediate aura. However, your experience comprehension needs around 20% to achieve that.] Raven nodded at Zera''s words. He also checked his status and noticed his Spearmanship skill had reached Intermediate Rank. After that, Raven went to the training room and practiced his spearmanship for the next two hours. Raven then freshened himself up, went downstairs to have breakfast, and met up with Jacob. Raven sat in the main hall, his gaze fixed on Jacob, who stood a few feet away. The warm glow of the fireplace cast flickering shadows on the walls. "Jacob," He began, "I need you to visit the potion shops in the Capital and purchase 1,000 sets of Mind of Insight potion ingredients." Jacob''s eyes widened, his mouth parting slightly in shock. "A thousand sets, My Lord?" he repeated as if hoping he''d misheard. After all, he brought sixty batches of potion ingredients just two days ago. "Yes," Raven confirmed, his expression unyielding. "Make sure to visit multiple shops to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Pay whatever price they ask." Jacob hesitated, clearly grappling with the enormity of the task. ''It seems he isn''t the only one concocting the potions.'' Jacob quickly composed himself, bowing his head. "As you command, My Lord." Raven gave a curt nod. "Good. There will be a change of plans, so be careful when going out." His words made Jacob''s eyes squint. "W-What happened, My Lord?" He asked cautiously. "I plan on selling the ''Mind of Insight'' potions to all famous potion shops." His words made Jacob''s face froze. "W-Won''t the Ravenshield family get offended by this?" "She broke the trust first. And I never mentioned anywhere that I would sell my potions only to the Ravenshield family." Raven paused for a moment and then added. "Within six months, the Ravenshield Family will make a similar potion as ours. When that happens, our profits will be considerably reduced. That''s why I plan on utilizing this moment and earning as much as possible." His words made Jacob realize how careless they were. "We should''ve brought the potion ingredients randomly, My Lord. That way, they wouldn''t have found the potion materials needed to concoct it." Raven waved his hand and spoke. "Don''t worry about it. Wait, I''ll ensure you have the funds." Without further explanation, Raven rose from his seat and strode out of the mansion. As Emanuel arranged the carriage quickly, he soon went to the Royal Bank and withdrew 200,000 gold coins from his account. Then, he returned to the mansion and gave Jacob 400,000 gold coins. "Bring Selene and Quincy with you this time for safety. Marcellus, Reece, Leona, and Felicity will stay in the mansion from now on." "Yes, My Lord," Jacob said stiffly, leaving the mansion hurrying. Meanwhile, Raven returned to his room and used the ''Mind of Insight'' potion to focus on comprehending the ''Mind Eye'' spell. During the evening, Emanuel visited his room and brought him to the Administrative Office to transfer the ''Will'' to his name. The process took him only 30 minutes, as Emanuel had completed the formal procedures. Although George Amell and Sara Wills showed a clear displeasure, Raven didn''t even mind them. Once the transfer was done, Raven told Emanuel to take care of the shops, which the Amell and Wills Families managed and returned to the Holmes Mansion. Then, he decided to isolate himself to focus on training. ¡­ One month passed in a blink. December 15th, Year 1420, Rune Era. Raven woke up in the morning and entered the Illusionary World. But he returned to the real world within ten seconds and sighed heavily. He met the first obstacle after entering the strange town in the illusionary World. It was the same arrow covered in a yellowish aura. Even though he had managed to comprehend the ''Mind Eye'' bloodline spell to 93.4%, he still couldn''t follow the arrow''s speed. Before he could take 10 steps, that arrow flew from the sky at an incredible speed and killed him mercilessly. Even when he tried to dodge in advance, it was no use. ''My ''Mind Eye'' spell needs to be at least 10 times faster than normal.'' He shook his head in disappointment. Next was about his progress in Alchemy. During the past 30 days, Raven almost stayed half the time in the Alchemy Room and concocted 180 ''Mind of Insight'' potions. Surprisingly, his concoction succession rate had improved to 50%! ''And I drank 100 potions to comprehend just one spell model!'' If others were to know this, they would go mad for sure. After all, he drank over potions worth 1.2 million gold coins in one month! Just yesterday, Raven sent Jacob to the capital to sell the rest of the 80 potions and also told him to buy another 1000 batches of potion materials. ''Thankfully, the potion ingredients are far cheaper than the other potions. Or else, I might have gone bankrupt.'' [I''m surprised by your improvement in alchemy. You might reach a 100% concoction rate by the end of May.] Zera said in his mind. ''Ravenshield Family will also succeed in recreating my potion around that time.'' He muttered with a nod. As Raven tied the belt of his robe, a knocking sound came. "My Lord!" came a familiar voice from the other side of the door. It was Emanuel, his butler. Raven opened the door to find him standing while carrying a file. "What happened?" Raven asked. "You have visitors, My Lord!" Emanuel said, his sharp eyes scanning his room. "Visitors?" Raven raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. He quickly took the pocket watch and checked the time by opening the outer case. "It''s only 8 A.M. Who are they? I never made an appointment with anyone, though." A frown appeared on his forehead. Emanuel answered hurriedly. "They are the parents of Spade Knights'' Academy graduates, My Lord." "Oh? I was expecting their arrival for more than a month. Where are they?" Raven asked, grabbing a simple black tunic and trousers from the wardrobe. "In the guest hall. They are waiting for you," Emanuel replied. Within moments, Raven dressed and descended the grand split staircase toward the guest hall. Raven''s sharp gaze fell on the visitors as he walked in. Fifteen people sat in the guest hall, conversing with each other. The chatter in the guest hall ceased as Raven stepped in. His presence commanded immediate attention, and the visitors stood, offering respectful bows. "Please, be seated," Raven said as he sat at the head of the long table. The parents hesitated for a moment before resuming their seats. Meanwhile, Emanuel stood to Raven''s right, holding the file containing the day''s schedule. One of the visitors, a tall man with a neatly trimmed beard, stood to speak. "My Lord, we deeply appreciate you granting us this audience. We come as representatives of the parents whose children recently graduated from the Spade Knights Academy. We heard from Headmaster Ares that you plan to sign a long-term contract with our children." The tall man hesitated momentarily before asking the question that weighed heavily on everyone''s minds. "My Lord, we have heard about the terms of the contracts, but we would like to confirm them with you directly. How long will our children be bound to the Holmes Household under these agreements?" Raven leaned back slightly in his chair. "The terms are straightforward. The initial contract period will be 20 years. During this time, their monthly salary will be three gold coins. However, they will also be able to train using the Uncommon Knight Technique and the Uncommon Spirit Technique unique to the Holmes Household." Murmurs rippled through the parents as they exchanged glances. Unlike the Knight Households and Nobles Households, commoners knew little about the Walkers'' Techniques. "But what happens after the 20 years, My Lord?" a woman asked, concern evident in her tone. "If, during those 20 years, your children achieve the rank of Radiant Knight, the contract period will be extended to 80 years," Raven replied. "Their basic salary will also increase to 10 gold coins monthly." "And if they advance beyond that?" asked an older man with a sharp gaze, his voice carrying the weight of careful calculation. "If they achieve the rank of Expert Knight during the extended period," Raven said, "the contract will be extended to 150 years, with their monthly salary increasing to 20 gold coins." The room fell silent as the parents absorbed his words. A younger man with a slightly nervous demeanor raised his hand tentatively. "My Lord, and after the contract ends? Will they be free to leave?" Raven gave a slight nod. "Yes. Once the contract ends, they can leave the Holmes Household. Alternatively, they may continue serving as Knights under my banner, with salaries and benefits renegotiated accordingly." The tall man who had spoken first frowned slightly. "Forgive me for asking, My Lord, but for a 20-year contract to potentially stretch into 150 years, doesn''t that seem... excessive?" "Excessive? No, it''s quite the opposite." At that moment, Marcellus, who was staying near the guestroom entrance, interjected. "If someone wants to become a guard of a Noble House who possesses Uncommon Spirit Technique, they must sign a lifetime contract. But Lord Thomas is only asking for 150 years of contract. Do you know how long an Expert Knight can live? More than 500 years! What''s so bad about signing a 150-year contract for living 500 years?" Raven raised his hand to stop Marcellus from speaking and continued. "I understand your concerns, but the extensions are tied directly to their progress and benefits. The extended periods ensure that both sides benefit fairly from the arrangement. As my friend said, your children won''t get such a rare opportunity as this from anywhere. After all, they aren''t topers of the class but below average students." The woman who had spoken earlier interjected, her voice tinged with skepticism. "That''s the reason we came here, My Lord. What if they don''t advance to Radiant or Expert Knights due to low talent? Will they still be under pressure to remain?" "No one will be forced to stay beyond the initial 20 years," Raven assured her. "If they do not reach Radiant Knight rank, the contract will not extend. However, they will still leave with the training and experience they gained and their earned salary." A murmur of cautious approval swept through the group, though a few faces still bore signs of doubt. "My Lord," another parent said, this time a man with a stern expression. "How significant are the techniques you mentioned¡ªthe Uncommon Knight Technique and the Uncommon Spirit Technique? Will they truly give our children an edge? And will they be able to pass down the technique to their descendants?" [You need to add some restrictions here. Or these guys might leak the spirit technique to everyone and mess up the social order.] Zera said in his mind. Raven also thought the same and spoke. "They can pass down their techniques to their descendants only." With the conversation winding down, Raven stood up. "That will be all for today. I trust that you''ll return home with the information you need. Once the contracts are ready, I will send my butler to inform you all." The parents stood, bowing deeply in unison before departing the guest hall. ¡­ Chapter 109: Selection Chapter 109: Selection After the parents left, Raven returned to his bedroom and entered the memory library. "So, what is your plan?" Zera appeared in her illusionary elven form. "I''m planning to separate them based on their affinities and train them with the help of Sepoy Mercenaries. Then, I''m thinking of making these kids my first Elite Squad. This Elite Squad will have 12 Knights, four Mages, two Rangers, two Healers, and two Rogues." "Healers?" Zera blinked her eyes in surprise. "This world. No, this continent has no healing-type magic spells other than alchemic potions. But I see many unique spells in the Memory Library that can heal and even reattach arms and limbs in seconds. I want to utilize them wisely and raise the chance of survival of my Elite Squad in combat." Raven said solemnly. "It seems you are still thinking of a way to heal your aunt''s hand." "Of course, I would. Although Aunt Shirley smiled on the outside, I saw the sadness in her heart. She is a Knight, after all. That''s why I will try my best to find a way to cure her hand. When I skimmed through the memories related to Charles Nightwind, I saw Runeth making clones with the knowledge he received from Charles''s home planet and even succeeded. If creating a whole body is possible through experiment, there is no way I can''t heal my aunt''s hand. Also, Charles''s Soul Flame and Rebirth Flames can even heal injured souls. So, I''ll use everything to regrow my aunt''s hand." A resolution look appeared in his eyes. "Haa, you are completely different from the Rulers I know. I wonder what this world saw in you to give the Ruler''s Domination skill." "What is different?" Raven tilted his head in confusion. "An Emperor will choose to sacrifice his family for the sake of the Empire. But from what I see, you seem like someone who would even sacrifice the Empire for family''s sake." "If I can consider all the people of the Empire as my family, the problem will be solved, right?" "That stupid mouth of yours truly knows how to play with words." Zera couldn''t help but sigh. Meanwhile, Raven shrugged his shoulder and moved towards the area where ''Knight Techniques'' were stored on a shelf. Then, he memorized the best Knight Techniques in all elements and moved towards the bookshelf where weapon techniques were stored. ''First, I need to select a few sword techniques.'' Raven skimmed through the books and muttered. ''Heavy Blade Technique is for Pierce, Wind Serpent Strike is for Lorelai,¡­'' He chose weapon techniques individually for everyone and then moved towards the area where Wizard Elemental Circlets were stored. After memorizing four more techniques, Raven left the Memory Library and started writing them in empty notebooks. He then went downstairs and met with Emanuel. "Is it possible to accommodate twenty graduates in the mansion and train them?" He asked. "No, My Lord. But there is almost a half-acre of empty land behind the mansion. It belongs to Count, but he put it on sale for a long time. But due to the high cost and being an isolated place with no proper path, nobody showed interest." ''I never surveyed the mansion''s surroundings.'' "How much does it cost?" Raven asked. Half an acre of land should be enough even to build a small manor, so Raven inquired about the price. "It should be around 4000 to 5000 gold coins, My Lord," Emanuel said. "Buy it. We can clear the space and make it into a training ground. As for accommodation, we can turn the second-floor rooms into temporary dorms." "Yes, My Lord." Emanuel nodded. "If possible, contact a skilled Architect and try to build quarters for Knights and Servants in the remaining space. Also, buy all the necessary things for the training hall." Raven said solemnly. "Yes, My Lord." "How long will it take?" Raven asked. "As long as we increase the large workforce, we can finish both buildings in 8 to 12 months, My Lord." ''Oh? Too long.'' In truth, he never planned on staying in Giaris for more than a decade. Once he recaptured Azmar Town, he planned to shift everything there and focus on developing it. ''But I need to recapture it first.'' For that, he needed a temporary base here. "Do it. I also heard that some Official Walkers are willing to work as construction workers to lift heavy materials as long as we pay double the salary. You can hire them too. I want the construction to be done in 6 months." "Yes, My Lord." Emanuel nodded solemnly. [And you should focus on increasing one of the Mercenaries'' strengths to Expert Rank.] Zera said in his mind. ''Expert Rank? Are you saying there might be an Expert in that place?'' Raven couldn''t help but ask. [What do we even know about that town? We know nothing besides the Falcons having something to do with that place. And let me ask you another question. How many Expert Knights does a Count Spade have? Is that silver-armored Knight the only one under him? Why didn''t he send help when the Holmes Family was in danger?] Zera''s question made Raven ponder deeply. ''It''s better to be careful, huh?'' [Correct.] After giving Emanuel a few more orders, Raven returned to his room and focused on transcribing all the techniques to notebooks. The next day, Raven sat by the large oak table in his study, the early morning sunlight casting long shadows across the room. The soft rustle of footsteps outside his door alerted him. Raven glanced up just as Emanuel entered, holding a leather-bound folder. "My Lord," Emanuel said, his voice as steady as ever. "The parents and their children are waiting." Raven gave a sharp nod and stored tens of books placed on the table in the inventory. He rose from his chair and straightened his tunic before heading toward the guest hall. Upon entering, the atmosphere shifted immediately. Everyone''s eyes turned to Raven, their gazes filled with anticipation, curiosity, and underlying tension. The parents stood as one, offering the same respectful bow they had given him the day before. Raven offered a polite nod. "Please, take your seats," Raven said, his voice smooth but commanding. As he seated himself at the head of the long wooden table, the parents settled into their chairs. In the meantime, the graduates stood in the side and patiently waited. "The contracts are ready, My Lord." Emanuel said as he stood behind Raven, holding the contract papers. Nodding, Raven adjusted his monocle, looking over the families quietly. They were all from commoner backgrounds, but their children had the potential to become something extraordinary. ''In the future, I''ll turn all these families into noble households and let them become my vassals.'' While thinking far ahead, Raven began to speak. "The terms remain as I outlined. The initial contract is for 20 years, with a monthly salary of three gold coins. Once they become Radiant Walkers, their contract is extended to 80 years, with a monthly salary increase of 10 gold coins. If they achieve the rank of Expert Knight during the extended period, the contract will be extended to 150 years, with a monthly salary of 20 gold coins. You guys have no problem with that, right?" "We''ve no problem with the contract, My Lord." A middle-aged man said with a nod while others nodded in unison. "Then, let''s sign the contract right away," Raven ordered as Emanuel went forward and started distributing the contract papers with Royal seal to all the parents. After a thorough review, the parents signed the contracts as legal guardians, followed by the graduate students as the primary parties to the agreement. If the students had been over 16, Raven wouldn''t have needed to involve their parents in the contracting process. ''According to the Empire Laws, these kids are still minors. That''s why I needed the approval of their parents.'' Only the Army and Crows Misery Academy were allowed to take minors as trainees and students. As the final student signed, Raven stood up. "The contract has been established. I will allow your children to visit home once a week. So, don''t worry about them. They will stay in the mansion and train under Sepoy Mercenaries for the rest of the days. You can also visit the mansion in the evening if you want to." Everyone''s face was brightened up. The parents bowed once more before leaving, each showing a satisfied smile. Once they were gone, Raven turned to the graduated students and smiled. "Emanuel, you can leave now. I want to talk to them personally." He spoke.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. "Yes, My Lord." Emanuel nodded as he collected the contracted papers from the graduates and hurriedly left the room. Raven looked at the graduates and furrowed. "There are only 18 of you here, huh? What happened to the other two? Leonard and Kyle, right?" He asked. A blonde-haired girl with amber eyes stepped forward and answered. "Leonard went to the Royal Capital to participate in the Crows Misery Admission test, My Lord. Kyle said he isn''t interested in serving a fallen noble and is planning to join Lord Count''s army." ''Oh, both also have a little above average score among the kids. When they realize how bad their decision is, they will surely regret it.'' But Raven wasn''t a saint to give them another choice. What he offered was best among all the other nobles'' offers. ''Hmm, then I should re-arrange my plan. There will be 10 Knights, 2 Rogues, 2 Rangers, 2 Healers, and Four Mages. I will put Rebecca and Roland on this team to replace the other two. Ronald will be a Strategist, and Rebecca will be a hidden trump card.'' "Edgar, step forward," Raven ordered. As soon as he spoke, a boy with a lean yet sturdy build stepped forward. His dark brown hair was cut short, and his sharp brown eyes radiated determination. He wore simple but well-maintained clothing and held a sword at his waist. "Yes, My Lord," Edgar said, bowing deeply. "How long have you been training in the sword?" Raven asked. "For five years, My Lord," Edgar responded. Raven looked at him deeply and shook his head. "You are not suitable to wield a sword. Go to the left side and stand there." A startled look appeared on Edgar''s face. Although he wanted to argue back as he did with his teachers, he bit his lips and slowly moved toward the left side with disappointment. "Augustus," Raven called out. A black-haired boy with deep blue eyes and thin eyebrows appeared before him and bowed his head. He was only around 140 cm, shortest among all the graduates, and looked solemn. "What type of weapon do you use?" Raven asked. "Longsword, My Lord." "You are better suited for a rogue than a Knight or a Warrior. How did the teacher not even look at the basics of the body suitability?" Raven shook his head and added. "You don''t have any affinity for swordsmanship, but I will train you to become one. Dagger or Shortsword?" Although startled, the black-haired kid named Augustus pondered only momentarily and answered. "I can manage with a shortsword, My Lord. Dagger is too short to even consider as a weapon." "Good." Raven nodded his head and waved his hand. Three books appeared out of thin air and landed on his hand. "This is a Rogue Class technique called ''The Shadow Stalker Art.'' It''s an uncommon technique and has five base skills. From now on, you will be practicing this technique." Murmurs erupted within the group of graduates as a technique with five base skills considered top-notch and could be considered Nobles'' secret techniques. As Augustus grabbed the book with a dumbfounded look, Raven took the second book and gave it to him. "This one is a weapon technique called ''Phantom Wraith.'' It has three skills: Flickering Edge, Wraith Dash, and Phantom Echo. If you combine this weapon technique with the Rogue Technique, the strength behind your attack skills will be doubled." Raven paused momentarily and then added the third book while giving them. "And this is the promised ''Uncommon Spirit Technique'' called ''Mystic Spirit Convergence.'' Unlike the other two techniques, this one will be the same for everyone." "T-Thank you, My Lord!" At first, Augustus doubted Raven''s words. But as he looked at the two techniques, he instantly realized they were real. "You can go to the main hall and wait over there. Reece will guide you from today onwards." Raven then turned his gaze towards a slightly obese boy with blonde hair and hazel eyes. "Memphis, go and stand with Edgar." Without even giving the panicking face of Memphis, Raven shifted his attention towards another boy with short, auburn hair. "Jeffery." He paused for a moment and added. "Go and stand with Edgar." Saying so, he turned his gaze towards the blonde-haired girl with blue eyes. She had a lean body and appeared around 150 cm tall. "Fiona, come forward." "Yes, My Lord." The wavy blonde-haired girl named Fiona stepped forward and arrived before him. "What weapon do you use?" Raven asked. "Sword, My Lord," Fiona said stiffly. "No wonder you scored below average in practical skills," Raven said solemnly and added. "You''ll be training with Felicity from now on. And