Participation

After listening to Leylin's reply, Merlin's smile grew even wider. "How fortunate for you. I just happen to have a clue about the location of a possible Golden Age remnant. I plan to venture forth myself. Thus, I would invite you to join my party of explorers. Naturally, you would have a proportional share of the loot, whatever it may be, depending on what you choose to invest in our expedition…" -He added before he drank a sip of wine from his cup.

"Dear Merlin, you would actually dare to go outside the academy? Putting your life at risk for such an insignificant matter… I wouldn't presume to ask this of you." -Leylin masterfully feigned concern over his former senior.

He was equal parts amused and surprised. In the eyes of an outsider, Merlin was the murderer of Torash the Lightning Viper. The hatred held by the enemy official Magi was already locked onto him, yet he still dared leave to prospect ancient ruins.

After hearing Leylin's words, Merlin's face darkened. "I will kill that old geezer sooner or later. I'll turn his corpse into a specimen and keep it in my lab."

[What a bunch of nonsense.] -Aralis chimed in, and her Master could not help but silently agree.

After cursing, Merlin then explained to Leylin. "The power of the Lighthouse of the Night is still formidable. Under the mediation of that Lord Magus, neither Sage Gotham's Hut nor Whitewoods Castle would dare to exact revenge hastily; not unless they wish to be destroyed."

"I see. You speak true, my friend." -Leylin's cold eyes flashed with cunning as he guessed Merlin's intentions.

The older acolyte continued. "With the passing of time, I will be subjected to more and more threats. I need to grow stronger if I want to survive. My current situation is already filled with constant dangers. Hence, for this, I have to retaliate somehow to ensure myself the ability to protect my life. The peace treaty between the warring factions was agreed at a span of 20 years. If I cannot advance before that time, I am as good as dead."

As part of his pretense, a deep sense of realization dawned on Leylin's face. "Indeed. To defend against an official Magus, one would only have the ability after becoming an official Magus himself. Once you become an official Magus, why would you still be afraid of the enemy's retaliation?"

A longing expression streaked across Merlin's face as he nodded his head — Leylin's train of thought was correct.

The protection of the academy and the professors were external factors, which could be removed at any given time. Only the strength that belongs to oneself is the most reliable factor.

After quickly understanding the situation and getting the measure of Merlin's goal, Leylin slowly reclined in his chair. Compared to Merlin who sat like a skittish bookworm, his posture was that of a veteran warrior discussing battle plans.

"So then, I have two questions. Where are the remnants? And why me?"

Merlin inhaled a lungful of air and knew that if he did not reveal any information, Leylin would naturally not take the bait.

"I cannot reveal the location of the remnants. However, I can tell you the general location. It's near the Zither Moon Mountain Plains..."

Upon speaking these four words, Leylin's pupils contracted, yet very soon he recollected himself. This change, which happened which a fraction of a second, went completely unnoticed by Merlin.

"As for why I sought you out?" Merlin smiled wryly. "The Zither Moon Mountain Plains is littered with poisonous plants and miasma. Another Potioneering acolyte needs to come along, to ensure the group's safety… Right now, the only person in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy who both meets these characteristics and whom I could trust with such privileged information, is you."

Leylin stared blankly at his former senior. He recalled that the total number of acolytes in the academy barely amounted to 50.

Back when Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had thousands of acolytes, there were plenty of Potioneering acolytes around. Hence, Merlin could take his time choosing his options for the mission.

However, after the Bloodbath, Merlin's choice was extremely limited, so much so that the only option left was Leylin. Not to mention, that Leylin was probably the most skilled Potioneer in the academy, barring the professors.

'Although I don't know for certain if the remnants that Merlin mentions were left behind by the Great Magus Serholm, since that old vengeful spirit had found clues to it, it's well within reason that Merlin had discovered something too…'

Schemes and countermeasures spun in Leylin's head. He was absolutely sure of his course of action. Yet on the surface, he looked hesitant.

"The war has just ended. Right now it's too dangerous to leave the academy. Is it really worth the risk?" -Leylin took the liberty to bite his lower lip to add more realism to his 'fearful junior' act.

"According to my sources, the remnants are of an official Magus. There could very well be information and resources on advancing into an official Magus. Isn't that what you need right now? Moreover, as long as you agree to participate, the reward aspects…"

After looking at Leylin's expression, Merlin felt hurried to bring Leylin on board. Hence, he continued to elaborate, even adding a few bargaining chips.

Leylin put on a struggling expression, finally agreeing to give it some thought over a couple of moments.

After seeing Leylin act like this, Merlin could only consent. Apparently, Leylin seemed to be somewhat moved by his greed toward the end.

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It was early in the morning when Leylin and Merlin rode on two black horses each, leaving the compound of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy under the rays of the dawning sun.

Before leaving, Leylin looked at the distant graveyard of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy for one last time.

The gray granite construction seemed to be littered with cracks, as before. However, it might just have been a misconception, but those cracks were seemingly smaller now. It was as if this massive graveyard was a living organism amidst the process of recovery.

'The next time I return, there will surely be many changes...'

After that last glance at the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, Leylin disappeared into the dark forest.

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Five days later, within the Poolfield Kingdom, on the outskirts of a province in the west.

On the road, 3 acolytes were waiting. As these people looked away into the distance, two figures on horseback appeared on the horizon.

