85 - 91

Obscurity

"A secret concerning official Magi?"

Leylin smiled, "Don't tell me you know the spell model of a rank 1 spell, or the location of some Grine Water and whatnot…."

"You actually know of these…." Roman put on a shocked expression, but very soon it turned into a smirk.

"Yes! Your professor must have definitely told you that to become a rank 1 Magus, you need a defensive spell model as well as Grine Water, right?"

"Could it be that there is something more to it?" Suddenly Leylin had an ominous feeling.

"Hahaha…" Roman started laughing maniacally, "You have been duped by your professor, or maybe, even your professor doesn't know of it…."

"Do you know the rankings of official Magi?" After laughing hysterically, Roman suddenly became calm and asked Leylin.

"It seems a Magus is differentiated by 9 ranks. rank 1 as the lowest, and rank 9 as the highest. The indication is to release a spell of that rank without any backlash!"

This was some information that Leylin heard from a certain lecturer. However, he had treated it as only a myth. After all, in the whole of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, all the professors were only rank 1 Magus, save for the chairman who was in the realm of a rank 2 Magus.

As for rank 3 Magi, only the heads of powerful guilds such as Lighthouse of the Night had that cultivation.

Leylin was simply unable to comprehend the extent of the power that a rank 9 Magus could wield.

"It seems as if you have been trying your best to obtain information regarding official Magi…."

Seeing that he had successfully piqued Leylin's interest, Roman rested lazily against the wall of the crystal ball, and said, "The strength of official Magus, rest on their ability to inscribe a rank 1 spell successfully in their sea of consciousness, thus turning into their own innate defensive spell! They will then obtain an instantaneous spell casting or the spell will be permanently in effect. Moreover, the consumption is extremely little…."

Leylin nodded his head, the innate spell of official Magi could always be maintained around the surface of their bodies, forming a barrier. This was why the A.I. Chip's readings were always hindered by these barriers of Magi, thus, it was unable to obtain the data needed.

"After advancing to a rank 1 Magus, a Magus' sea of consciousness will form an innate spell. If this Magus was to advance again, turning into a rank 2 Magus, he will have to construct a new innate spell. Furthermore, it has to be constructed on the foundation of the original innate spell. Which is to say, a rank 2 Magus has 2 innate spells, and a rank 3 Magus has 3 innate spells. If it was a rank 9 Magus of the legends, they would have 9 innate spells, and the final one is a rank 9 spell!"

For a chance to survive, Roman divulged a few details known to few.

"Which is to say, if it was a rank 9 Magus, they can instantaneously cast spells of rank 1 to 9!"

Leylin felt sluggish. He could not resist even a rank 1 spell, to say nothing of a rank 9 spell cast by a Grand Magus.

Once a Magus was able to cast high-level spells instantaneously, it would mean that their battle prowess would be capable of burning down mountains and evaporating the seas.

"And what is this scam that you're speaking of?"

Leylin asked suddenly.

"Hehe! An innate spell is the root of the Magus' spiritual force. Once constructed, it will be irreversible for eternity. Moreover, the innate spells after the first and original one have to be modelled after it. What would happen if you were to choose your innate spell wrongly? Two innate spells conflicting with each other in the sea of consciousness will result in a deficient spell as the best case scenario. The most likely event is that your brain will explode like an alchemy bomb. Bang! And off your head goes!"

Roman made an explosive gesture and sniggered.

"This scenario is extremely plausible!" Leylin face darkened.

"So then, where is the crux of this scam?"

"They have concealed the existence of advanced meditation techniques!" Roman hugged his knees as he squatted.

"Advanced meditation techniques?" Leylin's heart wavered. He had faintly come across information on this, but even if it was his mentor, Kroft, had never seen such advanced source/material like them.

"Yes, advanced meditation techniques completely suit a magician's spiritual force meditation techniques! Not only is the rate faster than those regular meditation techniques in constructing mind runes, they will even naturally form an innate spell in the Magus sea of consciousness on every level!"

"Naturally forming innate spells? You mean…." Leylin's voice grew weak.

"Indeed, if the advanced meditation techniques were to increase its level, they will directly raise the rank of a Magus. There wouldn't be any need for Grine Water or spell model!"

Roman smirked. "Also, according to the innate spell formed by the meditation technique, they'd directly complement each other. Not only is there no conflict with the innate spells, the meditation technique will even enhance the effect of the innate spell!"

"Think about it! If you were to use Grine Water to breakthrough, you will realise that your future levels will be extremely difficult to breakthrough. Every time you advance, you would require something more potent and effective than the Grine Water to aid in the advancement. Not only that, you have to scour the lands for an innate spell which does not conflict with the one you already have. This is purely based on luck, and basically it cannot be done!"

"And tens of hundreds of years will pass. The Magi who had cultivated in advanced meditation techniques would have continuously risen in their levels, while you will be on the bottom rung of the hierarchy struggling to survive, finally dying in some corner where nobody cares about…."

More and more cold sweat began to gather on Leylin's forehead.

With his abundant experience, and the calculation done by the A.I. Chip, he knew that what Roman spoke of was 98% authentic.

"The Magus World is indeed ensnared with pitfalls, and not one step can be wrongly taken!"

"So then, you wish to use a part of an advanced meditation technique to exchange for your petty life?" Leylin deeply inhaled for a few breaths, before asking Roman.

"Indeed, once you swear before the witness of the Trial's Eye, I will hand over the location of one of these advanced meditation techniques!"

Roman howled, "If you won't let me go, then never think of getting that piece of advanced meditation technique!"

"Has that advanced meditation technique got to do with the great Magus Serholm?" Leylin fell silent for a while before he suddenly asked.

"You know about it? That's right, you have been to that lab too, and it seems that you have discovered some information!" Roman was a little shocked, before putting on a nonchalant air.

"But so what? A part of an advanced meditation technique is indeed enough to redeem my life!"

"Alright!" Leylin fell into silence for a while, before finally agreeing.

Following which, he chanted a mysterious incantation.

This incantation was an extreme tongue twister, and there were many pauses. It required a huge amount of magic power before the chant was finished.

Leylin was only able to use this incantation after advancing to a level 3 acolyte.

Following the enunciation of the final syllable, an energy wave came from the void, and the surrounding light dimmed. In the air above of that experiment table, a mysterious vertical eye appeared.

This vertical eye's iris was pitch black, with its pupils dyed a crimson-red. Under its gaze, Leylin's body shuddered, as if not wearing any clothes. All of his secrets seemed to have been exposed to it.

"A.I. Chip! Scan!"

Leylin ordered from the bottom of his heart, yet he did not receive any response.

It seems like the current ability of the A.I. Chip was still unable to detect such a strange entity like the Trial's Eye. Even if it was only a secondary body that did not even contain a billionth of the main body's might.

"With the Trial's Eye as a witness, I, Leylin Farlier, will immediately release Roman from the Confining Spirit Sphere once Roman tells me the information regarding the advanced meditation technique.

Leylin spoke slowly using the Byron Language.

The moment Leylin finished his oath; the Trial's Eye turned into a black light, and separately entered each of Leylin's and Roman's foreheads.

"Alright! I have done as you requested, hurry and tell me the location of the advanced meditation technique!"

Impatience surfaced on Leylin's face.

"Alright! Regarding the advanced meditation technique, actually, I don't know much of it. Only that every advanced meditation technique have different requirements for the cultivator's affinity and soul aptitude."

"As for me, I have read it from a piece of writing left by a Magus, the lead to the lab of the great Magus Serholm. I also know that he left the legacy of the advanced meditation technique in a certain lab!"

Under the constraints of the Trial's Eye, Roman began to spill everything he knew.

"There is a requirement for the cultivators, how about the requirements for the meditation technique?" Leylin asked.

"I don't know. With my ability as a level 3 acolyte, obtaining the location of a piece of meditation technique is already extremely lucky, so how can I have more extravagant demands? Eventually, I hastily went to explore the lab, only to end up dying within it!"

Roman smiled sardonically.

"So then, tell me the location of that meditation technique!" Leylin's face was impassive as he spoke in a low tone.

