Chapter 134: Looming Threat

Chapter 134: Looming Threat



Every month, Karl would pay a visit to the Wizard Tower.

Although the apothecary operated under the name of Wizard Arch, most of its shares belonged to the Sixth Circle Tower.

Especially this year, as Wizard Arch was about to leave, he had already transferred all his shares to the Tower.

The monthly inspection and profit review were standard procedures.

"Brr..."

Karl rubbed his hands together and took the hot tea that Oma passed to him. "The weather is so cold today!"

The breath he exhaled condensed into white mist, mixing with the rising steam from the tea, lingering for a long time.

"Yes."

Oma nodded. "The Kingdom of Gando has never experienced such cold weather. Even the knights' physique is struggling to withstand it."

She asked again, "Do you want to get a heater to warm up?"

She had been practicing alone in the Wizard Tower, accustomed to loneliness, and could immerse herself in the knowledge of spells.

But sometimes, she still wished for company, someone to chat and pass the time with.

So whenever Karl came by, she would temporarily stop her practice and join him for some small talk.

After all, they were both members of the Star Secret Society.

"I'm not that delicate," Karl smiled and shook his head, looking towards the square in front of the Wizard Tower. "It seems like there are more people here today than usual."

"Three wood factories are settling their accounts," Oma said. "Wizard Arch and his team are about to leave, and they need to take an inventory of the wood essence and lumber they're taking with them."

"This is a great achievement!"

Every ten years, the Sixth Circle Tower would send a group of people to Magic Forest, attracted by its abundant resources.

After ten years of cultivation, logging, and collection, they would take the best items back, and the more they brought, the greater the rewards from the Tower.

"I heard the wood factories haven't stopped working yet?" Karl asked.

"No."

Oma pulled over a chair and sat down, crossing her legs, "Everyone is working overtime, and they won't stop until the beast tide arrives."

"In the past few days, there have been workers freezing to death in the wood factories, but Wizard Arch hasn't agreed to let anyone rest."

She shook her head gently as she spoke.

There wasn't much she could add about this.

Wizard Arch wanted to take more lumber, so he had to squeeze the workers.

The other wizards didn't plan to offend someone who would soon return to the Calim Continent over a few workers.

Karl didn't interject.

He was used to seeing those with power, wealth, and strength exploit ordinary people.

It was like this in Gando, and it was like this in the magical forest, as if it were a rule.

"By the way," Oma turned to look at him. "You probably know that Hodgson has taken over the shop next door. In a few days, he'll be holding a ceremony.

"We'll go together then. It'll be good to have some company."

"A ceremony?" Karl shook his head. "I didn't receive an invitation."

"Hmm?" Oma was taken aback but then smiled understandingly.

"Still no loan?"

"Hmm." Karl took a sip of the hot tea.

"I don't have many magic stones."

"I don't believe you," Oma shook her head. "Among our batch, you're probably the richest after Hodgson. If he doesn't want to lend, he doesn't have to. This time, Hodgson has made a big bet. I heard he borrowed magic stones with high-interest rates. If he doesn't have enough to pay back, it might be difficult for him, but who knows what the outcome will be?"

"For Nancy's sake, let's hope his business prospers."

This time, she had borrowed magic stones, but not as much as some who would even pledge themselves to invest.

"Brr..."

A gust of cold wind rushed in from outside.

The two stood up and bowed to the figures entering the Wizard Tower.

"Wizard Daniel!"

"Senior Daniel!"

"Hmm." Daniel, dressed in a black wizard's robe, nodded casually, his face showing an unusual restlessness.

"Is Wizard Bella here?"

"Yes!" Oma hurriedly replied. "The mentor is upstairs."

"Good!"

Daniel quickly headed towards the stairs but then paused, as if remembering something, and turned to look at the two of them.

"Recently, you two shouldn't wander around. Karl, pay extra attention to the market's movements."

Hmm? Karl showed surprise.

"Senior Daniel, has something happened?"

