Chapter 133: Trap

Chapter 133: Trap



“Huff…”

The fierce wind raged, and snowflakes swirled.

Just overnight, the land and forest were covered in a blanket of white, as if donning new attire.

The biting cold followed closely.

Even more perilous,

was the Beast Tide!

Dawn broke.

Karl, accompanied by his men, arrived at the 'Beast Arena' of the Kape family, a wholesale market for meat and related products.

“Still 2,000 pounds of meat and 500 processed meatball products?”

“Yes.”

Karl nodded:

“How many Magic Stones?”

“Eight hundred and three!” Sam wrote a note and handed it to someone behind him, who arranged for the goods to be loaded.

“Eight hundred and thirty Magic Stones.” Karl sighed:

“Prices have risen again.”

Last time, it was only 790 Magic Stones, and a few months ago, the price was less than 400.

More than double!

“Not my doing, it's the market trend,” Sam explained, rubbing his hands to ward off the chill:

“With the Beast Tide and this dreadful weather, all food prices will skyrocket.”

“I reckon it won't be long before these prices exceed 1,000!”

One thousand?

Karl's eyes flickered:

“Hold on, add another 2,000 pounds of meat!”

The Leipzig Market, though called a market, was actually a sprawling city with a population of hundreds of thousands.

Seven-tenths of the food consumed by these hundreds of thousands relied on hunting.

Currently, venturing out to hunt was akin to seeking death, and with the passage of time, the scarce food supplies led to inevitable price hikes.

And drastic ones at that!

“Brilliant!” Sam chuckled, nodding while processing the order:

“You can have these meats, but don't buy them in-store, or it won't be... proper.”

Implicitly, secretly selling them was of no concern.

In fact, 'Beast Arena' merchants had been increasing their purchases, secretly stockpiling.

“Understood.”

Karl nodded, glancing at the extra white hairs at Sam's temples, and inquired:

“Has your family's matter been resolved?”

“…” Sam's expression changed in an instant, his eyes turning icy cold, filled with a murderous aura:

“Not yet.”

“But soon!”

His cheek muscles twitched, and the veins on his neck bulged:

“This time, our ancestor will take action; that beast, Stride, won't escape if he's still in the Magical Forest.”

Oh!

Even a Second-Ring Wizard is intervening?

Looks like the matter should be concluding soon.

Karl silently nodded.

As an outsider, he wasn't interested in the two families' feud, merely observing the spectacle.

On their way back.

“Creak... Creak...”

The carriage wheels turned, pressing into the thick snow, emitting a rhythmic sound.

Karl, with his hands behind his back, walked ahead, suddenly stopping and looking aside, as if sensing something.

Zero-Ring Spell — Multi-Water Arrows!

He lightly swung his sleeve, and several three-foot-long water arrows shot out, piercing the shadows in the wall corner.

“Squeak...”

A shriek came from the shadows, abruptly ceasing.

“Go.”

Karl spoke:

“Check what's happening.”

“Yes.”

The new guard, Mode, loudly acknowledged, hastily rushing to the wall corner, soon returning with a wolf-like corpse.

“Mr. Karl.”

He dropped the corpse on the ground, reporting:

“There were two of these beasts devouring a human corpse.”

A human corpse?

Karl's eyebrows furrowed:

“Has the Beast Tide already affected the market?”

“The forest has too many wild beasts, and the outer defenses are insufficient, so it's normal for a few to breach, but they shouldn't be magical creatures; the Magical Oversight detects creatures exceeding a certain power level.” Mode explained, then cautiously added:

“That human corpse wasn't killed by beasts; the heart was pierced by a sharp object, and all belongings were looted.”

“Hmph…” Karl understood, lightly snorting:

“Indeed... it's getting more chaotic.”

Humans excel at self-destruction; perhaps the chaos from the Beast Tide suits some individuals just fine.

Shaking his head, he continued forward, unconcerned as long as the Beast Tide didn't invade the market.

“Let's go!”

“Yes.”

Mode returned to the group, escorting the meat to the store.

Without a wizard's talent, he followed the knight's path, with a mediocre knight's prowess despite his age.

Logically, he wasn't qualified to apply as a guard for the pharmacy.