"On that piece of broken page, I obtained a few locations. The previous location is crossed out now, so that leaves only one. It is the Dylan Gardens which rests within the Zither Moon Mountain Plains!"

"Zither Moon Mountain Plains, Dylan Gardens?"

Leylin suddenly thought of this place that he had come across in his previous exploration. "So the Dylan Gardens was situated on the Zither Moon Mountain Plains, huh?"

"All I know are these, hurry and let me out!" Roman howled.

"Alright! I will let you out now. Under the constraints of the Trial's Eye, I will dare not offend!"

Leylin smiled and snapped his fingers.

* Boom! *

The whole Confining Spirit Sphere shattered into pieces, revealing the translucent spirit body within.

At the same time, two rays of light flew out from Leylin's and Roman's body. This proved that the agreement with the Trial's Eye has already been fulfilled by Leylin.

"Haha! I'm free! I'm free!"

Roman shouted.

"Yes! I have abided by my promise, and released you from the Confining Spirit Sphere! Now, we are even!"

Leylin suddenly waved his hands and activated the spell formation.

* Bang! *

In an instant, the spell runes on the experiment table irradiated with light, engulfing Roman within.

"What happened? You! How can you escape from the binding agreement!"

Roman's face was in utter shock.

Fallen Star Pendant

"I have already abided by my agreement and released you from the Confining Spirit Sphere. What happens next is not a part of the contract!"

Leylin's voice was extremely unconcerned.

This was just simple wordplay. Magicians were all intelligent people, and could not be lied to easily.

However, Roman was different. He had already died a long time ago, and his spirit body had transformed into a vengeful spirit. Naturally, his intelligence could not even be comparable to that of an average human.

Moreover, after spending so much time inside the lab, Leylin had been diligently exercising various methods to reduce Roman's intelligence, making him more muddled, in order to interrogate him.

As expected, even if Roman had unexpectedly regained his intelligence today under the brink of his death, he was still manipulated by Leylin and gave away the important information to the advanced meditation technique.

"Even for me, as of now, a level 3 acolyte spirit body is extremely hard to acquire, so how could I let you leave?"

Leylin did not bother paying attention to Roman's curses, and placed the silver cross in the centre of the runes, as he began to complete the final step for the Fallen Star Pendant.

The Fallen Star Pendant came from a derelict page in the Lowian Academy Teachings. After having been decrypted by the A.I. Chip, together with the Alchemy diary found on Roman's corpse, Leylin was able to deduce the correct procedure for synthesizing it.

After advancing to a level 3 acolyte, Leylin had dedicated most of his time and effort on synthesizing this low-grade magic artifact.

After costing Leylin a large amount of magic crystals and ingredients, the Fallen Star Pendant was almost completed, where the final step remained – spirit awakening!"

According to Leylin's deductions and the A.I. Chip's calculations, the final step, the spirit awakening, had already involved the aspect of spirit and was something that he could not resolve then.

However, Leylin sought a huge number of living bodies from Viscount Jackson of Extreme Night City as a main material in observing the soul.

After many years of research, Leylin could already confirm that within Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, he would be the foremost regarding the topic of soul research, and might even surpass many Magi.

After so many experiments, the spirit awakening step did not pose a problem for Leylin.

However, he had no leads on the other ancient formula that he obtained from Kroft, Tears of Mary, up till now.

Leylin's guess was that this formula was meant for an official Magus, something which an acolyte could not get involved with yet.

"For the Spirit awakening, a stronger spirit body is not necessarily better. According to the A.I. Chip's simulation and my own deductions, a level 3 acolyte would be the most suitable for it…."

Leylin looked at the vengeful spirit, Roman, who was writhing and cursing him on the light formation.

"For a long time, I have deliberately calibrated Roman's spirit strength to be compatible with the final step. As long as I am able to complete the spirit awakening, the magic artifact that I get will definitely be perfect!"

This was the trump card that Leylin had prepared for the upcoming bloodbath.

A low-grade magic artifact did not exceed the boundaries of an official Magus. However, for acolytes, it was almost impossible for them to destroy the defense on this magic artifact.

As long as Leylin had that pendant, his safety in the bloodbath would be greatly increased.

"Let me go! You promised me!"

Roman who was trapped within the spell formation continuously howled.

At the end, the vengeful spirit Roman cursed in a low tone, "Despicable miscreant, I curse you…."

"Enough of your nonsense!" Leylin's brow furrowed and he poured a silver liquid directly onto the Fallen Star Pendant.

* Sssii! *

A cloud of white smoke rose from the silver necklace, and the white mist in the air transformed into a large jaw lined with razor sharp teeth, which bit at Roman directly.

* Ka-cha! *

Roman was immediately eaten by the large malevolent mouth, which it opened and closed as if enjoying the aftertaste.

Leylin stared at the large mouth, and after seeing that Roman was completely devoured, he began to chant an incantation.

The chanting voice reverberated around the area, and Leylin's spell formation that he drew on the experiment lab began to shrink to the centre, and finally, it all transferred onto the Fallen Star Pendant.

With the convergence of the runes, the patterns on the silver cross seemed more detailed and glowed with mysterious colours of light.

"Seal!"

Leylin fixed his gaze on the cross. When the runes were all accepted by the silver Fallen Star Pendant, he pointed at the huge mouth in midair.

* Pu! * A sound similar to a bubble popping sounded.

The white mouth was directly dispersed, and threads of white gaseous bodies were emitted. In the centre of them were many strands of black colour, which continuously fell onto the silver cross.

"With my name, Leylin Farlier, Fallen Star Pendant, shimmer!"

Leylin's expression was solemn, and he bit his fingers, dripping a droplet of blood onto the Fallen Star Pendant.

The red jewel in the silver cross sparkled and directly sucked Leylin's blood into it.

* Bang! * A strong suction force appeared from the Fallen Star Pendant, circling around the surface of the silver cross and forming a whirlwind. It directly sucked in all of the black and white gaseous compounds.

The thick mist enveloped the silver cross within, and it floated in midair, becoming a luminescent ball of black and white.

"Very good! The awakening phase is activated, and everything has been going smoothly without a hitch so far!"

Leylin looked at the glowing ball in midair, his eyes holding a fervent gaze. "What's next, is…."

On the second morning, Leylin stared at a silver cross held in his palm, his face revealing an elated expression.

At this moment, the Fallen Star Pendant was a silver grey colour, and the jewels also seemed dull and without lustre. Based on outer appearances alone, it could not even be compared to the previous half completed item. However the A.I. Chip's indication made Leylin feel ecstatic.

[Beep! Low-grade magic artifact – Fallen Star Pendant has been successfully synthesized!] [Fallen Star Pendant – Low-grade magic artifact. Main components used for defence: Stellar Alloy, Manfayla Rock, Mankestre Bone Marrow….] [Physical Defence: 13 degrees, Magical Defence: 15 degrees. Instant activation when Host is attacked!]

The various stats shown on the A.I. Chip made Leylin extremely ecstatic. A defence magic artifact could not even be bought in the market.

Normally speaking, the attack of a level 3 acolyte was around 10 degrees or so. Only official Magi and above would be able to cast a magic spell of over 20 degrees.

With the Fallen Star Pendant in hand, while it still had energy, Leylin could completely ignore the attacks of level 1 and level 2 acolytes. Together with the Trevor's Revolving Shield Potion, Leylin would be able to endure a barrage of attacks even if it came from a level 3 acolyte.

One could say that with the successful synthesis of the Fallen Star Pendant, Leylin's survival was assured.

"This magic artifact is like a simplified version of an official Magus' defensive force field!" Suddenly Leylin exclaimed.

Reverence and respect for magicians uncontrollably welled up in Leylin's heart even more.

The continued tradition of the Magus World was only in recent times, for about 1000 years. Before this, there were even the glorified and magnificent ancient times of the past. Back in the ancient past, the primordial and immemorial past, there was a countless accumulation of time, yet how many from these periods were geniuses? How many had invented mysterious spells?

Only by standing on a giant's shoulder, one could see the road ahead clearly, strive hard and advance!

Even with the A.I. Chip, Leylin only had a better foundation than other magicians. On the path of a Magus, he still required to rely on the experiences of his predecessors and improve both himself and his abilities.

