Chapter 23 : Withering Woods

A/N : If you want to support me or early access to chapters, consider becoming a patreón: patreón.com/keetarp.

★TDG FF has Early Access till Chapter 83.

★WMW FF(rewrite ) has Early Access till Chapter 27.

★WMW DL has Early Access till Chapter 43.

Join my community, accessible to all readers, discuss ideas, get updates and share photos and comments—https://www.patrèon.com/chats/f10f809d279243e9a68849812a04ff8e

Do remember to edit the ' è ' in the link.

...

In the dimly lit training hall of Leylin Manor, seven boys, aged between ten and twelve, sat cross-legged on the wooden floor, their eyes shut in concentration.

Their breathing was steady, and beads of sweat trickled down their foreheads as they practiced the Serpent Blood Refinement Technique, a powerful knight meditation method passed down by their lord and taught under the guidance of Knight Greem.

The air was thick with a faint energy, a subtle aura generated by the boys' intense focus and the lingering effects of the Life Nourishing Potion they had consumed over the past months.

Leylin Farlier, the true master of the manor and an enigmatic figure for all inhabitants of the manor, sat comfortably on a grand master's chair. His sharp eyes, filled with wisdom and cold calculation, observed the young trainees. (Image)

Behind him stood Knight Greem, a grizzled veteran who had served Leylin with unwavering loyalty, and Fraser, another loyal subordinate who handled most of the manor's external affairs.

The boys' progress was undeniable. In just a few months, thanks to Leylin's meticulously crafted regimen of enhanced nutrition, relentless physical training, and the assistance of the Life Nourishing Potion, their physical bodies and life essence had undergone a remarkable transformation.

Today, for the first time, Leylin had chosen to personally oversee their meditation session and address any doubts they might have.

One of the more courageous boys, with short brown hair and a determined expression, hesitantly raised his hand. "Milord, during the Serpent Blood Refinement, I sometimes feel a burning sensation in my veins. Is this normal?"

Leylin's gaze shifted to the boy, his expression calm and composed. "The burning sensation you feel is a sign that your blood is adapting to the refinement process. The technique strengthens your body by simulating the vitality of a serpent, but your current physique is still too weak to handle the energy flow. Continue meditating and focus on steady breathing to guide the energy through your bloodstream, you can use morning dew herb to relieve the discomfort if unbearable. In time, your body will adapt."

The boy nodded solemnly, absorbing the advice. Another boy, with a leaner frame and sharp eyes, spoke up. "Master, I often struggle to maintain my focus during the meditation. My mind wanders, and I lose control over the energy flow."

Leylin's lips curled into a faint smile. "Your mind is not yet disciplined enough. Before your meditation session, practice a breathing technique to calm your thoughts. Visualize the flow of energy as a serpent slithering through your veins. If you can control your imagination, you will eventually control your energy flow or you can engage in a very intense session of physical training so that the only thing in your mind would be to get some rest, then conduct the knight meditation."

The boy lowered his head respectfully. The rest of the students listened intently, their eyes filled with newfound understanding and admiration for Leylin's wisdom.

After observing the session for some time, Leylin rose from his chair. The boys immediately straightened their postures, sensing the presence of someone far above them in both strength and status. "Continue your training. Your progress is commendable. I expect at least one of you to break through to the Preparatory Knight stage within a week."

As Leylin turned to leave, Greem and Fraser followed him out of the hall. Walking through the dimly lit corridors of the manor, Leylin's footsteps echoed softly against the stone floor. (Image)

"How are the training facilities? Is there anything lacking?" Leylin asked without turning his head.

Greem, walking a step behind him, immediately replied with reverence, "There is no lord more generous than you, Master. The children have made tremendous progress. With your support and the Life Nourishing Potion, I am confident that we will see our first Preparatory Knight within the week."

Leylin nodded, satisfied. If a group of orphans, with access to top-tier knight techniques, optimal training schedules, and alchemical support, couldn't break through, then their heads weren't worth keeping.

Without turning his head, Leylin spoke in a calm yet commanding voice, "Whoever among the children breaks through first will receive an additional quota of the Life Nourishing Potion. And for their teacher... I will grant the potent version I've specially prepared for knights."

