Warlock of the Magus World – Redux

The day after he had jovially witnessed Jackson's body being torn apart by a pack of dogs, Leylin had personally supervised the extraction of the last magic crystal vein in his clandestine mine.

He had been using golem hands to accomplish this task, as he did not trust any sentient being, let alone human slaves or workers, with his grand prize.

While it is true he had disbursed most of the said treasure already, he still had savings going up to roughly 5,000 magic crystals. It may not seem like much in relation to what he had invested to craft the Fallen Star Pendant, but Leylin had not been at all rash in spending that money.

Furthermore, he had the multiple valuable elixirs he had concocted, not to mention the raw ingredients in his possession, that he could easily sell if he ever saw himself in the need to increase his funds.

Presently, the shadow of a mahogany desk could be seen under the flames of several blue arcane lanterns.

Its 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 sat in front of the table, and his shadow, too, was elongated.

One black crystal ball the size of an apple was placed on top of the desk. On the surface of this ball was a picture of a raven.

At this moment, the raven had seemingly come alive upon sensing Leylin's presence, and it cawed continuously giving off a high-pitched noise that would terrify any mortal.

Forthwith, Leylin solemnly intoned in the Byron language: "Leylin Farlier. Student identification #977189."

The black raven cawed, 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.

The black skull immediately reacted to the object and devoured the red crystal that had fallen inside the sphere.

Once it had finished its meal, the black skull exploded, and the scroll shuddered violently. It started to burn at the bottom, where a green-colored flame was seen.

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

Leylin's red eyes shifted.

These glowing characters were a kind of secret code, which outsiders would not understand. But he has learned its corresponding encryption and decryption back at Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

Under the green-colored characters was a bright red stamp, with a few distinguished names written below it in the Byron language with their accompanying seals. At the very bottom, there also was an image of a black scorpion that crawled out from a skull, and it was the bigger seal of them all.

'Not only the overseer's, but even the chairman's seal has appeared. Interesting.' -Leylin's expression became sharply focused upon seeing the fluctuating characters.

Some time afterward, once the green flame had finished burning, the glowing characters disappeared into the air and left behind a pile of grey ashes.

According to the message Leylin had received, the inter-academy war had already reached the peak of its intensity, where the victor and loser could be determined at any given moment.

Since Leylin was an acolyte who was sent out on a mission, the academy had given him items with which they could contact him. This way, he was able to get the most updated news of the school, if and only if, the academy staff deemed it critical. The ball Leylin had activated was one of the various items for contact purposes he had been provided with, albeit they all were 'single-use' devices.

'They actually sent the highest command: ordering every acolyte who is currently working on a quest to rush back to the academy immediately. Moreover, they have also set severe penalties in case of refusal to comply. Those who do not make it back to the academy within 2 months will be labeled as traitors, and be subjected to the punishment of the academy's disciplinary committee.'

Leylin brought his fingers to his chin.

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

[Unless a third party stepped forward to mediate, the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy would have definitely taken a huge loss this time. And it may have even resulted in its disbandment.]

'In the worst-case scenario that something along those lines had indeed played out, I still hold many strong cards to negotiate a pardon with Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle if needs be. I am a level 3 acolyte and a potioneer, after all.'

'Undoubtedly, they would only enslave or murder the weakest cannon fodder; those with higher cultivations would be offered treaties and alliances instead, in order to bolster their own ranks and increase their power as a faction. Hence, it would be remarkedly easy for me to accommodate myself in a new academy and carry on with my plans as if nothing had happened.' -Leylin waved away that problem with a smirk.

'Nevertheless, this turn of events is most regrettable. I had initially believed there was time to spare, and thus would be able to carry out some of my favorite inquisition torture techniques with my servants before killing them. Alas, it seems that I must go back to that underground chimp enclosure with great haste.' -Leylin sighed and furrowed his brows.