After sighing, Leylin hung the silver grey cross on his neck.

The ice cold pendant came into direct contact with the skin, and Leylin pulled up his collar. This way, no one could tell that Leylin was wearing a pendant just by looking at the surface.

"With the Fallen Star Pendant, my defense is guaranteed. What's next is to make use of the A.I. Chip to come up with a combination of a few strong rank 0 spells to be used in the bloodbath.

Although Leylin believed Roman's words, with the current rewards, he wouldn't let it go.

His previous plan was to obtain the Grine Water through the bloodbath, and right now he did not plan to give up.

After all, he still couldn't defeat any rank 1 Magi. Under the compulsion of the academy and professors, he still needed to join the bloodbath in the secret plane.

* Dong Dong Dong! *

Just when Leylin was deep in thought, a patterned knocking on the door sounded.

"Please enter!" Leylin hurriedly removed the traces of his work in the lab and arranged his clothes before he spoke.

* Creak! *

The wooden door was pushed open, and at that moment, when Bicky who wore a green dress, walked in, a scented fragrance wafted in and infiltrated Leylin's nose.

"Leylin! Mentor has asked me to get you to register for the upcoming school competition…."

Bicky toyed with a white flower in her hands.

Before the bloodbath, the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had already spared no hesitation in nurturing its acolytes. The prices of various ingredients and spell models had plunged, and they had also hosted many competitions before the bloodbath.

Only with participation, there would be generous rewards, such as magic crystals, spell models, ingredients and the like.

As for the top few ranks, they were even given scrolls of spells and attack type potions as rewards.

However, Leylin did not lack magic crystals, and he could also brew attack type potions for himself. As for the reward for the champion, it was not a magic artifact, so he was not attracted in the slightest.

However, he still had to, at least, show some superficial effort. Leylin nodded his head and walked out of the dorm with Bicky.

After not seeing her for 3 years, the girl from before had turned into a beautiful young lady. Bicky was silent as she led the way. Leylin opened his mouth but did not know what to say.

The two walked through the garden zone, and Bicky smiled and said, "Leylin! You know what? Fayle has already agreed to let me be his girlfriend!"

Saying which, Leylin acutely discovered a peculiar expression from within Bicky's eyes.

"Oh really? Congratulations!"

Leylin had known of Bicky crush on Fayle it since the very first day he entered. After seeing his good friend fulfilling what she wished for, he was somewhat happy for Bicky.

At the same time, he was somewhat worried. He had some understanding towards Fayle's character and knew that Fayle liked to be in the limelight. On top of that, Fayle was rather vain. However, after seeing Bicky's smiling expression, Leylin still chose to maintain his silence.

Competition

"The registration area is just ahead!"

After walking through the garden zone, Bicky took the initiative to familiarize Leylin with the registration area.

"The academy competitions are split into many categories. There are some potion brewing ones, some for harvesting plants, and other lesser known subjects. However, the liveliest event is still the fighting competition. Any acolyte is able to join, and the reward is the most generous!"

"Although the acolytes are able to participate in many events, Professor Kroft said that you had better join the potion brewing event!"

Bicky looked at Leylin, not masking her worried expression.

"Don't worry; I am only prepared to join the potion brewing event!" Leylin smiled as he consoled Bicky.

Leylin did not want to compete head on with those genius fifth-grade acolytes. Behind them were the support of many professors, and they would definitely carry magic artifacts with them.

Moreover, the battle prize was not attractive to him at all. This prize was obviously prepared as a final chance to give to those average acolytes.

Although Leylin came only as a mere formality, naturally he had to choose the simplest way to do it.

The front of the education area was lined with several black desks. The banner behind them had words like Potioneering and Fighting.

Many acolytes were crowding around the tables to register.

Looking on, it seemed like they were acolytes who had recently rushed back to the academy.

Leylin thought for a while before directly registering for the Potioneering battle.

"Hold on to this! Your assigned number is 32, and the competition will start tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. Please be punctual and come to the large hall in experiment zone 13 in order to participate!"

The administrative staff wearing grey robes handed a parchment paper over to Leylin, and also routinely gave him a numbered card.

"Next!"

With the impatient voice of the grey-robed person sounding, Leylin rubbed his nose, shook his head, and walked away.

"Let's go to the restaurant to celebrate!" Leylin said to Bicky, who was beside him.

"It's better if I pay for it, as a celebration for us meeting again after such a long time!" Bicky's face revealed a joyous expression.

...

On the second day, Leylin arrived 5 minutes earlier at Hall 13.

At this moment, many Potioneering acolytes were already waiting here. Some recognised Leylin and smiled as they greeted him while some faces were extremely unfamiliar.

This was not strange, as most magicians holed themselves up, often staying in their experiment labs to conduct experiments, especially those who practiced Potioneering and Alchemy.

Merlin and Bicky also entered the crowd, smiling at Leylin.

* Ding Ling Ling! * With a crisp bell sound, a black-robed figure emerged from the crowd.

"Official Magus!" Leylin exclaimed silently. Although he was not the same as before, compared to an official Magus, he was still an ant.

The A.I. Chip was also helpless, as it was blocked by the defensive force field surrounding the official Magus.

"All of you, enter the main hall and go to your respective allocated areas as is indicated by your card number. I will only wait for 5 minutes, and those who aren't there by then will be immediately disqualified!"

The black robed figure's voice was extremely hoarse and unpleasing to the ears.

After finishing his speech, the black-robed Magus shook his robe, and his body split apart, turning into innumerable bats, which flew away.

The acolytes that were present looked each other in the eye.

* Bang! * Not knowing who made the first move, the whole hall clamoured and squeezed through into the main hall.

Although Leylin was not in a hurry, his body was involuntarily pushed into the hall with the crowd.

With a great effort, he managed to get to his experiment table.

The number 32 was scribbled on the corner of a pure white table. There were also a few herbs, ingredients and a piece of parchment paper on the table. With just a whiff Leylin knew that these were the necessary ingredients for a healing potion.

"Five minutes are up, any acolyte who has not found their place is deemed disqualified!"

The black robed Magus' voice sounded again. At the same time, there were cries from many acolytes.

Leylin saw an unlucky fellow beside him, who was just one step away from his table, grabbed by a black bat and thrown outside of the hall.

"The topic, this time, is to brew a healing potion! The formula and ingredients are on the experiment table, and you will have 3 hours…."

After dealing with the group of disqualified acolytes, the black robed Magus' voice sounded yet again.

"Your every move is under my vigilance, so do not try to cheat your way through it. If not, I will educate you on a lesson of blood!"

"As expected!" Leylin picked up the parchment paper, and it was indeed the formula of a healing potion.

"Such an elementary potion like this, I have brewed it so many times that I could vomit !"

Leylin felt extremely frustrated, but he still skillfully picked up a beaker…

To an outsider, Leylin's every movement now was textbook standard. His arms were strong, and they did not quiver. During the process of brewing, every action was filled with a unique aesthetic movement.

* Drip! *

A drop of green liquid was placed into a test tube, and the whole test tube momentarily turned red.

"It's completed!" Leylin looked at the A.I. Chip's recording time, "1 hour 20 minutes? It seems like I have become a little bit rusty!"

"En! Very good, it's completed!"

A black bat immediately flew onto Leylin's experiment table and scrutinised Leylin's potion.

"Sir!" Leylin hurriedly bowed.

"I recognise you! Aren't you Leylin? The apprentice of that old geezer Kroft! The heavens are really unfair; he already had such an outstanding apprentice, Merlin, yet now, it even sent you to him…."

The bat seemed to recognise Kroft, and muttered by the side. Leylin maintained his silence throughout.

Leylin had no thoughts of establishing a relationship with a Magus, and he did not have the ability to do so either.

"Alright! Let me sniff the potion!

It could be seen that after seeing Leylin keep his silence like a log, the bat cursed for a while before suddenly speaking.

Leylin opened the plug on the test tube and placed it below the bat's head.

"En! Healing potion! The quality is excellent! Kiddo, you have passed!"

The bat somewhat regretfully flew away, and let off an unpleasant voice, "Leylin! Consider changing professors and joining me…."

