CH71

Count Huen originally wanted to arrange a group of guards, but Helag thought about it and declined.

These guards were more symbolic than practical. If Helag could handle the situation, he didn't need them. If he couldn't, the guards wouldn't be of much help.

Moreover, in the Banks family's territory, few bandits dared to attack their carriage, making the guards unnecessary.

Helag decided to keep only the coachman, someone who knew the way, making the journey easier.

"Mr. Helag…" Josh hesitated.

Helag, about to board the carriage, turned and smiled. "Your father will live for a long time. There shouldn't be much trouble."

If the dark energy particles in Count Huen hadn't been removed, he wouldn't have lived long, and the brothers would have fought fiercely for power.

Now, with Huen likely to live for decades, the brothers had no reason to fight to the death. They could just enjoy being noble playboys.

Josh nodded seriously. "Safe travels, Mr. Helag."

The carriage, meticulously prepared by Huen, had a spacious bed covered in soft silk, allowing Helag to rest comfortably during the journey.

The wall behind the bed had a cabinet with bottles of red wine.

Provisions were stored in the back of the carriage, enough for both Helag and the coachman.

The coachman's name was Sid, a clever-looking nineteen-year-old.

The carriage's exterior was luxurious, especially with the prominent Banks family crest, causing pedestrians to avoid it.

Helag lay in the carriage, meditating quietly.

In his mind, the seventh star was slowly forming. Helag completed his daily meditation without haste.

Until he found a way to speed up his meditation, there was no need to rush.

Two hours later, Helag slowly opened his eyes.

He rubbed his chin, thinking, "It will take another three months to complete this star's meditation. At this rate, it will take over a year to meet the requirements for a third-level wizard apprentice. This body is fifteen years old; I need to become an official wizard before eighteen…"

Most official wizards advanced before eighteen. After that, the chances of advancement decreased significantly.

Helag didn't understand the principle but knew he needed to improve his strength quickly and meet the mental power requirements.

"Deep Blue, search for ways to speed up meditation or increase mental power."

[Searching…

165 methods found.]

Helag looked at the long list and gave another command. "Filter for methods with no side effects, suitable for me, and achievable at this stage."

[

1. Use potions to assist meditation and speed it up.

2. Use potions to increase mental power and meet advancement requirements faster.

]

Deep Blue provided two feasible methods. Helag asked, "Do you have a potion formula to speed up meditation?"

[The formula needs to be deduced and verified through experiments.]

"How long will it take to deduce the potion formula?"

[Task archived.

Estimated time: six hours.

Estimated magic consumption: 19%.]

Helag was surprised. "It takes that long? This is the first time Deep Blue has taken six hours for a task."

[This task involves extensive data calculations and deductions, hence the longer time,] Deep Blue explained.

Helag decided to let Deep Blue complete this task before deducing a potion formula to increase mental power, though he didn't have high hopes.

Existing potion formulas for increasing mental power were expensive, beyond Helag's current means. He doubted Deep Blue could create a cheaper version.

Three hours later, the carriage slowed down.

They had left the city and traveled through desolate wilderness for a long time.

Sid, sitting at the front, said, "Sir, I remember there's a village ahead. We can rest there tonight."

"Alright," Helag replied softly.

Staying in populated areas was safer; anything could happen in the wilderness.

The carriage slowly stopped, and Sid lifted the curtain, bowing.

"Sir, we've arrived."

Helag got off the carriage, seeing a dilapidated village with mud houses resembling primitive caves.

Most villagers hid inside, peeking out from doors or windows to observe Helag and Sid.

At the village entrance, an elderly man with white hair knelt trembling. "Please, sir, spare us. We'll pay the taxes soon. We just need more time."

Helag glanced at him and said, "I'm not here to collect taxes. I'm just passing through and plan to stay the night. Sorry for any inconvenience."

"Not here for taxes?" The old man struggled to lift his head, staring at the carriage. "But the carriage…"

Sid explained, "Mr. Helag is a guest of the Banks family, just passing through."

Realizing his mistake, the old man relaxed a bit.

"Bring out your best food for the sir. He's tired from traveling. Prepare your best room for him to rest," Sid ordered.

The old man looked troubled but didn't dare refuse. "I'll prepare it right away."

Seeing the village's poverty, Helag doubted they could provide much.

He stopped the old man. "No need. We have enough food. I don't think you have suitable accommodations. I'll sleep in the carriage tonight. We won't trouble you further."

Sid was surprised. He had planned to find a pretty girl from the villagers for Helag.

Helag gave him a stern look. "We're just staying one night. Don't cause a fuss. I prefer peace."

Sid, understanding the implied threat, bowed his head. "Understood, sir."

Helag didn't see himself as a savior and couldn't help the villagers much. The societal issues were beyond his control.

But he wouldn't take food from starving villagers when he had enough.