Chapter 228: The Evolution of the Lurcher

Chapter 228: The Evolution of the Lurcher



In the alchemy room, Jennifer, the beautiful lady, held an invitation in her hand and briefly explained its contents to Ren.

"Alonso is inviting you and me to a banquet?" Ren couldn't help but feel a little strange.

Could it be that the other party wanted to mend their relationship with him? Ren pondered.

To be honest, he wasn't very interested in this matter, as he was about to go to Minster for the 'Swordmaster' assessment.

Therefore, the superficial interactions between the nobility of Maister County held no meaning for him at this point.

On the contrary, his time was now quite precious, as Ren wanted to raise his Alchemist profession level to lv5 and change his job to the Extraordinary rank of Deathstalker before leaving for Minster.

This way, on the one hand, he would soon have a sufficient number of skill points, and his strength could be enhanced once again.

On the other hand, although the Alchemist profession didn't bring him any core skills, he believed that the Extraordinary rank of Deathstalker would surely offer some kind of improvement or benefit.

Of course, he could decline the invitation from Alonso, but Ren would never refuse an invitation from the highest official of Maister County, Count Habsburg.

After some thought, Ren said to Jennifer, "Let's politely decline!"

Naturally, Jennifer had no objections and readily agreed, "Okay, dear."

"By the way, what's the theme of this banquet?" Ren asked casually after some thought.

Jennifer took out the invitation and glanced at it, replying, "It says it's for appreciating several oil paintings from the Eagle Federation."

"Appreciating oil paintings?" Ren couldn't help but look at the beautiful lady in surprise.

Jennifer chuckled and explained, "Many times, the purpose of noble gatherings is to strengthen connections and enhance communication. So, sometimes, for instance, appreciating a batch of newly arrived Bordeaux vintage can become the theme of a banquet."

"Okay, this..." Ren was speechless, indeed the nobility was so casual.

Upon hearing Mitchell's report that Ren had politely declined his invitation, Alonso didn't get angry or disappointed; instead, he smiled slightly.

"It's as I expected."

"However, this time it's different. This matter isn't just about me. There are so many nobles who secretly purchased the Divine Blood of the Black Flame Church. Mitchell, contact them and have them send banquet invitations to Jennifer these days."

"Yes, Baron." Mitchell suddenly understood after hearing Alonso's words.

These networks of connections among the nobility were also the reason for Alonso's confidence.

A large portion of the Black Flame Church's Divine Blood was distributed to various levels of nobility through him.

In simple terms, a significant portion of the nobility in Maister County formed a huge interest group with the Black Flame Church through him as a connecting link.

In some aspects, they could stand together.

If he had concerns about this matter before, it was because the conflict between him and Ren was more personal. But this time, the High Priest of the Black Flame Church had explicitly stated that he would personally deal with Ren.

So, at this juncture, there was no problem with him mobilizing these nobles to pressure Ren collectively, and it wouldn't cause any complaints from the Black Flame Church.

---

On Sunday, in the study of Count Habsburg's manor, Ren met the dignified Count Habsburg, the highest official of the Empire in Maister County.

With his increased strength, Ren could vaguely sense that Count Habsburg's power seemed no less than that of Baron Ron, the captain of the Leviathan Squad.

Similarly, upon seeing Ren, Count Habsburg couldn't help but exclaim 'Oh?' and then stared at Ren closely for a good while.

"It seems that the most outstanding knight in all of Maister County should be Clara, but after seeing you again today, Ren, I think Clara should yield her place to you!" Count Habsburg said with a smile.

"Thank you for your praise, Miss Clara will always be my guiding light on the path of knighthood," Ren bowed slightly, returning the smile.

"Ren, I thought this young eagle of yours would need more time to learn how to fly before taking to the skies, but I never expected you to be ready to soar so soon."

"I've already received an official letter from Minster. With your strength, Ren, as long as you perform normally, you will surely pass the Imperial Swordmaster assessment."

