"Blue amber or ordinary crystal to store mana, blackwater gold for engraving the structure… the main body can be any preferred metal, though silver is best…"
In his study, Lynn quietly compiled the list of materials needed to craft the Dulan Defensive Ring.
After a rough calculation, he arrived at an estimated cost: 20–25 primary-grade magic stones.
Considering that this ring offered the strength of a mid-tier zero-ring spell, could be recharged for long-term use, and allowed instant activation, the price wasn't high at all; in fact, it was extremely cheap.
I wonder how much a similar-grade wizard tool would sell for on the market, Lynn thought as he put away the list.
Although he had formally stepped into the study of magic arrays, producing such a ring would still require quite some time of learning.
Knock, knock, knock
Just then, Carter's voice came from outside the door:
"Master, Giggs has arrived."
"Let him in," Lynn replied.
Moments later, the study door opened, and Giggs entered looking like an entirely different person.
Though still tall and lanky, the boy who had undergone extraordinary modification now bore dark-green hair instead of brown. His temperament had also shifted, no longer impatient and hot-headed, but calmer and steadier.
Giggs's transformation was the most common kind: bloodline modification.
The bloodline used came from a type of tree spirit. The second-rank apprentice who performed the procedure had never specified exactly what kind, but he was well known within the Golden Shadow Society for making a living off such bloodline transformations. With such a reputation, Giggs hadn't worried much.
As a result, besides green hair and a more composed demeanor, Giggs now possessed a theoretical lifespan of 130 years, enhanced regenerative ability, and an innate gift equivalent to a low-tier zero-ring spell control over vines.
"Boss, here's this month's ledger. We earned a total profit of 28 primary-grade magic stones."
"Twenty-eight?" Lynn raised his brows. "Didn't we only make twelve last month? How did it more than double this time?"
"Because this month, I managed to track down some of the people who used to work for Kersey. From the information they provided, I discovered several new temporary demands," Giggs explained, then added, "I did ask Maid Carter to report this to you earlier…"
Lynn frowned, thought for a moment, then realized: "Ah, yes, I vaguely remember something like that."
He had been so absorbed in studying arrays lately that he had no energy left to pay attention to other matters.
"Well done, Giggs," Lynn couldn't help but praise, feeling a surge of excitement.
With the magic stones Giggs had just delivered, plus last month's income and his society stipend, Lynn's assets once again crossed the threshold of thirty primary-grade magic stones.
It seems the time has come to pick out a wizard tool for myself… After that, I'll head to the society's library and apply for the array knowledge assessment.
Since I've already completely broken through the restriction Faruga set, there's no need to visit the Green Vine Restaurant today.
Having made up his mind, Lynn rose decisively and asked Giggs,
"Where are you headed next? I'm going to Thornbriar Street. If it's on the way, I can give you a lift."
"Perfect timing. I'm going to the Black Alley Market," Giggs replied.
...
The two of them got into Lynn's carriage together.
Inside the carriage.
Giggs gazed at Lynn, dressed in a wizard's robe and resting with his eyes closed, still finding it all somewhat unreal.
After a while, he suddenly spoke.
"Once I've paid off my debts to the faction, I plan to move to one of the mortal kingdoms."
Lynn opened his eyes, a little surprised. He paused, then asked:
"If you have any questions about meditation methods, you can always come ask me. As long as I have time, I'll help you."
Giggs shook his head.
"That's not what I meant.
"I just… don't intend to keep climbing the wizard's path any further."
His expression was perfectly calm, like the still surface of a pond in autumn.
Lynn fell silent, recalling the time when Giggs had first come down the mountain, shouting with defiance outside the faction's outpost, declaring that one day he would surely become a wizard apprentice.
And now…
Lynn simply nodded.
"Life in a mortal kingdom isn't bad either. Mana may be scarce there, but there's far less danger. With the extraordinary power you already have, you should be able to live quite comfortably."
Giggs nodded lightly, a hint of anticipation flickering in his eyes, but he also promised:
"Before that day comes, I'll find a successor to take over the business for you."
But Lynn only shook his head.
"No need. I don't trust anyone else.
"And besides, by the time that day comes, I likely won't need the business anymore."
Giggs froze slightly at that, and as he looked at Lynn, there was a trace of envy and quiet melancholy in his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he offered his blessing:
"May your path as a wizard be smooth, all the way to the end of truth!"
"To the end of truth," Lynn nodded, accepting the words with gratitude.
Just then, the carriage suddenly came to a halt.
"Master Lynn…" The coachman's voice came from the front, tinged with panic.
"What is it?"
Lynn frowned and pulled down the front window.
Over the coachman's shoulder, he saw a black carriage blocking the road ahead, its side marked with the emblem of the Bloodmark Society.
"Lynn Kent?"
The side window of the black carriage slid open, revealing a man with thin lips and a hooked nose.
His exposed neck was covered in intricate crimson patterns.
"Why have you stopped me, sir?" Lynn asked in a deep voice.
At his side, Giggs caught sight of the man's face, and his pupils shrank sharply, his entire body trembling.
"You don't recognize me?" the man said quietly, before letting out a cold laugh.
"But surely you know Russo Mace, he was my closest friend."
"Sir, there must be some misunderstanding. That day, the faction guards only came to ask me questions about the Emerald Shadow incident. I never"
But the man didn't give Lynn a chance to explain. With a snort, he interrupted:
"The Autumn Hunt is coming soon. I look forward to meeting you again in the Emerald Forest."
Then he pulled the window shut. The black carriage rolled forward, quickly vanishing around the corner.
Lynn ordered the coachman to continue, his face dark and grim.
After Landry had warned him about possible suspicion from the Bloodmark Society, he had deliberately attended multiple gatherings, spreading the word that he had not been the one to tip off the guards.
He thought that would be enough to resolve the issue. But now, it seemed there were still those who believed it was his doing that his actions had led to Russo, a second-tier Bloodmark member, being killed…
Lynn couldn't help but wonder what exactly had happened that night for the man to be so certain it was he who had guided the guards.
Or perhaps… it was nothing more than a pretext.
After all, the Bloodmark Society and the Golden Shadow Society were natural rivals. This could very well just be an excuse to stir up trouble.
In this way, the Bloodmark Society could frame the incident as a conspiracy by the Golden Shadows, seize the moral high ground, and at the same time avoid direct conflict with the faction, diluting the negative fallout.
Lynn's thoughts swirled, but at last he sighed and looked up, only then noticing Giggs's unusual state.
"What's wrong, Giggs?"
That was the flaw of the White Crow Swordsmanship: it greatly boosted agility and burst power, but did nothing to sharpen the senses.
Sweat was dripping down Giggs's forehead. He drew in a deep breath and muttered:
"Somlai… That apprentice wizard just now was Somlai. Do you remember when we scraped together money for the modifications?
"He was the second-rank wizard apprentice who did Leonar's transformation that was Somlai."
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