Fallen Star Pendant

Unknowingly, two years had passed ever since the Dark Night Woods were rid of the withering curse. It was already the summer of the third year since Leylin went on his academy quest.

At present, inside a spacious and luxurious bedroom was a full-length mirror.

The mirror was taller than a regular person and was ornamented with black metal leaves which differed from its white birch wood. A large variety of different colored gems were also embedded along its edges, making it look quite extravagant.

At this moment, a 17-year-old young man wearing a red swallow-tail coat was standing in front of this mirror. Behind him were a few maids, who were busy straightening out their master's attire.

Once the servants tidied him up, the lord waved his right hand and sent the maids away, leaving him alone in the room.

This young noble judged his reflected figure with a half-smile.

He had dark brown hair of medium length, and his blood-red slit eyes contrasted with his pale skin. His features showed a kind of maturity and vigor that would cause any girl to fall in love at first sight. Finally, his tall stature of 2.03 meters and flawless bodybuilder physique made it seem as if he was at least 25 despite his real age being much lower.

This was the authentic complexion of a particular Baron.

"Well, I certainly don't remember being nearly half as muscular when I turned 30 in my past life. I doubt that using my Seductive Aura would even be necessary to have my way with any of the braindead females out there." -Said the youth out loud.

Time was the most incisive weapon. It turned babies into old people and created barren deserts by drying up seas. Even if a person was a Magus, they could only extend their lives through artificial means for so long. In spite of them living for several thousands of years, they still could not evade the slow corrosion of time on their health.

However, Leylin was not at all bothered by the inconveniences of aging. Thanks to the Mankestre Snake DNA, his cells would rejuvenate naturally. The process had its limitations of course, but it would no longer be a problem once he achieved true immortality.

[That's because you had not practiced and mastered a Grand Knight Technique back on Earth. Also, I think you're forgetting the fact that you possess crimson reptile eyes. I don't think that qualifies as good-looking in this world's male beauty standards.] -Noted a digitized female voice.

'Whatever. It's not like I care for appearances or women as something beyond a petty affair. What I do care for though, is getting stronger. And I have abused Jackon's technique until there were no additional benefits for me to obtain. Thanks to my mitotic regeneration and Grand Knight Status, I can now probably fight against most level 3 acolytes without using any magic and still win.'

Leylin's smirk widened at the idea. A second later his cold expression returned.

[But that is not enough for you, is it, Doctor?]

'Not by a long shot. My healing factor may be an incredibly useful trump card, but it falls short when it comes to duels between Magi. That spirit body was an exception due to him being an absolute fool just like his pupil. But the sour reality is that when a truly capable opponent stands in my way, I cannot simply wish to rely on a passive healing skill to claim victory.'

'No, I must be thorough and stockpile as many trump cards as I can. That is the only way to guarantee my survival. Even if I am defeated in the future, I don't give a fuck. The game only ends when I'm dead, and I shall do anything to prevent that. Besides, there's no compelling reason to stop me from getting more power right now.'

[So... basically, if you can't trust a specific power to work on your enemy, you bring a dozen of them to the equation and push for the raw probability advantage?]

'Yes. That is an oversimplification of my line of thought, but yes.'

"Master, your transport is ready and waiting for you in the courtyard." -Outside the bedroom, Anna's dutiful call was heard.

"I had better get going. Wouldn't want to keep the mightiest cripple in the Poolfield Kingdom waiting. He likes to spit at people when he gets angry." -Leylin muttered sardonically before he cast Transfiguration on himself and left his estate with his bodyguards.

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A four-horse carriage escorted by 10 mounted Knights moved rapidly across the streets of Extreme Night City.

Once they caught sight of the banners these men were flying, every citizen or soldier got out of the caravan's path and bowed, as it had been their force of habit for the past years. They all directed respectful and fearful gazes at this party.

In the cabin of the carriage, there was only Leylin. He was lying comfortably against a velvety goose feather cushion. His left hand was laid on its side, revealing a strange pendant on his palm.

