The Physician

[Recent spar has increased your understanding of two spells]

[Proficiency of [Ice Shield] has increased by 2 points]

[Proficiency of [Frozen Seal] has increased by 1 point]

The next day, Arthur was giving orders in the [Treasury Room], making an inventory of all the magical resources inside, transferring them to his laboratory, which had been finished in a hurry. Initially, the laboratory was the Landragon Physician's workplace, but Arthur wanted it and took it, a decision which his father supported without question.

"Put the [Lotus Flowers] next to the [Demon Plant Vine] flasks! And careful with them! Even a hundred of you will not be able to buy one [Lotus Flower], even if you work your entire life!", Arthur shouted

Servants looked at him like they would look at a tyrant, but they still obeyed. Arthur was someone the Viscount Landragon spoke with respect, even though he was his father. They all remembered how he used to treat him: coldly.

The fact that the man who represented strength and authority in the Viscounty could only mean one thing: Arthur Landragon was not the same kid who used to be bullied by his own brother, looked down by servants and scorned at by soldiers. He was a young kid who couldn't swing his sword properly. He was decent after years of training, but not talented by any means. Even instructors felt like he would never become a knight.

Yet...the servants, soldiers and knights could all see his monstrously dense muscles. His neck revealed veins and each one of his step was firm. His eyes were piercing like that of an eagle, and anyone who didn't match his expectations would feel fear. His whole body radiated killing intent unknowingly.

The Physician, who learned that his laboratory was being taken over along with his years of research despite his contributions to the Landragon territory, felt wronged and entered with great demeanour, followed closely by two knights.

[Hugo Fallwater - Level 4 Physician]

[Tony Bearson - Level 6 Knight]

[Paul Beltsy - Level 5 Knight]

"How dare you...How dare you take away my papers? There are keys to unlocking the secret behind the white pest that threatens the Porfield inhabitants every black win Fter! I will not allow this madness to continue. Stop this instant, and go back to your father!", Hugo, the Physician, spoke

Arthur looked at the two knights: "What if I don't?"

Tony Bearson sighed: "You are still young, Arthur. I trained alongside you when you were younger, and we sparred quite a few times. You have gotten stronger at the Ivory Tower, but sometimes, it is better not to offend the powerful people"

Arthur laughed: "Are you really telling me, the [Landragon Head Wizard] and son of Frederick Landragon, that I should not offend the powerful people of the Landragon? Haha!"

Paul Beltsy quickly coughed: "Mm, Tony...I don't think we should involve ourselves in this kind of power battle...If he really is the head wizard, then this means that he is at least a beginner rank acolyte backed by the Lord...I apologize, sir Arthur"

Tony smiled: "I know him! He is no sir. He is a disgrace that-"

Arthur's arm shot forward. It grabbed Tony's neck like a snake.

"I will tolerate your offense because my title hasn't been officialised yet. However, insulting me is not something a knight like you can do twice. I will not spare you twice", Arthur said

[You have dealt 12 points of damage]

[Target stopped breathing due to [Asphyxiation] ailment]

As soon as the knight passed out, Arthur unlocked Tony's neck.

[Killing intent skill activated...]

[23 individuals have received [Fear] ailment]

By the time Arthur's gaze locked Hugo Fallwater, the man had pissed himself.

"I understand what it feels like to be abandonned, Hugo. But I don't mean to replace you. In fact, I would love to have a conversation about those topics. I might not look like it since I am muscular and sturdy, but I am a curious scholar too. I am sure that there are plenty of subjects you are curious about. Come in the laboratory, later in the evening. I am sure we will have a pleasant conversation. I will not touch your research papers, naturally. I will just take over this laboratory so that I can do my work more efficiently, nothing more, nothing less", Arthur spoke.

Arthur could have killed Tony. However, level 6 knights were not that common. Killing him would not only make the other knights and soldiers unsafe, it would also be a loss for the Landragon Territory. By showing mercy, he would also receive quite a lot of reputation.

[New mission received]

[To Accumulate Achievements - Territory Mission

As the new head wizard of the Landragon Territory, you are expected to make achievements. Previous Head Wizards used to be as influential as the Lord, if not more.

Task - Make your name known throughout the Landragon Fief (Progress: 12%)

Rewards - 1 500 EXP, Reputation with the Landragon Family Members, 5 Skill proficiency points]

Arthur smiled.

He had left the Ivory Tower because the situation was growing out of his hand. Destroying the Crimson Clan might have weakened the big factions and allowed the Black Widow Brotherhood to bloom, but it didn't change the fact that the Orcs were growing stronger. Since Magus Rutherford hadn't moved a finger despite a major clan falling, it was only natural for Arthur to expect him not to do anything as long as it didn't threaten the Ivory Tower.

With the orc threat outside the Ivory Tower, fewer acolyte teams would dare to go out and complete missions. This would greatly reduce his opportunities to kill acolytes and plunder them. At this point, the risks far outweighed the gains, since it would lead suspicions to come for him, not to mention that he was wearing artefacts belonging to a Crimson Clan Elder.

He might be able to face other acolytes, but the Crimson Clan Leader was too strong for him to handle. And there was no way the Crimson Clan Leader, an advanced rank acolyte who had lost his disciples, friends and family members, would not investigate the accident.

By returning to the Landragon Territory, Arthur had taken the easy way out. He would be able to grow stronger, complete his research and refine his skills in a somehow peaceful environment while strengthening his family. By the time he returned to the Ivory Tower, he would surely reach the advanced acolyte realm.