"Hmm."

Daniel nodded.

"The beast tide at the front line is out of control, and some defenses have collapsed. It might even impact the Leipzig Market."

"Ah!"

Karl and Oma were both shocked.

"How is that possible?"

Karl was puzzled.

"The beast tide has just begun, and we haven't reached the most dangerous point yet. The Cape family's two Second Circle Wizards are stationed nearby, and there's help from the Tower."

"How could it be out of control?"

"The Cape family..." Daniel frowned.

"Has some problems."

He didn't directly say what those problems were, but the information he revealed was still startling.

If the Cape family had issues, the Leipzig Market might suffer a devastating blow.

After seeing Daniel upstairs, Oma turned to look at Karl.

"If there's trouble in the market, come to this side. The mentor once told me that as long as this Wizard Tower stands, even a Tier 3 creature won't be a problem."

"Hmm."

Karl's eyebrows knitted together.

"I know."

Just two days passed.

A repressive atmosphere hung in the air above the market, and the pedestrians on the street seemed more hurried than usual.

"Mr. Karl."

Babala, with her growing belly, approached during a busy moment and whispered, "Charlie sent word that I should be careful recently. Is there a problem at the front line?"

The others paused briefly, then continued with their tasks, but their ears were perked up.

"It's nothing."

Karl lay in the soft chair, feigning sleep with his eyes closed, and said softly,

"The Cape family has two Second Circle Wizards, and there's help from the Tower nearby. Even if there are some issues, it won't lead to chaos."

The collapse of the front lines couldn't be hidden, especially as more and more people fled back from the front.

News is spreading, and the guards are talking about it.

"Yes!"

Guard J nods in agreement, "With the Cape family here, nothing will happen to the Leipzig Market. I experienced the last beast tide, which was much more intense than this one. Many legendary creatures and mutated minions broke through the defenses, and in the end, everything was still fine."

His words ease the crowd, who nod in agreement.

That's right!

Even if the front line collapses, it's likely due to a breach at a specific position, and overall, it should be safe.

Furthermore, even if the front line collapses, the beast tide will first affect the residential areas outside the market, and the residents will remain safe.

If the market is truly threatened...

That's a matter of life and death, and they, as ordinary people and wizard apprentices, can only accept their fate.

"Mr. Karl."

Salesclerk Tracy speaks up in a low voice, "After closing the store tonight, can I stay to guard the shop? I... I can pay for it."

Her offer to pay to help guard the shop seems like a joke, but the others are clearly tempted.

They work in the market during the day, so they don't need to worry about safety. However, after work, they have to return to the residential area, which is now unsafe, making their commute a nerve-wracking experience.

Hmm...

Karl opens his eyes and ponders for a moment before calling over Guard J.

"Go buy some ground-stabilizing magic items and things that can conceal auras."

"I'll make a list!"

"When you have some free time, dig an underground room in the backyard, making sure it's deep enough for safety."

"After closing the store tonight, if anyone doesn't want to go home, they can temporarily stay inside."

The others' eyes light up at this suggestion.

Only J and Mod frown, sensing a hint of danger in Karl's words.

Is the situation on the front line that bad?

A few more days pass.

Rumors outside are spreading, and the atmosphere in the market becomes increasingly tense. Tracy, Babala, and the others no longer return to the residential area at night.

"Mr. Karl."

J enters from outside, forgetting to shake off the snow on his clothes, and speaks anxiously, "There's news everywhere that Second-Circle Wizard Jeppson from the Cape family was poisoned by a special toxin, and he's in critical condition!"

"Another Second-Circle Wizard has also encountered trouble, and there are even rumors that he's dead."

Karl, who was preparing potions, furrows his brow in surprise.

He's not surprised by J's news but by how it became public knowledge.

There's no news from the tower, so how did this information spread in the market? No!

Karl's eyes narrow with determination.

If the news is false, the Cape family's patrol wouldn't be so tense, so something must be wrong.

Poison?

