Chapter 86: Recruitment

Chapter 86: Recruitment



Experiment 1: Spellcasting without a Wand

Test Spells: Minor Force Field, Arcane Missile, Flame Mark, Water Control...

Experiment 2: Spellcasting with a Wand

Test Spells: Same as above.

Experiment 3: Spellcasting with a Wand and Robes

Test Spells: Same as above.

Experiment 4...

Experiment 8...

Summary:

"The Clear Water Staff obtained from Tim increases the power of water-based spells by 7%, but has no effect on other spells."

"The Blue Amber Pendant boosts my mental power by 0.6."

"Adolf's Mana Wizard Robe increases the power of elemental spells by 15% and other spells by 8%."

"The effects of the Clear Water Staff and Mana Wizard Robe are cumulative, but the total boost to water-based spells is capped at 20%."

"The impact of Meditation on spell power..."

Under the lamplight, Karl held a quill, writing and sketching on a scroll. He paused occasionally to ponder, then continued writing with fervor. In no time, the scroll was filled with his notes.

Wizards,

In a sense, are scholars in pursuit of knowledge.

Experiments, analyses, and data collection are inevitable and essential skills. A wizard who fails to record and accumulate knowledge is not a competent one.

"In other words, my current mental power is 2.06, and with the Blue Amber Pendant's boost of 0.6, my total mental power is 2.66, which is the foundation for spellcasting."

"The cumulative boost from the Clear Water Staff and Mana Wizard Robe is 20%, bringing the spell power to nearly 3.2."

Karl paused for a moment, then continued:

"The Meditation technique I've been practicing belongs to the Natural School's Elemental Water branch, providing a 50% boost to water-based spells."

"The resulting value is..."

"4.8!"

Karl stopped writing, his face filled with surprise.

A value of 4.8 was already comparable to that of a senior wizard apprentice.

Of course,

Senior wizard apprentices also have their own methods. They don't rely solely on basic mental power for spellcasting, and their means of enhancement are even more diverse and powerful.

"No wonder an intermediate wizard apprentice with a lineage could challenge a grand knight. This cumulative effect is indeed terrifying."

"Even though wizard apprentices have limited means, the sheer numerical advantage is enough to compensate for other weaknesses."

His base mental power of 2.06, when combined with the cumulative effects, skyrocketed to 4.8, more than doubling his original power.

The same couldn't be said for knights.

The Titan Breath Technique, a divine gift, was already an advanced skill, and the boost from the Secret Technique of Gigantism wasn't as impressive.

Not even close!

Knights excel in physical prowess, while wizards are adept at enhancing themselves through external means.

"So..."

Karl put down the quill and tapped the table lightly)



"For now, let's set aside Zero-Ring Spell and Mana Sword Flash. I'll focus on mastering Wave Guardian."

"With the Minor Force Field, Wave Guardian, Armor Guna, and Seal Steel Body, along with the Titan Breath Technique's emphasis on defense and the Skill Guardian Ring..."

"With all my defenses up, even a grand knight's full-force attack wouldn't harm me in a short time."

........

The Swamp Alliance.

Numerous wizard apprentices walked the streets, each wearing a tall wizard hat and colorful robes. Various staffs and glowing auras filled the air—a sight unimaginable in Signo City.

The market was bustling with all sorts of peculiar goods, leaving visitors overwhelmed.

The gathering of wizards from different nations had fostered the thriving and prosperous wizard commerce of the Swamp Alliance.

"Staff clearance sale! Natural School Wood Staffs in bulk, perfect for beginner wizards! Don't miss out!"

This was the staff stall.

"Magical Cuisine! One bite will give you a beautiful dream!"

"Do you want to become a high-ranking wizard? Do you want to explore the secrets of the stars and visit various deities? Do you want to go on a romantic date with your dream partner? Do you want to engage in heated discussions about gender differences with a group of beauties?"

"Try Magical Cuisine! Customize your hallucinations and fulfill your desires in your dreams. It's the best choice after a tiring day."

This was the Nightmare Wizard.

"..."

"Are you still worried about your height? Are you still troubled by your body shape? Are you frustrated with certain aspects of your life?"

"Flesh Modification can help you!"

"Buying bones and corpses! High prices for fresh corpses, especially those of knights and grand knights!"

"Enchanted artifacts..."

As Karl walked through the market, he felt like a child in a candy store, unable to resist stopping at each stall.

He would only move on when he received unfriendly glares from the vendors.

In addition to private stalls, the Swamp Alliance also had official outlets selling various goods. These outlets offered a wider range of products with guaranteed quality, but at slightly higher prices. They didn't accept gold coins, only magic stones and alliance-issued points.

Each outlet had a salesperson, each responsible for different goods.

"Mr. Karl!"

A surprised voice called out:

"Do you need anything?"

