Investments

The more time passed, the stronger he became. Even if he lacked talent, he could make up for it by killing existences and absorbing EXP. Even magical resources could be turned into EXP. Ice Perls were one such example.

Becoming an intermediate acolyte changed a lot. He could feel like he could cast his spells twice faster, and think faster. More importantly, he could understand spells faster.

'No wonder beginner acolytes often stop at learning one or two spells, while intermediate acolytes and higher learn dozens of spells. The learning process becomes several times faster!', Arthur analysed.

With his remaining magic crystals, Arthur decided to purchase two spells. The first one cost him 5 magic crystals, the second one cost him 50 magic crystals, and it was a discount from Dorian's personal library.

[Ice Shield - Defensive-type Low-grade Rank 0 Spell]

[Poison Ice Aura - Enchant-type High-grade Rank 0 Spell]

Still, Arthur could feel he could become several times stronger than he was before. More importantly, his leap in strength was unknown in the tower. Not even Dorian could expect his growth. After all, besides those who were learning from magi directly, breaking through the intermediate realm at the young age of 15 was definitely unheard of.

Underestimating him was the last thing the [Arcane Faction] would do.

Of course, Arthur knew why the Old Witch invested so much money in him. Be it the Scorpion Body Elixir that raised his physical attributes significantly or the reactive elixirs that could be used to breakthrough, each potion would cost nearly one hundred magic crystals to brew. And Arthur knew that the Old Witch was no intermediate alchemist. In order to brew medium-grade potions, she would need several attempts. Dorian's gifts and loan were small in comparison to what the Old Witch gave him.

However, Arthur was no fool.

The information she gave him was poisonous. It would create another [Faction War]. This time around, it would be between the [Arcane Faction] and the [Law Enforcement Faction]. One was a giant, the other was a puny group of acolytes, with only 2 active intermediate acolytes, including Arthur.

Weakening the giants of the Ivory Tower was an opportunity for the Black Widow Brotherhood to return to its past glory. All criminal factions shined in times of war. The Old Witch was probably planning on taking comissions on behalf of her organization. The Crimson Faction would probably just wait and look at the chaos with palpitation, since the fall of the Arcane Faction would benefit them.

Everything was part of an ambitious plan to strength the Black Widow Brotherhood. Even the strange act of buying dire beasts' materials from a young probationary acolyte back in the days was probably part of this plan. The Old Witch was a terrifying manipulator. She orchestrated everything. Her subordinates were oblivious to it. The Arcane Faction wasn't even considering her an enemy. As for Dorian, he was admiring Arthur for his actions and pride, mistaking his act for his true character.

Unknowingly, Dorian was nurturing a monster.

And this monster could not be kept in a cage.

Arthur had long since seen through the Old Witch's plans. Nevertheless, he never agreed to be manipulated. Even Billy's forceful interaction had not been forgotten. Arthur was a man who remembered things.

'I will make the Law Enforcement Faction win against the Arcane Faction...Mark my words, Old Witch, things will not go as you expect them to go. But first of all, it will require strong subordinates'

Arthur started to write a letter to Dorian. It began with the keywords: [Fund Request]

He had the confidence of turning William, Evangeline and John into his subordinates. Arthur wanted to create a team of acolytes specialized in acolyte hunting. For this purpose, William needed a defensive fire spell, Evangeline required to become physically more able and needed an offensive spell. As for John, he needed toxins and beatings.

One year.

Arthur had the confidence in turning them into elite beginner acolytes in a single year.

This implied a lot of troubles.

However, they were necessary.

If the Black Widow Brotherhood returned to the tower, he would be branded as a criminal. He didn't want that, since his family name held honour. He was a noble, and associating oneself with a criminal organization would turn him into an exile. Arthur planned on creating a magic tower in his family castle when the time came. He wouldn't be able to do that with criminal status.

If the Law Enforcement faction lost completely, then all his actions in the past month, including the murder of Kraft and his newly earned status would turn into dust.

The only way out of this predicament was simple: destroying the Arcane Faction.

Most would find it impossible.

However, Arthur was confident, because Arcane Faction acolytes were weak. They relied too much on their wealth, equipment and craftsmanship. Though they had high magic power, they didn't complete many life and death missions. Their senses were dull, and their combat prowess small.

With an elite group of acolytes bathing daily in blood, Arthur was confident that it was all it took to destroy the Arcane Faction. After all, fights within the tower were forbidden. However, anything could happen in the plains of deaths.