<strong>George and Bessita</strong>
Leylin rubbed his nose upon seeing the cautious expressions of the few people around him.
In the Magus world, dark Magi and light Magi were archenemies. And in the Eternal River ins, which was surrounded by the opposing forces on each side, not attacking after finding out Leylin was a dark Magus showed the immense trust they had in George.
“I left the domain of the dark Magi a few years ago and now live in Nightless City.”
Leylin thought and spoke a half-truth, “I’m currently studying at Four Seasons Garden.”
“See? I knew it! Leylin, you’re brave and honest. How could someone like you be a cruel dark Magus?”
Georgeughed out gleefully.
Shiera and the others appeared very embarrassed.
The number of Magi that had been killed by Leylin was not public knowledge, but those Magi would have been furious after hearing George’s words.
“Oh, by the way, Leylin, are you going to the secret ne?”
The Eternal River’s secret ne was a major event that triggered an earth-shaking response among the Magi of the south coast. The information regarding the secret ne had spread very quickly, and George and the others were not entirely clueless about it.
Leylin saw George’s anxious look and the other acolytes’ trading gazes, and he immediately understood.
It seemed that George thought Leylin to be one of the acolytes, who were naive and wanted to try their luck within the secret ne.
Of course, this wasn’t surprising since after news about the secret ne spread, acolytes and Magi alike from all over started to convene at this location.
The whole journey wasced with danger. Some died en route, and others would struggle at the entrance and be unable to enter, while others were lured or coerced by therger powers and became cannon fodder.
There was an extremely small minority of acolytes who would be sessful in acquiring some resources from the secret ne and return to Nightless City and other Magi cities. This resulted in a reaction from the magicians in the cities, which in turn incited more acolytes to adventure into the ne.
It was clear that George and the others also considered Leylin to be just like these acolytes.
“Leylin...” George turned silent, seeming to be carefully considering his next words. “The danger inside the secret ne is not something that we acolytes can handle. Only the official Magi, who are the main forces inside the ne, can stay within for long durations of time.”
“Many of my friends suffered inside. You’re still young and need not...”
“Just let him go!” Bessita suddenly spoke up.
“If he’s lucky, he can get some resources and even advance!”
George furrowed his brows. How could one count on such a thing as luck? Bessita was speaking of it too lightly.
“Actually, I was issued a mission by the academy. I have no choice but to go inside the secret ne.” Leylin sardonically stated.
“I see... No wonder then. I warned you only because it doesn’t seem to be in your nature to undertake such a dangerous task.” George patted his close friend’s shoulder in empathy and forced a smile.
“In this situation, we are probably all in the same boat and might even be assigned to the same location. After all, within the secret ne, the light Magi have gathered and created an alliance.”
After hearing that Leylin had been forced toe to the secret ne just like them, Shiera, Alexander, and the others revealed expressions of sympathy. Leylin’s situation was one they could empathise with.
These kinds of missions were usually suicidal by nature. Only those who had no backing or acolytes who had offended important people would be dispatched by their academies toplete these missions.
When he turned, he saw a hint of an expression on Bessita’s face. Something that seemed like... delight?
“Is this girl still brooding over what happenedst time?”
Leylin inwardly grinned and actually found this a novelty.
At his current level, he had already left Bessita far in the dust.
Many Magi had died at Leylin’s hands; what trouble could a lowly acolyte cause?
No matter how she bared her fangs and made threatening gestures at Leylin, she was akin to a small kitten ying with him.
“Since we’re all going the same way, how about you join us too, Leylin?"
At this moment, George put forth a proposal.
“Sure!” Leylin gauged that he still had quite a bit of time and, considering the speed at which George and his friends were travelling, he could reach the Eternal River in’s secret ne well before the deadline. Thus, he agreed.
His rtionship with George was quite good, so he could help out if the need arose.
Besides, there were still some matters that needed to be resolved between him and Bessita.
“Very good. Since Leylin’s a level 3 acolyte as well, ourbined battle strength has increased by a lot. Even if we meet a bandit, there’s no need to be afraid.” George seemed very excited.
The other acolytes did not refute him.
“Bandit? You’re actually afraid of bandits?" Leylin asked, rather stunned. In his mind, the so-called bandits were just peasant farmers with grass pitchforks and fishing spears.
“Oh, you don’t know about this?” George seemed to be even more amazed than Leylin. “I can’t believe you came this far when you’re so overwhelming ignorant about the whole situation!"
