I Became the Progenitor Vampire Chapter 281

Chapter 281: Chapter 283: Crimson Mage Tower, What Are You Up To Again? (7600 Words) Chapter 281: Chapter 283: Crimson Mage Tower, What Are You Up To Again? (7600 Words) From Frost Month last year to Planting Season this year,
Green City had fallen into an inexplicable heavy atmosphere.

The sky had changed.

Beastmen, Undead, and even the Fishman Country were pressuring the southern provinces.

On the streets of Green City, people bustled about, but most pedestrians hastened their step, their expressions grave, even the usually loud courtesans at the street corners consciously lowered their voices.

Merenaries in blood-stained armor looked fierce, their spoils of war no longer bodies or hides of Demon Beasts, but skulls flickering with Soul Fire.

A few priests in immaculate white robes, expressions of divinity and kindness, were now distributing holy water diluted hundreds of times along the green-mossed cobblestone streets to the surrounding crowd.

Although the diluted Holy Water in cheap glass bottles had lost its ability to heal injuries and illnesses, it could still barely fend off the invasion of low-level negative energy.

The patrol team, organized and disciplined, had abandoned their usual domineering behavior and were now patrolling the city with a vigilant demeanor.

The beggars on the street had also decreased by a significant number, and even the ordinary citizens passing by had thinned out a lot.

The challenging environment caused small merchants doing business behind their semi-circular doors to frown with worry as they watched the increasingly abnormal scene on the street.

Those most affected by every shift in power were not the Great Nobles or Power Holders, but these lower-class civilians with small assets.

When waves stirred, not a single small fishing boat could safely avoid the assault of the storm.

“I've heard that although the Northern Undead have retreated, the Death Cemetery is still there. I bet those damned Undead left it there on purpose!”

“Exactly, they did it deliberately, so they can deploy their troops at any time for the next invasion.”

“Sigh… even Master Spark, a Great Mage, was seriously injured by the Undead. If such a powerful mage can't hold out, we attacking the Death Cemetery might face even more brutal attacks, especially since even Lord Rock couldn't directly destroy the Death Cemetery…”

“Hehe, what can we do? It's the mission mandated by the major guilds. We signed a pact when we joined the guilds that we must stand with them in times of crisis.

You're from the Thief Guild, which is better; if you can't win, you can still escape through the shadows. We from the Warrior Guild are probably going to risk our lives going in there.”

“Hmph, those damned mages! If it weren't for the Mage Association proposing to gather all the guilds' strength to clear out that strange Death Cemetery, would we need to go through all this trouble?”

“No choice, who makes those mages' lives more precious than ours…”

Just before stepping into the Crimson Mage Tower, Lide, who had just returned to Dawn City, overheard the resentful conversation between two mercenaries on the secretive street belonging to the Crimson Mage Tower.

Lide's eyes revealed a hint of contemplation. He had not expected the situation in Green City to change so swiftly, with even the guilds' forces being mobilized.

In Green City, the most powerful guild was undoubtedly the Mage Association. The high and mighty mage lords, nearly all Great Nobles from Green City, had their influence spread across various industries–they were the undisputed bosses. The city's most powerful Protector – the Extraordinary Mage, Lord Rock, was the chairman of the Mage Association.

Several other guilds with strong power controlled most of the professionals in Green City. The Mercenary Guild, focusing on accepting and issuing missions, the Adventurer's Guild exploring Ancient Ruins, and other professional guilds like the Thief Guild and Warrior Guild.

These major guilds constituted the strongest force in Green City, and the nearly 60,000 soldiers controlled by the City Lord were inconsequential compared to this power.

“Betty, has the Crimson Mage Tower been summoned?”

Lide turned his head to look at the majestic Valkyrie beside him and asked,
“No,” Betty shook her head, “The magic scrolls produced by the Crimson Mage Tower are an important resource for resisting the Northern Undead, and we have not been conscripted.”

After saying this, she paused slightly, “But as a trade-off, the magic scrolls we currently produce can no longer be sold to any other power. All the scrolls are purchased by the various guilds.”