throw away your sword and pick up a bow." "B-But I''m not good with bow and arrows, sir. I trained for more than two months but found no progress. I also tried spears, longswords, daggers, and even axes. My teacher said I barely have some talent in swordsmanship and no talent in any other weapons." Fiona responded while gripping her sword tight. [It''s more like she has the talent to memorize and replicate the sword moves. As for other weapons like spears, bows and arrows, longswords, daggers, and axes, she first needed to get comfortable with the weapon. But giving two months to get accustomed to a weapon is not enough.] ''But she should''ve shown her talent in archery, right?'' Raven furrowed. [Her strength might be the problem. Archers need strength the most. Look at her body. She is lean and appears malnutritional.] Zera said. Her words startled Raven greatly. ''Is she from a poor family background?'' [No way. She couldn''t have attended the Spade Knights Academy with its high fees if she had a poor background. She must be a picky eater.] ''Haa, now I need even to make her eat more?'' Raven felt like he was going to be a babysitter. "You lack strength. From now on, you need to eat proper food. As for your training routine, you''ll be training in Archery for the next year with the manuals I''m giving you." He said as he passed the three books to Fiona and added. "Until then, you cannot pick up any other weapons. Go and stand in the main hall." Saying so, he turned his gaze towards a silver-haired kid with blue eyes. "Brynn, come forward. What are you good at?" The silver-haired boy stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and spoke. "I''ve trained as a spearman from childhood and also learned horsemanship, My Lord." ''Oh? Spearman, huh?'' "Hmm, you go and stand with Edgar and others." A disappointed look appeared on the boy''s face, but he didn''t say a word and quietly moved to the side where Edgar and others were standing. "Next, Pierce." As he ordered, a black-haired boy with deep blue eyes and a muscular body stepped forward. "You will be training in swordsmanship from now on. Marcellus will personally teach you." Raven said while giving him three books and turned towards the group again. "Lorelai, you will be using a spear as your weapon and will be guided by me." Saying so, he gave three books to the blonde-haired girl with an oval face and pale white skin and sent her out. "Lian, you will be training swordsmanship with Pierce¡­" "Albert, you will be training spearmanship with Lorelai¡­" "Jamie, go and stand with Edgar and others¡­." "Miley and Alexis. Go and stand with Edgar¡­" "Weston, you will be learning dagger arts like Augustus¡­" "Scot, you will be using the sword as your main weapon and training under Marcellus." In truth, Raven thought of making Scot a Rogue due to his shadow affinity. But seeing him have a ''High'' rank sword affinity, he changed his mind. As he sent a brown-haired kid with red eyes, Raven turned his gaze towards the next person. It was a boy with unique rainbow eyes and grey hair. ''He also has a unique Fate affinity. What should I do with him?'' He couldn''t help but ponder. [He can be a good strategist like Ronald as long as he learns to read the fate lines of a person, lad. It''s more like Astronomy, but even the Memory library doesn''t have much information about this pathway. But Charles''s mother was a ''Fate Reader.''] Raven recalled the memories of Charles''s mother. Although Runeth hadn''t met his mother, he heard a lot from Charles about how she even managed to win against a devil named Red Prince and saved Charles by sacrificing herself. ''A strategist, huh? However, even the Memory Library has less information about the Fate Pathway. A person capable of peering into one''s fate is a rare ability. If I awaken his ability, he will become a perfect Ranger.'' He pondered for a moment and spoke. "You will be training with Fiona under the guidance of Felicity." "Drake, come forth." Raven looked at the red-haired kid for a moment and added. "Go and join Edgar and others." Saying so, he turned his gaze towards the last guy on his right side. He was a boy with golden brown hair and black eyes and wore spectacles. "You will be training as a swordsman under the guidance of Marcellus from now on." Saying so, he gave three books to him while explaining in detail. ''I selected four swordsmen, two rogues, two Rangers, and two spearmen.'' Raven furrowed his brows and looked at the rest of the members. ''What should I do with the rest?'' Raven only needed four mages among these people. [Choose the one with basic elements to become Knights. As you become a high-rank alchemist, it will be much harder to concoct special elemental affinity potions.] ''Won''t choosing them as Mage be better?'' Raven couldn''t help but ask. [Wrong. Mages with special and unique affinities are hard to get and could become your aces. Also, the ones with two elemental affinities are rare too.] Raven nodded in understanding. [Also, let one of the kids with Fire affinity become a healer. The Healer will also be learning other fire spells, but two of his spells must be from ''Rebirth Flame'' and Soul Fire.] ''Oh?'' Raven nodded thoughtfully and decided to select Knight candidates first. "Memphis, Jeffery, Jamie, Miley, and Edgar. Go and stay in the next room." He sent five of them away, like discarding them, causing their face to pale. At that moment, only three people were standing. One was a boy named Brynn, the silver-haired kid with blue eyes; the second was a boy named Alexis, he was a tall guy with chestnut hair, a heart-shaped chubby face, and azure eyes; and the final one was a boy named Drake, a red-haired kid with beautiful amber eyes. "Brynn, you don''t have any affinities with weapons. But you already learned horsemanship and even have an above-average score in battle tactics. I''ll make you a good spearman if you follow my teaching well. You can also learn Swordsmanship from Marcellus if you''d like. What do you think?" "I choose to learn spearmanship from you, My Lord." He said firmly and knelt on one knee. A smile appeared on Raven''s face. "Go and stand in the main hall with others." Saying so, he took three books out of thin air and gave them to him. Then, he turned his gaze towards the boy named Alexis. "A son of a Police Officer, huh? But instead of following your father''s path, why did you become a Knight of a fallen noble?" A forced smile appeared on Alexis''s face. "Even if I become a police officer, I can barely become a Head Constable and retire, My Lord. But your offer gave me a chance to become a powerful knight. My father said the spirit technique you offer me is worth more than his lifetime earnings." "Your father is indeed smart. What are you specializing in?" "Sword, My Lord. But I prefer Rapier-type sword most." ''Rapier, huh?'' Raven took three books from his inventory and tossed them to him. "The first book is Flameborne Fencing Art, a unique sword technique for rapier-type weapons¡­" Raven then gave him a short explanation about his Knight Technique and assigned him to Marcellus. Then, he finally turned his attention towards the red-haired boy with amber eyes. "Drake, right?" "Yes, My Lord. My father is working in the Hospital as a Doctor¡­" As he started to introduce himself, Raven looked at his body status. [Hmm, why not make him as a healer?] ''There aren''t any light spells with healing, though.'' Raven furrowed. In truth, only four elements had healing-type spells among all the elements. First was the Fire. Yes, Fire was an element that could do more harm to others than good. Raven thought of the same, too. But after he read Runeth''s memories about Charles, his perception of ''Fire'' changed completely. The ''Fire'' was divided into seven types. They were Chaos Fire, Lawful Fire, Soul Fire, Rebirth Fire, Hell Fire or Wicked Fire, False Fire, and Mind Fire. Among these seven types of fire, two were capable of healing factors. ''Soul Fire can heal common injuries to even detached limbs by creating new cells through one''s life energy. Although it consumes one''s lifespan a bit upon use, its healing ability is no joke. When one comprehends the soul fire to a higher level, one can even heal one''s injured soul. And Rebirth Fire is capable of regeneration and repair. When one comprehends this fire, one can cast a spell called ''Rebirth.'' The same spell saved me from my death after I was assassinated.'' The Second was the Water type spells. A unique water type called ''Celestial Water'' can heal one''s wounds and even purify diseases. The third was the Nature-type spells. It uses the life force of the plants to heal people. And finally, the last one was the ''Life'' type spells. A unique element capable of using one''s life force and healing others. [Yes, a Light spell can''t heal a wound by regenerating tissues or bones. But it can cure many curse-type diseases. It can burn mysterious and very minute beings, which are the root cause of the diseases.] ''Oh? I didn''t know light affinity spells could be used this way.'' [In truth, light affinity is a basic element, but it''s rare among the masses. The gods of the Edhen World always took the ones with Light affinities into their factions and nurtured them to show the world as saviors.] Raven nodded in understanding and spoke. "I''ve changed my mind. Follow me to the next room." Raven spoke as he walked out of the guest room. He saw Emanuel standing outside solemnly and holding the file containing contract papers. "Emanuel, go bring Rebecca and Ronald to the next room." Raven gave him an order and moved to the room on the right side where Edgar and others were waiting. Raven soon met with the other five kids and patiently waited. Chapter 110: Progression and Rank Up! Chapter 110: Progression and Rank Up! A few minutes later, Emanuel brought a girl with curly blonde hair and a red-haired boy in a servant''s cloth. When Rebecca and Ronald saw Raven, they bowed and greeted him. "Greetings, My Lord." "Emanuel, close the door and wait outside," Raven ordered. "Yes, My Lord." Emanuel hurriedly nodded and left the room while closing it tightly. Meanwhile, Raven stood before the group of eight people and looked at them individually. "From now on, what you will learn will be kept strictly secret. You cannot even tell your friends or even parents. Anyone has objection?" He asked in a cold tone. "No, My Lord! We''ll keep our lips sealed!" Edgar said as others nodded in unison. Raven nodded and turned his attention towards Rebecca and Ronald, who had been showing confused looks. "You two will be signing a contract later, too. And your monthly salary will be increased to 3 gold coins like the graduates." Saying so, he clapped his hands together to gather everyone''s attention and added. "And I''ll be turning you guys into Wizards." All of them looked shocked. After all, becoming a Wizard was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for even the Knight Families and low-rank nobles. "For the next three months, your job is to meditate using the ''Mystic Spirit Convergence'' technique and increase your spirit power." As he spoke, he took out eight books and gave them each. "If you are slacking off in training, I''ll not hesitate to kick you all out. Understand?" He asked. "Yes, My Lord!" All nodded stiffly. "Good. If you have any doubts, come to my room on the third floor and ask me immediately. I''ll let Emanuel know this." Saying so, he turned around and left, leaving the eight young kids in shock. When Raven walked out of the room, he met with Emanuel again. "If anyone from the room asks for me, bring them to my room. Also, Rebecca and Ronald will be training from now on. Give them a separate room on the second floor and proper food." "A-Are they going to become Walkers, My Lord?" He couldn''t help but ask. "Yes. Do you also want to?" Raven asked with a smirk. "N-No, My Lord. I''m nothing more than a mere servant." He instantly bowed his head and shook his head. ''Hmm, I hope he stays loyal.'' But Raven didn''t plan on giving him any techniques or his secrets for now. ''I still can''t find out what he did when he left Giaris and learned swordsmanship.'' He let out a deep sigh and spoke. "Tell Marcellus, Leone, Felicity, and Reece to come and meet me in the study." Saying so, he walked towards the left side corridor, past the split staircase, and moved to the study. As he entered his study, he sat at his desk and soon saw a newspaper placed on it. ''Weekly news, huh?'' Raven took the newspaper and looked at the first page before started reading. "Legacy News!!!.... "Emperor agrees to the reformation of the Imperial Law Book under the request of Chief Judge Jamison! Will it be the turning point for the Royal Family? Chief Judge said that seventy-eight old laws are against Democracy and must be removed completely. He also stated that it may reduce the Royal''s and Noble''s authority, but it will benefit the masses¡­ Surprisingly, Wizard Union made an official complaint and opposed this decision¡­" "Further delay in Duke Solman''s visit to the Zenith Empire due to security reasons! Did the Rebel Prince''s warning make them scared? The Royal Family said they would inform the public after they talked with Vega Empire but assured everyone that there would be no change in the Sword Princess''s engagement. However, a member of the Starkey Household told a member of our news that their family plans to cancel the engagement¡­" "Graduates of Knight Academies are gathering at the capital for Crows Misery''s entrance exam¡­" "New Age of Walkers to start! Exam to select the next generation''s ''Seven Serpents'' and ''Five Sages'' will be held in 1421!..." "A new inferior version of the ''Mind of Insight'' potion is making a storm in the capital! But the creator of this potion remains secret!..." "Rise of the Wizard Union! After the death of Prime Minister Gavin, the Wizard Union announced their full support to let Judith become the next President of the Crows Misery! Six among the twelve Ancient Noble Families also supported her decision¡­" "The appearance of Giants strikes fear in the Southern Wild Fortress! The Southern Army''s first division has sent a reinforcement of 15,000 soldiers to the Southern Wild Fortress for emergency purposes. Mercenaries from different parts of the Empire are storming towards the Fortress¡­ Scouts of the Southern Army have spotted the appearance of a large settlement. Vice Commander Eddie told the press that there might be a possibility of a large settlement appearing deep in the woods¡­" "Threat of looming War! Viser Kingdom made its first move in the name of the resistance and gathered 300,000 soldiers near the border of Western Fortress¡­." Raven heard a knocking sound from outside as he looked at the news. "Come in!" He closed the newspaper and ordered them to enter. Soon, Marcellus, Leona, Reece, and Felicity entered the study and stood before the desk. "You called us, My Lord?" Marcellus asked. Raven nodded his head and spoke. "I gave complete Mystic Spirit Convergence books to all the students. From now on, you can also use the complete spirit technique and focus on reaching the peak stage." As he spoke, he took a ''Mystic Spirit Convergence'' book and tossed it to him. "But you said you will only give the complete technique at the end of the contract period, My Lord. Why now?" Marcellus asked in confusion. A chuckle came out of Raven''s mouth. "Do you know the worth of the potions Jacob and others are selling at the capital?" Marcellus and others shook their heads. "A single potion vial sells for 12,000 gold coins. I gave them 80 potions, so Jacob and others will be returning with 960,000 gold coins. It''s almost 1M gold coins." His words made Marcellus and others freeze in shock. "Before, he returned with more than 300,000 gold coins and even worried about the dangers. If he wanted to betray me, he had countless chances to run away with all the money and settle in a foreign country. The same goes for the rest of you guys, too.¡± He paused for a moment to look at everyone''s face and continued. "That''s why I plan to give you guys a good Knight Technique based on your specialty. Train harder with the techniques and teach the kids everything you have." Raven said as he summoned six more books and gave them. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. "Once Jacob and Quincy return from the mission, tell them I gave them these techniques as a gift for their loyalty. Also, tell Selene to come and look for me." "Y-Yes, My Lord!" Marcellus took a moment before he snapped out of the shock and bowed his head. "We will do our best to serve you, My Lord." "You guys may leave now." Raven waved his hand and sent them away. Then, he focused his attention on the newspaper. ''Two large-scale battles might happen sooner. One against monsters and the other one against the Viser Kingdom.'' If even a single side faced a loss, the Royal Family would interfere and ask the nearby Nobles to send reinforcement. ''I heard that the twelve ancient families always send the low-rank nobles to participate in the battles and only reap the benefits.'' Although the territory of Count Spade was on the eastern side and remained a safe zone, Raven felt even Count Spade might get dragged into the battle if the situation in the Southern Wild Fortress became serious. ''The same goes for the Western Fortress.'' Raven felt a sense of urgency as he looked at the newspaper. Then, he also checked the news concerning his sister''s engagement and felt relieved upon seeing the other side backing away. ''I wanted to attend the graduation ceremony this year and search for talents among those kids. But it seems I have to give up now.'' A look of disappointment appeared on his face. Raven didn''t need genius or prodigy-level talents right now. What he needed most was the Elite Squad members'' help to take his first step. ''I''ll visit next year and try out my luck.'' After that, Raven focused his full attention on only two things. First was the alchemy. For the next three months, he concocted more than 550 ''Mind of Insight'' potions and used 300 on himself to improve his comprehension. Then, he let Jacob sell the rest to different shops in the capital, earning around 3M gold coins. Thanks to Judith depositing money for the affinity potions in the Royal bank, he also earned around 300,000 to 400,000 gold coins per month. Even after subtracting the cost of potion materials, Raven had 3.5M gold coins! What was more amazing was that the succession rate of the beginner-rank potions rose to 75%! The second thing he most focused on was comprehending the spell models. In the first five days, he completely comprehended the ''Mind Eye'' spell and managed to use that spell passively for 5 minutes! Then, he chose the ''Cold Breath'' spell model as his next target and comprehended it in a single day! After that, he took one ''Darkness'' affinity potion from the gift he received and increased his affinity to the ''Intermediate'' level. After that, it only took him 15 days to comprehend the Shadow Shift spell! In less than three weeks, Raven managed to comprehend three spell models. ''I could lessen the time by half if I have intermediate affinity potions for all elements.'' Unfortunately, he still wasn''t proficient enough to concoct an intermediate affinity potion. After that, he chose Iron Resilience and Poison Touch spells and started comprehending. March 28th, Year 1421, Rune Era. Raven sat up in his bedroom and looked at his status. ''Haa, I finally comprehended five spell models out of eleven.'' Considering his ''Low'' affinities in many elements, it was a miraculous achievement! ''My alchemic potion and the ''Mind Eye'' spell made everything possible.'' He stood up from the bed and went downstairs. During the past three months, the Sepoy Mercenaries have guided all the children with everything they knew and have focused on improving their strength. On the other hand, a few incidents occurred in the Empire that caught his attention. One was a temporary truce that occurred at the Western Fortress, thanks to the intervention of the Wizard Alliance. Second, the Sword Princess''s engagement was officially canceled. The final news was the discovery of another new Giant Settlement deep in the deepest part of the Southern woodlands. The Army scouts reported that this Giant Settlement would be as large as a County, with countless orcs, goblins, cyclops, and other low-rank monsters under control. Due to that, the Southern Wild Fortress was completely occupied by the Southern Imperial Army and mercenaries. ''I must improve my strength.'' Raven said as he walked out of his room. As soon as Raven walked down the split staircase, Emanuel ran towards him with hurried footsteps and bowed his head in greeting. "Tell Edgar''s group to come and meet me in the guest room." Saying so, he turned towards the left side corridor and went to the guest room. Within a few minutes, eight kids around his age gathered inside the guest room. Raven adjusted his monocle and looked at everyone''s status. Other than a change in their spirit power, no noticeable change appeared in their attributes. ''Hmm, their spirit power rose to 2.5 to 3.5 points.'' Raven nodded inwardly and looked at Edgar. Then, he took out a book with a red cover and gave it to him. "This spell is called ''Flame Body,'' which allows you to turn yourself into flame for around 30 seconds. During this time, your fire resistance will be increased to 70%. Try to construct it in your mind space. Once you finish constructing the spell model, meet me in the study." Saying so, he turned his attention towards the next person. It was the slightly obese boy with blonde hair and hazel eyes. "Memphis¡­ You should focus on your body, too." Saying so, he took a spell book and gave it to him. "This is a wind spell called ''Feather Steps.'' Construct it in your mind space and come and see me." Raven then turned his attention towards a boy with short auburn hair and brown eyes. "Jeffery. This ''Blink'' spellbook is for you." Then, he turned his attention towards a long black-haired boy with thick eyebrows and pale skin. "Next is Jamie¡­ Hmm, this ''Spark Step'' is for you. It''s a spell that allows you to move 20 meters in a flash of lightning. But be careful when using this spell. A single misstep might cost your life." "Thank you, My Lord!" Jamie said with a bow. Raven nodded at him and turned his attention toward a boy with a round face, short black hair, and deep blue eyes. "Miley¡­ Construct this ''Ice Spear'' spell and come and meet me." "Yes, My Lord," Miley said as he grabbed the spellbook with both hands and bowed deeply. Then, Raven turned his gaze towards Drake, the boy with red hair and amber eyes, and gave him a spell book. "Light''s Embrace- A unique spell capable of curing dark magic and necromancy curses and even helping people recover from normal diseases. Okay, you guys return to the allocated rooms and focus on constructing the spell models." Saying so, he turned his attention towards Rebecca and Ronald. "Unlike others, you two still don''t know much about basics. Especially, Ronald. For the next few months, I''ll personally teach you about the basics of Wizardry and help you construct spell models. Got it?" Raven asked. "Yes, My Lord." Both bowed their head in unison and nodded. After that, the Holmes Household moved to a short period of seclusion. During the next few months, Raven''s progression in comprehension and alchemy skyrocketed. By the end of 1421, Raven managed to comprehend all the spell models and reached a bottleneck. At the same time, news of ''Insight'' potions with similar effects to ''Mind of Insight'' started to appear in the market, reducing the potion''s market price to a mere 3000 gold coins! Still, Raven managed to earn more than 11M gold coins from the ''Mind of Insight'' potion alone. Along with the amount he gets from Judith monthly, he had around 13M gold coins! What made him happier was his progression in the Alchemy. At that moment, his progression rate had reached 100%! He also concocted an Adept Rank potion called ''Life of Nectar'' with a succession rate of 5% and increased