Towards this, Leylin could only smile wryly.

...

The Potioneering competition carried on for two days and one night.

Fortunately, the acolytes could all manipulate the energy particles to strengthen their bodies, so they could endure throughout the entirety of the competition.

Leylin had also been brewing potions in these two days.

Along with the intensity of the competition, the topics given by the academy became more and more difficult. Bicky had already been eliminated in the third round. At the very end, they moved on to beginner potions.

Through these series of tests, Leylin distinguished himself above the rest, and stormed through the competition with his senior, Merlin.

As for the contents of the finals, it was to brew a Hofdor's Water of Radiance. This was a kind of healing potion that was able to treat injuries caused by negative energy spells. Even amongst the beginner potions, it was known to be extremely difficult to brew.

Although Leylin had the confidence to brew it successfully with the A.I. Chip, for concealment reasons, he spontaneously pretended to make a mistake, and lost to Merlin, taking second place.

Deep in the night, Leylin returned to his dorm, and tossed the second prize reward, a Fiery Combustion Potion, aside.

This type of attack potion had a might of 8 to 9 degrees, which could be considered to be an extremely remarkable trump card for a level 3 acolyte. However, it was not worthy in Leylin's eyes.

Since a year ago, he could already brew a potion like this on his own.

"It's finally over. What's left is to wholeheartedly prepare for the secret plane bloodbath!"

Concerning the bloodbath between the few academies, it couldn't just be glossed over hastily like the academy competitions.

Even during the intra-school fighting competition, there was only a loss of a few acolytes' lives due to mishaps.

However, during the bloodbath, it was two against one, and their enemy's goal was to eradicate the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

* Dong Dong Dong! *

While deep in thought, Leylin heard a knocking noise outside the door.

"Who is it? It's so late already!" Leylin was rather unhappy as he opened the door.

"It's me!" Outside the door, there was a girl wrapped in a cloak, and her voice sounded coquettish.

"You are… Bic…" Before Leylin could finish, his lips were already sealed. The door closed and the cloak slipped off, revealing an ample yet provocative and naked body.

"This is… What's happening?"

After Leylin recovered his senses, he was already lying on his own bed, with a girl continuously writhing on top of him.

Feeling the pleasure underneath his body, Leylin resisted his urges and temptation to touch Bicky's waist, which made her stop in her movements, "Why are you doing this?"

"Because… I can't think of a better way to console you! Leylin! Don't be upset! The loss is only temporary…"

Bicky pouted lovably.

"I…"

Leylin was extremely at a loss for words. If he could look in the mirror, he would definitely be putting on a wry smile.

He deliberately lost on purpose, yet he did not think that this silly girl Bicky would actually be fooled by him. Thinking that he would be devastated, she offered herself to 'console' him.

At the same time, Leylin lost all his hopes towards the wanton practices in this world.

"Alright then! How about Fayle? Aren't you his girlfriend?"

Leylin asked.

"He wouldn't know. Besides, before marriage, I have my freedom!" Bicky revealed a coquettish smile and gradually started to thrust her waist again.

"So then, what happens after marriage?" Leylin was somewhat unhappy and quickened his motions.

The delicate beauty panted for a while before speaking with great effort, "Ma… After marriage, I have to guard my body for Fayle!"

Leylin then performed another deep penetrating thrust, which made Bicky moan with a shrill voice. She then collapsed in Leylin's embrace, as if all the bones in her body were removed.

"You are really… Alright then! After I have borne a child for Fayle and confirmed with a blood test, whenever you want it, you can look for me…"

Bicky's face blushed, and buried her head in Leylin's arms.

"What is this? I let Fayle wear a green hat in advance?"

Leylin thought at the back of his mind, as his hands involuntarily grabbed on Bicky's peaks of abundance, and began to move wildly.

In the morning, Leylin stroked the bare body of the girl, and he did not know whether to laugh or cry, "I never thought that I would become a friend with benefits…."

The Bloodbath Begins

Looking at Bicky lying in his arms, Leylin's expression was complicated.

Regarding the fact that she threw herself at him the previous night, Leylin guessed that there were a few reasons behind it. First it was that Bicky had a favourable impression of him. As she did not have the heart to watch him be defeated, she came here to console him. The second was that this world's practices were generally more open, and Bicky wasn't a virgin before she did it with him – she had obviously had intercourse before. Finally, due to the bloodbath that was drawing closer, she was restless mentally, so her subconscious mind made the decision to do some stimulating activities and thus vent her frustration.

However, no matter what the reasons were, Bicky was a beauty, and Leylin was not on the losing end.

"Ah?!" Suddenly, the female body on Leylin shook, and sat upright.

"What time is it? It's actually 7 o'clock. Not good, I have to go to Mentor's experiment lab…."

Bicky hurriedly left the bed, and revealed that exquisite body once again to Leylin. She quickly did the buttons on her robes, before giving Leylin a light peck on his cheeks and then scurrying out of the room.

"Really…." Leylin looked at Bicky's departing figure and smiled wryly.

Very soon, the romance of last night was thrown to the back of Leylin's mind.

The secret plane bloodbath drew closer – it was one which none of the acolytes in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy could avoid.

Especially those fifth-grade acolytes with genius aptitude, they were the target of the opposing academies.

On the contrary, Leylin only had some talent in Potioneering; furthermore he had his senior Merlin to garner all unwanted attention, so he would not be in the limelight.

This was one of the reasons why Leylin never revealed his true abilities.

What followed next was Leylin holing up in his experiment lab, familiarising himself with the Fallen Star Pendant, and using the A.I. Chip to analyse the spell models. Also, he simulated those rank 0 spells with high degrees of attack to be used in conjunction with his attack potions, in preparation for the secret plane bloodbath.

...

The clouds were a patch of grey, and from time to time it drizzled, which made people feel like shadow was looming over them on the horizon.

acolytes wearing grey robes were crammed into a field full of wild grasses. Each of them had a solemn expression, and their eyes brought possible vicious or vacant looks.

A few black and white robed official Magi stood before them.

Leylin stood somewhere at the corner of the acolytes and maintained a low profile, and now and then stole glances at the professors in front of him.

At the forefront of the professors was a large bloke – wearing black robes – who stood still, and subconsciously, strands of energy waves radiated out from his body which made Leylin's spiritual force circulation feel rather sluggish.

"That person is definitely the chairman of our Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, a rank 2 Magus of the legends!"

Leylin bowed his head lower, not daring to raise his head again.

As for the desire to use the A.I. Chip to scan, Leylin buried it deep within his heart. The might of a rank 2 Magus was extremely mysterious, and Leylin had no confidence in concealing this A.I. Chip from him.

Moreover, right now the A.I. Chip could not even break past the barriers of a rank 1 Magus, so he needn't embarrass himself further.

"But… are we activating the secret plane right here?"

Leylin looked at the surroundings. Under the dimly-lit sky, the field was dead silent, the rodents and lizards as if discovering a great battle was coming, had long since left the place.

Amongst the acolytes, Leylin even saw Bicky, Merlin, Nyssa, Jayden and the like.

Jayden stood at the forefront of the acolytes, and his face was extremely gloomy. There were thick, dark circles around his eyes, and it seemed that his condition was not too great.

Nyssa stood at the end of the crowd, and her whole figure was draped in grey robes, which was extremely low profile.

As for Bicky and Merlin, they were muttering to each other.

After seeing Leylin, Bicky even gave him a smile.

"Bicky has a few attack potions that I gave her, and she isn't an important target, so most likely she'll be alright!"

Leylin comforted himself.

"They're here! They're here!"

Suddenly, a ruckus was caused amongst the acolytes, which broke Leylin's train of thoughts.

Leylin inhaled a mouthful of air and raised his head to look at the distance.

On the far horizon, a black spot suddenly appeared. With the black spot gradually approaching, its size, too, grew larger and larger.

When the black spot arrived in front of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's representatives, Leylin managed to see the full appearance of this creature.

