Warlock of the Magus World

by Stayrr

What happens when a scientist from a futuristic world reincarnates in a World of Magic and Knights? An awesome MC is what happens! A scientist’s goal is to explore the secrets of the universe, and this is exactly what Leylin sets out to do when he is reincarnated. Dark, cold and calculating, he makes use of all his resources as he sets off on his adventures to meet his goal. Face?

4. 76 - 107

Read Warlock of the Magus World - Chapter 76 – Experiment And Precipitate online free - Novel Full

Experiment And Precipitate

In the blink of an eye, it was already late autumn.

The arable farms were all brimming with golden yellow ear wheat. The windmills in the distance were continuously whirling and the earth seemed to be joyous from the abundance.

* Dang Dang Dang! *

Travelling on the road in the middle of the farms was a group of horse carriages and armoured Knights with the strength and robustness that far exceeded those of ordinary men. On the armour on their shoulder plates was an insignia of a crescent moon- this was the insignia belonging to the city lord of Extreme Night City, Viscount Jackson!

Upon seeing the horse carriages, the farmers hurriedly avoided the road, taking off their caps and bowing.

In the middle of the Knights and troops, were several horse carriages that were veiled with black cloth. As these carriages advanced, sounds of clanging metal chains were produced from it which gave off an ominous feeling.

"Look at this direction! It seems to be headed to the villa! This should be the third group in this month!" A farmer with a brown beard muttered to himself.

"Old Johan! What are you looking at?" A farmer at the other side called out.

"Those horse carriages! I keep having the feeling that something is amiss. Previously when the wind blew, I saw the figures inside the horse carriage…." Old John's brows furrowed.

"So what? It might be that the lord of our manor has started to purchase female slaves on a whim! You know what, our kind-hearted yet lazy manor lord, is still in his teens!"

The farmer beside Old John supported him and grumbled, "It's better for us not to bother with the matters of these people. Let's go! Rose Pub recently has new rum…."

Both farmers' silhouette disappeared gradually in the distance.

As for the other side, the procession of horse carriages stopped outside of Leylin's manor. Greem and Fraser have long since been waiting for them.

"According to the city lord's orders, the 'goods' have arrived!" The leader of the Knights peeled his cloak open, revealing a hideous face littered with scars.

"Open the prisoners' carriage!" With the leader's command, the subordinates hurriedly opened the carriages carrying the prisoners, revealing the chained prisoners within.

These prisoners only wore coarse armour and these had holes and were covered in grime. They were all of different stature. Short, tall, thin and fat. However, the common similarity is the killing aura masked in their expressionless eyes.

Knights such as Greem and Fraser were extremely sensitive to killing intent. Only people who have truly committed homicide would have this aura.

"There are 5 men. They are all heinous criminals. Every legal case regarding them is enough to execute the capital punishments a dozen times…. Of course, the city lord has long since approved of their death sentence. In the eyes of the law, they are already 'dead'…."

The Knight leader smirked, and his face which was littered with scars turned even more grotesque. "For whatever reason, even for the sake of those innocent victims, never let them go easily…."

"Their fate is all in the hands of Young Master!" After receiving the criminals, Greem said, "However, we can guarantee that not one of them will walk out of this manor…."

After getting a satisfactory response the Knight leader brought his troops and the empty prison carriages out of the villa.

As for Greem, he forcefully brought the 5 criminals under the basement of the manor.

The torch in the darkness, the tightly locked door, and the dry stifling underground passage gave all these criminals an eerie feeling. However, with the two Knights, Greem and Fraser, they had no chance to resist.

Greem led the way familiarly, bringing the 5 criminals each into different prison. Afterwards, he came to a newly tunneled experiment lab and waited by the side.

Although there were thick walls, and the surroundings had torches which were scorching bright, Greem still felt his hairs stand on end, and cold sweat trickled down his body.

As a slave Knight, he knew part of Leylin's identity. He knew even more about the darkness and the terror behind those walls!

"That place is practically a hell!" The first time Greem was summoned inside by Leylin, he had blurted his thoughts. Afterwards, this fearless Knight had puked for an entire night.

Half an hour passed. For Greem, time seemed to have crawled like half a year long. Especially when the indistinct screams that occasionally seeped through the sturdy walls with the impression of piercing his ear drum!

May the heavens have pity! Although Greem was no good person, and his hands too were covered with blood, the moaning and wails behind the stone walls were something that a human was incapable of producing anymore.

* Creak! * The sturdy steel door swung open and Leylin strode out from it. On his body were traces of blood stains.

"A pity that the experimental body was not strong enough and was unable to endure the effects of the spell! I hope the next few experimental bodies will be more durable…."

To research on souls, Leylin did not have any readily available ingredients. So he could only adopt the crudest method which was to continuously gather data through experiments.

"Young Master!" Greem hurriedly bowed. "Today the city lord's Castle has sent another 5 people over and they are all inside their cells…."

"Very well!" Leylin nodded his head.

Although he was a level 3 acolyte, before advancing into an official Magus, Leylin did not have enough assurance for challenging those self-proclaimed "Light" Magi, so some things still had to be concealed.

Only Greem and Fraser were handling the reception of goods. Apart from them, Anna, too, knew a little about it. Other than them, even Fayern and Old Welker, the housekeeper, knew nothing of Leylin's deeds.

Although they had some faint surmises, but Leylin always disposed of those useless 'ingredients' by cremating them with medicinal powder. Under no evidence, even if anyone had suspicions, they could not do anything towards him.

"This is the limitation of strength! The official Magi in the academy can saunter through slave markets to purchase slaves as ingredients. They could even lure and cheat acolytes but nobody could punish them! However, I am just a lowly acolyte and all by myself. I still have to mind my reputation…."

Leylin stroked his chin.

"A.I. Chip, how is the gathering of data on experimental bodies today?"

Leylin asked inwardly.

[The spiritual force of the experimental subject has already been discovered to have 23 abnormal cerebral fluctuations and within the cerebrum were 45 hidden locations….]

The A.I. Chip's voice intoned.

"Using the prisoners as living subjects and carrying out experiments to obtain research and data on the spirit body, seemed like it's doable!"

Leylin nodded his head, "It's just that the amount is still too little…."

Turning back, he looked at Greem who seemed to have been uneasy right from the start, "You did well, take your leave now!"

"As you wish, Master!" Greem bowed and heaved a secret sigh of relief as he hurriedly ran away.

As a regular human, naturally he was somewhat conflicted with these issues, not to mention the limitations set from the slave training. But Leylin's strength had far surpassed Greem's. Hence, he could only find it difficult to bear but did not dare to display any reluctance.

As his owner, Leylin naturally had seen through this point.

"After all, he is just a regular human and such occurrences are to be expected. As long as he is still obeying orders, the others I need not care about…." Leylin recalled Greem's expression for a moment, before completely forgetting him. His black robes swirled about him as he disappeared into the underground lab.

"Leylin, my friend, we meet again!"

His green hair trailing the ground, Langford looked at Leylin and sincerity was shown on his face.

Ever since the previous incident between Leylin and Langford, they actually had traded a few more times. They had even established a friendship and became pretty good friends.

How things turned out like this was because Leylin discovered that when Langford was not crazy, his character was rather good. Moreover, his supplies of goods were constant and the prices in the Brey Canyon were cheaper than other magicians'.

Between magicians, benefits are the only constant. As for other things, most of them could be forsaken.

"Langford! This time, I require the goods urgently! Have a look!"

Leylin nodded his head as he handed over a yellow parchment paper with scribbles on it.

"I seldom see this side of you! Let me take a look!" Langford took the parchment paper and immediately ground his teeth.

"The faeces of the Kosh Bird, Stellar Alloy…. These items are all connected to the aspect of souls and are not cheap items!"

* Dong! * A small sack was immediately slammed onto Langford's table.

After loosening the ropes around it, glittering magic crystals were revealed within it.

"Do not worry about magic crystals, these are the deposit. I will make up for the difference later with potions!" Leylin spoke in a rich and overbearing manner.

"That's right! With your ability, magic crystals are only a small issue!"

Langford eyes glowed, and immediately kept the magic crystal sack into his robes, "The Kosh Bird is on the verge of extinction. I heard that some people had chanced upon it before in the Black Death Mountain Plains. As for Stellar Alloy, I have a piece of it here…."

Langford immediately rummaged through the shelves behind him, after which he opened a small black box.

In the centre of the red satin interior was a silver-coloured rock with blue spots

"The ingredients that you need, Stellar Alloy, Flowerless Leaves… I have one of each here. As for the others, maybe you could look further within the canyon…."

Langford hurriedly piled the items together, and calculated the final value, "785 magic crystals!"

"Alright!" Leylin stroked his chin somewhat grudgingly, "I will go for a look at the market. Also, you have to keep a lookout for the items I requested and purchase them when you can!"

"Alright!" Once Langford agreed, his countenance changed and the green hair continuously shrank, very soon reaching the waist area from the legs.

"Lea… Leave now!" Langford's face contorted, and one of his eyes was already bloodshot.

Leylin turned around, until he left the cave for a distance before a howling sound travelled to his ears.

"An intermittent illness like this is really scary…." Leylin's footstep did not stop and directly headed towards the depths of the canyon.

"Hurry, look! Langford has acted up again…."

"Should we inform the protectors?"

"I'm afraid there won't be of much use. Hehe, not long later, Langford will be chased out from this place."

At the same moment, from both sides of the cave, many acolytes who wore pointed hats looked at the direction of the howling sound. Expressions of anxiety, indifference and schadenfreude were seen across various faces.

After being busy for some time, Leylin emerged from the Brey Canyon. On his back was an additional black backpack stuffed full of various ingredients.

Leylin turned around to look at the Brey Canyon, before riding his dark horse and left.

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News From The Academy

Inside a spacious and bright room was a full-length mirror.

The mirror was taller than a person and was ornamented along its sides with black leaves which contrasted with the white birch wood. A large variety of different colored gems were also embedded along its edges, making it look extremely extravagant.

At this moment, a youth wearing a 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.

After tidying up, the youth waved his hands, sending the maids away, leaving him alone in the room.

This youth judged his reflected figure– a medium-height build with a slim stature. He was brown haired and somewhat pale-skinned. His countenance could be described as delicate, but the shining luster in both his eyes indicated he had a very active mind.

"Unknowingly, I have already turned 17!"

Leylin looked at himself in the mirror and spoke with a hint of melancholy.

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 slightly prolong their lives. But even if they could live for several thousand years, they could still not evade the slow corrosion of time.

Over a year had passed ever since Leylin returned from his previous exploration.

"No! I must fight the eternal curse of time and seek immortality. Only then would I be deserving of the fate of having being transported to this world!"

Leylin's eyes turned a fiery black as if a deep magnificent flame was burning within them.

"Master! The city lord's horse carriage is here!" Outside the door, Anna's voice could be heard.

"Let him wait for a while, I'll be coming over shortly."

Leylin faced the mirror and finished sorting out his bearings, before picking up a short black cane and leaving the room.

* Deng Deng! *

The black horse carriage flew rapidly across the street and, after seeing the insignia of the city lord Castle; the citizens avoided it and made way. They all sent respectful and envious gazes to the horse carriage.

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

The pendant was strikingly similar to the silver cross. On its surface were a few red and blue diamonds, which glittered in the light, giving off a faint glow.

As Leylin stared at this pendant, a satisfied expression crossed his face.

"According to the A.I. Chip's calculations, with the Stellar Alloy as the centerpiece and the support of various precious alloys that I have obtained during my travels, this prototype of the magic artifact has already been perfectly synthesized."

This pendant artifact was something that Leylin had synthesized according to the magic artifact section of the Lowian Academy Teachings.

3 years ago Leylin had managed to buy the decrepit page of the Lowian Academy Teachings, having the A.I. Chip slowly decipher the contents within.

The earlier portions of the teachings were only suitable for acolytes, with many travels and adventures recorded down. If not, Leylin could never have purchased the page at an extremely low price.

Leylin's luck was not bad. After the A.I. Chip finished deciphering, he obtained a method to synthesize a low-grade magic artifact.

Fallen Star Pendant — This was the name of the magic artifact recipe he had obtained. According to the Lowian Academy Teachings, this Fallen Star Pendant, while a low-grade magic artifact, was of the rare defensive nature. Compared to a few attack type magic artifacts, its value was naturally much higher. Even an official Magus might be interested in it.

After having to see the materials needed and the process, Leylin had immediately decided that he had to synthesize the Fallen Star Pendant.

Although the spells of acolytes are rather destructive, their low defense capabilities have always been an issue.

Only by turning into an official Magus, and being able to form an innate defensive spell, can there be a spell projecting a force field that constantly protected the body. Only then, could someone be considered to be an awe-inspiring Magus.

As for acolytes, they could lose their lives at any time from sneak attacks.

The few acolytes who had entered the withering woods with Leylin previously were the best examples of this case.

Although they were able to cast destructive spells, due to the Great Mankestre Snake, they had all perished due to the lack of defensive spells. Only Murphy was fortunate enough to stay alive, but that was due to Leylin saving him.

Once he had synthesized the Fallen Star Pendant, coupled with a couple of defensive potions, Leylin's defence would be comparable to a fraction of the defence that a Magus had.

Furthermore, the Fallen Star Pendant's defence force field would be activated immediately. For instance, as long as the opponent's attack power does not exceed the threshold of the Fallen Star Pendant and before it's energy was completely depleted, Leylin's defence would be like that of a sturdy turtle shell. As long as the Fallen Star Pendant was active, nothing would happen to Leylin.

"Fortunately, there was a magician market near Extreme Night City, if not I wouldn't have been able to find so many precious ingredients so quickly!"

Leylin somehow felt glad for that.

After smashing and grinding most of the magic crystals he had, as well as adding all of the ingredients from the Great Mankestre Snake, he managed to create this prototype of a pendant.

"I have basically consumed all of my expendable resources. According to the Lowian Academy Teachings, this is only an incomplete product. The core of the Fallen Star Pendant has already been completed. What's left is the final step…."

Glancing at the Fallen Star Pendant in his hands he saw that the silver cross glittered and glowed with a wide range of different hues. On its surface were inscribed mysterious patterns, and altogether it seemed like a mystical art piece.

"As for the final ingredient, I have it with me already. I need to only wait for the opportune moment before I can initiate the spirit awakening for the Fallen Star Pendant!"

Leylin gripped the Fallen Star Pendant tightly and kept it on his shirt.

"As for the Tears of Mary, this ancient formula is really difficult to comprehend. Even after a lot of experiments and obtaining large amounts of data on spirit bodies, I still don't understand anything from looking at this formula!"

Leylin appeared downcast, and his thoughts spun rapidly, "Could it be that my conjecture is wrong? What if this formula has nothing to do with spirit bodies…."

"Halt!" The coachman's voice travelled from the front. The horse carriage jerked, as it came to a stop.

"Sir Leylin! The city lord's Castle is just ahead," reported the coachmen, respectfully.

Leylin shook his head and organized his inner thoughts as he walked out of the carriage's door.

The city lord's Castle was still the same – just as imposing and dignified as before. Rows of guards on both sides of the entrance were standing facing each other, and their gaze never wavered, appearing formidable.

"Viscount Jackson is rather intelligent!" Ever since the withering woods incident, he had pretended to be heavily injured and allowed the news to travel out. After his enemies confirmed the news and began to gather in cahoots for an attack, he caught them all at once lightning quick. He cut off all of their heads and their blood overflowed into the moat. From then on, all of Extreme Night City has been extremely quiet…."

"Leylin! My brother!"

Viscount Jackson had long since waited at the main door. Upon seeing Leylin, he immediately went forward to receive him.

Viscount Jackson had witnessed Leylin's strength first hand. Not to mention that Leylin was Viscount Jackson's lifesaver. If not for Leylin, Viscount Jackson would have long since become prey for the Great Mankestre Snake."

"City lord," said Leylin, as he nodded his head.

Viscount Jackson grabbed Leylin's hands in a cordial manner. After bringing Leylin for a stroll around his castle's garden, he then brought Leylin to a private study room.

Within the privacy of the castle, Viscount Jackson finally revealed a worrisome expression.

"My brother Leylin! Last time you had requested for 50 men, but I am simply unable to provide you with that many…. I have already sent all the criminals from all of my jails to your place. Also, I have even sent you cheats and thieves whose crimes do not warrant a death sentence. However, it is still too far from the number you requested…."

"It was like this?" Leylin nodded his head, and sat on the sofa, entering into deep thought.

Extreme Night City could barely be considered as a medium-sized city. Their residents would not exceed 100,000 people. For Viscount Jackson, providing Leylin with a few prisoners meant for the death row was still within his means. However, as time passed, the number of death row criminals became less and less, yet Leylin's request only kept increasing. So now, he could no longer fulfill the requests of Leylin.

"As you know," continued Viscount Jackson while Leylin was in deep thought, "I am only a city lord. My noble status is only that of a Viscount. For individual death sentences, I may still be able to decide on them. However, once it exceeds a certain threshold, I have no choice in the matter. After all, there are still laws presiding over the dukedom…."

Viscount Jackson waved his hands, and his eyes flashed, "Unless there is a war happening at the moment, if 50 or 100 people disappeared at once, it would definitely incite the wrath of the masses!"

"War!!!"

Leylin was startled, but very soon his startled appearance turned into a frosty smirk. This was indeed a good chance to collect samples.

However, Viscount Jackson chose to mention it at this time, so it was very likely that he had already thought of a plan.

"Regarding this, I…" As Leylin wanted to speak further on the matter, his chest pocket suddenly vibrated as a crow-like 'caw' sounded. Immediately Leylin's expression changed.

"Is there something wrong?" Viscount Jackson asked with a 'concerned' look.

"It's…. It's nothing; I've received news from a friend!" Leylin reached his hands into his chest, and the cawing stopped immediately. His countenance also resumed its previous tranquility.

However, Leylin lost interest in speaking any further. He hurriedly exchanged a few more words with Viscount Jackson before bidding farewell.

Although something was troubling Viscount Jackson, seeing Leylin, who became absent-minded towards the end, he still did not say what was on his mind.

After Leylin came out of the castle, he hopped onto the horse carriage and rushed back to the manor.

"I actually received news from the academy at a time like this …." According to the news, the war of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had already reached the peak of its intensity, where the victor and loser could be determined at any given moment.

As Leylin was an acolyte who was sent out on a mission, the academy had given him items with which they could contact him. There were also various items for contact purposes, with a 'single-use' effect, sent with him. This way, they were able to get the most updated news of the school during critical times.

"Right now, the news given would most likely determine the winner and loser. The Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's strength is limited, and there are two other factions of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's strength opposing it, so the chances of winning are slim," mused Leylin, as he had a good grasp of the current predicament of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

"Unless some external faction has stepped forward to mediate, the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy will definitely take a huge loss this time, and may even result in being disbanded…."

Leylin carried a solemn expression as he stepped into his secret lab.

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Arrangements

The shadow of a mahogany circular table could be seen under the dim glow of the lantern.

The four legs were elongated in the projection and when projected on the walls, it looked like a beast with four limbs, making it seem ominous.

Leylin stood in front of the table, and his shadow, too, was elongated.

A bunch of black scrolls were placed on the mahogany wood table. On the surface of each of the scrolls was a picture of a crow. At this moment, the crow seemed to have come alive and cawed continuously, giving off a noise that would terrify people.

"No matter what, I have to look at the contents within!"

Leylin made up his mind, "Even if it was a trap, which contains some sort of tracing spell inside, I still have enough time to escape!"

Even if that was the case, Leylin still gripped the Trevor's Revolving Shield Potion – that he had just brewed – tightly in his hands.

After which, with a solemn voice, Leylin spoke in the Byron language, "Open in the name of Leylin Farlier!"

* Caw Caw Caw! * The black crow cried, and its figure twisted. Many black lines converged, forming the image of a black skull.

Leylin picked a red crystal from his robes and tossed it into the skull's mouth.

* Crunch! Crunch! * The black skull immediately flew out from the paper and devoured the red crystal.

* Puff! * After finishing its meal, the black skull exploded, and the scroll shuddered violently. It started to burn at the bottom, where a green-coloured flame was seen.

The greenish flame then formed many characters in mid-air.

Leylin's eyes shifted. These green characters were a kind of secret code, which outsiders would not understand. But he has learnt its corresponding encryption and decryption back at Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

Under the green-coloured characters was a bright red stamp, with a distinguished name written below it in the Byron language. There even was an image of a black snake which crawled out from a skull.

"Even the chairman's seal has appeared — it seems like this news is not a fake!"

Leylin's expression became volatile upon seeing the fluctuating characters.

Some time later, after the flame finished burning, the green characters disappeared into the air, leaving behind a pile of grey ashes.

Leylin sighed and furrowed his brows.

"They actually sent the highest order — asking all acolytes, who are working on missions outside, to rush back to the academy immediately!"

"Furthermore, they have also set severe punishments. Those who do not make it back to the academy within 3 months, will immediately be labelled as a traitor, and be subjected to the academy's disciplinary team's execution!"

"I'm afraid that I have to go back this time!" Leylin muttered.

As to whether it was a trap set by an enemy, Leylin was not at all worried.

First of all, Leylin was only a lowly acolyte. The enemy would not go through such painstaking means for him. Also, the chairman of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was a legendary figure. He was, at the least, a rank 2 Magus. Even if Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was defeated, his personal seal would never land in the hands of the enemy.

"Abyssal Bone Forest Academy …." Leylin sighed and thought of Kroft, Bicky, Nyssa and the rest, wondering how they have been.

Previously when Leylin made a hasty decision to leave, it was indeed rather selfish of him. However, his strength was not even likened to that of an ant in front of the two academies, so he could not think of a better way.

"I'd never imagined that after 3 years, I will finally be returning!"

Leylin suddenly ordered, "A.I. Chip, bring forth my stats now!"

[Beep! Leylin Farlier, level 3 acolyte, Knight. Strength: 3.1, Agility: 3.3, Vitality: 3.7, Spiritual force: 13.1, Magic Power: 13 – (magic power is in synchronisation with spiritual force). Status: Healthy]

More than a year had passed, and the modified Azure Potion, even for a level 3 acolyte, had a very beneficial effect. It managed to bring Leylin's spiritual force up by another 3 points.

His body's resistance towards the medicine, however, had now reached its limits. Drinking more of the Azure Potion would no longer have any effect.

Raising his spiritual force for the next few years would be impossible for Leylin unless he were to concoct a new type of spiritual force medicine.

"After level 3 acolyte, it will be the realm of an official Magus!" Leylin muttered, "Advancing from level 3 acolyte to official Magus, there will be a huge bottleneck. The difficulty is much higher than that of advancing from a level 2 to level 3 acolyte."

It seemed like all of the factions in the Magus World deliberately controlled the information regarding of official Magus. Even if Leylin were to fork out huge amounts of magic crystals, he would not be able to retrieve much.

The previous, harrowing incident of advancing to a level 3 acolyte suddenly surfaced on Leylin's mind.

"The higher ups in the Magus World have strictly kept the information regarding Magus advancement highly confidential. No matter how genius a wandering magician may be, as long as they don't join a faction, they will never be able to obtain knowledge of advancing. This is to keep the lowest tier from resisting and creating a rebellion and to maintain the ruling.

Leylin, too, had experienced the evil consequences of advancing without prior knowledge. If not for the A.I. Chip, he would have died without even leaving behind a corpse.

"Abyssal Bone Forest Academy! I have to return once and obtain knowledge of advancing into an official Magus.

This was the only place where Leylin knew he could obtain information more easily. As for markets and whatnot, they were completely not worth considering.

The path of a Magus would be covered with thorns. One misstep would result in an irreversible consequence.

Last time, Leylin took a risk and advanced to the level 3 acolyte, but because of the lack of guidance from the academy and his mentor, he could only rely on the A.I. Chip to simulate. In the end, he met with two unexpected situations. If not for the A.I. Chip's immense capabilities, coupled with a little luck, Leylin would never have been able to advance that easily, and that too without any side effects.

"Only that…I have to reconsider the arrangements for my subordinates!"

Leylin stroked his chin, "Maybe, arranging for a backup plan here won't be a bad idea after all …."

"Give out the orders, I wish to join the subordinates for tonight's dinner!"

After exiting the secret lab, Leylin instructed Anna.

"Yes, Young Master!" Leylin was on the solitary side, and he usually left the daily chores and trifle things to Anna, Greem and the others, while he holed himself up in the experiment lab all day. He also rarely left the manor, so giving out an order suddenly did startle Anna. However, she was a quick-witted woman, so she did not ask much. After curtseying, she retreated while displaying her beautiful curves in front of Leylin.

In the manor, naturally there were halls large enough which could accommodate the master to have a meal with his subordinates.

The hall was constructed with large red rocks, the windowsill was rather small, and the sunlight could only dimly light up the place. However, at the centre, a silver rack with hundreds of candles lit solved that problem completely.

In the centre of the large hall, a long red table was placed. The attendants and kitchen staff were shifting the huge chairs with backrest, which caused squeaky noises. They also laid a thick, white cloth on the table, and arranged silver forks and spoons, plates and other cutleries.

When it was time to eat, the table was already filled with many delicacies. At the centre was a barbecued mutton. Around the golden yellow barbecue meat, there were many purple and red fruits. It complemented the combination of dishes and was a tantalising display.

Leylin immediately sat at the most respected position and looked at the group in front of him.

Immediately, to the left and right sides of Leylin, were Fraser and Greem respectively. As Knights and subordinates who had followed Leylin from the earliest, their positions were naturally of the highest. After them were housekeeper Old Welker and Roran Hawks mercenary group's leader, Fayern.

As for Anna, she awaited behind Leylin silently, like a dutiful serving maid. However, all the people present did not dare think that her status was just that of a maid.

Everyone knew that Anna was exceptionally favoured by this Young Master. Not only could she see Leylin regularly, but she even held the key to the gold vault! It incited a few, feeble grumbles from Old Welker, but Leylin did not care.

After Leylin had purchased the land here, Fayern had moved his whole family over, and turned into a truthfully loyal subordinate of Leylin.

After which it was Roran Hawks mercenary group. The contract with them matured not long ago. Half of the mercenaries continued to stay on under the generous conditions that Leylin had provided.

Many others sat on the long table, but Leylin was only familiar with these few. The others merely looked familiar to Leylin, but Leylin knew of their faces and names, which he could remember by relying on the A.I. Chip.

Leylin never bothered about the trifles of regular livelihood. The pathway to being a Magus already expended a huge amount of his concentration. He absolutely could not allocate any of his concentration on other matters.

Of course, Leylin's outward mannerisms were similar to that of many magicians. It also fit with how regular humans expected from magicians.

In the hearts of all the people on the south coast, magicians were a group of people who wielded mysterious powers, but they were extremely solitary. They often resided in dark woods or concealed marshes. Only when they needed ingredients and other items, would they leave their dwelling.

"Young Master!"

The masses around the long table stood up and bowed.

* Ding! * Leylin used the silver spoon and tapped on the glass in front of him, giving off a crisp noise.

"Everyone! By calling you all out here today, is because I have something to announce to everyone!" Leylin's eyes swept the crowd. As of now, his spiritual force had already reached 13.1, and the mysterious gaze of his eyes was awe-inspiring; it was as if his eyes had been chiseled from the highest grade jewels. Anyone who was looked at by him would experience a sharp pain in their eyes, and tears would involuntarily leak out.

Even if it was Greem or Fraser, they could only bow their heads low at this moment.

"Please give your orders, Young Master!"

"I will leave for a period of time, and there will be no set date on returning. When I am not around, the medicinal shop and daily matters of the manor would all be decided by Anna, Greem and Fraser."