Lide nodded in understanding. At such a critical moment, the Nobles of Green City would certainly try to mobilize all resources and strength.

The Crimson Mage Tower being restricted was not something strange, and who they sold to didn't matter to them at all.

But the current problem was that the remaining Undead were probably more troublesome than imagined.

“Lord Lide…”

Before he even stepped through the gates of the Crimson Mage Tower, a voice filled with excitement rang from inside.

Wearing a blue mage's robe, with golden curly hair that reached her waist, and sapphire-blue eyes shining with brilliance, the petite figure approached Lide with a face full of excitement.

Looking at the girl who had obviously lost a lot of weight in front of him, a touch of tenderness flashed in Lide's eyes.

He reached out and ruffled the girl's hair.

“Vina, long time no see…”

Having seen Lide, Vina's joy overflowed from her heart. She obediently turned her head to let Lide stroke her curly golden hair.

“Yes, Lord Lide, you went out before the Frost Month last year; it has been half a year…”

“Half a year,” Lide's expression was somewhat sentimental, “It really did pass in the blink of an eye. Let's go, we'll talk inside.”

Vina quickly stepped aside, and only then did she notice Little Yisha and Betty, and she promptly greeted the two girls.

Lide looked at the three charming figures, each with their own allure, and his mood lifted considerably.

A cute apprentice, an obedient maid, and a wild Valkyrie – this combination was unbeatable.

Stepping into the Crimson Mage Tower, after half a year of construction, the tower was in much better shape than the previous construction site, but it was still somewhat disordered, with many trenches yet to be filled in with soil.

Lide felt a headache looking at the scene.

This Ancient Alchemy Array was almost becoming his heartache.

Having invested so much, with construction going on for over a year without seeing any results, if it weren't for Spark personally working on it, he would really consider halting this gold-eating behemoth.

With the invested funds, he could have created Alchemy Bombs capable of destroying armies of tens of thousands.

However, thinking of Spark made Lide frown; he still didn't know the condition of his informal teacher and would have to check on him later.

Entering the Mage Tower, Lide didn't stop on the first floor but went directly to the third-floor study where he usually worked.

Tall oak bookshelves stood tightly packed, with one precious book after another filling the shelves.

Although he hadn't come back for half a year, the place was still so tidy that not a speck of dust could be found.

Lide nodded in satisfaction and, of course, took his seat in the only armchair behind the desk in the study after entering.

“Vina, give me a report on the Crimson Mage Tower's status during this time, starting with the number of personnel.”

He had been away for so long that he was beginning to lose track of his own resources.

He had to know everything.

As the helmsman, he didn't need to personally set the sails, but he did have to know how many sailors he had, how many sails, and how much food.

Vina's expression gradually became solemn as she talked about business, stepping into the role of a manager that could stir up trouble in Green City and even the southern provinces.

Vina was now undisputedly the rising star of Green City's business world, and even the brightest at that.

She was even referred to as the 'business queen' by a small number of nobles who had dealings with her.

“Lord Lide, our development has not stalled during the half year you've been away.

At present, the Crimson Mage Tower has a total of 120 official mages, among which 15 are at Level 5, qualifying as intermediate mages.

There are 650 mage apprentices.

The guard team comprises 200 members, with 180 between Levels 5 to 9 and 20 at Level 10. This batch of guards was purchased by Betty at the Bloody Colosseum.”

With 120 official mages and 650 apprentices, the Crimson Mage Tower's current total number of mages has reached 770.

This is an exaggeration of numbers.

Just before the Frost Month two years ago, the Crimson Mage Tower didn't have any official mages, only 22 apprentices, and now in just under two years, it has grown into a major force with seven to eight hundred mages.

Although the levels of the apprentices are generally low at present, with the Crimson Mage Tower's astounding earning ability, raising a batch of high-level mages isn't a particularly difficult task given enough resources.

“Is the guard team organized independently or managed as part of the Crimson Mage Tower?” What piqued Lide's interest, however, was this guard team.

