CosmicQuill

Chapter 119: Parting Ways

My heart raced as I rushed through the lush Forest with Rolf and my parents in a row. The sun was still low on the horizon, and its rays shined softly through the dense canopy, bathing everything in a golden hue.

I smiled as I remembered these wondrous sights, spending many happy days running under the mighty foliage all those years back when I still used to live in the village.

Yet now, the atmosphere was solemn, and nobody uttered a single word, as my parents still se...

Chapter 118: Running Away

It was almost dawn when I saw the familiar sights of my old village. I paused at the edge of the forest, resting my tired back against the mighty trunk of an ancient tree, panting heavily.

I ran through the forest for hours, only making a few short stops along the way to catch my labored breath while relying primarily on the rejuvenating qualities of my essence to keep me going.

Looking cautiously across the dark silhouette of the village, I exhaled with relief as, so f...

Chapter 117: A Solemn Promise

I stood silently under a mighty silhouette of an aged tree at the edge of my formerly lavish garden. Which was now reduced to a mere shadow of its former glory by the fierce shockwaves unleashed by me a short while ago.

It was evident that the tree had its best years behind it, yet it still soared high into the heavens as if in defiance of its inevitable fate.

'This place will do...' I nodded, my heart heavy with grief as I stood in front of a freshly dug grave carved b...

Chapter 116: Homecoming part 2

A/N: We finally arrived at the last chapter of the second volume. It took me slightly more time than I anticipated, and the final chapter got too long; thus, I had to split it in two, but nevertheless, here it is... I hope you'll like it. I have already started planning the following parts of the story, and new chapters will be released from Monday onward.

What followed was a quick one-sided massacre as I sent a massive shockwave at the largest gro...

Chapter 115: Homecoming part 1

The once unassuming courtyard had been turned into a scene of pure chaos. The Baracks's formerly pristine white facade was dented by countless holes, and several large cracks ran across it.

Windows were shattered, and the ground was littered with pieces of broken glass and plenty of other debris from the dire battle that took place here just a few moments ago.

Dozens of lifeless soldiers' bodies were unceremoniously piled upon the heaps of rubble at the edge of the cour...

Chapter 114: Reckoning

My heart raced as the Magistrate's domineering figure slowly strode toward me with measured steps. I gulped, trying to steady my nerves while, at the same time, I frantically searched for a way to overcome these insane odds.

It was clear that I had walked right into their trap, but I couldn't help but wonder why they wanted to get rid of me so badly to warrant such excessive force?

"...I must say," the Magistrate began in a low voice, coming to a sudden stop a short dis...

Chapter 113: Trapped

I threw one last look at Jenny's lifeless body, and then, with a heavy sigh, I stood up. 'I need to get moving...'

With a sense of urgency, I tried my best to overcome my tiredness as I started making my way back toward the surface.

But as I was approaching the spiraling staircase that would take me out of the dungeons, I heard the unmistakable sound of clinking armor.

I widened my eyes as I came to a sudden stop. 'They're already here...' I hurriedly looked aroun...

Chapter 112: Breakout

As a searing pain assaulted me, I staggered backward into the damp, dark cell.

In that fleeting moment, looking at the gaping wound in my chest, a thousand burning questions flashed through my mind, yet I didn't have time to ponder any of them.

Seeing that I was still standing, Jenny momentarily froze as if unsure what to do, but then the same cold determination seemed to overcome her uncertainty, and she resumed her attack, resolved to finish me off.

Not that I w...

Small Update

Hi, everyone!

Just a heads up. The next chapter will come out sometime tomorrow. What I originally planned as a single chapter turned into three already, so it's taking me slightly longer than usual... But I'm hoping to release the whole arc's finale over the weekend, so stay tuned!

Chapter 111: Rescue Mission

A/N: We arrived at the finale of the second arc. The next few chapters will be quite action-packed and slightly longer than usual, so I hope you will enjoy them.

I was slightly taken aback for a moment seeing Jenny as she made her desperate plea, but then I broke out of my stupor and asked, "Why me?"

