Servants and subjectes
Lennon sat in the study of his newly acquired tower, the dim glow of mana crystals illuminating the room. His workspace was cluttered with alchemical tools, ancient tomes, and half-finished potions. The stillness was interrupted only by the soft hum of the tower's protective wards.
He leaned back in his chair, his sharp golden eyes narrowing as he considered his next move. Though his inheritance had greatly expanded his knowledge, the path forward was still arduous. Experimentation and crafting higher-tier potions required not only time and resources but also live subjects—test cases to validate his theories.
**"AI,"** Lennon said, breaking the silence. **"I need servants to manage this tower. Human slaves, elves, and other creatures. Compile a list of markets in Aetherhold where I can acquire them."**
**"Understood, Master,"** the AI replied. **"Cross-referencing slave markets in the southern district and Market of Shadows. Compiled list ready."**
Lennon glanced at the projection, nodding to himself. He rose from his seat, his black robes flowing behind him as he descended to the tower's entrance.
---
### **The Market of Shadows**
The **Market of Shadows** was as notorious as it was indispensable. Located beneath Aetherhold's central plaza, it was a sprawling underground bazaar illuminated by flickering, enchanted lanterns. The air was thick with the stench of mana-infused smoke and desperation.
Creatures from countless realms were shackled in enchanted chains, their expressions ranging from vacant to defiant. Magi and merchants bartered for slaves, rare materials, and forbidden knowledge.
Lennon moved through the chaos with measured steps, his presence commanding respect. Many vendors turned their heads, sensing the oppressive aura of a Third-Circle magus.
---
### **Selecting Servants**
At a corner booth, a middle-aged merchant greeted Lennon with a sly smile.
**"Welcome, Master Magus,"** the man said, bowing low. **"What can I offer you today? Humans, elves, or something more exotic?"**
Lennon's gaze was cold as he responded. **"Humans and elves for servants. I need other creatures for experimentation. Show me what you have."**
The merchant clapped his hands, and several cages were unveiled.
In one, a group of humans knelt silently, their expressions weary. Another cage held elves with sharp features and piercing eyes, their natural grace undiminished despite their chains. In a third, a hulking beast with thick scales growled low, its mana aura radiating hostility.
Lennon pointed to the humans and elves. **"I'll take five humans and three elves as servants."**
The merchant nodded eagerly. **"Excellent choices, Master Magus. Anything else?"**
Lennon turned his attention to the other cages, his eyes narrowing on a sleek, feline-like creature from a distant plane. Its dark fur shimmered as though woven with shadows.
**"That one,"** he said. **"And any others you have with strong mana reserves."**
The merchant hesitated. **"Master Magus, those are rare specimens. The price—"**
Lennon cut him off with a wave of his hand, tossing a pouch filled with high-grade mana crystals onto the table. **"Take it or leave it."**
The merchant's eyes widened at the sight of the crystals. **"Of course, Master Magus. They're yours."**
---
### **Returning to the Tower**
The slaves and creatures were delivered to Lennon's tower later that evening. As they entered the grand hall, they glanced around, their expressions a mixture of awe and trepidation.
Lennon addressed them coldly. **"You are now under my service. Your duties are simple: maintain the tower, ensure my experiments proceed smoothly, and do as I command. Disobedience will not be tolerated."**
The humans and elves bowed their heads, murmuring their assent.
Turning to the AI, Lennon issued further instructions. **"Catalog their skills and allocate tasks accordingly. Prioritize cleanliness and alchemical assistance."**
**"Understood, Master,"** the AI replied. **"Assigning roles now."**
Satisfied, Lennon dismissed them and made his way to the laboratory. The shadowy feline creature followed him, its glowing green eyes fixed on him intently.
---
### **Experimentation Begins**
In the days that followed, Lennon began his experiments. He used the elves as assistants, leveraging their natural affinity for mana to stabilize volatile potions. The humans handled mundane tasks, from cleaning apparatus to preparing basic ingredients.
The test subjects—lesser creatures with strong mana reserves—were less fortunate. Lennon's laboratory became a place of innovation and ruthlessness. Potions to enhance mana flow, strengthen the body, and even manipulate elemental affinities were tested on them, with varying results.
One evening, as Lennon reviewed his notes, the AI spoke up. **"Master, your progress is noteworthy. However, the mortality rate among subjects remains high. Shall I recommend adjustments to your formulations?"**
Lennon smirked faintly. **"No. Failure is part of the process. The formula will stabilize with time."**
---
### **Status Window Update**
As he paused to reflect on his progress, Lennon summoned his **Status Window**, now updated to reflect his extended seclusion and recent gains.
**Name:** Lennon Uranus
**Age:** 246
**Rank:** Third-Circle Magus
**Affiliation:** Independent
**Physical Stats:**
- **Strength:** 8
- **Agility:** 9
- **Endurance:** 10
**Magical Attributes:**
- **Mana Core Grade:** High-Tier Third-Circle
- **Elemental Affinities:** Darkness (Primary), Gravity (Secondary), Fire (Minor)
**Spells Mastered:**
#### **Third-Circle Spells**
- **Abyssal Lance** *(Offensive)*
- **Void Barrier Fortress** *(Defensive)*
- **Graviton Collapse** *(Area Control)*
- **Abyssal Cascade** *(Combined Offensive)*
#### **Second-Circle Spells**
- **Shadow Bind** *(Control/Utility)*
- **Dark Flame Barrage** *(Offensive)*
#### **First-Circle Spells**
- **Shadow Step** *(Utility)*
- **Mana Bolt** *(Basic Offensive)*
---
With the tower bustling and his experiments progressing, Lennon allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction.
.