Karl looked at the salesperson:

"Do you know me?"

"Of course!" The salesperson nodded vigorously:

"I watched your duel with Tim from start to finish. My grandfather is Senior Wizard Apprentice Arthur."

"You can call me Bunian."

Bunian was young and exuded a youthful vigor. He greeted Arthur with enthusiasm.

Arthur's grandson?

He's working as a salesperson here?

Those with wizard talent were indeed a minority, and the Swamp Alliance also had many ordinary people who dedicated themselves to serving wizards.

"Bunian," Karl's eyes flickered slightly.

"Are you a knight?"

The young man didn't possess the spiritual energy fluctuations typical of a wizard apprentice, but his life force was robust.

"Yes," Bunian nodded, his face showing a hint of regret.

"I don't have the talent for wizardry, so I had to take the path of a knight. The other day, you really showed us knights how it's done."

He vigorously waved his arm as he spoke.

"That duel proved to everyone here that knights can also defeat wizard apprentices."

"Yes," Karl chuckled lightly.

"You became a knight at such a young age; you'll definitely become a grand knight in the future. No need to envy wizard apprentices."

"Umm..." Bunian scratched his head.

"I hope so."

His knighthood was solely due to the resources provided by his grandfather; he himself had no talent in that area.

The path of a knight was too challenging.

He couldn't endure the hardships.

Moreover, knights emphasized practical combat, and without actual combat experience, one's abilities couldn't be fully demonstrated.

Karl looked at Bunian, a puzzled expression in his eyes.

"Your nose..."

"Oh!"

Bunian touched his high nose bridge and smiled.

"I had my body modified."

"You know, a good appearance and figure can easily attract the favor of female wizard apprentices."

"I spent several magic stones on body modifications, almost using up all my savings."

He shrugged as he spoke.

It was evident.

He hadn't just modified his nose; other parts of his body had also undergone changes.

In terms of appearance, Bunian was undoubtedly very 'handsome' with his smooth skin, slender figure, and distinct facial features, likely making him quite popular with women.

However, in Karl's eyes, he looked a bit 'fake.'

When he stood still without expression, it was fine, but once he moved, the modified parts became noticeable.

This lack of coordination might not be apparent to others, but to a knight and a bloodline wizard, it was as clear as day.

"Body modifications..."

Since Robert could receive the inheritance of a bloodline wizard, it was natural that others might also have such opportunities.

The Swamp Alliance had wizards from various places in Gandor, so it wasn't surprising to have some who cultivated the path of bloodline wizards.

However, up until now, not a single bloodline wizard apprentice in the Kingdom of Gandor had advanced to become a wizard.

Not one!

"What's up?" Bunian spoke up, "Are you also interested in body modifications?"

"I can introduce you to an intermediate wizard apprentice named Bach. I'm a regular customer of his. If you want to modify your body, mention my name, and you'll get a discount."

"Hmm..."

Karl pursed his lips and said, "You can also find Bach's mentor, Jin, but that guy has a bad temper and charges too much."

"Is that so?" Karl nodded.

"I'm indeed interested in the magic of bloodline wizards. If I get the chance, I'll definitely pay a visit."

"By the way," Karl added, "I want some equipment and materials for making potions."

He handed over a piece of paper with a list of items he wanted to purchase.

"Sure."

Bunian took the paper and casually asked, "I remember your mentor was an alchemist. Don't you have the necessary equipment and materials from his legacy?"

"Sorry, I tend to talk a lot. You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

"It's fine," Karl shook his head lightly, not seeming to mind.

"I have a senior sister, and we split our mentor's legacy. Some equipment and materials were only in one copy."

"How much?"

"Two and a half magic stones in total," Bunian said, taking out the items one by one and accepting the magic stones in payment.

"By the way," Karl asked after some thought, "Do you sell potions that increase spiritual energy here?"

"Yes," Bunian nodded.

"Ver Potion, developed by the great alchemist Ver; Celestial Song, a potion from the Vatican; Radiant Potion, especially suitable for nightmare wizards."

"There are three types, five portions for one magic stone, but I recommend using points for exchange, which is more appropriate."

"I don't have any points right now." Karl smiled and took out a magic stone.

"I'll take five portions for now. Two portions each of Ver Potion and Celestial Song, and one portion of Radiant Potion. I want to try their effects."

"Okay," Bunian nodded and turned to fetch the potions.

Seeing that Karl was about to leave, he added, "If you're serious about body modifications, don't forget to ask me first. It'll save you a lot of detours."

"Heh..."

He smiled mysteriously.

"We might not be able to beat those female wizard apprentices in terms of strength, but we can make them surrender in bed."

Karl shook his head, speechless.

Apparently, this guy wasn't just talkative; he was also a lecher. It seemed that one couldn't judge a person solely by their appearance.

Fragment of the Divine Domain.

