Chapter 36

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.....

The bitter cold of winter gradually faded, and the world began to thaw under the gentle warmth of spring. From the balcony of his villa, Leylin's sharp eyes caught sight of tiny green sprouts dotting the fields in the distance. Farmers toiled diligently on the land, preparing for the coming harvest. It was a serene and picturesque scene, but Leylin's mind was far from such mundane matters.

Time had flown by since he left the academy. More than a year had passed, and Leylin had already reached the age of fifteen. His once boyish features had become sharper, carrying a cold and mature aura that few his age could match.

Seated on an ornate wooden chair, Leylin rested his chin on his palm, his eyes filled with contemplation. On the polished marble table before him lay several parchment papers. His experiments in crafting a true magical artifact were progressing steadily.

He had successfully deciphered a significant portion of the Lowian Teachings, gaining profound insights into the construction of dual-attribute magical artifacts—both offensive and defensive in nature.

Furthermore, his newfound understanding of ancient runic language allowed him to grasp concepts that had previously eluded him.

However, Leylin's progress was now hindered by a single factor: his lack of magical power. His current rank as a Level 2 acolyte limited his ability to carve high-level runes. To truly succeed, he needed to break through and reach the realm of a Level 3 acolyte.

Sighing, Leylin leaned back against the soft leather couch and stretched his limbs. He reached out to a wooden bowl filled with yellow, apple-like fruits and casually munched on one. The sweet and tangy juice spread in his mouth, momentarily distracting him from his thoughts. (Image)

"Compared to other acolytes, my progress is exceptional," Leylin muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing with a hint of satisfaction.

In truth, his rapid advancement was largely due to the chaotic state of the south coast. The war between the major academies had created an atmosphere of turmoil and fear. But for Leylin, this was an opportunity. By remaining outside the academy and conducting his research in seclusion, he was free from the restrictions and scrutiny of academy magus. The blood potions he obtained from powerful beasts further accelerated his progress.

"It's fortunate that I left the academy. Only here can I freely conduct my experiments and consume blood potions without raising suspicion."

As Leylin lost himself in thought, a soft knock echoed from the door.

"Master, an emissary from the city lord has arrived with an invitation," Butler Dicus announced from outside the room.

"An invitation?" Leylin's brow furrowed. He rarely interacted with Viscount Jackson, the ruler of the Extreme Night city. Leylin had little interest in social gatherings or forming alliances with others, preferring to focus on his research and cultivation.

With a wave of his hand, Leylin allowed Dicus to enter. The butler respectfully handed over a sealed letter bearing the sigil of the Viscount. Breaking the wax seal, Leylin's eyes scanned the content. (Image)

"A gathering of acolytes?" Leylin murmured as his eyes narrowed. The letter specifically mentioned the presence of Murphy and his circle of magician associates.

"Could it be related to the Withering Woods?" Leylin speculated.

The Withering Woods was a strange and somewhat dangerous region known for its recent magical phenomena and many missing people reports. The royal family of Poolfield Kingdom had issued a mission to investigate the area, and Leylin accepted it in name only, sending mercenaries and knights to handle the preliminary exploration.

It wasn't impossible for Viscount Jackson to deduce for his arrival timing, that Leylin was the acolyte who had taken the mission on behalf of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

However, even if Viscount had suspicions, he couldn't force Leylin to personally intervene. As the valuable apprentice of Magus Dorotte, Leylin held a special status. At most, he would be fined magic crystals for neglecting the mission.

"Still, there's been little excitement lately. I might as well see what this gathering is about," Leylin decided.

"Dicus, prepare a horse carriage and a set of formal clothes. I'll be leaving shortly."

"Understood, Master," Dicus replied with a respectful bow before leaving to make the arrangements.

"I was wondering why that guy was sniffing around in my area, I guess he was observing if i did anything about the withering woods. It seems now, he can't just let the status quo continue, the losses must be significant." Leylin's sharp senses had long detected the spies lurking around the villa, subtly monitoring his movements. These agents were likely sent by the Viscount himself.

However, they refrained from interfering with Leylin's affairs or disturbing his subordinates, so Leylin chose to tolerate their presence.

"Fools," Leylin sneered internally.

He knew that none of these petty tricks could deceive him. With the help of his many thump cards, Leylin's abilities far exceeded that of ordinary acolytes.

As he rose from his seat, the corners of his lips curled into a faint smirk.

"Let's see what game Viscount Jackson is trying to play."

With that, Leylin stepped out of the room, the shadows around him shifting slightly as he moved. A true predator hidden within the skin of a young acolyte.

...

In the heart of Extreme Night City, the castle-like structure built from grey rocks stood tall and imposing. Soldiers patrolled the area, a clear display of its prestige and power. (Image)

Ta-Ta!

A black horse carriage came to a halt before the city lord's castle. The door creaked open, and a brown-haired youth, dressed in elegant yet modest attire, stepped out. Though slender, his bright eyes radiated vitality and sharpness, giving him a charm that naturally attracted goodwill.

Almost simultaneously, another carriage, crafted from reddish-brown wood, halted nearby. An elderly man with a white beard and a scholarly aura stepped out, holding a thick book under his arm. His face, marked with age, softened as he saw the youth.

"Ah! It's been a while, my friend!" the old man called out with genuine warmth.

Leylin's lips curled into a faint smile as he approached the man. "I'm pleased to see you, Scholar Murphy."

The two exchanged a brief yet respectful embrace.

Murphy chuckled, "Your rune carving skills are marvelous, Leylin. The Demisure family is quite pleased with the quality of the rune plates you provided. They're eager to continue doing business with you, and many times have asked me to help meditate in a long term relationship between you two parties."