The key issue isn't the poison but why it became public knowledge. Is the Cape family not being careful enough in suppressing the news, or is someone deliberately spreading it?

"Don't worry."

As he thinks, he can only comfort them, "These are just rumors, and they may not be true. Even if they are, there are so many doctors and poison experts in the market; what poison can't they cure?"

"Just like the MacDonalds next door..."

Mid-sentence, Karl's brow furrows.

He hasn't forgotten that MacDonald is a hidden Archmage who, for some reason, is a hidden Archmage.

MacDonald, a hidden Archmage, is skilled in poison treatment!

A Second-Circle Wizard from the Cape family being poisoned?

What a coincidence!

"Mr. Karl."

J speaks up in a low voice, "The MacDonalds were taken away by the Cape family. I suspect it's to treat the Second-Circle Wizard."

He's starting to feel anxious.

The reason the last beast tide didn't cause any harm was the presence of the Second-Circle Wizards. If they're in trouble...

The front line might truly be collapsing!

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

"Huff..." Karl takes a deep breath, puts down the potion in his hand, and paces with his hands behind his back.

His expression grows increasingly somber, and he eventually stops.

"Close the store!"

"For the next few days, the store's opening hours will be shortened by two hours. Keep an eye on the situation with the Cape family, and after closing, it's best if you all stay in the underground room in the backyard."

Karl speaks up, "Everything will be addressed once the situation becomes clearer."

His words cause the crowd to panic, unsure of what to do.

"Ah!"

"Mr. Karl..."

"Will this greatly impact business?"

"Sir," J's voice carries a hint of concern. "Is something wrong?"

"It's not clear yet," Karl shakes his head. "But it's better to be safe than sorry. The store can afford to close early."

"Go!"

He waves his hand and instructs, "Pack up. Starting today, close the store early. If something seems off, temporarily close the store."

"Yes, sir!"

The others hurry to comply.

At the Cape family's estate, a stone tower over ten meters high stands in the center.

A wizard tower!

This is a communication tool between the star realm and the mortal world and can be considered one of the greatest creations in the wizarding world.

It is the core of the Leipzig Market and the reason the Cape family has endured for hundreds of years.

Within the tower, a First-Circle Wizard's power is enhanced, allowing them to rival a Second-Circle Wizard.

Inside, psychic energy receives an incredibly powerful boost, making it easier to cast spells that usually require significant effort.

The five-story building holds at least five powerful spells, ready to be activated at any time.

By consuming mana, this wizard tower can continuously attack.

Few know that in ancient times, the wizard tower had another name.

The War Fortress!

MacDonald looks up at the building, then lowers his gaze, remaining calm and collected.

"Sir, please go upstairs."

As he entered the Wizard Tower, several hidden psychic waves swept over him, examining him from the outside in.

"Yes."

MacDonald's expression remained unchanged as he followed the person in front of him to the third floor.

Here, a massive bed occupied the space, and a 'patient' dressed in white lay on it, quietly recuperating.

The patient's breath was weak, and he lay with his eyes closed, pretending to be asleep, even though he knew visitors had arrived, he showed no intention of speaking.

There were other people in the room, quite a number of them, but MacDonald's attention was involuntarily focused on the patient, as if everyone else faded into insignificance.

"Mac."

Allen from the Cape family hurriedly approached:

"Aren't you skilled in treating poison and mental issues? Come and take a look at my... this patient."

"Yes." MacDonald bowed:

"Young Master, please don't rush."

"How can I not be anxious!" Allen stomped his foot, but it was inconvenient to introduce the patient on the bed.

Instead, he introduced MacDonald to the others:

"This is Mr. MacDonald, the apothecary from my shop. He's the best at helping people with detoxification."

"Cut the chatter!" A middle-aged man muttered:

"Hurry and get someone to treat him."

"Yes!"

MacDonald took a deep breath and slowly approached the patient, using his spells to observe the patient's condition.

"Hmm?"