'Oh well, at least I have fulfilled all of the conditions in my quest card. I couldn't care less for the miserable amount of coppers they will pay me for its delivery, but regardless of that, having completed it will be quite useful to get out of any uncomfortable situations should I be summoned for a debrief with the overseer.'

'On that note... Aralis, I want to see my updated stats. Bring them up on the holo display.' -Leylin suddenly ordered his assistant.

[Roger that.]

//

Dr. Fang Ming (Leylin Farlier's body)

Level 3 acolyte || Grand Knight (ADVANCEMENT)

Strength - 7.51

Agility - 9.42

Vitality - 12.85

Spiritual Force - 18.0/18.0

Mana Energy - 18.0/18.0

Mitotic Regeneration || Lesser Dark Absorption || Seductive Aura

Enhanced Plant & Dark elements affinities || Boosted illusion resistance || Reptile-class Mysterious Entities of ≤ power are positively biased

Hybrid Farlier-Jackson Blade Technique (master) || Potioneering (master) || Neela's Secret Skill (+AGI -STR) || Jackson's Secret Skill (+STR -AGI) || Various Rank 0 spells

//

'This is good enough. For now.' -Thought Leylin, as he stood up from his chair and put his hands behind his back.

A little more than two years had passed since Leylin had first brewed the Purified Azure Potion. Even for a level 3 acolyte, it had a very advantageous effect. It had 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 oncoming years would be impossible for Leylin unless he were to concoct a new type of rare potion.

'Following the stage of level 3 acolyte, the realm of an official Magus is the next step in a magician's cultivation. And to advance 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... How unfortunate it was that Alfonse was so much of a bragging clown, that he at some point led me to believe he actually possessed the key to reach the Magus realm.'

[It appears as if each faction in the Magus World were hard bent on deliberately controlling the information regarding official Magus. Even if you were to fork out huge amounts of magic crystals, you would not be able to retrieve such information, Doctor.] -Aralis noted.

That 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 secrets regarding Magus advancement highly confidential. No matter how much of a genius a wandering magician may be, as long as they don't join a faction, they will never be able to obtain the knowledge required to advance. This is obviously meant as a way to keep the lower-tiered scum from resisting and creating a rebellion against the powers that be.'

Leylin then sharpened his gaze and a cold aura exuded from his body.

'It is decided then. I shall waste not a day more diddling about in this human shithole. I must return to the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy at once and obtain that mysterious knowledge regarding the breakthrough into an official Magus.'

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

Leylin immediately exited his lab and snapped his fingers. Out of the corner strode forward a smiling Anna, as she bowed.

"Tell this to Captain Fayern: I wish to invite him and the elite regiment for tonight's dinner in my mansion. Bring Old Welker too. We shall have only the most tender and juicy meat, as well as the best-aged red wine in the province."

"As you command, Master." -The maid replied in a soft tone. After curtseying, she retreated while displaying her beautiful curves in front of Leylin.

"Wait." -Leylin interjected.

"First, I want to fuck you without any restraint, and then you can go carry out your duty. Come, we'll do it in my bedroom."

Leylin had stopped his maid in her tracks, and right as she was turning, there was a fiery look in her eyes filled with masochistic lust.

|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|

Later that night, the hour had come for the grand feast. Only the inner circle of House Farlier's vassals would be attending. They were quite eager to listen to their Lord's plans for the future.

Naturally, Leylin's manor was large enough to accommodate the former Baron so he could throw a feast with dozens of attendees.

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

In the center of the large hall, a long red table was placed. The maids and kitchen staff were shifting the huge chairs with backrests, 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. In the middle was a giant plate with barbecued mutton. Around the golden yellow barbecue meat, there were many purple and red fruits. It complemented the mix of dishes and was a tantalizing display.

As soon as he entered the hall, Leylin immediately sat at the most respected position and looked at the group of people in front of him. Currently, he was the only one sat.

To the left and right sides of Leylin were Fayern and Old Welker respectively. As his two most loyal subordinates who had followed Leylin from the earliest, their positions were inherently at the top of the hierarchy. Next to them were the 30 elite Knights, as well as Leylin's 10 personal bodyguards. At the very end of the table, the other 5 regular maids were also sat.