"Thank you for your encouragement, Count."

"By the way, if you encounter any difficulties in Minster, you can take this letter to my old friend. Perhaps, he can offer you some assistance." Count Habsburg took a letter from his desk and handed it to Ren.

Ren took the letter and saw that it was already sealed with red wax, and on the wax was the seal of the Habsburg family's crest, a Calibird.

Clearly, Count Habsburg had been prepared.

"Thank you, Count!" Ren bowed.

Ren was well aware of Count Habsburg's intentions and expressed sufficient respect and goodwill.

Thus, the lavish banquet proceeded in a harmonious and joyful atmosphere, and soon after, Ren returned home.

The next morning, Ren, as usual, went to the backyard of the villa to feed and record the Lurcher, Cookie, and the Bloodfeather Hawklet, Blood Feather, with the mutation growth potion.

However, after feeding Cookie, the Lurcher, it suddenly howled in pain, "Woof!"

Then, Cookie began to ravenously devour the food in front of him.

At this moment, the system notification sounded:

[Host's pet Lurcher, affected by long-term consumption of the mutation growth potion, begins to mutate and evolve!]



In the midst of Mutation Evolution

This immediately delighted Ren, who immediately turned to the servant beside him and said, "Quick, go to the kitchen and get more meat. Fill up a big basin."

"Yes, my lord!" The male servant hurried towards the kitchen.

"Wait, also go to my study and bring the Savage Bear meat from my desk," Ren called out, stopping the servant.

Cookie was now devouring large amounts, indicating that this evolution required a lot of energy, and the meat of a Ferocious Beast was rich in energy, making it the best choice at the moment.

"Yes, my lord!" The male servant hurried off again.

Soon, two strong servants carried over a large basin filled with fragrant, steaming meat.

Cookie quickly devoured most of the meat, and Ren found it hard to imagine how its slender body could accommodate so much.

Just then, a small basin of Savage Bear meat was also brought over!

After devouring ten pounds of Savage Bear meat, Cookie seemed full and lay on the ground, letting out low roars and scratching the ground with its claws, seemingly enduring some internal drastic change and the intense pain that came with it!

Ren knew this wasn't a normal evolution because Lurchers were generally a stable breed.

If it weren't for Cookie's long-term use of the Mutation Growth Potion, it was almost impossible for it to mutate and break through its limits.

Cookie's skin visibly turned red, its muscles trembled, swelled, and bulged! After a few minutes, Cookie had noticeably grown taller and larger, its muscles becoming more robust, and its four sharp claws longer and sharper.

If one had to draw a comparison, Cookie's evolution was like a cheetah's slender and agile figure transforming into that of a tiger, both being feline creatures.

At this moment, the system notification suddenly flashed across the screen:

【Host's pet Lurcher has successfully evolved into a Ferocious Beast, the 'Lynx Battlehound'!】

【Your Beast Taming skill has improved, gaining +321 experience points】

【Your Beastmaster (Supernatural) profession experience +321】

(Note: The Lynx Battlehound has awakened the innate talent 'Swift Healing')



【Do you wish to rename the Lynx Battlehound? Yes/No】

Seeing the successful evolution notification, Ren couldn't help but feel overjoyed!

After some thought, Ren chose 'No.'

He felt that the system's default name, 'Lynx Battlehound,' was quite accurate for the mutated Lurcher, as it had evolved from a Lurcher into a ferocious canine.

However, this was just a minor detail.

At this moment, Ren's attention was focused on the innate talent, 'Swift Healing.'

He had assumed that, given the Lurcher's running speed, it would awaken a talent like 'Agility,' but it turned out to be a healing-related talent.

Nevertheless, after a moment's thought, Ren nodded.

It was likely that this was an effect of the Mutation Growth Potion. The word 'mutation' represented a lot of things.

Additionally, there had been signs of this talent earlier. Previously, when Cookie injured its spine but was able to heal and stand again, it hinted at this hidden ability.