his life affinity to intermediate rank! Raven sat in his bedroom and looked at the black vial in his hand. It was the potion used mainly by Wizards of Runeth''s world to break the first soul shackle. ''Dawn Shackle potion, huh.'' As he looked at the dawn sky, he opened the potion vial and gulped it in one go. A second later, a tearing pain appeared out of nowhere and assaulted all over his body. At the same time, Raven felt the whole mind shake fiercely, causing him dizziness. Simultaneously, he felt his alternative self was taking control of his body and panicked. What shocked him most was that his skin became dark red, and his hands and nails became longer and sharper. "Hehehe, I didn''t expect you would make such a reckless move and try to break through without any preparations." A creepy voice came out of his mouth, slowly causing his consciousness to fade. As he was about to be devoured by his madness, a mysterious power appeared from the deepest part of his soul and suddenly enchanted the potion''s effect. It also guided the spirit power released from the potion toward the weakest part of the shackle and made a final push. The shackle that bound his body and soul from improving further suddenly shattered like a mirror. "N-NOOOO!" A desperate cry resounded from Casper as Raven slowly regained his consciousness. Soon, his alter self was pulled back by the golden chains that Runeth had made to seal his split personality. Meanwhile, Raven endured the pain for over an hour, finally noticing the dizziness and pain disappearing. "I-Is it over?" He asked stiffly and opened the system interface. A bunch of notifications appeared before his eyes in a blink, causing him to be surprised. ¡­ [Unknown changes are happening in the Host''s body due to the consumption of Dawn Shackle Potion!] [A sudden increase in the surge of an unknown power causes the Host''s body and soul to undergo a breakthrough!] [Congratulations! The Host has finally succeeded in a breakthrough and become a Radiant Warlock!] [Strength has been increased by 1.2 points!] [Agility has been increased by 1.0 points!] [Vitality has been increased by 1.1 points!] [Spirit power has been increased by 2.01 points!] [Inventory slot no.2 has been unlocked!] [The space inside the inventory has been expanded to 20 cubic meters!] [Memory Library''s second floor will be available to host from now on!] ¡­ [Name: Raven Sillalus Jorvot, Age: 16 Nationality: Zenith Empire Title: 66th Prince of Zenith Empire, Rebel Prince. Level: 11 Class: Radiant Warlock (0th Circle) Life Pathway: Adept Alchemist Health: Normal Lifespan: 300+ years Attributes: Strength: 11.1 Agility: 10.9 Vitality: 11.0 Luck: 0 Spirit: 22.00 Bloodline Spells: Rank-1: Iron Resilience, Poison Touch (Poison Immunity), Fortuitous Finder, Blood Control, Face Morph, Mind Eye, Cold Breath, Past Self, Eye of Destruction, Shadow Shift, Memory Seal. Rank-2: None Additional Skills: Intermediate Spearmanship (1%), Ruler''s Dominance (Beginner). Affinities: Life: Intermediate, Blood: Low, Poison: Low, Lightning: Low, Darkness: Intermediate, Time: Low, Ice: Genius, Spear: Low, Luck: Low.] ¡­. Chapter 111: Visit Chapter 111: Visit Raven looked at his body status and was stunned to see the changes. After that, he closed his eyes and entered the memory library''s first floor. "Congratulations, kid!" Zera appeared in her illusionary elven form and continued with a smile. "You can use the second floor for 30 minutes per day. Would you like to explore it?" "Yes, please." Raven nodded. The surroundings shifted instantly, transforming into a grand hall adorned with ornate tables, rows of bookshelves, and elegant chairs. Multiple chandeliers hung from the ceilings, casting a warm golden glow that lit the magnificent space. "What do you like to see first?" Zera asked as she appeared beside him. "Guide me to the place where spirit techniques are stored," Raven said while glancing around. With a nod, she walked ahead and guided him to a tall, golden-painted shelf with hundreds of books arranged in order. "All the books stored here belong to Rare ranks." Raven nodded solemnly and asked for a suggestion. "Which one is most suitable for me?" Meanwhile, Zera suddenly ascended in the air like a feather and moved towards the top of the shelf. Then, she touched each book to check the contents and took out a book with an emerald gem on the front cover. "This one suits you better." As she spoke, she flipped the first page and explained. "It''s called Lotus Bloom Technique. To practice this technique, enter your ''Mind Space'' and recite a short chant in the rune language while visualizing a lotus. After that, you will find yourself in a strange empty void, and a strange lotus appears before you. All you need to do is sit in a lotus position beside the lotus and breathe in and out." Raven took the book from her hand and started reading it. Thanks to his ''Instant Memorize'' skill being completely comprehended, it didn''t take him 20 minutes to memorize the whole book. Once done, he left the memory library and sat in bed. Then, he entered the mind space like the book mentioned and started visualizing the lotus while closing his eyes. A second later, Raven sensed a change in the surroundings and opened his eyes. To his shock, what he saw wasn''t the spell models assimilated within the Elemental Circlets but a strange empty void. Strangely, a small crystalline lotus in its bud form appeared near his feet, looking beautiful. Raven slowly looked at his own body and soon froze. At that moment, his hands, legs, and chest appeared reddish, giving him an eerie feeling. ''Is this the negative spirit essence Zera talked about?'' Only a few white and golden dots appeared on his shoulders and heart region. Although he had no information about this negative spirit essence, he strangely felt evil and wickedness. After a short moment, he turned his gaze towards the surroundings. At that moment, he saw two types of orbs hovering in space and appeared to be colliding with each other occasionally. Raven closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and breathed out after holding on for a few seconds. At that moment, the nearby white cloud-like orb started moving closer toward the lotus while the nearby red orb moved further away. Soon, the white orb entered the lotus and reappeared in a pure golden color! After that, the golden orb moved towards Raven''s soul form and assimilated into him. The next second, Raven felt a shock run through his body. It wasn''t a painful shock but something pleasant. He instantly woke up in his bedroom and showed a surprised look. ''What was that?'' He couldn''t help but ask. [You must have absorbed the purified positive spirit essence. Go and continue to increase your spirit using the ''Lotus Bloom Technique.'' At this rate, you only need 7 years to improve your spirit power to the peak level.] ''7 Years? That''s way too short. Is this the effect of the rare rank spirit technique? How do you calculate this absorbing timing?'' Raven asked curiously. [With a Rare technique, a person can increase their spirit to 0.08 or even 0.1 points daily. On the other hand, a person with an uncommon technique can increase their spirit power only up to 0.04 points daily.] Zera answered calmly. ''What about the common technique?'' Raven asked. [0.01 or 0.009 points per day. It will take forever for them to increase their spirit power.] ''I''m not unlucky after all.'' Raven said with determination. Zera remained silent at his words. Meanwhile, Raven left the room and moved to the backside of the mansion building. Three buildings appeared before his sight beyond the Holmes'' mansion compound gate. Raven quietly walked into the backyard, moved out of the compound using the small metal gate, and approached the three buildings. The first two were modest two-storied structures, each divided into several rooms that functioned as quarters, likely designed to house staff or guests. The third building, however, was far more imposing¡ªa large, rectangular structure with high ceilings that lent an air of grandeur. Inside, it was divided into five expansive hall-like rooms. They were training halls for his future knights. Raven moved forward and checked on their progression individually. First, he went to meet Augustus and Westin, who were practicing rogue techniques under the guidance of Reece. Both had already become official Walkers and learned two Rogue skills. Raven then moved towards the next hall, where Marcellus was teaching swordsmanship. But What shocked Raven was that Marcellus''s spirit power had already reached around 185 points! [He will become an Expert Rank Swordman in three years.] Zera commented in his head. ''What about Jacob?'' Raven asked as he stood near the entrance and watched the young boys practicing swordsmanship energetically. [He has no free time because he is doing all your errant work. But if he stays in a quiet place and focuses on improving himself, he will make a breakthrough in three to four years. Use the Shackle potion if he takes too long, and let him break through forcefully. Be warned, however. There is a 50% chance of failure, making him a mindless monster.] Raven knew it, too. Still, he chose to take the risk mainly because he had a cheat code called ''Luck.'' If he had a bit later to activate the ''Fortuitus Finder'' spell, he might''ve been taken over by Casper and become something evil! ''Thankfully, everything worked out well.'' Raven muttered inwardly and noticed that all five graduates had become official walkers. Raven then moved towards the third room, where three people practiced spearmanship. Upon noticing his arrival, all three stopped what they were doing and bowed their heads. "Good morning, Teacher!" A smile appeared on his face. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Yes, he was the one who had been teaching them spearmanship with the help of Zera for the past year. Among them, the girl named Lorelai, who had wavy blonde hair, surpassed his expectations. She improved faster than the others in less than a year of training, creating an invisible aura. "Good. Continue your practice until you run out of stamina. Albert, your footwork still needs improvement. Your spear should move faster, not your footsteps. And you always keep your left side unguarded. If an archer is nearby, he will likely choose you as his target¡­" "Brynn, your body is always acting stiffly. Follow my movement." Raven took the Frozen Ender spear out of thin air as he spoke and grabbed it with both hands. "Memorize how I move. Your focus should always be my footwork, not the spear." As he spoke, he took a step forward and then asked. "What I''m about to do now?" "stab," Brynn responded. "Wrong." Raven turned his gaze towards Albert. "Slash?" Albert guessed hesitantly. Raven shook his head with a knowing smile. "Not quite. Lorelai, your thoughts?" The blonde-haired girl narrowed her eyes, carefully observing Raven''s stance. After silence, she said, "You''re preparing for a feint." A pleased grin spread across Raven''s face. "Exactly! A feint can mislead your opponent and create an opening. But to execute it properly, your body movements must remain fluid and natural. Watch closely." Raven shifted his weight onto his front foot, faking a thrust. The spear darted forward, then quickly reversed direction into a sweeping slash. The motion was smooth, almost deceptive in its simplicity. "See? Even the smallest hesitation from your opponent can be exploited. That''s why precision and subtlety are your greatest weapons." Brynn and Albert nodded in understanding while Lorelai''s gaze followed every movement, absorbing his lesson like a sponge. "Now, practice. Start slow, and once you''ve mastered the rhythm, increase your speed," Raven instructed, stepping back to let them try. He stayed with them for over two hours and moved to the next room. Felicity was teaching Fiona and Sam about the basics of archery, mostly theoretical knowledge. As Raven predicted, Fiona''s marksmanship level improved after the third month. Thanks to the strict food schedule Felicity arranged, she also became a lot more muscular. Not enough to scare boys from approaching but enough to make them hesitate. Next was Sam. Unlike Fiona, Sam''s archery skill was poor, causing Felicity to come to his study and complain multiple times. ''But his theoretical knowledge far surpassed Felicity. Although his accuracy is worst, his predictions are always spot on. If Sam has the same talent in archery as Fiona, he will rise to become one of the geniuses of the Empire.'' But Raven wasn''t giving up on him. ''If I give him the ''Potion of Insight,'' there is a high chance he might awaken as an Archer right away.'' But that would be more like doing favoritism to a single person. ''He has to earn that by himself.'' Raven quietly moved towards the next room, where nine people sat in the lotus position and meditated. Selene also sat among the group of kids and was in the middle of comprehending her spell models. ''Her spirit power has long reached the bottleneck.'' She also constructed three more spell models: Spatial Storage, Shadow Slash, and Nightwalker''s Grace. As long as she had given around 5 years, she would become a Radiant Wizard! Raven slowly turned his gaze towards the others. Like others, Edgar''s group also improved their spirit power up to 10 points and even built 3 to 4 spell models. Rebecca was the one who managed to create five spell models in her mind and also comprehended them all. ''If she has a Rare rank spirit technique, she might have already become a Radiant Wizard.'' After that, Raven returned to the mansion and soon met with Jacob and Quincy in the main hall. "Greetings, My Lord!" Both greeted them at the hearth. "As you have suspected, the ''Mind of Insight'' potion''s worth became so low now, My Lord." Jacob started, his voice showing a hint of regret. "And there is a rumor that Johnathan''s disciple plans to make a Rank-2 version of ''Mind of Insight,'' My Lord." A smirk appeared on Raven''s face. "Let them try all they want. If it''s Alchemist Johnathan, he might have a chance to make a Rank-2 potion in a year or two after experimenting countless times. But others needed a century or even more." It wasn''t because Raven was arrogant. He said that because the materials to make a Rank-2 potion, which had a similar effect as ''Mind of Insight,'' were entirely different. "Anyway, I have one last job for you. After that, you can train all you want." "Say it, My Lord." Jacob straightened his back and asked. "Go to the capital one last time and meet with Lady Judith. I want you to deliver something to her personally." Raven said with a smile. Meanwhile, Jacob and Quincy suddenly froze. "Y-You mean the Legendary Alchemist Judith?" Raven nodded as he took out a sealed wooden box and gave it to Jacob. "Book the same mansion we booked at Crown''s Tavern last time and stay there for a week. An invitation letter will come." He paused for a moment and then added. "Also, inform the Royal Bank manager of Giaris City about your visit before leaving." Although Jacob and Quincy didn''t understand how informing the bank manager would help them meet the Legendary Alchemist, they trusted his words. Both then stood up from their seats and left the mansion. [What are you going to do next?] Raven looked at the ceiling and pondered. ''I''m thinking of my next course of action.'' "Emanuel." He suddenly called out. Within a few seconds, the young butler ran from the kitchen and bowed his head. "Did you call me, My Lord?" Raven nodded and spoke as he took out a leather bag. "I''ll be out for a while. Until I come back, take care of all the necessaries. This bag has a total of 100 gold coins. Use them wisely." "Yes, My Lord! What about the next Spade council meeting?" Emanuel asked. "When is it?" Raven frowned. "It will be held around the end of February," Emanuel answered. Raven nodded his head and stood up from his seat. "If I don''t return, send an apology letter to Count Spade for not attending the meeting. And tell Marcellus to watch over their training." "Yes, My Lord." Emanuel nodded and soon asked as he noticed he was leaving right away. "Shall I arrange a carriage for you, My Lord?" "No." Raven waved his hand and quietly walked out of the mansion house. Then, he left the mansion compound gate, walked on the cobblestone road of Bristol Street, and soon saw a hansom carriage parked around the corner. As soon as he arrived closer to the carriage, the coachman tipped his hat and greeted him. Raven nodded his head as he took out three silvers and spoke. "Azmar Railway Station, please." "Hop in, Sir." The carriage driver said while taking out the cigarette in his mouth. As Raven entered the carriage, the coachman whipped the horse and started driving. After traveling for around 30 minutes, the carriage finally arrived at the Azmar Railway station. Raven thanked the coachman and walked towards the railway station. After waiting for a while in the queue, Raven managed to get a single ticket to the Darkcross Town. Although it was in the second compartment, he didn''t mind traveling with the crowd. ¡­ Darkcross Town, Baron Alexander''s Territory. 21st December, Year 1421, Rune Era. It was around 7. A.M. A black-haired boy, around 170 cm tall, stood on the roadside and stared at a single-story house with complicated eyes. It was the place Raven had spent around 15 years! ''It seems someone else has moved in.'' He saw two young kids playing in the front yard while a blonde-haired woman in her twenties was cleaning the yard. He wanted to meet the house owner and other neighbors, but he stopped himself. ''Involving myself will only bring them more trouble.'' Thanks to his photo being released in the newspapers, he knew his classmates and friends might have also discovered the truth. Shaking his head, he took a stagecoach carriage and moved to the Nobles'' Street. The carriage passed through the crowded street roads, moved past the town''s square, and soon entered the Nobles'' Street Road. A few minutes later, the carriage stopped in front of a two-story house with a compound wall encircling it. "50 coppers, young man!" The coachman said. Raven walked out of the carriage and threw one silver coin towards him. "Keep the change." Meanwhile, the coachman skillfully caught the coin and tipped his bowler''s hat before driving the carriage. On the other hand, Raven moved towards the entrance gate, unlocked the simple lock, and walked into the compound. He soon appeared before the house''s entrance door and knocked on it twice. A few seconds later, a blonde-haired woman in her late thirties opened the door and peeked outside. But as soon as she saw Raven''s face, her expression froze. "Raven??" She hurriedly looked around to see if anyone was watching them, grabbed his hand, and pulled him into the house. "What the hell are you doing here?" She couldn''t help but look at him angrily. "Do you know how shocked I was when I learned that you are a prince of this Empire? And how the hell did you kill Sir Gavin? I read all the articles! It said you casually appeared in the courtroom and killed him with a touch. Haa, never mind!" She locked the door and took a deep breath to calm her heart. Initially, she thought of him as a young master of a noble household and thought of pulling him into the organization she was working for. But she was deeply startled after hearing the news of his appearance in the capital and his real identity being revealed. "May I sit?" Raven asked as he walked towards the main hall. "Y-Yes!" She suddenly realized how rude she was to royalty and bowed her head. "I apologize for my rudeness, Your Highness." Raven quietly sat on the ornate sofa in the middle of the main hall and spoke while bowing his head. "Thanks for your help, Teacher Elizabeth. I might have lost many things if you hadn''t helped back then." "Haa, I don''t know what to say right now." She also sat on the chair on the opposite side and turned serious. "Let''s talk about the other things later. Why are you here? I don''t know if you know this news, but everyone closer to you is being monitored closely. Thanks to the Organization I''m working with, I discovered they are the shadow of the Royal Family and seem to be looking for you desperately." "I''m aware, Teacher." Raven wasn''t shocked by this news. That was why he refrained from meeting the house owner and the neighbors. "Yet you still came here to meet me, huh?" She knew this kid was the smartest among all the students she had ever seen and narrowed her eyes. "Go on. What are you trying to pull?" Raven waved his hand and took a wooden box out of thin air before giving it to her. "This is the gift I''m presenting to you for saving my life and caring for me during school days. Please accept it, Teacher." "Oh? I can''t say no to the gift my favorite student is giving me, right?" Elizabeth carefully took the wooden box and opened it slowly. She soon saw two vials placed inside, which appeared to be wrapped in sponge-like cloth. One vial contained pure black liquid, while the other one contained red. "Potions? What are these potions?" A smile appeared on Raven''s face. "Intermediate Affinity potions of Darkness and Fire affinities." Her whole body froze in shock. "T-This¡­ How did you get your hands on this? Even in the Mainland continent, not even a noble can get their hands on this potion easily!" She instantly realized the slip of her tongue and sighed. "This is too precious for me to accept, Raven. I mean, Your Highness." Although she said those words, her hands were unwilling to let go of the wooden box. "I don''t know if you''ve heard this, but the Wizard Union has been selling the affinity potions for a while now. However, the information hasn''t been leaked to the public because it will cause more chaos. As long as you have enough money, you can buy them here cheaper." Elizabeth nodded her head in understanding. ''I also read in the article that Judith appeared in the courtroom and revealed that she has affinity potions. It seems her words are true.'' "Then I will gladly accept your gift." As she spoke, she touched her golden bracelet and stored it inside. Chapter 112: Elizabeth Chapter 112: Elizabeth As Elizabeth stored the box in her spatial ring, Raven adjusted his monocle and inspected her. ¡­ [Name: Elizabeth Octavia Merlino Age: 38 Nationality: Zenith Empire (Arcane Mist Empire) Affiliation: Teacher of Darkcross Knight Training School (Official Member of Velvet Eclipse) Title: ********* Class: Acolyte Wizard (7th Circle) Health: Normal Attributes: Strength: 7.5 Agility: 7.00 Vitality: 7.5 Luck: 2.0 Spirit: 19.9 Class Skills: Shadow Conceal, Fireball, Shadow Steps, Dark Bolt, Fire Shield, Eye of Darkness, Ember Whip. Additional Skills: Intermediate Swordsmanship Cypher Eyes ???????? Affinities: Shadow: Low Fire: Low Sword: Intermediate.] ¡­ ''At first, I thought my spirit power was too low to find all the information about her completely. But my guess is wrong, huh? She is indeed not normal.'' As Raven looked at her status, Elizabeth returned her gaze towards him and asked. "So, what is the real purpose of your visit?" Raven leaned on the sofa and spoke. "I want to know more about the Mainland Continent. Why did Wizards come to Ivory Island? What is their true goal? And tell me more about Velvet Eclipse. What is its true goal?" [Isn''t the Velvet Eclipse more of an intelligent organization?] Zera asked. ''I thought of the same at first. But after I found out that even a Rank-3 Wizard from the Wizard Alliance is a secret member of the Velvet Eclipse and is trying to poach talent from a Findlay family, I realized this organization is not a simple one.'' Meanwhile, Elizabeth was surprised by her question. "Why do you want to know?" She couldn''t help but ask. Raven turned his face solemnly and asked. "Why shouldn''t I? It''s logical to know more about the invaders. And I''m not a normal person but a prince of this land. I have every right to know." "Truthfully, it''s almost impossible for anyone from the Mainland to leak even a single word about the outside to the people here. Before we arrived here, we made an o-." She abruptly paused and turned towards the rectangular black box on the left side table. She stood up instantly, moved towards it, and opened the black box by touching the top. After that, she took a unique hand watch and wore it in her left hand before saying a few words in a strange language. "Activate Corecirclet 45355325." A second later, an illusionary holographic image of a mouse appeared on her shoulder. [An artificial spirit?] Zera said in a surprised tone. ''You are also an artificial spirit, right? Does that mean the mainland residents can create artificial spirits easily?'' Raven was shocked, too. He thought he was the special person with a system but didn''t expect even his Teacher to have a similar existence, helping her. [It''s most likely an arcane fragment.] ¡°An arcane fragment?