Leylin looked at the masses below him and said slowly.

"What?" A bout of commotion sparked, and immediately the group whispered fervently to each other, as they used strange gazes to look at the trio of Anna, Greem and Fraser.

Greem and Fraser could tolerate being the focus of numerous eyes. However, as a woman, Anna was somewhat uneasy as she twisted and clutched at her dress.

"Silence!" Leylin knocked on the silver glass again, and the crowd turned silent.

"From today onwards, the words from those 3 would be the same as mine. Any decision of theirs must be completely obeyed and carried out by you."

"We obey!" Although Leylin did not usually bother himself with many matters, the imposing aura coming from him was extremely immense. There were also rumours flying around that he was part of the Mysterious Entity, which made his subordinates' reverence towards him even greater.

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Tidying Up

"Anna, Greem, Fraser, you three come to my study room together after dinner!"

Seeing that his subordinates did not have any objections, Leylin nodded his head and said, "For now, everyone please enjoy yourself!"

The group nodded their heads, returned to their positions, and sat down. The sound of clanging cutlery continuously rang.

Ever since Leylin had issued his orders, the hall was much more silent than before. Although the dinner was sumptuous, the masses seemed to have something weighing down on their hearts.

After dinner, Leylin received the trio which knew of his magician identity.

Greem and Fraser wore leather armour, which looked extremely imposing. Anna still wore a low cut blouse, and appeared even more seductive.

"You guys know that I am a magician. Right now, I am about to embark on a journey, and due to some reasons, I can only keep you guys here…."

Leylin sat behind the desk, speaking solemnly to the three of them.

"The orders outside earlier were only for the others to see. From now onwards, Greem and Fraser, you must treat Anna the same way you treat me, do you understand?

"We understand!" Greem and Fraser nodded their heads. Compared to the rest, they knew how terrifying this master of theirs was and had no objections towards Leylin's orders.

After sending Greem and Fraser away, the room was only left with Anna and Leylin.

"Young…Young Master!" Tears welled up in Anna's eyes.

"The Mandara Flower's essence on your body, I have already created an antidote for it. Also, take these!" Towards his own women, Leylin was much gentler.

Saying so, Leylin handed over some potions and a parchment paper over to Anna.

"This is…." Anna opened the parchment paper to have a look, and she became startled.

"These are letters of authority. You will be managing all of my establishments in Extreme Night City. Furthermore, if I don't return within ten years, all of these will be transferred over to your name!"

Leylin crossed his fingers, "Furthermore, Murphy and Viscount Jackson are witnesses to these procedures! If you meet with any trouble in the future, you can seek their aid!"

These worldly possessions, Leylin could have as many as he wanted. Naturally he would not mind giving them to Anna as a backup plan for himself.

Moreover, even if he played this chess piece wrongly, there wasn't much to be regretful about.

After all, right now, Leylin was only an acolyte in the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. According to the academy's rules, acolytes are not allowed to bring their followers or maids into the academy compounds.

Since these are things which he had to eventually let go of, naturally, Leylin's heart did not ache for them.

"Also, this is the desert scorpion sting, which is a tool specially used to control Greem and Fraser. You must keep them well…."

Leylin handed over a red box to Anna.

"No!" Anna bit her lips, before finally pouncing forward and hugging both of Leylin's legs. "Young Master, don't chase Anna away! Anna wants to be by Young Master's side no matter what she has to do, alright?"

The young lady held onto Leylin's legs and tears as bright as pearls slid off of her beautiful face.

Her warm and mildly shuddering body wrapped itself around Leylin's legs. One could see that Anna had mustered extreme courage to speak these words.

Leylin looked at Anna with a touch of gentleness in his eyes. He reached his right hand out and stroked the young lady's hair and back.

"I'm very sorry Anna. The place I have to go is extremely dangerous for you…."

"But…." Anna lifted her face filled with tears as if wanting to say something else.

"Don't mess around, listen!" Suddenly, Leylin's face hardened.

Seeing her master act this way, the deeply ingrained pain and suffering for disobeying a master's orders surfaced in her mind. After all, Anna had undergone slave training. Although these were the methods of the slave traders, it was etched right into Anna's soul itself.

"Yes, Young Master!" Anna stopped her crying and kept the scroll and box. She only looked at Leylin, the same way as a cat that had been abandoned by its owner.

Seeing the girl act like this, Leylin withdrew a few potions from his robes and handed it to her. After all, he was not a stone-hearted person.

"This is a recovery potion, which can quickly heal physical wounds. Keep this well!"

"Also, this purple potion is an attack type potion. If there comes a day when you encounter a danger that not even Greem nor Fraser can handle, throw this out at it. Do you understand me?"

Leylin pointed at the purple potion and instructed Anna.

"Anna understands!" Her eyes turned red. She knew that she could not disobey her master's orders, so she kept the potion well.

"Sigh…."

Looking at her leaving figure, Leylin sighed suddenly.

Although he had made many preparations, he knew that after a dozen odd years, this faction that he had left would most lightly disappear into thin air.

However, he had no regrets. These were all regular humans without any aptitude for becoming a magician. They would be of limited use to him in the future.

Most likely, the only use of this small faction to him would be to act as a cover for him to hide from people, and even then, it wasn't very secure at all.

In the end, entrusting everything to Anna was not a bad choice.

Apart from the Mandara Flower's essence on Anna's body, all other restrictions on Anna's body had already been removed by Leylin. From now onward, Anna would be a free human.

"I hope that after having these things, you will be able to live a happier life!"

Leylin's eyes were unreadable.

If Anna was to land in the hands of another magician, she would at most be a tool for them to vent their pent up energy. After their interest wanes, she may very well be used in an experiment. Now that Anna had followed Leylin, not only was she free from her status as a slave, Leylin had even saved her from the poison of Mandara Flower's essence. He had even given her the manor and medicinal shop, so no matter what happens next, he would be free from all guilt!"

"The troublesome matters have all been resolved. What's left is to finally dispose of the experiment lab and underground cells thoroughly!"

Leylin thought and got up to go to the underground.

This was the forbidden area that he had demarcated. Anna and the two Knights would not dare come down here so easily.

Under the dim light from the torch, Leylin withdrew a crystal ball. An old person's figure could be seen within it. His expression was crazed, and even had terror in it.

"We meet again, Mister Roman!" Leylin smiled and gave his salutations. However, in Roman's eyes, this smile was more harrowing than the devil's.

"Don't… Don't come over!" Roman's expression twisted, and he fearfully backed up to the walls of the crystal ball behind him.

However, Leylin's acute senses picked out the resolution behind the expression of the frightened vengeful spirit.

"Let me tell you a piece of good news, and a piece of bad news!"

Leylin proficiently placed many tools beside the crystal ball, and let the vengeful spirit let out ear piercing screams as he spoke.

"The good news is that I am going to leave here for a while!" Before the vengeful spirit had any response, Leylin smiled and said, "And the bad news is that no matter where I go, you will be going along with me!"

"Oh! No! No! I beg of you…."

"Alright! So then, tell me everything you know!"

At the beginning, Roman naturally would not speak of anything. However after over a year of torture, he had already begun to cough out some information.

After the narration of the vengeful spirit, Leylin shook his head. "It seems like Mister Roman still harbours wishful thoughts, so let us continue…."

Following Leylin's statement, many hair-raising screams filled the lab, as if the howls of a person right before their death.

Although this vengeful spirit had showed signs of a mental breakdown half a month ago, it still managed to give misleading information to Leylin regarding the secrets he knew.

This vengeful spirit gave much information at once, and it was extremely complicated. However, with the A.I. Chip, Leylin was able to record all of its narration quickly, and sort it systematically.

The next few times, he discovered a problem.

Towards things which are pertaining to more general and common knowledge, Roman always handed them over easily. However, towards the crucial points and secrets, Roman glossed over them and hid much of the important information.

However, Leylin did not mind at all. It would give huge amounts of information each day. Along with the filtering and sorting of the A.I. Chip, he would still obtain plenty of information.

Moreover, with the continuous and prolonged torture and interrogating, Leylin believed that one day, this vengeful spirit would tell him everything, and pray for a fast death.

After the daily routine of 'questioning' was completed, Leylin went towards the other rooms underground.

In here, various blood-stained torture instruments were hung along the walls. On the floor, there were even a few corpses with wounds littered across their bodies, causing them to be almost indiscernible as a human body.

[Beep! The surrounding negative energy density is higher by 34.5%, which satisfies the most basic condition for a spirit body's existence. The target's physical body has undergone various suffering and tortures. Chance of spirit body appearing: 1.23%]

The A.I. Chip scanned the few corpses and reported the figures.

"Compared to the one-thousandth chance of a spirit body forming naturally, this proportion can be considered extremely high already!" Leylin stroked his chin, "If I were to be given more time, I would definitely be able to induce the formation of an artificial spirit body!"

The most efficient way to do research on souls was through the use of spirit bodies. This established theory was publicly accepted by all Dark Magi.

What Leylin had to do now was to continuously simulate the conditions of the outside world, and induce the forming of an artificial spirit body!

If this piece of news were to leak out, Leylin's reputation would be completely interlinked with savagery and ruthlessness, which would be bad for his future developments.

"Reputation is also a kind of benefit! Although I'm not afraid of how people view me, even Magi wish to have dealings with those who have good reputations, but not a fellow with a dredged reputation.

Leylin sucked in a lungful of air and sprinkled power on the corpses.

With hissing sounds, the corpses turned into yellow pus after corroding, and very soon, they disappeared.

"Although I have finally stopped my experiments, which is a little bit of a pity, it's not like I haven't obtained any results!" Leylin comforted himself, "At least, regarding the Lowian Academy Teachings' final step, the spirit awakening, I have already obtained sufficient data!"

As for the other ancient potion formula, Tears of Mary, Leylin still hadn't found any clues regarding it.

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Return

Within Extreme Night City, there was recently a matter that was neither big nor small happening. This turned into an idle conversation topic discussed by commoners after lunch tea.

Mister Leylin, an heir of a noble who had stayed in the city for three years and Viscount Jackson and Scholar Murphy's good friend, was temporarily leaving Extreme Night City.

Before he left, he actually handed over the manor and medicinal shop to his serving attendant, a maid, to handle the running.

For nobles, although they did vent their pent up energy on their serving maids frequently, they would never have handed over important establishments and such over to them because of this act.

After all, to them, maids were like toys, which could be changed or abandoned at any time. As for establishments and lands, they would often become the inheritance of an heir, and was the root for the growth of a family's continual development.

By doing this, Leylin had turned into a joke in front of the rest of the nobility. Not only did his reputation contain a lazy and kind person, it also extended to a muddle-headed trademark.

However, to the surprise of many, the maid, with the help of two Knights, very soon made the remainder of Leylin's faction submit to her. At the same time, Viscount Jackson city lord and Murphy stepped in personally to express their support for the maid, which allowed her to act on Leylin's behalf with his establishments.

After taking over Leylin's establishments, Anna dedicated herself to managing them and did it neatly and tidily. Not only did Leylin's establishment in Extreme Night City not fail as predicted by the other nobles, it continually developed, which made many nobles fall from their chair.

However, all of these things had nothing to do with Leylin. At this moment, he had long since left Extreme Night City.

* Pitter Patter! *

The sky turned dark, and bean sized drops of rain fell on the ground, initiating countless splashes.

* Thud Thud Thud! * A dark, handsome steed continually dashed along the road, and the scenery on both sides hurriedly retreated. Rainwater fell onto the body of a Knight, but was blocked by a raincoat.

By the time when it was midnight, the downpour stopped, and the Knight sought shelter in a cave.

A warm and bright flame illuminated the cave. A steel wok hung above the bonfire, and a white mushroom broth with a fragrant smell boiled. From time to time, a few pieces of meat jerky floated to the surface.

The Knight took off his coat, revealing a young face with brown hair and eyes that glittered like jewels.

This person was Leylin. At this moment, he drank the mushroom soup, while time bringing out a map from the A.I. Chip.

"After two months of continuous journeying, I am finally going to arrive at the academy!"

Leylin looked at the destination on the map. His expression was complicated. Previously, if not for him constantly changing his route and going to other markets to sell his potions, he wouldn't have been in such a rush, and the journey would have been a breeze.

However, with such a hastened journey, he had suffered plenty.

After having lived like a king for the past 3 years, Leylin had gotten used to the extravagant life of a noble, and almost could not adapt to his current situation.

"However, I have finally arrived. According to the map, I will arrive at the academy after three more days!"

"I never thought that a third party would actually intervene, and make the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and the other two factions come to a ceasefire agreement!"

Recalling the news that he heard from the markets in the past few days, Leylin was still somewhat in disbelief.

According to the news, with the pincer attack from the Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle, Abyssal Bone Forest Academy should have been in a precarious situation. Even the academy headquarters' defensive spell formation was damaged by half and was almost broken.

However, in the end, it was unknown what method the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy chairman used. He had actually managed to appeal for help from the Lighthouse of the Night.

The Lighthouse of the Night was one of the finest organisations in the south coast. Its leader was rumoured to have the strength of a rank 3 Magus.

Under the forceful mediation of the Lighthouse of the Night, the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy finally managed to escape from its dangerous situation, eventually reaching a treaty between the two rivaling factions.

Leylin was not someone who would immediately respond when he was requested to return to the academy. Along the way, he always inquired for news. Only when he was indeed certain that Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was freed from war, and that the recalling of the acolytes was not a trap, did he decide to return to the academy.

"With this distance, I can already initiate the communicative method that mentor showed me before! It's best to first discern the truth!"

Leylin's face turned serious, and he withdrew a pink coloured potion from his robes.

After removing the plug, he used the pink coloured potion to draw a mysterious rune on the ground. It was cursive and winding, like a worm.

* Sssii! * Pink smoke rose into the air continuously, before finally turning into the shape of a large pink ear.

"Who is this? This energy wave?" Beside the ear, Kroft's voice sounded, carrying many other static noises with it.

"It's me! Professor!" Leylin spoke softly.

"This voice! These spiritual force waves! You are Leylin! You have actually become a level 3 acolyte!" Astonishment could be heard in Kroft's voice.

For third grade acolytes, if they wanted to advance from a level 2 acolyte to a level 3 acolyte, it often required at least 5 years of constructing the mind runes and reinforcing of the sea of consciousness.

However, Leylin had spent only 3 years to advance to a level 3 acolyte, which shocked Kroft.

"You are only 17 this year, yet you have entered the realm of a level 3 acolyte!" Kroft's voice, which was usually stable, carried a trace of excitement in it, "An acolyte who is level 3 before the age of 20 often has an extremely huge chance of advancing to an official Magus. However, the numbers of such acolytes are extremely rare. Even your senior, Merlin, only advanced to a level 3 acolyte when he was 21.

If Kroft knew that Leylin had advanced to a level 3 acolyte only 1 year after he had left the academy, he might immediately label him as a genius!

However, striking it rich silently was always Leylin's norm of handling his affairs. Towards his mentor's astonishment, Leylin only bowed and said, "I was only lucky, and found a rare Void Flower …."

A Void Flower was a type of mysterious plant. Its petals were purple, and it if a magician were to raise it, it would be an extremely strong stimulant towards a magician's spiritual force. The most crucial point was that the laws of reproduction for the Void Flower were strange. they could appear at any place on the continent. There were even cases in which magicians found traces of these plants at the bottom of the sea or in a pit of a volcano.

Moreover, the Void Flower had a special attribute. Once its petals were plucked, the whole stalk will immediately combust, leaving no traces behind.

Naturally, this was an excuse that Leylin thought of long ago. Through the A.I. Chip's data gathering of various mysterious plants, he had already prepared this excuse as a reason for his advancement.

It was not like there weren't any other level 2 acolytes who had used a Void Flower to advance to a level 3 acolyte before.

"Void Flower?" Kroft's shock was relayed through the ear. "Such a precious magician resource could also be found by you… That is a top grade material of which one petal can cost several thousands of magic crystals…. It can even aid a magician in advancing…."

However, it was extremely difficult to predict luck in this world. After sticking to his statement that the Void Flower was indeed used up, Kroft had no other choice but to believe him.

What followed next was that the mentor and student spoke of Leylin's recent journeying experiences. When Kroft learned that Leylin had successfully completed the mission from the academy, he expressed his congratulations.

Towards the end, Leylin asked in a solemn tone, "Professor, regarding the recalling of the acolytes to the academy….."

Why he did not ask the academy directly was, naturally, because he was afraid that it would be a trap. It may have very well been that the chairman of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had some other plans, and might be prepared to sacrifice a bunch of acolytes.

"…." Kroft remained silent on the other side of the communication spell, before finally speaking again some time later.

"The recall of acolytes, this time, had indeed been approved by the chairman and board of directors. I can assure you that there is no lie in the recall, but…."

Leylin hesitated and held his breath, afraid to disturb his mentor.

"Originally, if you were still a level 2 acolyte, I would most likely have not approved of you returning to the academy. However, now that you are a level 3 acolyte, things are different. Let me ask you, do you wish to advance to an official Magus?"

Kroft asked suddenly.

"A rank 1 Magus. It is often the starting point for a Magus who pursues the truth. I definitely want to advance!" Leylin's voice was low.

"If that is the case, then come back! When you're here, I'll tell you everything! There isn't much time now…." The pink ear shuddered and exploded immediately, turning into a huge cloud of smoke as it dissipated into the air.

In the empty cave, Kroft's voice finally resounded one last time, "Heed my words! This opportunity is extremely rare but is also accompanied by danger. If you wish to walk further down the path of a Magus, then hurry back!"

Leylin looked at the gradually disappearing smoke and muttered to himself.

Through the long distance communication with Kroft today, although time was short, Leylin was able to understand the circumstances within the academy.

From this, he knew that the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had indeed extricated itself from danger but the war seemed to still be ongoing. This was why the academy forcefully recalled its acolytes back.

Moreover, opportunities often came hand in hand with risks. Looking at Kroft's opinion, it seemed that plenty of opportunities would await him if he returned. It even related to the advancement that Leylin would have to undergo in the future.

"An official Magus!"

Leylin walked towards the entrance of the cave, and looked at the downcast sky and pitter-patter sounds of the downpour, letting out a sigh.

These few days, apart from making haste, he did nothing else but to go to a few magician markets to have a look. However, no matter how many magic crystals he was willing to part with, the market never contained any information pertaining to the advancement of an official Magus. Moreover, no one even sold a method of obtaining such information.

Looking at it, it seemed as though a large, invisible hand had directly hauled all of the information regarding official Magi away, not letting anyone else know of it.

"To be able to monopolise the information to such an extent, it must be supported by, at least, a majority of magicians within the large organisations and factions in the south coast…."

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Granite Ape

Leylin's gaze seemed distant as if sparks of wisdom radiated from it.

"For the Magi of the upper echelons, under the circumstances where they are unable to advance any further, their only concern is the protection and prosperity of their own family and factions!"

"For that, they monopolised the knowledge of advancing to a Magus, isolating wandering magicians and halting their advancement. Moreover, even the academy has strictly regulated the information given for an acolyte to advance into a level 3 acolyte. . . "

Leylin, who came from another world, naturally saw through these methods of sealing away information.

However, compared to those high and mighty Magi, Leylin was currently but an ant. Even if he saw through it, there was no way that he could resist it.

After all, Leylin was only a level 3 acolyte, and not even an official Magus!

"There is definitely information in the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy regarding the experience of advancement to a rank 1 Magus, but I'm afraid it's not something that I can obtain easily! It's a pity, but this is already the most probable situation I can think of…."

Leylin looked at the distant raindrops, sinking into deep thoughts.

After the harrowing experience of advancing to a level 3 acolyte, Leylin was rather traumatic over the incident. Before making preparations fully and obtaining enough information, he would definitely not dare to breakthrough into an official Magus.

For magicians, the step to become an official Magus, from an acolyte, was the most crucial step, and no mistakes could be allowed.

Leylin was, however, unable to discover any information pertaining to this. Furthermore, to obtain this information, he could only plan to seize it from an official Magus.

However, the strength of official Magi far exceeded that of a level 3 acolyte. Not to mention that the defensive force field surrounding the official Magi which the A.I. Chip had detected. Leylin had no means, even now, to break through it. The difficulty of obtaining information on advancement from an official Magus had long surpassed Leylin's limits. Only if Leylin was mad would he proceed with it.

As for what Leylin knew, obtaining information on the advancement was the most appropriate method.

"According to the news that Kroft had hinted at earlier, although it might be rather dangerous at this time, it is also the best chance to obtain these resources and information!"

Leylin looked at the raging thunderstorm outside and suddenly steeled his heart.

Although he was someone who treasured his life dearly, in this situation where his path seemed bleak, he could only muster up courage, and take a gamble!

Right now, he was at the optimal age to advance to an official Magus. Once he missed this chance, even if he could obtain resources and information in future, it would be unlikely that his aged body would support him through the breakthrough to a rank 1 Magus.

Moreover, it was not as though he did not have any confidence. At the very least, according to his own hypothesis and the A.I. Chip's simulations, there was, at least, a 90% chance that the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy required him to fulfill some sort of dangerous mission, and hence, would not sacrifice him! This was enough for him to take a gamble!

"I'll take a gamble this once! If I am unable to scale the absolute peak and observe the radiance from the rays of dawn, then let me be sludge and sink thoroughly into the earth, and rot!"

His eyes sparkled as he gazed intensely at the thunderstorm raging in front of him.

Three days later, in the outer vicinity of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

More than half of the surrounding forests around the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had already been destroyed. The ground was filled with traces of holes and depressions. Not far away, a few patches of the ground were white in colour, and on top of it were some rubble and ashes. From these, one could surmise what kind of bitter battle the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had gone through!

"It was actually reduced to a state like this…." Leylin rode the large horse and dashed ahead, feeling absolutely gleeful that he had made an unwavering decision to leave the academy beforehand.

It had been such a massive battle that it had actually even ruined half of the geography around the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. If Leylin were to remain here, he did not have any confidence in protecting his life.

Following the path and traveling on for another dozen minutes, a huge graveyard appeared before Leylin's eyes.

This was the underground entrance to the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, a large granite graveyard. However, right now, half of the tombstones were shattered, and many graves were also dug open, revealing the dark passages within. The surrounding stone walls and mud reflected signs having been abused by many spells. Before Leylin's eyes, the alert of the A.I. Chip continuously sounded, revealing the extremely high radiation from some traces of these spells.

"Every little tombstone here was actually a personal passageway for each professor in the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and all are now in such ruins…."

Although he long knew that the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy would definitely suffer a catastrophic loss, this miserable scene still caused Leylin to inhale a mouthful of cold ai

* Bang! *

Leylin casually kicked a stone on the floor, and walked towards the centremost area of the graveyard, where a huge tombstone that looked like a castle was erected.

This was the huge entrance to Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, and was the common path for all acolytes.

The surface of the castle was littered with cracks, and part of the topmost area was chipped off. What remained was tottering, and seemed to be on the verge of collapse. Seeing such a sight made Leylin somewhat worried; he felt that if he were to stick a finger out and poke it, this castle of a tombstone would crumble.

"Halt! Outsider! If you are unable to show any items of proof, I will make you pay the price of blood!"

The two stone statues by the large entrance were completely destroyed. The Winged Earthworm and Two-Headed Dog from before were now gone. Right when Leylin wanted to enter, a metallic voice sounded.

Accompanying that voice, a large shadow from the peak of the ashened castle climbed down at a rapid speed. This black figure was taller by an average human by two heads, and its hands were extremely long, extending to the ground.

Although the castle tombstone was filled with cracks, no matter how this black figure climbed, the castle did not waver an inch. Obviously, the construction of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was not as weak as it seemed on the surface.

* Bang! * The black figure leapt, and a huge shadow was projected on the ground, completely engulfing Leylin.

* Thud! * The black figure pounded on the ground, bringing up a layer of dust.

Leylin squinted and finally saw the appearance of the black figure. This was a large ape-like creature. Its whole body was layered with granite, and both of its hands propped itself up on the ground.

[Beep! A creature with high levels of energy has been detected. Now comparing to database. Determined as Granite Ape!] The A.I. Chip's voice intoned.

Granite Ape was a creature in the Magus World with a battle strength comparable to an official Magus.

"I sense the energy waves emanating from the item of proof on your body, take it out!"

The Granite Ape looked at Leylin, and sniffed him with its large snout. As the ape approached, an extremely dense and putrid stench wafted over. Leylin had to muster up a lot of strength to endure the need to frown.

"Item of proof?"

Leylin thought for a while, before hurriedly withdrawing the red metal card from his sack that he obtained before when taking up the mission.

"So it was this!"

The Granite Ape took the metal card and swallowed it in one gulp, as if munching on some delicacy. It even closed its eyes to savour the taste of it.

"It's an acolyte of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy who took on an outside mission previously!"

After a dozen seconds, the Granite Ape opened its large eyes and said to Leylin, "Brat, enter!"

"Please accept my offerings!" Leylin thought, and bowed before the Granite Ape, before taking a bunch of banana like fruits and placing it on the ground.

"Elephant Stout Bananas! Not bad, not bad!" The large ape nodded its head, and took one from the bunch and peeled it, before tossing it into its mouth, as if it could not wait.

"Can I ask what happened to the two guardians from before?"

Leylin asked cautiously, after seeing the Granite Ape enjoying itself.

"They're dead!" The large ape answered concisely, and Leylin gasped silently.

This was something that he had long guessed. The two statues were obviously the first line of defense for the academy. After being attacked, they would easily be the first to perish.

After another bow, Leylin entered through the entrance of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

The dimly lit flight of downward stairs was the same as from before, when Leylin had left the academy.

However, for some unknown reason – which may have been the fact that he was now a level 3 acolyte with a greater spiritual force – Leylin discovered that there were a few marks on the walls and stones, with some traces of blood. There were even some faint wails of spirits who had perished, which travelled to Leylin's ears.

Leylin, who had conducted a massive amount of experiments on spirit bodies, would never mistake these noises for something else.

Along the way, he noticed that he had run into far fewer acolytes than he did normally. Leylin estimated that the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy didn't even have half of its original strength. Even the Trading Post and Mission Area hotspots seemed to be devoid of people.

At the mission desk counter, Leylin handed over the records in the crystal ball and a piece of the Great Snake Mankestre's scales.

"I'm here to complete a mission!"

"Alright, please hold on!" The staff at the counter had changed too. This was a freckled girl, who seemed to only be a level 2 acolyte.

While he was waiting, Leylin was bored to death, and looked at his surroundings.

Although the number of people in the Mission Area had been greatly reduced, the number of missions did not reduce but increased instead. Moreover, many of them had increased rewards compared to before. According to Leylin's guess, while the difficulty of these missions had remained the same, the rewards had increased to twice of what they were originally.

This was an abnormal scene, which made Leylin's eyes flash.

"Ley…Leylin!" A muffled yet hoarse voice sounded behind Leylin.

Leylin turned around and saw a swollen figure wrapped in a black veil. Moreover, the stench of pus drifted over.

"You are… Nyssa!" Leylin's eyes widened.

Naturally he recalled this image clearly, but even if he didn't, the A.I. Chip had recorded it.

"You actually still remember me!" Nyssa's voice had a tinge of excitement. At the same time, an energy wave leaked from her body. According to the A.I. Chip, she was actually a level 2 acolyte.

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A Way To Breakthrough

Leylin's expression softened; this was one of the rare occasions that this occurred. He still remembered this unfortunate girl and the grief and perseverance on this girl's face before.

"It's really great to see you again, how are Guricha and Dodoria?"

Leylin smiled.

