First Quest

The academy's Quest Hall; all sorts of acolytes were gathered here. Most of them had gloomy expressions. Their bodies also reeked of blood and held traces of injuries.

Occasionally, a few grey-robed acolytes who irradiated strong magical energy would carry large monsters on their backs, garnering the envy and attention of others.

In the center of the Quest Hall was a black-colored rock wall, where various missions were arranged as a sort quest board. Green-colored words glowed against the black wall, making it look a little eerie.

Among the many missions, some were written in blood red and gave off an ominous feeling. Most of the missions listed were dangerous, but the rewards were also much better than the green ones.

In the corner of the hall, a few people moved around patiently as if they were waiting for someone.

"Leylin hasn't arrived yet?" -Raynor crossed his arms in front of his chest, seemingly annoyed.

"It isn't the designated time yet. What are you in a hurry for? Since he suggested this himself, he will definitely be here." -Kaliweir replied as he polished a black cleaver, the smooth blade stained with traces of blood.

"Leylin? Are you perhaps talking about that Potioneering acolyte whose name has become popular in the Trading Post?" -A green-haired girl's eyes shone with curiosity.

"It is said that his Potioneering talent is only second to Merlin's. Furthermore, his potions have recently become the top-sellers in the academy thanks to their much cheaper prices... Sorry! I-I'm not complaining or anything... But why would he want to join our team in the first place...?" -She added in a low tone.

"He was part of our original crew before we even boarded the dirigible. He's also a good friend of ours, so it's only natural for him to join us for missions." -Raynor said with a confident smile.

"Then you guys must definitely introduce him to us later. If we are able to approach an acolyte who knows Potioneering, we might not need to risk our lives on missions in the future anymore!" -One girl with vibrant red hair chuckled. Her body was extremely voluptuous and she appeared to like it when others took notice of this.

Raynor's eyes unconsciously scanned over this girl's physique, and then he suddenly felt parched.

"Hello, dear friends. I trust I was not late in meeting with you?" -Leylin wore a splendid set of silver and black layered plate armor which looked a little on the bulky side. Nonetheless, he moved as if it weighed nothing. A cross blade hung down on his waist, and a heavy crossbow was resting on his back, together with his trademark black leather satchel slung over his right shoulder.

His gear was of the best possible quality, and he had already purchased magical upgrades for his weapons, making his sword sharper and his crossbow more potent. Plus, he had incendiary ammunition. All in all, this was the first time he looked the part of a high noble; excepting his newer acolyte robes.

"We have just arrived too!" -Kaliweir sheathed his cleaver and smiled.

"Is it just the five of us?" -Leylin looked at the group. He recognized Kaliweir and Raynor but did not see Beirut and the rest.

"Beirut and the others are third-grade acolytes, but unlike yourself, they have not advanced to level 2 acolytes thus far. They only have a bit of resistance to magic spells, so the outside is too dangerous for them. This is also our first time going out after the previous failure and I don't wish for any more casualties to befall us!" -Kaliweir explained.

Leylin suddenly felt disappointed: 'Keeping them within the academy is good for them. They won't be at the risk of dying a horrible death by negligence...'

[You sound like you wanted them to die.] -Chimed in the A.I.

'Why, of course I wanted that. Alas, these chimps have apparently grown some brains and actually reasoned with logic for once. Unfortunately.'

[Hehe, you're terrible, Doctor. But I agree with you.]

"Come, brother. Let me make the introductions." -Kaliweir smiled warmly.

"The green-haired girl is Lilisse, and the one with fiery red hair beside her is Neela. They are both apprentices under my mentor and advanced to level 2 acolytes not two months ago."

"I am pleasured to finally meet you, Lord Leylin. I've heard lots about you..." -Neela's countenance shone with eagerness and she swiftly took the initiative to approach Leylin.

"We are sooo lucky to be able to go on a mission with you this time." -The girl stuck out her chest and spoke coquettishly.

Witnessing this scene, Raynor looked elsewhere, his expression a little gloomy at the realization that his crush had her sights on someone else.

'I think I know whom shall be my first female puppet of this academy...' -Leylin smirked under his mask.

"Aren't you the lively one... Tell you what, if you manage to impress me during our quest, I'll consider taking you on a date." -Leylin charmingly said.

"That's a deal!" -Neela jumped in excitement and threw a victorious glance at Lilisse.