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

Everyone knew that Anna was exceptionally favored by their Lord. Not only could she see Leylin regularly, but she even held the key to the gold vault.

"We salute you, and appreciate your hospitality, Lord Leylin!" -Exclaimed a cheerful Fayern.

The masses around the long table bowed deeply.

Once he was done acknowledging his servants, Leylin used the silver spoon and tapped on the glass in front of him, giving off a crisp noise.

"Good evening, everyone. If I invited you here today, that is because I have something very important to announce... You may have heard it in passing, but it is only proper that I officially disclose it. I am leaving Extreme Night City and all of my titles behind in favor of a greater and more promising venture outside the Poolfield Kingdom."

At this revelation, the chatter and whispering made themselves present.

"Consequently, I shall reveal my hidden agenda to you, my faithful servants." -Leylin told with a gentlemanly wave of his arms, and this quieted the room.

His eyes swept the group. As of now, his Spiritual Force had already gone past 15 points, and the mysterious flicker of arcane light in his fake green eyes was captivating and enigmatic. 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 head, and a few teardrops would involuntarily leak out. Even if it was Fayern, the Knights could only bow their heads in total submission at this moment. Despite his wearing a Transfigurated face, Leylin had decided to keep this feature as it denoted his status.

"But before that, let's make a toast. For our bright future as one of the strongest factions on the continent! This small town was only the beginning!" -Leylin declared with a regal tone, and his men clamored in response.

"Hail, Lord Leylin!"

"Hail, Lord Leylin!"

All of the attendees happily raised their silver cups and drank till they emptied their contents. All except their Lord and his maid.

It did not take Leylin's vassals more than a few seconds to begin coughing and clutching at their throats desperately.

They began falling to the ground with violent thuds, and they crashed with plates, cutlery, and chairs alike.

In mere moments, it was utter chaos inside the hall of a particular estate. All of those who drank from Leylin's wine had died on the spot.

"What a waste of good human meat. I wanted to feed you to my pet snakes after I had tested various spells and experimental compounds on your bodies, but I simply did not have the time to do that." -Leylin mocked with a discreet smirk, as he too drank from his cup.

To him, the poison he had used on the wine supply did nothing to harm him. His superior organism could filter out any mortal-made poisons without any inconvenience to his health.

"Where to now, my Master?" -Anna spoke from behind Leylin, perturbing the deadly silence that had overcome the dining hall.

"Right, I nearly forgot about you. How rude of me. After everything you've done for me these past years... My beautiful and caring maid..." -Leylin said warmly.

Anna diverted her gaze, and he got up from his seat, closing the space between them.

"No... you are my lover..." -Leylin cooed, as he caressed Anna's cheek his the back of his hand.

She instantly blushed and tugged the white apron on her maid uniform. This was the first time he showed her any signs of true affection or romantic behavior. She hoped that this was the first step in a relationship.

But the figurative and literal mask on the brown-haired noble slipped at that moment, only to let Anna experience what true horror was when she gazed upon Leylin's reptile demonic eyes.

Despite the fact that she had seen them before, it was never like that. They never showed such unbridled power or evil. She was now gazing upon the crimson eyes of a beast.

"Hahaha, as if! Did you really think I would ever see you as anything other than a discardable tool? I suppose that level of naivety is only to be expected from an inferior being. Now die and join the others in their demise, my beloved." -Said Leylin with a bloodthirsty expression, as he used his bare hand to effortlessly pierce Anna's chest.

Her shocked look only prompted Leylin to chuckle and tilt his head at a slight angle, so as to better enjoy the pure fear bubbling in Anna's eyes. Right before she ultimately lost her life.

When the female slave drew her last breath, Leylin's expression returned to his usual blank yet serious look.

'That makes three points checked off my final chore list. Only one last thing to do.' -He decided, while his lips once again curled into a dark grin.