Chapter 104: Bloodline Transformation: Progress 1

Chapter 104: Bloodline Transformation: Progress 1



The production of magic stones is extremely limited, and they can only be found in regions bordering the Astral Plane.

The brilliance of the deities is so dazzling that it even obscures the Astral Plane.

This leads to a scarcity of magic stones.

Yet, magic stones are indispensable for certain wizardry traps, alchemical spells, and even the operation of wizard towers.

Over time, the purchasing power of magic stones continues to rise.

A few magic stones can buy a Zero-Ring Spell, and a dozen magic stones can acquire an enchanted item.

A hundred magic stones...

Is enough to purchase an entire wizardry lineage!

Not only magic stones, but all magical materials and enchanted items are rare and expensive.

Otherwise, even a mediocre alchemist like Karl would not have become a 'renowned' alchemist by relying on magical materials from another world.

"It's a resource-poor world; no wonder everyone wants to leave. The brilliance of the deities is too dazzling, and it's not a good thing for wizards."

Karl sighed and shook his head, holding a stack of thick books.

"But without the deities' blessing, it might be another disaster for ordinary people."

Karl had witnessed the situation in the other world without the deities' protection; life was worse than death for the common folk.

Steel Golem!

This was the bloodline wizardry lineage of 'Jin', an advanced apprentice wizard.

Similar to Robert's Stone Golem, it followed the path of constructed life.

In the absence of legendary creatures, bloodline wizards could only take the route of constructing life.

The core technique of the Stone Golem was the Stone Heart.

The core of the Steel Golem, on the other hand, was the Steel Heart.

Similarly, this crucial wizardry was not passed down.

Perhaps with more money, one could acquire it, but Karl was truly interested in the techniques and experiences of analyzing magical creatures rather than the wizardry lineage itself.

Rapid Note-taking! Rapidly flipping through the books, numerous knowledge was imprinted in his mind.

After a while, Karl slowly closed the book, closed his eyes, and lay back in the soft chair, lost in thought.

'The knowledge accumulation of an advanced apprentice wizard is indeed rich, and it even includes the experience and process of a full wizard analyzing a legendary creature.'

'This continent once had true bloodline wizards!'

...

Fragment of the Divine Realm.

Laboratory.

"Record: 513th experiment."

"Disassemble the bloodline!"

"Steel Golem, replicate the spell model..."

"Experiment failed!"

...

"Record: 622nd experiment."

"Shadow Print Technique, dissolve the bloodline with magical materials."

"Experiment failed!"

...

"Record: 785th experiment."

"Mountain Stack Technique, use Wind Wing Sky Lion's tissue as a base, weaken the bloodline, and attempt fusion with Snake blood."

"Required materials: Legendary creature tissue, gecko mucus, amber powder..."

"Experiment result..."

"10%!"

Karl's quill paused in mid-air as he stared at the blurred spell model, his eyes filled with contemplation.

"It seems my guess was wrong," Karl mused, his eyes fixed on the spell model before him. "This giant squid's true specialty is not its terrifying strength derived from its massive size, nor is it its incredibly resilient flesh. It's the corruption and influence on the mind."

"It..."

"Is very likely just a juvenile!"

This explained why such a weak Tier 2 creature was killed by a group of knights and grand knights.

Because it hadn't fully grown yet.

It was still in its juvenile stage!

Its true potential had not been unleashed.

"Hmm..."

Karl took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing in determination. "It seems I'll have to give up my humanity."

After such extensive planning and preparation, the path of a wizard was right before him, and he couldn't give up.

Even if it meant giving up his humanity,

it was worth it!

Next, Karl needed to construct the spell model and then have the giant squid's blood come into contact with the legendary creature's flesh.

When the giant squid's blood altered the legendary creature's flesh, it would release a trace of its Tier 2 essence.

Then, Karl slowly absorbed and refined the aura, until he could truly allow the giant squid's blood to accept it.

This process was extremely slow.

It was estimated to take several more months.

...

The hand of the Apprentice Mage gently paddled the boat, propelling it forward through the swamp until it came to a stop at a shore.

There were quite a few boats and small vessels docked here.

"Hmm?"

Karl frowned and leaped onto the small island.

The island was not large, and the paths on both sides were lined with chrysanthemums and violets, their faint fragrance carrying a sense of sorrow and reminiscence.

Not long ago,

The Advanced Wizard Apprentice Cedric and his disciple Lawson had both passed away, succumbing to a powerful poison.

The reason,

Was that group of poison crocodiles deep in the Black Swamp.