Hearing this, Nyssa who was wrapped in the black cloak shuddered, and her voice was gloomy as she said, "They're all dead. Even Kaliweir, Beirut, the ones who came with us from the Chernobyl Islands, more than half of them perished…."

"My apologies…."

Leylin did not know what he ought to say. Although he did divulge a bit of information previously, it was extremely obscure. Whether or not Kaliweir and the rest could figure it out, and if they could view it solemnly were all matters of uncertainty.

Moreover, even if they discovered that something was amiss, they were only first or second grade acolytes without much aptitude. Whether or not they could obtain discriminating treatment from the academy and leave was also difficult to say.

As expected, Nyssa continued, "After getting news from you, we'd came together several times. However, there were no good measures. Not long later, the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy announced a lockdown of the whole academy, otherwise, death would be granted… Afterwards, the war began…."

Official Magi were the core strength of the war between both sides. Kaliweir, together with the others who weren't even level 3 acolytes were not fit to be cannon fodder, so heavy casualties were to be expected.

Leylin could not think of any consoling words. Nyssa too did not continue, and silence ensued.

"Mission recorded and confirmed as completed! This is your reward, please check and accept!"

At this moment, the freckled girl from behind the counter had finally raised her head, and scribbled on a piece of parchment paper with a feather quill, finally handing over a small leather sack to Leylin.

Leylin weighed the sack, and rubbing noises between magic crystals came travelling from the leather sack.

"I still have something on, so I'll take my leave first!"

Leylin said to Nyssa, leaving her with a complicated expression on her face.

"Mission is completed, time to meet with Mentor!"

Leylin walked through the gardens and came to the experiment lab where Kroft was.

* Dong Dong Dong! *

Leylin knocked on the door, following which, the door creaked open, revealing a pretty girl.

The girl was slightly shorter than Leylin by half a head and had beautiful, green hair. Her body contours were extremely seductive. Due to the proximity, Leylin could even catch a whiff of her perfume.

"Bicky! It's been a long time!" Leylin spoke softly.

"You are… Leylin!" The green-haired girl sized up Leylin suspiciously with a glance, before cheering as she leapt into his arms.

Feeling the soft perky abundance against his chest, and the fragrance that wafted into his nose, Leylin could not help but exclaim at this little girl having matured.

"Alright! I am here to visit Kroft!"

Leylin waited for a good while, and seeing that the girl did not want to leave his embrace, he could only he cajole her while patting her on the shoulders.

"Mentor is just inside, together with Merlin!" Bicky rubbed her somewhat reddened eyes, and her delicate features revealed a smile, "You being alright is really a great thing…."

Leylin nodded his head and walked into the experiment lab.

"Leylin!" Merlin greeted him first. His features did not change much from the past 3 years, only that his temperament seemed more stable and mature. After seeing Leylin, he forced an extremely ugly smile.

"Senior Merlin!" Leylin bowed. His knew that a part of Merlin's face had suffered from irreparable damage from before, so he did not mind that he was unable to portray common expressions.

After which, Leylin continued walking in.

There was only an experiment table in here. On the operating table, a white-haired, middle-aged man placed the test tube in his hands down, and his pair of golden eyes met Leylin's eyes.

"I can smell the barely faint smell of the Void Flower in your body, it seems like you really got the petals of a Void Flower!"

Kroft stared at Leylin for some time, before smiling, "You're really a lucky fellow!

"Haha…" Leylin scratched the back of his head, revealing an embarrassed expression, but deep down he was elated.

After deciding to use the Void Flower as an excuse, he had been concocting the substitute ingredients for the Void Flower.

99.98%

After huge amounts of experiments, he had obtained a type of potion which could emit the scent of the Void Flower with a similarity of 99.98%, to use as his trump card to fool others.

Of course, this potion only had a similar fragrance to the Void Flower, but it did not contain any effect of the original Void Flower at all.

Before coming to the academy, Leylin had especially sprayed some of it on his body, and now it seemed that even Kroft was fooled.

After which, Leylin only had to insist that the effect of the Void Flower was fully consumed by him, then nobody would be able to discover any gaps in his speech.

"No matter what, achieving level 3 acolyte before you are 20, you can already be considered as one of the core acolytes in the academy. Only that you have to go to the Administrative Area to register, then your various welfares and statuses will increase…."

Kroft told Leylin about some benefits and authority given to a level 3 acolyte, which would be awarded to Leylin.

Finally, Leylin could hardly wait any longer and blurted out, "Professor, this time, I'm here to ask about the matter of the official Magus that you spoke of previously…."

"I knew it!" Kroft nodded, "Ever since I saw you after your first meditation, I knew that you are resolute on the path of a Magus…."

The white-haired, middle-aged man pointed at the chairs in the lab, "Regarding this, it might take a while, so let us sit first."

Saying which, Kroft walked towards a recliner and sat down, with Leylin following behind him.

The black chair was draped with the leather of some creature, and running your hands across it gave a comfortable feeling. Between the two chairs, there was a small round table.

Bicky served two hot, steaming cups of green refreshments– her actions was of the official standard as if she had practiced serving innumerable times– and hurriedly retreated.

"Green Root Fruit Juice! I never thought that Professor would still keep this habit!" Leylin sniffed the fragrance, and his eyes reflected reminiscence.

"Haha… I have always liked these kinds of drinks, even when I'm idle or when doing experiments, I will still take a sip or two. Moreover, for an official Magus, 3 years is only a short time in their life!"

Kroft made several sips of the drink and then asked, "Leylin, do you know how to advance to an official Magus?"

"Please show me the way, Mentor!" Leylin's expression was extremely solemn.

"An official Magus has long since overcome the limitations of a human. They are able to harness the nature's energy and obtain a longer lifespan. Even the worst official Magus is far beyond that of a level 3 acolyte! They are extraordinary!"

Kroft's voice sounded mellow, almost as if he were singing.

"This is because of the energy and devastating strength that an official Magus controls. A long time– maybe a thousand odd years ago, on the Luxe Castle of the south coast, all magisterium in the south coast have come to a mutual agreement to control the information about official Magi, and have even endorsed it…"

Kroft spoke of the past history of the Magus World.

"No matter what it is similar to the non-proliferation treaty of nuclear weapons of my previous world!" thought Leylin.

"From then on, before a level 3 acolyte advanced to an official Magus, they will sign a contract with the person or organisation imparting the knowledge to them. To promise that there will be in no way the concrete steps of advancing into an official Magus will be divulged. Any violators will accept the judgment of the Trial's Eye, and his soul to be scorched for a thousand years…."

Kroft looked at Leylin, "I too have signed the contract before, hence I was able to obtain the resources and information needed for advancement. Due to the restrictions of this contract, I am unable to share the information with you!"

"However, I can still tell you of some general knowledge around it!" Seeing the obviously disappointed face of Leylin, Kroft continued.

"To advance to an official Magus, the first requirement is for the acolyte to reach a certain standard in the spiritual force. From what I see, you are very close to this criteria already. Actually, for many level 3 acolyte, this is not a problem at all.

"As for the real crux, it is to have a defensive spell model of a rank 1 Spell. This model will become your innate defensive spell in the future. Also, you need a standard amount of Grine Water to complement with the breakthrough!"

Leylin listened attentively, and various emotions flashed across his eyes, "So then, the criteria to advance would be these three: A certain level of spiritual force, a defensive rank 1 spell and Grine Water! Right?"

"Indeed!" Kroft nodded his head, "rank 1 Magus spell models and Grine Water are controlled by the huge factions. Even on the counters of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, you will not be able to find them!"

Leylin smiled bitterly. He had already scouted most of the markets in the Poolfield Kingdom. There was absolutely no one place which contained Grine Water or a defensive rank 1 Spell.

From level 1 acolyte to level 2 acolyte, all that Leylin had learnt were rank 0 spells. Obviously, the Magi had made clear divisions on the rankings of spells. Moreover, they coined the spells that acolytes learnt as rank 0 spells, to differentiate between those spells of official Magi.

As for Grine Water, Leylin seemed to have seen some information pertaining to it on a ruined draft regarding Potioneering. That was a type of potion that was rather difficult for Leylin with his current abilities to brew. Moreover, many main ingredients were monopolised by the huge factions, and there were no traces of the formula.

"So then, Professor, you asked me to come back, which means that I am able to obtain the Grine Water and defensive rank 1 Spell?" Leylin suddenly asked.

"I can only say that it's possible."

Kroft took another sip of the green refreshment. "Advancing to a level 3 acolyte before you turn 20 is already considered to be a potential Magus. Therefore, you are qualified to sign a contract with the academy!"

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Bloodbath In The Secret Plane

"Contract? What contract?"

Leylin asked.

"First, you cannot reveal any information regarding the advancement to an official Magus. Furthermore, after you become an official Magus, the contract that you signed when you entered the academy would not impose any restrictions on you anymore. Hence, you must swear upon your soul, under the witness of Trial's Eye, you will be of service to the academy for 100 years!"

"After signing the contract, you will be able to obtain a defensive rank 1 Magus spell for free, and a standard amount of Grine Water!

Leylin saw an introduction to Trial's Eye before on an ancient manual. It seemed to be a massive organism with Rules from a different world. It did not have a consciousness of its own, and magicians preferred to use it as a witness when undertaking important contracts.

The effectiveness of its constraints was known to be amongst the strongest of all contracts. Moreover, there was no way to be rid of it.

Once an agreement was formed, within the span of a hundred years, even if the academy were to have Leylin sacrifice his life during a battle, he had no choice but to obey.

This agreement was similar to a slave contract, yet it had more constraints stipulated in it than in a regular slave contract.

Leylin rejected it immediately within his heart. He was a person for valued absolute freedom, so it was rather distasteful for him to be under such constraints.

Of course, on the surface, Leylin still pretended to be extremely moved, struggling for an answer.

Finally, Leylin asked, with his throat a little parched, "So, Mentor, did you sign such a contract too?"

"Indeed! And because of this, I've joined Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, and became a member of the professors!" Kroft gave a definitive reply, "Actually, the treatment that the academy gives to Magus like us – who came from abroad – is not too bad. They wouldn't let us take on extremely difficult tasks as well!"

"Professor, asking me to come back to the academy, I'm sure there is some other way?"

Leylin looked at Kroft in anticipation.

Signing a contract and obtaining resources was a very common practice, and had nothing to do with the current precarious situation the academy was in. Leylin naturally did not assume that Kroft asked him to come back for this.

After hearing Leylin's words, Kroft seemed to be happy. "Indeed, you are still as intelligent as before. Your eyes are also filled with wisdom, if not for your average aptitude, your achievements in future would definitely surpass Merlin's!"

The façade of inferiority towards Merlin was put on by Leylin. He smiled, not speaking, waiting to hear what Kroft had to say.

"Actually, the war of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy is not over!"

This sentence of Kroft made Leylin's hair stand straight.

"What?" Leylin was so flabbergasted that he stood up immediately, "Was the war not mediated after the Lighthouse of the Night stepped in to stop Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle?"

"This news is indeed accurate but is incomplete. The war between official Magi have ended, but for acolytes it is still far from ending!"

Kroft smiled wryly.

"Although Lighthouse of the Night is one of the strongest guilds around, they are not the only one. Behind Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle, there is also a powerful guild supporting them from behind.

"Hence, under the mediation of Lighthouse of the Night, although the war between both sides has ended, yet there was a special clause!"

"What is it?" Leylin could faintly discern that it had something to do with the acolytes, but he still asked.

"The opposing factions have requested us to recall all of our acolytes, and engage in a bloodbath with their acolytes in a secret plane!

"Secret plane!? Bloodbath?"

Towards Leylin who had abundant information and knowledge, only after searching in the A.I. Chip's data bank, he found the information he needed regarding those two terms.

The secret plane was a dimension used by magicians to protect their own lab and store their resources. It is created by a spell and the dimension is got by connecting to a region from the outside world.

Because of the powerful spell effects outside of these secret planes, magicians of the acolyte level could not break into it. As for some higher levelled secret planes, even if official Magi were to enter, they would also perish.

With the passing of time, some magician guilds will join forces, using spells to form a temporary secret plane, and conduct some experiments or for war/battle.

As for bloodbath, it contained the meaning of madness and massacre.

In the Magus World, if two magicians have a huge conflict that could not longer be mediated, only with death they would rest their case. Under these circumstances, they will undergo a bloodbath with a host as a witness!

Before the bloodbath, both parties would sign an agreement. After any one side dies, their families, professors and friends may not directly avenge them.

This was a kind of battle, but with the effects of spells, the contracts, too, were difficult to breach. Many magicians with dignity would engage in this life and death conflict, yet they did not wish for the collateral damage to spread. So a bloodbath was the best choice.

"So, the academy summoned us acolytes back…."

Leylin suddenly realised that his throat was extremely parched as if he were a person dying from thirst.

"During the signing of the contract, the other parties have summoned Trial's Eye as a witness, so our academy could only go according to the stipulated agreement. If not, all of us professors– including the chairman– will have our souls resting in eternal peace…."

"This time, it's not only you guys, even the other genius fifth-grade acolytes, including your senior Merlin, must participate in this bloodbath. Moreover, the acolytes from each of the 3 academies, will all be at the same place…."

"Wait, which is to say, the acolytes from the other two academies will join forces and attack our Abyssal Bone Forest Academy?"

Leylin felt rather dizzy, Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolytes have already suffered tremendous casualties from the war before. As for Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle, they were forces with a level similar to Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. If any of these two were to engage in a bloodbath battle with Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's acolytes, it would be 50-50, not to mention there's two of them now.

Moreover, at the moment, there were only 50-60% acolytes remaining behind in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

"This is too crazy, why would the academy accept such conditions?"

"There's no choice, who asked for our academy to be in such a state? Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle wants to wipe our acolytes out at one go, and let the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's legacy be broken!" Kroft smiled bitterly, "Furthermore, be it our acolytes or the enemies', they are not allowed to bring in any battle items of official Magus strength. This is programmed into the defensive spell of the secret plane. Any tools which exceed the strength of an acolyte will immediately be rejected upon entering the secret plane…."

"Can I still leave now?" Leylin harboured his tiny glimmer of hope.

"What do you think?" Kroft looked at Leylin deeply in the eyes, and the meaning implicated made Leylin quiver.

"Alright then!" Leylin resigned to his fate and sat down. "The bad news is over? You should tell me some good news now!"

"You little brat!" Kroft smiled and shook his head. "Before the bloodbath, the academy will conduct a competition, where the rewards are bountiful. Moreover, various remuneration have increased by twofold, and the spell models and potions on the sales counter are also at a large discount…."

"They want to raise the strength of their own acolytes before the bloodbath, huh?" Leylin thought silently. He was a very optimistic person and had already faintly thought of a scenario like this before, unlike the extremely shocked appearance he was putting on right now. Since there is no room for retreat, his brain immediately adapted to the situation.

"All these have nothing to do with the advancement of official Magus. Previous, Mentor has told me that there is a method to advance, could it be inside the bloodbath?"

"Indeed! The academy has issued a mission to all level 3 acolyte like you for a blood vengeance. You are to massacre as many acolytes as you can inside the bloodbath!"

A sign of madness appeared for the first time on Kroft's bespectacled features.

"We have assigned points on the enemy acolytes, every level 1 acolyte is worth 1 contribution points, level 2 acolytes are worth 3 points, and level 3 acolyte as 10 points. Towards the more noteworthy acolytes, we have corresponding values assigned to them.

There was a huge temptation behind Kroft's words, "This time the academy's mission reward is extremely bountiful. If you were to obtain enough contribution points, no matter if it is a rank 1 Magus defensive spell model or Grine Water, they all can be exchanged for with contribution points!"

"This is the only method that does not require a contract, and still can advance with resources!"

"If it's this way…." Leylin closed his eyes, and quietly pondered of his mentor's speech.

On the surface, Leylin looked calm. In fact, his brain had already begun to ponder over various scenarios, with the A.I. Chip constantly bringing out different simulations, projecting them in front of Leylin.

Minutes later, Leylin stood up again and bowed to his Professor Kroft. "If there is nothing else, please allow me to take my leave!"

"Where are you going?" Kroft was rather stunned by his own apprentice's actions.

"Of course to see the Trading Post and sales counter!"

Leylin bowed again, and after obtaining Kroft's approval, he left immediately.

Walking on an empty school route, Leylin thought over many things. First of all, trying to escape under the noses of various professors of the official Magus level and then being hunted was something impossible.

Leylin only thought briefly, before beginning to toss that notion away.

Previously, he was able to escape was because of Kroft's pointer and his personal capabilities. The largest reason was still that the academy allowed him to leave. If not, regardless of then and now, Leylin would never be able to walk out of the academy's doors.

"Compared to official Magus, it seems like there is more hope in the bloodbath between acolytes, although the situation is still as unfavourable as before!"

Leylin walked to the Trading Post. The acolytes here numbered slightly more than other places, but many acolytes still had glum expressions on their faces. It seems that they had already gotten news of the upcoming bloodbath.

First, Leylin went to Woox's store to have a look. A pity, however, the little wooden hut was already gone, and the fatty Woox was not known to have escaped or died.

Leylin sighed in disappointment. At the Trading Post, he purchased some ingredients he needed, before walking to the spell models sales counter.

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A Secret Divulged

"Is there anything I can help you with?"

The disgusting woman behind the counter previously had now disappeared, changing into a friendly looking old geezer.

"Where's the woman from before?" Leylin asked.

"Dakota? Already dead!" A tinge of sadness seemed to appear on the old geezer's face.

"Give me the spell model catalogue!" Thinking of that fussy woman from before, Leylin felt extremely glad. Even the sinking feeling from the mandatory attendance of the bloodbath had slowly reduced.

"Here!" The old geezer handed over a booklet made from parchment paper over to Leylin.

Leylin opened to have a look. The first page was of Fire element rank 0 spells, on the page number it shone with red light, indicating the element of the spells listed.

Leylin continued flipping. Water element, Plant element, even Necromancy rank 0 spells had all shone in their respective colours.

As for Shadow, Dark Element rank 0 spells, Leylin had already collected almost all, so he did not look any further.

While browsing through the booklet, Leylin realised that the prices of these spell models had reduced by more than half, so they were already selling them at a loss.

It was a pity, however, that for regular acolytes, to master a rank 0 spell, they must take at least months. Towards this imminent bloodbath, it was futile to start mastering them now.

"This Secondary Energy Fireball of the Fire element, Dampened Earth of the Water element, and the manipulation of corpses from the Necromancy Element, and this, and this…. One of them each."

Since the spell model prices have plunged down, and Leylin had magic crystals, he could naturally afford to splurge on them.

To him, it was like a sweep of the warehouse sale.

After handing the old geezer a huge bag of magic crystals, and requested him to send people to carry the books over, Leylin then asked, "Are there any rank 1 spell models here?"

"My apologies, our counter here only sells rank 0 spells for the acolytes." The old geezer shrugged his shoulders and put on a helpless appearance. It seems like Leylin wasn't the first acolyte to ask him about this.

After obtaining an answer he expected, Leylin nodded his head and left.

His earlier question was just to try his luck, so he wasn't very disappointed.

* Ka-cha! Creak! *

First, it was the sound of a bronze key entering the keyhole and the turning of the lock.

"We're here, place the things down!"

Leylin opened his dorm's door and said towards several servants carrying boxes behind him.

* Boom! * The few servants placed the spell models books onto the ground, letting off a loud noise.

After placing Leylin's purchase, these servants bowed to Leylin and walked out of the room.

"There is actually no change here!"

Leylin sized up his room. There was still a bright light radiating from within. Apart from more dust being collected, the rest was still the same as before.

"Amansi!"

Leylin snapped his fingers. Suddenly a green whirlwind appeared from within the room.

The spiralling of the whirlwind continued, bringing the bedsheets and tablecloths floating into the air. A few grey dust particles were sucked into that whirlwind.

Very soon the green whirlwind spun around the room once, and many dust particles were trapped in it, turning a murky green colour, finally it dropped into the bin.

"Now it seems much more comfortable and clean!"

Leylin looked at the dorm that was as good as new, and nodded his head in satisfaction, before placing the spell models and ingredients away nicely.

After all was done, Leylin first went to the dining hall to have a sumptuous dinner, before returning to the room and picking up a spell model book.

"Secondary Energy Fireball huh?" Leylin looked at the fire red book. "A.I. Chip! Record!"

[Beep! Scanning in progress!] The A.I. Chip's voice intoned.

Hours later, the A.I. Chip replied, [The spell model of Secondary Energy Fireball has been recorded, analysing in progress: 9.23%]

After his advancement into a level 3 Acolyte, the A.I. Chip which was part of his soul also obtained an increase in processing capabilities.

To Leylin, other acolytes need continuous memorisation and use of their spiritual force to construct the spell models in their mind. This would require a huge consumption of time, and once something goes awry, it would result in a waste of time.

However, for Leylin, he only needed the A.I. Chip to analyse the spell and send it over to his hippocampus, then he would remember this spell model forever. In future, he only needed to activate his spiritual force, before completely mastering the spell model.

To put it simply, the A.I. Chip had substituted the process of memory and also created a framework for him in his mind. It was like digging a pool, the A.I. Chip would help Leylin in digging a pool, and Leylin only needed to put forth his spiritual force like water into the pool. This saved a huge amount of time, which made Leylin's learning abilities on spell models much faster than regular acolytes.

"A.I. Chip! Establish mission! With all the rank 0 spells as the foundation, begin simulating the model for a rank 1 spell!"

From what Leylin could see, the might of a rank 1 spell was stronger than a rank 0 spell. Only with enough material, with the A.I. Chip's calculation abilities, can he manage to simulate a certain rank 1 spell model. There could even be a new spell model that had never appeared before in the Magus World!

[Mission establishing! Information on rank 1 spells missing, beginning simulation….]

Rows of data were projected in front of Leylin's eyes.

[Estimated might of a rank 1 spell: 20 degrees and above! Information sources: , , , Umbra's Hand spell model, Secondary Energy Fireball spell model…. Simulation time: Unable to estimate!]

The A.I. Chip listed many sources of material and even replied with an answer that it was unable to estimate for the first time.

However, Leylin smiled. "As expected, although the time is not confirmed, but the A.I. Chip can very well simulate a spell model of a rank 1 spell…."

"What's next, once I have a standard amount of Grine Water, and reach the requirement of the spiritual force to advance, then I can give it a go…."

For Leylin, he would try simulating a rank 1 spell model with the A.I. Chip. But for the Grine Water, as it was a type of intermediate potion, the formula had always been held by the various large magician guilds. There was no way of them being divulged to outsiders. Many of the ingredients to brew it were also monopolised by these guilds, so there was no way he could brew it on his own.

Hence, his main goal in the upcoming bloodbath, was, under the circumstances of self-preservation, that he would try his best to acquire as many contribution points as possible to exchange for the Grine Water!

If he even had to purchase a spell model with the contribution points, he had no confidence to retaliate under the two academies joining forces and obtaining enough contribution points.

Moreover, even if he did, he would be marked down by the enemy Magi, which was not beneficial for his future growth.

But now he only needed to get one of the two, so the difficulty was reduced by half. The attention he would be getting would be reduced too.

"Also, I have to complete the Fallen Star Pendant for a chance to live on in the bloodbath!"

Leylin's hand turned over, revealing that silver cross.

Under the bright light, the jewels on the cross glittered resplendently.

"Once I have this low-grade defensive magic artifact, my survival chances will definitely increase in the secret plane!"

Leylin muttered, and came to his experiment lab beside the room, withdrawing the Confining Spirit Sphere that held Roman captive.

The originally dimmed crystal ball gradually radiated with light after Leylin undid the seal. Light reflected from it like amber, with a translucent worm-sized like human figure in it.

"Roman! Actually, I wanted to spend more time on you to pry more information from your mouth. A pity, however, there isn't much time left…."

Regret surfaced on Leylin's face.

As for the vengeful spirit, Roman, who was inside the crystal ball, he shuddered. The crazed and bloodthirsty look disappeared from his face, replaced by a pair of eyes that radiated intelligence.

"A level 3 Acolyte's soul which transformed into a vengeful spirit, can definitely accomplish the final step – Spirit awakening!"

Leylin placed the silver cross beside the Confining Spirit Sphere and began to draw various runes with a feather quill and other tools on the large experiment table.

The runes and characters continuously writhed and twisted, forming a strange magic rune.

Along with Leylin's incantation and tossing of ingredients, the huge magic rune let off a dim grey glow.

As for Roman who was within the Confining Spirit Sphere, he seemed to have seen something extremely dangerous, and even his voice started to quiver, "No… You can't do this…."

The final step of synthesizing the Fallen Star Pendant required a sealed spirit that was full of energy, which is the best catalyst for the activation process.

Roman, who had the strength of a level 3 Acolyte in his previous life, was the perfect ingredient for Leylin right now!

After a vengeful spirit is sealed within the Fallen Star Pendant, Roman's soul will be forever trapped within that silver cross, and suffer from never-ending torment. He could only wait for the day when the silver cross shatters, before his soul will be dissipated.

"You, who is in such a state, have you got any other bargaining chip for me?"

After finishing drawing the spell formation, and sizing up the spirit which was repeatedly begging him from within the Confining Spirit Sphere, a curious smile spread across Leylin's face.

"I… I am an outstanding alchemist and have mastered many secrets and special skills in alchemy. If only you let me go, I will hand them all over to you…."

Seeing the resolute expression on Leylin's face, Roman started to reveal everything that he knew, for a sliver of a chance to stay alive.

"Not enough! Most of your things were already recorded inside that Alchemy book, and these benefits will not be able to compensate for the loss of my Fallen Star Pendant!" Leylin's face turned icy cold.

"I… I also know of a secret about magicians who advance to an official Magus! If only you swear to let me go, I will tell you! That is something that all the higher ups in the magician guilds have done their best to conceal!"

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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.

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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.

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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…."

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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…."

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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.

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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!!! *

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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.

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Striking

The black-haired acolyte had a silver chain coiled around his waist, and from time to time there were blue lightning sparks igniting between his hands, making a crackling noise.

"Haha… Jayden, I mentioned it before. One day you will land in my hands!"

The black-haired acolyte laughed wildly. With the wave of his hand, a blue streak of lightning faster than supersonic directly landed on Jayden's armour of vines.

* Sssii! *

Jayden was sent flying, as if a train had knocked into him, and crashed onto the ground forming a large hole.

"How is it? Where is the arrogance back then when you stole my piece of lightning core?"

The black-haired acolyte taunted, before casting another spell at Jayden. It opened a gap on Jayden's body.

The green vines had a huge opening now, revealing Jayden's skin. A large patch of his skin was charred, and Leylin could faintly catch a whiff of barbeque smell.

"Don't think a broken magic artifact can save you!"

It seemed like the hatred the black-haired acolyte had for Jayden was not small, as his glee in seeking revenge was shown on his face.

"A.I. Chip! Inspect Jayden!"

Leylin did not dare to scan the black-haired acolyte and chose the severely injured Jayden as his target.

[Beep! Jayden. Strength: 1.9, Agility: 2.7, Vitality: 2.1 (3.5), Spiritual force: 3 (10.8). Status: Mild injury. Paralysis!]

No matter how much the opponent taunted him, Jayden did not speak a single word. He only used an icy gaze to stare at his enemy.

"Not good! Jayden is also a level 3 acolyte now with a magic artifact, but he actually could not beat the opponent!"

Leylin's thoughts quickly surmised.

Leylin was attracted by Jayden's name to this place out of curiosity but did not intend to risk his life for him.

