Chapter 21 – Find the Materials
#1
The strong smell of blood filled the air.
However, no one paid any attention to the corpses or the blood.
There was no need to look at them, and for them, corpses were just a common sight encountered on the streets.
With more important things spread out before them, they had no time to spare for mere bodies.
“I will assign the mission. I, along with the first unit, will advance to the barbarian outpost. The rest will move around and destroy the habitats of the monsters they are breeding.”
“Understood.”
“Especially, the mage of Montemer, ensure that the monster village is burned to the ground without leaving a trace.”
Freya bowed her head as she spoke.
“I will keep that in mind.”
The success or failure of this operation would significantly impact the evaluation of Montemer.
A family was always a subject of evaluation.
Being a renowned family didn’t mean they would remain eternally great, nor did a lesser family always stay insignificant.
Freya was burning with ambition to carry out this mission diligently and flawlessly.
‘Is she just someone with an insatiable desire for achievement?’
Lawrence thought to himself as he observed Freya’s fervor.
Judging by Freya’s passionate gaze, it seemed the mission would be completed smoothly.
The problem was precisely that.
‘I need to find the materials….’
He needed materials to cure Leila’s chronic illness.
He had searched everywhere throughout the night, but this was all he got.
[The medium’s ability to suppress the symptoms is insufficient.]
[Insufficient.]
[…….]
So, this was why a better medium was needed.
The so-called ‘System’ conveyed that a medium extracted from a living monster was required.
To craft a superior artifact, he needed to raise the grade of the Dragon Body and gather better materials.
‘I can’t tell if I’m a craftsman or a game character.’
Seeing all the tasks ahead of him, Lawrence let out a sigh.
Though he was a craftsman, he had to search for materials and put in physical effort.
Still, his goal was clear.
‘I need to use the Grand Duke’s household as a refuge and secure allies within Montemer.’
He didn’t particularly intend to control the family entirely.
He just wanted to secure a position where no one could touch him and live quietly while focusing on his crafting.
However, he had no intention of showing mercy to those who killed his mother and destroyed his family.
After achieving all his goals, he planned to create artifacts in the form of rings or necklaces, just like in a game.
‘I could sell those, but… there’s still a long way to go.’
That meant he needed to become even stronger.
As such thoughts concluded, the meeting ended.
Its content was nothing special.
Just to go and destroy everything.
“Then, we depart this evening.”
“Yes-!”
Everyone answered energetically, and Lawrence also set his own goals.
After standing up, he took off his cloak.
Honestly, it was too big and cumbersome, making it extremely uncomfortable.
“You are Prince Lawrence, right? I saw you yesterday, and your skills are no joke.”
“If you had become a knight, you would have reached the Rank of Master.”
“Pardon me, but how old are you?”
At that moment, the northern nobles suddenly approached and started speaking to him.
Perhaps because they had lived closely with the Grand Duke, they had a casual demeanour and didn’t bother much with formality.
Lawrence also found this atmosphere comfortable.
“I am only eleven years old.”
“What!? Eleven!?”
“You have incredible talent. You should have become a knight instead of a mage!”
“What do you think? Would you consider joining our family—”
“Ignore him.”
Someone who tried to make a sales pitch was quickly silenced.
However, the uncles’ interest in Lawrence was far from over.
“I’d like to teach you my swordsmanship. How about it? My daughter is quite beautiful—”
“Hey! Watch your manners!”
“Manners, my foot. Look at yourself, still holding the Prince’s hand!”
“Why don’t you come visit our family? We’ll treat you lavishly!”
Lawrence couldn’t help but smile at the attention he was receiving.
It was a kindness he had never experienced in his previous life.
Among the enthusiastic elders, a stern woman’s voice rang out.
“You freeloading uncles—! Stop bothering the Prince and go prepare for the expedition!”
“Oh! Has Lady Leila already laid her claim?”
“Since the Prince has received the Grand Duke’s cloak! Hmm!”
“Aaaagh! Just leave already—!”
It was winter.
#2
Evening came.
Those who would depart with Lawrence today were the mage corps, two squads, and their leading knights.
The apprentice knights, who were non-commissioned officers, the supply unit, and their commander, Leila, were all grouped into one unit.
Thanks to Leila’s meticulousness, the unit was able to depart without lacking any supplies.
“The place you see far in the distance is known as the [Forest of Yetis]. It’s an area where yetis come out in groups, along with wolves and undead, so don’t let your guard down.”
“Understood.”
“Especially the mages, be careful not to get caught from behind. It’s easy to get lost in the forest, so never let your guard down.”
“We will keep that in mind.”
Leila gave a firm warning as they entered the forest.
It was a night with a bright moon, making visibility clear, but even so, night-time favoured monsters more than humans.
Especially here, it was like hell for mages.
“Phew, I already feel chills down my spine.”
“It’s no wonder mages hate this place.”
Even with escorts, the mages had to remain constantly vigilant.
As they entered the deep forest where even the moonlight couldn’t reach properly, torches and light magic lit up.
“From now on, we will be the target. Stay alert.”
“Yes.”
A lone torch bloomed in the darkness.
It was a delicious prey and a target for plunder.