¡± He couldn''t help but ask. "You knew of the Arcane Fragments?" Elizabeth''s eyes widened in surprise. In the meantime, the strange illusionary mouse also stared at Raven and asked. "You also possessed one, aren''t you?" ''It can sense you?'' A startled expression appeared on Raven''s face. [Not now. But it must have sensed my presence during your rebirth. And for your information, I''m not an arcane fragment. You can think of me as Arcane Relic, a rank above Arcane Fragment.] Meanwhile, the illusionary mouse leaped towards the coffee table and stared at him. "What should we do about it, Eli? Can we take it?" "Teacher, I didn''t know a mere fragment can talk all big." Raven stared back at it coldly. "Arcane fragments choose their owners, not vice versa, Whis. Why are you teasing him?" Elizabeth couldn''t help but shake her head. Then, she turned her gaze towards Raven and asked. "Did you have a fortuitous encounter in the Mirage woods during the practical exam?" ''Should I say yes?'' Raven pondered. Noticing him not responding, she waved his hand and spoke. "Never mind. Everyone has secrets, after all. I have mine, too. But not so grand one." Her gaze moved towards the illusionary mouse, resurfacing the memories. In truth, Elizabeth got this artifact due to pure coincidence when exploring her family''s old library one day. At first, she considered it a powerful artifact capable of changing her whole life. But she soon realized that this mouse was in a sealed state and could only help her learn external skills like swordsmanship, spearmanship, archery-type skills, unique skills, etc. It doesn''t have information about Wizard Spell models, elemental circlet techniques, alchemy-related stuff, runes, or even spirit techniques. When she complained, it told her to find the other fragments to learn more. Before she could figure out how to find the rest of the fragments, her family sent her to this faraway land in the name of a mission and ruined her plan. Still, she learned a few skills during the past two decades. Among them was a skill called the ''Cipher Eye,'' which could allow her to see what others couldn''t. And that''s how she found Raven''s talent in memorization. ''But this is far from what I thought. Not only is Raven the prince of the Empire, but he also holds many secrets.'' "Whis, I need you to protect me from the oath''s effect from affecting me for a few minutes. Can you?" "As long as you don''t say anything about Velvet Eclipse, I can prevent the information from leaking and influencing the contract, " the mouse named Whis answered. Meanwhile, Elizabeth looked at Raven and spoke. "You are the first to know of this guy''s existence besides me. Let me introduce him officially: His name is Whis, an arcane fragment left behind by my ancestor. Although he claims to possess all the knowledge and skills, he has barely helped me so far, " she said, looking annoyed. "That''s because you lack talents!" The mouse refuted. Meanwhile, Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders and spoke to Raven. "The answer to your first question is wrong, Raven. We aren''t invaders!" "You can think of us as Harvesters." "Harvesters?" Raven furrowed. "We came to this island with two main objectives. First, we came here to harvest ingredients. Some potion ingredients can only be found here. While similar ingredients once existed on the Mainland, we depleted them over time, leaving the land ruined by corrupted mana. Of the 100 alchemic ingredients commonly used, about 90% can be cultivated in alchemic gardens. However, the remaining 10% must be grown in their natural environment. Take the Astral Pine tree, for example¡ªit takes over 10,000 years to produce its rare blue sap. Unlike other ingredients, it cannot be cultivated in an alchemic garden, as it requires a location with pure mana. Once harvested, the tree will take another 10,000 years to produce sap again. This blue sap is a key component of a Rank 7 mythical potion. Similarly, other rare ingredients are hidden on this island, especially in the unexplored regions. Many wizards are tasked with retrieving these resources and sending them back to the Mainland. In return, they receive contribution potions based on the rank of the ingredients they provide." "Contribution points?" Raven interjected. "They can use the contribution points to get artifacts, potions, or even some exclusive techniques," Elizabeth responded. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "What about the second purpose?" Raven asked. "Harvesting talents." Elizabeth paused for a moment and then added. "I can''t say much about the Mainland''s secrets due to the oath, but tell you one thing. The Mainland is not a peaceful place like Ivory Island, Raven. In truth, the Mainland has been divided into multiple factions. Humans aren''t the only race that dominates the Mainland. The Mainland has been at War with-" She suddenly stopped talking and shook her head. "I can''t say much about them. Due to the presence of corrupted mana in the mainland atmosphere, almost all of them are born with low affinities only. Even I, a daughter of Rank-4 Wizard, have only two low-rank affinities and one intermediate-rank affinity." "Does that mean there are people born with no affinities over there?" Raven asked. "No, any soul born in this world must have at least one affinity. Your case is completely different. After the corrupt mana entered the Mainland, souls with a chaotic affinity appeared. Over time, a large number of babies are born with chaos affinity. They usually grow up as normal humans but always align with bad things-" She stopped talking again and added. "Let''s just call them "Evils." Before we knew it, new religions appeared all over the Mainland." "Religions?" Raven furrowed. "Yes. The Evils started corrupting people in the name of religion while worshiping an evil being called ''Morning Glory'' and have grown even to oppose the most powerful factions. They rule over one-third of the Mainland and have been constantly at War with humans and other lawful races." [It''s how the demons spread chaos seeds to turn humans into demonic humans. After that, they use the demonic humans as vessels and descend to this world.] "Demons?" Raven asked. "You knew?" Elizabeth couldn''t help but be taken aback. "The strange goblin that annihilated the Azmar Town. It''s not a goblin but a demon called ''Blood Imp.'' There was no mention of demons even in the Battle of Hearth, which is said to be happened around 10,000 years ago. But such a being appeared in the Azmar town recently. There is no way it appeared out of thin air. It should be brought in by the outsiders or created here through experiment." "Yes. But unlike us, the ''Evils'' only recently arrived stealthily at the Ivory Island a few decades ago. While Wizard Alliance and Velvet Eclipse aim to harvest talents by creating a suitable environment and nurture them to become good soldiers, the ''Evils'' aim is to turn humanity into corrupted soldiers." Elizabeth said with a sigh. ''If the situation is serious, why did they keep the potion recipes secret?'' [If everyone can access the potion recipe, many will try to get their hands on the ingredients and make potions themselves.] Zera answered. ''Isn''t it a good thing?'' [Let me give you an example. Two people are in a room with many potion ingredients for an Adept Rank potion. One of them is you. How many potion ingredient sets do you need to concoct an adept rank potion?] Raven thought for a moment and answered. ''Twenty sets.'' [Yes. And the other person is a Peak Rank Adept Alchemist. How many potion ingredient sets does he need per potion?] ''Most probably around 2 to 3 sets.'' [Imagine if there is only a limited supply of ingredients, like 1000 sets. And you take 500 sets while the other guy takes 500 sets of potions to concoct in the name of equality. What will be the final result?] ''I will be concocted around 25 potions while the other guy will be concocted around 200 to 250 potions.'' Raven finally understood. [Exactly.] Zera said solemnly. At that moment, Elizabeth continued. "Due to the War on the Mainland, the strength of the lawful nations, organizations, and factions has diminished considerably. Although an affinity potion is available, the ingredients to get them can only be obtained in a normal environment like this place. That''s why Arcane Mist Empire started exploring the chaotic sea and finally found this island continent." [Kid, ask her the rank of the Arcane Mist Empire''s top powerhouse.] Zera asked seriously. It was the first time Raven felt her tone became this serious. Nodding, Raven looked at Elizabeth and asked. "What is the rank of the strongest person in Arcane Mist Empire?" Although surprised, Elizabeth didn''t think much and answered truthfully. "That should be... I can''t say his name. But he is the ruler of the Arcane Mist Empire and has more than 1,000 powerhouses like Gavin under him." [She isn''t mentioning his rank or name, huh? I suspected much. Then, ask her the rank of the strongest person on the Mainland.] ''Why?'' Raven couldn''t help but ask. [Do you think the Wizard Alliance. No, will the Arcane Mist Empire stay still once they know you killed a Legendary powerhouse of theirs? If they have a Paragon-like powerhouse, they will likely send an Arch-Wizard next time. A Wizard far stronger than Gavin.] Zera said solemnly. ''So, we need to know much about the mainland, huh?'' Raven nodded and asked the question. "Who is the strongest on the Mainland, Teacher? What is their rank?" "Hmm, four people on the Mainland are said to be the strongest. And the history records say that all of them are far stronger than anyone could imagine. But no one knows their real strength because they never appeared on the battlefield after the War of¡­ After a War that happened 10,000 years ago." She paused for a moment and then added. "But you don''t have to worry about them appearing in the Ivory Island." "Why is that?" Raven couldn''t help but ask. "Those Powerhouses are the nation''s pillars. Even if one of them moves away, their nation will face a security threat." Elizabeth continued after taking a deep breath. "Although the Wizard Alliance will try their best to look for you, they won''t do anything reckless that would damage their reputation." Raven nodded his head and then asked. "What about Velvet Eclipse?" At that moment, the illusionary mouse interrupted their talking. "I''m almost at my limit, Eli." Elizabeth nodded solemnly and answered. "Velvet Eclipse¡­ I can''t say anything about its origin due to the oath, but I can give you a little information. It''s not an evil organization, but it''s also not a good one. As for how it works, we receive orders from time to time and need to complete them within the time limit. Or else, the higher-ups won''t even hesitate to discard us." Her face started to pale as she spoke, revealing that she had received a slight backlash for leaking vital information. "Another thing is that this organization is deeply rooted in many parts of the mainland factions like Arcane Mist Empire and has a very deep background." "Are there ranks within this organization?" Raven recalled Franco and Ophelia as elite members, while Elizabeth was only an official member. "Yes. It starts from the Apprentice rank, then Official, Elite, Core, Master, Elder, and the Leader. The badge I gave you is an apprentice rank badge we use to give to the seeds we select. If the Velvet Eclipse approves them, they can leave this island and become official members." "Their goal?" "While the Wizard Alliance''s job is to create a suitable environment for talents to gather, Velvet Eclipse''s job is to find potential seeds among them and recruit them." ''Just like I''m searching for the talented kids, huh?'' "That''s why every elementary school in the towns and cities has at least one Velvet Eclipse member working. Our job is to analyze every student''s uniqueness and report the data to the organization." A look of amazement appeared on Raven''s face. "That''s why you supported me even when the headmaster gave up when I was in the Knight Training Academy?" "No. At first, you showed a talent that surpassed other kids, but you soon ended up in the lowest rank. I even received a harsh scolding from my father for picking up a boy with trash talent. I supported you even when the Velvet Eclipse gave up because of my eyes. I learned a unique skill from Whis that could allow me to analyze whether a person has a talent. Although I can''t tell what unique skills you possess, I can vaguely perceive how many skills you possess. When I checked you first, you only possessed one talent. But I secretly rechecked you during the end of elementary school studies and learned you awakened two more! That''s why I quit the elementary school teacher and moved to the Knight Training Academy as an Etiquette Teacher." [She sure stalked you a lot.] Elizabeth soon touched the handwatch and spoke. "You can stop now, Whis. I already said all the important information." "Haa, I need some rest, then. Don''t wake me up until it''s necessary, " the illusionary mouse said solemnly, turned into a streak of blue light, and disappeared into the handwatch. Meanwhile, Raven quietly sat on the sofa and pondered. After thinking for a whole minute, he looked at Elizabeth and spoke. "Are you willing to form a Magic Contract with me, Teacher?" "Magic Contract? What for?" Elizabeth stared at him in surprise. "I need some crucial information in the future while you need support to rise in rank." He suddenly took a sealed letter from his inventory and placed it on the coffee table. "I officially invite you to join my Golden Wheel organization." "Golden Wheel?" Elizabeth stared at the letter for a second and asked. "Please elaborate." "The organization''s goal is to help me rise to become the Next Emperor." Raven relayed the conditions he had told Daley Findlay and gave his offers. "It''s only been a year, but you have already achieved this much, huh?" Elizabeth took the sealed letter and then nodded. "Your goal is to let me rise in rank in the Velvet Eclipse and become your informer, huh?" "As long as you reveal some information with the help of the fragment, we can work together for a long period, Teacher." He paused for a moment and then asked. "What do you think? Are you willing to become an official member of the Golden Wheel?" "Hmm, I can''t betray the Velvet Eclipse due to the oath, but I can help you with other information related to Arcane Mist Empire and Wizard Alliance. Some conditions are harsh, but I can benefit greatly from them." She fell into deep thoughts and soon asked. "Can I keep my identity secret from other members?" "Of course. I also give a unique code name to every member, so you don''t need to worry about your information being leaked out." Raven answered. "Hmm, but won''t my face be exposed during the gathering?" Elizabeth felt it was a bit risky for her face to be seen by other members. Unlike others, she was a foreigner. So, they would instantly become wary of her and might try to find out her real identity. ''And if they just do a background check of Raven''s past, they can instantly track back to the Darkcross Town and discover everything about me.'' She felt contemplated. Raven was also aware of this problem and answered. "Don''t worry about that, Teacher. I''ll provide a mask with ''Distort Face'' and ''Vocal Veil'' spells engraved on it before the gathering date. So, no one could find out your true identity." ''Two spells, huh? Then, he should''ve at least an Adept Rank Rune Wizard in his possession.'' Elizabeth nodded her head and asked further. "And what is this gathering for? When will it start? Can you tell me more about it?" Raven thought for a second and answered. "I''m planning to host this Golden Wheel gathering randomly. During this gathering, you can exchange items or information among the members with equal value. For example, you can exchange an Adept rank potion for the same rank equipment or a potion. And I''ll also keep the members updated with information and give out missions individually. If one completes that mission, that person will be rewarded, too." "Hmm, there is nothing for me to lose then. When do we sign the contract?" Instead of responding, Raven placed an empty magic contract parchment on the tablet. "It seems you came here well prepared." She couldn''t help but feel she had been the one who got taken in. Meanwhile, Raven took a pen and ink bottle and started writing the conditions for joining the Golden Wheel and the restrictions. Once he wrote all the information, Elizabeth picked up the parchment and started reading it. At that moment, the runes glowed as Elizabeth examined the clauses. "Hmm, there are loopholes that can backfire." Raven smiled. "That''s why I expected you to modify it. Go ahead¡ªmake your changes. I want this to be something we both agree on." Elizabeth pulled out a quill, dipped it in ink, and began rewriting sections of the contract. "Neither party should be forced to act against their moral principles¡­ Either party could terminate the contract under mutually agreed-upon conditions¡­" Once satisfied, Elizabeth placed the quill down and returned the parchment to Raven. He read through the changes carefully and nodded. "Reasonable conditions." Elizabeth''s expression remained solemn. "Let''s imprint our blood then." Both of them pricked their fingers, allowing drops of blood to fall onto the parchment. The runes flared to life, intertwining their essences and binding the agreement. The contract dissolved into sparks of light, indicating its activation. Raven and Elizabeth felt a strange mark appearing in their souls'' deepest part. [Why are you trusting her so much? You could''ve waited for a little longer.] Zera complained in his mind. ''It''s not about trust. I lack information most, while Elizabeth lacks a backer to help her rise in rank. Her family seems to have given up on her and already discarded her. Although she is a foreigner, she helped me more than others.'' "I''m looking forward to working with you, Teacher," Raven said as he stood up from the sofa. Elizabeth also stood up from the chair and nodded her head. "Then, I''ll be on my way," Raven said, walking towards the door. "How long do I have to wait for the next gathering?" Elizabeth asked. "Maybe a few years. I''ll keep you updated through letters. " Raven said so, opened the door, and walked out. "Oh, I forgot to ask him about the secret code." Her gaze slowly moved towards the letter in her hand. She opened the letter and soon saw a word in rune language. "Shadow?" "This title does suit you better." An illusionary mouse suddenly appeared on her shoulder and spoke. "Didn''t you say you need rest?" Elizabeth furrowed. "I''m not a real living being that needs rest. Anyway, that kid has some familiar scent that makes me uncomfortable. Be careful of him," Whis said before turning into a streak of blue light and disappearing into Elizabeth''s handwatch. "Haa, I never expect to receive something big as a return." She touched her spatial ring and took out the wooden box. "It seems he even saw through my soul and checked which affinities I have." She opened the box and looked at the two vials with a smile. ¡­ Chapter 113: Visit Chapter 113: Visit Winterveil City, Margraviate of Findlay. 29th December, the Year 1421, Rune Era. The city lay silent under a blanket of snow. Frozen in winter¡¯s grip, the Frost River glistened under the dim glow of gas lamps. Cobblestone streets shimmered with frost as snowflakes drifted from a pale sky. Gothic buildings loomed tall, their sharp spires cutting through the fog like dark sentinels. Horse-drawn carriages moved softly over the snow-covered streets, and smoke from chimneys curled lazily into the sky. People wrapped in thick furs hurried along wide roads while workers huddled by small fires, exchanging quiet words. At that moment, the deep chime of the Clocktower echoed in the stillness. Beneath it, a sixteen-year-old black-haired boy stood by the roadside and raised a gloved hand to stop an empty carriage. The carriage driver noticed his signal, pulled the horse reins to reduce the momentum, and stopped the carriage near him. The teenage boy approached the carriage, his breath visible in the frosty air. He wore a simple yet well-kept black coat over his formal dress, a top hat, black gloves, and even a monocle on his left eye. His sharp eyes briefly scanned the driver, taking in every detail. ¡®A normal mortal with one low affinity.¡¯ Raven dismissed the blue screen and looked at the carriage driver. "Where to, lad?" the driver asked, his voice gruff but curious as he adjusted his woolen scarf against the cold. "Fallen District," Raven replied, taking a silver coin from the inventory. He flipped the silver coin toward the driver, who caught it with a gloved hand and nodded in approval. "Hop in," the driver said, gesturing toward the carriage. Raven climbed inside, settling into the corner of the wooden seat. The interior smelled faintly of leather and the faint musk of damp wool. As the carriage began its slow journey down the cobblestone streets, he pulled a small, leather-bound notebook out of thin air. ¡®I heard that guy lives in the Fallen District.¡¯ He opened it slowly and flipped the first page. The page wasn¡¯t filled with words but drawings. To be precise, it was the city map of a rural town in the southwest region. He brought this book from an Artifact Shop in Bloodstone City for ten gold coins while traveling to the Findlay Territory. It may look expensive, but he spent money on it due to the details this book held. This map had over a thousand pages, each with a hand-drawn map of towns and cities. The streets were drawn, and their names were neatly labeled. Government buildings and noble residences were marked with red circles, making it simple for the reader to grasp crucial places. He flipped the pages one by one and soon stopped at a specific page with a large city map with a river running around it. His fingers traced a line across the map, stopping at a specific location circled in red ink. He hurriedly opened the hatch and ordered, "Go to the Old North Street." ¡°Aye!¡± The coachman responded and continued to drive the carriage. The city passed by in a blur outside the frosted window¡ªsnow-covered rooftops, flickering lanterns, and the faint silhouette of the towering spires in the distance. The carriage jerked as it turned into a narrower street, its wheels crunching through the fresh snow. While watching outside, Raven tucked the notebook away and adjusted his gloves. A short while later, the carriage slowed to a stop. The driver turned and opened the small hatch between them. "We have arrived." Raven nodded and stepped out, the sharp winter air biting his cheeks. The street ahead was quieter, the buildings older and more weathered. Although a few carriages moved here and there and people were found roaming on the cobblestone road, he felt this whole street appeared more isolated than the rest of the city. After adjusting his top hat, Raven started walking, his polished boots crunching softly over the snow-covered cobblestones. He walked towards the end of Old North Street and stopped in front of a mansion that stood out amidst the modest surroundings. Snow-dusted hedges framed its tall wrought-iron gates, and the path leading to the entrance was lined with old stone lanterns. The structure was grand, with intricate carvings adorning its walls and large windows veiled by thick, dark curtains. Raven arrived closer to the iron gate and carefully examined the mansion. It was grand, but it also seemed poorly maintained. Small cracks ran along the walls, ivy climbed up one side, and a heavy silence hung over the place. Taking a breath, he pushed open the iron gate. The sound echoed briefly before being swallowed by the stillness of the street. He walked up the stone path, his steps deliberate, and stopped before the large oak door. He raised his gloved hand and knocked twice. The sound reverberated through the mansion the next second like echoes of drums. A moment passed, but no response came. ¡®Is he not there?