The pendant was shaped to resemble a silver cross. On its surface were a few rubies and sapphires which glittered in the light, giving off a faint glow.

When Leylin stared at this rare pendant, a satisfied grin was drawn upon his face.

'According to my calculations, with the Stellar Alloy as the centerpiece of the device and the support of various other arcane minerals I have bought during my visits to different Magi trading hubs, this prototype of the Elven magic artifact has already been perfectly synthesized.'

This pendant was something that Leylin had painstakingly crafted by following the instructions in the brief yet invaluable chapter on mystical devices in Sage Lowian's Academy Teachings.

The earlier portions of the ancient volume were only suitable for rookie acolytes, with many travels and adventures recorded down. Otherwise, Leylin could never have purchased the page at an extremely low price.

Nevertheless and much to Leylin's fortune, it had gone completely unnoticed by the shopkeeper at Ellinel Market that hidden within these pages was the secret template to access a greater source of power.

Fallen Star Pendant. This was the name of the magic artifact recipe Leylin had obtained. According to the Lowian Academy Teachings, this Fallen Star Pendant was of a defensive nature. Compared to the ubiquitous attack-type magic artifacts, its value was intrinsically much higher. Even an official Magus would be interested in it.

After carefully reviewing the ingredients and manufacturing formula for the pendant, Leylin had immediately decided that he had to synthesize it no matter what.

Even though the spells of acolytes were rather destructive, their low defense capabilities had always been an issue. Only by turning into an official Magus and being able to create an innate defensive spell, could there be an actual formation constantly protecting oneself against a high-tiered foe's magic.

Reaching that level of battle proficiency was merely the first step in order to be considered an awe-inspiring Magus.

As for the run-of-the-mill acolytes, they could lose their lives at any time from sneak attacks. Those nameless acolytes who had previously entered the withering woods with Leylin were the best illustrations of this case.

Although they were able to cast destructive Rank 0 spells, due to the Mankestre Snake's great physical stats, they had all perished due to their lack of defensive means.

Once he had synthesized the Fallen Star Pendant, coupled with his elixirs and mitotic regeneration, Leylin's protection capabilities would be near to a significant fraction of the defense an official Magus had.

Moreover, the Fallen Star Pendant's force field could be activated passively, just like the healing factor of the Mankestre Snake. As long as the opponent's attack power did not exceed the threshold of the Fallen Star Pendant, and its energy was not completely depleted, Leylin would be virtually impervious to any potential damage.

'If not for the underground magic crystal deposit little Alfonse was so generous to relinquish to me, the sheer number of costly materials and ingredients required to assemble the pendant would've overwhelmed my finances and driven me to ruin within a single year...'

'My expenditures rose to about 18,650 crystals, but I have succeeded in building the general artifact. However, my work is not done yet. According to the Lowian Academy Teachings, this is only an incomplete product. The core of the Fallen Star Pendant has already been finished. What's left is just the final step…'

Glancing at the silver cross in his hands, Leylin saw that it glowed with a broad range of different hues. On its surface were inscribed several enigmatic designs, and altogether it seemed like a mystical art piece.

'As for the final ingredient, I have it with me already. I am just waiting to gather the necessary research to guarantee a fully integrated device with 100% functionality, as well as the opportune moment so I can initiate the spiritual awakening for the Fallen Star Pendant.'

Leylin gripped the device and then he slid it under his shirt. Covered by his clothes, no one would ever suspect that he possessed an arcane item that could ignite the greed in even the noblest of hearts.

[Sorry to burst your bubble, but I have just completed the analysis of the Tears of Mary ancient potion formula. In a nutshell, we're back to square one. Same as you, I was unable to discern any significant patterns that could give away the missing piece of the puzzle regarding this formula.] -Dejectedly informed Aralis.

Leylin appeared as if his thoughts circled his mind rapidly.