Upon hearing this, Vina turned to glance at Betty, who shrugged nonchalantly.

“At the moment, Betty has full authority over the guard team, providing protection when our merchant caravans go out to purchase important materials, or when a mage needs protection, the guard team will also provide support.”

Lide nodded. While the strength of mages is undoubted, the Crimson Mage Tower clearly does not yet match the terrifying foundation of the White Tower, so the organization of this guard team is quite satisfactory – at least it can prevent the Crimson Mage Tower from being secretly attacked by enemies before it has fully developed.

Having a team of warriors under a mage tower might not sound great, but he has always been a pragmatist.

Turning his head to look at Betty, who was somewhat awkward at this moment, Lide gave a smile to the valkyrie.

“In the future, expand the guard team to 500 members. If you need funding, you can apply directly to Vina.

Betty, this guard team will be under your jurisdiction. You can purchase a separate area near the Crimson Mage Tower as a base.

My only request is that you train this guard team to be strong enough.”

Surprise flashed across Betty's face, which had sharp, mixed-blood features, upon hearing Lide's unexpected words.

“No problem, I will train this army with the methods used to train the strongest Northern Warriors.”

Lide smiled slightly. The Northern Land Valkyrie, this legendary-level combat expert, was somewhat wasted as a mere mascot for the Crimson Mage Tower.

Since she was willing, he was also willing to support her.

Only with sufficient strength in hand would his confidence be solid.

“Continue with the next item.”

“Yes,
The second item, the Crimson Mage Tower's revenue, which can be divided into three categories.

The first category is the Magic Factory, currently producing 1,000 magic scrolls per day, about 30,000 per month. With magic scrolls priced at 9 Gold Pucks each, after deducting 3 Gold Pucks of cost, the profit per scroll is 6 Gold Pucks, totaling about 180,000 Gold Pucks per month.

The second item, the Mysterious Street, we have built a street selling various weapons and magic scrolls outside the Crimson Mage Tower. Due to the attractions of shopping points and membership system, Mysterious Street is now the most prosperous gathering place for professionals in Green City.

The Mysterious Street brings us about 30,000 Gold Pucks of profit per month.

The third item, Golden Wheat Commerce.

After two years of rapid expansion, Golden Wheat Commerce now relies on the protection and wide network of the Crimson Mage Tower and has become a big commerce guild within Green City.

Grains, cotton, salt, textiles – we have stakes in these industries. Although our share is far from comparing with Green City's large nobles, the profit we make each month has reached 10,000 Gold Pucks, and there is still great potential for further development.”

With several projects combined, the Crimson Mage Tower's income reaches 220,000 Gold Pucks per month.

It's definitely a monthly target of twenty plus small goals.

But Lide shook his head, not too moved by this number.

As the scale of Dawn City gets bigger, the places where money is spent also multiply. Although the Crimson Mage Tower earns fast, it doesn't help that he spends even faster.

220,000 Gold Pucks isn't enough to produce 10,000 alchemy bombs.

At this thought, Lide showed a slight bitter smile.

The more money made, the more it felt like there was never enough.

“Have the furs we traded from the Short Hills been transported? How much longer will it take to process them all?”

Hearing Lide's question, Vina's beautiful blue eyes pondered for a moment before she slowly replied.

“This batch of Demon Beast furs has replenished our nearly depleted stock, but the magic factory's production capacity is limited. To fully process all of it would require at least three months.”

Lide frowned, this absorption rate was a bit slow.

A few days ago, he had dispatched the second generation Bloodline and Withered Bone to open new trade routes in the Short Hills, with armor and other goods exchanged from the Centaur Tribes for Demon Beast furs. After a week's trade, Dawn City had earned at least a hundred million Gold Pucks worth of Demon Beast furs.

Of course, this profit assumed that Crimson Mage Tower turned them into magic scrolls and sold them.

However, the current awkward situation was the enormous quantity of Demon Beast furs which the Crimson Mage Tower couldn't immediately process.