It was a giant beetle, with eight long and sturdy legs. Each of them was over a dozen metres long. On top of the tiny head of the beetle, was a pair of compound eyes which was looking down on the masses of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

[The target has a layer of defensive barrier, and is primarily categorized as a rank 1 Magus. Host is recommended to stay far away from the target]

At this moment, the A.I. Chip's voice intoned, which made Leylin realise how formidable this beetle was.

"Sssii!"

From the giant beetle, a few drops of yellowish green saliva drooled from its mouth, which fell onto the ground corroding a large pit.

The surrounding acolytes backed away in unison. Their faces were pale, seemingly shocked by it.

"What are you afraid of? It's just an Abyss Steeled-Back Beetle!"

"Silence!"

Under the restrictions set by the professors in front, the acolytes then gradually recovered from their fright.

"Siley, your acolytes were actually frightened by my baby. It seems like their predicament isn't very good right now! Hahaha…."

A crisp male voice sounded, following which a white-robed, middle-aged Magus jumped off the back of the beetle. Although he had a middle-aged look, his brows were snow white.

"Hng!" Seemingly unhappy with the other party's taunt, the bald chairman Siley coldly harrumphed.

However, from the A.I. Chip's detection, Leylin saw that a formless energy wave was radiated from Siley's body towards the beetle.

"Wu!" "Arghh!" A few frightened voices came from the back of the beetle, and it seemed to be made by youngsters.

"Siley! You actually…." The white-browed Magus was in rage, and his brows suddenly turned red, as if blood was going to drip down from it.

"How is it?" Chairman Siley stepped forward as if being overbearing.

"That white-browed, middle-aged man should be the chairman of Sage Gotham's Hut. Although he is also a rank 2 Magus, Chairman Siley is a Dark Magus, excelled in the art of combat, so his strength is definitely stronger than White Brows. . . "

Leylin's eyes flashed.

Just when the acolytes thought that these two Chairmen were about to battle, a whizzing sound travelled from the sky.

An enormous horse carriage that stretched over a few dozen metres, with a pair of snow white wings on each side, gradually descended under the control of a few condors.

* Bang! *

The horse carriage landed steadily on the ground. The door opened, and a white-robed, golden-haired lady walked out from it.

"Guru, stop! Don't forget we have signed an agreement!"

Listening to the golden-haired lady, Siley and Guru scoffed and returned back to their respective groups.

Behind the golden-haired lady, a group of acolytes came out from the horse carriage. Their bodies evidently radiated strong energy waves.

"Hehe! Siley, I hope your acolytes will be able to survive. Don't let your academy turn into a real graveyard…"

White-Brows Guru sneered. Behind him, the beetle gradually folded its legs, which formed a flight of steps, where many acolytes stepped down from it.

The acolytes from both academies looked at Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's camp menacingly, as if the acolytes here were all preys.

"Most of them are level 3 acolyte, and there is a rare number of level 2 acolyte. As for level 1 acolyte, there isn't any!"

Leylin's heart tightened. Due to the weakening state of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, the rules in the bloodbath were obviously not favourable to them.

Not only were they two against one, but the other side could let their level 1 acolyte be excluded from the bloodbath. Unlike Abyssal Bone Forest Academy were all their acolytes had to enter.

These level 1 acolyte could only play the role of cannon fodder when they entered, and were absolutely of no further use.

"After this mandatory enlistment, Abyssal Bone Forest Academy will definitely be worse off!"

Leylin looked at the acolytes in his academy that were of 11-12 years of age, and sighed within his heart.

However, Leylin could not offer any assistance to them at all. At the very most, under the circumstances that his life wasn't threatened, he would do his best to help them.

Right now, he had something more important to tend to.

"A.I. Chip, assist in the recording!"

Right now Leylin was a level 3 acolyte and the A.I. Chip's ability increased too. Most of the level 3 acolyte could not escape the A.I. Chip's detection now.

Leylin picked out the acolytes who carried magic artifacts. No matter if it was his own side or the other, he recorded them down.

These people were the ones that he had to be mindful of during the bloodbath.

Listening to the provocative tone of the other party, Chairman Siley's face darkened. He waved his hands, "Enough of this nonsense, let us begin!"

"Since you have such sincerity, how could we bear to refuse your request?"

White-Brows Guru and the golden-haired lady smirked and nodded their heads, "Let us begin!"

Listening to their chairmen, the official Magi from the respective academies stepped forward and begin to retrieve many strange things from their sacks, robes or even within their bodies. After which, they began to set up a formation.

When they were finished with it, a strange magic formation was arranged on the ground.

"They are runes that make the foundation sturdy, linking up of energy and creating flames. I recognise some of these!" Leylin's eyes flashed, and recorded down all of these formations with the A.I. Chip.

As for the three chairmen, after their staff had finished preparing the formation, they each stepped forward and withdrew 3 crimson coloured scrolls.

"With my name, Siley, I summon the Will of Battle which is roving around the wilderness, and activate the glorious and deathly flight of stairs…."

The 3 chairmen chanted and simultaneously tore the scrolls in their hands apart.

* Bang! * Crimson lightning continuously thundered down, on the area above where the 3 crimson scrolls were torn, a huge opening suddenly appeared from the void.

* Whoosh! * Countless thunder and lightning appeared from within, and noises of explosion and whistling came from the opening.

Dozens of seconds later, the void calmed down.

"This is a secret plane which is now an abandoned resources point. Any organisms and resources of value in it were scoured clean by us. Right now, it will become your battlefield…."

Entering The Secret Plane

Chairman Siley turned around and said to Leylin and the group of acolytes, "You are all the most outstanding students of my Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, who have experienced deaths with blood and fire. You are not just a flower that is nurtured in a greenhouse, but ferocious young lions. I want you to seek your preys, stalk them, and ambush them. Finally, rip them to shreds!"

After finishing the last sentence, Chairman Siley's eyes turned a crimson red, and a blood red light was radiated, making his face seemed somewhat contorted.

Leylin's face was extremely solemn, and he did not know how to react to this anymore.

Following which, the chairman promised many different rewards. They were all involving precious resources and advanced information that would be given as a bounty whenever the opposing acolytes were slain. This made the acolytes face gleam with greed.

"As per rumours, our chairman is indeed an extremely aggressive person!" Leylin thought, "I wonder how long this group of people will last?"

On the other side, the chairman of Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle were also giving their speech. Although their acolytes were cheering loudly and nodding their heads vigorously, Leylin was in glee.

The academies in the south coast had been influenced by the styles of their respective headmasters. Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was advocating a more bloodthirsty and theory of the law of the jungle. Overall, it was leaning towards the side of Dark Magi.

As for the two opposing factions, they were obviously leaning more towards Light Magi types. Although many acolytes were already level 3 acolyte, Leylin did not see the astuteness and craftiness in their eyes. Many of them even seemed innocent, which was extremely similar to the acolytes that were in Extreme Night City.

"If it's this way, there is still a chance!"

Leylin's eyes gleamed. His target was only to gather enough contribution points in exchange for Grine Water, so he had no reason to create more trouble for himself.

As for the price of Grine Water, it was 50 contribution points. This is to say, Leylin had to kill 5 level 3 acolytes on the other side, or even more level 2 acolytes, before gathering enough points.

"The acolytes do not have the defensive force field that an official Magus has. If only I have time, I can analyse and choose my opponents, giving me enough contribution points!"

Leylin sized up the opposing acolytes and eyed some of the level 3 acolytes who obviously had low energy waves.

They will be his prey!

"Alright! This secret plane will hold on for 3 days. In these 3 days, you will all be transported to different places in the secret plane. Protect your chest badges well. They are proof of your contributions and contains information on the return route!"

Siley waved his hands, and the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolytes formed a long line, entering the entrance of the secret plane in an orderly fashion.

Under the mediation of Lighthouse of the Night, it obtained a few benefits. For example, they could enter the secret plane first, giving them a territorial advantage.

However, Leylin understood that in front of his opponents' immense force, this little benefit for Abyssal Bone Forest Academy is simply a joke!

The acolytes on both sides numbered almost the same, at 200 or so. However, the amount of level 3 acolyte on their side was at least 5 to 6 times more than what Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had.

As for the acolytes of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, not to mention that most of them perished in the war, many of them could not make it back in time. Some even betrayed the academy and were killed while escaping. Such a result made Abyssal Bone Forest Academy inferior to the enemy in terms of elite forces.