¡¯ As Raven was about to leave, the door creaked open just enough to reveal a figure. ¡°Who are you?¡± A pale-skinned man, around 20 years old, with snowy hair and bluish eyes, peeked his head out and asked. It was none other than Daley Findlay! He took only a brief moment before he recognized him. ¡°Y-Your Highness?¡± He hurriedly opened the door and invited him in. ¡°I thought you would never show up.¡± He then bowed his head and greeted him politely. ¡°Daley Findlay greets the 66th Prince of Zenith!¡± Raven nodded his head while tipping the hat and walked in. The warmth of the mansion was a stark contrast to the cold outside. Dust-covered chandeliers hung above faded wooden panels, and the faint smell of damp wood lingered. Daley closed the door behind him; he looked nervous. His snowy hair fell messily over his forehead, and his clothes were simple¡ªa gray coat and worn boots¡ªbut neatly kept. "Apologies for the state of the house, Your Highness," Daley said, gesturing awkwardly toward the hall beyond. "I wasn¡¯t expecting your arrival." Raven waved his hand dismissively. "You live alone here?" Daley nodded. ¡°After hearing Thomas¡¯s advice, I quit the academy immediately and returned to the Findlay Family. Although I wasn¡¯t expecting a warm welcome, I never expected my cousins and parents to give me cold shoulders. When I told my father I wanted to live alone in the old North Street, he sent me away like casting out a fly.¡± A bitter smile appeared on his face. ¡°I heard you have two guards by your side when Thomas met you. What about them?¡± Raven asked as he entered the main hall and sat on the ornate sofa at the center. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°After I returned to the mansion, my father summoned them and informed me that they would return to the main family. I haven¡¯t even gotten a letter from them yet.¡± Daley soon shook his head and added. ¡°At least, my mother and brother visit here occasionally and spend time with me. Otherwise, I might go crazy out of loneliness.¡± ¡®I expected this much.¡¯ Raven nodded in understanding and spoke. ¡°Please sit and talk comfortably.¡± Daley nodded and sat on the chair placed opposite the sofa. Then, he looked at him and asked. ¡°Have I proven my loyalty to join the Golden Wheel, Your Highness?¡± Raven adjusted his monocle and looked at his status first. ¡®His frost curse is still there.¡¯ Although his spell model became somewhat stable, his ice elemental affinity rank remained unchanged. ¡®His affinity regressed permanently, huh?¡¯ Raven quietly took out an old parchment and started writing down the conditions for the magic contract. ¡°Let¡¯s sign the contract right away.¡± A few minutes later, he gave the parchment to Daley and told him to check for any changes. Like Elizabeth, Daley also double-checked the contract paper and finally agreed. Raven gave a slight nod. "The contract is to keep our identity hidden even from other members and protect our secrets. We won¡¯t be using our real names anymore. Call me ¡®Prince¡¯ from now on." Daley nodded. ¡°Yes, Prince.¡± Raven took an iron pin from his inventory, made a small wound on his thumb finger, and let it drop on the parchment bottom page, where his name was written. The next second, his name was enveloped in the blood, glowing reddish. "Your turn," Raven said, handing the iron pin to Daley. Daley hesitated momentarily, staring at the sharp tip of the pin, before taking it firmly. He pricked his thumb and let a single droplet of blood fall onto the parchment. As soon as it made contact, the contract flared to life again, the runes burning brighter for a fleeting moment before fading into the paper. A moment later, the parchment also turned into light particles and dispersed in the air like it never existed. Alas, Raven and Daley sensed a mark in the deepest part of their souls. Unlike Daley, Raven noticed two marks. One belonged to Daley, and the other to Elizabeth. ¡®It won¡¯t affect my soul, right?¡¯ He couldn¡¯t help but worry. [No. Even if the other party breaks the contract, you will only see the mark disappear and nothing else. On the other hand, the other party will face deadly consequences.] Zera explained. Raven nodded inwardly and turned his attention towards Daley. ¡°What should I do next, Prince?¡± Daley asked. Instead of responding, Raven opened the inventory, took a few spell books, a Mystic Spirit Convergence technique, and an elemental Circlet technique, and placed them on the nearby wooden table. ¡°These are spatial elemental spell books I chose for you.¡± He paused for a moment as he separated the spell books and explained. ¡°This is a ¡®Spatial Blink¡¯ spell book, a must spell for all spatial mages¡­¡± ¡°This one is called Pocket Space¡­¡± ¡°Next is called ¡®Dimensional Anchor.¡¯ It is a spell that allows you to lock a person or an object from moving for a short moment¡­¡± ¡°The fourth spell I chose for you is called ¡®Pathfinder¡¯s Map.¡¯ It¡¯s a spell that allows you to sense and map the nearby area, even revealing hidden areas¡­¡± ¡°The fifth spell is called Spatial Barrier¡­¡± ¡°The sixth spell is called Spatial Blade¡­¡± ¡°The seventh spell is called ¡®Phase Shift.¡¯ To avoid damage, it can momentarily phase the caster¡¯s body into a different dimension¡­¡± As Raven explained, Daley looked at each book solemnly and nodded. ¡°Your spirit power is so low. For now, try to meditate using the Uncommon Spirit Technique and increase your spirit power. Then, construct all the spell models in your mind and comprehend them slowly.¡± Raven said as he passed all the books to Daley. ¡°H-How can I accept this without giving anything in return?¡± He couldn¡¯t help but feel guilty. Raven waved his hand and gave him a sealed letter before standing up. ¡°Stay low-key and become a Radiant Wizard in the next five years. A letter to the first gathering will arrive.¡± As he spoke, he turned around and walked towards the mansion house entrance. He soon opened the large oak door and left. Daley watched Raven leave with a dumbfounded gaze and slowly turned his attention toward the sealed letter. He removed the seal quickly, opened the letter, and soon saw a single word written on it. ¡°Twister?¡± A confused look appeared on his face. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me this is my secret code name?¡± His blue eyes widened. ¡­ 4th January, Year 1422, Rune Era Red Ember City, Capital City, Zenith Empire The steam engine train, a massive metal beast powered by rune arrays and roaring boilers, slowly eased into the heart of Red Ember City. Raven stood by the train window, watching the outside city. After leaving the Findlay Territory, he changed his face to Thomas Holmes and decided to visit the capital as his next destination. When the train stopped, he hurriedly left the compartment, walked on the platform with the other passengers, and quietly left the railway station. He soon ran towards a brougham carriage parked outside the station and ordered. ¡°Go to the West Borough. Sooner.¡± The coachman gave him a curious look and asked as he turned the carriage around. ¡°Are you here to participate in the Crows¡¯ Misery entrance exam, boy? You sure are late. Hop in.¡± Raven nodded as he opened the carriage door and stepped in. The carriage rolled forward, its wheels clattering softly over the cobblestones, and Raven lazed on the cushioned seat, gazing outside through the glass window. The carriage soon drove across the Joy River through the Ember Bridge and reached the West Borough. After that, the carriage quietly entered the main streets of nobles and arrived at the Crows Street. But even before entering Crows Street, the coachman stopped the vehicle and spoke. ¡°It¡¯s impossible to move further, boy. You can only go on foot from now on.¡± Meanwhile, Raven stepped out of the carriage and was soon stunned by the number of carriages parked ahead. The whole street appeared densely crowded. He first gave four silvers to the coachman and covered his head with a bowler hat. Then, he started walking toward the towering Gothic-type building that appeared more than a few hundred meters ahead. After some time, Raven managed to enter the academic gate and was soon greeted by a surprise. Thousands of young boys and girls stood in queues and quietly waited in the academic¡¯s front yard. ¡®More like ten thousand candidates.¡¯ Raven stood among the onlookers and the parents and watched how the academic instructors¡¯ selection process. It was a tiresome process. The first selection test was checking one¡¯s spirit power with the help of an Orb. Then, they checked one¡¯s physical powers, willpower, etc. As each test ended, the crowd started to reduce, too. When the sun descended to the west, ten thousand participants had been diminished to a mere 500! Only Raven and a few other onlookers stayed near the gate and watched the selection process quietly. All this time, he observed every student¡¯s status and noted down quite a few people''s names. ¡®A total of 8 people stood among the rest. But only four are selected by the academy.¡¯ The reason was that one had low spirit power and was disqualified in the first test. The other three showed progression but got disqualified during the basic elemental affinity test. ¡®They all got unique elements.¡¯ What surprised him was that one of the disqualified candidates had a Prodigy rank affinity and an ¡®Extraordinary¡¯ affinity! Moreover, the prodigy rank affinity holder got disqualified due to the Spirit Orb explosion! ¡®Jovie¡­ She should¡¯ve been selected, but she has bad luck. Her physical condition seems no good, too.¡¯ Raven muttered as he glanced at the girl who sat right underneath a nearby tree and stayed in the same position for hours. He noticed that she had been holding her head all the time and seemed to be enduring much pain. ¡®She has been acting strangely all this time. Her body is weak, and her spirit power is 1.9. She would be selected into the academy if she had trained harder for a month, even with the common spirit technique. Moreover, Death and Chaos huh?¡¯ Raven said while observing her closely. She had long black hair, a lean body, pale white skin, silver eyes, and appeared around 140 cm tall. [Even if she passed the first test, she would¡¯ve been disqualified during the fitness test.] Zera said. ¡®True. She also looks more like a girl from a poor background. How did she even manage to come this far?¡¯ She suddenly stood up and turned around to leave the academy. [Her eyes changed. She looks like a completely different person.] Zera said in his mind. Meanwhile, the girl named Jovie walked towards the academic gate, bumping into a few people and even falling once after a rude guard pushed her away for blocking his path. But she didn¡¯t mind it and started walking with staggering footsteps. [Follow her.] Raven quietly followed her to the end of Crows¡¯ Street and soon saw her standing on the roadside, her face blank. ¡°Are you okay, young miss-?¡± As he asked, she staggered for a moment and soon fell backward. Thankfully, Raven caught her on time and asked. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°No.¡± A weak response came out of her mouth. She wanted to stand up but couldn¡¯t because her body had no energy. He put her arms on his shoulders and moved to the nearby carriage. ¡°Where are you from, young miss?¡± Raven asked. As soon as he asked, her whole body trembled. At that moment, her silvery eyes turned an eerie bluish color and seemed to be peering into his soul. She tried to say something, but her voice barely reached his ears. ¡°I¡¯m trying to help you, young miss. Please don¡¯t panic.¡± Raven said with a smile. Although she stopped moving, her gaze never left his face. Meanwhile, Raven examined her hands and noticed there were multiple scars everywhere. ¡°Get us to a nearby Inn, sir,¡± Raven said to the coachman and passed him two silvers. ¡°Most of the inns in West Borough have long booked, kid. We can only find a vacant room in other boroughs.¡± ¡°Anywhere is fine,¡± Raven said as he opened the carriage door and helped the young girl to walk in. ¡°Is she going to be okay, lad? She looks like she needs to see a doctor soon.¡± The coachman said worriedly and hopped into the driver''s seat to drive. As the carriage started to move, Raven let her lean comfortably on the seat, closed the door, and took a leather water pouch out of thin air. ¡°Drink it.¡± He tried to feed her, but she barely drank it with half-consciousness. [She over-exhausted.] Raven nodded his head and looked at her status. ¡­ [Name: Jovie Viser Azarael (?????) Age: 15 (????) Nationality: Viser Kingdom Title: ???????? Class: None Health: Abnormal (???????) Current Status: Tired Attributes: Strength- 0.7 Agility- 0.6 Vitality-0.6 Luck- 0.1 Spirit: 1.9 Spells: None Additional skills: Spectral Vision, ??????, ??????, ???????. Affinities: Death- Prodigy, Chaos- Extraordinary.] ¡­ [Spectral vision, huh? There are lots of unknown skills, too.] ¡®Yes. Her age is showing question marks, too.¡¯ Raven couldn¡¯t help but frown. [Hmm, I have a guess.] Zera said after a deliberation. ¡®What is it?¡¯ Raven asked. [She might be a reincarnated person.] ¡­ Chapter 114: Reincarnator Chapter 114: Reincarnator ¡°You mean? She is the same as me?¡± Raven asked. [You are not a reincarnated person, lad. After all, you haven¡¯t absorbed even 1% of Runeth¡¯s memories yet. But a reincarnated person remembers all their past life memories and retains some of their skills and affinities.] ¡®Oh? But why did she end up in this state?¡¯ Raven furrowed. [That¡¯s because she must¡¯ve awakened her memories only recently. Didn¡¯t you see her acting strange just after the spirit orb exploded? She must have awakened around that time. I still don¡¯t understand why the original Jovie came to the enemy nation.] ¡®Is reincarnation common?¡¯ Raven couldn¡¯t help but ask. [It¡¯s impossible for the Legendary Beings like Judith, Gavin, etc. But it''s more like a walk in the park for Gods, Demon Lords, Devil Kings, Liches, and ancient Wizards. However, if one¡¯s soul were damaged before reincarnation, there would be a high chance one might end up completely recycled into a new soul. I suspect she is a reincarnation of a fallen god or an undead Lich. There is a chance of her being an Ancient Wizard, too.] ¡®God? Lich? Ancient Wizard?¡¯ Raven felt like he picked up an Alchemic bomb instead of a treasure! ¡®What should I do then?¡¯ Raven asked stiffly. [You can¡¯t take her in as your subordinate. An existence like her is not going to follow a random kid. Just help her with some money; she will be okay.] ¡®I just need to help her a bit, huh?¡¯ Raven nodded in understanding. Meanwhile, Jovie lost consciousness entirely and fell into a deep sleep. Before long, the carriage reached the market street and stopped in front of an old two-storied Inn. Raven walked out of the carriage and tried to wake Jovie, but no response came. Thankfully, the carriage driver helped him carry her into the Inn and even helped with the room booking. ¡°I hope she does not end up as a bad person,¡± Raven muttered as he locked the door from inside and put her on the wooden bed. Afterward, he sat on the chair and pondered. ¡®Can I invite her to the Golden Wheel?¡¯ He asked. [Haa, what a foolish thinking. She is capable of even fooling the ¡®Eternal River of Life.¡¯ Why would she be interested in your offer?] ¡°What is Golden Wheel?¡± A cold yet silvery voice came from the bed, causing Raven to widen his eyes. ¡®She can read my mind? When did she wake up?¡¯ Raven asked as he stood up from the chair and looked at the black-haired girl in surprise. ¡°I can. But who are you talking to all this time?¡± Jovie asked while trying to move her body, but she felt weakened. [It seems she can¡¯t hear me.] Zera responded in his head. Meanwhile, Raven looked at Jovie for a moment and spoke solemnly. ¡°It¡¯s an organization I created to help me become the emperor of this nation.¡± ¡°Emperor?¡± She raised her eyebrows and soon nodded. ¡°That¡¯s why you are using a different face, huh? No wonder your soul appearance looks completely different.¡± Then, she looked at her own hands and muttered. ¡°If I go out in this condition, I¡¯ll be captured by those bastards again and be tortured.¡± A chilling aura appeared in the room as she spoke, causing Raven to feel suffocated. ¡°Help me once, kid. I¡¯ll repay it one day.¡± ¡®Kid?¡¯ Raven stared at her for a while and asked. ¡°Who are you? Are you a Reincarnator?¡± He wanted to hear her answer directly. Meanwhile, a smirk appeared on Jovie¡¯s face. ¡°Haa, my identity got exposed just after I regained my memories, huh? Well, it must be that Monocle¡¯s doing, right?¡± Jovie asked. [Eye of Wisdom, huh? It¡¯s impossible to hide anything from her, lad. Her eyes can see through everything.] As Raven was about to answer, Jovie continued. ¡°This body belongs to the princess of Viser Kingdom, but the soul belongs-. You don¡¯t need to know that. I still haven¡¯t read the real owner¡¯s memories, but this girl seems to be pursued by a high-rank necromancer. It must be because of the chaos seed in her heart. Hmm, not a bad start for me, though.¡± She said while touching her chest. ¡®She truly is a Reincarnator!¡¯ ¡°What kind of help do you need?¡± He asked. ¡°Some gold? Maybe a little help from time to time in exchange for information? Like the Golden Wheel? But I don¡¯t plan on signing a magical contract.¡± She said with a thoughtful look. ¡®I didn¡¯t even mention the Golden Wheel, but she read my mind like an open book!¡¯ Raven felt a sense of uneasiness. ¡°And I take the name ¡®Evil.¡¯ It suits my style.¡± [Let¡¯s leave.] Even Zera was startled by this mysterious existence and urged him to leave. Meanwhile, Raven took a small leather pouch from the inventory and placed it on the table. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°There are 100 gold coins in this pouch-¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you at least give me more? You have over 13 million, right?¡± Jovie asked jokingly and then added. ¡°In exchange for the help, I give you a present.¡± She closed her eyes and started reciting in a mysterious language as she spoke. [Nether tongue? She is a being from the Underworld, huh? I''m curious if Titus is doing well there] Zera talked in Nether Tongue. ¡®Titus?¡¯ Raven asked as he only understood that one word. Even that name was pronounced weirdly. ¡®You mean Jessie¡¯s younger brother?¡¯ Raven asked as he recalled the memories he read about Charles. ¡°Oh? Interesting.¡± At that moment, Jovie opened her silver eyes and stared at him for two seconds. ¡°Take out the compass from that mysterious inventory.¡± Although confused, Raven didn¡¯t say anything and quietly took out the mysterious black compass before giving it to her. Meanwhile, Jovie took the compass from his hand and nodded. ¡°A Paragon¡¯s legacy indeed. Don¡¯t store this compass inside that inventory space if you want to find the intellectual fragments. That space is isolated from the rest of the world and can even block my eyes. The one who made that artifact must be a Rune Creator or a Divine Smith.¡± At first, Jovie thought of this kid as someone with little secrets. But she now realized this boy wasn¡¯t simple at all. ¡®But his action is similar to that of a small kid. Is there a guide in his soul?¡¯ She soon shook her head and returned the compass. ¡°How can I contact you?¡± Raven asked. ¡°The compass has the answer,¡± Jovie said with a mysterious smile. Raven wanted to ask more questions, but Zera urged him to leave immediately. With no other choice, Raven said farewell to Jovie and left the room. As soon as Raven walked out, Jovie took a deep breath and relaxed her guard. ¡°The guide knows the God of Death Titus? No, it must be a coincidence. Still, why did this boy pronounce ¡®his¡¯ name in Nether tongue?¡± Although she had lots of questions, she decided to ask them at a later date. ¡°Haa, I need to resolve this owner''s issues. Chaos seed, huh? Thanks to Raven, I will have an easier start.¡± As she spoke, she closed her eyes and sensed the feeling she felt when touching the compass. ¡°I felt multiple energies from the deepest part of the compass. If I can track the ¡®Death¡¯ energy among those, I can easily get the death fragment.¡± ¡­ Meanwhile, Raven walked out of the old Inn and soon saw a black-painted carriage parked near the old Inn. As he moved closer, the blonde-haired coachman, a man in his mid-thirties, put his hat on and greeted him with a nod. ¡°Where would you like to go, sir?¡± He asked politely. Raven pondered for a second and answered. ¡°Baker Street.¡± ¡°That would be two silvers, sir.¡± The coachman said while opening the carriage door for him. Meanwhile, Raven took two silvers from his inventory, passed them to the driver, and stepped into the carriage. Then, he closed the carriage door and leaned on the leather seat. ¡®Who the f*ck is she? She reads all my thoughts like an open book!¡¯ Raven said as he recalled the conversation he had with Jovie. [That¡¯s how scary the powerful existences are. Compared to them, the Wizards and Walkers of Eclipse World are jokes.] Zera said solemnly. Raven couldn¡¯t deny her words. Then, he took out the black compass from his pocket and asked. ¡°Why did she say this compass has the answer?¡± At the same time, he looked at the needle and noticed a difference. At that moment, it was pointing in a western direction! ¡®It¡¯s directly opposite to the direction of the Thornevale Territory!¡¯ Raven instantly opened the communication hatch of the carriage and ordered. ¡°Change of plans. Go to the west.¡± ¡°You mean West Borough, Sir?¡± the coachman asked. ¡°Yes. Until I say so, do not stop the carriage.¡± Raven ordered and continued to look at the carriage. A few minutes passed. ¡°We are already at the last street, Sir. Only the city wall is up ahead.¡± The coachman said in a solemn tone. ¡°Let¡¯s stop then,¡± Raven said as he opened the carriage door and noticed they were at the end of the street road. Only a seven-meter-tall stone wall appeared before him, encircling the whole city. Raven looked at the black compass in his hand and noticed it was still pointing west. ¡°Can we go outside the city now?¡± Raven asked as he noticed the sky had long darkened. ¡°We can leave the city through the west gate, Sir. But I need to return before 9 P.M. Otherwise, my wife will nag me to death.¡± The coachman said with an apologetic bow. A frown appeared on his forehead. ¡°What if I give you two gold coins?¡± Raven said as he took out two gold coins from the inventory and showed them to him. ¡°Please get inside, Sir. I can tell her I slept in the carriage house tomorrow.¡± The coachman hurriedly opened the carriage door and asked him to get inside. ¡°We will go right away through the west gate, sir.¡± As he spoke, he moved to the driver¡¯s seat, pulled the horse reins, and turned the carriage around. As the carriage started to move, Raven leaned back in his seat, eyes fixed on the black compass in his hand. Another few minutes later, the carriage stopped as they reached the city''s west gate. The guards stationed there approached with lanterns, their faces stern. ¡°The guards will do a light inspection, Sir. If they ask anything, say you are visiting your uncle in Shepherd¡¯s Ville.