At this thought, Lide couldn't help but shake his head. This was also why he wanted to establish a magic factory in Dawn City.

The geographical location of the Crimson Mage Tower meant that it was difficult to expand any further, and with the Iron Hoof Tribe becoming his proxy in the Dwarf Hills, there would be a large amount of fur revenue in the future.

He couldn't always wait for the Crimson Mage Tower to digest the spoils of war, that would be too much of a waste of time.

“Alright, we need to expedite this matter. The route through the Dwarf Hills has already been cleared by me, so from now on, the Crimson Mage Tower will no longer lack Demon Beast fur.”

The Dwarf Hills may be barren, but with millions of Centaurs sustaining the Crimson Mage Tower, these resources are definitely sufficient.

“Additionally, have you heard any news about the High-Level Magic Scroll Making Skill that I asked you to keep an eye on?”

Low-level Magic Scrolls could no longer satisfy Lide's appetite, and it was time for the Crimson Mage Tower to upgrade its industry, moving from low-end to high-end manufacturing.

But before that, the lack of High-Level Magic Scroll Manufacturing Skill needed to be addressed.

Vina shook her head with some difficulty.

“High-Level Magic Scroll Making Skills are extremely rare, and generally, one can only find them in Ancient Ruins, available for purchase on the market only after adventurers or mercenaries have unearthed them and put them up for auction.

Otherwise, it's very difficult to come across such precious manufacturing skills in the market.”

The Magic Scroll Making Skills that are available in the world are also typically found in ruins, and it is not uncommon for an assassin or warrior adventurer who cannot use such treasures to sell them for Gold Pucks or to exchange for equipment relevant to their Profession.

It's just that Magic Scroll Making Skills above the Three Circle Level are rarer.

“Pay more attention to these developments, and if you find any, secure them at all costs, regardless of whether the price is open or hidden.”

Lide's gaze was deep. As a dark boss, he was not a creature of the Good Camp.

If reaching his goal meant resorting to some extreme measures, it was not unacceptable.

This was a fight for survival space; there was no justice or goodness, only what was beneficial or harmful to the Bloodline race.

“Yes, Lord Lide, I have already reached an agreement with the nobles of Green City. Regardless of who it is, anyone who sells High-Level Magic Scrolls to the Crimson Mage Tower will, in turn, be able to purchase that type of Magic Scrolls produced by the tower at fifty percent below the market price, for a continuous span of three years.”

This agreement was indeed bold, and Lide nodded in great satisfaction. With this, the nobles of Green City would probably be even more eager than the Crimson Mage Tower itself.

Considering the current production situation of the Crimson Mage Tower, a fifty-percent cut in profit would still bring in an additional several hundred thousand Gold Pucks per year.

And this would be for three years… the benefits were enough to tempt any noble.

Not all nobles had the terrifying productive power of the Crimson Mage Tower; nobles in Green City with a monthly income of 100,000 Gold Pucks were extremely rare.

This policy would not disadvantage the Crimson Mage Tower either. After all, High-Level Magic Scroll Making Skills were so rare that they represented a long-term source of wealth.

“Very well, you will take personal responsibility for this matter.

Speaking of which, to what extent has our Ancient Alchemy Magic Array been constructed so far?”

Thinking of the pits outside, Lide couldn't help but twitch at the corners of his mouth.

“Because of the three months you spent in slumber, we mobilized all of our Gold Pucks to purchase Magic Crystal Stones, resulting in a halt in construction.

Then two days ago, Master Spark was invaded by Death Aura. Although there is no immediate threat to his life, it is unlikely he will be able to continue construction in the short term.

If Master Spark could start building now, perhaps it could be completed by the Frost Month this year.”

Hearing Vina's words, Lide shook his head, “Let's put that aside for now,” he wasn't sure about Spark's situation and it wasn't wise to make too many arrangements at this point.

“Is there anything else?”

Vina nodded, with a somewhat solemn tone, “Because of the Fishman Empire's blockade of the Nolan Empire's coastline, we are about to run out of at least three kinds of materials for making magic scrolls.