To tell the truth, if Jayden's enemy was not strong, Leylin would have struck as Jayden had disclosed information to him previously. But now the enemy's strength seemed to be extremely strong, and Leylin was somewhat hesitant.

"A.I. Chip! Inspect the target's data and calculate the winning rate in a battle!"

Leylin ordered.

[Beep! Mission establishing, beginning fight simulation….]

The A.I. Chip calculated rapidly and came to a conclusion. [Host's winning rate is 77%. Possible scenario: Death of the target, light damage to the host!]

"This probability is rather low!" Leylin's brows furrowed.

"Look! There are really people there!"

Just was Leylin was hesitant, the voice of a female travelled over. It was extremely familiar, and Leylin even heard the alluring pants of its owner not too long ago.

On the other side of the battlefield, Bicky and another female acolyte came over.

"It's Bicky! Why would she come here?"

Leylin inhaled deeply. He suddenly felt that things were going to be extremely troublesome.

"There is someone fighting. Ah! Senior Jayden!"

The female acolyte with Bicky recognised Jayden, and she seemed to have some affection for him. Once she saw him injured, she hurried over.

"A girl? Your friend?"

The black-haired acolyte's brows furrowed and suddenly clapped. "You brought me shame by stealing my possession. Today I will return it in multiple folds to you. For instance, claiming this woman right before your eyes…."

The black-haired acolyte sniggered lecherously, and his hands moved and fluttered like a butterfly.

* Sssii! *

The blue lightning of snake continuously formed on his hands and transformed into a metal chain.It pierced the fireball casted hurriedly by the female acolyte, and knocked her to the ground.

"Molly!" Bicky was frightened, and she hurried over too.

"This idiot!"

Leylin helplessly shook his hand as he got up.

He still harboured some feelings for Bicky, and would take a risk for her under the circumstances that his life was not threatened.

Of course, his largest assurance was the winning rate that the A.I. Chip provided him!

If the A.I. Chip's calculation did not give him such a winning rate, he might have chosen to leave. After advancing into a rank 1 Magus he would then return and seek revenge for Bicky.

Furthermore, Leylin was completely unwilling to help if he had to pay the price of being critically injured or even death to win.

On the other hand, if it were only some mild injuries, Leylin felt that Bicky deserved his help.

"Actually, deep down I am an extremely rational, not to mention unfeeling and apathetic person!"

Leylin scoffed at himself and hurriedly moved, closing the distance of a dozen metres and held onto Bicky.

"Don't go over!"

"Who… Are you?" Bicky gave a puzzled stare to the guy in front of her.

Leylin's Shapeshifting spell was still in effect and even his voice was altered through potions. Therefore, Bicky did not recognise Leylin at all.

"A person who has come to save you!" Leylin's voice was hoarse, and directly locked gazes with the black-haired acolyte.

"An interesting insect. It was you who was hiding in the corner earlier, huh?"

The black-haired acolyte clenched his fist, as blue lightning coiled around it, emitting sparks every now and then.

A few bolts of electricity were shot into the ground, and each exploded, creating many small holes. The shattered stones and mud flew up beside Leylin, and were blocked by his acolyte's robes and soon fell back to the ground.

"An electric element acolyte and it also seems like his affinity towards it is rather high!"

Leylin gradually withdrew the cross blade hung on his waist, "This will be a tough battle that I never had before!"

To prevent Bicky from recognising him, he could not use some common methods used by Potion Masters. He could only use those that he learnt when he left the academy.

"However, this is also the best chance to test my abilities! Back then in Extreme Night City, Murphy and the rest were all people who had retired, and their battle abilities were rubbish! As for the acolytes in the market, I could not strike, if not I would have become their sworn enemy!"

And this acolyte in front of his was obviously strong in his academy.

Leylin licked his lips and suddenly felt a strong battle desire surging from his chest and spreading to his four limbs. He could even hear the blood which was rapidly coursing, and made his eyes a little bloodshot.

This was a man's hot bloodedness and desire for battle!

"Haha… Look what I found? Merely a level 1 acolyte who dares to draw a sword against me?"

The black-haired acolyte sneered and his expression became colder and more resolute, "Kiddo! I will give you one last chance. Hurry and kneel to the revered Lord Torash and admit your wrongdoing, and beg for my magnanimity! On account of my good mood, I may even pardon your sins…."

* Shing! *

In an instant, a silver arc of light flashed. It crossed the distance of a dozen metres and struck at the black haired Torash.

The silver arc of light materialised into a cross blade which brought on a heavy killing intent. The aura emitted from it even pressed down on the grasses.

The black-haired Torash had a startled expression. Suddenly, several green runes formed by lightning appeared underneath his leather shoes and crept to his thighs.

As if under some stimulation, Torash jumped backed several metres and avoided the attack.

* Bang! * The cross blade landed and slashed a cross shape hole on the ground.

The grey shadow flashed, and Leylin appeared at the original position of the black-haired acolyte. He gripped the cross blade in his hands and put on a regretful expression.

With some lingering fear, Torash touched his face and felt a gash, which was several centimetres deep, on it.

Although Leylin's attack earlier did not strike the opponent directly, the force it brought already caused a gash on his face.

"So fast! If not for the hastening lightning rune my professor gave me, I might have been a corpse already!"

Very soon the fear subsided from Torash's face and it turned into a contorted expression of rage.

"You… You actually dare to harm the mighty Lord Torash, I'm going to kill you!"

However, his rage did not muddle his mind. Although Torash's expression showed that he couldn't wait to kill Leylin, he retrieved a scroll from his waist sack.

"I admit that your speed is extremely fast. You should, at least, have the physical ability of a Knight, right? But so what? Although a Knight's body is stronger than a regular human and is not afraid of steel swords and large axes, it is just meaningless under a magician's spell!"

* Sssii! * Torash pulled the scroll open, and an icy cold spell was activated, covering the whole of the battlefield.

Countless white mist condensed in the air, turning into ice and spread across the land.

The surrounding temperature decreased by dozens of degrees. Bicky pulled the friend on the ground to the back of Leylin. Her body shivered as she looked at Leylin's back, obviously grateful and puzzled at the same time.

Although she had no memory of this person, Bicky had a strong feeling that she knew this strong person who had suddenly appeared in front of her.

"Who exactly, are you?" Bicky looked at Leylin's figure, her expression complicated.

At this moment, Torash's scroll had finished its activation. With him at the heart of it, the domain of several hundred metres was covered by frost. There were even a layer of snow and ice on the trees and plants as if it was the coldest period of winter.

[Beep! Host is affected by frost. Speed is estimated to decrease by 43%] The unfeeling A.I. Chip's voice intoned.

"No matter how fast a Knight is, as long as his speed is rendered useless, then it would just be a sitting duck, waiting on a dining table to be feasted on!"

Looking at Leylin's figure whose hair and brows have already been frozen in ice, Torash smirked. "I can slightly alter this spell. The frost on you is definitely more at a lower temperature than the two girls. How is it?"

"A pity!"

Leylin felt rather regretful in his heart. Looking at the spell formation of this acolyte's shoes and the scroll, he knew that Torash had a high attainment in spell formation. If not, it would mean that his professor was an expert in this area, to be able to customise this spell for Torash.

Leylin really wanted to sit down and discuss alchemy and runes with him, but alas, he was just being delusional.

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Activation

Leylin clenched his fist tightly — the hand grasping the sword hilt was clearly somewhat stiff.

His face appeared pale and petrified as if he had gotten frostbite.

One must know that Leylin had a vitality of 3.7. If it was any regular human, they would have long since frozen to death!

"I don't have any intention to go against you. As long as you let go of those two girls, I will leave immediately!"

Leylin used the cross blade and pointed at Bicky's direction, in return for her grateful gaze.

"No! Get him to release senior Jayden, if not I'm not leaving!"

The girl beside Bicky, who was saved, still maintained her resolve.

Leylin rolled his eyes, if not for Bicky; did she really think that he would appear in the name of justice? Moreover, looking at the situation again, Jayden had apparently deeply offended the other party previously, so why would he let go of Jayden so easily?

As expected, after listening to the female acolyte, Torash's gaze turned frostier, and immediately he waved his hand. A thick and long lightning streaked across the sky, directly landing onto Jayden.

* Bang! * The vines on Jayden's body fell and he fainted. Moreover, his whole body turned into a black colour, as if like a pile of scorched rubble.

"My apologies, I don't wish to let anyone present go today!"

Torash waved his hands.

According to the A.I. Chip's detection, although Jayden's outer appearance seemed to be terrifying, there was still a life force pulsating in him. Therefore, Leylin did not bother anymore about him. Instead, Leylin was more cautious about this acolyte in front of him.

"A Lightning element is indeed one of the stronger powers. Although Jayden's magic artifact belongs to an attack type with minimal defense, he was still defeated so quickly! No, it could be that the other party had been toying with him the same way a cat would with a mouse!"

"Now, it is my turn!"

Torash, who was on the other side charged directly at him and brandished a short black staff in his hand.

"Hng! Trying to be mystifying!" Leylin snorted and used the cross blade to slash at him.

* Peng! * The two weapons clashed. Under the frost effect, Leylin speed unavoidably took a slower turn. The original mirage effect could now not be used by him, where Torash caught dozens of his sword slashes.

Leylin's strength was obviously higher than his opponent, and his cross blade was of superior quality to his opponent's short metal staff.

After the two weapons clanged, Leylin used the force in both his arms and pressed the sword down on his opponent.

"Hehe… Your strength isn't too bad!"

Although the blade was just centimetres away from his face, there was no fear on Torash face. Looking at Leylin, his gaze held some ridicule and… the savage thrill of retaliation?

Leylin felt something was amiss, and hurriedly let go of the cross blade as he jumped away.

In that very moment when he released his hands, several bolts of lightning extended from Torash's arms and shot at the cross blade, even up to Leylin's hands!

In the moment when the lightning current was about to hit him, Leylin forwent his sword and evaded the attack.

"Too late! Torash looked at Leylin's figure and chanted an incantation.

The current from the staff directly bore through the mud and extended like the root of a tree. In the blink of an eye, it caught up to Leylin.

* Zzzii! "Once the black lightning landed on the ground, it reappeared from the ground right in front of Leylin.

As if a poisonous snake, the blue lightning charged at Leylin.

"Ah!" Bicky who was on the other side involuntarily screamed and she clasped her mouth.

* Ping! * Suddenly, a layer of silver membrane appeared on Leylin's body.

This layer of membrane immediately draped over Leylin's whole body covering every inch, even his orifices were not left out.

On the silvery membrane, there were several pale reflections of flickering red jewels, giving off a mystical lustre.

The blue lightning took on the shape of a python with a crazed leer and opened its jaws. Lightning-made razor-sharp teeth directly bit on the membrane.

* Sssii Sssii! *

A similar sound to metal smashing porcelain was heard, and the ear piercing noise travelled across the whole battlefield. Bicky involuntarily covered her ears, to let her nerves calm down.

The lightning on Leylin's body exploded, and from time to time a few poisonous-snake-like lightning currents converged and let off an explosive noise.

Looking on, Leylin seemed to be a silver statue, who was receiving the blessings of lightning bolts.

The lightning attack lasted for close to thirty seconds before it dissipated.

There was a shocked expression on Leylin's face as he looked at the indication given by the A.I. Chip.

[… Host is subjected to Lightning-based attacks. Degree of power: 9! Fallen Star Pendant has automatically activated, energy consumed: 23.99%. Host has successfully blocked the attack and sustains no injuries!]

"Too careless!" The opponent's lightning could actually pass through normal physical materials. Moreover, it could use the layer of frost on the ground as a conductor to initiate the attacks!

Leylin looked at his hands. Knowing that his opponent excelled in the Lightning element, Leylin had already put on leather gloves before the battle.

However, the hands that gripped the cross blade earlier were still rather numb.

There was also a precursive condition for the Fallen Star Pendant to be activated. Leylin had customised it to activate only when his life was in peril. Otherwise, any raindrop from the sky would activate the Fallen Star Pendant and finish the consumption of energy in the magic artifact.

Previously, because Leylin had let go of his sword early on, the damage from the electric current to his body was extremely little. It was not enough to achieve the criteria to activate the Fallen Star Pendant.

Of course, due to the conductivity, the lightning was too fast, and Leylin still received an attack from it in his hands.

At last, Leylin backed away and under his opponent's chase, he suffered a 9 degree lightning attack. If he did not defend further, his life would be in peril. Hence, the criterion for the activation of Fallen Star Pendant was achieved, where a layer of membrane immediately appeared from his body.

The Fallen Star Pendant's defense could negate attacks up to 15 degrees. This is to say, if Torash attack could not exceed this degree, Leylin's body was like a turtle shell until the energy of the Fallen Star Pendant was depleted.

"How is this possible?" Gazing at Leylin who seemed injured, Torash's mouth was opened widely, enough to fit several duck eggs in it.

"This is an attack my professor has personalised for me. It complements with my affinity and my degree of attack is at least 9! How could you be fine?"

"I understand now! You definitely must have a defensive magic artifact on your body!" Black-haired Torash pondered and quickly understood the truth.

"Although it is only a low-grade defence magic artifact, there will definitely be many official Magi who will be interested in it…."

Torash licked his lips and a fervent greed appeared on his face.

For this bloodbath, both sides signed an agreement not to use any strength that was above an acolyte!

Any person, scroll of magic artifact which exceeded this criterion would be teleported out in a flash and had no chance of getting in the secret plane.

Although Leylin's magic artifact was precious, it still belonged to the low-grade series.

In Leylin's eyes, these low-grade magic artifacts had might below that of official Magi.

Any rank 1 spell's degree of attack was 20 and above. If Leylin used the Fallen Star Pendant to block against them, he would definitely be slain immediately, not leaving a trace behind.

However, amongst the acolytes, the Fallen Star Pendant was a divine item!

Furthermore, even an official Magus would not mind having an extra layer of defense, no matter how small it was. However, the defence from Fallen Star Pendant was activated from the pendant and did not affect the owner in one bit.

The value of a low-grade defence magic artifact was at least 5 times that of Jayden's attack type magic artifact!

Which is to say, right now, besides the A.I. Chip, the most valuable thing that Leylin had was this magic artifact!

"Kill him! Kill him! Then that magic artifact is mine!"

Torash's eyes turned bloodshot, "Even if it is a magic artifact, there is a limitation. Once it's depleted of energy, before the next recharge, it would be a piece of trash! However, could I last until that long?"

"Even if I'm unable to keep him here today, I can gather other students to chase after him… Wait a minute, maybe there is a better idea?"

After seeing the Fallen Star Pendant, Torash did not harbour any hopes of holding Leylin here today. However, the flames of desire slowly invaded his logic.

Suddenly, Torash saw Bicky who was behind Leylin and his eyes flashed as he made a proposition.

"You! You are very concerned with the green-haired girl behind right?" Torash questioned, "Don't deny it; jumping out to save her is the best proof!"

"So what?" Leylin's brows furrowed.

"Give me your magic artifact, and I'll let her go. Not only that, even Jayden and the other girl, I'll let them go too!" Torash licked his lips.

"Haha…." After hearing that unexpected speech, Leylin shook his head.

"Yes! I can't keep you here today as you have the magic artifact. However, I can definitely retain the green haired girl, and even kill her…."

Torash changed his words to a threat.

"Please do!" Leylin stretched his hands and gestured.

"You… Why would you…." This reply made Torash extremely shock.

"I only have some involvement with her, which is why I wanted to rescue her. If the loss is too great, however, then it wouldn't be worth it! Furthermore, after I lose this defensive magic artifact, how can I still be able to haggle with you?"

Leylin looked at Torash with ridicule in his eyes.

He deeply understood that towards people making threats, you must never show that you are extremely mindful of the thing in their hands. If not, you would be baited into more and more demands.

Even if Torash really killed Bicky today, Leylin would only seek revenge for her another day. Therefore, if he wanted to use Bicky to threaten Leylin, there were only two words for it: dream on!

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Self-Destruct

"I don't believe you. You must have said it on purpose, didn't you?"

Torash's pair of cunning eyes flitted to the back of Leylin.

"Did you see that, after listening to your words, your little girlfriend is extremely heartbroken!"

"How lame!" Leylin did not even turn back.

"However, it's time to end this!" Leylin looked up the sky, and the light rays were even brighter than dawn.

Magicians were intelligent beings. By threatening Leylin, Torash only harboured a negligible hope. His main purpose was most likely to stall for time until other acolytes could support him.

The Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolytes in the secret plane were at an extreme disadvantage. Now it was also the second day, and the enemy acolytes would have already gathered. Once Leylin was discovered, a scene of calling and shouting for him to be killed would happen.

At that time, the innumerable spells which could cover the sky and earth would rain upon him. Even if Leylin had the Fallen Star Pendant, its energy was limited.

"What end?"

A few ingredients appeared in Torash's hands, as he stepped several steps backwards.

"Of course, it is to end this silly game!"

Leylin's eyes flashed and chanted an incantation.

* Sssii! * A reddish-green gas spread across upon the icy ground.

When the frost and a thin layer of mist came in contact with the red gas, the temperature of the battlefield rose immediately by a few degrees.

As for the green mist, it continued to spread across the field. The visibility lowered immediately, and one could not see beyond a 3 metres radius.

"This is a spell I specially prepared for you, Flaming Cloud of Afterlife!"

Leylin spoke softly. Earlier when he exchanged senseless sentences with the opponent, he was actually wildly using the A.I. Chip for calculations. Furthermore, he set up the field, planting various types of ingredients in it.

"Just a mere corroding gas!"

Torash disdained it. On his whole body, there raged a blue current. If one described the current on his body as just a thin layer before, now it could be said to have already expanded to be 1 centimetre thick.

"Go!" Torash pointed, and the blue current directly charged into the reddish-green mist.

* Sssii! *

Where the electricity went, the reddish green gas evaporated, revealing the area around it.

However, Torash's smug face was not maintained for more than a moment before it changed.

"This energy wave! You! You are not some level 1 acolyte, but a level 3 acolyte!"

From the centre of the reddish-green gas, energy fluctuations could be blatantly felt. His own electric snake was immediately corroded by the green mist. Furthermore, a trace of green colour continuously extended along the trajectory of the lightning towards Torash.

"No!" Torash gave a profound look to Leylin who was in the midst of clouds and mist and then simply broke into a run.

Leylin swung his arms and a green magic ring entirely enveloped Torash and he slowed down as if he was bound by chains.

*Sssii!!* A red-green smoky cloud spread close to Torash and it wrapped itself around his body.

The smoke grew denser and soon, Leylin could not even see Torash.

* Crackle! * Under the Flaming Cloud of Afterlife came the sounded of lightning and thunder sounds, along with Torash's cries of anguish.

Leylin smiled coldly. This Cloud of Afterlife had been modified by Leylin, and was specially inserted with the most conducive energy particles for the Lightning element. It could be said that it was the bane of all Lightning element acolytes!

After hearing the wails within the Cloud of Afterlife, and the noises of flesh corroding, a disturbed expression appear on Bicky's face.

"Argh! I'm going to kill you!"

A dozen seconds later, Torash charged out of the Cloud of Afterlife at Leylin, bringing a ball of cloud that clung to his body.

"Ah!" After seeing Torash's appearance, Bicky and the other acolyte let out a terrified scream.

At this moment, Torash was half-naked, with his clothing almost dissolved. On his body were many abscesses which were leaking with thick yellow pus.

One of his eyeballs had fallen out of its socket, held hanging there by a few bloody tissues still attached to it.

Along with a few missing pieces of flesh on his face, right now Torash looked like an imitation of Leylin's corpse from the previous world.

"Although acolytes can use energy particles to strengthen their vitality, such a strong life force is still extremely rare!"

Leylin stretched his hands, and a black wrist guard automatically extended its reach, finally turning into a black bow where a sharp arrow with a reverse spike was notched on it.

[Wind speed and humidity in calculation, adjusting trajectory!]

Under the aid of the A.I. Chip, right now Leylin's archery skills were that of a bow master.

* Chi Xiu Xiu!* Four arrows were shot from the bow and like black rays of light, streaked across the sky, directly penetrated through Torash's 4 limbs, nailing him to the ground.

"Urgh Urgh!" Torash struggled. The flesh on his body continuously fell to the ground, and it seemed that even his voice was now affected. Right now, he could not even voice a single word.

"We… Won?" Looking at this scene, Bicky's eyes looked somewhat bewildered.

"En! It's us who won, but there are still some things to do!"

Leylin notched his bow again and pointed to the girl beside Bicky, "What's your name?"

"Mo…Molly! Sir!" Witnessing Leylin using the Cloud of Afterlife to torture Torash in such an unthinkable manner, the female acolyte yielded very quickly.

"Very good! Molly! Go up there and take down the severed head of the enemy who tried to murder your friend!"

"No! You can't do this! Molly is still a kid! I! I will be able to do it for her…."

Bicky stood up.

* Xiu! * At the same time, an arrow shot past the fine hair beside her ears, flying to a distance behind.

"Do not countermand my orders. If not, the next arrow will be through your brain!" Leylin's eye flashed coldly, seemingly fiendish.

"I will go!" That female acolyte called Molly spoke up and Bicky turned silent.

"I like girls who are obedient!" Leylin nodded his head and used an arrow to point at Torash who was thrashing on the ground. "So then! Hurry and do it!"

The female acolyte gritted her teeth. She took out a knife which was embedded in jewels from her robes and walked forward. Looking on at Torash who was pinned to the ground on his four limbs by four arrows, her expression was extremely complicated.

It was this person, who was deemed as a potential Magus, a genius acolyte who possessed a magic artifact. However, right now his four limbs were pinned to the ground as if a dog that was waiting to be slaughtered.

This feeling extended like vines, spreading its reach in her heart. "Is this the taste of power? How great!"

Looking at the female acolyte raising her dagger, Leylin moved quickly and grabbed Bicky, retreating dozens of metres behind.

"Let me go, you sick pervert!" Bicky continuously thrashed.

From her aspect, this acolyte that Leylin shapeshifted into was a stranger to her. Yet he had an unthinkable power and he was extremely emotionless.

Earlier he said that he was rescuing her, yet in the blink of an eye he pointed an arrow at her and even fired it!

In Bicky's heart, right now Leylin was now a somewhat powerful madman.

Moreover, in the Magus World, due to problems occurring from experiment and meditations, it was likely possible that their mental state was affected.

Leylin shrugged his shoulders. After maintaining a distance away, he let go of Bicky.

At this moment, both their eyes were shining bright and staring at the female acolyte who was holding a dagger before Torash.

"Too rash! Too rash! The winning rate that the A.I. Chip provided earlier was not considered high. Moreover, it said that I could only kill this acolyte after paying the price of sustaining light injuries. However, right now he is just a piece of flesh on a chopping board! For me to butcher!"

"Unless… There are some unknown trump cards on his body!" Leylin's intelligent eyes gazed.

After holding the dagger, Molly looked in Leylin's direction again. Right now the arrow notched in his bow was still aimed towards her. She could only despair as she closed her eyes and pierced the dagger downwards!

"What a pity!" At this moment, Torash suddenly opened his eyes, revealing death and unresolved regrets in his eyes.

"I never thought that I would really use this move one day, much less to deal with a mere level 2 acolyte!"

* Boom! *

In his voice, countless lightning appeared from Torash's body. These lightning were extremely violent, and spread through Torash's body in an instant, even converging inward.

After the lightning had reached an extremely small dot, Torash's body suddenly exploded, with the noise of the huge boom reverberating throughout the area.

The sound wave continuously swept past everything, uprooting plants and sending pebbles flying.

"Be careful!" In the moment when the explosion occurred, Leylin immediately pulled Bicky to his side and smashed a potion on the ground – Trevor's Revolving Shield Potion!

At the same time, the Fallen Star Pendant on his neck also emitted a dusky glow.

Under the protection of the potion and the layer of light, the ground under Leylin and Bicky was not touched the slightest. It was even taller than the surrounding area of a certain length.

[Estimated target's degree of power: 16! spell type – Corpse Combustion: 45.7%, Electric Field: 34.5%]

Looking at the data from the A.I. Chip, Leylin finally understood how did the A.I. Chip come up with the winning rate.

Although he had the Fallen Star Pendant, it could only resist spells which were 15 degrees or lower. As for Torash's final self-destruct explosion, it was obviously at 16 degrees, which could break the defence of the Fallen Star Pendant and cause harm to Leylin.

However, the last hit was done by Molly, while Leylin distanced himself dozens of metres behind. Not only did he suffer little collateral damage from the explosion, there was even time to put up his defenses.

"However, a degree of 16 huh? It is already close to that of a Magus value, he is indeed a top acolyte from a large faction!"

Towards his dead enemies, Leylin never spared his praises for them.

"You murderer! Executioner! You knew long ago that the opponent would self-destruct, didn't you?"

Bicky who was in Leylin's embrace pushed him away, her pair of pretty eyes filled with tears.

The ground where Torash self-destructed turned into a large pit now; together with bits and pieces of clothing and charred flesh. In the explosion earlier, Torash and that female acolyte, Molly, naturally had died together. Even the remnants of their corpses were mixed together.

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1 Versus 2

Hearing Bicky's accusation, Leylin only rubbed his nose, without saying anything.

Meanwhile, he was rejoicing from the bottom of his heart. He was fortunate that he had altered his appearance beforehand, if not, it would have been hard to face Bicky.

However, he could only do this much.

Leylin came and stood next to the large pit formed by the explosion, and a round badge fell near his foot. The originally bright and beautiful badge was now covered with dust and it also had some residual flesh upon it.

"Just from a look, it seems that this acolyte must be a genius in his academy! His badge, at the very least, would be worth 50 contribution points!"

Leylin was still contemplating the badge lying beside his feet, with some hesitation.

Now, this badge was under his foot; if he stooped down, he could then get it into his hand.

With it, Leylin's contribution points would be enough to exchange for one portion of Grine Water when the bloodbath was over.

He heard about the information regarding advancement into an official Magus from the vengeful spirit Roman and was rather hesitant in using such a method to breakthrough. However, the Grine Water was extremely valuable, and even if he did not use it, obtaining it and using the A.I. Chip to research on its composition was also a good idea.

However, the badges of a few extraordinary acolytes from Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and the opposing academies have been specially marked. As long as Leylin handed over the badge, it would be equivalent to admitting that he was the murderer of Torash!

Leylin would never forget that there is a professor standing behind Torash!

"Maybe, giving this badge to Jayden or Merlin is a good idea!"

Leylin stepped on the badge below his feet and smiled.

He had had a quick look earlier; Jayden had been knocked out at the border of the battlefield. Although he seemed to be in a miserable state, he managed to preserve his life, and there did not seem to be any life-threatening injuries.

"However, there are still two worms that I have to deal with!"

Leylin looked at the shrubbery at the side and suddenly flung two fiery red explosive potions at it.

* Boom! * The two test tubes collided in midair, creating a large flame which seemed to blanket over the shrubbery.

* Xiu Xiu! * In the moment when the flame engulfed the shrubbery, two black figures flew out from it, landing on an empty patch of ground.

Silver-Claw Saurun and another blonde acolyte looked at the pit where Torash self-destructed, their expressions grim.

"Torash, that lightning wielder, actually died by this fellow's hands. Oh god, this fellow is a monster!"

Saurun looked at the expressionless Leylin, his heart roaring wildly. Lightning wielder Torash, that was a monster whose reputation was not beneath that of his silver claw! Yet today he actually died by Leylin's hands, so what kind of strength did Leylin wield?

"If I knew he was that powerful, I wouldn't be this foolish to chase after him!"

At this moment, the feeling of regret slowly engulfed Saurun's heart.