¡± The coachman spoke through the hatch and closed the small gap. A few seconds later, someone knocked on the carriage door. Raven quietly opened the carriage door and looked at the two guards in confusion. ¡°State your purpose for leaving the city at this hour,¡± one of the guards demanded coldly. Raven did as the coachman told and also let them check inside. ¡°Let them through,¡± the guard ordered after a small checkup. The carriage soon passed through the gates and into the vast expanse beyond. The road ahead was dark, flanked by the silhouettes of trees swaying gently in the night breeze. The distant hoot of an owl echoed through the silence. Although a small lamp was hung near the driver¡¯s seat, it wasn¡¯t bright enough to illuminate the surroundings. ¡°Where is our destination, Sir?¡± the coachman asked while slowly driving the carriage. ¡°Just keep moving west. I¡¯ll inform you when to stop.¡± Raven said as he took out an Aether Lamp from the inventory, opened the carriage door, and gave it to the coachman. ¡°Use this instead of the normal lamp.¡± As soon as the coachman lit the Aether lamp, the 10-meter surroundings appeared bright. ¡°Thanks, Sir.¡± The coachman thanked him and continued driving. The carriage moved steadily along the dirt path, the rhythmic clatter of the horse''s hooves punctuating the night. The bright glow of the Aether Lamp illuminated the path, giving a good view for the coachman to drive. After that, the carriage continued moving in the dark path for over three hours. ¡®Hmm, the needle is tilting towards the southwest.¡¯ He noticed a slight change in the compass and felt the destination wasn¡¯t too far. At that moment, the coachman¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts. ¡°Sir, we¡¯re approaching a fork in the road. Should we head toward the Shepherd¡¯s Ville route or the Vine Forest trail?¡± Raven peeked his head out, looked at the fork, and glanced at the compass. The needle was pointing directly toward the Vine Forest trail. He hesitated for a moment and then made his decision. ¡°Take the Vine Forest trail,¡± he instructed firmly. The coachman hesitated, glancing nervously toward the shadowed entrance of the trail. ¡°Are you sure, Sir? That path¡¯s not well-traveled. Bandits, wild beasts, and monsters like goblins are common.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll pay you double for your trouble,¡± Raven said, pulling another two gold coins and giving them to him while adding. ¡°And don¡¯t worry about the bandits or the monsters. You may not believe it, but I¡¯m a Wizard.¡± The carriage driver could only show a wry smile at his words and continued to drive. As the carriage moved further, the trees loomed overhead, their branches intertwining to form a natural canopy blocking the moonlight. Howls of wolves and strange cries of creatures resounded from the deepest part of the woods. After traveling in the gloomy path encircled by trees for around 2 hours, Raven opened the communication hatch and spoke. ¡°Stop the carriage.¡± ¡°A-Are you sure, sir?¡± The coachman looked nervous as he looked at the dense woods on both sides and felt uneasy. Meanwhile, Raven jumped down from the carriage by opening the door and looked in the southern direction. ¡°Go back to the fork and wait. You can return to the city alone if I don¡¯t return before dawn.¡± ¡°What about you, sir?¡± The coachman asked with a worried look. ¡°I¡¯m planning to explore the forest for a while.¡± Raven waved his hand as he gazed in the southern direction and started walking into the dense woods. Countless green vines slithered around the tree trunks, making the forest more eerie. Although the coachman wanted to stop the young man, he decided to mind his business. He turned the carriage around without saying a word and drove towards the east. ¡­ Chapter 115: Trials Chapter 115: Trials Raven quietly took another Aether lamp from the inventory and lit it. Then, he also took his ¡®Frozen Ender¡¯ spear and held it in his right hand. After that, he stepped forward and walked into the dense forest. The first few minutes were not difficult for him to walk, as the trees were not dense. But as he walked further into the woods, the trees appeared denser; vines covered most of the ground, and thorn-filled plants were everywhere. Even with his ¡®Night Vision¡¯ ability, he faced much difficulty walking ahead. What startled him deeply was the multiple gazes he sensed from the tree branches, along with hooting noises from time to time. ¡®Owls? Why do they keep staring at me?¡¯ Raven felt they were shouting at him for entering their territory and fastened his footsteps. [You should¡¯ve waited until morning.] Zera said in his mind. ¡®No. I don¡¯t want to delay this. I want to get this fragment and return to Giaris City as soon as possible.¡¯ The main reason was that he didn¡¯t want to meet that girl named Jovie again. [You are afraid she can read your memories and learn more about me, right?] Zera asked. ¡®Of course. What if she is a bad person and ends up snatching you from my soul?¡¯ Raven spoke in a worried tone. [Entering one¡¯s soul isn¡¯t an easy matter, lad. It is more like a personal Domain.] She paused for a moment and then added. [And the one guarding that domain is me with full control over it. So, you don¡¯t need to worry about anything.] Raven nodded his head and continued to walk. The terrain grew more uneven, with roots jutting from the ground and threatening to trip him with every step. However, his sharp senses kept him alert, and he moved quickly. As he pushed deeper into the forest, he came across a series of ancient, crumbling stone pillars scattered along a faintly visible path. Strange symbols adorned the pillars, glowing faintly. ¡®What are these symbols?¡¯ As he touched his monocle, simple information about the stone pillar appeared before his eyes. ¡®Ruins of Agith¡­¡¯ Raven recalled he had heard of these ruins in the Bloodstone City¡¯s auction house too. ¡®Now that I think about it, the auctioneer said this compass was found in the Ruins of Agith, right? But that ruin is in the territory of Thorneville, though. Does that mean Agith is not a place but a period? Or maybe a nation? I need to look into this information later.¡¯ Raven followed the compass and realized the needle was moving frequently. In the center of the clearing stood a massive stone monolith-like altar, its surface etched with intricate runes that shimmered faintly in the lamp¡¯s light. The compass needle pointed directly at the monolith-like altar, vibrating slightly in his hand. Surrounding the structure were six stone pillars, each adorned with similar carvings, forming a perfect hexagon around the central monolith. He tried to move around the altar and soon confirmed that his guess was spot on. ¡°There is no way I will move closer.¡± He said while standing near the stone pillar. It was way too suspicious. [There is no gain without any risk, lad. It looks more like an altar for summoning.] Zera added. [But you should be cautious, too. You can get another artifact later, but if you end up dying, all of it is for naught.] ¡®What should I do then?¡¯ Raven furrowed and looked at the compass in his hand. Then, he removed the regular boots and replaced them with the uncommon artifact. ¡°Here goes nothing.¡± Raven took a deep breath and stepped into the altar. He quietly moved closer to the strange monolith-like altar and was about to touch it, but something extraordinary happened. A blinding ray of light suddenly emerged from the compass and directly landed on the monolith-like altar, activating the runes engraved on the monolith. Simultaneously, all six stone pillars released binding pillars of light and created a dome-shaped forcefield structure around the altar. ¡°I knew it!¡± Raven¡¯s face turned grim as he ran towards the stone pillar and tried to move away from the altar. But to his shock, the dome-shaped invisible forcefield stopped him from leaving! [No good! Dodge!] Raven¡¯s eyes suddenly became focused as he felt a gust of air coming from behind, and his body tilted to the side in reflex. The next second, a sharp poison-coated bone arrow flew past his abdomen and collided with the invisible layer. Raven instantly turned around in the direction where the arrow came from and soon saw three human skeletons standing there while holding weapons. One skeleton had a sword and shield, another held a bow and arrow, and the final skeleton held a spear. All the skeletons wore ragged clothes and looked like they had just woken up from the coffins. Raven quietly placed the lantern on the ground, put the compass in his pocket, and gripped the spear with both hands. At that moment, his thoughts accelerated five times faster, giving minute details about the three enemies. ¡®The Archer skeleton is about to reload the arrow in two seconds¡­ The Swordsman skeleton is planning on guarding the archer skeleton¡­ The spearman skeleton seems to be taking the lead.¡¯ He guessed their plan in a mere 0.2 seconds and dashed forward. At the same time, the monocle on his left eye activated on its own and gave him a clue about the skeleton¡¯s original strength. ¡®Their attribute stats are only around 3 to 5 points. An Official rank skeleton, huh?¡¯ Raven closed the distance between him and the spearman skeleton in less than two seconds and made a sweeping stance using his silvery spear. Upon noticing the upcoming attack, the spearman skeleton entered a defensive position and tried to block his attack. A bang sound resounded within the altar as Raven¡¯s invisible aura-coated spear directly sliced through the iron spear of the skeleton and even split the skeleton into two. Due to the impact, the rib bones shattered, and even the spine was broken into two. The broken skeleton spearman became pure light particles scattered in the air a moment later. ¡®What?! Why did the skeleton turn into light?¡¯ Raven was baffled. [These things aren¡¯t real. No, their souls are real, but their bodies have been created temporarily with the power of laws. That¡¯s why the skeleton turns into light particles when you kill it.] Zera explained in his head. As the spearman skeleton disintegrated, the archer skeleton released its next arrow, aiming directly at Raven''s head. He leaned to the side, dodging the arrow precisely, and dashed toward the archer. Meanwhile, the swordsman skeleton lunged forward, attempting to intercept Raven before he reached its ally. With a swift sidestep, Raven avoided the skeleton''s shield bash and countered with a sharp upward thrust of his spear. The blade struck the skeleton''s shield, splitting it into two and shattering the bones of its left arm. The swordsman staggered back, but Raven didn¡¯t give it a chance to recover. He twisted his spear and drove it through the skeleton¡¯s chest cavity, shattering its spine and ribs in one decisive blow. The skeletal warrior collapsed, turning into a shower of light particles just like its companion. Only the archer remained. It quickly notched another arrow, aiming for Raven¡¯s legs to restrict his movement. However, Raven was already closing the distance, his spear spinning in a defensive arc to deflect the incoming projectile. In one fluid motion, he hurled the spear with immense force. The silver weapon pierced the archer skeleton''s skull the next moment, pinning it against one of the glowing stone pillars. The skeleton''s bones quivered for a moment before dissolving into light. ¡°That was a good fight.¡± A silvery voice came from the sky. Soon, a strange owl suddenly descended from the full moon sky, passed through the forcefield-like nothing, and soon arrived above the mysterious monolith-like altar. The owl perched silently on the altar. Its feathers shimmered as if woven from crystalline threads, refracting soft, silvery hues with each subtle movement. Its eyes were a mesmerizing canvas of the cosmos¡ªdeep, endless pools speckled with twinkling stars and swirling galaxies. ¡°Who are you?¡± Raven asked. ¡°Do you have time to ask questions?¡± The owl blinked its beautiful eyes and asked. At the same time, ten lights appeared at the center and transformed into ten goblins. But what shocked Raven was that they all held different kinds of weapons, such as daggers, bows and arrows, knives, and short swords, and also possessed 5 to 6 physical attribute points. ¡®They are also capable of using one or two skills.¡¯ Raven suddenly crouched down a bit and dashed forward. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡®I can¡¯t waste my stamina here.¡¯ As he approached the group of goblins, he suddenly opened his mouth and cast the ¡®Frost Breath¡¯ bloodline spell. A moment later, a chilling ice elemental energy came out of his mouth, spread ahead like a freezing wind, and covered all the goblins in a layer of Ice! At the same time, an invisible aura appeared around the edges of Raven¡¯s spear. A killing intent emerged from Raven¡¯s eyes as he leaped into the air and landed in the middle of the frozen goblins. The next moment, his spear danced like a deadly whirlwind, slicing through the frozen goblins with precise, efficient movements. Each strike shattered its icy forms, scattering shards of frozen flesh and bone into the air. The eerie silence of the forest was broken only by the cracking of ice and the dull thuds of his spear piercing through their brittle bodies. In less than a few seconds, the once-formidable group of goblins was reduced to glittering frost and light particles. Raven straightened up, his breathing steady as if he didn¡¯t exert strength. He scanned the area, his sharp eyes catching the subtle shift in the owl¡¯s posture. ¡°Impressive,¡± the owl remarked. But Raven didn¡¯t feel any relief at all. At that moment, he sensed another three white lights gathering at the center of the altar, which soon formed into the appearance of two to three-meter-tall gigantic humanoid creatures with pig heads. ¡°Orcs, huh?¡± Raven also noticed that their strength attribute was around 9 to 15 while their agility was only around 6 to 8. ¡®They aren¡¯t even mutated monsters, but their strength is way above that of elite walkers!¡¯ Raven''s grip on his spear tightened as he assessed the new enemies. The three orcs towered over him, their muscles rippling with raw power. Each carried a massive weapon¡ªa spiked club, a serrated axe, and a heavy chain mace. Their guttural growls echoed ominously within the forcefield, and their red, glowing eyes locked onto him with predatory intent. ¡®I¡¯ll kill them swiftly.¡¯ Raven exhaled sharply, his breath visible from his earlier Frost Breath spell in the cold air. The orcs began to advance, their heavy footsteps making the ground tremble slightly. Raven made the first move, charging towards the closest orc¡ªthe one wielding the spiked club. As the orc raised its weapon for a crushing blow, Raven suddenly veered to the side, using his agility to circle behind it. With a swift strike, his spear found a gap in the orc''s armor, piercing its lower back. The orc roared in pain and swung its club wildly, forcing Raven to backflip to evade the counterattack. At that moment, the orc with the serrated axe lunged at him, its weapon swinging down with terrifying force. He sidestepped the attack, the axe missing him by inches and embedding itself into the ground. Raven took advantage of the opening and channeled his ice-elemental aura into his spear, activating the Frozen Ender¡¯s Frozen Lance skill. A dense ice elemental energy moved towards the spear tip, formed into a crescent moon-shaped ice, and sliced at the axe-wielding orc¡¯s exposed side. The crescent moon-shaped ice expanded in no time and directly cleaved the orc¡¯s body into two, killing in one go. The next moment, the sliced orc turned into pure white light particles and dissipated. The orc with the chain mace roared furiously and swung its weapon in a wide arc, the heavy chain whistling through the air. Raven crouched low, narrowly avoiding the strike, and rolled forward to close the distance. With a powerful upward thrust, he aimed for the orc¡¯s throat. The spear pierced through the thick skin, and Raven twisted the blade, severing vital tendons and arteries. The orc gurgled, dropping its weapon before collapsing into a heap and disintegrating. Only the spiked-club orc remained. It charged at Raven in a blind rage, swinging its weapon recklessly. Meanwhile, Raven parried the blow with his spear, the impact sending vibrations up his arms. ¡®What a powerful strength!¡¯ He would¡¯ve found it difficult to block the blow head-on if he hadn''t ranked up. He gritted his teeth and shifted his stance, making an invisible aura around the spear''s edge. As the orc swung again, Raven ducked under the attack and delivered a series of rapid strikes to its legs, freezing and crippling its movements. The orc staggered, falling to one knee. With a final leap, he drove his spear through its skull, the spearhead shattering its head like glass. The last orc dissolved into light particles, and silence returned to the altar. Raven straightened, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath. But his gaze never left the altar¡¯s center. Just as he had expected, another ray of white light gathered at the center of the room before forming the appearance of an armored knight. Raven touched the monocle in a hurry and soon turned solemn. ¡®A Radiant Undead Knight?¡¯ But unlike the others, this skeleton was well-armored, had its head covered in a black helm, and held a longsword and an iron shield. The Radiant Undead Knight suddenly raised its sword and covered the sword edges with a unique sunshine aura! ¡®An intermediate Sword Aura.¡¯ Raven¡¯s expression turned grim. At that instant, he knew that clashing against this Radiant Undead Knight would only end in his defeat. ¡®It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t have other options.¡¯ Raven calmly gripped the spear and dashed forward. At the same time, he suddenly took out a few clothes from the inventory and tossed them to block the Radiant Undead Knight¡¯s sight. But the Undead Knight slashed its sword, releasing rippling energy in every direction. The next moment, all the clothes blocking its vision were torn into multiple pieces. To its surprise, it noticed Raven had disappeared all of a sudden. No, it noticed his presence behind its back and turned around to block the attack. Surprisingly, the human showed his back to the Undead Knight and seemed to be battling an invisible enemy. ¡®Illusion?¡¯ The undead knight wondered at the strange phenomenon. But its thoughts froze suddenly as its surroundings started to spin. Before it could even understand the situation, the Radiant Undead Knight turned into pure white light particles and dispersed. For the first time, the strange crystalline owl made a hooting noise and spoke. ¡°Hoot!! I never expected a person would¡¯ve already learned the ¡®Elapsed Time¡¯ spell! That was an impressive move.¡± It commented. ¡°Let¡¯s move to the next trial then.¡± Just as the owl spoke, a blinding light appeared at the center of the altar again, causing Raven¡¯s face to turn grim. ¡®It seems this strange trial won¡¯t stop anytime soon.¡¯ The blinding light started to change into a humanoid shape, transforming into the appearance of a goblin with a staff in its hand. ¡°A Wizard goblin?¡± Raven was startled. The goblin wizard stood before him, its small form draped in tattered robes that shimmered with faint magical energy. The staff in its hand was adorned with a glowing crystal at the top, pulsing with an eerie green light. Unlike the goblins Raven had encountered earlier, this one emanated a powerful, mystical aura¡ªone far beyond the normal capabilities of an average goblin. ¡®An Acolyte Shaman?¡¯ Just as he looked at the shaman, the staff in its hand glowed all of a sudden. Before he could even think, a ray of lightning came from the Shaman, stuck on his chest, and paralyzed him on the spot! ¡®No good!¡¯ Raven instantly activated his bloodline spell while he was paralyzed and locked his gaze on the Goblin Shaman. The next instant, the goblin staggered and clutched its chest as a sharp pain appeared in its chest. Not only that, but a strange dizziness also appeared, causing its eyes to be blurry. In the meantime, Raven¡¯s face started to change to his original appearance. But unlike his original face, a strange vertical eyelid appeared on his forehead region. Within a moment, the vertical eyelid opened slowly, revealing an eerie red eye filled with sparks of red. The next second, a powerful ray of reddish lightning emerged from Raven¡¯s third eye, blasted towards the Goblin Shaman¡¯s head, and disintegrated it! ¡°That was close,¡± Raven muttered as he noticed that the stiffness started to loosen. ¡°Is this enough-?¡± Before he could mutter, lights gathered at the center of the altar. This time, two Orcs appeared. One was an Orc with a long wooden staff, wore a robe, and looked like a shaman. The only difference is that this orc has two bloodline spells. ¡®Fireball and Dark Chains?¡¯ Raven took only a moment to look at the Orc Shaman and then shifted his gaze toward the other Orc. This Orc held a broadsword in its right hand, an iron shield in its left hand, and even wore a strange bone crown on its head. ¡®Its strength is 21, agility is 12, and vitality is 30!¡¯ What made him feel tense was the bloodline spell it possessed. ¡®Blood Fury, Primal Regeneration, Hunting Instinct, Feral Leap.¡¯ Just as he stared at the orc Warrior, black chains appeared out of nowhere and started shackling his legs, body, and hands! At the same time, the Orc Warrior suddenly disappeared from where it stood before and appeared right before Raven, raising its broadsword, coated with sunshine aura, to smash his head! Raven could see the sword moving slowly toward his forehead, but he knew his body didn¡¯t have enough time to react. Even if he had enough time, the strange chains completely bound him to the ground, making him immobile. But instead of a panicking look, the corner of Raven¡¯s lips curled upward. ¡°Shadow Shift!¡± A moment later, his figure turned into a shadow and was replaced by the Orc Shaman! A panic appeared on the Orc Warrior¡¯s face. But it was too late to stop the sword¡¯s moment. Within a blink, the broadsword moved at an incredible speed, sliced through the Orc Shaman¡¯s head, and cleaved it in half. As the Orc Shaman dissipated into light particles, Raven looked at the Orc Warrior from where the Orc Shaman stood before and turned grim. The Orc Warrior roared in anger, its bloodshot eyes glaring at Raven. The aura around it thickened as its Blood Fury spell activated. Its muscles bulged, veins pulsing with an intense crimson light, and its movements became unnaturally fast and feral. Raven¡¯s eyes barely kept up with its movements. ¡®Should I use ¡®Limit Break¡¯? No. I can handle this guy on my own.¡¯ He suddenly raised his hand and cast the ¡®Blood Control¡¯ spell on the Orc Warrior. A moment later, he noticed that the Orc Warrior¡¯s blood was flowing incredibly fast and moving towards its brain and muscles. Its pupil dilated, and the Orc¡¯s organs, like the liver, brain, heart, and lungs, were working faster while some organs slowed down in their work. In a second, Raven manipulated the blood flow and tried to reduce it to a normal level. In the meantime, the Orc Warrior had long sprinted towards him and was about to slash at his shoulder with its broadsword. ¡°It¡¯s still two times faster than me!¡± Raven tried to evade, but the broadsword managed to make a deep cut on his right arm, causing blood to drip. He felt oppressed as he barely saved his hand from being ripped off and gazed at the Orc Warrior grimly. Then, he took a deep breath and cast the ¡®Frost Breath¡¯ spell. A chilling wind blew from Raven¡¯s mouth the next second, covering the surroundings and the Orc Warrior in ice. ¡®Frost Breath can stop this Orc for only up to 5 seconds. I need to prepare a powerful strike! Eye of Destruction spell is still in cooldown for another two minutes.¡¯ His mind raced as the blood dripped from his hand and covered the silvery spear in blood. Cracks appeared on the crystalline ice layer that covered the Orc Warrior¡¯s body. ¡®It¡¯s going to be released soon.