Especially now, with many people clamoring to work in the market, even peak knights were being scrutinized.

However, he had a good daughter.

Mode's daughter was Charlie's partner, the pregnant woman, so naturally, they had to take care of the 'father-in-law'.

Fortunately, Mode's abilities, though not strong, were rich in experience; decades of experience made him efficient and convenient to work with.

Back at the store, Karl shook off the snow.

“No one's collecting the 100 pounds of meat; everything else remains the same!”

Immediately,

The store responded with a chorus of thanks.

“Thank you, Mr. Karl!”

“Thanks!”

“…”

During this time, every household lacked food; in the market's outskirts, meat was even more valuable than Magic Stones.

The 100-pound meat welfare naturally delighted everyone.

“Mr. Karl.”

The pregnant Bolbolala approached, her figure and appearance being top-notch, with a pair of golden eyes.

Charlie especially adored these eyes, claiming they were exclusive to divine bloodlines in ancient times.

“Something's up.”

Karl removed his cloak, hanging it aside.

“Uh-huh.” Bolbolala nodded, well aware of her position, never showing arrogance due to her pregnancy with Charlie's child.

“Earlier, Hodgson, the wizard apprentice from the Yulan Flower Artifact Shop, came to discuss a business deal.”

“Hodgson?” Karl shook his head:

“Next time he comes, tell him I'm not in, and I'm not interested in business deals either.”

“Yes.”

Bolbolala acknowledged, took her leave, and departed with her prominent belly.

“Business?”

Karl glanced outside, lightly shaking his head:

“Forget it!”

He had heard from other members of the Swamp Alliance that Hodgson wanted to expand his business.

Thanks to the Beast Tide, the magic item shop's business is booming. In just six months, Hodgson has recouped his initial investment and made a significant profit.

Now, he plans to expand his business by purchasing the neighboring shop, which will require tens of thousands of magic stones.

Tens of thousands? His ambition seems to be growing by the day, from thousands to tens of thousands.

However, based on past experience, it will take a long time for the Beast Tide to recede, and this deal might still be feasible.

If successful, Hodgson will own four shops, making him a prominent figure with monthly profits that would make even Archmages envious.

To raise the funds, he will naturally reach out to those who came with him from the Black Swamp.

This time, things are different. Many are willing to lend him money, and two individuals even offered to guarantee a substantial amount of magic stones with their own identities.

"Nancy's account seems unsettled. With the market is doing so well, why is the neighboring shop and the market up for sale?"

"Doing business is not like gambling; you can't expect to win every time."

Mumbling, Karl takes a step towards the backyard, his mind now closer to advancement.

Business, he is also interested in.

One could say that his lack of urgency for money is due to the substantial profits he made from his initial real estate investment.

However, he is also aware that wealth is ultimately fleeting.

The most important thing now is to improve his cultivation and realm. Once he becomes an Archmage, earning magic stones will be a minor matter.

...

Bordeaux Restaurant.

This place could be considered the most expensive dining spot in the Leipzig Market.

Despite the daily casualties caused by the Beast Tide, the restaurant's business remains thriving.

In fact, it is even better than before!

As the resistance against the Beast Tide requires a significant amount of resources, ordinary people may lose their lives and magic stones, but the shops in the market are reaping huge profits.

Hodgson stands up, holding a wine jug, and refills the wine glass of an elderly Wizard sitting across from him, his face beaming with a smile.

"Senior Borg, can you lower the price a bit?"

"Lower the price?" Borg shakes his head.

"If I weren't in urgent need of money, I wouldn't even consider selling my shop at this time."

"I understand."

"The more chaotic the situation outside, the higher our profits. The shops in the market are like golden hens laying golden eggs."

Hodgson falls silent.

"I'll wait."

Borg raises his wine glass and speaks leisurely.

"In the past few days, several groups have come to inquire about the price. If you don't buy it, there are plenty of others willing to accept."

"I'm considering your offer because of your temperament and how you've treated me. It reminds me of my younger days."

"Young man..."

"If you don't have the appetite, don't open your mouth so wide."

Hodgson's cheeks tighten, as he desperately wants to acquire the shop, but lacks the necessary funds.

"Young Master."