It was unclear whether this talent was awakened due to that injury or if Cookie had subtly developed it since taking the Mutation Growth Potion.

Of course, this wasn't crucial.

What mattered was that Cookie's evolution from an ordinary beast into a Ferocious Beast meant that Ren had fulfilled the fourth condition for his Beastmaster (Supernatural) promotion to Beastmaster (Legendary): 'Successfully raise at least one ordinary animal into a Ferocious Beast.'

Additionally, the third condition, 'Have at least three Ferocious Beasts as pets,' was also completed (2/3). Now, Ren just needed to wait patiently for the black horse's mutation.

Once it evolved, Ren could immediately become a Beastmaster (Legendary)!

At this moment, Cookie, having completed its mutation, stood up.

Ren was surprised to see that Cookie's shoulder height had reached 1.2 meters, and with its head included, it was nearly 1.6 meters tall—not much shorter than a small horse.

It affectionately rubbed against Ren's calf, then raised its head to look at its owner, its eyes gleaming with intensity.

Some of the servants curiously watched from the side, but their eyes held more fear than curiosity, as such a large dog was intimidating.

As for how powerful Cookie's innate talent, 'Swift Healing,' was, Ren wasn't sure yet.

After all, he wasn't going to test it by striking Cookie with a sword and observing the wound's healing speed. This wasn't urgent, and there would be opportunities in battles to come.

Over the next few days, Ren successfully raised his Alchemist profession level to lv4, earning another skill point and attribute point.

This left Ren with 7 remaining attribute points and 3 remaining skill points.

Meanwhile, Jennifer was feeling rather troubled. She had received invitations from over a dozen noble families in Maister County, both big and small, all hoping that she and Ren would attend their Sunday banquet the following week.

Jennifer's dilemma was that many of these noble families had close business dealings with the Crowley family.

From a family interest perspective, it wasn't wise to offend everyone.

After some thought, Jennifer once again approached Ren's alchemy room to report this matter.

Hearing Jennifer mention the invitations from over a dozen noble families, Ren's first thought was that it was indeed befitting of the eldest son of Count Habsus to have such influence.

Leon thought for a moment. Since the Crowley family had business dealings with many of these families, he said to the beautiful lady, "Jennifer, you reply to them. I'll accompany you to the banquet on time."

"Okay, dear." Jennifer's face lit up, and for her, if Leon didn't agree, she naturally wouldn't go to such a banquet to show off.

But what touched her was that Leon considered her difficulties and gave his support.

"By the way, is the invitation here? Let me take a look!" Because Leon had just thought for a moment and felt that something was amiss.

"Yes." The beautiful lady handed over a stack of variously styled banquet invitations.

Leon quickly flipped through several of them and looked pensive.

Sure enough, there was a problem. Among the dozen or so invitation letters, several didn't even invite Jennifer but directly invited him to attend.

Is this a must for me to attend?

If it was just a normal banquet, and the purpose was to show goodwill towards him, then inviting Jennifer, their familiar Baroness Crowley, would have been sufficient.

The unmistaken version is on Book 69! 6 = 9 + Book _ Bar First Release of this Novel.

But the other party seemed to have a hidden intention to make him attend. This made Leon feel a bit strange.

After some thought, he asked the short Mateo to come.

"Mateo, go to Flashgold Town and find Sheriff Hamilton. Ask him if there's some secret connection between Alonso and these dozen or so noble families. Ask Sheriff Hamilton to give me a reply as soon as possible."

Upon hearing Leon's words, Mateo immediately replied, "Yes, sir! I'll go right away!"

Leon turned to the beautiful lady and said, "Jennifer, I'll be the one attending this banquet."

The beautiful lady's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she said, "Dear, is this a trap?"

Leon shook his head and said, "I'm not sure yet, but my intuition tells me there might be a problem here."

Leon waited for Mateo's reply.

To be precise, half an hour later, Sheriff Hamilton personally came to Leon's manor.