Under these circumstances, the chairman of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy still provoked the enemy in such a fashion. This made Leylin convinced of a rumour – The cause of this war was exactly the provocation by this Chairman Siley.

As Leylin pondered on, he followed the acolyte in front of him into the secret plane.

...

* Weng! *

After entering the plane, Leylin's sight turned black. When he regained his senses, he was already standing on an unfamiliar plot of land.

He felt dizzy, as it there were millions of bees flapping their wings. Leylin's face contorted, almost puking.

[A negative effect is discovered on the Host. The symptoms are dizziness and vomiting. The primary diagnosis is that it is the aftereffect from travelling through spatial areas!]

The A.I. Chip's voice intoned. Leylin slapped his forehead, and opened his water bottle, splashing the cold water on his face, which made him feel much better.

Looking the surroundings, what entered his sight were some small trees and shrubberies. There were always a few unknown fruit trees grown. On them were a type of purple-red fruit, and was slightly hairy on the surface.

"A.I. Chip, scan the surroundings!"

Leylin ordered. Immediately, a light blue 3D image was projected in front of Leylin's eyes.

"There doesn't seem to be any danger!" Leylin nodded his head and chanted an incantation.

Along with the chanting noise, Leylin's face took on a morphing process. His eyes became larger, his lips paler, his hair changed colour, as if a totally different person. Even his height was shorter by a few inches.

What was surprising was that after this rank 0 spell, the energy waves from Leylin's body gradually weakened. It regressed from a level 3 acolyte to that of a level 1 acolyte slowly.

[Shapeshifting spell (Modified), able to the change the height and appearance of a person, even the energy waves radiation! Consumption: 3 magic power, 3 spiritual force!]

Shapeshifting spell was a spell that Leylin specially chose back when he was leaving the academy.

After he advanced into a level 3 acolyte, he managed to reach the requirements for the A.I. Chip to make modifications to it. Back in Extreme Night City, he had already completed the modification for this Shapeshifting spell.

Of course, no matter how much the A.I. Chip modified it, the Shapeshifting spell was after all a rank 0 spell. It could only conceal his energy from acolytes, but not the detection from official Magi. If not, Leylin could have used the spell to make himself be a level 2 acolyte when he returned.

Moreover, the Shapeshifting spell could only slightly lower the energy waves, allowing him to pass off as a low-level acolyte. It could not be used to conceal as a regular human or official Magus.

However, the bloodbath in the secret plane was only for acolytes. So the disguise would not be found out by other acolytes.

"It's done!" Leylin looked at his reflection in a mirror.

A blonde male acolyte, with the energy wave of a level 1 acolyte. Under this state, even if it was Bicky or Merlin, they wouldn't be able to recognise him.

"However, a person's habit cannot be changed so easily. I had better avoid meeting any familiar people. "

Leylin's eyes flashed, and he disappeared into the shrubbery.

...

As for other places in the secret plane, many acolytes had already begun to face off and there were several explosive yet short-lived battles.

Beside a small pool, a black haired acolyte with a black cloak used lightning to obliterate an Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolyte into ashes.

On the other side of the plane, Jayden's expression darkened, and suddenly countless vines shot out from his body, wrapping around an opposing acolyte from Whitewoods Castle into a ball of vines. Along with the contraction of the vine, fresh blood seeped through from the gaps of the vine, falling drop by drop on the floor.

Battles like these happened constantly throughout the plane. On the whole, the level 3 acolytes from Abyssal Bone Forest Academy has an advantage in 1 versus 1 combat. As for other level 1 and 2 acolytes, if they meet with these level 3 acolytes they would be killed immediately.

A pockmarked brown haired acolyte wore the uniform of Sage Gotham's Hut. His eyes were not big, but it was filled with anxiety and wariness, as he continuously scanned the surroundings.

"Damn it! I was actually sent here. The distance from the gathering point with the academy is too far…"

The acolyte hurried his step as he berated incessantly.

* Peng! *

Suddenly, a few large holes appeared from the ground. Yellow brown mud spikes emerged from it. In that instant, it pierced through that acolyte's grey robes and inner armour, rupturing a huge hole in the stomach area.

With a look of anguish and disbelief, the acolyte's eyes were drained of life gradually with the blood and innards flowing out from his body.

A dozen minutes later, the grasses in the surrounding shook. Leylin took off his green costume and walked towards the corpse of the acolyte.

He crouched down and retrieved a red badge from the acolyte's chest.

"It's only a level 2 acolyte! Value is 3 contribution points!"

Leylin kept the red badge in his robes. The various academies had different badges. Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's was black throughout in colour, while the ones from Sage Gotham's Hut were red. Naturally, the badge from Whitewoods Castle was white. Moreover, there were different shapes for the different levels of acolytes.

"A.I. Chip! Bring forth my stats!"

[Beep! Leylin Farlier, level 3 acolyte, Knight. Strength: 3.1, Agility: 3.3, Vitality: 3.7, Spiritual force: 8(13.2), Magical Power: 8(13) – (Magical Power is in synchronisation with spiritual force). Status: Healthy]

"A Shapeshifting spell and Ground Spear has already consumed 5 points of my magic power and spiritual force. I have to conserve my spiritual force and try to use potions to battle!"

Leylin's eyes flashed.

This bloodbath between academies was not a competition or anything of that sort. According to the latest information received earlier, Leylin could already confirm that the opposing academies had chosen a few gathering points. It was for their acolytes to hurry to the area and then launch a joint attack on Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

As for the acolytes in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, their strength was greatly diminished. They could not agree on gathering points, if not they might be eradicated in one fell swoop. They could only scatter and fight their enemies.

Leylin could already foresee that on the very first day, the level 3 acolyte in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy would be able to kill just a few acolytes of the enemy, and obtain a clear advantage. Once the enemies have gathered together, however, they would begin to hunt the acolytes from Abyssal Bone Forest Academy similar to chasing after wild ducks.

Once he thought of the scenario where the magic spell formation set by the acolytes – when completed – could cover a large area and hone in on the acolytes, Leylin's scalp tingled.

"I could only rely on now to obtain more contribution points! If not as the time passes the difficulty will increase!"

Leylin's expression turned gloomy.

Laying Traps

The bloodbath situation was forced on Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, which meant that the acolytes of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy were in a disadvantageous situation.

And the acolytes belonging to the two enemy camps would certainly chase them as if they were hunting and killing their prey.

"Anyway, even if it was an astute hunter, if he left behind a single prey, then it is possible for the situation to be reversed – where the hunter becomes the hunted!"

Leylin licked his chapped lips, exposing a malevolent grin.

Now, the three academies' acolytes were scattered within the secret plane and the two enemy groups' acolytes had also not gathered. This was certainly a fortunate timing for Leylin to gather sufficient contribution points!

Once the enemy group gathered, then Leylin would not have any more chances.

"Let's do this! Today, I must defeat and kill as many of the enemy's acolytes as possible and scrape together enough of contribution points. After that, depending on AI Chip's guidance, I will stand aside and avoid the majority of the enemy…"

After deciding on his strategy, Leylin hurriedly looted the magic crystals and resources on the acolyte's body, leaving the scene.

Two hours later after Leylin left, another acolyte came to the scene.

"It's Greg!" After seeing the corpse on the floor, the acolyte's pupils shrank.

He came from the same academy as Greg. Seeing his comrade lying on the ground, this acolyte's expression turned pale white, as if wanting to puke.

He muttered, "Too dangerous! This mission is too dangerous. Greg and I are only level 2 acolytes, we have come to this secret plane purely to die! If I knew earlier, I wouldn't have taken up this mission!"

Regrets filled the face of this acolyte.

"Looking at this wound, it should be a heavy physical attack with an Earth element spell. The caster should be a level 3 acolyte! To deal with a level 2 acolyte, he actually used such a despicable method. What a low-life…."

It was not scary if the enemy was strong, but what was scary is if the enemy was strong and shameless!

After understanding this reasoning the acolyte felt his scalp tingle. He felt as if a pair of bloodthirsty and greedy eyes was eyeing him from the shrubbery, locking down on its prey.