At this moment, a Grand Knight approaches Hodgson and whispers something in his ear.

"Not lending?"

Hodgson's eyes widen.

"Karl, another person who looks down on me!"

"Hmph!"

His expression darkens, he quickly ponders his options and finally takes a deep breath, facing the elderly man across from him.

"Senior Borg, I'll take your shop!"

"Oh!" Borg raises an eyebrow.

"Magic stones..."

"You don't need to worry about the magic stones," Hodgson assures him.

"I'll gather them in the next few days and deliver them to your residence."

"Great!" Borg's voice rises with anticipation.

"I'll await your good news."

Forest.

Amidst the flying snow, two figures stand in mid-air.

One of them is a middle-aged man with smooth golden hair flowing in the wind and deep, cold eyes.

Jefferson! One of the Cape Family's Second-Ring Wizards.

The other is a seven or eight-year-old child, with a curious expression, observing the surroundings.

Below them is a fierce battlefield.

Countless beasts and magical creatures surge from the forest, charging towards the crowd, only to be mowed down.

Crossbows, arrows, spells, and various traps hinder their advance.

"Grandpa."

The child speaks up.

"The Beast Tide doesn't seem that scary!"

"That's because the defense line hasn't been breached," Jefferson explains softly.

"Humans can defeat these massive, fanged, and clawed beasts because we can unite and harness the power of the group, which beasts typically cannot."

"However, human thoughts are too complex. Once the defense line is breached, chaos often ensues."

"Oh!" The child nods, somewhat understanding.

"So, our task is to ensure the defense line isn't breached by the Beast Tide?"

"Yes," Jefferson smiles.

"You're very smart, with a talent for grasping the essence of problems. This talent is far more valuable than a talent for cultivation."

The so-called talent for Wizard cultivation is only useful for Apprentice Wizards. After advancing to an Archmage, it becomes less significant.

This is similar to having a talent for learning.

Some people can easily grasp textbook knowledge and get into university, but later discover that the degree is just a stepping stone, and their future success is not closely tied to their learning talent.

Jefferson, a Second-Ring Wizard, values insight into spells more than innate talent for Wizardry.

Moreover, the child's talent for Wizardry is not lacking.

"As the Cape Family, the rulers of the Leipzig Market, we have the responsibility to collect fees from various places each month, and with that comes accountability."

Jefferson points forward.

"Resisting the Beast Tide is one of our duties."

Second-Ring Spell - Summoning of the Elemental Spirit!

Ripples appear in the void, and countless snowflakes gather in the same direction, revealing an ice and snow spirit.

The spirit has two pairs of wings, fluttering gently, and then swooping towards a particular aura below.

"Roar!"

A legendary creature roars skyward, but its body is sealed in extreme cold, turning into an ice sculpture.

"Crack!"

"Crack..."

A crack appears on the ice sculpture, followed by more cracks, until it shatters.

The legendary creature,

Dies!

"Just like now."

Killing a legendary creature seems like a trivial task for Jefferson.

"We're responsible for eliminating potential threats to the defense line and helping those below hold back the Beast Tide."

"Yes.

"The child nodded, "With the old master here, we'll definitely hold the line!"

"Hehe..." Jefferson chuckled lightly, "Second-Rank Creatures are rare, and Third-Rank Beings usually don't appear in our world, so theoretically, there shouldn't be any problems."

"But the Beast Tide is an abnormal situation!"

He narrowed his eyes, looking into the distance where several terrifying auras were roaming. Even he felt a sense of dread.

Second-Rank?

Third-Rank!

He hoped they wouldn't take an interest in Leipzig Market; otherwise, it would be troublesome.

Shaking his head, he grabbed the child and cast a Blink Spell, transforming into a hazy glow and dashing towards the distance.

When he reappeared, Jefferson waved his staff casually, casting Second and First Circle Spells to kill several Legendary Creatures that could potentially breach the defenses.

He was like a firefighter, appearing wherever danger or powerful auras were detected.

"Why?"

As he took action, the child asked, "Why don't we usually have Third-Rank Beings here?"

"Because this place is too small." Jefferson smiled, patting the child's head, "A small river can't raise a whale. The more powerful the existence, the more resources it requires."