"What should be done?" The blonde female acolyte looked at Saurun and cursed him inwardly when she saw that he was already of a mind to retreat.

"What else? We have to see if the opponent will let us go!"

Saurun waved his hands and bowed slightly to Leylin. "Respected acolyte who hails from Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, your strength has convinced me, and I, Saurun, will never hold any ill intents towards you in future…."

Towards Saurun's gesture of succumbing, the female blond acolyte pursed her lips but never spoke a word.

After seeing Leylin's might and brutality, even she was somewhat afraid!

As for the revenge of his fellow acolytes? Although the death rate of Whitewoods Castle and Sage Gotham's Hut was not as high as Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, but there were a few unlucky ones dying each month.

If Saurun and the blonde acolyte were to avenge every dead fellow acolyte, then they would definitely have to first massacre the acolytes within their academy.

The reason for following Leylin before was because they thought of him as a prey, and was prepared to play a good game with him.

But now, Leylin's ability had far exceeded their expectations, and his actions were extremely meticulous, yet brutal, which made them rather fearful of him.

"Is that so?"

Leylin did not agree nor deny, and kept the black bow in his hands. He also picked up the cross blade which he had thrown on the ground earlier.

"A pity! You should not have followed me!"

Leylin growled softly, at the same time chanting an incantation, and gave his cross blade a smear with his hand.

* Sssii! * The temperature suddenly dropped by a few degrees, and the frost continued to spread on the sword. In an instant, Leylin's cross blade turned into a transparent icy greatsword.

He managed to obtain this set of frost alchemy runes from the corpse of the half beastman previously, who was the close associate of Extreme Night City Lord. After storing it into the A.I. Chip, he also did an analysis on it.

At this moment, under the effect of the frost alchemy runes, the effect of the icy greatsword did not pale in comparison to a low-grade magic artifact!

"Light of the fallen!" After brandishing his greatsword in satisfaction, Leylin activated another magic artifact on his body.

* Peng! * A streak of an illusory glow was emitted from the Fallen Star Pendant, which engulfed Leylin's whole body. The silver-grey light slowly transformed into illusory armour, which protected Leylin.

At this moment, Leylin, in his silver armour of light, with a transparent greatsword, looked just like a Knight from the fables!

The A.I. Chip's reminder continuously sounded in Leylin's head, [Under the effect of the frost runes, estimated degree of attack with the cross blade is 3 to 5, also carrying the side effect of an ice attack! The entire defense in the Fallen Star Pendant is activated, energy consumed is depleting, estimated to be fully depleted in 15 minutes!]

"We have no choice but to fight!"

Saurun and the other female acolyte looked at each other in the eye and saw the viciousness reflected in their expressions.

From Leylin's performance, it was clear that he was not inclined to let them go, so no matter how they pleaded it would be meaningless.

Moreover, they were also geniuses with their own pride. They may not fare better in a 1-on-1 fight against Torash, but in a 2 against 1 situation, even Torash would have had a headache from fighting them.

"I'll stall him first; you prepare your formidable spell!"

Saurun said to the female acolyte and immediately reached out with his right hand.

At this moment, the silver skin on his right hand shimmered and transformed into scales. His fingernails extended and curved downwards, the sharpness bringing a cold glint. His whole silvery human palm turned into silvery beast claw!

A bloodthirsty tint emerged in Saurun's eyes as he stepped forward to shield the female blonde acolyte behind him.

As for the female blonde acolyte, she continuously drew out ingredients from her robes as she chanted, from time to time using a dagger to cut her skin, dripping her fresh blood on the magic ingredients.

A strong magical energy wave gradually formed around the female blonde acolyte.

"How interesting. A close combat with a far cast, this is indeed a good combination!"

Leylin laughed manically and charged forward.

* Bang! * With the effect of Leylin's Knight qualities, Saurun only saw a grey blur and could only instinctively reach out with his razor claw.

* Peng! * The frost greatsword and the silver claw clashed. An icy, bone-chilling cold permeated to the silver claw, extending onto Saurun's body.

"So fast!" Saurun retreated several steps and hid the silver claw behind his back.

Borrowing the concealment of his sleeves, there was a layer of frost which slowly climbed up his arm, until the point of his elbow.

"Haha…. Great! Again!"

Leylin roared wildly, once again brandishing the greatsword and charged forward. Sensing the faint aura about him, Saurun couldn't help but close his eyes, with a notion of wanting to submit to Leylin.

"Cross Blade Slash!"

Leylin hollered, the frost greatsword drew a beautiful cross. What was different from the previous energy wave was that the Cross Blade Slash now had formed a layer of ice which was sent chopping towards Saurun.

"Argh!" Saurun's eyes were bloodshot as he gritted his teeth and raised the silver claw before his body. The scales on the silvery claw quickly extended and took on the form of a small shield to block the attack.

* Chi! * The greatsword made a huge dent in Saurun's silver defense. Not only were there white ice forming, the chilliness also permeated the area.

* Pu! * Saurun revoked his silver shield, but now, upon his silvery right hand, there were two deep wounds through which bones could be seen and a sheet of cold ice blocked this wound from bleeding.

An icy-cold sensation continuously spread within his body and Saurun was aghast upon having discovered that already his right hand was feeling numb as if it had lost all sensation and that his body movement had also become more and more restricted.

"Die!"

Leylin unhesitatingly brought the sword to Saurun's neck in order to behead him.

"No!" bellowed Saurun, waving the stub of his left hand. His left hand had by now turned silver and the fingertips had a faint blackish tinge and he aimed a stab at Leylin's abdomen.

Within the academy, all the apprentices knew that Saurun's achievements in Transfiguration far exceeded that of other similar disciples and that his right hand could transform and become a sharp, incomparable killing machine.

However, all of the acolytes were deceived by Saurun. His left hand was the real trump card!

Not only could he use beast transfiguration for his silver-claw attack, it even had a Shadow and Toxic element that Saurun had paid a high price for. As long as the poison were to be smeared onto the opponent's skin, even an official Magus would be in trouble!

On the brink of death, Saurun adopted a fighting method that would result in both parties being severely injured, for the sliver of a chance at survival!

* Peng! *

Leylin's expression was grim as he allowed the razor sharp claw to scratch his body. At the same time, the frost greatsword swung down mercilessly as it severed Saurun's head from his neck.

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Slaying The Two Acolytes

* Peng! *

Saurun's head, an unresigned expression upon the face, flew several metres far in the air, and finally fell to the ground. His both eyes were opened wide; he was no longer able to close them.

His headless corpse was still kneeling in front of Leylin and blood poured out from it continuously.

The corpse's left hand was still extended — it was his misfortune that it was blocked by grey radiant armour, a few inches away from Leylin's body.

"With the defense of the Fallen Star Pendant, I don't have to fear most of the acolytes' attacks. Along with the frost runes' enhancement of a greatsword, combined with my Knight's abilities, it is one of the top strengths amongst acolytes!"

Leylin was very satisfied with this battle's outcome.

Saurun was only an acolyte who was slightly less inferior than Torash. When Leylin, however, used his techniques, he could not withstand even a few rounds before being completely defeated, even with his head being chopped off.

"It's your turn now!" Leylin kicked Saurun's corpse away and charged towards the female blond acolyte.

"It's completed!"

At the same time, the female blond acolyte exhaled, as if shouldering a huge burden.

A bright red flower unfolded its petals and revealed a green rock the size of a fist. It had a dazzling gleam, with the female blond acolyte's fresh blood that was sprayed on it. There was also a broken half of a dagger, which was thrown on the floor.

These 3 items faintly resembled a triangular formation, with many greyish power runes surrounding them.

As Leylin's charged forward fiercely, the female blond acolyte smirked and pointed at Leylin, "By the name of Memphis Rofar Maginent, of the Gigantic Binding Sprite from the abyss, the person that I point to will lose all ability of motion!"

* Weng Weng! *

Light began to shine from the triangular formation, and Leylin suddenly felt a huge binding strength engulfing him, which made him rooted to the spot.

"A spell like this? A human customised spell?"

Leylin continuously writhed and the sounds of shackles sounded from the void.

"There is no cause for you to resist further. These are the chains of the Gigantic Binding Abyss Sprite. No matter how many of them you break, the remaining amount would not only regrow, but the binding power will also be doubled!"

As the female acolyte spoke, Leylin felt the chain getting tighter and tighter around his body.

* Chi! * The silver glow from the Fallen Star Pendant continuously clashed against strength from the void, time to time producing white mist.

"You despicable maggot, the shameless murderer, you dared to killed the acolytes from two of our great academies, so I will grant you death to redeem your sins!"

The thrill of revenge and smugness filled the face of the female acolyte. The muscles on her face contorted, turning the once-beautiful face into an extremely loathsome one.

"You dared to kill Saurun; I will make you pay the price of blood!"

The female acolyte pointed at Leylin, "Strength deprivation!"

As she spoke, Leylin felt the strength in his body dispersing. In an instant, it was as if he changed from a Knight into a regular human infant.

"This feeling, have I been cursed?"

Leylin continuously struggled, "Such a measly curse, how can it make me bow my head!"

"It all has ended!" The female acolyte chanted in an incantation, "Flames of the abyss, cremate this sinner into ashes!"

As soon as the Byron language incantation had been uttered, a black fire suddenly blazed from below Leylin's body.

The flame continuously spread, engulfing Leylin's whole body in an instant.

* Peng! * The frost greatsword on Leylin's hands fell onto the floor. The icy shards shattered and broke into many pieces. Finally, even the refined metal blade of the cross blade melted under the black red flames, turning into a puddle of liquid metal.

* Chi Chi! *

The grey armour on Leylin's body started to give in, and the A.I. Chip wildly flashed its alert in front of Leylin's eyes, [Warning! Warning! The energy from the Fallen Star Pendant is rapidly decreasing. Currently left with: 45%. Estimated to be fully depleted in 34 seconds!]

"Ignore it and release all the energy within the Fallen Star Pendant in one go!" Leylin ordered.

"Weng Weng!" In that moment, the silver-grey light increased its radiance by a dozen times. Behind his back, there was an indistinct huge cross phantom. On the upper area of the phantom cross, a few jewels continuously gave off multi-coloured light as a wave of energy extended to Leylin's limbs.

"Break…for me!"

Leylin struggled with all his might, and suddenly, crackling and rattling sounds could he heard from his body, and the countless black-rune-inscribed chains became visible and broke from all the struggling done by Leylin. They then fell to the ground and vanished.

"It's your turn now, you disgusting whore!"

Leylin's figure flew like a gust of wind and appeared directly in front of the female acolyte.

"Im…Impossible, how did you manage to counter it?" shrieked the female blonde acolyte and she pointed her finger at Leylin. Then several basin- sized fireballs directly struck Leylin's body.

* Boom! * The flames exploded, burning with the previous black fire, as it extinguished very soon.

Behind the silver grey transparent armour, Leylin was unscathed.

"No! No!" The female acolyte fell onto the ground and crawled backwards.

Leylin kicked the green rock and dagger on the ground, breaking the spell formation.

Two streams of red fluid trickled down from the female acolyte's nose, even her tears were falling.

"No! Don't kill me! My mentor is…."

The female acolyte snivelled continuously as she crawled and spoke.

"I don't care who you are!" Leylin's expression appeared indifferent as he embraced this blonde woman.

The Fallen Star Pendant kept defending his body from the abyss black fire that was still burning on his body, but this female acolyte obviously did not have a similar layer of defense. Upon being the barbecued by the flames, she gave an ear-piercing shriek.

* Sssii! * The flesh of the girl dropped, chunk by chunk, onto the floor, turning into a pile of charred mess.

Finally, the originally beautiful female acolyte turned into a blood red skeleton. Moreover, the set of bones slowly melted, turning into a white liquid which dripped onto the floor

Leylin grimaced and with his hand, he swept away the remainder of the white bone liquid that were on him.

After which, as if he were changing his clothes, he 'took off' the grey armour.

As for the black red abyss flame on the grey armour, it was also removed.

"In the legends and tales told by the bards, the abyss fire is something which can burn the void. An existence that all children of the earth cannot resist! This is most likely just a projection of the true abyss fire— it does not have even one zillionth of the original's might. If not, I would have long turned into ashes!"

Leylin thought for a while, before returning to the original place. He then recorded all of the ingredients and the spell formation that the female acolyte used before roaming the battlefield to collect his spoils of war.

* Peng! * The unconscious Jayden was tossed before Bicky.

Although the battle earlier was extremely intense, the time that had passed was extremely short — so much so that Bicky was still in shock.

"Hurry and leave this place. The energy waves from earlier would attract many acolytes over. If you don't wish to die, hurry and leave now!"

Leylin cleared his throat and looked at Bicky who nodded her head before he left the place.

Looking at the back of Leylin, Bicky's expression was extremely complicated.

This person was here to save her. Moreover, the strength that he possessed was far above that which Bicky could imagine.

Lightning Wielder, Silver Claw, they were all impressive and notable acolytes from the opposing academies. However in front of that person earlier, they were as weak as a sponge when they pleaded and was slaughtered mercilessly.

"But. . . exactly who is he?"

Bicky blinked her eyes. Merlin, Leylin, Fayle and the others, all of the acolytes' images flashed past from her memory, yet she felt helpless as there was no such person in all of the acolytes that she recalled that resembled her savior.

However, her instincts told her that she definitely knew this person and that they had an extremely intimate relationship!

"Magi are reputed for their rationality. Such a thing like instinct will lower our judgment. Everything has to be proved beyond refutation…."

The sayings of an elder surfaced in her mind.

Bicky's expression was seemingly vacant as she gritted her teeth and poured a potion on Jayden's face, before she,too, left that place.

Although Jayden was Molly's idol, she was now dead. Naturally Bicky wouldn't risk anymore for Jayden.

Minutes later, Jayden opened his eyes and got up.

"What happened to me? Where is Torash?"

Jayden was at a loss, before the colours on his face changed. Touching his chest, he felt for the magic artifact which was still resting in his arms. Moreover, when he ensured that his sack was present, only then did he heave a sigh of relief.

"This is the aftermath of an intense battle! Who is it that saved me?"

Jayden scratched his forehead, before thinking of a girl's figure who had dashed towards him, "Was it Molly? Such a terrifying battle, I wonder how she is…."

"Here!" Footsteps sounds drew closer and very soon 2 acolytes appeared within Jayden's vision.

"An acolyte from Abyssal Bone Forest Academy! Kill him!"

After seeing Jayden, the two acolytes let off an excited howl and began to prepare their rank 0 spells.

Jayden sighed, before bringing out his magic artifact once again…

Leylin was, by now, dozens of miles away from this battlefield. He was settled in a cave, checking his spoils.

Those 3 acolytes were well known for their strengths. Furthermore, the ingredients and magic crystals that they carried with them were plentiful. They gave Leylin a total of tens of thousands of magic crystals and other valuable resources.

Leylin felt the surface of a black red diary cover, and he exclaimed in glee, "This aura is rather similar to the female acolyte's abyss fire!"

Leylin flipped open the diary and a mysterious rune appeared, "A.I. Chip, compare to database!"

[Beep! Mission establishing, comparison in progress! Similarity level to Abyss script: 98.7%, Purgatory script: 45.3%….]

"Abyss script?" Leylin had a headache. Characters and knowledge from these mysterious planes were top-secrets and the knowledge was not passed around. He only managed to understand a few runes from derelict pages of a book in the library and stored them into the A.I. Chip database.

"No matter what, it is a good spoil!"

Satisfied, Leylin kept the black red diary in his possession.

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Conclusion

What followed next was the most valuable loot this time around.

Leylin looked at the pile of items in front of him and muttered irresolutely to himself.

There were a few broken items, a dagger which had been broken into half, the remnant of a silver palm, with an incomplete silver necklace, with lightning flashing time to time.

The 3 acolytes who died under Leylin's hands were the potential Magi of the enemy academies, so how could they not have magic artifacts on them?

It was a pity, however, that the broken dagger from the female blonde acolyte was only used to summon the aura of the abyss, and Leylin was still unable to figure out how the other items were meant to be used.

As for Silver-Claw Saurun, he was totally a pervert, who actually infused the magic artifact into his own palm.

Leylin could only chop the whole palm down, to try to separate the various properties in the magic artifact.

As for Torash, the magic artifact on him had also destroyed itself, which was the reason why he could unleash an attack of 16 degrees at the end.

The probing of magic artifacts was an extremely dangerous task. Before further information, Leylin did not dare to risk and use these items.

Moreover, who knows if there were some booby trap laid within the magic artifacts by the enemy, thus Leylin felt that he should be more cautious.

If he discovered that they might cause trouble to him, no matter how much Leylin was reluctant to part with them he would still toss them away within this secret plane.

After all, he did not wish for an official Magus to notice him.

"Actually, there is still a magic artifact that can be easily obtained! That is the green vine badge on Jayden's body!"

Leylin saw Jayden use this magic artifact on the dirigible before, back when he used it to suppress Kaliweir, leaving a strong impression on Leylin's memory.

However, this badge was given to him by Professor Dorotte.

As for Dorotte, he was an official Magus in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. If Leylin snatched an enemy's magic artifact and hid in the academy, he might be safe. However if he took Jayden's, then Leylin wouldn't be able to stay in the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy anymore.

During the academy's critical moments, if the news that he was still causing harm to fellow acolytes got out, then Leylin's name would be equivalent to the despised street rat, in the Magus World.

He would not lose his rationality for just this little benefit.

"There is this also!"

Leylin flicked his hands, and two differently shaped badges appeared in his hands.

This were the badges of Saurun and the female blonde acolyte. Although they were weaker than Torash by a little, but it was still worth at least 20 to 30 contribution points.

"At first, I'll just hold onto these. If I'm able to find other badges in future then I won't exchange these!"

These two badges were Leylin's insurance. If he was able to collect other badges in the secret plane to accumulate 50 contribution points, then he wouldn't use these.

However, if the contribution points were not enough, then Leylin had no choice, and could only hand over one of them or both.

As for Torash, Leylin felt that his strength was of great importance to his academy and the person backing Torash would have spent enormous efforts in nurturing him and so it was better to not provoke him.

Two days passed.

The wilderness found outside the secret plane was lit up with a bright yellow color. From time to time, there were gusts of wind blowing granules of sand, and the living organisms on the ground avoided this place at all cost — even the moles and ants were not an exception.

The entrance to the secret plane was slowly shrinking as if it were a live animal.

Outside of the entrance, the 3 chairmen and all the professors looked at the entrance that was constantly glowing with varying colours and had different expressions on their faces.

Siley looked at the silver hourglass floating in midair. On the upper half of the hourglass, beads of golden sand trickled downwards, finally leaving behind a thin layer.

* Di! * With the passing of time, the final golden bead of sand trickled downward.

"The time is up, let us receive our acolytes!" Siley opened his mouth and spoke in a low tone.

"Are you extremely anxious?" Guru who was at the side smirked, "Every minute more that passes, one acolyte in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy will be slain. Their heads will become the glory of my Sage Gotham's Hut, and hung on the large gates…."

"At this moment, the secret plane might no longer have anymore Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolytes. We all know that once the acolytes from the two academies have gathered, Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's acolytes would be meat on a chopping board for us to slice, and is not even equivalent to a lamb.

The other blonde women smiled — but her smiled seemed somewhat malicious.

"Nicola, you still can't let it go?" Finally, a trace of expression surfaced on Siley's face, and it seemed to be – regret?

"I have long since forgotten the matters from the past!" The female blonde woman Nicola said with a frosty expression.

"You can seek revenge for the matters previously, but once you are bent on destroying this academy that I succeeded as a professor, then you will be my eternal nemesis!"

Siley's face too gradually hardened.

"Haha…Haha… You are still as arrogant as before, thinking that you are the main character of some novel, which the earth would revolve around you indefinitely!"

"However such an expression makes me want to puke!" Said the blonde woman as her eyes appeared to emit flames.

"I want to destroy your life's work, destroy the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, even if there is the Lighthouse of the Night mediating, this time, there is still the next time…."

"Enough!" Guru at the side interrupted Nicola.

"Earlier you stopped me and Siley from fighting, but why is it that you can't endure it now?"

"My reason for stopping you was because I want to take action myself!" Nicola's maniacal look grew even stronger.

"Enough!" A dense black colour descended, and covered the sky in an instant.

Amidst the darkness, there was a bright yellow light that came from within, revealing a figure that was wrapped in black robes.

"Sir!" The three chairmen bowed.

They were only rank 2 Magus, yet this person in front of them was a true rank 3 Magus! Every level in the Magus World had an obvious difference like that between the sky and earth.

Previously, it was this Sir that suppressed the 3 of them to mediate the war.

"Since my Lighthouse of the Night has already stepped in, any conflicts that arise after is deemed as a provocation to us, as the contract and date are still effective."

The black-robed man had a pair of dark green eyes. No matter if it was Siley or the other 2 chairman, if these eyes landed on them, they would shudder as if being trapped by some magical beast.

This feeling of imminent death finally brought Nicola out from her madness.

"From now, activate the spell formation, and receive the acolytes within the secret plane!"

"Yes, Sir!"

* Peng! *

A fiery explosion erupted, and set the acolytes behind Leylin on fire, turning them into ashes.

Leylin's footsteps did not stop as he continued to escape.

"It's him who killed Seet, Kroc, and Old Eagle, don't let him escape!"

Behind him, parties of Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle acolytes were formed, a standard party of seven, which continuously gave chase.

Leylin's pursuers gradually drew closer.

* Peng! * Leylin flung another two explosive potions again, where flames continuously extended behind him.

The acolytes yelled and Leylin drew a longer distance from them.

"Damn it!" Leylin's face was downcast.

After killing the 3 acolytes previously, Leylin began his hunting movement all alone again.

At first, it was rather smooth sailing, where he collected another level 3 acolyte's badge. This time, he specifically chose those who were rather old or those with no powerful items on them. They were those who seemed not able to advance further and had no strong backing behind them.

During the later half of the second day, all of the enemy camp acolytes had already gathered and formed group spell formations!

All of them were performed by level 2 or 3 acolyte groups. If their numbers were sufficient, even a rank 1 Magus had to seek retreat temporarily.

Leylin had no choice, so he could only conceal himself and stop his hunt.

With the detection of the A.I. Chip, he managed to successfully hide until this day.

Things went according to how he had predicted: after the acolytes had gathered, they formed smaller squadrons and made a thorough search of the secret plane. They maintained a wanting-to-kill-every-last-enemy posture.

Many Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolytes were immediately killed, and under the opponent's immense pressure, they could not even resist.

Leylin even saw a level 3 acolyte who carried a magic artifact, but that acolyte could only survive for a few more minutes under the spell formation. Afterward, he was ripped to shreds by the countless rank 0 spells that befell on him. Even the magic artifact became the trophy prize for his opponents.

Leylin could only extend his sympathisation to this fellow acolyte, and covered his tracks even more covertly.

Fortunately, the methods of magicians were extremely strange, and the opponents were only two academies who could not completely be harmonious amongst themselves. This gave the acolytes of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy a chance for survival!

After Leylin estimated that time was almost up, he immediately ambushed a small party, since he was one badge short of his goal.

According to his estimation, once he kills the opponents, then the time would be up, where he would even be teleported out and not need to face the group's counterattack.

"F*ck! This lack of punctuality will have people killed!"

Of course, Leylin wouldn't expect that the time would be delayed due to the enmity of the chairmen, which resulted in an error to his calculations.

After killing one of the level 3 acolyte, he was immediately surrounded and attacked.

"The Fallen Star Pendant's energy was fully consumed the last time and I have not recharged it. If not I could have escaped long ago!"

Leylin gritted his teeth and gave an order, "A.I. Chip! Detect the geographical area and calculation the best retreat route!"

[Beep! Mission establishing!]

Along with the A.I. Chip's indication, Leylin began to make various unexpected ducking movements amidst the dense forest, slowly pulling the distance further away from the pursuing acolytes.

"I have finally escaped!"

After running for over a dozen miles and shaking off his pursuers, suddenly he felt dizzy, and the badge pinned to his chest glowed resplendently.

"F*ck, the teleportation is finally here!"

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Murderer Identified

The badge on Leylin's chest emitted a fluorescent light.

Leylin's entire body was then engulfed by a layer of this light and was lifted off the ground as he began to involuntarily rise into the sky.

Floating at a distance within the light bubble, Leylin saw other acolytes in distant regions also floating in the same manner; they looked like stars strewn across the sky.

"This is really a beautiful scene!"

Leylin couldn't help sighing in appreciation. His hand touched a badge and holding it he said, "There is no force felt from this badge, it seems that the pulling force of the badge only works on those acolytes who are still alive. If that's the case!"

Leylin waved his hands, and 2 badges that belonged to two level 3 acolytes was tossed out of the light bubble.

These two badges had, at one time, belonged to Silver-Claw Saurun and the female blonde acolyte. Since Leylin had already collected sufficient badges, he would no longer keep these two with him.

"I also have this thing with me!" said Leylin, as he withdrew an iron chain that had an electrical current and also threw that away.

After a thorough examination by the A.I. Chip on this destroyed magic artifact, there was a hidden spiritual force within it which kept pulsating — it seemed that this force had a tracking ability. If Leylin were to bring this item with him, then the professors of the enemy academy would know immediately that he was the one who had killed Torash.

As for the other items taken from the acolytes — the half dagger and the shattered palm — there were no problems if he brought them back with him. They were carefully placed within his rucksack.

"The final procedure!"

Leylin smiled heartily, and removed the Shapeshifting spell.

The muscles on his face contorted, as his height continuously grew. Very soon, Leylin resumed the state of his original appearance.

"I have been acting inside the secret plane with this disguise, where no one had seen my true appearance!"

"I'm afraid after I exit, the enemy academy would wildly search for an acolyte that doesn't exist?" After thinking of the probable scene in the future, he could not help but smile.

"Right now, I am Leylin Farlier, an ordinary Potioneering acolyte!"

Looking at the dazzling rainbow coloured exit, Leylin's smile widened yet even more….

With much effort, Leylin managed to suppress the dizziness that came abruptly and did not vomit.

"The feeling of crossing planes is not a great one!"

"Hurry up and move, don't block the way!" A cold voice sounded right beside Leylin's ear.

Leylin hurriedly bowed and left the place.

Only then, did he take a look at the surroundings.

Outside the exit of the secret plane, it looked the same as before. The 3 academies were divided into a triangular formation where they faced each other. Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle members stood closer together, and faced the common enemy, Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, in unison.

As for now, acolytes continuously swarmed out from the exit, returning back to their respective professor's side.

"Who is that person?"

Leylin saw a black robed man ahead of the 3 chairmen. He couldn't help guessing the person's identity.

*Shua!* But now, because the black-robed man felt Leylin's unwavering sight upon him, he turned his head around and looked back.

He immediately glanced upon a pair of dark green eyes.

The surrounding world was as if it had been suspended in time; everywhere one could see only green.

The acolytes and professors around Leylin seemed to turned into jade statues where no signs of life could be observed.

Leylin strove to open his mouth, but he found no words coming out of his mouth.

"Leylin! Leylin! Leylin!"

The surrounding statues suddenly opened their mouths, chanting Leylin's name.

"What is happening?" Leylin roared within his heart, but not a single word could be spoken.

* Peng! Peng * The dark green sculptures began to move and green dust constantly fell off of them. Their eyes had become red-colored, as if the sockets had been embedded with rubies.

Countless green statues swarmed around Leylin, drowning him….

"Argh!" Leylin suddenly regained consciousness and panted heavily.

"What happened earlier?" The surrounding acolytes now seemed to be doing fine, yet Leylin did not dare to look in the direction of those chairmen again.

