Mission

[You have completed a cycle of [Optimized Bluehill Breathing Technique]. Completion rate: 88%. Catalysts such as desert mushroom, ice bath and toxins have increased the effectiveness of the training by 386%]

[Expected benefits: +0.0006 Strength, +0.0006 Agility, +0.0006 Vitality]

"Sir!", a soldier shouted in the middle of the morning

Breathing techniques were the essence of noble superiority. Besides the genetic advantage that came from years of physical enhancement in knight families like the Bluehill Household, the fact that breathing techniques could increase one's physical attributes made it very difficult for commoners to catch up to noblemen.

"Enter!", Greem spoke.

Rather than a soldier, Greem sighed at the sight. It was Evangeline Parlier, a woman with a burned face. Nearing her 25th birthday, she joined the Imperial army ten years ago in order to escape a political marriage, a situation that occured quite frequently in the Dalian Empire. Although her face had burn scars, she could be said to be extremely attractive, her voluptuous body and noble elegance giving her the aura of a maiden warrior of old times.

Besides her strength as an imperial knight, she was respected for her wisdom, being one of the finest strategist in Oasis. Of course, although she was well-versed in strategy, Greem found it quite laughable. Even without his biochip, he would beat her in this field nine times out of ten. With the biochip, however, she would stand no chance. She was considered a genius, but he was considered a monster.

"Lieutenant Bluehill, Captain Sanders has requested your presence in a coming expedition, as he values your knowledge", Evangeline spoke

Greem nodded. Evangeline has known him for three years now, and they have eaten quite a few meals together in the officer lounge. Although Oasis was a fortress, only officers possessed a place to sleep in. It was roughly impossible to build anything solid in the desert due to the sandstorms and lack of solid soil. Walls had been built using magic, but they had not bothered to build actual housing inside, thus making soldiers sleep in tents.

"Captain Sanders...the captain of the 6th Battalion? I heard he reached the intermediate knight realm not too long ago. However, I suspect that I am not the only talented imperial knight, so why would he go so far as to reach out to the 13th battalion?", Greem spoke

Evangeline nodded: "This is an appropriate question indeed. Captain Sanders has received...guests from the Imperial Flying Citadel. As a noble, I am sure you are aware that some imperials possess magical talent and study in the Flying Citadel. They are capable of unleashing terrifying spells, and possess immense wisdom. They are investigating the shamans from the Brotherhood. It takes acolytes to take care of acolytes"

Inwardly, Greem nodded. Although the Flying Citadel was a powerful magical academy, with hundreds of acolytes and a handful of magi, it was a place that was completely subordinated to the Empire. This was mainly due to the Imperial Family possessing the only source of [Greenwater Elixir], known as the main ingredient necessary for the elixir responsible for the breakthrough of acolytes into the magus realm. Using it to bind the magi to the Empire, Dalia managed to use magi for military and development purposes, allowing it to conquer a large part of the Southern Continent

Of course, it is not like acolytes worked for free, as they would receive magical crystals as compensation. Often, they would also use corpses for experimental purposes as well. Any mission they completed would also be met with what they called 'knowledge points', which they could exchange for books in the Flying Citadel. Naturally, Greem was quite envious of it, and considered making a trip to the Flying Citadel but quickly averted his thoughts after remembering the tight leash that the Empire kept around its acolytes' neck.

"How many acolytes came?", Greem spoke

"Three beginner rank acolytes arrived. They are young, in their twenties, and it seems like it is their first long-term mission. This is actually quite worrying. I don't know about their real fighting prowess, but according to the information we have gotten from prisonners, the brotherhood possesses at least 12 shamans", Evangeline spoke

Greem nodded: "Hence, you want me to join this expedition"

"Yes. Although it is unconventional, you have proved times and times again to possess extraordinary insights about commanding an army. Although you won't be taking the lead, your presence will greatly reassure Captain Sanders", Evangeline spoke.

Greem grinned.

It seemed like his reputation had allowed him to get an opportunity to acquire magical knowledge. Although he did not plan on revealing his magical attainments to others, he would be able to acquire data from the acolytes' discussion, their spell casting as well as their investigation methods.

Since these acolytes accepted the mission, they were probably seeking a magical treasure. Most likely, it was a rare magical ingredient necessary for one of their experiments...