"Wizards are like this, and so are Deities. Other Third-Rank Creatures are the same. Unless they have a special mission, they won't come here."

"Third-Rank..."

"Most of them possess intelligence!"

"With intelligence, they should know that this place is safe for them." The child blinked, "The Magic Forest has only two or three Third-Circle Wizards."

"Haha!" Jefferson laughed and shook his head, "Safe?"

"Sometimes, being weak is truly safe; being powerful might bring danger upon oneself."

"No one pays attention to the ants under their feet, but the blazing sun high in the sky attracts countless people who want to shoot it down and share its power."

Although small, the Magic Forest was a place that couldn't be ignored.

The Deities of the Eastern Kingdom Continent and the Wizards' League of Calim Continent occasionally turned their attention here.

And their gaze would only fall on Third-Circle Wizards, which also meant danger.

"Forget it!"

Jefferson's smile faded, "It's too early to tell you these things now. Today, come with me to kill a few of our family's enemies."

He took out a white stone and tossed it forward. With a flash of light, the two of them disappeared into the sky.

A hillside.

The two figures reappeared.

"Grandmaster!"

"Great-Grandfather!"

"..."

Several people on the hillside greeted Jefferson with various titles.

"Have you found them?"

Jefferson was far less gentle with the others than with the child. His demeanor was serious, cold, and aloof.

"We have."

A wizard stepped forward and spoke, "Aside from Steven, there's another Archmage alive in the Monroe Clan, Edmund, Steven's uncle."

"Not only is he alive, but he's also a powerful Archmage, and he has a group of followers."

"Edmund?" Jefferson's eyes narrowed in thought, "I remember this kid. He left the family when he was young and wandered around. He's been building a force against us all these years, hasn't he?"

"That's right." The Cape family wizard nodded, "This organization has three Archmages. Edmund also has a Monroe Clan heirloom Witch Artifact."

"That's why our previous attempts failed, and we lost a few clan members."

"He was smart from a young age, and he still is." Jefferson's voice lowered, "During the Beast Tide, the Second-Circle Wizards couldn't get away. It was the perfect opportunity to deal a heavy blow to the Cape family, so he wouldn't miss it."

"So..."

"They'll come here?"

"Yes!" The family wizard nodded firmly, "According to our investigation and divination results, they will definitely appear near here today."

"Then let's wait." Jefferson closed his eyes.

Without saying a word, everyone else fell silent. Only the child's eyes were darting around.

"They're here!"

Suddenly, Jefferson opened his eyes.

"They are?"

The family wizard looked around, "Where?"

"A very clever hiding technique. They're using the power of the Star Realm to conceal their auras. If I hadn't come, you might not have discovered them." Jefferson sighed. With a wave of his staff, he transformed into a streak of light and dashed off into the distance.

A First-Circle Wizard could fly, and a Second-Circle Wizard's speed could easily surpass the speed of sound.

As for Third-Circle...

They could use the power of the Star Realm to teleport through space.

The next moment, a deafening boom resounded.

Second-Circle Spells transformed into a giant wave from the sky, and with a light tap, a barrier somewhere was shattered.

Several panicked figures were revealed inside.

"Jeppeson!"

A strange voice rang out, filled with terror, disbelief, and a strong sense of unwillingness, "How are you here?"

"Edmund, you're impressive." Jefferson held his staff, casually deflecting the incoming spell, his expression cold, "I should say, the entire Monroe Clan is impressive, so how could I not come?"

Facing a Second-Circle Wizard, a First-Circle Wizard had almost no power to resist, even if they joined forces.

"Ah!"

Edmund, with white hair and looking older than Jefferson, roared towards the sky and then his figure flickered and gradually disappeared.

"Hmm?"

Jefferson's eyes flickered, "Teleportation Spell? Are you trying to abandon your companions and escape?"

"Hehe..."

Jefferson shook his head lightly and took a step forward, instantly appearing in front of Edmund and grabbing his arm.

The scene flickered.

The two of them appeared in an unfamiliar place.

Bad!

Jefferson's face changed.

It was a trap!

"Haha..." Edmund, who had been panicked before, now showed a look of joy and held Jefferson's arm tightly, "Let's die together!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end