¡¯ Raven raised his bloodied spear and aimed at the frozen Orc¡¯s chest. At that moment, an invisible aura appeared around the edges of the bloodied spear and soon became sunshine-colored. Meanwhile, a creaking noise appeared as the crystalline ice started to shatter due to the Orc Warrior¡¯s full resistance. As it was slowly released from the ice layer, Raven exerted his full strength and thrust the intermediate aura-coated bloody spear into the Orc Warrior¡¯s chest. Like a tofu, the intermediate aura cut through the chest muscle and stabbed it into its heart. ¡°ROAR!!!¡± A painful cry resounded in the woods as the Orc Warrior staggered, grabbed the bloodied spear, and pulled it out. ¡®No good.¡¯ Noticing the Orc¡¯s grip, Raven released the spear and backed away. At the same time, the Orc Warrior covered his body in a reddish aura, causing the wound to be healed instantly. Then, it tossed the spear towards the side and raised its broadsword in its right hand. Raven panted heavily, but his gaze never wavered. He calmly raised his hand, stored the silver spear in the inventory, and took it out. The next moment, the silver spear hovered before him and landed on his palm, startling the Orc Warrior greatly. At the same time, the deep wound on Raven¡¯s right arm also healed at an incredible speed and returned to a normal state. ¡°Hoo, you are both back to square one, huh?¡± The owl commented, watching the battle amusingly. Meanwhile, the corner of Raven¡¯s lips rose upward again. Simultaneously, the Orc Warrior suddenly noticed its eyes turning blurry and staggered. Also, multiple bluish-purple spots appeared on its fatty skin, causing blisters all over its body. ¡°Poison? When?¡± The owl asked in a surprise. Raven suddenly dashed forward while whirling the spear and appeared before the staggering Orc. With a radiating sunshine aura, the spear moved like lightning and slashed at its neck. ¡®A moment of its carelessness is all I need.¡¯ Raven looked at the disintegrating Orc coldly and sharpened his gaze towards the Owl. ¡°Is it over?¡± ¡°I wonder.¡± The owl blinked its eyes and added. ¡°I was planning to end, but you seem still energetic. How about a real enemy this time?¡± Raven¡¯s face turned pale. ¡®This owl is toying with me!¡¯ [Endure. That being is far more powerful than you think. The best you can do now is grit your teeth and pass its trials.] ¡®But I¡¯m already at my limit.¡¯ Raven turned his gaze towards the center of the altar and noticed the whole area lit up in reddish light. [Summoning Magic Circle? Kid, this owl is planning to summon a real being.] ¡®Real being?¡¯ As he asked, the reddish light started to dim and soon revealed a pale-skinned, black-haired man in his black morning coat. He was around 50 years old, had reddish eyes, and a small chevron mustache. He also held a black cane in his left hand to support his body and looked around in confusion. ¡­ Chapter 116: Vampire Chapter 116: Vampire At that moment, a row of information appeared before Raven¡¯s eye. ¡­ [Name: Billy Morgan (Lucian Graves) Age: 145 Race: Vampire Nationality: Zenith Empire (Zarovich¡¯s Fortress.) Affiliation: Butler of Concubine Inna (Servant of Duke Zarovich.) Title: The Night Servant Class: Warlock Rank-2- Baronet (3rd Circle) Health: Normal Attributes: Strength: 32 Agility: 34 Vitality: 35 Luck: 10 Spirit: 68 Bloodline Spells: Rank 1:- Crimson Blade, Blood Puppet, Vampiric Regeneration, Sanguine Mirage, Blood Curse, Blood Drain. Rank-2:- Bloody Mist, Vampiric Gaze, Blood Bond. Additional Skills: Intermediate Swordsmanship Affinities: Blood: High Sword: Low Shadow: Intermediate.] ¡­ ¡®A Vampire?¡¯ Raven¡¯s face stiffened. Meanwhile, the Vampire named Lucian soon shifted his gaze towards Raven and asked. ¡°Where is this place, young man? Who are you?¡± At that moment, a mysterious power appeared out of nowhere and suddenly broke the Sanguine Mirage spell on the Vampire. Lucian¡¯s ears became pointy the next second, and fang-like teeth appeared in his mouth. His skin also turned pale white, and even his fingernails looked sharper as knives. ¡°Haa! What the hell is going on?¡± Lucian asked with a glare and looked at his own hands. ¡°Forget it. I¡¯ll make you speak on your own.¡± As soon as he spoke, he suddenly disappeared from where he was before and arrived before him in less than a second. No, Raven saw him running high-speed thanks to his ¡®Mind Eye¡¯ and knew this guy¡¯s strength was way above his. ¡®He isn¡¯t as strong as Jacob¡­ No, his bloodline abilities are par with magic spells, so he should be as strong as Jacob.¡¯ At that moment, Lucian arrived before Raven and directly grabbed his neck. Then, he slowly lifted him in the air and ordered. ¡°Tell me what¡¯s going on, kid-¡± Before he could finish his words, he sensed a danger from behind and moved a sidestep to evade a silver spear that appeared out of thin air. No, he saw the young boy was holding the spear in his hand. Before he could understand, the young teenage boy started to disappear. Startled, he looked at his hand and saw ¡®Raven¡¯ in his hand suddenly broke into countless pieces like broken mirrors before disappearing. ¡°W-What?¡± He turned around with a dumbfounded gaze and looked around in confusion. ¡°What are you?¡± Meanwhile, Raven backed away multiple steps and took a green-colored vial. He didn¡¯t hesitate as he opened it and gulped it in one go. In a blink, he felt a sudden surge of strength coursing through his body. Instead of being shocked, he took a deep blue-colored vial, opened the vial cap, and drank the potion. A mysterious power surged from his stomach and started enchanting his attributes. ¡®My strength is increasing steadily¡­ 28 points!¡¯ Raven¡¯s eyes widened. His agility also rose from 10.9 to 27 points! Although he was still a bit slower than the Vampire Lucian, Raven felt he could manage. As the potion effects took in, the surroundings started to shimmer and broke into countless pieces, revealing his presence to Lucian. Meanwhile, Lucian narrowed his eyes and calmly gripped the cane¡¯s hilt before pulling a rapier from it! Lucian twirled the rapier with an air of elegance, its polished blade catching the faint glow of the broken illusion. His crimson eyes fixed on Raven, who stood firm despite the Vampire¡¯s oppressive aura. ¡°You¡¯re full of surprises,¡± Lucian murmured, his voice dripping with curiosity. ¡°Who are you? How did you bring me here?¡± Unfortunately, Raven didn¡¯t have enough time to chat with a Vampire from an unknown place. ¡®Zera, what are the weaknesses of a Vampire?¡¯ He asked, taking a deep breath. Raven then gripped his silver spear and dashed forward as Zera started answering. [Sunlight, Silver-type weapons, Light spells, and Fire spells. Your spear can slow down his regeneration effect. And if you imbue ice elemental energy with the spear aura when attacking the Vampire, it will work, too. After all, ice can freeze cells and prevent them from regenerating.] ¡®Really? But why silver-type weapons?¡¯ Raven asked as he arrived much closer to the Vampire and covered the weapon in a sunshine aura first. Meanwhile, Sera continued to answer. [Silver is said to be a metal of the Moon and can harness the Moon''s power. It¡¯s more or less a myth, though.] The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡®Okay.¡¯ In truth, Raven¡¯s current strength was barely around beginner-rank Radiant Walker even after consuming the potions. ¡®If I had concocted Adept Rank potions, I might have increased my strength and agility to 40 to 50 points!¡¯ Unfortunately, he wasn¡¯t ready to concoct any Adept Rank potions yet. The only advantage he had against the Vampire was his thinking process. ¡®A beginner Radiant Walker can think around 3 times faster than an Elite Walker. On the other hand, my ¡®Mind Eye¡¯ spell allows me to think five times faster than an Elite Walker. Logically, I currently have the physical strength of a Beginner Radiant Walker while my mind is that of an intermediate rank Radiant Walker.¡¯ While thinking, Raven arrived before Lucian and attacked him. But as he started to attack more, strange ice elemental energy covered the spear tip and made it sharper. ¡°What a courageous young fellow!¡± Lucian casually parried his attacks with his rapier and soon frowned. Lucian¡¯s frown deepened as he felt the slight sting of Raven¡¯s spear against his blade. ¡°A silver weapon imbued with ice elemental energy,¡± Lucian muttered under his breath, his tone now indicating annoyance. ¡°You¡¯ve come prepared, haven¡¯t you?¡± Raven didn¡¯t respond verbally. Instead, he pressed his advantage, unleashing a flurry of quick, precise strikes aimed at Lucian¡¯s vital points. The Vampire¡¯s agility was astounding, his movements almost a blur, but Raven¡¯s heightened perception and strategic mind allowed him to anticipate each counter. Although Raven had little experience in real battles, his mind played a crucial role in avoiding lethal attacks and even inflicting serious wounds on the enemy. As time passed, Lucian noticed there were multiple injuries on his body. Panting heavily, he saw the ice elemental energy covering the wounded regions and freezing the wounds. ¡°This annoying pest! I¡¯m done playing around.¡± A fury appeared on his face. Lucian parried another thrust and suddenly pushed forward, forcing Raven to backpedal. ¡°Impressive for someone so young. But raw strength won¡¯t save you against me.¡± A thin mist gathered around Lucian¡¯s feet as he spoke, spreading outward in an ominous wave. Raven instinctively leaped back, sensing the encroaching danger of the mist. The cold, sanguine vapor clung to the ground, carrying an oppressive energy that made the air feel heavy. ¡°This is Bloody Mist,¡± Lucian said, a wicked grin spreading across his pale face. ¡°Let¡¯s see how well you fare now.¡± The mist expanded rapidly, shrouding the area in an eerie red haze. Raven¡¯s visibility was reduced to mere feet, and his breathing became labored as the air seemed saturated with blood. Not only that, but Raven felt an eerie gaze from the shrouded bloody mist, causing his heart to beat faster. A strange fear gripped his heart and mind as seconds passed, followed by hallucinations. The surroundings started to spin like the whole world was circling. It was the effect of the Rank-2 Vampiric Gaze skill! Raven felt it was impossible to win against such a formidable opponent and grew anxious and pale. Suddenly, a reddish curved blade flew from his left side and almost reached his neck. ¡®Sh*t! I can¡¯t evade!¡¯ Raven activated the ¡®Iron Resilience¡¯ spell out of instinct and used his hands and spear as shields to block the attack. The 30-meter-long blade made of pure blood collided with his hands and the spear and even cut the fleshes and blood vessels. White bones became visible as blood dripped down from both hands and drenched his dresses and body. But what was more impressive was that Raven didn¡¯t feel as much pain as he had expected. Not only that, but his mind acted calmer, and even the strange fear vanished utterly. But he didn¡¯t show it on his face and kept acting like he was utterly terrified. As he had expected, a humanoid silhouette suddenly emerged from the mist on the right side and formed into the appearance of a middle-aged man in his formal suit. ¡°Let¡¯s end this farce and get down to business-¡± As Lucian was about to touch Raven and turn him into his blood puppet, he suddenly noticed a strange vertical eye open on Raven¡¯s forehead. Before he could understand the situation, a powerful ray of reddish lightning blasted from Raven¡¯s third eye and directly entered his head. The next second, Vampire Lucian¡¯s head burst open like a watermelon, causing the headless body to stagger. As the bloody mist started to disperse, the headless body fell on the ruined altar and started twitching. ¡®He is dead, right?¡¯ Raven felt fatigue all over his body, followed by sharp pain on both hands. Although new blood vessels and tissues started regenerating, he knew it would take over an hour to heal completely! A few seconds passed, and the twitching body stopped moving, making Raven relax. But he soon felt his head start spinning and collapsed right next to the headless Vampire. [Store the Vampire¡¯s body.] Zera ordered in his mind. ¡®Okay.¡¯ Raven nodded inwardly, moved his hand to touch the headless body, and stored it in the inventory. ¡°What a fierce battle! I¡¯m deeply impressed, mortal.¡± A voice suddenly appeared from the sky as the invisible dome started to disappear slowly by breaking into light particles. Then, a small owl flew in the sky in a circle and suddenly descended at incredible speed towards Raven. ¡°Give up your soul core and become a part of me.¡± Like a ray of light, the owl directly entered his body, invaded his mind space, and slowly entered his Sea of Consciousness. A moment later, the strange owl was flying in a vast world full of greenery. Countless trees spawned ahead, and even a crimson sun appeared in the sky, illuminating the surroundings in bright light. But as it looked closer, the owl noticed that it wasn¡¯t a sun but a gigantic ball of fire filled with countless rune letters orbiting in a circular motion! ¡°Where the f*ck is this place?¡± The owl knew that one¡¯s Sea of Consciousness always appeared based on imagination. ¡°A Will of an artifact?¡± An invisible power suddenly appeared around the owl and instantly restricted its movements. The owl resisted while releasing rippling waves, slowing down everything¡¯s momentum. In one second, the whole surroundings looked frozen in time! Although the owl was just the Will of a powerful being, it still had the power even to kill a Pseudo-Legendary being! It slowly looked up at the being that spoke earlier and was pretty startled. At that moment, an elven woman in her floral blue gown appeared in the sky like a goddess and stared at it curiously. The owl¡¯s eyes squinted as it noticed that the elven woman wasn¡¯t affected by her ¡®Time Stop¡¯ spell! ¡°What are you doing in my owner¡¯s soul?¡± Zera asked as she stepped in midair, appeared before the owl in a blink, and waved her hand. A moment later, reddish chains made of fire came out of Zera¡¯s hand, enveloped the owl in a blink, and soon formed into a cage. What deeply startled the owl was that it noticed the crimson fire chains had the power of ¡®Time¡¯ infused in them! As it tried to escape from the cage, Zera summoned a small orb of purple fire, manipulating the orb to create another layer of chains, and wholly trapped the owl! ¡°If you touch the chains, all your memories will burn and disappear forever. Let¡¯s have a long talk once Raven wakes up. Until then, stay still like a good child.¡± Zera casually picked up the newly formed cage of fire chains and disappeared from the strange world-like place. ¡­ The next day. The morning sun rose from the east, giving a warm feeling to the surroundings. Raven slowly opened his eyes and noticed he was still lying on the ruined altar. ¡°W-What happened?¡± He couldn¡¯t help but ask stiffly. The last thing he remembered was the strange owl that had entered his body and disappeared. Before he could understand anything, he lost consciousness altogether. [Oh? Did you wake up already? Good, I have a special gift for you in the Memory Library. But before discussing that, you should return to the city.] Zera said in his head. Raven nodded as he sat up and looked at the bloodied clothes and the body. ¡°I need to wash up first. Or else I¡¯ll get arrested right after I enter the city,¡± he said as he removed his clothes and took two small barrels of water from the inventory. He stored them for drinking purposes but never expected to use them to wash his body. [That¡¯s why I always tell you to store a large barrel of water in your inventory and enough rations for a year or two. After all, no one can predict what might happen.] ¡°True. Now that you¡¯ve mentioned it, we must start preparing for the war and the famine. Although I don¡¯t know the exact date, an all-out war will occur in 1430.¡± From the diaries and newspapers he had taken from the dreamworld, Raven extracted all the vital information about the three disasters and made plans for each. The first would be the war between the Viser Kingdom and the Empire, which would result in the deaths of 70 million people across the Empire. The war alone would wipe out 5% of the Empire¡¯s population! Unfortunately, Raven didn¡¯t have enough power to influence the course of the upcoming war. Still, his actions in the Courtroom might have caused many changes. In that dreamworld, the Empire barely recovered after losing 70 million people, but another disaster struck within the next 10 years. ¡°It¡¯s a great famine.¡± A great famine would envelop the entirety of Ivory Island. ¡®After the war, the climate change will happen gradually. The rise in temperature across the continent will cause glaciers in the northern and eastern mountain ranges to melt.¡¯ Within ten years, more than half of the rivers would dry up, while the remaining would barely flow through the land. Snow would also cease to fall across the entire continent, even in winter. By 1440, almost 90% of the rivers would have dried up, resulting in an extreme famine. Although the climate conditions slowly began to recover in 1441 due to continuous rainfall, 25% of the Empire¡¯s population died over time. ¡°To be precise, 350 million people will perish due to the great famine.¡± When the third disaster struck in 1552, the Empire would be on the verge of breaking apart into multiple nations under the leadership of the twelve Ancient Noble Families. ¡®I don¡¯t know what happened during the Black Death, but I¡¯m sure it will be worse than those two. Strangely, I don¡¯t find any information about the appearance of Cyclops and Titans in the Southern Wild Fortress. I think the Southern Army would¡¯ve solved the problem alone.¡¯ Raven quietly washed his body with two small water barrels and changed his clothes into another formal set. Then, he stored the spear in the inventory and decided to leave the forest. Although a few wolves and goblins appeared along the way, Raven had no difficulty clearing them away. ¡­ Chapter 117: Purchase Chapter 117: Purchase Raven returned to the Capital City without difficulty and went to Baker Street, where Mystic Cauldron shop was located. As soon as he entered the potion shop''s main hall, a familiar voice came from the left side. "It''s been a while, Mr. Holmes." A silver-haired woman with a formal dress stood near the entrance and said with a smile. "Good to see you, Miss. Anastasia!" Raven smiled politely and greeted her while tipping his hat. In truth, he didn''t want to visit this place after Ravenshield Family recreated his potion and spoiled his stable income. But he realized that only a few shops, like Mystic Cauldron, possessed all the potion ingredients. Other than the Mystic Cauldron and another shop owned by the Blackwater Family, the Wizard Alliance controlled all other big potion shops. ''For now, I should avoid getting involved with the Wizard Alliance.'' "Are you here to buy things? Or sell?" Anastasia kept her professional smile and asked. "I''m here to buy quite a few items. First, I want a few dozen of potion ingredients." Raven said. Anastasia raised her eyebrows and led him to where potion materials were stored. ¡°What type of potion ingredients are you after?¡± A smile appeared on Raven''s face. "This time, my senior is trying to concoct an upgraded version of the Mind of Insight. But he said he needed more than 70 ingredients to find the right formula first." As he spoke, he took a notebook from the inventory and gave it to her. Meanwhile, Anastasia opened the book and soon furrowed. "Bloodroot orchid-25, 500 grams of Dragon''s vein powder (Rank-2 Flame Wyvern''s crushed bone.), Crimson Drake Scale, moss of malady¡­" ''He came well prepared, huh? With this many potions, it''s almost impossible to find the exact materials for concocting the Mind potion.'' As she continued to read, she realized that all the ingredients were used for Rank-2 Adept potions! "And 25 sets of ingredients each? 1 bloodroot orchid cost 200 gold coins, and 10 grams of Dragon''s vein powder cost 150 gold coins¡­" She took the ledger and started calculating. At the same time, she summoned a few of her servants and ordered them to collect each of the ingredients. "Are you sure you can afford the price, Mr. Holmes?" She furrowed after calculating the amount of ten ingredients. Instead of responding, Raven took out a golden bank card and placed it on the wooden table. "I earned more than millions of gold coins from selling the Mind of Elixir potions alone, Miss Anastasia. You can continue." A forced smile appeared on Anastasia''s face. She then calculated the amount for each ingredient for more than two hours and finally spoke. "It''s 665,000 gold coins, Mr. Holmes." As she spoke, the servants had packed all seventy batches of ingredients in separate cubic glass boxes and arranged them in the middle of the room. Meanwhile, Raven casually waved his hand and took out five large leather bags from the inventory. "There are around 7500 platinum coins in these five bags." He paused for a moment and then added with a smile. "But I haven''t finished the purchase, though." "W-What would you like to buy next?" Even though she had seen much larger transactions than these amounts, Anastasia got serious. ''He is willing to spend this much without batting an eye?'' Meanwhile, Raven thought for a moment and spoke. "I would like to see Rank-2 Magical Beast corpses. What is the average price of a Rank-2 Magical Beast?" "Rank-2 magical beast corpse ranges from 70,000 to 150,000 gold coins, Mr. Holmes," Anastasia answered as she guided him to the storage room where they kept the Magical Beast Carcasses. But unlike before, she guided him further into an even larger warehouse area and showed him tens of magical beasts sealed in ice cubes. Raven looked around and soon saw a meters gigantic being with a third eye on its forehead, jaw-like teeth, and a muscular humanoid body. "Three-eyed Giant?" Raven stared at the corpse and nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll take this.¡± Saying so, he turned his gaze towards the next corpse and checked it with the monocle. Raven inspected the whole warehouse for more than 30 minutes and picked up a total of four magical beasts with a sum of 394,000 gold coins. One was the corpse of a Rank-2 Three-Eyed Giant, the second was a Rank-2 Twin-Headed black Serpent, the third was a Rank-2 Snow Wyvern, and the final one was a creature similar to an Orc but a species called a War Troll! ''Why are we taking this Troll corpse?'' He couldn''t help but ask. [Orcs, Trolls, Orges, Ettins, Cyclopes, Half-Trolls, Half Giants, Fomorians, War Trolls, etc., are all subspecies of Giants. These Giants are also subspecies of Titans. So, we can use the corpse of the Trolls for Orcs or other subspecies.] ''Oh? Does that mean I have to hunt Titans one day?'' He asked stiffly. [Of course. You''ve got to hunt Titans, Dragons, Vampires, and many mythical creatures.] ¡®This is the path of the Warlock, huh?¡¯ Raven nodded and then turned his attention towards Anastasia. "Next, I want to purchase some equipment." "What type of equipment?" Anastasia furrowed. