Chapter 14: Luxury And Planning

Lancelot didn't have any interest in what the two were speaking about. Instead, he moved to the edge of the pavement, waiting for the car to pick him up.

This world was in a state of revolution, the new invention of the car slowly removing the need for horses unless in the world of Avalon.

A world where science and magic were starting to collide.

[Listen to those two damn girls gossiping about your amazing display in the arena and before.]

'Hmmm... Did you find me amazing?'

[You were the best!]

His lips curved into a smile before looking into the sky; today was a Saturday, so the academy was empty.

It was midsummer, the month of Julien.

Julien the 5th.

'How can I get stronger before we go to Avalon next week?'

[I have a method, but you might dislike it.]

He took a deep breath, thinking about whether disliking something was enough reason not to do something.

'I cannot avoid increasing my power and survivability because I don't like something.'

'Tell me, what can I do?'

Morgana was silent for several minutes, seeming to ignore him whenever he tried to speak with her, which was a little annoying.

However, luckily a strange hum suddenly sounded from a distance.

Three long black cars slowly drove down the black road. The road was created with a mixture of magic.

A substance called tarmac and a magical metal that absorbed heat and mana to repair and renew the road automatically.

Each car was long, with a shiny finish, like polished shoes. The cars were long-bodied limousines with silver rims and thick black tires.

A pristine logo on the front of them was labelled Wently.

Lancelot stepped forward, ignoring the girls behind him, wanting to hear the reply from Morgana. His eyes narrowed before the first car opened its doors, the steward driving the vehicle smiling towards him.

The man had grey hair, sleek and combed back, his eyes grey and filled with a sense of knowledge and wisdom.

His face rounded off with a thick moustache and pearly white teeth.

"Hello, I presume you are Lord Lancelot du Lac this year, Rank 1."

"My name is Sebastian, your steward and assistant for the next year; please enter the car and ask for support if you have any questions."

"I have a Silver Tier Lord rank and can help with most questions."

The man's voice was elegant, giving a sense of education and quality as he bowed deeply to Lancelot, not even a hint of displeasure at serving a fallen noble.

Lancelot hopped into the back seat, feeling the amazingly smooth leather under his body, which was firm and comforting.

"Ah! Wait, Lord Lancelot!" Sumika's voice sounded for a moment, followed by Guinevere's.

"Lancelot!? Can you not even show the manners to say goodbye!?"

He remembered in his past life reading about some details about the materials being enchanted with a rare type of Celtic magic used to transform the foam inside the seat to match the person's body.

"Lord Lancelot, if I may add." Sebastian continued with a smile on his face.

"Your swordplay was rather beautiful today; there were points it lacked."

"Yet, a young lad of 19 with your level is quite fantastic."

"I dare say you were at least two levels above Arthur when he was your age."

Despite the high praise, Lancelot didn't speak but nodded to the old man because he knew that once Arthur attained that sword.

His ability skyrocketed to a level Lancelot would need to work to the bone to surpass.

The cars left in order, and their speed and driving were identical, like all three drivers were completely in sync.

'Can you not tell me now?'

[Mmm...]

[Promise you won't hate me?]

'Ah, even if you asked me to become a murderer to become the strongest, I would.'

Brrrr!

A gentle hum filled the car; the dull glass partition blocked the sight between Sebastian and Lancelot.

He watched the rapidly moving sights, the old-fashioned buildings mixed with new modern types made with the rising of science and technology.

'It feels like Avalon serves to stop mankind's scientific development...'

Lancelot remembered that once things became irreparable, the first thing that happened was all scientific research and advancements somehow vanished like they never existed in the world.

Entire buildings and inventions are vanishing.

'Is there something related to the gods and rejecting technology?'

[First, I will help you use that training manual using my power. You should be able to complete it fully in 5 days instead of the expected 50 days.]

'That's helpful, but how will you make me complete that?'

[I'll mesmerise and charm you to train for 20 hours a day for five days, putting your life at risk, but the gain will completely improve your power.]

'Okay...'

Leaning back in his seat, the leather squeaked slightly while a tray slowly extended from the wall with a small glass of sharp-scented alcohol.

Lancelot recognised this; the scent of tobacco, cedarwood and honey filled the back compartment of the limousine.

'Will doing that cause any permanent damage?' He asked, lifting the whiskey to his nose, enjoying the scent before sipping the amber-coloured nectar.

[No, but Mommy might just molest you while you are mesmerised by her sexy body and captivating charm, fufu!]

'Hmmm...'

'Let's start after I arrive; I'll use my silver to buy enough food to sustain me; make sure you force my body to eat.'

[Don't you want to be free from my control and enjoy your meal? Maybe you could eat me out too?]

'So obscene...'

His car began to slow shortly after, turning into a huge complex.

The walls were pristine and white, magic seeming to vibrate from the walls.

Complimenting the walls were huge windows showing the wonderful interior with expensive paintings, furniture, and countless security wards floating around the building.

"Lord Lancelot, we will soon arrive at Apartment 1, your private apartment for the next year."

"Do I need to do anything special? Like visit the front desk or register my identity?"

Sebastian chuckled for a moment before he replied.

"No, the platinum key you received from that old bugger Merlin would allow you to enter the room. Once it registers your fingerprint and magic code, it will become a small tattoo on the back of your hand."

"Thank you, the ride was excellent."

"Please allow me to open the door. Otherwise, I might not offer you the best service."

"No problem, Seb."

The door clicked as Lancelot leaned back, taking a deep breath, worried for the future, knowing he needed to fight for his life.

The real trial would begin when he set foot in that apartment.

A trial for his survival.

[Second... I need you to find a woman for me to possess, then I can practise our Succubus Training Manual with you earlier than normal...]

[It will be dangerous, the girl will benefit, but she might also die... So someone desperate to rise is best...]

[A Demi-human Slave or Second-hand troop might be ideal...]

'...'

Lancelot's face became bitter because he couldn't risk this for a woman he knew; if it ruined Guinevere or Sumika, the past would repeat itself.

Second-hand units were those a Lord no longer wanted or gained by luck.

Mostly they were treated badly or sold due to Lords becoming poor, but most of all, they were usually the weakest or units with some deformity or illness.

Clack!

Sebastian opened the door, his smart attire and facial hair pristine white.

"Sebastian, I need a favour."

"Yes, Lord Lancelot?"

He stood smart, offering a salute while watching his Lord's facial expression as if trying to understand him.

"I need a price estimate, location and dealer for a demi-human Second-hand unit."

"A pristine specimen, my lord?"

Lancelot looked at the strange look of Sebastian before giving a wry smile; it was quite unusual for a Lord with promise ever to take second-hand units.

Rather it was seen in a negative light.

"I need one desperate to live, female, beautiful and preferably a demi-human of the beast variety."

"I don't care if she is weak."

"I don't care if she is sick."

"Please, find one that matches this by tonight; otherwise, don't bother."

"Understood, my Lord."

Sebastian was about to turn away, holding a black phone, but Lancelot stopped him; he removed half the silver coins and tossed the rest to Sebastian.

"I am willing to pay this amount of money, make sure she is willing, and I'll sign the contract with a blood oath, not a spirit link."

"My Lord... A blood oath is..."

I want to earn the troop's trust rather than force them to follow me."

"Understood!"

Sebastian bowed a face of respect on his dignified face as he slowly left the area, allowing Lancelot to leave the car carrying his platinum key and walking towards the huge black door with the number 1 carved in golden paint.

'Let's deal with this first.'

[You...]

[Are you not worried I lied or tricked you to escape your control?]

'Nope, if you could do that, you would never mention it now.'