Leylin nodded in appreciation. "I'm grateful for the connections you helped me establish. Thanks to that, I've secured blood and materials from various beasts for research."

Murphy has been a good ally for Leylin, through those connections he can even get news of the academy war, directly from the nearest resource hub in Brey Canyon.

"It's just small things... "

With their casual conversation flowing naturally, they flashed their invitation cards and passed through the guarded entrance.

A butler, dressed in formal attire, led them through the lush gardens to a small yet elegantly furnished living room. Several other acolytes had already gathered, and Leylin exchanged brief greetings with them.

In the center of the room, chairs in a circular arrangement surrounded a mahogany table, symbolizing equality between the guests. The atmosphere was relaxed yet filled with an underlying tension, that only those familiar with the ongoing undercurrents could detect. (Image)

"Welcome, my friends!" A deep voice resonated as Viscount Jackson entered the room.

"City lord!" The acolytes rose in respect and offered slight bows.

"No need for formalities. Please, sit." The viscount gestured for them to relax as serving maids in low-cut blouses brought red tea, accompanied by flavored cakes and biscuits.

Leylin, however, was not deceived by the viscount's friendly demeanor. Jackson's reputation for ruthlessness preceded him. It was said that to suppress a rebellion, he once ordered the execution of an entire village, their heads displayed on wooden stakes as a warning.

Casual conversations filled the room as the acolytes discussed recent events and rumors. Leylin observed quietly, occasionally exchanging pleasantries with his peers.

"Speaking of Baron Fey, he's been struggling with the issues plaguing the medicine shop," Viscount Jackson remarked, changing the course of the ongoing conversation.

"We've also heard of the strange withering in Dark Night Woods," one of the acolytes added. "Yet, no solution has been found."

Murphy furrowed his brows. "Surely, my lord, the viscount has a strategy in mind?"

Viscount Jackson let out a wry smile. "My friends, I've already sent ravens to the royal family, but there has been no response. I am, for the moment, at a loss."

Leylin's eyes narrowed slightly. 'As I suspected,' he thought. The Poolfield Kingdom's royal family had deep ties with the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. The mission concerning the withering woods was undoubtedly connected to that academy.

Leylin sipped his tea, concealing his thoughts. He had no interest in being dragged into pointless conversation since the viscount has called them, he must have found some way to rally everyone.

*Clap* *Clap*

In the dimly lit chamber of Viscount Jackson's castle, the air was heavy with tension. The polished mahogany table, surrounded by high-backed chairs, a golden-haired maid moved gracefully, presenting a silver tray with brown-yellow scales from the slain lizard. (Image)

The red-haired, middle-aged man who had spoken earlier, a hidden magician masquerading as a humble apparel store owner, furrowed his brow. "Is it only low-levelled creature that mutated? Could it be that Sire cannot even resolve this?"

Viscount Jackson's expression darkened as he flicked his hand dismissively. "I have already struck against it once before and even killed a lizard-type creature, but it was of no help. The withering woods continue to expand, now consuming the span of two villages. If this persists, Dark Night Woods will be lost, and obtaining herbs will become a distant dream."

The viscount's clenched fists betrayed his frustration. Extreme Night City's economy thrived on the herb trade, with the city lord's castle benefiting from the high taxes imposed on these trades. Yet now, the once-lush forests were rotting away, and the city's wealth was draining with it.

Murphy, an older acolyte with keen eyes, stepped forward. "Could you let us examine the creature's remains?"

Viscount Jackson clapped his hands, and the golden-haired maid presented the tray of scales. The acolytes leaned in, each taking a piece. Leylin, seated at the edge of the room, lazily picked up a scale and turned it in his palm.

His eyes narrowed as he observed the scale. The surface was emitting mild radiation, the quality was so degraded that it was immediately deemed useless as a component material in his eyes.

Leylin's lips curled in amusement. No wonder the magicians from nearby gathering areas had shown no interest in resolving the issue. The creature's body held no value to them. The mutated organism was nothing more than a waste of effort and resources, with no benefit to the acolytes who thrived on profit and power.

"What a pity," Murphy sighed after examining the scale with a magnifying glass-like artifact. "It's not a high-level creature, merely a mutated beast with no value to magicians."

Viscount Jackson's gaze swept the room, his expression growing more desperate. "I am willing to offer 30 magic crystals per person and 5000 gold coins to those who scout the area. I beg you, as old friends, help me resolve this!"

Leylin's eyes flashed with subtle interest. For a mere Grand Knight to offer such a reward, the situation was more dire than he anticipated. It seemed he had underestimated the wealth and influence of the royal family and nobility of this kingdom.

Murphy hesitated but eventually nodded. "Since it is troublesome for my lord Viscount, I will not refuse."

The other acolytes, bound by the viscount's influence and unwilling to offend a Grand Knight, reluctantly agreed.

Viscount Jackson's eyes finally settled on Leylin. "And you, Mister Leylin?"

Leylin met the viscount's gaze with a faint smile. His arrival in Extreme Night City was too coincidental, and Viscount Jackson remained suspicious that Leylin was the emissary sent by the royal family. However, Leylin's reclusive behavior had done little to confirm this.

Leylin, who supposed to investigate the withering woods as academy mission, saw no reason to refuse. With the support of the other acolytes, he could avoid unnecessary risk, and with his hastening magical artifacts, escaping would be simple if things took an ugly turn.

"I shall join," Leylin replied calmly, his eyes reflecting a cold, calculating glint.

Viscount Jackson's tension eased, and a rare smile graced his stern features. "Excellent. We depart at dawn."

As the acolytes exchanged quiet glances, Leylin leaned back in his chair lost in thought.

'I should make some preparations... '