"Relax, son!" A pair of hands with a medicinal scent covered Leylin's head, emitting a white glowing light.

"Professor Kroft!" Leylin bowed deeply. Under the white light, he felt much better.

"Was it you who saved me?"

"I did not exactly 'save' you, only a small favour." Professor Kroft smiled and led Leylin back towards their academy's gathering area.

"Official Magi always have a defensive force field surrounding them. Moreover, most of it are instantly activated or have a permanent effect. As for higher ranking Magi, they have an even stronger force field encircling them at all times. An ordinary acolyte cannot even get close to them!"

Kroft explained for Leylin.

"Just now, that Magus from the Lighthouse of the Night did not do it intentionally; he just looked over this side and immediately many apprentices got caught in a hallucination. If a professor wasn't here, then I would have been. . . "

Kroft's expression slowly turned stern, "Leylin, before you turn into an official Magus, remember to steer clear of any high ranking Magus! If not, I would not even be able to imagine your end…."

"I'll keep that in mind!" Leylin's expression was extremely solemn as he nodded his head.

Only a slight glance had almost cost Leylin his life, which left him a lingering fear. Moreover it had resolved his determination to climb up in the ranks of the food chain.

"I don't wish for my soul to crumble immediately in the future just because a high ranking Magus crosses my path in the future. This would really be a grievance!"

Although higher ranking Magus could exercise restraint on their forcefields, it would mean that they were showing their softer side. Leylin could not imagine anyone doing that for him.

"Alright now! Welcome back son!"

After healing Leylin, Kroft revealed a sincere smile.

"Being able to see you again is really great!" Leylin also smiled as he hugged his professor.

At this moment, only then he had time to view the casualties in his own academy.

Due to the teaming up of the other two academies, a huge number of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's acolytes had perished previously in the war. Right now it seems that Abyssal Bone Forest Academy suffered an even more severe casualty count.

At this moment, behind the professors, there was only a few scattered acolytes standing behind him. Most of them carried injuries with a gloomy expression.

"Leylin!" A pleasantly surprised voiced sounded in his ear.

"Bicky!" Leylin smiled warmly and hugged the curvaceous and beautiful Bicky.

"Very good. I still believed in you…." Tears welled up in Bicky's eyes.

It seemed like she was worried about Leylin but that she did not know he was the mysterious man who had saved her before.

Leylin took another look at Bicky and was rather surprised when she was actually not injured the slightest, only that her mental state did not seem to to be in the best condition. He could not help but feel so as even if it was a level 3 acolyte from Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, under the oppression in numbers from their enemy, they may not be able to protect their lives.

As if seeing Leylin's bewilderment, Bicky spoke on her own accord, "I met Molly right after entering. Also, I met with an extremely powerful enemy acolyte, but a stranger saved me. After that, I met Fayle and it was him who kept me by his side, so I was able to live up till now.

Bicky pointed at an acolyte behind a professor.

Leylin looked over, and it was indeed Fayle who he saw before. After a span of 3 years, he seemed to be even more mature and had more charisma.

With a level 3 acolyte protecting her coupled with some luck, it was probable that she could survive. Leylin nodded his head and did not ask further.

After casually exchanging a few sentences with Bicky, Leylin looked at the secret plane's exit. Most of them were enemy acolytes streaming out, where very few Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolytes came out. Leylin sighed inwardly, "It seems that this time Abyssal Bone Forest Academy suffered a great loss. I'm afraid that there will be a scenario where Abyssal Bone Forest Academy would have more professors than acolytes period of time.

* Peng! * At this moment, another acolyte walked out from the exit.

This acolyte wore the grey robes of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, and had several holes in them. Injuries seemed to riddle his body and there was even traces of blood. Moreover, an arm was missing.

"It's Jayden!" Leylin's pupils contracted.

Towards magicians, missing a limb was no big issue. There were various and mysterious spells which could regrow their limbs.

Jayden braced himself and walked several steps forward. After seeing his professor from Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, he smiled and fainted immediately.

* Shua! * A white figure immediately appeared in front of Jayden and caught him.

After the white flash stopped, Leylin saw the appearance of the Magus within – It was a skeleton with an underworld flame in its eyes!

"Professor Dorotte!" Leylin called out the name of this set of bones.

Previously, it was Dorotte who led Leylin into Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. Moreover, he was Jayden's mentor and even gave Jayden a magic artifact. It seemed like he doted on Jayden rather much.

"Alright! After my detection, there are no more surviving acolytes inside the secret plane. Seal the exit!'

The black robed figure standing before the 3 chairmen spoke.

Once he spoke, the 2 camps sank into deep silence, before the murmuring and sighing noises sounded incessantly.

"No! Where is my Torash? He is definitely still inside!"

"Silver-Claw Saurun? Hurry and come out! He is a genius acolyte, how could the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy manage to defeat him?"

"Morphis! Morphis, where are you?"

Constant cries were heard from the enemy camp.

And the Abyssal bone Forest Academy's party seemed to have already expected this. Although the numbers of dead acolytes were many, the reactions of all professors were much lower than what Leylin had expected.

Even for the Potioneering talent Merlin, his responsible Professor (Kroft) only let out a soft dismal gasp upon receiving news of his death.

"Torash! Torash! I left spiritual force coordinates on his body; he should be present amongst us here!"

On the opposite side, a blue bearded old guy yelled madly, following which he chanted an incantation.

* Bang! *

A bright blue beam of light drifted floated above Jayden who had fainted. Within this light an indistinct badge of an acolyte could be seen .

"Argh! No! My Torash! I will kill you!"

The expression on the face of the blue bearded old guy contorted, where a massive thunderstorm appeared midair above him.

"Torash's power, when compared to this, is absolutely rubbish." Leylin gulped, and suddenly felt extremely lucky.

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Grine Water

"Inside the secret plane, one must take responsibility for themselves in the bloodbath; do you wish to violate the agreement?"

Under the massive thunderstorm, Dorotte stood up with many faint silver beast claws on his back.

"Enough!"

The black-robed figure standing in front of the 3 chairmen spoke, and a gigantic dark green hand grabbed at the sky. * Weng Weng! * The massive lightning was immediately scattered by the giant hand.

"I have said before to abide by the agreement!" The black-robed figure growled.

At the same time, the blue-bearded geezer spurted a huge mouthful of blood. Anger was quickly replaced with fear as he knelt down, "Sir, please forgive an old man, who has just lost his nephew, with your magnanimity!"

"Just this once! If not, I will extract your soul and roast it in the abyss for ten thousand years!"

The black-robed figure spoke again.

The blue-bearded geezer then went back to his academy's camp, before giving Jayden a vicious look.

This hatred and determination of killing Jayden gave Dorotte a headache. Crackling and rattling noises could be heard from the skeletal figure.

"Although this time nothing has happened, Jayden will definitely be pursued by Blue-Beard unless he keeps hiding inside the academy!"

Leylin's eyes turned cold.

Earlier, the A.I. Chip picked up several traces of energy waves from spells.

Obviously, it was the search for the enemy who had killed their genius acolyte! If Leylin were to still keep those items that carried their traces, his outcome would now be the same as Jayden.

Those professors who had had their personal apprentices or successors killed by the other party — who was also their sworn enemy — swore they would make the killer pay with their blood!

As for the casualties of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy,they were not considered because the other two academies were facing many more losses.

Although they were bound by the agreement and vigilance of the Lighthouse of the Night, as far as Magi were concerned, if they were to pay the price, they could indirectly find a way to exact their revenge!

For example, not taking action themselves, but suggesting to Magi outside of the agreement to act on their behalf. The black market was also an option worth considering.

Late in the night, Leylin returned to his resting area and laid down on his bed. In his hands was a faint yellow test tube that he kept on toying with.

The test tube was made of faint yellow crystals, and its density was extremely high. Holding it in his hands, he sensed a rather heavy feeling.

These crystals were made from a precious ingredient – Nitrogen Crystals. Any spell that was 20 degrees or lesser would not be able to damage it.

Using these Nitrogen Crystals to make a test tube — this was often used to store potions which were more valuable.

According to the olden texts, test tube made from Nitrogen Crystals were known to have preserved the contents even after a thousand years.

Within the faint yellow test tube, there was a ball of translucent liquid.

Leylin casually swirled the test tube. Under the refraction of the light, the liquid within gave off a rainbow-coloured glow, as it continuously whirled, seemingly beautiful.

"This is the Grine Water of the myths which could aid acolytes to breakthrough into an official Magus!" Leylin looked at the test tube and muttered.

Earlier, under the suppression of the Magus from Lighthouse of the Night, the chairmen of Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle had had no choice but to bow their heads, then leading their acolytes away.

Even Torash's professor was not that stupid to offend the high ranking Magus for the second time.

As for Leylin and the rest, they were led back to Abyssal Bone Forest Academy by their professors.

Leylin intentionally glanced and saw that at this moment the acolytes in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy did not amount to over 50.

As for any regular academy, they would have thousands of acolytes!

One can say that Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle had accomplished their mission by almost swallowing the entire batch of successors in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy; if it were not for the fact that a few of their genius acolytes had perished inside the secret plane!

Even so, they originally had 200 acolytes enter the secret plane. Yet in the end only about a hundred came out from it.

Compared to Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, this was considered a great victory.

"However… All these have nothing to do with me!" Leylin looked at the potion in his hands that seemed like an illusion.

"What matters is that I got the Grine Water! Moreover, the academy has an anonymous exchange policy, which is extremely thoughtful for its acolytes!"

On the way back to the academy, Leylin and the fortunate surviving acolytes were told about the contribution points they obtained and the details of it, where they can undergo the exchange privately.

Furthermore, the person that was in charge of the exchange was an alchemy beast created by the chairman with no human feelings whatsoever, so it wouldn't reveal the acolytes' exchanges.

One can say that although Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was extremely bloodthirsty, where there was a strong culture of the strong eats the weak, towards the protection of acolytes with true strength and abilities, they still did a rather good job.

Leylin only barely managed to scrape 50 contribution points, exchanging for a standard amount of Grine Water.

As for the catalogue on the contribution points exchange list, there were various precious ingredients, rank 1 spell models, and even spiritual force Potions. Looking on, Leylin felt overwhelmed by it.

At that time, deep down Leylin had some regret over not taking the few genius acolytes' badges along with him.

However, after seeing Jayden with a gloomy expression, Leylin very soon buried this tinge of regret deep inside his heart.

Although Torash's badge was worth at least 50 contribution points, which could be exchanged with many resources, the look that other acolytes had when they saw Jayden was full of pity.

Incurring the wrath of an official Magus for these resources, was it really worth it?

Moreover, the other professors did not know of their apprentices' scores, yet Dorotte knew Jayden's amount of contribution points like the back of his hand. Before anything else, at the very least, half of Torash's contribution points would be taken by Dorotte.

After all, he defended an opposing rank 1 Magus for Jayden!

"Before becoming an official Magus, it is best to maintain a low profile. There won't be anything wrong with that!" Seeing Jayden's outcome, Leylin steeled his heart with this resolve.

His senior Merlin was a great example of this.

Merlin's achievements and talent in Potioneering could be said to be extraordinary. If not for Leylin cheating by using the A.I. Chip, he would definitely be left far behind in this aspect.

But so what?

It was due to Merlin's reputation that made his enemies concentrate their attacks on him, finally causing him to die during the secret plane's bloodbath.

No matter how genius an acolyte was before they manage to grow strong, they weren't even comparable to a pebble on the road.

As for Leylin, he always created the false image of being inferior to Merlin, allowing Merlin to attract the attention off from him. He successfully managed to divert his enemy's attention, so there were very few that bothered about him inside the secret plane.

"However, this trick will not work for the time being!"

Leylin toyed with the Grine Water in his hands, his face gradually turning solemn.

The surviving acolytes after the bloodbath amounted to less than 50, which was even less than the number of professors.

Moreover, all survivors will be deemed as elites!

Under these circumstances, greater attention will be paid to any acolytes!

Leylin did not have any confidence whatsoever to try anything funny for the fear of being discovered.

"Perhaps, I should make a trip outside. Previously, Roman spoke of the high-grade meditation technique. If I found it, it would definitely be much better than the Grine Water…"

Previously, before the Fallen Star Pendant was completed, Leylin had managed to swindle much information from that vengeful spirit, Roman, regarding the information of high-grade meditation technique left behind by the Great Magus Serholm.

According to Roman, the inheritance of Great Magus Serholm was located inside the Dylan Gardens of the Zither Moon Mountain Plains.

Magi who used high-grade meditation techniques were definitely stronger than Magi who used the Grine Water to breakthrough! Moreover, more potential would be realised, revealing more possibilities for future development.

Leylin wanted to climb to the apex of the Magus World. If he wished to have the potential for future advancements, using the Grine Water to breakthrough would be his last resort.

Thinking of the Fallen Star Pendant, Leylin removed the silvery grey cross from his neck.

On the surface of the cross was embedded with various colours of gemstones, which looked to be an impeccable art piece.

However, right now the gemstones on the Fallen Star Pendant seemed to glow dimly, as it had undergone a huge consumption.

[Fallen Star Pendant: Low-grade magic artifact. Effect: Instantly cast a defence. Current condition: All energy consumed, 0%]

The A.I. Chip showed the stats of the Fallen Star Pendant to Leylin.

Fallen Star Pendant — it was the item that attributed the most to Leylin's survival and killing the geniuses of the enemy this time.

The instantaneous layer of defense that the silvery cross radiated, no matter if it was physical of magical resistance, had reached a very high degree. Few below the ranks of an official Magus could penetrate its defenses.

However, in any world, the law of conservation of energy must be fulfilled. Every time the Fallen Star Pendant was activated, it required a consumption of energy. Once the energy was fully consumed, it wouldn't be anything more than a pretty necklace!

"The Fallen Star Pendant's defence is rather good, only that the energy is not enough!"

Leylin felt somewhat regretful, "A.I. Chip! Establish mission. Apart from the calculation ability for the Host, use all remaining computation abilities to find out ways to conserve the energy of the Fallen Star Pendant!"

[Beep! Mission establishing! Beginning to use idle processes to calculate, time is unknown!] The A.I. Chip's voice intoned.

Leylin nodded his head and came to the experiment at the side. He placed the Fallen Star Pendant in the centre of a mysterious spell formation. Around it, were many blue glittering stones.

"Activating process of recharging!"

* Weng Weng! * With the command of Leylin, faint blue light beams shone from the formation. Starlight was extracted from these stones and placed into the Fallen Star Pendant.

[Fallen Star Pendant recharging in process, current state: 1%….] The A.I. Chip's voice intoned.

The recharge of the Fallen Star Pendant actually only required for starlight to be shone on it. As long as it was bathed in starlight when the energy was fully consumed, the Fallen Star Pendant would automatically complete the recharging process.

However, in the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, wanting to bathe it in starlight was an impossible task. Thus, Leylin could only use other methods to conduct the recharging process.

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An Exception

Time passed by.

The Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's professors and acolytes had gradually recovered from all these sad events and adapted themselves to the present situation.

The current Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had almost become a tomb.

Within such a great academy, one would rarely see another soul.

The classrooms were vacant, the Trading Area was left uninhabited and even the academy's mission area — which has a large, wide wall; on which the missions were hung up — only had a few acolytes accepting missions.

The entire Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had sunk into a stillness as silent and steady as a grave.

In these circumstances, if an ordinary person were to stay here, he would be frightened to death!

However; the great thing was that the acolytes who survived the bloodbath, as well as other professors, were extremely resolute; so they were able to maintain the operations of the academy, even under such circumstances.

However, these state of affairs would not last very long.

According to Leylin's guess, the enrollment period for new acolytes joining the academies of the south coast was fast approaching.

This time, the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy would certainly lower their requirements. Then a large number of acolytes would be able to join and thus reinstate the glory on the surface.

But the nurturing of any talented acolyte will consume a vast amount of time and energy, and not to mention the aptitude of 5th-grade acolytes — where and how would it be easy to find one with such a talent?

The Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's heritage had declined drastically during Leylin's generation. It was likely that at least 10 years would be required to regain their former level of glory.

However, Leylin wasn't greatly concerned about these issues.

He once again returned to a thread-like monotonous life — he would cooperate with his professor in his experiments and thus learn from experience.

Meanwhile, he took advantage of the privileges granted to a level 3 acolyte — he purchased large amounts of magical resources and stored information on advanced subjects.

Leylin's aptitude in the Magus World was considered average, neither high nor low, but it was rather decent.

Moreover, he had succeeded in advancing to a level 3 acolyte. In the future, there would be plenty of time for him to breakthrough into an official Magus!

Considering this point, regardless of a professor or an acolyte, all would regard him as a person of very great importance.

Whenever Leylin encounters an official Magus, he would greet them. In return, they would nod their heads in recognition and approval. Also, when acolytes see Leylin from afar, they would immediately greet him.

As for Nyssa and the rest, they did not dare to appear in front of Leylin.

Thinking of Nyssa, Leylin could not help but feel happy for her. In such a bloodbath, she was actually able to preserve her life and even obtain a few contribution points, which was an extremely difficult thing to do.

He overheard that Nyssa had been able to exchange her contribution points for a potion to increase spiritual force and was preparing to breakthrough to level 3 acolyte.

"I hope she succeeds! To heal her body, she needs to, at least, become a proper Magus!"

Leylin thought of Nyssa's injuries and was somewhat dismayed. Right now, in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy; there was only himself, Nyssa, and Jayden who hailed from the Chernobyl Islands.

These thoughts only passed through Leylin's mind. Very soon, he concentrated on the book in front of him.

The book in his hands was extremely thick, the same thickness of two bricks together. However, the paper's surface was extremely small. This was the style of ancient books.

"Mother Earth laid down on the ground and gave birth to 7 children. They are Anger, Sorrow, Greed, Sloth, Lust, Gluttony, and Fear. Each of her children inherited one of their mother's power. Mountains will tear themselves apart in front of them, and the seas will part before them…."

The book in Leylin's hands concerned myths.

"The ancient writing is extremely obscure, in it, many information about Magi is concealed…"

Leylin's eyes flashed as he commanded, "A.I. Chip! Record!"

Ever since Leylin registered under the administrative area and became a potential Magus, he managed to obtain more access within Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

One of this was to peruse the hidden library section!

Of course, within these books, many information regarding official Magus were erased. At the very most, they were briefly mentioned in passing, with cryptic writings. Normally, people would just gloss over this information.

Even so, Leylin with the A.I. Chip obtained much more information from this hidden library section.

First of all, the A.I. Chip had recorded almost all information that was beneath the topics of Magi. Right now, Leylin could vouch for himself that most professors in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy could not match his knowledge concerning acolytes.

This was a great foundation buildup for Leylin in the acolyte level.

At least now he was aware of the mistakes from breaking through to a level 3 acolyte and even tried to correct them.

One should not look down on such information. If the mistakes are not corrected, even after Leylin becomes an official Magus, his spiritual force would stall for a long period of time, with no chance of ever breaking through.

Furthermore, Leylin found some content regarding advanced meditation techniques.

According to these bits and pieces, together with Roman's information, Leylin could confirm that the chairman of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and those leaders of major guilds and magisterium in the south coast used these advanced meditation techniques to break through.

Hence, they were able to achieve their current levels.

As for the majority of the Magi in the south coast, as well as many professors in the academies, they did not know of the existence of advanced meditation techniques. They used Grine Water to breakthrough, causing them to remain at the level of rank 1 Magus for their entire life!

After looking at all these, Leylin completely sealed the notion of using Grine Water to breakthrough.

"It seems like heading towards the Zither Moon Mountain Plains and obtaining the advanced meditation technique that the great Magus Serholm left behind is necessary for future developments!"

Leylin closed the book slowly and left the library.

Leylin had used the A.I. Chip to record most of the information in the hidden library section. In the future, no matter where he was, he could always perform a search with the A.I. Chip. It was equivalent to carrying a large-scale, intelligent library with him at all times.

"Professor!"

Leylin went to Kroft's lab and bowed to Kroft, who was carrying out an experiment.

Although Kroft was the same as before, Leylin found that his eyes were somewhat dimmed. It seems that Merlin's death had slightly impacted this old man of more than 100 years of age.

"Leylin, my child!" After seeing Leylin, Kroft smiled and he looked to be more focused.

"Regarding my suggestion from before, have you decided on an answer?" Kroft asked.

"Yes, Professor!" Leylin bowed once more. "I appreciate that the Leslie family thinks highly of me, but I wish to try breaking through on my own!"

After hearing Leylin's reply, Kroft's expression darkened. However, Leylin's talent in Potioneering was admirable, even to Kroft. After knowing that Merlin died, Leylin had become his best apprentice, so he could not help but advise again.

"The Leslie family is a great one, with Potioneering as their niche. In there, your talents will definitely be displayed to the fullest. Moreover, the Leslie family has sincerity, where the contract conditions are much better than the academy's."

Leylin displayed a very keen look, but deep down he had rejected Kroft's proposition without the slightest hesitation.

After the bloodbath, Leylin's position in Kroft's heart was elevated.

Previously, when they spoke, Kroft represented the Leslie family in supporting him and made an offer to Leylin.

Leslie family was one of the large-scale Magus family in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, with many Magi supporting it.

Kroft was one of its members.

Having a long standing tradition and history with Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, the Leslie family also possessed a copy of a rank 1 spell and Grine Water.

What Kroft suggested was the same contract signed with the academy. The Leslie family would also give a rank 1 spell model and a Grine Water in exchange.

Compared to a contract with the academy, a contract with a family would have fewer restraints. However, this was not in line with Leylin's interests.

No matter how powerful the Leslie family was, would they be able to provide an advanced meditation technique?

Looking at Kroft, who did not have a single high-grade meditation technique, he already knew the answer.

Under the inheritance of great Magus Serholm, Leylin hoped that he would never have to join a Magi family and put restrictions on himself!

Moreover, Leylin was a person who valued freedom. Unless he was in a desperate situation, he would never consider selling himself to be contracted with a family.

"All these, I know, Professor! But…"

Leylin raised his head, his eyes showing an unshakeable resolve and determination.

"I still wish to try on my own! If I were to fail, I promise you, Professor, that I will definitely prioritise and consider the Leslie family!"

"You…"

Various expressions flashed across Kroft's face. Looking at the most outstanding acolyte he had right now, he suddenly felt a little helpless. "Alright then! You are only 17 now! Youth is precious, it allows you to make mistakes!"

Kroft looked at Leylin and was reminded of his younger self. His eyes revealed that he was recalling a memory.

"Thank you, professor!" Even though Kroft was unreasonable, Leylin was somewhat moved. He never wanted harm to befall his apprentices. This trait was rather praiseworthy within Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

"In that case… How do you plan to overcome this obstacle to becoming an official Magus?" Kroft asked.

"This…" Leylin shook his head, as if in 'embarrassment', revealing an apologetic expression.

"I heard that Professor Dorotte had a piece of remnant information concerning official Magus…"

"Haha…" Kroft laughed, "So this was your plan!"

In the south coast, the information to become an official Magus was often controlled by large guilds, but there was always an exception!

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Branded Swordsman

After many discussions, the major Magisteriums in the south coast had all unanimously agreed to restrict the advancement to an official Magus.

Under the purview of the contract, all guilds must abide by it solemnly, to control the acolyte's advancement to an official Magus. Even if it was the academy or family absorbing newcomers, they must swear to a strict secrecy.

There was an exception — information found within historical items and places!

In the expanse of the south coast, there were many traces of the Magi remnants.

All of them were located in extremely perilous locations. Even official Magi had to risk their lives to search for a piece of them.

Moreover, even if they were remnants, one cannot be sure of their contents.

Take Leylin for example, previously he spent a countless amount of resources and effort, yet he obtained nothing in the end. It was an extremely common situation.

However, once Magi discovered a trace of ancient remnants and obtain their inheritance or other precious resources, it would be the start of another legend!

Although searching for remnants had many unforeseeable dangers, it still drove many Magi to seek them.

The restrictions on the knowledge to advance to an official Magus was signed by all Magisteriums and guilds of the south coast. Hence, any remnants that existed before the agreement were very likely to contain information regarding official Magus advancement!

This was the reason for the birth of a few guildless official Magi!

According to the information gathered from Leylin's inquiries, Dorotte became an official Magus only after he discovered a piece of information related to advancement while adventuring.

Although the amount of information missing was over 60% of the original and it was definitely not possible to become a Magus just by relying on it, it was still very precious!

Moreover, Leylin was only a level 3 acolyte. Before he became a Magus, he wasn't sure of his importance to Dorotte and whether he could conduct such an important transaction with him.

To obtain this piece of information, it could only be carried out through Kroft.

"Alright then! However, you should know the rarity of information concerning the advancement to an official Magus. What are you planning to exchange for it?"

"Although the information is extremely valuable, this and other single-use records are vastly different. I believe that this will leave Professor Dorotte satisfied!"

Leylin said as he put a hefty bag in Kroft's hands.

"Moreover, after obtaining this piece of information, Professor you can also have a copy of it!"

Towards Leylin's suggestion, Kroft only raised his eyebrows, not saying anything.

But when he opened the bag, he could not help but sigh. "That old bag of bones Dorotte, would most likely not be able to reject you!"

Leylin smiled.

In the bag he handed to Kroft, not only was it filled with a large number of magic crystals and precious ingredients, there was also a Flourishing Flower.

This ingredient was extremely difficult to obtain and had regenerative abilities for magicians with broken limbs.

As for the environment required for the Flourishing Flower to thrive, it must be in a place with a large number of vengeful spirits. Every day, it would be watered with the blood of dying people in order to grow.

These ingredients were not common even in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

After all, in the breeding of artificial spirits, the research done by Abyssal Bone Forest Academy were far less suitable compared to Leylin, who had the help from A.I. Chip.

If not for the news to recall Leylin, he would have already completed this nurturing experiment.

As for this Flourishing Flower, it was a by-product from the experiment lab.

Currently, Dorotte was looking all over for materials to regenerate Jayden's arm, these materials were an enticement which Dorotte could not refuse!

Although he knew this, Leylin was still apprehensive about giving away such a precious material.

As he had produced a Void Flower in the past and now that he had produced another precious ingredient, the Flourishing Flower, it would be hard to prevent suspicion.

But if he wanted a favour from Dorotte, he could not avoid bringing out this Flourishing Flower.

And he was fortunate that this item was rare.

Within the Magus World, there were many examples of frustrated and destitute acolytes who had stumbled across ancient remnants of Magi and turned into an official Magus becoming an overlord of a region.

Compared to them, Leylin's luck was only so-so.

Three days later, within the laboratory.

Leylin's wish had at last been fulfilled and now he held the information in his hands.

"Branded Swordsman? What's that?" Leylin frowned, "Wasn't this supposed to have something to help me become a Magus?"

"Haha… when I first received this, I was also rather doubtful. But Dorotte explained it to me," said Kroft.

"Leylin! Magi are people who possess mysterious powers! In ancient times, those with great power were often labelled as magicians! As for Branded Swordsman, through the alchemical runes, a magic spell formation would be branded on their body, allowing them to gain power. It is a small division of the ancient Magi!"

Kroft began teaching Leylin, "I see that you are now a Knight. Therefore, as far as you are concerned, it is indeed appropriate for you to become a Branded Swordsman."

"I understand!"

Leylin was peering through a scrap of information as he said, "Branded Swordsman seem to emphasize more of physical strength training. Through the regular practice and branding, nature's strength would be stored inside their body. In crucial moments, the energy would erupt explosively…."

"Why does it seem to resemble… a Knight?" Leylin's eyes flashed.