Although I have already dispatched the commerce to search in other cities and have asked the Nobles for purchase, the results have been extremely unsatisfactory so far.

If we don't receive a supplement in the future, the magic factory will have to stop production in a maximum of three months.”

The Fishman Empire, Lide couldn't help but want to complain, you're an underwater race and here you are causing trouble on the surface.

“I'll find a way to deal with this; go prepare the carriage, I need to make a trip to the White Tower first.”

Lide shook his head, these issues definitely couldn't be resolved in a short period of time, better to go check on Spark first.

The Crimson Mage Tower, a power established by his own hands, would not escape his control; he could just let Vina, who had acted perfectly up until now, take charge.

Although Spark had been looked after by an Extraordinary, there was no danger to his life in the short term, but it would be too much if he didn't visit his disciple as soon as he came back.

“Lord Lide, the carriage is ready for you upon your return; you may use it at any time,” Vina immediately got up, her eyes full of tenderness and admiration.

His little maid was always so thoughtful.

Lide nodded with satisfaction, his gaze shifting.

“Isa, do you want to come with your teacher to visit Grandfather Spark?”

Little Isa, who had been sitting quietly by Lide's side and had not spoken, immediately nodded, “Mm…”

Betty, hearing this, also stood up, her expression serious as she stared at Lide.

“Green City is not safe lately, I have to protect Isa.”

Lide's mouth twitched slightly, if you want to follow, just say it, it's not like you're not allowed to go; that excuse was just… too flimsy.

Stepping out of the Mage Tower, they got into the spacious carriage that had already been prepared; the clear sound of the horses' hooves on the cobblestone road headed towards the White Tower.

Isa sat quietly by Lide's side, stealing glances at him from time to time, her small face brimming with contentment.

Vina and Betty sat opposite Lide, Vina's eyes shining like stars, gazing tenderly at her master without avoiding the other two girls.

Even after boarding the carriage, Betty still didn't let go of her giant sword; her palm gently wiping the slightly cold, black blade, while her sidelong glances occasionally took in the figure that seemed to house a giant dragon within.

Their eyes occasionally met, and each time the Northern Land Valkyrie would turn her head quickly as if burnt by fire, a faint blush spreading across her face, but she pretended nothing had happened, only unconsciously speeding up the rate at which she wiped the blade.

Lide paid no attention to the little games of the girls, he was thinking about the turbulence brought about by the recent changes in the situation.

Although the Crimson Mage Tower currently had plenty of Demon Beast hides, the magical raw materials from the deep sea were a big problem. If the Fishman Empire continued to blockade the Blue Sea Province, the Crimson Mage Tower would face a shortage of two to three magical raw materials in less than two months.

This issue still needed a solution.

But how to solve it was giving him a headache.

The carriage wasn't slow, and after about half a Sunshine Hour, the towering spire of the White Tower appeared before a somewhat distressed Lide.

After parking the carriage, Lide shook his head to clear it and led his group off.

When Lide arrived at the entrance of the White Tower, he found the doors were guarded by nearly thirty Mages–an impressively tight security. However, these Mages didn't dare stop Lide upon seeing him and quickly invited him into the Tower.

Before even stepping through the door, two Advanced Mages of Level 10 came out to greet him.

Lide happened to know them; they were some of the Mages involved in training the Mage Apprentices for Dawn City.

“Good day, Mr. Lide.”

The two Advanced Mages bowed respectfully to Lide. As a disciple of Spark, Lide, though he did not frequent the White Tower often, held a much higher status than an ordinary Advanced Mage.

“Good day, take me to see my teacher,” Lide said without any intention of exchanging courtesies.

The Advanced Mage in the characteristic white robes of the White Tower hesitated and glanced at Betty, who was carrying her greatsword behind Lide.

“Mr. Lide, this lady… weapons are not allowed.”

Lide raised an eyebrow, not bothering to speak.