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ''He already purchased things more than one million, though!'' "Uncommon and rare ones. If possible, Epic Rank too." Raven answered. "Understood," Anastasia replied, catching onto Raven''s intent. "For such a broad equipment category, it would be best if I guide you to our artifact vault. Follow me, please." She led Raven through another set of reinforced double doors protected by glowing rune arrays. As the doors opened, the interior revealed rows of shelves holding weapons, armor, accessories, and magical gear. Each piece radiated unique elemental auras; some were encased in shimmering barriers for protection. "This is our collection of Uncommon and Rare gears," Anastasia explained, gesturing toward the neatly categorized shelves. "We have weapons, armor, and accessories of all kinds. Are you searching for gear with specific abilities?" Raven walked to the nearest section where uncommon weapons were stored, his eyes scanning the items methodically. "Let''s start with weapons," he said. He saw various weapons, such as Aether Rifles with different models, long swords, spears, daggers, bows, and arrows. [Are you planning to buy these weapons?] Zera asked and then continued. [As long as you spend time absorbing Runeth''s memories, you can create them easily.] ''I know. I''m checking if any unique weapons like my spear are hidden among those. Also, I want to take a look at the Aether Rifle.'' [Hmm, Aether Rifle, huh? A similar weapon called Ember Pistol became popular in the Edhen World when Charles and Runeth met. But it had a long cooldown and could only unleash raw mana power. Even an Expert Rank could easily deflect the mana bullet released from that weapon. If we can encrypt the arrays hidden in the Aether Core, we can combine two weapons into a powerful one.] Zera suggested. Meanwhile, Raven inspected the weapons and spoke. "I want to learn more about the Aether Rifles." Anastasia nodded as she approached the dozens of rifles placed inside glass boxes and answered. "Aether Rifles are divided into four categories, Mr. Holmes. We call them C, U, R, and E for short. C-type is an Aether Rifle that is even used for hunting down a peak Rank-1 Magical Beast by Walkers. The bullet speed is around 800 m/s and has the power of 1,500 to 2,000 joules. These weapons can even kill a Radiant Walker if aimed at a close range. But it has a long cooldown of 30 seconds." She paused as she moved towards the nearby glass table and took a long rifle with a silver muzzle. "This one is a U-type Aether Rifle. The one that the Mercenary Leader you hired possessed is similar to this U-type model. The bullet speed of U-type weapons is around 1,500- 3,000 m/s and has the power of 7,000 to 20,000 joules based on the models. The latest model from Starflare-18U has exceeded 20,000 joules and even managed to wound a beginner Rank-3 Magical Beast." She then placed the rifle back into the glass box and took another from the nearby glass box. Unlike the other rifle, the rifle was primarily forged from Dark Iron, giving it a deep black, matte finish that seemed to absorb light. Delicate veins of shimmering Alexandrite ran along the surface, radiating an iridescent green-purple glow that shifted depending on the angle of view. "This is the new R-type Rifle weapon called Starflare-3R made by the Sterlinghart Family. There are only four weapons in this entire model in our shop, and it has the power of 89,000 joules. But unlike the C and U types, the R type uses ''Fire elemental energy'' for fuel and releases a powerful ray attack. But the only problem this weapon has is it has a very long cooldown of 6 hours." Anastasia explained while giving it to him. Meanwhile, Raven used the monocle to inspect it and soon furrowed. "For one shot, the weapon consumes a Rank-2 Fire Elemental Crystal as fuel?" Raven knew a Rank-2 Elemental Crystal would cost around 20,000 gold coins or above and furrowed! "How much does it cost?" He asked. Anastasia looked at the model number engraved in the weapon''s stock and spoke. "It''s 540,000 gold coins, Mr. Holmes." The corner of Raven''s lips twitched as he heard her response. ''It''s costly.'' Noticing his silence, Anastasia gave him an explanation. "We brought these Starflare-R series weapons through an auction from the Sterlinghart Family 3 years ago for 500,000 gold coins each. Among the four weapons, two have already sold for 600,000 each. The reason I''m only selling for 540,000 gold coins is to make up for the loss you''ve faced due to our family''s intervention in your potion sales." "What about the ''E'' Type?" Raven asked with a frown. "E-type weapons can only be brought through auction, Mr. Holmes. They appear in the ''Wizard Auction House'' every year, but most of them are purchased either by the Military or Wizards or the Twelve Ancient Noble Family. And I heard that even the oldest models are sold in millions." Anastasia answered. [That''s to be expected. If what Anastasia said is true, even the R-series weapons can kill a Rank-4 powerhouse at close range. So, E-type weapons are on par with Pseudo-Legendary weapons. We should buy one in the future, too.] Zera said in his mind. Meanwhile, Raven nodded his head and spoke. "I''ll take this Starflare-3R, then." "Anything else?" Anastasia asked while giving the weapon to the nearby employee for packing. Raven thought for a moment and nodded. "I want to buy a Rare-rank spatial artifact." Anastasia took a few rings and bracelets from the glass boxes and placed them on the glass box. "All these spatial artifacts have 150 to 200 cubic metric storage space inside. Each cost around 100,000 to 150,000 gold coins." As Anastasia explained, Raven checked them using the monocle and finally picked up a silver bracelet that cost around 142,000 gold coins, which could hold up to 200 cubic metric storage. [Inventory feels useless now.] Zera said in his mind. ''No. Although the inventory has less space, it is the safest place to store all my important items. I heard that there are spells out there that could allow a Spatial Wizard to steal items from the spatial artifacts without even letting the other party notice.'' Raven said in his mind. He checked armor, amulets, helms, etc., but found nothing satisfactory. "How much does everything cost?" Raven asked as he stored them in the newly brought silver bracelet. Meanwhile, Anastasia calculated the amount for all items and replied. "It''s 1,741,000 gold coins, Mr. Holmes. You can pay 1.7M gold coins as a whole." ''Thankfully, I didn''t deposit all my money in the Royal Bank.'' Raven took seven more leather bags from the inventory and placed them on the reception table. After completing the purchase, he bid farewell to Anastasia and left the Mystic Cauldron shop. [What is your next destination?] Zera asked. ''I need some rest.'' Raven spoke as he approached the sleek black carriage parked outside the potion shop. "Please go to a nearby Inn." He ordered as he opened the carriage door and stepped in. Meanwhile, the carriage driver nodded his head and started driving the carriage. ¡­ A few minutes later, Raven booked a single room in an Inn called ''Wolf''s Shift'' and decided to check the Memory Library. He quietly lay on the single bed and entered the memory library by closing his eyes. A moment later, he stood in a large hall filled with bookshelves. "What is the gift you talked about?" Raven asked as he looked around. Meanwhile, a silver-haired elf in her red gown appeared beside him and carried a cage made of fire. But surprised Raven was the being caught in the fire cage. Strangely, the bird didn''t blink and stood in the cage like a frozen doll. "Isn''t this bird the one that made me battle endlessly? How did you catch it?" Raven asked in a surprise. "Didn''t I tell you earlier? Entering one''s Sea of Consciousness isn''t an easy matter." Zera responded, shrugging her shoulders. "But why does it look like a frozen doll?" Raven asked. "Oh, I¡¯ve frozen its body. But don''t worry. I''ve already extracted some of the information it had." Zera said with a smile. "Memories?" Raven furrowed. Zera nodded as she made the cage disappear and grabbed the frozen owl. "This Owl is called the fragments called ''Fragment of Seer.''" "Is it a powerful artifact?" Raven asked. "Hm, where should I start?" Zera thought for a moment and then answered. "Seer is a person who can look into the future, present, and past. And I suspect this artifact is capable of casting three or more legendary Time-related spells with long cooldown time." "Didn''t I already have two-time spells? Moreover, don''t we also have many Time Spellbooks in the Memory Library? As long as I nurture Ronald to become a proper Seer, this artifact becomes useless, right?" Raven felt like he had wasted his time. "Haa, do you know how long that will take? Centuries or even millennium!" She paused as she turned her gaze towards the owl and added. "But this owl is strong enough to even enough to kill a Rank-5 powerhouse." "T-That strong?" Raven took a deep breath and looked at the owl in shock. "Unfortunately, this artifact has no good intention. If we don''t restrict its power through a magic contract, it will find a loophole and try to kill you indirectly." Zera thought for a moment and then spoke. "Before we forcefully sign a magic contract with this bird, we need to check something else." "What is it?" Raven furrowed. "It''s the compass. It was the one who guided you to find this thing. That Jovie girl also probed that compass with great interest and informed us that it could do more than locate the artifacts. Use your spirit power to probe the compass and see if you can find any array circle. If you find one, imprint your spirit into it." Zera said solemnly. Raven nodded his head and quietly left the memory library. After that, he took the black compass and used his spirit power to probe it. Chapter 118: Rulers Throne Chapter 118: Ruler''s Throne The black compass felt cold in Raven''s hands. Its surface was smooth except for faint etchings that shimmered under the inn''s dim light. He closed his eyes and channeled his spirit power into it, letting his consciousness sink into the depths of the artifact. At first, nothing happened. The compass seemed like any other ordinary object. [If you can find the imprint array circle easily, the Wizards from the Thorneville Family would''ve long found out about its true nature. I don''t think even a Legendary Wizard will find the imprint array circle easily.] Zera said in his mind. ''Then, how am I going to find it?'' He couldn''t help but ask. [Think. How did Jovie find out its true value?] Zera asked a question instead. ''Now that I think about it, she said she sensed different power hidden inside the compass, right?'' [Yes. Jovie must have used one of those powers to find its true worth. Most likely the power of death.] Zera said solemnly. ''And we captured the Fragment of Seer, an artifact capable of casting time spells. What if I use the ''Mind Eye'' spell to probe it?'' Raven instantly cast the ''Mind Eye'' bloodline spell and observed every nook and corner of the compass artifact. ''I see strange white lines all around the compass.'' He noticed all these lines were interlinked with the other invisible lines and seemed to cover the compass like a web. After probing the compass, Raven noticed a strange minute array circle engraved on the brass. ''An array circle?'' He tried to probe it by sending a small amount of his spirit power into it. But Raven felt no reaction at all. ''Why is that? Didn''t all artifacts work using one''s spirit imprint?'' He was confused. [It''s more complicated than what you think, lad. Do you believe the Thornevale Family has no wizard to appraise this artifact? Of course not. I''ve observed that twelve elemental energies are hidden in this artifact. Can you sense any of those?] Raven tried to probe it using all his elemental energies but couldn''t pinpoint the elements other than the ''Time.'' ''Am I missing something?'' A frown appeared on his forehead. [Yes. The wizards from the Thornevale family can''t appraise this artifact using any elemental energy or spirit power mainly because of its uniqueness. You manage to find the array circle due to the ''Mind Eye'' spell. Do you know how the ''Mind Eye'' spell works?] Zera asked. Raven''s eyes widened. ''Spirit power and Time power?'' [Yes. That spell is a fusion of one''s spirit power and the ''Time'' elemental energy.] Raven nodded in understanding and also used the ''Mind Eye'' spell for probing. Within a second, he saw a complex ''Imprint'' array circle engraved on the brass with minute precision and also noticed no other spiritual imprint was placed in it. ''As I thought, it''s an ownerless artifact.'' Raven quietly condensed his spirit power with the ''Time-elemental energy'' and sent it into the center of the array circle. The next second, a small connection to the artifact appeared in his mind. Within a moment, Raven noticed a strange space inside the array and was startled. ''It looks more like a spatial sub-space.'' A sudden pull dragged his consciousness somewhere as he tried to probe it. He felt the same feeling whenever his consciousness entered the Illusionary World. A moment later, Raven stood in the middle of a dark, gloomy hall. A strange chandelier hung from the ceiling, giving the surroundings a greenish light. At that moment, his hand and outer appearance appeared more illusionary, and he looked more like Thomas''s. ''So my consciousness forms based on my outer appearance, huh? Now that I think about it, I always appear in Thomas''s appearance when entering the dream world, too.'' A look of understanding appeared on his face. Casting those thoughts away, Raven looked around and soon froze as he gazed up front. At that moment, Raven saw an iron throne on an elevated platform. He also saw rows of chairs on both sides of the aisle, which looked more like a throne hall than a random room. ''What is this place?'' Raven counted twelve chairs in the hall beside the iron throne and felt a strange familiarity. As he looked closer, he noticed strange symbols were carved on the chair''s top rails. Raven''s gaze soon lingered on the owl symbol atop the first chair. The intricate carving of the owl exuded an aura of mystery, its piercing eyes seeming to stare straight into his soul. It was as if the owl caged in the Memory Library was looking at him through this symbol! "A gathering place for the fragments?" he murmured as his brows furrowed. He turned his attention to the rest of the chairs. Each had a unique symbol etched into its top rail, their details faint but discernible in the dim light. The second chair radiated a fiery glow, adorned with a phoenix carved into its crest. The third bore the etching of a frozen wolf, exuding an icy chill. The fourth featured a soaring eagle with swirling wind patterns. The fifth displayed a skeletal clutching a withered rose, while the sixth was marked with a mouse symbol. The seventh chair showcased a centaur with a bow and arrow. The eighth showcased an electric serpent coiled around a thunderbolt, and the ninth was embellished with a radiant butterfly shimmering as though made of light. The tenth had a roaring lion wreathed in flames, the eleventh depicted a black cat, and the final chair was engraved with the image of a crow, its wings blurred as if in motion. Raven felt a unique power radiating from each chair and was deeply startled. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ''Each chair represents an arcane fragment, huh?'' But what puzzled him was that the two chairs among the twelve appeared shining in golden light. One was the sixth chair with a mouse symbol engraved, and the other was the eighth chair with a small electric serpent carved on it. ''Why do those two appear unique?'' After some thought, he turned around and stepped on the elevated platform. Within a few seconds, he arrived before the iron throne and noticed no symbol engraved on it. ''What elemental energy does the Iron Throne hold?'' While asking, he turned around to look at the front and sat on the iron throne. The dark throne hall shook violently the next instant, causing the iron throne to shine in radiating white light. At the same time, a familiar energy came out of his consciousness and sent out a rippling wave in all directions! ''Wait¡­. Isn''t this the ''Ruler''s Domination'' skill? Why did it activate on its own?'' Raven felt his consciousness suddenly connected to the iron throne, and he received information about this space in the form of images. "Ruler''s Throne? Seven seals? This throne hall is sealed by its owner and needs to meet certain conditions for activation?" Surprisingly, the first seal was already activated, which could allow the ''Ruler'' to gain control over the Throne Hall for up to 10%. ''Ruler? Is it mentioning me? What does this 10% mean?'' Raven furrowed and tried to focus on the ''Ruler''s Domination'' skill. In the next instant, his consciousness expanded and covered the dark throne hall. Even though it was his first time experiencing this phenomenon, Raven felt he could control anything within this small throne hall space. ''What is this? Why do I feel I could control or even create anything in this space?'' He suddenly thought of something and waved his hand. A moment later, a mirror appeared before him and started hovering mid-air. Then, his illusionary appearance changed from Thomas''s to Raven''s! ''Oh? Interesting.'' Raven continued to experiment using this strange ruler''s power and checked the extent of this power. ''I can create small objects like mirrors, hats, etc., without restraint. But if I try to create large objects like tables or another throne, I feel a drain in my mental energy. This is only for creating new objects.'' As he muttered, he calmly shifted his gaze towards the front and lifted his forefinger. The next moment, all the twelve wooden chairs started to rise and hover in mid-air. ''It''s more like a Telekinesis skill. Still, I heard that using telekinesis causes one''s mental strain. But I feel nothing at all.'' What was strange was that he felt that he could destroy anything in this room with a single thought. He put the chairs back and pondered. ''Next question is: can I bring these objects to the real world?'' Raven quietly left the compass with a thought and returned to the real world. Unfortunately, no mask or mirror appeared before him. ''Zera, I think I need your help.'' Raven started telling her what he had experienced in that dark room. [A domain-like space capable of creating objects, huh? You said you feel like you are invincible in that space, right? Hmm, it''s an intellectual artifact like me.] Zera''s words surprised him. ''All intellectual artifacts have souls, right? Does that mean it let me take control over it?'' Raven asked in confusion. [Most intellectual artifacts choose their owner, not the other way around. The reason it didn''t kick you out of that dark space and even allow you to take control of a part of it might be because of the ''Ruler''s Domination'' skill you possess. And you are not right about all intellectual artifacts having souls. Take the arcane fragments as an example. These fragments are artifacts that were once ranked as legendary or natural artifacts. However, as time passed, they started gaining awareness and soon formed consciousness. A consciousness capable of thinking independently takes thousands of years. We call these artifacts as Arcane Fragments. These consciousnesses take shape in various forms, like living creatures or objects, and roam independently. However, due to their limited abilities, they mostly rely on humans or other living beings for survival. The next one should be Arcane Relics. Although these artifacts are only in consciousness form, they can create a small space within the artifact and control it to the fullest.] At that moment, Zera''s memory library appeared in Raven''s mind. [You are right. This compass is definitely an Arcane Relic like me.] Zera said. ''What about the Arcanum Apex Cognitum?'' [Those artifacts are in a different league. They have separate souls like living beings and can also create domains in the outside world. If you even meet one, run for your life. Anyway, the darkroom inside is similar to the memory library. In that case, you can create materials based on your imagination and let others'' consciousness enter under certain conditions. You will have specific control over others'' consciousness in that domain thanks to the artifact¡¯s approval.] ''Oh? Can I erase their consciousness?'' Raven asked. [You can. But I advise you not to do anything reckless like that. If a person reaches Rank-4, they can enter one''s Sea of Consciousness and even create multiple clone consciousnesses. And that Jovie you met yesterday can already achieve that stage.] ''So even if I erase their consciousness, it will be their clone consciousness only, huh?'' Raven furrowed and decided to ask the next question. ''Then what do those symbols engraved on the two chairs represent? Why do two chairs glow in golden color? Are they related to the twelve arcane fragments? Does that mean the first seal is unlocked because of those two chairs?'' [Those chairs must have some link to the real arcane fragments in the outside world. That''s how the compass also pinpoints the nearest arcane fragment''s location.] ''Does that mean I can communicate with the other arcane fragments through these chairs?'' Raven questioned. [I don''t think that''s easy. But it''s better to check it out. Try linking your mind with those two chairs and see if they react. Before that, try your best to hide your consciousness form. If those chairs are capable of summoning consciousnesses from outside, it''s best not to get your current identity exposed. You can use the space''s power to change your face, body shape, or voice.] Zera warned him. Raven nodded solemnly and entered the Ruler''s Throne room again. ''Should I reveal myself as Raven?'' He pondered. A second later, his face changed and became Raven''s original look. ''Now, shall I look at what those two chairs are hiding?'' Raven linked his mind with the two chairs and instantly realized he could summon the consciousnesses linked to the chairs. ¡­ Noble''s Lane, Darkcross Town, Baron Alexander''s Territory, Zenith Empire At that moment, a blonde-haired woman in her late thirties was in the middle of correcting test papers in her study room. A tiny illusionary mouse lay on her left shoulder, half asleep. Suddenly, the mouse jerked up and stood up with two legs in shock. "Eli! Get ready-" Before the mouse could warn the woman, a mysterious force appeared out of nowhere and pulled the woman''s and the mouse''s consciousnesses somewhere. ¡­ Ancaria City, Unknown Continent, Eclipse World. A young boy, around 10 years old, sat in a shabby wooden house and was cooking using dry wood. He had shabby brown hair and greenish eyes, and strange tumors appeared on his nose, cheeks, and forehead. At that moment, he stirred the pot filled with eerie blackish liquid and quietly took three eyeballs from the nearby plate before dropping them into the pot. He then used a wooden ladle to stir the liquid and added ingredients like finger bones, strange blackish flesh, and dried fruits. Suddenly, a strange snake tattoo on his left hand shone in golden light and startled him. A moment later, a darkness invaded his mind before he could understand what was happening, pulling his consciousness away. ¡­ Ruler''s Throne Room. Raven slowly saw two people suddenly materialize in the illusionary form right next to the chairs and was deeply startled. One was a familiar blonde-haired woman in her late thirties, while the other was a brown-haired young boy. ''Teacher Elizabeth? How did she come here?'' His gaze slowly shifted to the illusionary mouse on her shoulder. ''That mouse is one of the twelve Arcane Fragments of Merlin? Now that I think about it, her name itself is Elizabeth Octavia Merlino, right? Could it be she is a descendant of Merlin?'' A thought crossed his mind. Meanwhile, Elizabeth looked around in panic and looked up ahead at the iron throne. "Raven?!" She asked in a shocked tone. "You are the Throne''s Master?" Even the mouse Whis was startled deeply and asked. Raven nodded at Elizabeth and turned his gaze toward the brown-haired young boy. The strange tumors on his face and hands made him look a bit ugly, while his creepy red teeth even gave Raven goosebumps. At that moment, he stared blankly at the surroundings with opened mouth and looked shocked. But Raven frowned deeply because of the strange electrical snake coiled around his neck and looking in his direction. ¡°Long time no see, Levinthar!¡± The mouse stood on its two legs and waved its tiny limbs at the strange electric serpent on the young boy''s neck. Meanwhile, the snake named Levinthar slowly turned its head towards the mouse and tilted its head. "Have we met before? Wait, how can I understand your language?" A strange silence appeared in the throne hall. "You lost your memories, too?" "Ahem!" Raven cleared his throat first and decided to ask the necessary questions first. "Whis, can you tell me more about this Throne Room?"