Chapter 8: The Scientist's Arrival

Chapter 8: The Scientist's Arrival

"Ron, there's a city not far from here!" Greem's voice resonated through the carriage.

"Hmm."

"According to the markings on the map, we should have already entered Eastwoods Province. This is Roran City, situated at the provincial borders," Fraser reported.

Ron adjusted the map stored in the A.I. Chip, noticing a red line linking Roran City to several others. It was to the west of Extreme Night City, only a few days' journey.

"After eight months of traveling, we're finally here," Ron reflected, a tinge of ruefulness in his voice.

Throughout the journey, Ron had vented his stress on the three women accompanying him. He enjoyed their company and had instructed his Slave Knights to make the carriage as tempting as possible to bandits.

Their carriage had been attacked numerous times, providing Ron with opportunities to exhibit his ruthlessness. At this point, his growth had been slow, but it was still growth. Ron was not one to show mercy.

"I can increase my growth rate in Extreme Night City," he thought as the black horse carriage entered the city, drawing the respectful gaze of the guards.

To the people in Eastwoods Province, having a horse carriage, guards, and a maid elevated Ron to the status of an idle noble.

Ron hired a group of mercenaries for his journey to Extreme Night City. Initially, he felt he could handle things himself, but he soon realized that he needed assistance.

Seven days later, the group safely arrived in Extreme Night City. After a meal at an inn, Ron went to meet with Murphy.

He rang the doorbell, and a butler appeared, asking for an appointment.

"Leylin Farlier. I'm here to visit the owner of this villa," Ron said with a smile.

The butler seemed distressed, explaining Murphy's busy schedule. However, a maid whispered something to the butler, and the situation changed. Ron was promptly invited into the living room.

Inside, he found an elegant, spacious house. The decor exuded an aura of history and understated elegance.

Beside the fireplace, an old scholar with white hair and beard lounged on a dark red recliner. The old man's eyes occasionally showed signs of intelligence.

Murphy stood up and welcomed Ron with open arms. They hugged, and Ron presented him with an exquisite hat.

After some introductions, Ron and Murphy engaged in a conversation about their pasts and Ron's recent arrival in the city.

"You have great aptitude to advance to a level 2 acolyte at your age," Murphy admired.

"It's a matter of luck," Ron replied.

Ron settled in Extreme Night City with Murphy's help. They got along well, shared intellectual conversations, and Ron focused on collecting materials for creating magic artifacts.

One day, Murphy invited him to the City Lord's Banquet, and Ron reluctantly agreed, recognizing the importance of building connections with the local acolytes.

The banquet was filled with nobles and opulent carriages. Murphy had a good reputation among the nobility, and he greeted old friends with enthusiasm.

"Jackson, my friend! You've finally arrived!" Jackson, a burly middle-aged man, welcomed Murphy with a hug.

After some pleasantries, Jackson noticed Ron's strength and friendly demeanor.

"You should be a Knight too, right?" Jackson asked, impressed by Ron.

Their conversation moved indoors to a lavishly decorated hall. An orchestra played slow, enjoyable tunes, and long tables offered an assortment of food and wine.

As the night continued, Ron conversed with a young lady named Petrisha. They shared laughter, and Ron couldn't help but notice her alluring figure.

Murphy and the noblewomen he had been with earlier joined them. Ron and Petrisha made plans to meet after the party.

Later, in a room with several acolytes, an accidental disturbance next door prompted Murphy to isolate the noise. They discussed their plans to deal with the mysterious creature.

Ron left the Abyssal Bone Forest six months earlier than Feng, focusing on increasing his strength. The situation in Extreme Night City had yet to become dire, with nine months left to form an attack force against the mutated snake.

After some discussions, Ron returned to the party and left with Petrisha for an eventful night.

In the coming chapters, the story would take a different path from the original, with a challenging plot ahead.