"Correct! You interpreted it well! Part of the information regarding the inheritance of ancient Branded Swordsman was widely spread. After some modifications, it was suited more towards regular humans. This turned into the creation of Knights and Grand Knights!"

Kroft nodded.

"Which is to say, a Branded Swordsman is an advanced version of a Knight!" Leylin had now gained some understanding.

"However, it's a pity that more than 60% of the information is missing. Especially the part about branding and spell formation setting, it is almost all gone. Attempting to forcibly brand a spell formation on the body, will only cause the Magus' magic power to be in a mess…."

A regretful look flashed across Kroft's face.

"In ancient times, the combination of Branded Swordsman and Magi were a nightmare to enemies of many other worlds…."

"Although this is the case, I am still very grateful to Professor!" Leylin bowed once again.

After walking out from the experiment lab, Leylin placed the book, which recorded the details of the Branded Swordsman, in his arms.

"Although it is quite dilapidated, I still have the A.I. Chip. Perhaps, I can use it to compute the remainder of the information. . ."

Leylin consoled himself, feeling much better suddenly.

He always liked to prepare a few backup plans.

The advanced meditation technique in Zither Moon Mountain Plains was only a myth. It was derived from a few broken pieces of information from Roman, which almost had zero credibility. If not for Leylin having seen similar content back in the experiment lab close to the Great Mankestre Snake's lair, he would most likely not believe in it.

Moreover, even if the Dylan Gardens existed, would there even be a piece of the great Magus Serholm's inheritance? Even if there was, Leylin did not know if the advanced meditation technique was suitable for him.

By setting off, Leylin would be able to pick up a high-grade meditation technique that was suited to him; Leylin did not dare bet on his luck

Hence, the preparation of a backup plan and now it became necessary to carry it out.

He had a portion of the Grine Water, the A.I. Chip was also simulating the rank 1 defensive spell model. Now he managed to obtain advanced information concerning Branded Swordsman. All these would be simulated into a completed piece of information regarding advancement.

Leylin decided that if he failed to discover anything in the Zither Moon Mountain Plains, he would apply for graduation. He would then roam the south coast, searching for remnants and obtaining information on high-grade meditation techniques.

If he did not obtain a meditation technique suited for him by 50, he would forcefully use the information in his hands to advance into a Magus.

Although this might cause difficulties for future advancements, Leylin felt that if he did not see any hope of advancement by 15, it was better to raise his strength before seeking better alternatives.

On the route back to the dorm.

Recently, Bicky had paid very few visits to him. In the vast level of the dorm, Leylin was the only one who lived here.

Leylin looked at the two sides of the dull and lifeless hall and sighed. "Although the concealment is not too bad, with fewer people coming to bother you, living in such a place is really somewhat dreary…."

After entering his own room in the dorm with the bright lamp, Leylin felt much better.

Walking to the simple experiment lab, Leylin thought in his mind.

"A.I. Chip! How is the progress on the simulation of rank 1 spell defensive model? Also the simulation the Grine Water?"

[rank 1 defensive spell model simulation progress: 14.3%. Estimated completion: 765 days!]

Towards the simulation of a rank 1 spell model, the A.I. Chip gave an unexpectedly long duration. However, Leylin was extremely pleased with this.

Previously the A.I. Chip was not able to estimate the progress of a successful simulation. However, after recording the massive amount of information in the hidden library, the A.I. Chip finally allowed Leylin to see a glimmer of hope in a completed rank 1 spell model!

"As long as it can be completed! Two years, I can afford it!"

Two years later, Leylin would only be 19, still in the prime of level 3 acolyte. This was the benefit of youth, never fearing that time was not enough.

[Calculating Grine Water formula in progress: 5.32%. Estimated ingredients: Fruit of Thousand-Eyed Tree, fresh blood of a Giant Tidal Snake….] [Estimated effect: A huge consumption on acolyte's life force, to stimulate breakthrough of spiritual force bottleneck!]

"So that's the case!" Looking at the A.I. Chip's analysis, Leylin finally knew why the academy viewed a level 3 acolyte below 20 years of age as potential Magus….

Grine Water's effect was to consume a magician's lifespan in exchange for a stimulated breakthrough.

The younger the acolyte, the more life force there is for consumption. Hence the higher possibility of a breakthrough.

Once an acolyte has an ageing body, they wouldn't be able to breakthrough even with Grine Water. This was because their physical body no longer had any more life force to be consumed.

"It seems that the previous situation has to be altered!"

Leylin stroked his chin. "The matter of searching for high-grade meditation technique will have to be pushed forward. Moreover, I cannot wait till I'm fifty! Thirty years old! After I'm thirty, if I haven't managed to find any high-grade meditation technique, I must try in breaking through!"

After firming his resolve, Leylin tidied up the experiment lab and took out an ancient Potioneering scroll.

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Brewing an Ancient Potion

"Ancient Medicine: Tears of Mary formula. Begin the 1,312,933rd drug simulation!"

Leylin had received 2 sheets of medicinal formulas from Professor Kroft. One of them was about the Azure Potion, for which he had found substitute ingredients that had helped him reach his current level.

The other one, Tears of Mary, involved the concepts from his soul research. This had left Leylin at a loss as to how he should proceed.

Afterwards, with the observations from the bulk experiments at Extreme Night City, Leylin had gathered vast amounts of data regarding souls, and was thus pushing for the analysis of the formula of the ancient drug, Tears of Mary.

Finally, after having obtained the Grine Water, the A.I. Chip had performed reverse engineering to find out the refining process of the Grine Water, and had eventually overcome the last obstacle in concocting the Tears of Mary.

However, to Leylin's dismay, he found that some of the steps in the formula for the Tears of Mary could only be completed by an official Magus!

Moreover, many of the processes required huge reserves of spiritual force that was at least at the level of an official Magus.

This situation proved that Leylin's prior guess was correct — the Tears of Mary was definitely the secret formula for the ancient Magi to increase their spiritual force!

Thus, Leylin's eagerness to successfully configure the Tears of Mary was reinforced.

His spiritual force had not increased over a long period of time.

His body had developed a complete resistance to the modified Azure Potion, so even if he were to drink more of the potion, his spiritual force would not increase even a little bit.

Also, after having increased his spiritual force using medicine, trying to increase it using his regular meditation technique was something he couldn't endure because the rate of increase was similar to a tortoise's pace.

His current spiritual force was just not quite enough to be able to break through the boundary to become an official Magus.

According to the A.I. Chip's calculations and his own estimation, with his regular meditation, it would take him several years to become an official Magus!

Leylin could not wait that long, hence he brewed a new type of potion. Apart from that, he had been collecting other formulas all the while.

Other ancient potion formulas were mostly controlled by the official Magi. Leylin did not have many treasured ingredients with him that he could exchange for, and did not wish to draw too much attention to himself..

Moreover, compared to simulating and brewing an entire new formula, more than half of the formula for the Tears of Mary was solved so it was the better choice.

Leylin boldly replaced a few brewing processes that could only be executed by an official Magus into one that was suited for a level 3 acolyte to brew with.

After tens of thousands of modifications, together with the A.I. Chip's millions of simulations, Leylin's experiment now was very close to succeeding.

"First of all, I need the basic material for the formula, a female vengeful spirit!."

From the corner of his experiment desk, Leylin picked up a brand new Confining Spirit Sphere. Within it was a woman wearing a red gown, and looking at Leylin with an expression of fright.

The energy waves emitted from this female vengeful spirit which was not even close to those of Roman, who was only a level 1 acolyte.

After most of the acolytes in the academy had perished, it was the golden age of self-development for the surviving acolytes.

Originally, the resources for the acolytes in the academy had been for a thousand acolytes, but now, they had all been released for these 50 remaining acolytes.

Furthermore, the prices of all ingredients and spell models had been marked down drastically compared to the time before the bloodbath.

For example, a vengeful spirit was originally a rare commodity in the market. Once they had been seen on the market, they would have been bought immediately by acolytes, and the prices could have been up to 500 magic crystals.

As for now, Leylin went to the counter to look at the price, and bought it immediately. His expenditure did not even amount to 100 magic crystals!

Of course, this was a disguised reward from the academy to the survivors!

This situation continued all the way until the next batch of recruits.

However, in this discounted sale, Leylin quickly threw away the notion of reselling at a high price outside. The academy had long since forbidden this. If they were caught, the circumstances would be severe.

Leylin made use of this opportunity, and spent half of his magic crystals savings, buying a large amount of resources and strange spell models.

The female vengeful spirit in the Confining Spirit Sphere had long, silver hair; dark blue eyes; and soft, moistened lips. She also had a slender waist and long legs. When she was alive, she would have definitely been an outstanding woman who drove men crazy!

"What a pity!"

Leylin sighed, yet his hand continued to move and dropped a silver liquid onto the Confining Spirit Sphere.

This was the "Dissolving Spirit Potion". Back when Leylin had specially prepared it for Roman, with only a few drops, Roman would have definitely been shrieking for half a day, and even sustain a severe injury.

As of now, the remainder was used by Leylin here.

"Ah… It hurts! Please… I beg you! No…!"

The vengeful spirit continued to wail from within the crystal ball. Towards such an extraordinary woman, any man would have at least hesitated deep down within their heart.

However, Leylin's brows had not furrowed the slightest as he continued the movement with his hands.

As more of the Dissolving Spirit Potion was used, the pleading of the female vengeful spirit was becoming more and more muffled. Even her red robes were slowly dissolving, revealing an illusory, and yet alluring glowing skin.

"You want to entice me?" Looking at this scene, Leylin's lips curled up in ridicule.

"Vengeful spirit! Reveal your original ugly form!" Leylin raised a finger with a large, black needle protruding from the nail.

* Sssii! *

The black long needle pierced through the crystal ball, and directly into the chest of the female vengeful spirit.

"Argh!" The female vengeful spirit let off a hair-raising scream, and her body became blurry. Once she could be seen again, the vengeful spirit that was in front of Leylin's eyes had taken on a completely different form.

The face was filled with scales and wrinkles, and the orifices seemed to be misaligned, as though someone had casually attached them to her face. There were a few strands of green hair on the sides of her bald head.

The mouth opened and closed, and razor sharp teeth could be seen. From time to time, a disgusting, viscous liquid could be seen dripping from her scarlet tongue.

"Ao!"

The female vengeful spirit's eyes contained a greed that could rip people apart. She stared intently at Leylin as if wanting to gobble him down immediately.

"Your outer appearance and inner self are ugly throughout!"

Leylin mocked her and laughed, before drawing another mysterious magic rune…

The experiment lasted for over a dozen hours and continued the way until the second day before the end was near.

Inside the experiment lab.

Inside a scarlet pentagonal formation, a naked body with bumps through could be seen. The beautiful face of the female vengeful spirit had been tied down by a metal chain, trapped within the spell formation.

At this moment, although the female vengeful spirit looked to be phantom, as if disappearing in the next moment, her face no longer had the craze and hate from before. Instead, there was a shy expression on it.

Combining with the binding of the metal chains, it even creates a sadomasochistic desire!

Leylin looked at the naked woman in front of him, his face revealing a satisfied expression. "After a long day, I have finally removed all of the grievances from it!"

"Thank you! Young man! However, could you release me and give me some clothes to wear?"

The woman spoke within the formation, her voice as delightful as a black-naped oriole bird.

"Are you joking? I spent so much effort to release you from your grievance, not for some gratification!"

After hearing Leylin's words, the female vengeful spirit suddenly felt that a calamity was looming over her.

Disturbed, crazed and pondering expressions flashed through Leylin's face. Finally, they all uniformed into only one expression—Apathy! Indifference towards everything!

A few hours passed.

At this moment, there was a chill permeating the experiment lab.

One could almost hear the wails of vengeful spirits within these four walls.

As for the female vengeful spirit in front of Leylin, it had almost lost its human appearance.

"The last step!" Leylin picked up a silver fork and pierced the female vengeful spirit's head through the eyes.

"Pu!"

As if made from some special materials, the silver fork directly pierced through the female vengeful spirit's eyeball.

"Hehe!" The female vengeful spirit squirmed and screamed like a wild beast, as if without a tongue.

After the fork had pierced the eyeball, the face of the female vengeful spirit could barely be made out. Two trickles of blood tears flowed down.

"This is the ancient potion—Tears of Mary?"

Leylin raised his hand, dripping a few drops of blood in his hands.

An icy cold and viscous sensation was felt.

"The spirit is an illusory thing. As for me, I could actually come in contact with a spirit's tears, what a wonder…."

Leylin muttered as he smeared the red potion on his eyes.

* Bang! *

An extremely spicy sensation travelled from Leylin's eyes, causing immense pain.

Red! His vision could only see the colour red!"

There seemed to be a woman's voice sounding inside his brain as if narrating something. The voice gradually grew louder and louder.

Finally, Leylin could only grab his head and head-butt viciously against the wall, to ease this symptom.

The A.I. Chip's indicator appeared in front of Leylin.

[Subject underwent an unknown effect. spiritual force increased. Currently, it is 14.3….]

The data that represented Leylin's spiritual force continuously increased.

14.8

15.3

15.8

16.1

The number which represented the spiritual force continuously rose, finally stopping at the number 16.1.

"Hu… It has finally passed!"

Leylin rubbed his temples firmly, as he inhaled a lungful of cold air.

"Although it's very painful, the side effects are not too much…"

Before he could finish speaking, Leylin discovered that there was a thin layer of mist in the surroundings.

A flash of red colour robes streaked past in the room.

Leylin wanted to move, yet the air seemed to be extremely muddy like starch paste. Any movement would be difficult to execute!

Finally, the owner of the red robes appeared in front of Leylin — the vengeful spirit!

At this moment, more than half of the vengeful spirit's head had dissolved.

"If it was another time! Such an attack!"

Leylin was extremely unwilling, but he was still struck in the chest by that claw.

An icy cold chill started to spread from his chest.

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A Meeting

The vengeful spirit wearing red robes continuously attacked, clawing strips of flesh off of Leylin's body.

Leylin's expression of anger turned into indifference.

A few minutes later, he opened his mouth with difficulty, "Gurisasi ~ duoluxian!"

A dark-green flame burned on Leylin's body, setting everything in the experiment lab ablaze….

"Hu…"

After the dark-green flame was extinguished, Leylin recovered his mobility.

At this moment, he finally had enough strength to look around at his surroundings.

The experiment lab was the same as before, all apparatus lying neatly in their original position.

As for the pentagon formation, it had lost all of its light, and the vengeful spirit was nowhere to be found.

On Leylin, there were no traces of injuries, yet his expression did not seem well.

It was because different indicators flashed from the A.I. Chip:

[Host has suffered from an unknown forcefield attack, determined from the database to be caused by a vengeful spirit! vitality decreased by 0.1] [Host has suffered from an unknown forcefield attack, determined from the database to be caused by a vengeful spirit! vitality decreased by 0.1] [Host has suffered from an unknown forcefield attack, determined from the database to be caused by a vengeful spirit! vitality decreased by 0.1]

After 3 indications, Leylin's face looked even more awful, "A.I. Chip, show me my current status!"

[Beep! Leylin Farlier. Level 3 acolyte, Knight. Strength: 3.1, Agility: 3.3, Vitality: 3.4, Spiritual force: 16.1, Magic power: 16 (magic power is in synchronisation with Spiritual Force). Status: Healthy]

After the upgrade from using Tears of Mary, Leylin's Spiritual Force reached 16.1. However, his vitality decreased by 0.3. Clearly, this was caused by the attack of the vengeful spirit.

"As expected, an ancient potion's formulary cannot be modified so easily!"

Leylin sighed. He acted on his own initiative, changing many processes of the formulary, thus causing such an outcome.

"However, this decrease in vitality, compared to the increase in Spiritual Force, shows the value of this potion!"

Leylin was certain of his modified formulary for the ancient potion, Tears of Mary.

"Ancient potion – Tears of Mary modification successful, Host to give a name!"

The A.I. Chip's voice intoned.

"Blood Vengeance Potion!" Leylin thought of the final, flash of red, blurting out the name.

Although this potion requires a vengeful spirit as an ingredient, which was somewhat cruel, it was a potion that was hard to come by!

A single use could raise Spiritual Force by 3 points! The only minor backlash was : it was on the same level as the Azure Potion that Leylin had modified before.

As for the formulation process of this potion, it was somewhat ruthless. However, Leylin did not bother about it.

For Leylin, carrying out ruthless actions and even killing people, was well within reason when in the face of benefits!

People who only kill for joy were mental and inhumane.

In his previous world, the environment was peaceful, so naturally he had also advocated peace then.

However, in the Magus World, war was everywhere. Deaths occurred daily. The plebeians who faced dawn did not know if they would be alive to see the sun set.

The law of the jungle and survival of the fittest were proclaimed explicitly by various powerful guilds and organisations.

After coming to this world, Leylin followed 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do' and this became a completely egotistical person.

As long as this potion was beneficial and did not cause him much hassle, he would not hesitate to create more of it!

"This is the feeling of achieving 16 Spiritual Force, huh? How amazing!"

Leylin shut his eyes, feeling the difference this increase brought him.

Under his control, the Spiritual Force seemed to be a silver thread as it swept past every item in the room. Moreover, each of the item's physical shape was perceived within Leylin's mind.

For regular acolytes, this was an extremely fresh feeling. However, Leylin saw that after a certain standard was achieved in Spiritual Force, it had a scanning effect similar to that of the A.I. Chip!

"This effect, if mastered properly, could discover a majority of ambushes, never having to fear for another sneak attack!"

Leylin appreciated the wondrous use of the Spiritual Force.

"It's a pity, however. For me, this is not as useful as the A.I. Chip!"

In his sea of consciousness, waves of Spiritual Force constantly surged at the borders, continuously expanding the area of the sea.

"Only that this external change is too obvious!"

Leylin picked up a bronze mirror. On the screen of the bronze mirror, a brown-haired youthful countenance was reflected. However, a pair of gleaming eyes flashed like diamonds in the night.

Normally, the upper limits of Spiritual Force for level 3 acolytes were 15, yet Leylin far exceeded this figure.

Moreover, when level 3 acolytes were about to breakthrough into an official Magus, their eyes would often show unusual signs of attraction.

That was the result of the boundless expansion in their massive sea of consciousness.

However, for Leylin, this was not good news. To others, he was just a newly advanced level 3 acolyte, yet now he exceeded those limits, this would bring about curiosity and suspicion from others.

If it was some regular acolyte, Leylin wasn't too afraid. But if an official Magus required him to cooperate for questioning, then Leylin would meet with some trouble.

After all, Leylin had no confidence against official Magus since the A.I. Chip could not detect them.

"I can only conceal this for the time being!"

Leylin chanted a short incantation.

Creaking and cracking noises resounded on his face and his eyes dimmed, no longer radiating light.

This was a simple use of the Shapeshifting spell—the ability to modify facial features.

Many female official Magus would obtain such a spell and cast it on their faces, achieving a beautification effect.

"I hope this can conceal my presence for the time being!" Leylin was not confident.

After several modifications of the Shapeshifting spell by the A.I. Chip, level 3 acolytes would not be able to discover this.

However, Leylin was completely unsure if he could face an official Magus

If they just walked past him, they may not notice his concealment. As long as they did not use any detection spells, he should be able to mask it.

Deep down in his heart, Leylin had already decided. After travelling around the Poolfield Kingdom and discovering the vestige traces, he would set off to Zither Moon Mountain Plains in search of the remnants of the great Magus Serholm.

In any case, Leylin had expressed his interest to Kroft for wanting to travel, so suggesting it not did not seem too abrupt.

After making some arrangements, Leylin rubbed his rumbling stomach, giving a wry smile. His experiment had already extended over a day's worth of time.

No matter how high his vitality was, he was still a mortal, unable to escape from the laws of nature. Hence, there were symptoms of hunger.

Although he could replenish his strength with potions, Leylin still felt nauseous. Moreover, if the circumstances allowed for a better option, he would not mistreat himself.

Since the academy had a restaurant, why waste a potion?

Leylin cleaned up and opened his dorm's door.

* Pa! * A white letter fell onto the ground. It seemed like someone paid Leylin a visit earlier. However, after seeing him concentrate on his experiment, they did not dare intrude, hence leaving a simple note.

"Who would it be? Bicky? Nyssa? Or someone else…"

Leylin opened the letter in curiosity.

After seeing the signature, Leylin's expression was shocked, "It's actually Jayden!"

As a fifth-grade genius acolyte, Jayden was somewhat of a lone wolf, seldom interacting with other acolytes.

As for now, Jayden actually took the initiative to meet with Leylin, which shocked Leylin.

"However, since he's visited me, then I'll meet him!"

After thinking for a while, Leylin raised his somewhat pale finger, directing scribbling on the white note.

Every time his finger drew across, red characters would be left on the note.

There was a simple spell cast on this paper note by Jayden, which could transmit some simple information. Of course, it was only usable in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy area, widely loved by acolytes.

The recipient's reply was extremely quick. Very soon, Leylin met up with Jayden inside of a room in the restaurant.

Jayden now seemed to be gloomier. Looking at the area of his severed limb, Leylin noticed that a slim tiny arm had regrown and could not help but laugh.

It seems that his Flourishing Flower had been given to Jayden by Dorotte. What he did not know was the promise Jayden had to make in exchange for the Flourishing Flower.

"I have not thanked you regarding the Flourishing Flower!"

Jayden sat on the white chair, raising his cup to Leylin.

This gesture was somewhat impolite. Leylin frowned internally, yet not did not outwardly speak much about it.

After looking for a chair to sit down, he ignored the delicacy and aroma displayed in front of him. Leylin smiled in sincerity, "Regarding the information of official Magus that Professor Dorotte had exchanged with me, I should be the one expressing my thanks!"

Naturally, Leylin had no clue that Dorotte had this information of advancing into a Branded Swordsman.

It was Jayden who had leaked the news to him. As for the reason why—it was probably due to Leylin 'accidentally' letting Jayden know that he had the Flourishing Flower.

For Leylin, he would reap the largest benefit from Jayden, who desperately needed the Flourishing Flower to regrow his limb.

Jayden's expression turned softer, "No matter what, we are acolytes who came from the same area, so it's well within reason to help each other…."

Leylin too gave him some superficial replies, before Jayden finally revealed his motive for seeking Leylin today.

"Leylin, Professor Dorotte had long since told me that the information he had given you, a major portion of it was missing. There is no way that it could be reliable for advancing into an official Magus. It is because you also want to look for other traces that you are eager to go exploring, isn't it?"

"Of course, no matter if it's the academy or the families, their conditions are too much!"

Leylin interlocked his fingers.

This notion was considered by many level 3 acolytes. Only when the adventure for the remnants was unfruitful and acknowledging that the golden period of advancement was almost over, would they then consider signing a spiritual contract with the academy or the families.

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Participation

"I just happen to have a trace of remnants regarding official Magus…." Jayden added.

After listening to Leylin's reply, Jayden's smile grew even wider.

"Remnants? Clues? You actually dare to go out?"

Leylin was somewhat shocked. In the eyes of an outsider, Jayden was the murderer of Torash from the enemy academy. The hatred held by the enemy official Magus was already locked onto him, yet he still dared leave for an exploration?

After hearing Leylin's words, Jayden'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…"

After cursing, Jayden then explained to Leylin, "The power of the Lighthouse of the Night is still formidable. Under the mediation of that lord Magus, the Sage Gotham Hut and the Whitewoods Castle would not dare to exact revenge hastily; not unless they wish to be destroyed!"

"On the contrary, with the passing of time, the treaty was agreed at a span of 20 years. My situation consists of constant dangers. Hence, for this, I have to retaliate somehow, to ensure myself with the ability to protect my life!"

"Becoming an official Magus?" Leylin's brows furrowed as he guessed Jayden's intention.

"Indeed! To go against an official Magus, one would only have the ability after becoming an official Magus!" A longing expression streaked across Jayden's face, "Once I become an official Magus, why would I still be afraid of the enemy's retaliation?"

Leylin nodded his head — Jayden'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 understanding the situation briefly, Leylin began to relax, slowly reclining in his chair.

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

Jayden 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 Zither Moon Mountain Plains…."

Upon speaking the four words, 'Zither Moon Mountain Plains', Leylin's pupils contracted, yet very soon he recollected himself. This change, which happened which a fraction of a second, went completely unnoticed by Jayden.

"As for why I sought you out?"

Jayden smiled wryly, "Zither Moon Mountain Plains is littered with poisonous plants and miasma. A Potioneering acolyte needs to come along, to ensure our safety… Right now in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, the person I am familiar with, who is also a level 3 acolyte, is only you…."

Leylin stared blankly, only then did he recall that the 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, Jayden could take his time to choose.

However, after the bloodbath, Jayden's choice was extremely limited, so much so that the only option left was—Leylin!

"Although I don't know if the remnants that Jayden mentioned were left behind by the great Magus Serholm; since the vengeful spirit Roman had found clues to it, it's well within reason that Jayden had discovered something too…."

Thoughts spun in Leylin's head, yet on the surface, he looked hesitant.

"The war has just ended. Right now it's too dangerous to leave the academy…."

"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, Jayden felt hurried, 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 these couple of days.

After seeing Leylin act like this, Jayden could only consent.

After all, apparently Leylin seemed to be somewhat moved towards the end.

As expected, on the second day, Leylin sought out Jayden, informing him of his decision to participate.

Early in the morning

Leylin and Jayden 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 grey 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 processes 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.

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

On the road, 3 acolytes were waiting.

* Ta Ta Ta! * As the 3 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 Mister Bosain, from the Lilytell family…."

The stranger's voice belonged to Jayden, as he introduced them to Leylin. To avoid trouble, Jayden had masked his appearance.

"Also, this is Shaya and Roth!"

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

However, Jayden specially emphasised on the Mister honorific and the explanation on the Lilytell family, giving Leylin a shock.

"Lilytell family? One of the big-three families in the academy, where every generation has produced at least one official Magus?"

"Indeed, in addition, the chairman of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was elected by the big three families."

Bosain added, pride evident on his face.

"Which is to say, he could have direct access to high-grade meditation techniques! Or, I can…" Leylin outwardly displayed a shocked expression with a tinge of envy, satisfying the ego of Bosain.

However deep down, he had some villainous thoughts.

As for Shaya, she was a fire-haired female acolyte, reminding Leylin of Neela. Ever since his return to the academy, he hasn't seen Neela once.

She could be dead, or she did not receive the academy's notice. There was also the possibility that she abandoned the academy and escaped.

Towards her, Leylin only sighed gently, before removing her from his thoughts.

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. 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 the A.I. Chip.

"Hello! I'm Leylin, a Potioneering acolyte, I hope that…"

Leylin introduced himself to the rest.

"The Zither Moon Mountain Plains is perilous, however, I have heard of your reputation being only lower to the Potioneering genius Merlin! I believe that you would ensure our logistics and safety. . . "

Bosain smiled amiably at Leylin, giving a feeling of warmth.

"I'll try my best!" Leylin nodded his head.

"Alright! It's getting late, let's set off!"

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

However, deep down, Leylin was somewhat disgruntled towards Jayden's action of adding more members without consulting him. He certainly did not approve of the current situation.

Moreover, Bosain's identity seemed to give him a troublesome feeling.

As if noticing something, Jayden engaged in a private conversation to explain to him.

"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!" Jayden smiled wryly, "You know it as well, I am unable to refuse them!"

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 the family, has to always be inside the academy compounds.

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

Concerning this, Leylin could only smile wryly and be more wary of his surroundings, with no better idea in mind.

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

These two forces had just ended a huge war and Jayden 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 Jayden, 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 travelling outfits into those of young, noble masters and mistress, continuously travelling 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.

