Chapter 32: The Scientist's Proposition

Chapter 32: The Scientist's Proposition

Ron and Nyssa swiftly navigated their way to the restaurant. While some patrons were put off by Nyssa's presence, none dared to object when they saw Ron accompanying her.

Ever since Marlin's demise, Ron had assumed the mantle of the top acolyte Potioneer, having survived the perilous Secret Plane of Bloodbath unscathed. People had learned not to irritate such a genius, whose assistance they might soon require.

Ron calmly found an empty table and ordered the most extravagant dishes available. He graciously invited Nyssa to join him, and as they dined, he engaged in casual conversation with her.

Observing Nyssa's recent exchange of contribution points for a spiritual force-enhancing potion, Ron inferred her intent to break through to the third level of acolyte.

Interlocking his fingers, Ron turned his attention to Nyssa, her disfigured face failing to provoke any change in his emotion. "Nyssa, have you wondered why I summoned you here?"

Startled by the unexpected question, Nyssa trembled, uncertain of Ron's motive. She knew him as a typically cold and indifferent genius, so his summons piqued her curiosity.

"I... I don't know," Nyssa stammered, setting her insecurities aside to answer truthfully.

Ron sighed and swirled his wine, lost in thought. "I brought you here because I have an offer for you."

Perking up, Nyssa's ears perked up. She felt a mixture of apprehension and curiosity about Ron's proposition.

Unfazed by her reaction, Ron maintained a steady gaze on his glass. "I will provide you with the opportunity to regain your body and seek revenge against those who tormented you. In exchange, you must pledge your allegiance and soul to me for the duration of your life."

He locked eyes with Nyssa, as if delving into her very soul, reading her thoughts like an open book.

Without another word, Ron rose and began to walk away. Just as Nyssa contemplated stopping him, his voice resonated in her ears.

"You don't need to decide now. Take your time; you have one month to choose. If you decide to follow me, burn the paper in your hand."

Nyssa snapped her gaze to her right hand, discovering a white paper with a pair of black wings – a token she hadn't even noticed Ron placing there.

As she looked around, Ron had vanished. Nyssa was perplexed by his offer. She wondered what he could possibly gain from her when, with his talent and allure, countless beautiful women would vie for his attention. Why had he chosen her, and what did he mean by offering her soul?

Leaving Nyssa to her contemplations, Ron strolled through the corridors of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. The vast institution now lay in eerie stillness, with few souls visible.

Classrooms remained vacant, the trading area was deserted, and the mission board, which used to be bustling, now had only a handful of acolytes accepting missions.

The academy had plunged into an almost funereal silence, but the survivors of the bloodbath, including the professors, remained resolute and maintained the academy's operations.

However, these circumstances could not persist. The Abyssal Bone Forest Academy would have to lower its requirements soon, admitting a flood of new acolytes and striving to regain its lost glory. But nurturing such talent was a time-consuming endeavor.

The academy's legacy had suffered a significant decline during Ron's generation, and it would take at least a decade to restore its former glory.

Yet, Ron didn't dwell on these matters. He couldn't explain why he had made that offer to Nyssa, but he admired her resilience and determination. Nyssa had reached great heights in her life, yet her path had halted at the peak of Rank 2 Magus.

In the Southern Coast, such power was respectable, but on the grand scale, it was insignificant. Ron believed she could ascend to even greater heights.

"What she chooses is a matter of destiny. Though I am someone who defies fate, sometimes it's best to let nature take its course," Ron reflected.

He had extended an offer and a path, knowing that imposing it upon her would be an act of cruelty. Not everyone desired the same path, and forcing someone onto a supposed superior path was the folly of the ignorant.

Ron had given Nyssa a choice, and now it was up to her to decide.

As these thoughts flowed through Ron's mind, he shifted his focus to the thick book before him. Its ancient pages held profound myths.

"Mother Earth lay on the ground and birthed seven children: Anger, Sorrow, Greed, Sloth, Lust, Gluttony, and Fear. Each inherited a fraction of her power. Mountains would tremble, and seas would part before them..."

The book delved into these myths, and Ron, using the A.I. Chip, recorded its contents. With his access to the hidden library section as a potential Magus, he had acquired extensive knowledge.

Leylin closed the book and left the library, having recorded much of the hidden knowledge. With the A.I. Chip at his disposal, he could access this information anytime, like carrying a vast, intelligent library with him.

"Professor!" Ron approached Kroft's lab and bowed to the old man, who was engrossed in an experiment.

Though Kroft appeared unchanged, Ron detected a dimness in his eyes. Merlin's death had evidently affected him.

"Have you made a decision regarding my previous suggestion?" Kroft inquired.

"Yes, Professor," Ron replied with another bow. "I appreciate the Leslie family's interest, but I wish to attempt my breakthrough independently."

Kroft's expression darkened upon hearing Ron's response, but he couldn't deny Ron's talent in Potioneering. Merlin's death had made Ron his most promising apprentice, and he couldn't help but advise him once more.

"The Leslie family is a powerful force in Potioneering, and your talents would be well-utilized there. Their contract terms are more favorable than those of the academy."

Though Ron maintained a keen gaze, he had firmly rejected Kroft's offer. He had to show respect in his refusal, so he asked for time to consider it.

"I understand, Professor," Ron affirmed. "But I still wish to embark on this journey alone. If I fail, I promise to prioritize and consider the Leslie family."

Kroft displayed a range of emotions, gazing at his most outstanding apprentice, who had firmly declined his proposal. Despite his reservations, Kroft recognized Ron's potential in Potioneering.

Kroft was a member of the Leslie family, a formidable Magus lineage supported by numerous Magi. He had previously presented Ron with the same contract offered to the academy, along with the promise of a rank 1 spell model and Grine Water.

Naturally, Ron had declined the offer, possessing the Advanced Meditation Technique, rendering such offers inconsequential.

"All of this I understand, Professor," Ron stated. "But..."

With unyielding resolve and determination, Ron met Kroft's eyes. "I still wish to pursue this path independently. If I fail, I promise to prioritize the Leslie family's offer."

Kroft cycled through various expressions, and his gaze revealed a sense of nostalgia as he remembered his younger days. "Youth is precious, and it allows for mistakes. Thank you,

 Professor."

Ron hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Professor, I have a request."

[To be continued...]