'I can only assume that my initial conjecture was wrong from the very beginning. What if this formula has nothing to do with spirit bodies? Admittedly, I still had a lot of fun torturing that pathetic dung who claimed to be Serholm, but I did it for the chief purpose of cracking the formula in order to adjust it to my convenience, and then brew it.'

"Halt." -The coachman's voice traveled from the front. The horse carriage jerked imperceptibly, as it came to a full stop.

"My Lord, we've arrived at the Viscount's castle." -Reported the servant.

'We'll get back to the Tears of Mary issue later. Right now, I have business to sort out.'

Leylin was organizing his inner thoughts as he walked out of the carriage's door. In front of him were the main gates of the stronghold.

The city lord's residence was still the same; just as imposing and dignified as before. However, there was a notable distinction from when Leylin had visited Jackson to be awarded for his service.

Rows of spear-wielding soldiers on both sides of the entrance were posted facing each other. Their gaze never wavered, appearing formidable. These troops were those formerly known as Roran Hawks. By now, Leylin had already fully integrated his men into the City Guard.

As Leylin made his way through the castle and into the Viscount's tower with his elite squadron, he was showered with the submissive greetings of everyone he passed by.

Guard, servant, or aristocracy, they all knew who was the ruler of these lands in all but name.

"Lord Leylin. We finally see each other face to face!" -Bellowed Jackson as soon as his friend had entered his chambers. He coughed afterward since his throat was a bit sore.

The Farlier Baron walked with a relaxed stride to the bed of the Viscount, and it was hard for him to contain his laughter the moment he laid eyes on the once-proud Grand Knight.

He was dressed in a blue tunic and his hair looked extremely greasy, even though it was cut and washed by his maid staff. Furthermore, it was now completely white, instead of the black mane with gray flecks from before. His face too resembled that of a geezer, and the menacing aura of his prime was replaced by the cold embrace of depression and self-loathe. The Viscount could very well be mistaken for a terminal patient in a palliative care ward.

This was because once an ordinary Knight had reached the level of Grand Knight and then suffered a life-threatening injury, there was a chance the inner life energy of the person would become corrupted. It essentially meant that the power which Jackson used to brag about in his dinner parties had backfired, and changed him into a decrepit vegetable.

Such was the prominent risk of advancing the Knight cultivation path. In fact, Leylin's ancestor who founded the Farlier Noble House had met the same fate back in the Chernobyl Islands.

"My Lord, I am glad to see you again. How long has it been? Three...? No, four months since I last had a chat with you." -Leylin replied in his trademark fake gentlemanly demeanor, as he bowed his head.

"You've been keeping busy... Or so I've heard." -The Viscount's attitude turned serious in a moment.

"Indeed. There's a myriad of important topics that require a Magus' attention. Coincidentally, that is why I have come to speak with you today." -Leylin said nonchalantly as he sat down on a chair, dismissing the hidden message of Jackson's words.

Jackon burst into a raucous laugh right then and there.

"So, are you here to tell me that you're leaving my city? Is your mission complete at last?" -Jackson's voice once more went from jovial to stern in an instant.

"Is there a particular reason why you are talking to me with this kind of rudeness? It is I who saved your city from disaster." -Leylin pretended to feel offended and even brought a hand to his chest.

"You're right, Lord Leylin. You saved it by massacring innocents left and right. By imposing your own tyrannical laws just to hide your foul schemes. And by kidnapping my people for your own perverse goals...! What? You believed I would not find out?! Even though I am no longer a warrior, I still have my wits and contacts!" -Jackson yelled, and a thunderous charge of footsteps was heard outside the chambers.

A group of 25 men stormed into the bedroom at that point. Among them were the 10 bodyguards of the Farlier Baron.

"Don't just stand there, arrest this degenerate! I, your Viscount, command you!" -Jackson ordered the group of Knights, but no one made a move.

"Why waste your breath when you're in such a dire condition. See, these men would never follow the orders of a disgusting kinslayer. Everyone knows you tried to have your son killed; that you've gone mad from all this time of being prostrated in that bed... Or so they say in the taverns..." -Leylin's smirk did not falter, as he used a dagger he took from the back of his belt to cut a piece of the Viscount's sheets.