With a slight surge of Magic Power, the awe of a Level 15 boss radiated out, and the aura of fear unique to the Bloodline race also activated in that instant.

Fear began to spread at that moment, and everyone felt as if they were being targeted by a giant dragon, their legs turning to jelly.

The surrounding air seemed as thick as mercury, and the guarding Mages could barely breathe.

Fortunately, the intimidation was quickly withdrawn, and without Lide uttering a word, the Advanced Mage dared not hinder him any further, obediently leading Lide into the Mage Tower.

Once Lide had disappeared up the stairs, the Advanced Mage who had faced Lide's Dignity slowly recovered from his extreme terror.

“Lord Lide… is he really that strong?!”

The twenty or so official Mages guarding the place were also filled with fear; one of them brave enough to speak in a trembling voice.

“Master Kena, has Lord Lide… has he become a Great Mage? Why does his aura feel so close to that of Master Spark…”

Kena, whose legs had turned to jelly from Lide's fearsome aura, stammered with undisguised terror.

“I, I don't know…”

Now that everyone had recovered, they remembered the recent events and felt extremely conflicted.

Perhaps everything could be faked, but the aura of a Level 15 Great Mage they had witnessed too many times around Spark could not possibly be false.

Immediately, the answer that rendered them nearly breathless surfaced in their minds–Level 15.

The disciple of Master Spark, Master of the Crimson Mage Tower, Lord Lide Kachar, might have broken through to Level 15!!

“Lord Lide… he must have reached Level 15…”

Accompanied by the trembling silhouette of a Mage, the scene fell into a deathly silence.

All eyes turned toward the now empty staircase… their thoughts complex.

Guided by two White Tower Mages, Lide led the three girls to the White Tower's library, Spark's usual haunt.

“Lord Lide, Master Spark is inside the library, reading…”

“Thank you, you can leave now,”
“Yes, my lord.” After what had just happened, the few Mages did not dare to say more. They bowed and quickly scampered off, seemingly afraid that Lide would cause new trouble.

Once the two White Tower Mages had left, Lide was about to push the door open when he suddenly seemed to remember something.

He looked a bit odd.

Turning to face the three girls who were eagerly watching him, he cleared his throat.

“Wait here for a bit, you three. I'll go in first…”

After knocking and receiving no response for a prolonged period, Lide, impatient, pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The lighting inside was somewhat dim, with Grey Mountain's plush carpet covering the floor, cushioning each step.

Spark's library was at least five times larger than his own, with tall oak bookshelves reaching the ceiling and crammed so closely together only one person could weave through them. The heavy scent of books filled the entire space.

But Lide's expression was rather exciting now, for at the library's sole desk, his mentor Spark was sitting with a bird's nest hairdo, sipping wine contentedly.

And his desk was covered with portraits glowing with ripples of Magic Energy.

Most of these portraits depicted young girls, and the crucial point was that the girls in these portraits were… barely clothed.

Lide's face twisted with a black line.

In broad daylight, what are you doing, you old man, wounded from an attack by the Undead, indulging in such vices alone in your study?

As Spark was happily flipping through the portraits, he suddenly furrowed his brow, feeling that something was off. He whipped his head around and, upon seeing Lide, froze.

How did this mischievous kid get here? His expression changed drastically.

He leaped up and in a hurry flipped over the portraits on the desk, shuffling them into a drawer.

After tidying up, Spark, full of rage, glared at Lide, who had barged in without invitation, and slammed the wine bottle he hadn't been willing to put down onto the desk. Red wine splashed from the small-mouthed bottle, and he shouted angrily.

“Kachar family brat! Who let you in here?! Don't you know I was just studying Magic?! You almost made the Magic Model I had been assembling collapse!

Kachar!! You've interrupted a Great Mage's advancement on the Extraordinary Path!!

By the Magic Goddess above, you will surely be punished!”

Lide watched Spark, who was jumping around animatedly, and his mouth twitched viciously.

Who said this old man was affected by Undead energy?! Come out, I won't kill you.

Chapter end