"No way, I have to leave now!"

He then bowed towards the corpse on the floor, "I'm sorry. Although we used to be good friends, I am unable to give you a proper burial…. Or it may be that the destiny of magicians was to die along the path to the pursuit of truth!"

The acolyte made a prayer for his friend and prepared to leave.

"Je je! What a cold-blooded person, not even caring about his comrade's corpse!"

A female voice sounded from the air above.

"Who. . . who is that?" The acolyte jumped back several metres like a rabbit, and in his hands, there was a black scroll tightly gripped.

"Haha! Look at him, like a pathetic bunny that has nowhere to escape in front of a predator!"

The girl's voice sounded again. The crown of a nearby treetop shuddered, and a grey robed girl appeared in front of the acolyte.

This female acolyte wore the uniform of Whitewoods Castle, and the acolyte who was prepared to fight for his life heaved a sigh of relief.

"Hng! Trash!"

Another male voice appeared from the surrounding, and a young man walked out from the shadows. He wore the insignia from Sage Gotham's Hut, and his right hand was silver in colour throughout. It radiated a mellow yet suave colour and reflected the shadows of the nearby shrubbery.

"This appearance?"

The acolyte's hand trembled, and the scroll dropped on the ground. "Silver-Claw Saurun! You are Silver-Claw Saurun!"

Silver-Claw Saurun was considered one of the most vicious existence in the circle of Sage Gotham's Hut's acolytes. Rumours have it that for a piece of ingredient needed for an experiment, he had massacred a whole village of regular humans !

Although this was only a rumour, but this acolyte did witness the way Saurun treated his enemies – That was a devilish existence!

Although Sage Gotham's Hut was a Light Magi faction, but there were bound to be some talented acolyte with outstanding abilities in battle. Evidently, this Saurun was one of them.

Saurun did not bother about his junior who was frightened off his wits, and immediately walked to the corpse to inspect it.

"A very shrewd and ruthless method! Looking at the distance, the enemy should have activated the spell 20 metres away. This distance is the limit of Ground Spear! The enemy possesses an extremely high talent in his ability to use and calculate his rank 0 spells from it."

Saurun licked his silver right hand, giving off a sinister grin.

"He is mine! I will hunt and kill him personally, and let the world know the consequences of incurring the wrath of Sage Gotham's Hut!"

"As for you!" Saurun looked at the trembling junior distastefully.

"Scram!"

"Yes! Yes, sir!" The acolyte nodded his head and hurriedly scampered away like a frightened little deer. In the blink of an eye, he traversed over several hundred metres, and even used a hastening spell on his body.

Seeing the figure of the leaving acolyte, the girl smirked, "What a useless trash! If not for the agreement between our academies, I would have killed him long ago!"

"Compared to him, I have a high interest in this acolyte from Abyssal Bone Forest Academy!"

Saurun licked his lips, and the crimson red tongue seemed to be like that of a snake's, twisting and writhing. "I am already anxious to know how the fresh blood of that acolyte tastes like!"

...

"A.I. Chip! Maximise the detection area!"

Leylin gives his command as he followed and ran along a white cobblestone path.

In the secret plane, the A.I. Chip's ability was also affected. Although the detection area has become smaller, it was still extremely handy for warning and scouting the way ahead.

A light blue 3D image appeared in front of Leylin's eyes.

In the map, the white cobblestone path seemed to be paved in the shape of a rune, winding its way through a circular garden in the middle of it.

Moreover, the A.I. Chip caught traces of mild radiation on the ground here. This means that the magicians who had used this place before had operated it well, and even the soil had gotten affected.

However, there was obviously nothing of value. It was evident that before this secret plane was activated; all the resources had already been ferreted out.

"It seems like it is rather difficult to get lucky by stumbling over some magician's inheritance!"

Leylin shrugged his shoulders and continued walking.

[Beep! Human creatures ahead, determined as acolytes. Numbers: 3!]

The A.I. Chip's voice intoned. Leylin's eyes flashed, and he secretly tailed them.

This trio was formed by 2 male and 1 female acolyte. The male acolyte in the centre had obviously reached the cultivation of a level 3 acolyte.

At this moment, this small group was heading towards the garden.

"Do we really have to take such a risk?" The male acolyte who was behind began to grumble. "We had better still gather with the other acolytes! As long as we activate that spell formation, then there is nothing to be fearful of…."

"Shut up!" The male acolyte in the middle did not turn his head, "If you go together with the main body, how much contribution points can you get? I have made enquiries about this place before. This was a deserted secret plane of magicians before! Secret plane! If we are able to dig up any remnants, then our lives in future would be without a worry. Also, we might even be able to advance into official Magi!"

After saying the last line, the acolyte in the middle show signs of longing and jealousy.

"If you are unwilling to, then you can very well return! Look at Marie, she hasn't said a word!"

"Alright! Alright!"

The acolyte behind stopped talking, seemingly agreeing with the logic of the acolyte in the middle.

Afterall, he and Marie were level 2 acolytes. Their standing was below that of the level 3 acolyte in the middle.

"That's right, we also need to…." The acolyte in the middle suddenly pointed ahead without finishing his sentence, "Look quickly! What's that?"

On a patch of empty ground in front of them, a grey robed Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolyte was looking back at them with frightened eyes. In his eyes, there was even a purple flower with spikes. From the centre of the flower, there were several strands of feelers which extended to the ground.

Seeing the group of three come over, this Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolyte was obviously frightened as he ran away quickly.

"An Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolyte! A level 1 acolyte at that! He's carrying a… Wolf Whisker Flower?"

The acolyte's mouth in the middle gaped open and it seemed like several eggs could be stuffed in it.

"Kill it! The Wolf Whisker Flower's is a valuable ingredient worth close to 1000 magic crystals!"

The level 3 acolyte roared and gave chase directly.

* Xiu Xiu! * The level 2 acolyte behind him was even quicker. A gust of green whirlwind appeared around his body, increasing his speed by multiple folds as he rushed towards the direction of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolyte.

"Argh! Damn it! Did I not say not to use it until the most critical moment?"

The level 3 acolyte slapped his forehead, and then he hugged Marie with an arm, "Hold tight, I'm increasing my speed!"

"Put down the Wolf Whisker Flower!" The level 2 acolyte spared no effort in chasing and shouting until his throat turned hoarse from the excitement.

"This is only a level 1 acolyte. I will definitely be able to kill him. The Wolf Whisker Flower!"

At this moment, a seed of insatiable greed and longing sprouted in the young acolyte's heart.

"What do you want to do?"

Just when the young acolyte's thoughts went astray, the leader brought Marie and caught up to him.

"No! Nothing!" Seeing the cold gaze in the leader's eyes, the young acolyte seemed to have his face splashed by cold water. All the desires disappeared in a flash.

"Don't let him hide inside the shrubberies!" The level 3 acolyte commanded.

"Alright!"

The young acolyte steadied his heart and chased the acolyte in front of them.

100 metres!

50 metres!

30 metres!

20 metres!

10 metres!

The distance between both parties got smaller, until the point where the young acolyte could see his enemy's frightened face.

"Wolf Whisker Flower! The Wolf Whisker Flower is ours now! Even if we divide it by 3, there are at least several hundreds of magic crystals each!

The young acolyte held a fervent gaze, and looking at the escaping acolyte in front of him, in the same way as he would to innumerable magic crystals.

Just as the trio caught up with the escaping acolyte, an explosion occurred.

* Boom!!! *

Discovering Jayden

A violent explosion sounded, and the bright yellow tongue of the flames spread in all directions, burning the nearby ground to scorch dark.

At the middle of the explosion, at this moment, there was a pit which was 1 metre deep and several metres wide.

Dust and mud flew up, and the surrounding earth had black smears of blood, broken limbs and internal organs were strewn across which had lost most of its original appearance. After costing Leylin some effort, he finally managed to rummage through them and picked up a few badges.

"A level 3 acolyte and two level 2 acolyte! A pretty good reward! Using an explosive potion as a triggering trap is indeed useful!"

Leylin was rather satisfied with his battle results. This was one of his few plans – using the Shapeshifting spell to pass off as a level 1 acolyte, baiting and luring enemy acolytes into a trap.