Heibel had narrowly escaped due to other matters, but some people had encountered misfortune, including the two from the cottage on the hill.

No one expected the poison from the crocodiles to be so potent. Even the mere fumes were enough to overcome an Advanced Wizard Apprentice.

After enduring for a while, the master and disciple had left the mortal world.

Karl had a good relationship with Lawson and his sister, Hedy, and had even invested in Hedy's business. Naturally, he came to attend the funeral.

"Karl!"

Hedy, dressed in dark mourning attire, approached with a deep sense of sorrow and reluctance, her voice hoarse.

"Hedy, my friend," Karl sighed. "I still vividly remember Lawson's appearance when he spoke, and now..."

"Alas!"

"Believe that Lawson's soul has gone to the true Wizard World. We should bless him for his release."

A few months ago, Karl had sat and chatted with Lawson and his sister at a gathering.

Now,

Such a thing happened to them at a young age.

"Yes," Hedy nodded tearfully, leaning on Karl's shoulder.

"Thank you, my friend."

"Is there anything I can help with?" Karl lowered his voice and looked at a group of people in the distance.

"These people..."

"What's going on?"

Today was the day of the funeral for the Advanced Wizard Apprentice Cedric and his disciple Lawson.

But these people didn't seem like invited guests.

"..." Hedy opened her mouth and shook her head slightly.

"No need."

"Go inside and sit for a while. I've prepared some drinks, and the elders of the Alliance will come to help with the cremation later."

"Okay." Karl nodded. "Call me if you need anything."

"Okay." Hedy forced a faint smile.

There were already quite a few people in the courtyard, some whose names he couldn't recall, but they were familiar faces he had seen a few times.

Karl nodded to them and was about to find a seat when he heard a commotion outside.

"Give us money!"

"Give us money now!"

Someone shouted loudly:

"To build your houses, we lost three brothers. If you don't compensate us today, this won't end well!"

"That's right!"

"..."

"The house collapsed because someone tampered with it. It's not clear yet, so don't be hasty." Hedy's voice rang out:

"Rest assured, I will compensate. I won't let anyone die in vain."

"That's easy to say, but where will the money come from?" someone yelled. "We've all heard that your money is tied up in accounts, and you have no spare funds now."

"Regardless of how the house collapsed, people died working for you. The compensation can't be less! We want money now!"

"..."

The voices grew louder and more chaotic.

Karl frowned.

"What's going on?"

Today was Cedric and Lawson's funeral. Even if they wanted money, it shouldn't be demanded at a time like this.

Moreover...

The people outside were only Knight Squires, or even ordinary people. They weren't even Wizard Apprentices, yet they dared to cause trouble at the funeral of two Wizard Apprentices.

Oh!

Hedy was just a Basic Apprentice Mage, and with her brother and mentor both deceased, she had no background.

This explained their audacity.

"I heard Hedy's business is in trouble," someone whispered, seeing his confusion. "She hoarded too much land and invested in buildings, so it's natural for some to be envious of her profits."

"Not long ago, a building under construction collapsed, killing several workers. The incident caused a huge uproar outside, and the Craftsmen's Guild has already announced they won't take her projects."

"But they shouldn't be causing trouble today!" Another person scowled. "Today is a funeral..."

"Hmph!"

"They probably chose today on purpose, and I heard that the house collapse was deliberately arranged."

"So..."

"There must be someone backing them!"

"..."

Karl stood up and headed outside.

"Junior Sister!"

A stranger's voice sounded, and a middle-aged man stepped forward with a lighthearted tone:

"How are you considering my proposal?"

"The master's legacy also belongs to me. Even if you report this to the Alliance, you won't stand a chance."

"Now, just give me a hundred Magic Stones, and I'll leave immediately. It's a good deal for you, and I'll solve your current problem!"

"Nonsense!" Hedy trembled. "Laude, you were already driven away by the master. Don't even think about getting a single thread of what he left behind."

"Hmph!" Laude's face darkened. "Hedy, your Wizard talent is only at the fourth level, and you're just a Basic Apprentice Mage. Your future prospects are limited.

"The things left behind by Mentor Lawson and Lawson will only bring you trouble. Today is just the beginning."

"A Basic Apprentice Mage..."

"Do you think you can keep what you have?"

Herti's face paled.

"Herti." A woman in a white wizard robe stepped forward from the crowd and spoke softly. "If you need help, the Weavers of Spirit are willing to offer assistance."

"Of course..."

She licked the corner of her mouth.