Jackson's eyes widened in shock and bewilderment, but Leylin did not allow him to say anything else before he continued.

"The so-called agent who has been supplying you with 'vital' information was actually me using Transfigurating magic. Quite a handy spell to have, honestly. Your real spy has been dead for more than a year. He was not very deft at concealing his true allegiance." -Revealed Leylin, as he put the rag in the Viscount's mouth forcefully.

It was done with such strength, that some of Jackson's frontal teeth were broken and pushed inside his mouth.

"When I found out about your pretensions to topple my administration of this city, I had decided that instead of murdering you swiftly, I would corner you into a beautifully crafted trap. Turns out it went exactly as I had planned, and with almost no effort at that. Child's play."

Leylin then poured himself a drink from the wine cabinet in the bedroom, as every guard traced his movements with their eyes. They were itching to carry out the execution of their former leader.

"But that is not even the best part, little Jackson. Since your beloved son Ulisses became my student, it was extremely convenient for me so that I could brainwash him into being my acquiescent puppet. He should be arriving at the castle as we speak. It is only logical that he should be here to publicly denounce your crimes of treason to the Crown and attempted homicide of his lone heir."

"Seriously, what kind of an idiot tries to backstab the person who has been friends with his son for so long, without first making sure the kid is on his side? I suspect you have actually gone mad from all that yelling at your maids so they can wipe your shit." -Leylin mocked.

Jackson started to twitch his head around, and he felt desperate for being paralyzed from the neck down more than he ever was. Leylin just chuckled inside his cup.

"I am sure those pretentious aristocrats at the capital will thank Ulisses for replacing the old and decaying Viscount who always failed to deliver the tax payments on schedule. Given how all of the city officials are on my payroll, they will offer the Count a favorable testimony about your son's qualifications as the new governor of Extreme Night..."

Leylin then walked closer to the window and admired the view.

"Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you. I took the liberty to add sodomy to your list of transgressions. Rumor on the streets is that Viscount Jackson enjoys a night of fucking a big fat chicken with his limp dick, hahahaha!"

The gagged man started to scream but his voice was muffled by the fabric in his mouth. Tears began streaming down his cheeks.

"Don't worry, little Jackson. You can die with the knowledge that your son will be a competent and wise ruler in your stead. After all, he was taught by me. How could he possibly turn out bad?" -Leylin stood up and then he flashed the Viscount an even more sadistic grin.

Forthwith, the Farlier Baron did a sideways glance directed at his soldiers.

"Be that as it may, I have grown tired of this parasite leeching off of the honest work we do every day for this region. Drag this sack of potatoes to the kennels and then feed him to his own dogs. That way, his death will at least have a degree of significance."

"Yes, my Lord!" -The Knights responded in unison, as they coordinated to open the doors and grab the Viscount by his limbs.

Just as the group went past Leylin, he put his cup down on a table and leaned to whisper into Jackson's ear.

"I would butcher you personally, but striking a helpless old cripple would be unbecoming of a respected noble. Can't have my good name stained like that, now can I?"

The Viscount did not stop screaming at the top of his lungs and jerking his neck in all directions, but he was powerless to escape or even make his anguish known to the world.

And thus, Leylin's men trailed off into the halls of the castle with a horrified and broken Jackson.

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Two hours later, the proceedings to strip Jackson of his title and make Ulisses his successor was completed. Leylin also took the chance to bequeath his lands and title of Baron to the new Viscount since he would be leaving soon.

However, Lord Ulisses was not going to put any pressure on his master so that he would vacate his estate. Leylin could take his time and go back to the academy on a date of his choosing.

'And with that, my last act as Baron of this city is done.'

[So, it's back to Abyssal Bone Forest?] -Inquired Aralis.

'Not quite yet. There are still a few loose ends I ought to tie up before my departure from this country.' -Leylin thought, as he smirked in anticipation.