To the undead and dark wizards, it was an irresistible offering.
“They’re coming soon. Everyone, get ready.”
“Huh? What’s coming?”
Lawrence began to see clusters of mana approaching from all directions.
And those things up in the trees—what are they?
‘The Dragon Eye can even detect stealth.’
He saw those who had been lying in wait, knowing that this path would be used.
They probably obtained prior information from the late Sir Routine.
Yet, the Grand Duke had no choice but to proceed with the plan.
There wasn’t enough time or manpower to open a new path when one was already cleared.
Lawrence grasped the situation roughly and issued orders to the mages.
Being on the same level as the Grand Duke gave legitimacy to his commands.
He directed the mages to start chanting before Freya.
“Mages, begin your chanting.”
“Huh, what’s going on?”
“They’ll be here soon.”
Boom—.
As soon as Lawrence finished speaking, a faint vibration resonated.
It was strong enough for those who had been listening to Lawrence in confusion to feel it.
The atmosphere shifted drastically.
Suddenly, blue lightning struck.
[Lightning Bolt]
“Where do you think you’re hiding, you bastards—!”
Crackle—!
Blue lightning shot from Lawrence’s hand, having completed its charge in an instant.
It was aimed directly at the densely packed treetops.
The electric magic flew swiftly, striking those who had been hiding.
[Kieeek—!]
“What’s that!?”
“It’s a Night Crawler!”
Night Crawler.
Commonly known as an undead assassin.
An undead infused with stealth abilities through various dark magic combinations.
Though it had lower combat power, it served as a foundation for dark wizards and undead to gather intelligence and expand their influence.
Its stealth abilities were so superior at night that only the strongest or most sensitive could detect it, making it particularly dangerous.
Before anyone could fully process the situation, the battle commenced.
Yetis with glowing green eyes emerged from the forest, breaking through from all sides.
“Ha, these bastards… It looks like they came prepared.”
“The mages will roast them thoroughly. Hold out until then.”
“Alright! You all know what to do, right!?”
Boom—!
The soldiers of the North stomped their feet in unison.
A cold, blue aura began to emanate from their blades.
The unique aura technique of the North.
‘They call it [Frost Veil] because the aura resembles ice.’
Frost Veil.
A highly powerful aura technique among all aura disciplines.
When facing the people of the North, it was crucial not to give them any distance.
Even their aura alone could pierce through you with a bone-chilling cold.
“Close in!”
“Yes—!”
Lawrence poured all the remaining capacity of his artifacts into the fight.
Although they were 1st Circle and 2nd Circle spells, their overwhelming speed made them more than effective.
[Kieeek—!]
Especially, the weaker Night Crawlers could be taken down with just a 1st Circle spell.
Lawrence unleashed magic wildly, prepared to exhaust the full capacity of all his artifacts.
Clink—!
The Holy Chains bound the enemies’ movements.
Crackle—!
The blue lightning pierced through the enemies’ bodies.
[The artifact’s capacity is exhausted.]
[It is recommended to draw a magic circle with extracts or replace it with a new artifact.]
Having fought so fiercely, the magic stored in the artifacts quickly ran out.
By then, the mages’ chants were complete.
Boom—!
The surroundings flared up in a crimson blaze as the darkness burned away.
Fire spells that devoured the darkness and scattered light.
It was the result of the mages, proud of the Montemer family and the Red Magic Tower, unleashing their magic with all their might.
“Whoa—! Feels nice and warm!”
“The ones that got too close must be dealt with by the knights!”
“Got it!”
Leila’s sword radiated with light.
With the sound of air being sliced, the sword strikes, reflecting the flames, shone with a crimson glow.
Slash—! Slaaash—!
Accompanied by sharp sounds, Leila’s crazed laughter echoed through the forest as she danced madly.
“Hahaha! This is great! Come at me, you bastards!”
“Is she… okay?”
Loria asked with concern in her voice.
The apprentice knight protecting her chuckled.
“Don’t worry! Lady Leila’s laughter is the sign of victory!”
“If that’s the case….”
Loria glanced at Lawrence, who was glowing from his chest, and steeled herself.
After scolding him to bring honour to the family, she couldn’t afford to be less capable herself.
She had failed last time.
It had been a painful mistake, one that tarnished the family’s reputation.
‘To ensure it never happens again, I too—!’
A mage must never stop chanting, no matter the situation.
Even if an arrow grazes your ear, never!
Crackle—!
Blue mana surged fiercely around Loria.
Meanwhile, Lawrence, having replaced his artifacts, dove back into the battlefield.
This time, he was equipped with the following artifacts.
[Strength]
For greater power.
[Haste]
For increased speed.
[Holy Bomb]
Crackle—!
The large sphere in his hand was like a spirit of light that pierced through the darkness.
Lawrence leapt high into the air, throwing the Holy Bomb into the midst of the enemies.
With Haste, he gained acceleration, and with Strength, he gained greater jumping power.
And with [Warrior’s Agility], he displayed precise and swift movements.
[Holy Bomb 2/3]
“This ends it.”
A 2nd Circle, Holy Spell.
The massive bomb condemned the undead.
Swoooosh———Boom!!
—
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