After some pleasantries, Sheriff Hamilton's expression turned solemn, and he said, "Leon, do you remember that bottle of divine blood you seized before?"

"Divine blood?" Leon certainly remembered.

The test tube-like red potion, filled with a thick, amber-like red liquid, left a deep impression. He recalled that Sheriff Hamilton had mentioned that this divine blood had the miraculous effects of slowing aging and accelerating cultivation.

But what does divine blood have to do with these nobles?

Sheriff Hamilton continued, "I previously investigated the source of the divine blood, and it's closely related to the Black Flame Cult."

"What do you mean?" Leon instantly grasped the hidden meaning in Sheriff Hamilton's words.

Sheriff Hamilton nodded and said, "Just as you thought."

"Since that incident, we conducted a discreet investigation and found that many noble families in the county city had rumors of possessing or purchasing divine blood. The list provided by Mateo includes Alonso and these dozen or so noble families."

"Additionally, the investigation revealed that the source of these divine bloods seems to point to Alonso. However, as he is the eldest son of Count Habsburg, the investigation stopped there."

Sheriff Hamilton paused and looked at Leon seriously, saying, "Leon, although I know your strength is far beyond what it used to be, and you've reached a level even I can't match..."

"But my advice to you is still not to go, as there might be a conspiracy from the Black Flame Cult behind this."

"Perhaps, after you join the Imperial Swordmaster Organization, you'll accumulate enough strength to deal with the Black Flame Cult."

Leon nodded.

Sheriff Hamilton's words were those of a mature and experienced person, and Leon was well aware of this.

However, the other party pressuring Jennifer through so many nobles already indicated their attitude.

This was just the first step.

If he refused, they would certainly have a backup plan.

After some thought, Leon bowed slightly and said, "Sheriff Hamilton, thank you for coming in person."

Sheriff Hamilton waved his hand and stood up, saying, "Leon, I've made the situation clear to you. It's up to you to decide. If... you really want to go, just let Mateo inform me!"

After Sheriff Hamilton left, Leon stood in the study with his arms crossed.

Previously, the Black Flame Cult had targeted him through various assassinations and sneak attacks. This time, Leon had a feeling that they seemed to be inviting him into a trap.

"Could it be that the banquet venue has some special arrangements made by the Black Flame Cult? In that case, it's better for Jennifer not to go. It's most suitable for me to go alone."

Of course, if things weren't as he imagined and Alonso merely wanted to mend their relationship in person, that would be the best outcome.

Additionally, there was another reason why Leon decided to go personally. He had been diligently practicing and constantly improving his combat power, hoping that one day, when facing these vermin, he could charge forward and break through the obstacles!

He didn't want to follow the saying, "A gentleman takes revenge after ten years."

Who is the gentleman who can take revenge on the spot and not wait for ten years? This saying assumes that the gentleman can't take revenge immediately.

However, charging forward and being rash are two different concepts, so there was one more thing he needed to do.

Leon turned to the door and said, "Mateo, prepare a carriage, and let's go to the Church of the Goddess of Wind and Sea."

"As you wish, my lord!"

Ever since Ren returned, Matteo had been by his side, and his quick wit often came in handy.

"Baron, there's something I'd like to discuss with you," Matteo hesitated before continuing.

"If you have doubts, why not let me investigate while you're away?"

Ren shook his head with a smile, "If they are indeed connected to the Black Flame Cult, they would have employed mysterious means within their estate. Even I might not be able to get close without alerting them."

"That could lead to unpredictable changes!"

"I understand, my lord," Matteo's expression brightened, and he bowed slightly before heading towards the stables.

Soon, Ren arrived at the Goddess Church in a carriage.

In Archdeacon Rudolf's room, Ren and Rudolf sat facing each other.

"Baron Ren, I heard you've been serving as a governor in Fishing Harbor Town. What brings you back to the county seat?" Rudolf smiled.

"Archdeacon, I have a matter that may require your assistance," Ren didn't indulge in small talk and, after glancing at the Temple Guard behind him, spoke directly.