Leylin too tried to get closer with the other 3 acolytes.

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 in having talent in Potioneering, so they were somewhat friendly.

As for Bosain, he had the behaviour of being an elite amongst 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 being together with them, Leylin had, more or less, determined their stats.

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The Zither Moon Town

Apart from Leylin, among this party of five, Bosain would be the strongest based on stats.

In the stats detected by the A.I. Chip, Bosain's Spiritual Force had reached 15! It was already the requirement needed to advance to the level of an official Magus.

However, for some reason, it was concealed like Leylin's. Bosain also used some secret method to conceal his Spiritual Force's energy waves and also the aberration of his eyes, without letting anyone find out.

Moreover, as a level 3 acolyte from a large family, Bosain's magic artifact emitted energy waves that were extremely strong, only second to the Fallen Star Pendant hung around Leylin's neck.

In addition, the Lilytell family was one of the three big families of the academy. If Bosain, who was one of the younger generation that hailed from there, had no magic artifact on him, Leylin would be the first to not believe it.

As for Jayden, Shaya, and Roth—they were level 3 acolytes who had just advanced. Jayden and Shaya carried magic artifacts with them and were stronger than Roth by a small margin. However, Roth was neither obsequious nor supercilious along the way—obviously he had his own hidden trump card.

"Without using any trump cards, between Bosain and I, we have a fifty-fifty chance of winning. As for Shaya and Jayden, they are below us by a little, whereas Roth is ranked the last. However, he cannot be taken too lightly either!"

Leylin's eyes flashed, rapidly calculating that if any conflicts were to occur within the party, what would be the result and the control that he had of such a situation.

However, be it in the novels of his previous world, or the adventure that he undertook today, various adventurers would have internal strife after obtaining the treasures. It was inevitable.

Leylin questioned himself—if Jayden or the rest discovered that it was actually the inheritance of the great Magus Serholm they were after, they would definitely not be willing to share the loot obtained.

Who knew if he might be the first to revolt then?

The Zither Moon Town was a little town located at the foot of the Zither Moon Mountain Plains.

This day, on a road that was flying with dust, there were five travel-worn horse riders that appeared.

"Alright, we will enter the Zither Moon Mountain Plains from the Zither Moon Town. Before that, we can have a lodging at the inn in the town!"

Jayden reined in his horse. After getting down, he took out a badly damaged map to have a look.

At this moment, he had a completely different appearance. It was a rather secular face changing spell, which let Leylin somewhat surprised.

"This is the area of the borders. If there were any people from the Sage Gotham Hut academy it wouldn't be odd at all, so we have to be more careful…"

"We know it already!" Bosain straightened his robes, showing impatience.

The five of them led their horses to an inn called "Ghosts With Grievances Don't Weep".

Opening the door, it was as though it was a whole new world. Shouting and clamouring noises, along with the stenches of sweat and the odor of alcohol, wafted over.

Jayden's brow's furrowed, but he still walked towards the counter, tossing out a golden coin.

"Give me 5 private rooms…."

"I'm sorry, we only have 3 rooms left!" Before Jayden finished speaking, a person, who seemed to be the shop owner and who also stank of rum, interrupted him.

"Alright then! Three rooms, we'll have it all. Also, give us your best delicacies!"

Finding lodging at an inn in this small town is already considered fortunate, so Jayden did not pursue further.

But when he was paying the money, he complained, "Isn't this damned place the one that doesn't have even a few visitors each year? Now, why is is that there are only 3 rooms left?"

"Burp!" The shop owner hiccuped, "Who knows? The Zither Moon Mountain Plains is filled with the damned poisonous gas and miasma. Many of these lads don't return after setting off. Usually, there are only people here to drink some rum, but regarding gold coins, I seemed to have met with two waves of important guests today!"

"Two waves?" Leylin stepped forward, "Which is to say, there was someone else before us who came here?"

"Indeed, and they even asked for a tour guide. Gold coin payment, bah! Who wants to die in the depths of Zither Moon Mountain Plains?"

After hearing this news, Leylin and the rest looked at each other, having a somewhat ominous premonition.

"Alright! I'll let Pinky bring you to your rooms!" The shop owner took down 3 keys that were extremely oily, as he shouted, "Pinky! Pinky! Don't let me wait another second, if not I'll scrape your skin off…."

* Bang! * Very soon, a dwarf which wore a grey pointed hat stood in front of the owner.

"Respected Sir, Pinky is here for your bidding…."

This dwarf named Pinky was only half of Leylin's height. He also wore a flowery green costume, looking somewhat comical.

"Bring our esteemed guests to the rooms upstairs to rest, you know which few!"

The owner casually smacked the dwarf, before handing over the keys.

"Dear guests! Please follow Pinky! Be careful of the steps!"

Pinky touched his hat and led the way at the front.

Leylin and the rest followed behind.

Shaya took off her cloak, revealing a beautiful face and alluring body, and this attracted the whistles from a few drunken blokes suddenly.

Towards this, Shaya was not irked at all, she even sent a few coquettish glances over, igniting some heat within those drunkards.

Looking at these group of animals that were lusting over her, Leylin snickered. This expression of Shaya's showed that she was already angry to a certain extent.

If these drunkards acted recklessly and stepped forward to provoke, they would definitely suffer a fate worse than death!

"Leylin, you and Roth will be in this room, Bosain and me in the other. The last one would be for Shaya, any opinions?"

As the organiser for this adventure, Jayden quickly allocated the rooms to the members.

Seeing Jayden assign the difficult Bosain to himself, Leylin and Roth heaved a sigh of relief, naturally not raising any objections.

Shaya did not say anything either.

"Also, come to my room in a while's time. Towards the previous batch of customers the shop owner mentioned, I am somewhat concerned!" Jayden's brow's furrowed.

"We are all staying at the same inn. I believe that we will definitely see the other party!" Leylin spoke blandly as if hinting at something.

According to that dwarf Pinky, the earlier batch of guests was currently not inside the inn. They seemed to have gone out to purchase some goods, even spending money to hire a tour guide.

Dinner was held at the large hall on the first level. The main dish was mud bean paste, with some wild herbs as seasoning.

However, food like this was, in the eyes of Leylin and the rest, fit only for swines. The few of them had no appetite, yet they were curious about the previous batch of guests, so Leylin and the others chose to remain inside the large hall. They sipped on their drinks as they waited.

* Bang! *

Leylin was drinking his malt, and Shaya had reached her tolerance limits due to the provocation of a few drunkards beside her when the inn's door opened at this moment.

* Hu Hu! * Large gale of cold wind blew into the inn, lowering the somewhat lively atmosphere.

After seeing these few people who just entered, Leylin's body tensed.

It was five cloaked figures. From the energy waves on their bodies, they were actually level 2 and 3 acolytes!

When they entered, they too obviously noticed Leylin and the others.

The line of sight connected between the two parties, and sparks appeared. However, as if nothing had happened, the five cloaked figures did not stop and continued walking towards the second floor.

"How is it? Are they acolytes from the Sage Gotham Hut?"

Shaya whispered, unable to conceal the worry on her face.

"I don't know, but they are obviously not here on a holiday!" Jayden's expression darkened.

"I say, if we did not choose this inn for lodging, would we have been able to avoid them?" Roth scratched his head.

"Avoidance?" Bosain smirked in contempt, "It is the thought of weak people. The Lilytell family would never ever have to avoid!"

Being looked down upon by Bosain, Roth tensed. He was suffering from humiliation, yet he did not react.

"Moreover, the Zither Moon Town is so small, and there is only this one inn. When we entered the town, we were already exposed. Any sudden movements will only attract the vigilance of the other party!"

"The crucial thing is, what is their motive for coming here?" Leylin asked.

"Could it be that they also have found traces of the clues in here?"

Jayden's expression changed, "I purchased this lead for a heavy price, buying a book that was scribbled with ancient characters.

"Which is to say, the other party could have found something too. Who knows if they might even have a professor who tagged along…" Shaya's face looked even more uneasy, "Should we abandon the operation this time?"

"No way!" Jayden was the first who refused. For this lead, he had paid too high a price, naturally he was unwilling for them to give up.

"I don't think any of us here would be willing to let their professors claim half of the benefits that we obtained here after a dangerous exploration" Leylin added.

"However, before they notice us, the situation might change!"

"How about we get rid of them? I took a look, there are only three level 3 acolytes and two level 2 acolytes!" Jayden revealed a brutal expression.

"We can try, but it has to be done within the Zither Moon Mountain Plains. Moreover, we should eliminate all of the traces. I don't wish for the other side to find a reason to go to war with us!" Bosain added.

"It could also be some wandering magicians, instead of the acolytes from the Sage Gotham Hut…"

Roth said, his voice extremely soft.

A total of five acolytes, with three level 3 acolytes. This formation required too much time and effort to nurture them, so wandering magicians would never be able to do it.

Only academies and large scale magician guilds would be able to send out these many acolytes at once.

"Alright then! No matter where they are from, even for the one percent chance that they are here to seek out the remnants, once they enter the Zither Moon Mountain Plains, they are our enemies!"

Jayden spoke in a murderous tone.

As acolytes, they did not wish to break the unwritten rules of the Magus World by taking action within the small town where regular humans lived. As for the other party, they could very well hold the same thoughts.

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Moonlight Mayfly

In the depths of the night, due to Jayden's suggestions, the five of them abandoned the idea of resting and all gathered inside one room, where they each took turns for the night watch.

Also, the other team had the same idea.

"They have left!" warned Leylin, who was monitoring the other team's acolytes with the help of A.I. Chip.

Upon hearing his voice, the other 4 acolytes, who were all previously snoozing either on the sofa or on the table, suddenly opened their eyes.

"I heard the sound of their footsteps as they left and they were all heading in the direction of the Zither Moon Mountain Plains' entrance," continued Leylin.

"Choosing the night time to start a war, eh? Let's catch up with them!"

Jayden excitedly spoke.

As people who had survived the bloodbath, Jayden and others had all experienced the letting of the enemy's blood. As far as this situation was concerned, not only did they all not have a common fear experienced by acolytes, instead, they all were looking forward to it for some unknown reason.

During this whole time, their knapsacks were unopened and left in the corner. Leylin and the rest hurriedly strapped them on and left the inn.

A total of 10 black shadows disappeared in the town, under the dim glow of the starlight.

* Sou Sou Sou! *

A few black figures that were hard to track using the physical eyes rapidly left the town for the entrance of the Zither Moon Mountain Plains.

"The other party wouldn't be so naive that they think they could outrun us. The only possibility is that they chose to fight!"

Leylin's eyes gleamed, surmising the thoughts of the other party.

However, he had faith in his party!

His side consisted of all level 3 acolytes and even had 4 magic artifacts. The A.I. Chip did not detect any energy waves from magic artifacts on the other party!

Moreover, in the other party, there were two level 2 acolytes.

To Leylin, this was where the weak link and burden lies!

* Ka-Cha! * A branch that was in the way was broken as Leylin dashed through, his speed was not lowering the slightest.

Through meditation, acolytes can reflect their magic power on their own bodies, greatly enhancing the physical qualities. Concerning level 3 acolyte, the increase of spiritual force alone can already bring their vitality up to 2.5, equal to that of a Knight!

Moreover, level 3 acolyte could, through various self-experimentation, obtain stronger and larger physical prowess.

The pitch-black night, together with the jumbled branches and vines, could not hinder the speed of Leylin and his party.

"The other team has stopped!"

Leylin drew to a halt and scrutinized the whole surrounding.

Towering trees with their tops seemingly supporting the heavens, the dense foliage and undergrowth completely shielded them from the starlight, and only trickles of starlight were visible through the leaves.

But this was just enough for acolytes to see.

"This distance is already far from the town. Even if there are any energy waves, no one would discover it at all!" Jayden placed a green badge on his chest.

"You actually took out your magic artifact now, just to deal with a few pieces of trash?" Bosain laughed and retracted his hand into the large sleeves.

Looking at the A.I. Chip's scan result, Leylin was somewhat speechless.

Under the detection of the A.I. Chip, Bosain too held onto his own magic artifact. It was even one which could immediately be activated.

This behavior of Bosain, where he contradicted himself by speaking one thing but doing something else, was something Leylin and Jayden were used to.

On the other side, Shaya and Roth also made their individual preparations.

acolytes who survived the bloodbath were extremely clear on one point—Even a lion has to use its full force to catch a rabbit! No matter how weak the opponent seems, one must not slack off. If not, the loss of one's own life might happen!

"Let's go and get rid of them!" Jayden laughed sardonically and stepped out first.

"Hu…."

After going past a black leafy tree, Leylin saw a dark green marsh.

The surface of the swamp had many dried branches and leaves, interspersed with the corpses of other animals.

On the other side of the swamp, the 5 acolytes that they saw previously were standing there quietly.

What was different about their outfits were that on the cloak and robes, they were already wearing the badge that represented the academy they were in.

"Sage Gotham Hut?" Jayden icily said.

"acolytes of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy!" The leader of the other party had some guesses to the identity of Leylin's party.

"It seems like another bunch of people will be dead again!" Leylin sighed in his heart. As these both parties, the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, and the Sage Gotham Hut, had just ended the war, their mutual hatred was as deep as the seas.

Although the mediation by the Lighthouse of the Night had made them sign a peace treaty, that was at most a form of restraint for the official Magi. As for acolytes, if the two sides were to see each other, then it was certain that one side would perish.

The two parties stood quietly and faced off the other. For a moment, even the air seemed to have congealed.

"Actually… We don't have to…."

The other team's leader remained silent for a while, then opened his mouth.

* Chi Chi *

The moment that leader opened his mouth, a murderous glint flashed in Jayden's eyes and the badge on his chest radiated a ray of green light.

Countless murky green vines with reversed barbs rose from the ground, encircling the five opponents!

In terms of battle experience, Jayden obviously had more than the other party. Moreover, Jayden carried the blood debt of killing Torash. Amongst their party of five, he was the most unwilling to let the enemy go scot-free.

If not, once other party disclosed the news, even if Jayden concealed himself, he would be in the pursuit of the official Magus from the other side!

"Despicable!" "Escaaaaape!" "Aargh!"

The five acolytes obviously did not think that Jayden would be this decisive and ruthless, not even mouthing a greeting before he took action.

Within a fraction of a second, a green whirlwind swirled around two acolytes, increasing their speed and bringing them off the attack area of the vines.

As for another acolyte, there was an orange-red flame that burned in his surroundings. It took on the form of a whip, continuously attacking the vines, which burned in retreat.

As for the last two level 2 acolytes, they seemed rather miserable. Countless vines wrapped them into a ball. Along with the tightening of the vines, fresh blood seeped through from within the ball.

"Kill them all!"

The moment Jayden struck, Bosain, Leylin, and the others rushed forward too.

"Right now, I can confirm that this bunch of acolytes is nurtured in the greenhouse, with no experience of seeing a war field that reeks of blood. They are as weak as sheep in the face of a strong adversary!"

Leylin looked at the few acolytes with a pitiable look.

He guessed that these few acolytes did not even participate in the previous bloodbath. Their mentality was the same as when they were inside their academy.

However, he loved opponents like this the most. Because one can reap the largest benefits without spending much effort.

As Leylin dashed forward, he chanted an incantation.

* Sssii! * A pitch-black hand rose from the shadows, grabbing onto the ankle of a level 3 acolyte.

* Umbra's Hand!"

* Sssii! * The hand that was extremely corrosive dissolved part of the opponent's leg and the flesh and blood continuously fell down.

"Aaargh… someone save me!"

The enemy acolyte fell onto the ground, his wails pierced past the quiet forest, directly to the heavens.

"Kiddo! Your mother will save you!" Shaya mocked him. She waved her arm and a few silver light flew from her hand, directly piercing the head of the fallen acolyte.

* Bang! * The acolyte's head sliced open like a watermelon as the brain and various juices sprayed on the floor.

3 people died directly from the first wave of attack from Leylin's party.

"Damn it! Monty!"

The two level 3 acolyte gritted their teeth and retreated. One of them withdrew a silver whistle from his robes and blew on it.

* Xiu Xiu Jiu Jiu! *

The piercing noise from the whistle sounded. From afar a growl from a beast was heard. It was oppressive, bloodthirsty and seemed to come from midair.

[Sound frequency recorded. Comparing to database, identified as a Moonlight Mayfly!]

The A.I. Chip's voice intoned.

"Moonlight Mayfly?" Leylin was surprised, "No wonder the other party chose this marsh as the battlefield!"

He immediately shouted, "Be careful! They have a contracted beast. It's the Moonlight Mayfly, hurry and leave the marsh!"

* Groar! *

The growl sounded and a massive black figure pressed down from the top of the trees, hovering in the midair above the marsh.

It was a giant creature with purple and black light emitting from the body. Also, it was the size of a horse, and two wings like that of a bat's grew from its sides. At the end of the wings, there were barbed talons. The mouth was extremely pointed and was filled with razor-sharp, white teeth. A pair of bright, yellow eyes seemed to burn like flames in the middle of the night.

"A.I. Chip, scan the creature!" Leylin ordered silently.

[Beep! Moonlight Mayfly. Strength: 5.2, Agility: 8.9, Vitality: 7.5, Spiritual force: 3.8. Innate skills: 1.—Float. The Moonlight Mayfly large wings can allow them to maintain flight for a medium short distance. 2.—Fury of the Marsh. As the pet of the marshes, the Moonlight Mayfly can call upon the fury of the marsh. Uses the marsh attack on enemies. Might: 7 to 9 degrees!]

* Shiikkk! * As Leylin warned them, an unpleasant roar came from the Moonlight Mayfly floating in midair.

With the roar, the surface of the marsh which was originally serene suddenly surged with ripples.

The ripples grew larger, finally turning into a 12-metre tall wave, directing falling right upon Leylin and the rest.

Many impurities were contained within the murky waters, and it brought along branches and corpses of wild beasts. The wave actually took over a form that seemed to cover the skies.

"Well done, my precious!"

The acolyte, who blew loudly on the whistle, shouted, "Kill them for me!"

"Damn it! Even a little worm wants to kill us!"

Leylin and the others rushed out of the marsh area. As the might of the Fury of the Marsh could only be displayed inside the marsh, the attack stopped pursuing. However, Bosain remained behind.

At this moment, facing this huge wave, his expression was as if he just suffered a humiliation.

* Bang! * A large wave surged and attacked Bosain. However, on the surface of his body, a large silver metal shield automatically appeared in front of him.

The shield was a dozen centimetres thick. On the surface of the shield, there were mysterious and complicated runes and it looked to be extremely sturdy.

The Fury of the Marsh attack crashed on the shield, creating a loud bang.

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Total Annihilation

* Bang! *

Under the crashing of the wave, the silver shield seemed to be a reef in the middle of the ocean, not moving the slightest.

After the Fury of the Marsh was over, Bosain was still unscathed behind the shield.

Seeing this, Leylin's pupil shrank.

"A defense type magic artifact!"

As the younger generation hailing from one of the big three families in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, Bosain actually had a defense type magic artifact.

Leylin clearly understood the difficulty of dealing with it, as he too had a defense type magic artifact, the Fallen Star Pendant. Once the Fallen Star Pendant was activated, Leylin was invincible amongst acolytes.

As for the two opposing level 3 acolytes, they were obviously scared stiff by Bosain's actions. There was actually a moment when they stood still.

Especially the acolyte who signed a contract with the Moonlight Mayfly, he gripped the whistle tightly, disbelief written all over his pallid face.

After the Fury of the Marsh attack, the giant Moonlight Mayfly seemed to have been spent. It continued to hover in midair, yet did not attack again.

[The Moonlight Mayfly's attack can only be used once per day. Following which it has a cooldown period of 20 hours. Also, during this period, it would be in a weakened state!]

The A.I. Chip's voice intoned.

"A good chance!" Leylin's eyes flashed, and two potions, red and purple coloured, flew from his hands.

* Bang! * A red flame with purple smoke exploded on the body of the Moonlight Mayfly.

The huge explosion engulfed the Moonlight Mayfly. From the purple-red halo of the spell, the shrieks of the Moonlight Mayfly could be heard.

After the potion's effect had worn off, the Moonlight Mayfly in midair was in a miserable state. Both its claws were broken, with many holes on its wings. It seemed not to be able to float in the air any longer, covering the distance between itself and the ground rapidly, as if wanting to rest.

"You damned bastard! You actually dare…."

Looking at the Moonlight Mayfly approaching the ground, Bosain roared. The silver shield in front of him then emitted a white light.

The thick shield melted in the light, and silver liquid swirled around Bosain's hands, turning into a silver greatsword.

"Hah!"

Bosain raised the greatsword with both hands and jumped up before slashing down!

* Sou! *

A silver flash of light chopped at the neck of the Moonlight Mayfly who was struggling, and a stream of blood appeared in its place.

The head of the Moonlight Mayfly was chopped off, spraying a large amount of black and purple ichor.

One slash to severe the head! The massive Moonlight Mayfly was actually decapitated with just one slash of Bosain's sword.

"There is even a secondary effect! What a powerful magic artifact! Of course, Bosain's strength is an important factor!"

Leylin gasped in amazement.

"Ah, no!" The moment the Moonlight Mayfly was decapitated, the acolyte let out a shrill cry.

Moreover, the moment the eyes of the severed Moonlight Mayfly's head dimmed, the acolyte's face turned white, and wrinkles started to appear all over his face.

"It seems like it was a life-bound contract he signed. No wonder, despite his average strength, he obtained the loyalty of the Moonlight Mayfly…."

Leylin sighed, "A pity that life-bound contracts are linked with the creature. Once the contracted creature dies, the host will not be able to escape the same fate!"

After the fire in the yellow eyes of the Moonlight Mayfly disappeared, the acolyte panted. At this moment, he was already a white-haired old man and then he fell to the ground, losing all signs of life.

"Ahhh!"

The final remaining acolyte shouted, immediately turned around and ran.

At the same time, a feather was thrown into the air by him. A black flash of light turned the feather into a nighthawk which flew in the air.

"A magic summon, hurry and stop it!" Jayden pointed and several vines immediately gave chase.

"Arrow spell!" Red-haired Shaya shouted, and from her hands, a few bright white-silver arrows shot towards the night hawk.

*Jiu, Jiu!* The night hawk whistled and flapped its wings, moving in a beautiful arc as it avoided the attack from the green vines.

After which, the nighthawk with its razor sharp wings smacked the few silver arrows away.

"It's also a magic creature!"

Bosain's voice weakened.

"We cannot let it relay the news, if not we'll be in a dangerous situation!"

Leylin's eyes flashed, his wrist guard changing shape, turning into a black longbow.

"A.I. Chip! Calculate wind speed, humidity, and trajectory…."

* Chi! * The black arrow flashed across the sky like a lightning bolt, directly piercing the right wing of the night hawk.

With a wail, the nighthawk fell down.

"Nice one!" Bosain shouted in glee. His speed increased greatly, brandishing the silver greatsword.

* Pu! * The silver greatsword produced a white silk net, capturing the night hawk within.

"Go to hell!" The white silk net continued to tighten, finally turning into a ball of blood and feathers.

"We have finally gotten rid of it!" Jayden and Shaya heaved a sigh of relief.

"There is also this one!"

* Chi La La! * The thicket parted and Roth's figure appeared in front of the party. Only now his appearance had taken a drastic change.

His right arm was blasted off, revealing many white tentacles. Half of his face was also strewn with green scales.

As for the tentacles on his right arm, it was holding onto the head of the last acolyte who escaped. The head wore a frightened expression!

"A mutation experiment? And it is so thorough!"

Leylin and the other three were shocked.

Although level 3 acolytes can enhance their own body and transform it to a certain degree, an acolyte's spiritual force was still far beneath that of an official Magus. Many high-grade ingredients and knowledge weren't enough, so more often than not, forcefully enhancing the body would result in an irreversible damage.

However, Roth's current state showed that he was extremely sane.

* Sou Sou! * White tentacles continuously retracted back into his body. Very soon, Roth took on a half-naked appearance, returning back to his regular form.

Roth swung his right arm, tossing the acolyte's head onto the floor and smiled widely.

"Now, the inconveniences have all been disposed of!"

"Indeed!" Jayden looked at Roth, "We have already been friends for two years. Although I knew your mutation talent is rather high, I never expected that you have already contained the physical transformation aspect!"

Roth looked at the other four and shrugged his shoulders. "acolytes must also have their trump cards, shouldn't they?"

"Alright! Even though we annihilated the opponents, to prevent any unforeseen circumstances, we had better hasten the exploration and leave this place…"

Bosain suggested as he placed the magic artifact back in his robes.

"Indeed! The other party could have revealed their location to someone else. We have to hurry and look for the remnants in the Zither Moon Mountain Plains!"

Leylin also agreed.

"Alright, let us set off immediately!"

Jayden nodded his head and was about to lead the party away.

"Wait a minute, I even found this on his body!" Roth smiled and handed over a pale yellow scroll over to Jayden.

"This is…" Jayden opened it and his expression looked extremely unpleasant as if it belonged on a corpse.

"A.I. Chip, record!" The moment Jayden opened the map, Leylin immediately ordered the A.I. Chip to record it.

From the geographical drawing, the map depicted the Zither Moon Mountain Plains. Moreover, among the signs of the dark forest, there was a thin red line which extended from the Zither Moon Town entrance to the depths of the mountain. It stopped at another marking which showed a cliff. Moreover, at the bottom of the cliff, there was the name 'Dylan Gardens"

"Did the purpose of the other party coincide with our exploration?" Leylin asked suddenly.

"Indeed!" Jayden nodded vigorously, suddenly turning impatient. "Damn it, I don't know how many leads this remnant owner created. Let's hurry, I don't wish to see a remnant that has already been scoured clean!"

Leylin inwardly saw the light. What the great Magus Serholm left behind was an inheritance. He definitely wished for someone to discover and continue his legacy. Hence, he left behind many leads.

At this moment, Leylin could already confirm that the clues Jayden had belonged to the inheritance of the great Magus Serholm!

As there was a possibility that someone else might be there before them, the five of them proceeded with their journey, their hearts heavy and their complexions reflected their uneasiness.

However, they moved quickly, and in a few hours' time, they had already entered the depths of the Zither Moon Mountain Plains.

At this moment, the mountain was extremely different from when they had first stepped into it.

The change in the vegetation here was to an extreme. If the Zither Moon Mountain Plains border had normal plants growing, right now, what they saw in front of them were some relatively bizarre species of plants.

The most common plants were a species of big shrubs that were white in colour and their leaves had a strange spiral form.

Every time a gust of wind blew, the sea of shrubs would move with the wind, producing a sound similar to playing the piano keys.

* Ding Ding Dong Dong! * The piano-like sounds was extremely chaotic. Leylin became aroused, feeling a need to recklessly charge forth!

"Careful! This is the Piano Key Bush. The noise it makes can attract regular humans. Even an acolyte would be somewhat affected!"

Leylin warned, "Earlier, the missing people from the Zither Moon Town could very well have been attracted to these sounds, entering an illusion and dying in heat…."

After which, Leylin withdrew a few potions from his bag and distributed it to Jayden and the rest.

"This is a tranquilizing potion that I have brewed, it can resist such effects!"

Jayden, Roth, and Shaya looked at the test-tube in their hands and drank its contents after tasting a little of it.

As for Bosain, he shook his head to refuse, directly returning the potion to Leylin.

"I don't need it!"

Leylin shrugged his shoulders and led the way at the front.

On the later parts of the exploration, there were traps with poisonous gases and ambushes. This was the reason a Potioneering acolyte was needed — to counteract them.

This was also the reason why Jayden asked Leylin to come.

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