With the detection of the A.I. Chip, several times Leylin's 'hunt' was flawless, and did not suffer from any interference.

"Almost there!" Leylin kept the badges well.

He had to collect enough badges before the enemy united as a whole, and then hide until the battle was over.

For this goal, after Leylin used the Shapeshifting spell and Ground Spear once to kill an acolyte, he began to avoid using his own spiritual force and magic power. Instead, he relied on potions and scrolls to battle, preserving his condition to the fullest in times of need.

After cleaning up the area slightly, Leylin hurriedly left the place.

Not long later, a male and female acolyte appeared in the vicinity.

Looking at the obvious traces of an explosion, and the bits and remains of the Whitewoods Castle uniform, this time, the female acolyte's face darkened.

"I want to kill him! Then hang his head on my horse carriage for 100 days!"

The female acolyte clenched her teeth.

"You will have this chance very soon! We are getting closer and closer to this conniving acolyte…."

Silver-Clawed Saurun half knelt on the ground, and picked up a stalk of grass with sludge on it, before placing it into his mouth.

"However, I admire his courage. He actually dares to obstruct our acolytes!"

"Enough of the nonsense! Have you found him?"

The female acolyte asked.

"Over there!" Saurun chewed on the blade of grass and closed his eyes for a moment. He then pointed to a direction and the both of them immediately headed in that direction.

In a dense forest, on a withered tree with three branches sat a grey robed figure. His stature was rather short, as he looked up at the sky.

"Dusk is coming!" Leylin muttered.

In the secret plane, there was neither the sun nor the moon, and not even any stars. However, the peculiar thing was that the bright sky would be strewn with white rays of light. At night, these rays of light would disappear, which distinguished between morning and night.

It seems like there was a layer of a barrier which blocked the sun and moon at the same time.

"After a whole day, I have only received these much!"

Leylin counted the contribution points he had gotten.

In his hands rested 6 badges. Amongst these, 5 of them were from level 2 acolytes, and 1 from a level 3 acolyte, which was the contribution of the trio's leader from before.

It was extremely easy to distinguish between a level 2 acolyte and level 3 acolyte due the shape.

"According to the academy rules, an enemy level 2 acolyte is worth 3 contribution points while a level 3 acolyte is worth 10 contribution points. Those famous acolytes are separately categorised. Right now, I have at most 25 contribution points, just half of what I need to exchange for the Grine Water."

Leylin's face was rather solemn.

Although Leylin had gotten 25 contribution points in a day, it was because that the enemy acolytes were scattered across the secret plane and have not yet gathered.

After a day and night, the acolytes in the other two factions would have definitely gathered. After forming a large army they would surround the acolytes of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

Under those circumstances, Leylin could barely protect his life, let alone obtain more badges from them.

Under the ordeal from the war previously, Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's casualty was extremely disastrous. They simply did not have time to nurture a new batch of elite forces to go against the opposing two factions.

Moreover, if one walks the dark path often they will meet a ghost someday.1 Leylin did not believe that his simple trap could always work.

"If it really isn't plausible, I might have to give up!"

Leylin's expression was determined. He was not someone to throw away his life for a little benefit.

Even if his will was to become the king in the Magus World, which was with the prerequisite of preserving his life. If not, even if he had everything but lost his life, what was the purpose of it?

"A.I. Chip! Maintain detection area! Report immediately if there are any problems!"

After issuing the A.I. Chip the role of a sentry, he dug a hole in the ground behind the tree for disguise purposes, before sleeping inside the hollow of the tree.

The acolytes of the 3 academies had to stay inside the secret plane for 3 days and 2 nights. Although the physical weariness can be overcome by various potions and methods, the mental fortitude was not that simple to replenish.

Thankfully, Leylin had the A.I. Chip, and could let it act as a sentry. It would do a great job with its ability.

Darkness blanketed the trees, time to time there were the cries of little worms.

In the hollow of the tree, Leylin shut his eyes. First, he meditated, before falling into deep slumber.

This was not a silent night. In the secret plane, various battles unfolded. Many colourful and enrapturing rank 0 spells were cast by the acolytes. Ambushes, reverse traps, beauty traps and the shrewd plotting were endless. Many young acolytes left their lives in this secret plane.

Of course, all these had nothing to do with Leylin.

The second day, when the sky was filled with radiant light, the hollow of a tree shook, and a huge hole appeared. Within it, Leylin walked out.

The power of nature was immense. After a night, many traces of blood diminished, and the various plants and animal tracks covered a huge amount of the intense battle marks left on the ground.

Leylin casually stretched and looked at the hollow of the large tree.

Leylin remembered clearly that he only made this opening last night. However, it was gradually mending back into whole. Leylin even discovered a few green coloured sprouts nearby the opening.

"It seems like the flora and fauna in this magical plane has vitality much higher than the physical world!"

Leylin stroked his chin and stretched his hand to pick a budding sprout with morning dew on it. "A.I. Chip! Scan the composition and record!"

[Beep! Comparing to the plant database. An abnormality is found!]

The A.I. Chip's voice intoned. In front of Leylin was a green and light blue image overlapping. Moreover, in the centre of the image, was a red area that seemed like an octopus which was spreading its tentacles.

"Record composition!" Leylin ordered.

"Who knows if there'll be a use in future?" Leylin comforted himself, and then began to pick a few more plants and herbs for recording purposes.

[Warning! Warning! There is an extremely strong radiation coming from 523m in the Southeast. Primarily determined as acolytes using rank 0 spells!]

Just when Leylin was picking out a green leaf with red veins, the alert from the A.I. Chip sounded.

"A chance!" Leylin's eyes flashed.

Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle were allies. Their acolytes wouldn't fight with the other, so if there was any battle, it definitely involved Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolytes!

"With the A.I. Chip detection, I'm not afraid of being cornered if I am more cautious!"

Leylin patted his chest. Under the grey robes inner layer, a solid pendant lay against his chest.

"Or maybe, it's time to test the might of the Fallen Star Pendant!"

Leylin whipped his grey robes up and concealed himself as he headed towards where the battle was.

* Boom! *

As he got closer, Leylin could feel the intensity of the radiation from the spells. This degree could only be produced by a level 3 acolyte. Moreover, it belonged to one of the stronger acolytes.

Towards the enemy level 3 acolyte which had a chance of advancing into a Magus before 20, Abyssal Bone Forest Academy opened a sky-high reward for it. They bumped the value up from 20 to 100 contribution points.

This is to say, if Leylin managed to pull this feat off, not only could he exchange it for Grine Water, he might even be able to exchange for a rank 1 defensive spell model.

However, Leylin's legs halted, having a strong desire suddenly to leave.

To him, one Grine Water was enough for him to use in his experiments. The rest were just unnecessary, and it was not worth it to fight against these level 3 acolytes.

Moreover, there was another concern on his mind

Although the bounties of those popular level 3 acolyte were high, there were always professors behind them. Moreover, their respective professors would have definitely spent countless efforts on them.

Even if Leylin used his toe to think, he could definitely ascertain that the Magi have laid spells on their apprentices. The moment he kills one of them, his appearance and other information would be known by the Magus.

In front of an official Magus, the Shapeshifting spell was obsolete!

Even if Chairmen Siley protected Leylin after the bloodbath, he did not want to be drawing all the unwanted attentions to him and even be marked by an official Magus.

All in all, the risk was too great, yet the benefit was too little. Leylin would rather look for some level 2 acolyte or weary level 3 acolyte to kill than to invoke the wrath of those geniuses.

He did not hesitate to turn around.

Suddenly, a male voice sounded, "Haha! Jayden! You have finally landed in my hands!"

"Jayden?!" Leylin's footsteps halted, and turned back.

The location of the battle was in the middle of some trees. And the trees right now have already been destroyed, showing a large clearing.

Leylin stealthily hid to watch the battle.

In the centre of the clearing, Jayden who wore a hunter's attire was half kneeling on the ground. There were even vines coiling around him, acting as armour.

In front of him, a black-robed, male figure let out a maniacal laughter.

1. Refers to people who, when they do bad things often, will definitely have a bad ending.