Rudolf observed Ren's expression and waved his hand, and a Temple Guard promptly closed the door.

Ren then said, "Next week, I will be attending a banquet, and there's a high possibility that it's a plot orchestrated by the Black Flame Cult."

"The Black Flame Cult?" Rudolf's eyebrows furrowed.

Ren proceeded to share Hamilton's analysis.

Rudolf was taken aback, "You mean Baron Alonso? The one related to Count Habsburg?"

"Yes!"

In the past, Ren's status, position, and influence were far inferior to Alonso's, and such a statement would have been questionable. But now, things were different. Ren had become a rising star in Maister County, and his words carried significant weight.

Although Ren had made it clear that the above was merely his speculation.

Rudolf paused for a few seconds, then his expression brightened, "No wonder the Black Flame Cult has been able to hide so well in the county seat. They have the support of many nobles. Baron Ren, what you've shared is of utmost importance. I must report this to Bishop Shane immediately."

"Wait, Archdeacon Rudolf, it's just my personal speculation. There's no need to involve the Bishop, is there?"

"No, Baron Ren, I believe your analysis is sound."

Rudolf then led Ren to the prayer hall of the Goddess Church, where they met Bishop Shane, an elderly man wearing a light blue robe with thick golden borders, holding a staff, and exuding a stern countenance.

After Ren's explanation, Bishop Shane nodded, "So, Baron Ren, I understand your concern. You're worried that when you attend the banquet, they might use some evil magic to harm you."

"Yes, Your Grace."

"Your concern is not unfounded. Do you still have the Silver Conch Medal?"

"Of course, Your Grace," Ren took out the silver medal from his inner pocket and respectfully handed it to Bishop Shane.

"The Silver Conch Medal only has a single divine spell for detecting evil. Now, I will add another divine spell, the Blessing of the Divine, which can counteract curses and negative influences from evil forces."

At the same time, once this divine spell is triggered, we will sense it, and I will send Archdeacon Rudolf to assist you immediately.

"Your Grace, thank you for your generosity!"

"Baron Ren, rest assured. Next Sunday, I will be nearby with an elite team of Temple Knights. If we confirm it's the Black Flame Cult or they are planning something, we will come to your aid."

"Archdeacon Rudolf, my sincere thanks!"

Ren's visit to the Goddess Church wasn't due to a lack of confidence in his abilities; instead, it was to add an extra layer of insurance. After all, he had limited means to counter the mysterious evil magic and curses of the cult.

The Goddess Church, on the other hand, had far more experience and comprehensive measures to deal with such situations.

Additionally, Ren was already impressed by Archdeacon Rudolf and Bishop Shane's current capabilities.

After all, it was just his speculation, and the Goddess Church couldn't send Temple Knights to surround a noble's estate based solely on that.

In the Dragon Empire, the relationship between imperial power and divine authority was delicate. Without concrete evidence, such an action by the Goddess Church would be a provocation to the imperial authority.

However, if the divine spell on Ren's body was triggered, it would prove the existence of evil, and the Goddess Church would have a legitimate reason to intervene.

Several days later.

The second Sunday of the month of vitality.

As the sun set, Ren, dressed in formal attire, boarded a carriage.

It was a brand-new luxury carriage, and on both sides were engraved eye-catching noble emblems—a pair of crossed war hammers and greatswords enveloped in a circle of flames.

Inside the carriage, a large dog, almost the size of a small pony, lay at Ren's feet, enjoying the caresses of its master.

It was the Lynx Warhound Cookie, and on its sides hung a pig-headed hammer and a faintly glowing greatsword. Its head, joints, and other vital areas were protected by sturdy armor crafted by Ren.

Matteo took the reins and, with a firm tug, skillfully guided the carriage towards Baron Elliott's estate.

High above, at a few hundred meters, a giant raptor with blue and purple plumage carried something on its back, soaring and weaving through the clouds.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end