Immediately, George carefully exined to Leylin, “If it was a bandit groupposed of only ordinary humans, then there’s no need for us to worry. Shiera can single-handedly kill all those whoe. However, the situation at the Eternal River ins is different. Due to the number of acolytes travelling there alone, bandit groups that specifically target magicians have appeared. There are even rumours that official Magi are behind these bandit groups."
Due torge increase in the number of magicians travelling to the Eternal River ins’ secret ne, the public security in that area was extremely chaotic. Some scattered dark magicians naturally had the idea to fight for the resources.
However, as these dark magicians were mostly acolytes, their strength was inadequate whenpared to Leylin.
If they were official Magi, the greedy dark magicians would be unwilling to attack, but if they were mere acolytes, then the they would not be as hesitant. Compared to the light Magi, who had grown in a protected environment like flowers in a greenhouse, acolytes on the dark side who had matured under thew of the jungle were obviously more powerful in battle. With their superior fighting instincts and their maniption of timing when attacking, they were far more capable than their light acolyte peers.
Most of the acolytes in the area, especially those who were leaving, might be carrying some precious resources from the Eternal River ins’ secret ne. If bandits ran into any of these acolytes, it would be enough for them to make a fortune!
There were several dark magician acolytes that had these thoughts.
Hence, the way to the Eternal River ins’ secret ne was full of danger.
Many acolytes who were dreaming of panning for gold usually died before reaching the secret ne.
Leylin thought back to how he had not run into any big bandit groups during his journey.
asionally, he had encountered a few inexperienced local thieves that had been dealt with by Number 2 and Number 3.
These two men had already advanced after receiving the iplete runes of Branded Swordsmen and all ordinary men or acolytes were easily dealt with with a few sword attacks.
“So that’s what’s happening. It seems that I’ve been rather lucky.” Leylin massaged his temples andughed.
“I can’t help saying this, but man, your luck is too good! However, this has just been the outlying areas. As we continue to travel further into the Eternal River ins, there will be more of these kinds of bandits. As the light Magi will focus all their energy on the secret ne, some entrances might have a generous amount of warnings ced, but other regions will just be disregarded...”
George had a good grasp of Leylin’s character and knew that this friend of his was not what he seemed to be on the surface. He was sure to have some trump cards.
He wasn’t wrong either, since Leylin knew how to adapt to circumstances and act ordingly.
The stronger Leylin was, the more secure his band ofrades would be. If he continued asking further, it would only result in Leylin being pressured to leave, which did not work well for their situation.
It was but a mere assumption, but since Leylin could advance to a level 3 acolyte so quickly and receive solo missions, that meant he definitely had a great trump card. Poor George didn’t even consider the possibility that Leylin had already advanced to an official Magus.
After all, there was a wide chasm between a level 3 acolyte and the realm of official Magi.
Even if it was the most amazing genius, promoting to the Magus realm before 30 years of age was in itself a most outstanding speed of advancement.
George, who knew that Leylin only had a third-grade aptitude, did not bother considering that all.
“Good! Now that you’re a member of our group, let’s enjoy a toast.” George, as always, was very weing and put an arm around Leylin’s shoulder, patting Leylin’s chest with his other arm.
“At least we’re notcking good wine nor beautiful women. Do you see that red-clothed beauty beside the bar counter? She’s making bedroom eyes at you. If you just go up and speak to her, I bet she’ll she’ll be yours tonight! And then... heh!"
George hadn’t said much and had already reverted to his lecherous nature. Beside him, Shiera’s face changed and the next moment, George let out a sharp scream and begged for forgiveness.
“Haha...”
Seeing this, the acolytes from the Wend Gardens Academy and Leylin were unable to keep a straight face.
Leylin obviously did not hit on anyone in the end, since George had been joking around to liven up the atmosphere.
The result of this drinking session was surprisingly good. At least, after seeing Leylin produce the insignia of Four Seasons Garden, the rtions between Leylin, Alexander and the rest of the acolytes all turned for the better.
Bessita appeared to be very happy to wee Leylin as their newrade.
The group rested in the small town for a while, before setting off early in the morning and resuming their journey.
The missions assigned by Ennea Ivory Ring Tower and Wend Gardens Academy all had time limits. George and the others had to report to a designated area within a stipted time. If not, they would bebeled as criminals and be on their school’s wanted list.
They were mere acolytes! If something like this were to happen, they would be finished for the rest of their lives!
Hence, after receiving the mission, they could only obey the arrangements of the organisation no matter how unwilling they were. There was little choice but to enter the Eternal River ins’ secret ne and ept the unknown fate their future held.