"But there's a price to pay."

The Weavers of Spirit?

Karl's footsteps paused.

He had heard about this organization from Heibel. It was an association formed by several young Advanced Apprentice Wizards.

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

They held considerable influence among the younger generation in the Swamp Alliance.

So...

The ones who truly wanted to make a move on Herti were from this organization, eyeing the profits from the assets she possessed? The crowd, which had been grumbling earlier, now quietly retreated without a sound.

It wasn't a wise decision to offend the Weavers of Spirit for the sake of a Basic Apprentice Mage with no future prospects.

"How about it?"

The female apprentice wizard smiled. "The Weavers of Spirit need fresh blood. Join us, and you'll encounter fewer unexpected troubles. We'll also sponsor your continued cultivation."

"..." Herti opened her mouth, her face filled with struggle.

She was just a Basic Apprentice Mage, and with her mediocre talent, she might never even reach the Intermediate Apprentice level in her lifetime.

Now, she had also lost her mentor and brother.

"I..."

"We refuse!"

A loud, crisp voice resounded.

The crowd parted.

Heibel, holding a staff and dressed in wizard robes, strode forward and grabbed Herti's wrist. In a stern voice, she repeated:

"We refuse!"

"Heibel!" Herti's face lit up with excitement.

"It's fine." Heibel softened her voice. "With me here, nothing will happen."

"Heibel!" The female apprentice wizard's face darkened. "Are you interfering in the affairs of the Weavers of Spirit?"

"Marcia." Heibel's eyes turned cold.

"You were the one who interfered in my affairs first. Don't you know that I'm one of Herti's shareholders?"

"Hmph!"

Marcia scoffed. "Do you think you can protect her? A mere Intermediate Apprentice Wizard..."

"Hmm?"

She seemed to notice something, her eyes widening in disbelief as she stared at Heibel.

"You..."

"You've advanced?"

The vibrant and surging mental power emanating from Heibel was notably different from before.

"That's right!" The crowd parted again, and Modiri and Omar, along with a group of people, approached Herti.

"Herti." Modiri bowed in greeting. "Today is the day of my friend Lawson's funeral. I will not allow anyone to disturb it."

"The Weavers of Spirit..."

"Not even them!"

"Marcia." Omar's voice turned cold. "If you could work as hard as Heibel, you could have become an Advanced Apprentice Wizard long ago."

"As for now..."

"You're not welcome here! Leave now!"

Both Modiri and Omar were Advanced Apprentice Wizards, and Modiri's mentor was a Full Wizard. Their appearance at this time was akin to publicly supporting Herti.

The initially noisy crowd fell silent, their heads bowed to avoid drawing attention.

The commoners gathered outside the Black Swamp, though they had their own guilds and organizations, ultimately still served the wizards. They dared not stand up to a Basic Apprentice Mage when encouraged by others, but they wouldn't dare to be stubborn in front of Advanced Apprentice Wizards.

"Good!"

"Good!"

Marcia's expression changed, but she also realized that staying any longer would only embarrass herself. She stomped her feet and turned to leave.

"Junior Sister." A male Intermediate Apprentice Wizard named Laud opened his mouth, awkwardly smiled, and bid farewell.

"Junior Brother."

At this moment.

Heibel noticed Karl in the crowd and waved him over.

"You came so early."

"Yes." Karl nodded and stepped out of the crowd. "Congratulations on advancing to the Advanced Apprentice level, Senior Sister. You've taken another step forward on the path of pursuing truth."

"Hehe..." Heibel's eyes narrowed into crescents.

"Thanks to the Swamp Alliance's open lectures by wizards, explaining the Lesser Force Field spell, I successfully constructed my sixth Zero-Ring Spell."

"And with the time I redeemed at the Wizard Tower for my studies, I finally advanced."

"Congratulations!" Herti spoke up, her sadness unable to conceal her excitement. "Heibel, you've truly become an Advanced Apprentice Wizard. You said you would do it within six years, but now, only three years have passed, and you've succeeded. Unlike me..."

"It's okay." Heibel held Herti's hand and comforted her softly.

"With me here, no one will dare to bully you."

"By the way, in a few days, I'm going to hold a banquet on the island to celebrate my advancement. Would you like to help?"

"Of course, no problem." Herti nodded vigorously.

Karl looked at Herti, then at Heibel, and finally at the highly respected Modiri and Omar.

He smiled,

and retreated into the crowd.

A few days later.

To celebrate Heibel's advancement to the Advanced Apprentice level, a grand banquet was held on the island.