Karl held a pipette, dripping a drop of dark red blood into a container filled with blue liquid.

Instantly, the liquid in the container changed.

The blue turned to yellow, and the calm water surface rippled.

"Bang!"

The container exploded, sending shards flying in all directions.

"As I thought!"

Karl's eyes lit up with excitement.

"The blood of a Water Monkey can be used as a primary ingredient for the Ferocious Potion, but it has to be fresh blood."

Free Harbor.

Karl visited Susan again.

"Karl!"

Susan smiled warmly.

"You've come at the perfect time. I've been wanting to introduce you to Miss Lula, but I never had the chance."

"Today's the day, then."

Karl gestured with a sweep of his hand, "The daughter of the Dragon King Merchant Guild's leader, a Peak Knight with exceptional sword skills, and an experienced merchant."

"My good friend and superior, Miss Lula!"

Karl turned to look.

Under the slightly glaring sunlight, a tall and graceful lady approached with a confident stride, nodding at him.

Lula!

Her hair was like satin, a golden hue, and her eyes were a deep blue, exuding an innate nobility.

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

Despite being a woman, her attire leaned more towards the masculine, a tight-fitting knight's outfit that accentuated her curvaceous figure.

A body full of explosive curves!

The vibrant life force emanating from her indicated that this lady's strength was not only formidable but also terrifying.

Her physique seemed to be on the verge of a Grand Knight.

Karl instinctively narrowed his eyes.

Dangerous!

This was a warning sign he hadn't sensed from a knight in a long while.

Even if she was a Peak Knight, she shouldn't pose a significant threat to him, let alone trigger such a warning.

Unless...

Seal

Lula bore a special seal on her body, one that granted her the power to defeat a Grand Knight.

The lady's radiance was so dazzling that the few people around her could be subconsciously overlooked.

"Miss Lula."

Karl bowed,

"I've heard of your name for a while, and I'm honored to meet you here today."

"Haha..." Lula laughed heartily, her voice slightly hoarse, contrasting her delicate features.

"Speaking of which, it was my condition that allowed you to join the Dragon King Merchant Guild, but we've never had the chance to meet until now."

"You've always been busy!"

As one of the guild's leaders, she was meeting a subordinate for the first time months after their induction.

"..." Karl gave an awkward laugh,

"I had some matters to attend to recently, but now they're settled, and it won't happen again."

"I hope so." Lula narrowed her beautiful eyes,

"We were just talking about you, and I was wondering if Alchemist Karl could increase his potion production in the coming months?"

"The guild can raise the purchase price."

"This..." Karl hesitated,

"I'm not sure by how much the production needs to increase?"

"Three percent!" Lula held up three fingers,

"The guild is preparing to open a new sea route this year, and we're short on all kinds of supplies, especially potions."

"The purchase price...")



"Will be increased by ten percent from the original!"

Three percent?

Karl pondered for a moment.

Most of the potions made in the past few months were crafted by Aya, and if he joined in, increasing production by three percent wouldn't be difficult.

Moreover, Aya's proficiency had improved, and their shop had spare capacity, so it wasn't a problem.

He nodded,

"No problem!"

"Good!"

Lula clapped her hands,

"Then it's settled. Starting tomorrow, we'll increase production, and Susan will oversee this matter."

Her style was always decisive and efficient.

"Yes, ma'am."

Susan acknowledged.

"By the way..." Lula tapped her forehead, suddenly realizing, and turned to Karl,

"You must have come here for something?"

"Yes."

Karl nodded and said,

"I wanted to ask if there are any captured Water Monkeys left. If there are, I plan to buy a few."

"Water Monkeys?" Susan laughed,

"It seems your experiment was successful, but unfortunately, the guild doesn't have any Water Monkeys at the moment."

"None?" Karl frowned,

"There should be some elsewhere, right?"

"Water Monkeys are not something anyone would willingly provoke." Lula took over, sitting down with her legs crossed,

"We don't have any here, and you won't find any in Free Harbor. If you're not in a hurry, wait a few months."

"When the time comes, if a fleet passes by the Water Monkeys' stronghold, I'll instruct them to try and capture a few."

"A few months?" Karl asked,

"That long?"

"Of course." Lula nodded,

"A fleet won't set sail without ensuring sufficient profits, and even with good luck, they'll be out at sea for over a month."

"Hmm..."

She thought for a moment,

"If you're willing to pay, they can make a detour to hunt Water Monkeys and return as soon as they capture them."

"But that would still take a few months!"

Sending a sea vessel on a long-distance hunt with so many crew members and supplies was no small expense.

A few months? Karl shook his head,

"Is there another way?"

"If you're willing to pay, they can send a ship specifically for hunting Water Monkeys. It'll take..." Lula calculated,

"About twenty thousand Serenity Coins!"