"Be that as it may, let's get down to business, shall we? What are the contents of our mission?" -Leylin took the initiative and asked, interrupting what Neela was going to say next.

"Given how this is our first time going on a mission together, I was planning to take on the simplest one: patrolling the academy's perimeters and cleaning up a few red-eyed ravens. What do you all think?" -In fact, the four of them had discussed this before so Kaliweir was really only asking Leylin.

"Sounds good to me. I've not fully grasped my rank 0 spell yet, so..." -The Farlier heir lied. During his experimenting session, he'd already mastered both spells in his arsenal technically and was only prevented from improving them by his limited Spiritual Force.

'Aralis, do your thing.' -Leylin commanded silently.

[On it.]

//

Name: Raynor || Gender: Male || Estimated age: 15-17 || Level 2 acolyte || Strength: 1.8, Agility: 1.9, Vitality: 2.5, Spiritual Force: 3.7

Name: Lilisse || Gender: Female || Estimated age: 14-15 || Level 2 acolyte || Strength: 1.9, Agility: 2.5, Vitality: 2.4, Spiritual Force: 4.3

Name: Neela || Gender: Female || Estimated age: 15-17 || Level 2 acolyte || Strength: 2.7, Agility: 3.4, Vitality: 2.9, Spiritual Force: 4.6

//

'Each a Level 2 acolyte... These few people have just advanced, and even if they've already managed to buy any spell models beforehand, they will surely not be able to comprehend them. Furthermore, the models have to be constructed in their minds, so they are definitely unfamiliar with them at this point. After all, Rank 0 spells are still very dangerous to a level 2 acolyte. Without complete precision and expertise, there is a chance of failing and even causing severe backlash on the caster...' -Leylin analyzed carefully.

'Hmmm, I hope something like that happens. It'll provide me with entertainment and valuable data for future reference.'

'It has also come to my attention how that Neela happens to be the strongest amongst them. Based on just their physical strengths, she could possibly defeat the three of them in one fell swoop if no one was to use any spells. It seems like this girl has also practiced a Knight's breathing technique. She may even hold a Secret Skill or two under her sleeve, which in turn means she will be a helpful meatshield in this quest.'

'I'll just stand back and let her take all the heat. Then, I'll use my potions to heal her and easily secure her favor. Once I have her in my pocket, I'll play around with her until she stops being useful.' -Leylin coldly decided.

[What will you do with her after that?] -Asked his assistant.

'I'll know when I get there.'

While Leylin had been evaluating how much of a hassle the other boys' jealousy towards him could be, Kaliweir had already run to the counter and accepted the patrolling mission.

After the discussion with everyone, they grabbed their equipment and left the academy.

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Leylin's eyes could not help but squint as the piercing sunlight shone down. It had been a long time since he'd received true sunlight. Thanks to the measures put in the academy, the acolytes did not suffer any health issues due to being underground for months on end, but it was still clear that the real sun was far better than an imitation produced by special moss.

In any case, as long as the acolytes' strength increased and they used their Spiritual Force, raising a point of two of their vitality was not a problem at all. Therefore, they did not need to go out every day to bask in real sunlight to be at their 100 percent.

"Let's go!" -Kaliweir took the lead.

'Glad to see he's still trying to take the lead. It makes sense that he guides us since he has the most experience out here. And it'll make it all the much easier for me to hang back when trouble arises.'

Looking at the huge graveyard behind them and the two dormant guardian statues, Leylin turned his head back to his team and followed them.

"We are going to patrol the southwest area of the academy, where quite a few red-eyed ravens have been showing up recently. We need to reduce their numbers, as well as clean up other intruding beasts we may encounter. Of course, all of the materials that we acquire will belong to us. Moreover, everyone receives remuneration of 3 magic crystals on completion." -Kaliweir told diligently.

[He's gotta be kidding.]

'Remember, I'm not in this for the crystals.' -Leylin had his objective clear.

[Don't worry, Doctor. I'm doing the comprehensive record and mapping of the area you ordered, as we speak.] -Aralis reassured.

'Excellent.'

As soon as the five of them marched out of the graveyard, Kaliweir picked a shaded spot under a tree and took out a huge map. The team crowded around him.

On the faint yellow parchment paper, the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was located in the center and occupied about ten percent of the total area. There were a few simple routes around it, and there were descriptions of the places written in black color. A few dangerous places were also marked in red with warning signs.

"We had better hurry there and begin our patrolling. This mission requires us to bring back the right claws of at least 10 red-eyed ravens as evidence that we fulfilled the quest... Do you guys have any other questions?" -Kaliweir discoursed in a solemn manner, trying to display the bearings of one adventurer who knew what he was doing.

[Red-eyed ravens? Judging by what I gather from the kid's map, I doubt that's the only type of monster you'll find over there. I advise caution, Doctor.] -Warned the A.I.

'The plan remains unchanged.'

After the team leader saw Leylin and the others shake their heads in a negative answer, he continued and said: "Since we are teammates, let us not hide anything from each other. Each of us should report our general strengths so the others can have a better understanding. I'll go first: I have a Knight-level constitution and know a Secret Skill. I also know a rank 0 spell!"

"Kaliweir, I never thought that you'd have learned a spell already! It seems like you're way ahead of me. I have Knight-level physical qualities and a Secret Skill as well. I am still learning the Rank 0 spell 'Weary Hand' but I'm unable to use it yet..." -While saying this, Neela looked at Kaliweir with a little surprise.

'Not surprising that her abilities are wide-ranged.'

"I...I am still training to be a Knight, but my instructor says my dart-throwing isn't bad. I don't know any Secret Skills or spells as of yet..." -Lilisse said shyly.

[Dart-throwing? So is she the dead weight?]

'She's not as unassuming as she looks; I'm sure of it. I'll keep my eye on her.'

"I'm a Preparatory Knight. I don't know any spells but my archery skills aren't bad!" -He said patting the wooden bow on his back. He never thought that Kaliweir and Neela would have already begun to learn spells and was a little embarrassed.

Then he continued: "Don't worry though; I will not be a burden to you!"

"I am also a Preparatory Knight. I have barely learned a spell and hold no Secret Skills, but I'll do what I can to support you." -Leylin put on a fake anxious attitude.

"See? Even you have learned a spell." -Raynor said with an unsure tone.

He had come together to the academy with Leylin, so he knew that his aptitude was only of the third grade. Never in his wildest imaginations did he think that Leylin's accomplishments would one day exceed his own aptitude as a fourth-grade acolyte.

'That kid is full of insecurities. It would be so much fun to break his mind... But alas, today is not the day.' -Concluded Leylin with a hint of regret.

"You are indeed worthy of being called 'Lord Leylin'! You know what the other acolytes are calling you now?" -Neela said in admiration.

"Oh? I don't mind hearing about how others are evaluating me..." -Leylin raised a brow.

"A Potioneering genius who is seen once every hundred years! If you did not already have a mentor, the other Potioneering professors would have invited you to be their apprentice!" -Neela's voice pitch was high with emotion and sparks almost seemed to jump out of her eyes.

Seeing the girl's fiery gaze, as well as the expressions of Lilisse and the others, Leylin waved his hand dismissively in feigned modesty.

To sell his potions faster, he could not help but take on the role of a Potioneering-genius acolyte. Fortunately, he had his senior Merlin to take the brunt of the attention off him. If not for this, the attention given to him would be much greater.

'Can't say I don't enjoy having people bow down to me; since they should. Nevertheless, it is not the right moment for me to entirely come out of the shadow of anonymity yet.' -The Farlier heir conjectured.

"Say, Leylin... You should have enough resources if you always sell potions right? Why would you still need to come out?" -Raynor asked softly, remembering the inquiry he had replied to earlier that day.

"Simple. I have just learned a spell so I need to familiarize myself with it by casting it in live combat." -Leylin told casually.

His main purpose was, in fact, to collect data on the Abyssal Bone Forest and make preparations for traveling out alone to search for a black market in the future. However, such a thing could not be mentioned.

"Alright, let the gossiping end! Our destination is not far away but there will be some hindrances on the road to get there. And if we don't move out soon, the sky will turn dark." -Kaliweir punched his hand in anticipation, picked up his cleaver, and led the party onward: "Let's go!"

"I want to travel with you! That way, you'll be close enough to see me in action." -Neela walked by Leylin's side, not masking her intentions in the slightest.

Neela and her new love interest walked right behind Kaliweir. Lilisse followed next, with Raynor at the back.

[Girl is extremely clingy. At this rate, she'll be asking you to teach her an anatomy lesson when you're back for diner.]

'I can deal with a horny brat no problem. So long as she serves the purpose I envision for her, this girl's life should not have to end tragically...'