The island was bustling with activity, a rare sight for such a small place. Among the attendees were Modyli, Emma, and another Advanced Apprentice Wizard named Harman.

"Congratulations!"

"Heibel, congratulations on your advancement!"

"..."

Bach, who was also present at the banquet, approached Karl and whispered, "She's only been in the Black Swamp for three years, and she's already an Advanced Apprentice Wizard with so many friends."

"Ah!"

"She's so enviable!"

"Indeed," Karl nodded, watching the crowd with a smile on his face as a figure with a wine glass in hand walked by.

"When she was in Signo City, she gave off a cold and distant vibe. I never expected her to be so skilled at handling interpersonal relationships."

"Now it seems she just couldn't fit into the ordinary world."

"Well..." Bach opened his mouth, "That's not what I meant."

What surprised him was Heibel's rapid advancement, not her ability to make friends.

But in Karl's eyes, Heibel's personality change was even more astonishing, and her increased cultivation didn't seem all that special.

"Someone's looking for you."

Bach patted Karl's shoulder and squeezed into the crowd.

"Karl!"

After having a few drinks, Hedy's cheeks flushed, making her skin look even more delicate, as if it would drip water if pinched.

"Thank you for being there at the funeral."

"You don't have to thank me," Karl waved his hand, "If you want to thank someone, thank Heibel. I didn't do much."

"You tried to help. I saw your actions. You were the only one moving forward without hesitation." Hedy smiled, her voice filled with emotion.

"It's only when someone is in danger that you can truly see the true nature of those around you, right?"

"How about a drink?"

She raised her wine glass and gestured.

Karl nodded, and they clinked their glasses, each taking a sip.

"Those workers were right. I put all my money into the account, but now with the collapsed house and delayed construction, the funds are insufficient," Hedy began, "Fortunately, Modyli, Emma, and the others plan to invest and help solve the problem."

Her voice was calm, and her face showed no joy.

Invest.

They claimed to help solve the problem, but it would also dilute her original profits.

However, she had no choice.

It wasn't just about the money.

Without the support of Modyli and the others, even the Craftsmen's Guild, made up of ordinary people, dared to bully her.

Troubles like the one at the funeral would likely continue.

Now that she had the backing of several Advanced Apprentice Wizards, anyone looking for trouble would think twice.

Karl's expression remained calm.

"That's a good thing."

"Yes!" Hedy sighed, regaining her composure, "Modyli suggested forming a small organization, similar to the Weavers of Spirit, called the Starlight Secret Society."

"What do you think?"

"An organization?" Karl looked around.

Most of the attendees were whispering and discussing something, seemingly related to this matter.

"My thoughts..."

"Don't seem to matter much."

"Indeed," Hedy smiled, "Then let's not overthink it and wait for news!"

As she spoke,

Having already offered her own profits and shares, she naturally wouldn't mind joining the organization.

There is strength in numbers.

With an organization, many tasks would become easier.

Just like the Weavers of Spirit.

Soon.

"Junior Brother!"

Heibel waved to Karl, her face flushed, "Modyli suggested forming an organization called the Starlight Secret Society, and I think you should join too."

"I'm one of the four elders of the Starlight Secret Society!"

"Join." Karl smiled, "Definitely!"

"With an organization and a Senior Apprentice Wizard like you as my teacher, no one will dare bully me again."

Heibel laughed.

...

Divine Domain.

"Tsk!"

With a drop of blood, a wisp of white smoke rose from Karl's palm, and his face paled.

"Hmm!"

With a muffled groan, his eyes twitched, and a layer of cold sweat formed on his forehead as his bloodline magic operated at full force.

The bloodline, capable of devouring and transforming all, began its frenzied journey into his body.

Fortunately, after much exposure, Karl had developed resistance and could gather life force to resist.

Time passed.

As the magic operated, the bloodline of the second-rank abyssal creature began to slowly merge with his flesh.

Half a month later.

Karl stood in an odd posture, his skin covered in dark brown lines.

Like wriggling earthworms.

A month later.

His eyes turned pitch-black, and an eerie power that captivated the soul formed within his body.

His back was covered in intricate tattoos.

Three months later.

"Hmm!"

Karl groaned, his eyes widened, and tiny tentacles emerged from his back, wriggling.

Soon.

The spider-like tentacles on Karl's back danced, and a layer of dark light enveloped him.

Fear Aura!

"Success!"

Bloodline Transformation: Progress 1%.

Please support with monthly votes!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end