"Last year, the Sea God Guild sent a small ship for a single coral, and it cost the same."

Karl's face turned bitter.

He had saved up quite a bit in the past few months, but he wasn't that wealthy. Twenty thousand Serenity Coins could buy a large collection of seals.

"There's another way..." Susan said softly,

"Oh!" Karl's eyes lit up.

"What method?"

"There are some private ships in Free Harbor, and our guild has a few as well. They have fewer people and are more convenient for travel," Susan explained.

"A few thousand Serenity Coins, and they can make the trip."

"A few thousand?" Karl asked.

"That, I can accept."

"If you're willing, I can make the introductions," Susan offered. "But let me be clear, they don't have the same guarantees as us. There's a good chance you'll spend the money and get nothing in return."

"No problem," Karl said. "Let's give it a try!"

...

Susan had a wide network, and it didn't take long for her to find someone.

"Alchemist Karl," a blond man named Connie greeted him. He was a legendary captain of the ship Breakwind, known for its speed.

Connie was no longer young, but he still possessed a handsome appearance.

"Catching a Water Monkey is a challenging task, but I'm confident I can take it on. However, I'll need one hundred thousand Serenity Coins," he said, sitting in a chair.

"Not a penny less!"

Karl opened his mouth but shook his head helplessly.

"Connie has a good reputation, and his character is trustworthy... at least for business," Susan whispered. "It's just a bit expensive."

"One hundred thousand Serenity Coins..." Karl sighed. "I really can't afford that!"

He could sense the confidence in the captain, and his cultivation might even be that of a Grand Knight.

No wonder he could do business in the territories of the three major powers.

"Although we didn't reach an agreement, it was a pleasure to meet you, Alchemist Karl," Connie said, reading the room. He stood up and shook Karl's hand, then turned to the female owner of the shop with a smile. "Susan, do you have time this evening?"

"No," Susan rolled her eyes. "When you clean up the women around you, then come find me again."

"I've always been clean," Connie spread his hands. "If you don't believe me, you can check my room on the ship. I welcome you anytime."

"Shameless!" Susan scoffed. "Get out!"

It was clear that there had been some history between the two.

...

"Karl," Susan introduced again.

"This is Blackbeard Gray, and his assistant Charles. They are both experienced sailors."

"And two valiant knights!"

"Gray has a seaworthy ship and often takes on quick-turnaround missions for the guild. He has a good reputation."

Gray had a thick beard, true to his name, a stocky build, and carried an axe on his back.

Charles had triangular eyes and a hooked nose, giving him a shadowy appearance.

They were also members of the Dragon King Merchant Guild, but they belonged to a different vice president, not the one backed by Susan.

"Water Monkeys are tricky to deal with," Charles spoke up. "They live in colonies, and if you disturb them, they'll get angry. Even a Grand Knight could be torn apart if surrounded by them."

"That's right."

Gray nodded, his voice deep and dull. "And Water Monkeys live deep in the ocean. It takes several days just to reach them, and you want them alive."

"The task is too difficult!"

"Water Monkeys are only troublesome when provoked. Usually, they're just a bit stronger than regular monkeys. With your strength, it shouldn't be a problem to handle them," Karl said. "And there's no need to fight to the death. Just sneakily knock out a few or bring them back unconscious."

"Hmm..."

Charles took out two bottles of potion from his body and placed them on the table. "This potion can ensure that the Water Monkeys stay unconscious for several days. Once you reach Free Harbor, you can complete the task."

"But it's still too risky," Charles shook his head. "You make it sound easy, but the ocean is their domain. If something goes wrong, we won't even have a chance to escape."

"That's right, Captain!"

"Mhm," Gray nodded slowly.

"Five thousand Serenity Coins, and I'll do a round trip within fifteen days. It's not a cheap offer," Karl bargained. "If you can finish a day earlier, I'll give you an extra hundred coins."

"And..."

"If it were easy, we wouldn't be here," Charles added.

"This..." Gray hesitated, showing some interest.

"No way!" Charles shook his head vigorously. "This is different from our usual tasks. We could die this time. Five thousand is too little."

"We can take it, but we need a higher price!"

"Agreed," Gray licked his lips and opened his large hand. "Five thousand!"

"Mr. Karl, if you're willing to pay five thousand Serenity Coins, we'll accept the task."

"Two thousand as a deposit, and the remaining three thousand upon delivery."

Charles nodded in agreement.

Five thousand?

Karl's eyes flickered, and finally, he said, "Agreed!"

"But I want to see the Water Monkeys within half a month, or three fresh samples of their heart's blood."

Before this, he had met with several crews who had heard the news, but few had the real strength, and five thousand Serenity Coins was an acceptable price.

After a brief thought, he agreed.

"No problem!" Gray stood up. "I won't disappoint you."

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(End of Chapter)

Chapter end