We were total strangers not even a year ago, and initially, I only tried to befriend her for my own selfish reasons, trying to exploit her connection to Sir Roderick....

Chapter 110: Plea for Help

It was currently deep night, and I was now once again sitting in a certain hidden alcove deep within the Fortress. The crescent moon's glow was bathing me in its soft light as I was fully engrossed in reading a thick old book.

A few days had passed since Margarette's unpleasant visit, and she hadn't made any effort to contact me ever since.

Thus, with almost visible relief, I was able to put my worries about what she might do next to the back of my mind and instead focu...

Chapter 109: Margarette

"Oh, Why, you ask? I simply wanted to get to know my groom-to-be..."

With those words still echoing in my head, I reluctantly led Margarette inside the mansion and toward our finest guest's room, where Helga hurriedly prepared some delicious-looking refreshments with the help of our immensely stressed-out chef.

As we walked, I couldn't help but steal glances at Margarette's delicate features, which were further accentuated by her exquisite dress made out of the finest c...

Chapter 108: Difficult Decision

'W-What?!' I was left staring at him in utter bewilderment as the Count's outrageous words continued to echo in my mind.

At first, I simply thought it was some sort of elaborate joke on his part, but seeing his solemn expression, I quickly realized he was earnest.

I looked covertly at Margarette's beautiful figure, laughing pleasantly as she talked with another noble girl nearby, and couldn't help but gulp nervously. 'I'm to marry her?'

My mind raced, trying to pr...

Chapter 107: The Spring Ball

I looked at the invitation in my hands while wondering, 'What do they want this time?' I was trying my best to avoid any noble gatherings as much as I could, hoping they would leave me alone, but they seemed insistent on keeping at it no matter what I did.

Still, I couldn't refuse a direct invitation from the Count, so I will have to endure it somehow. I briefly considered taking Helga with me as attending a ball would be an excellent opportunity for her to practice etiquette...

Chapter 106: Expanding Our Business

Shortly after my birthdays, the winter struck, with its full might, thus forcing us to remain inside. As the relentless blizzards raged on, I spent most of my days curling up near the fireplace, watching the endless stream of snowflakes pounding against the glass.

During this time, I dutifully continued my quest to master the second-tier spells without fail, enjoying the rare moments of peace and quiet when nothing disturbed me.

Like this, the rest of the winter passed ...

Chapter 105: My Thirteenth Birthday

On the morning of my thirteenth birthday, I woke up and went to breakfast as usual. Ever since I came into the city, I never put much emphasis on my birthdays, so I simply took it as any other day.

But when I sat to eat at the table, I couldn't help but notice the pleading looks Helga was throwing at Lily, who tried her best to ignore them. 'What is this about?' I silently wondered as I was spreading some butter on a piece of bread.

After a while, however, Lily apparent...

Chapter 104: Second Tier Spells

"...Since you seem to be so good with the fire, I will now teach you an incantation for the most common fire spell of the second tier."

I eagerly leaned forward. The promise of learning a tier two spell left me waiting in nervous anticipation.

I knew it wouldn't be anything groundbreaking as this was still only a basic spell after all, but nonetheless, it would give me a tremendous advantage over others who would enroll in the Grand Tower in the same year as me since no...

Chapter 103: Quiet Winter

I felt like a weight had been lifted from my chest as we quickly made our way out of the Great Hall, but my heart remained heavy, and I didn't dare to lower my guard for one bit.

We had won this battle, but I knew that we had just made a lot of enemies there. As I glanced back over my shoulder, I could feel their menacing stares burning into my skin. This was a victory, but at what cost?

Theo looked at me with almost visible relief in his eyes. He appeared more than hap...

Big Update

Hi, everyone. I have an announcement to make:

Sorry for the delay with the release of new chapters. I was feeling under the weather over the last week, so I had to take a slight pause from writing and pause the release both here and on RR so that I wouldn't get too much behind schedule.

Also, I decided to alter the release rate to 3 chapters per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Maintaining a daily release rate can sometimes pose a challenge, especially when I get stuck on so...

