Bab 21: Chapter 21: The Pursuit of Immortality
Chapter 21: The Pursuit of Immortality
In a meticulously maintained chamber, a drenched and handsome youth stood bare, his chiseled body exuding raw power. A beautiful black-haired woman meticulously wiped the water droplets from his body.
The youth was Ron. Four months had passed since his exploration of the Dylan Gardens, and two months ago, he received the order to return to the academy. Today was the day he would set off.
"A.I. Chip, display the progress of the Grand Knight Techniques' next-level optimization."
[Beep! Task Grand Knight Technique Upgrade Completion: 56%! Branded Swordsman data required to advance further!]
The Grand Knight Secret Techniques had many branches, each offering unique abilities. Ron, deeply intrigued by these techniques, had begun amassing an extensive collection of various Grand Knight Meditation Techniques. While these techniques were usually considered family treasures and challenging to obtain, Ron believed that in the Magus World, anything could be acquired at the right price.
Ron had sold an extinct herb, the "Moonlight Queen," through discreet channels, which reduced his profits to 70%. Nevertheless, it still provided him with enough resources to purchase a substantial collection of Grand Knight techniques.
Over the past four months, Ron had refined his body and established restrictions and curse spells to protect his herb storage hall. He couldn't help but ponder, "I suppose I'll need that Branded Swordsman Technique. So far, I've observed that many Advanced Knight Meditation Techniques seem to be simplified versions of a superior technique, likely an incomplete Branded Swordsman one."
"Anna, please inform everyone to meet me in the dining hall," Ron ordered.
"Yes, Master," Anna nodded and attempted to stand but felt Ron's hand on her head, and she met his lustful gaze.
"But before that, shouldn't you tend to your master, in all your 'strength'?" Ron smirked.
"Yes, Master," Anna replied with a smile.
In the dining hall's center, a long table was set, covered with a white cloth, and arranged with silver utensils, plates, and delicacies. The spread was a tantalizing sight.
Ron took his seat at the head of the table, and his group gathered around. Fraser and Greem flanked him, followed by Freed, Garvin, and Dexter, ordered by their strength. All exuded tremendous power, thanks to the Advanced Knight Meditation Techniques that Ron had tailored for them. Anna, who now held the highest status among the servants and had risen to the rank of Knight, silently waited behind Ron.
Leylin had generously provided resources and bathing leftovers, which had further increased their strength.
"Everyone!" Ron addressed the group, "As you know, I must leave for a while. Anna will act as the housekeeper, and you will all follow her orders. Ensure her safety."
"Yes, Master," the knights acknowledged.
Ron's orders were never to be defied, thanks to their training as slaves and the fear of his wrath. However, their obedience also stemmed from deep reverence.
As the meal began, Ron had decided to experiment with the Path of Knights. He refused to believe that this path had no future. By merging this path with the one of a Magus, Ron aimed to create something unique. A Knight with unmatched strength and speed could strike down a Magus before they even realized it. When one aspect of power surpassed a certain threshold, other weaknesses faded.
"I don't want to forsake the Path of the Magus. I want to create a new path for myself. The first step is acquiring the Branded Swordsman data," Ron's eyes sparkled.
The sky darkened as raindrops fell, and Ron sought shelter in a cave. Removing his raincoat, he revealed a youthful face with brown hair and eyes that glittered like gems.
"A.I. Chip, display the advanced Transfiguration Spell."
[Transfiguration Spell: Rank 0. Effect: Ability to conceal Spiritual Force for an extended period, 5 Spiritual Force and 5 Magical Power consumption per day.]
Thanks to his research on spirits and guidance from Serholm's notes, Ron had optimized the Transfiguration Spell. He could now appear as a Level 3 Acolyte, concealing his true level from Peak Rank 1 Magi or above.
"Now I should initiate the communication method that Kroft provided," Ron mused. He removed a plug and used a pink potion to draw a cursive, winding rune on the ground.
A pink mist ascended, forming a large pink ear.
"Who is this? What energy wave is this?" Kroft's voice rang out, accompanied by static.
"It's me, Professor," Ron spoke softly.
"Is this your voice? These Spiritual Force waves? You've reached Level 3, Leylin!" Kroft expressed astonishment.
Normally, advancing from Level 2 to Level 3 as an Acolyte required years of constructing mind runes and reinforcing the sea of consciousness. While Ron had achieved it within three years, it was largely due to ample resources and guidance.
"Listen, Leylin," Kroft continued. "The recall of Acolytes was approved by the Chairman and the Board of Directors. I can guarantee the recall is real. But…"
"Originally, if you were still a Level 2 Acolyte, I wouldn't have approved your return. But now that you've reached Level 3, things have changed. Do you want to become an official Magus?"
Ron rolled his eyes inwardly, knowing that Kroft referred to the Grine Water. Nevertheless, he feigned interest.
"Yes."
"In that case, come back! I'll explain everything when you return. Time is running out."
Kroft urged Ron to return promptly.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone