What Lurks Outside

[Isn't it better to keep your plans to sell potions outside the academy a secret?] -Aralis asked out of concern for her Master.

'No. She is hardly someone I could call a threat, and although she has a loose tongue, it's not like I shared any vital information with her. Many acolytes surely think similarly to myself in that it is more profitable to look for external markets. With that in mind, I do need to keep my identity a secret if I am to head out.'

[So you basically want to see if she gives you some information in regards to business opportunities?]

'Exactly. She is somewhat close to that Fayle senior, and she is from the Poolfield Kingdom. Who knows, if I'm lucky, maybe the black market I'm looking for is over there. If that's the case, I wouldn't need to make two different trips.'

"They always keep the prices down inside our beloved academy, so that's a good thing. We can buy more products for less, won't you agree?" -Bicky nodded her head and gave Leylin a naive simper.

'She has a talent for testing my patience...' -Leylin frowned within his mask.

"But if you want more profits, why don't you learn from our senior Merlin? He signed a contract with a Magus family, where they provide potion ingredients to him for free and will buy all of the potions he makes. With your talent in Potioneering, I am sure more than one House would be willing to sign a contract with you!"

"I don't think I am ready to make such a compromise. I'd rather stay independent for the time being." -Leylin shook his head. If there was something Leylin loathed was to be subservient to anyone other than himself. If the benefits did not make up for it in his eyes, he'd always choose to be free of obligations to others.

He also knew all about Merlin's decision. The 'genius' alchemist had signed a contract with a Magus family to act as his sponsor. The family would provide huge amounts of ingredients for him to practice brewing and would also provide him with viable resources to aid him in breaking through to an official Magus. Nevertheless, after he becomes a level 3 acolyte, Merlin will have to provide a certain number of potions for the family every month. Furthermore, he will have to join the family after becoming an official Magus; either by marriage or other means.

'This is how Magus families rope in lowly acolytes with no background or little talent. In the end, they are simply used for whatever they're worth and later discarded.' -Leylin analyzed with bitterness.

[You sound melancholic, Doctor.] -Aralis was confused. Was her Master suddenly developing good sentiments?

'Alas, I remembered how I used to set up child slave factories in our previous world, and how I used my financial group to manipulate poor families into selling me their souls. I miss the look on their faces when they realized they had lost everything... I want to set up something like that here eventually.'

'But that's enough nostalgia for now. I want information from this broad and I am gonna get it.'

"Bicky, your family resides in the Poolfield Kingdom, if I recall correctly. Do you know if there are any markets or places for people to trade their magic-related goods?" -Leylin asked.

"Of course... However, the situation there is extremely complicated. There are many wandering Magi and fugitives, so it is very chaotic and dangerous..."

"I know, but I don't have to go there personally. For instance, I could always hire someone to do it for me. In the Quest Hall, acolytes can also give out missions as long as they have enough magic crystals and are able to make a deposit." -Leylin began to spout nonsense. He would never entrust anyone else to do it for him. Mainly because he did not think anyone to be better at negotiating than him.

"That's true! In that case, I will send a copy of the information to your room later." -Bicky nodded after giving it some thought.

"I will be really grateful for that. I'll buy you a meal in the second-level Dining Hall next time." -Leylin would not deliver on his promise. It's not like Bicky would remember it anyway, he believed.

"Alright, see ya!" -Bicky smiled with closed eyes as he waved at her junior. She was savoring the delicacies of the second-floor cafeteria in her imagination.

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As the days passed, Leylin continued to analyze the two formulas with Aralis' help. He also started to search for rank 0 spells that could conceal his aura or change his appearance.

Bicky had sent the information regarding that chaotic Magus bazaar long ago. However, Leylin did not dare go out until the strange happenings outside the academy were resolved. But he was not in a hurry. He was nothing if not patient. There was no room for errors, and hastiness led to bad decisions; he knew that very well.

In the Dining Hall, Leylin was currently eating a meal with Bill, his nosy room neighbor turned 'friend'. Today's meal consisted of white bread with fish paste, as well as steak and fruit juice.

"What? Perry is dead? But he was a level 3 acolyte!" -Leylin feigned to be startled by the news.

Perry was an acolyte with fifth-grade talent, and also had a good mentor. Four years ago he had risen to a level 3 acolyte, and he could be said to be an influential figure in the academy.

"That's right! He accepted the mission to investigate the happenings around the academy and even formed a party for it. There was another level 3 acolyte in the party too!" -Bill's face darkened in terror.

'With a squad like this, only an official Magus or an equivalent threat could have killed Perry... I can see why the rewards were so high for that mission. Going out there is a gamble even for a consolidated acolyte like that bastard.' -Leylin surmised.

[Perry was sure to be carrying a magic artifact, and he was one of the strongest among the level 3 acolytes. Not to mention, he might have possessed many life-saving items his mentor could have given him... I suggest that under no circumstance do you exit the academy premises until things calm down, Doctor.] -Aralis advised.

'You don't have to tell me twice. I will not be sacrificing myself for some petty amount of crystals or any advanced knowledge. My life is worth a hundred times that, if not more.' -Leylin decided fiercely. He would never risk his life unless his chances of success were above 70%.

"It is said that they might have been overwhelmed by numbers... I heard that when Perry was found, his lower body was missing and his innards were all eaten. At a glance, it's clear that these are the doings of the Beastmen!" -Leylin's neighbor remarked.

Leylin recalled the contents of a book he had read. According to the book, there were two explanations of their origins. One described them as the failed experiments of a Magus, and the other called them a type of human subspecies. However, a common point in both explanations was that these Beastmen were extremely savage and cunning.

"Weren't they always in the Desolate Lands of Despair? Why would they be roaming here? Could they have acquired a taste for human flesh?" -Leylin acted a little puzzled, while on the inside he was already forming his own hypothesis.

"The brains of Beastmen were always poorly developed; who knows what they could be thinking. But they have never dared to provoke Magi, otherwise, they would have been long extinct." -Bill added with a sigh of relief. He was glad to be under the protection of powerful arcane masters.

Whenever the academy's official Magi go outside, their paths are not blocked by animals, nor do any strange happenings occur to them outside anything mystical. It seems as if all wild beasts concealed themselves in advance whenever they spotted a Magus. However, they would attack with all their might whenever they met with an acolyte. It was a standard case of bullying the weak while fearing the strong.

'I doubt that this is simply a matter of migration. These Beastmen creatures are sly, not dumb like Bill. They may not be human-level, but they are smart enough not to approach a den of Magi like an academy. This notion implies that someone or something is behind this incident. Probably as a diversion; a way of keeping the acolytes away for a certain amount time while they conduct their activities...' -Leylin enjoyed thinking ahead of his enemies and trying to analyze every possibility. That is why he was always ready for anything and rarely taken by surprise.

"They won't be this rampant for much longer though. Perry is an apprentice of Professor Harosi! He's known for worrying about losing face and shielding his apprentices, so he'll definitely take action!" -Bill said confidently with a smile.

The Abyssal Bone Forest Academy did not take action against those Beastmen because they were too weak and posed no threat whatsoever to an official Magus. On the other hand, they give acolytes a chance to hone their battle skills and gain experience. However, the situation had changed now that an apprentice of an important Professor was dead.

'It is absurd for these Beastmen to suddenly appear in the academy's vicinity just because. There's more to it, I am sure.'

[Doctor, why is it always a conspiracy with you? Maybe it is a natural occurrence. Every possibility should be part of your plans.] -Aralis rolled her non-existent eyes.

'You thinking like that is the reason why I am the Master, and you are the servant. I know when something is amiss because it's what I would do. Had I the chance, I would employ those Beastmen as my pawns either unwittingly or not.' -Leylin smirked inwardly.

[Whatever... You should take care regardless.] -The A.I. replied, changing her tone from dismissiveness to distress.

'I already have a couple of things in mind, but more preparations will be needed for when I am finally ready to go out.' -The Farlier heir concluded.

"Leylin!" -A voice called from behind him, and it seemed to be wavering a little.

The youth in question turned around and saw Guricha, one of the acolytes who had come to the academy with him on the dirigible. This one in particular possessed the aptitude of only a second grade.

'Judging by the energy waves radiating from him, he's still a level 1 acolyte. A piece of trash dares to come to me? Hopefully to drop some benefit into my lap, since otherwise, I would have no interest in speaking with him.'

"This is another friend of mine, good Bill. I'll take my leave first, thanks for the meal and chat." -Leylin said to his room neighbor as he stood up from his seat.

"Sure, the pleasure was mine. Catch you later!" -Bill smiled as he continued drinking his juice.

"Is there a problem, Guricha? You seem worried." -Leylin walked over to the level 1 acolyte and asked softly.

Guricha was usually a rather reserved person and was always being berated by Kaliweir and the rest, so he seldom hung out with them. There had to be a problem if he sought out Leylin this time.

"This… We do indeed have a problem! Could you come with me for a bit? I'll make it worth your while!" -Guricha asked, as he took out three magic crystals and offered them to Leylin.

'I do not think that this trash would go to such lengths to set up a trap for me, and within academy grounds no less. Although, I am not Fang Ming if I do not take precautions whenever I am met with the slightest uncertainty. Aralis I want you to be on alert. Monitor this kid's vital signs and look for anything that might arouse suspicion.'

[Got it, Doctor.]

"Alright, I guess I can spare a few minutes. Lead the way, Guricha." -Leylin agreed with a gentle demeanor, as he pocketed the magic crystals.

"Th-thanks, brother Leylin!" -The boy answered with a helpless smile.