Those two riders stopped in front of the 3 people, revealing the countenance that belonged to Leylin and another unfamiliar acolyte.

"Leylin, let me introduce to you, this is Lord Bosain, from the Lilytell family." -The stranger's voice belonged to Merlin, as he introduced them to Leylin. To avoid trouble, Merlin had masked his appearance. "Also, this is Shaya and Roth."

Merlin introduced the group to Leylin. Bosain had golden bright hair and wore silver robes — appearing dressed very grandly. If not for the acolyte-level energy waves, Leylin would even think that it was some professor who joined Merlin's group.

However, Merlin specially emphasized on the 'Lord' honorific and the explanation on the Lilytell family, giving Leylin an accurate idea of this individual's status.

"Lilytell family. One of the three families backing Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, where every generation has produced at least one official Magus." -Leylin tried to get more information out of them.

"In addition, the position of Chairman of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy is currently held by one of our members." -Bosain added, pride evident on his face.

"Which is to say, Lord Bosain could have direct access to high-grade meditation techniques!" -Leylin outwardly displayed a shocked expression with a tinge of envy, satisfying the ego of Bosain. However deep down, he had some calculating and villainous thoughts.

As for Shaya, she was a fire-haired female acolyte, reminding Leylin of Neela. Ever since his return to the academy, he hadn't seen Neela once. She could be dead, or perhaps she did not receive the academy's notice. There was also the possibility that she abandoned the academy and escaped.

Not that Leylin cared, for that matter.

As for the last member of the small party — Roth — he was the archetype male of the West. His stature was tall and big, taller than Leylin by half a head, his face containing a simple and honest expression.

However, Leylin did not dare to be careless around him, or any of the others. Acolytes who could survive in the Bloodbath were not simple characters. Moreover, these 3 people had the energy waves of level 3 acolytes. Bosain and Shaya even had the aura of magic artifacts on their body, as detected by Aralis.

"Greetings. My name is Leylin Farlier, a Potioneering acolyte from humble origins, and a level 3 acolyte like you. I shall endeavor to do everything in my power to ensure that our quest may prove successful." -Leylin introduced himself to the rest as he did his trademark gentlemanly bow.

"The Zither Moon Mountain Plains is definitely a perilous region. Fortunately for us, we have you watching our backs. I have heard of your reputation being only lower to our Potioneering genius Merlin. I believe that you can ensure the logistics and safety of this group." -Bosain smiled amiably at Leylin, giving a feeling of warmth.

"I'll try my best for sure." -Leylin nodded his head and gave an earnest smile.

"Alright! It's getting late, let's set off!" -Bosain called. Obviously, this was now his expedition and Merlin was demoted to just another member.

Leylin nodded his head, and the five of them began their journey.

However, deep down, Leylin was doing all sorts of planning regarding on what to do next. Bosain's identity would settle the group dynamics and it could prove to be troublesome for Leylin's agenda if not handled accordingly.

As if noticing something, Merlin engaged in a private conversation to explain to Leylin.

"Bosain and the rest found out about my plans incidentally and insisted on joining. For this reason, he did not hesitate to keep the truth from his own family members and his professor, and sneaked out of the academy." -Merlin smiled wryly. "You know it as well, I am unable to refuse him."

For the big families behind the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, it was the most dangerous period right now since the war ended. Bosain, as the successor of one of the Houses supporting Abyssal Bone Forest, he always had to remain inside the academy compound for his own security.

However, now he did not even bring a bodyguard, which indicated that this was a covert operation. Even his family did not know of his destination.

Concerning this, Leylin could only smirk darkly and be more wary of his surroundings, with a few wicked ideas in mind.

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The Zither Moon Mountain Plains was situated on the western borders of the Poolfield Kingdom. It was the boundary between Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and Sage Gotham's Hut.

These two forces had just ended a huge war and Merlin even carried a blood debt since he killed the enemy's genius. Once this party was discovered, they would definitely have problems.

No matter if it was Leylin or Merlin, or Bosain and the rest, they were all intelligent and conscientious people. Moreover, at crucial moments, they had the courage to fight for their lives.

Along the way, the five of them changed their traveling outfits into those of young noble masters and mistress, continuously journeying along the western borders.

Without a doubt, it wouldn't be inaccurate to say that knowledge and power were wielded in the hands of nobles. In the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, most acolytes were born of nobility and had no need to learn how to dress as one.

This was why the five of them dressed as nobility. Their disposition was naturally formed, if they were to dress as someone else, they would definitely be noticed.

During this period, Leylin tried to get closer to the other 3 acolytes. Not out of the wish to forge lasting frienships mind you, but rather to gradually earn their trust. It would make it easier for him to manipulate them later.

Shaya and Roth were rather friendly. The most important factor was that Leylin was also a level 3 acolyte. Moreover, he was acknowledged by them for having talent in Potioneering. They quickly warmed up to the Farlier heir.

As for Bosain, he was more of a challenge. He had the behavior of being an elite among magicians. Refined and courteous, yet arrogant to the skies. He had the deceitful characteristics of the nobility, so he appeared somewhat indifferent towards Leylin and the other acolytes.

Leylin felt that once he spoke of any information regarding the high-grade meditation technique, he would definitely gain the attention of Bosain.

However, even if that was the case, after many days of being together with them, Leylin had determined their mental weaknesses. These, he would certainly exploit.