He uttered in surprise, his expression changing:

"This is Mad Pigeon poison!"

As soon as his words fell, the expressions of several people in the room changed, and the patient on the bed slowly opened his eyes.

"Do you know?"

"Yes."

MacDonald nodded:

"Time erodes one's sanity, so long-lived wizards often cultivate a Stable Mind spell to resist the mental wear and tear of time."

"Mad Pigeon poison causes this spell to fail, making one's emotions fluctuate greatly until they eventually go insane."

"This poison is useless against ordinary people; it only affects wizards of the Second Circle and above..."

He opened his mouth as if to say something, then stopped.

Even if no one in the room spoke, he now knew who the patient was - Jeppeson of the Cape family.

A Second Circle Wizard!

As for the other person, he had seen his portrait.

"You're right." Jeppeson slowly nodded:

"An unstable wizard is like an uncontrolled spell, no one knows when he might explode."

"So..."

"Can you cure him?"

"This..." MacDonald forced a smile:

"I'm just an ordinary wizard apprentice. I've only heard about this poison affecting Second Circle wizards."

Seeing the others' expressions change, he quickly added:

"However, I have a way to alleviate it!"

"Oh!"

Jeppeson's eyes flickered, and an invisible psychic energy enveloped MacDonald, as if trying to see through him.

But as he was poisoned, his attempt to cast a spell caused his inner sea to churn, and his face turned pale.

He had let his guard down!

He didn't expect Monroe's son to be so bold, using himself as bait to lure me into a trap.

Although he had escaped, he was now poisoned.

Mad Pigeon poison wasn't immediately lethal, but it was dangerous, especially with the Beast Tide approaching, and he might need to cast spells.

If he lost control...

He couldn't take the risk!

"Alleviate?"

Closing his eyes, he steadied his fluctuating emotions and asked slowly:

"How do you alleviate it?"

"I have a medicine that can help stabilize emotions, but it requires very rare ingredients." MacDonald whispered:

"It's expensive!"

"Mac!" Allen exclaimed:

"Can the Cape family not afford your magic stones?"

"As long as it works, we can even help you become an Archmage. Just bring out the medicine."

"Yes, yes." MacDonald smiled and nodded, taking a bottle of potion from his medicine box:

"This potion is effective in stabilizing the mind and can alleviate the toxicity of Mad Pigeon poison. It will prevent an outbreak for at least a decade."

As for what happens after a decade, he believed the Cape family would find a solution by then.

One person stepped forward, took the potion from his hand, and carefully examined it with a spell instead of rushing to give it to Jeppeson.

"The ingredients are unclear, but it's harmless."

"Hmm."

Jeppeson nodded and waved his hand:

"You may leave!"

"Yes."

MacDonald bowed in response, then said:

"About the payment..."

"Don't worry." Allen pulled him towards the stairs:

"I won't forget your payment, but remember, don't tell anyone else about this, or I won't be so kind."

"I won't, I promise I won't tell anyone." MacDonald wiped the sweat from his forehead:

"After this, I'll stay in my shop and won't go out!"

"Hmm."

Allen nodded in satisfaction:

"Go!"

After leaving the Cape estate, MacDonald returned to his shop and confirmed no one was following him. His timid expression gradually disappeared, replaced by a stern and deadly look.

'Phew!'

'Luckily, I took the medicine before going, keeping my cultivation at the level of a wizard apprentice.

'Good thing Jeppeson was poisoned and couldn't concentrate on casting spells, or I'd be dead.'

Thinking of the consequences, even at over a hundred years old, he couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

"It seems the item has been delivered." A voice devoid of emotion sounded from behind him.

"Yes."

Hearing the voice, MacDonald's expression changed again, and he became respectful:

"As per your instructions, I left the potion at the Cape estate. Once Jeppeson takes it..."

"Well done." A shadow emerged, and a figure slowly appeared:

"Edmund's strength is ultimately too weak. Fortunately, we prepared in advance and left a backup plan here."

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