Greem and Fraser's eyes lit up with excitement. The Life Nourishing Potion was already a treasure that every knight and trainee craved, but the potent version—personally refined by Leylin—was something that could push their strength to new heights. However, Leylin's distribution of these resources was strict, and the only way to earn more was through contribution and results.

The two knights exchanged glances. Ever since Leylin had introduced the potions, all four knights—Greem, Fraser, Faisal, and Mandal—had taken one or two students under their tutelage. The competition between them had already been intense, but now, with the promise of the potent potion, the stakes had been raised even higher.

Greem, the strongest knight under Leylin, felt both excitement and pressure. He prided himself on his strength and experience, but if one of the other knights' students broke through first, they could gain enough of an advantage to challenge his position. Fraser, on the other hand, clenched his fists with determination. This was an opportunity to finally close the gap between him and Greem.

Leylin noticed their expressions and couldn't help but smile coldly. It was laughably easy to manipulate them. Though the slave contract bound their lives to him, true loyalty and motivation could only be forged through desire and competition. A motivated servant could achieve far more than one acting out of fear.

As the sound of their boots echoed through the corridor, Leylin added casually, "I expect results soon. Don't disappoint me."

Greem and Fraser bowed slightly, their eyes burning with resolve. They knew that failing to meet Leylin's expectations would bring consequences, but the allure of power was far too tempting.

As Leylin continued walking, his black robe fluttered behind him, and the two knights trailed in his shadow.

"Also, I'll be leaving for the Dark Forest tomorrow," Leylin said.

Greem and Fraser exchanged glances before bowing in unison. "Understood, Master."

Both Greem and Fraser's expressions turned solemn. They were well aware of the deteriorating situation in the Withering Woods. Adventurers, mercenaries, and herb collectors had been suffering heavy casualties. However, the real issue was the drastic loss of rare herbs that served as the economic backbone of Extreme Night City. Without them, the city's economy was crumbling, and Viscount Jackson had no choice but to intervene personally.

Leylin had attended the meeting of acolytes and City Lord Jackson and immediately agreed for the mission. Of course, his motives wasn't out of loyalty to the Viscount or any care for the withering woods. Leylin had his own ambitions and needed to go within the forest.

Well technically speaking he is also the emissary for the mission sent by Abyssal Bone Forest.

Leylin dismissed them and headed toward his personal chambers. Upon entering, he was greeted by his two maids, Rede and Shera, who immediately stepped forward to assist him in undressing. Both women were stunning, with slender figures and delicate features, their eyes filled with admiration and subtle fear toward the young master who had single-handedly changed their fates.

As they carefully removed his black robe, Leylin's hand casually traced over Rede's plentiful bosom, causing her to flush with embarrassment. Shera, on the other hand, trembled slightly as Leylin's cold yet dominating gaze fell upon her. Their reactions only pleased Leylin further, as he enjoyed the control he held over those around him.

"Tomorrow, I will become a Level 3 Acolyte," Leylin muttered to himself, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

The upcoming mission wasn't just an opportunity to serve Viscount Jackson; it was a critical step in Leylin's personal advancement. The magical creature and opportunity hidden deep within the Dark Forest would aid him in breaking through to the next level of his Magus journey.

After the maids finished their task, Leylin dismissed them with a wave of his hand. As he lay on his luxurious bed, his mind was already calculating the potential gains and risks of the mission ahead.

"A.I.chip show my stats."

[Leylin Farlier: Knight. Level 2 Acolyte. Summon—None. Strength: 5.1, Agility: 5.4, Vitality: 4.6, Spiritual Force: 6.3. Magical Power: 6. Status: Healthy.] (Image)

'The next breakthrough is within reach.'

Tomorrow, the Dark Forest would become his hunting ground. And those who stood in his way would simply be crushed.

.....

Next morning

Extreme Night City's gates opened. Through those gates came a squadron of soldiers escorting a party in the middle. The group left the city's perimeter at a rapid pace.

"I never thought that Viscount Jackson would also set off with us!" Murphy seemed to be very happy. Having a Grand Knight around, left him greatly assured.

Riding beside him, Viscount Jackson wore black-coloured, steel armour with a helmet that covered his entire face.