Chapter 102: The Count's Verdict

A/N: Sorry for the delay I was feeling under the weather recently, so I needed to take a slight pause from writing.

I found myself standing at the entrance to the Great Hall, my heart pounding with nervousness. This was the very same place where I underwent the Measuring Ceremony not that long ago. Yet now, it gave off an entirely different vibe.

I hesitantly stepped in and immediately noticed the tension in the air. Rows of dignitaries and nobles stood silently. ...

Chapter 101: Accusation

A/N: I still have to do some editing, so the next chapter will come out later.

I accepted the richly bound book from Jenny's outstretched hands and quickly incanted the first spell Lily taught me. Before long, a small flame appeared at the top of my palm, and full of curiosity, I eagerly began reading.

Jenny simply stared at me in confusion as I was engrossed in the book. Apparently, she hated reading and only did it during her study lessons with the esteemed Cour...

Quick Update 2

Hi everyone! I have another quick update. I can confidently say that the next two chapters will be quite action-packed. And since they are part of one continuous story, I will release them both tomorrow so that there won't be any glaring cliffhangers in between. It will also give me the time to flesh out the story so you have something good to read over the weekend.

CosmicQuill

Chapter 100: Reconnaissance Mission

A/N: Woohoo! We made it to the 100th chapter!

After we came to an agreement with Clovis, I sent out my driver to deliver the rest of the elixirs to Isadora while I asked the plump merchant if I could catch a ride with them for a short while since we were traveling in the same direction.

He eagerly agreed, and I hopped on one of their carriages, loaded with various goods. Before long, the caravan was on its way, heading along the main highway ...

Chapter 99: My First Customer

Seeing Jorn so enthusiastically accept my offer, I couldn't help but don a victorious smirk. We shook hands while both looking excited, although for entirely different reasons.

Jorn nodded in agreement and said, "I'll make sure everyone knows we are gathering tomorrow at the address you provided us."

"Perfect, as for the payment..." I replied as we proceeded to discuss the details of our contract.

I found out that Jorn's party has eight members in total, which is ...

Quick Update

Hi, everyone! I just want to let you know that there won't be a new chapter today as I had to deal with something and didn't have that much time to write. But don't worry! This simply means you can enjoy two chapters tomorrow to make up for it.

CosmicQuill

Chapter 98: Hiring Guards

The next few days were quite hectic, to say the least. First, I had to teach Theo and Hans the secrets of the elixir production so that we could finally start supplying Isadora with our new product.

I also received word that Alaric finished his background checks on those beast hunters I asked about. Not to mention there was also Jenny's request to travel to her formal village in the mountains and make sure her parents were safe.

Although I promised her I would do it at the first o...

Chapter 97: A Midnight Outing

When I finished showing Hans the ropes of his new job, it was already quite late in the night. Thus, I led the siblings to the servant's building in the courtyard, their new home from now on, and assigned them their very own private room to keep them separate from my other servants.

As soon as both of them lay their exhausted bodies in their new beds, they immediately dropped off as all the fatigue from their misadventures so far seemed to finally catch up.

I couldn't help but smi...

Chapter 96: A Willing Helper

I crouched in the shadows at the corner of a small plaza behind a few shabby-looking crates, my eyes fixed on two scrawny children begging for food nearby.

I could see the dejection in their eyes as they desperately pleaded. It was indeed a sorrowful sight. Yet, despite the apparent futility of their plight, they kept at it. As if they were grasping for hope in a cruel and indifferent world.

There was no way to run a background check on a pair of homeless orphans, so I could only ...

Chapter 95: Mysterious Message

'Now, all that is left are a few willing workers to help us with the potion... ehm, the enhanced elixir production, and we can finally start making some real money.' I thought pleasantly as I was leaving the Fortress.

I was just thinking about how to go about the next step of my plan when I bumped into someone. 'Huh?' I blinked a few times, wondering how it could happen, as I was pretty sure I always kept track of my environment even when submerged in my thoughts.

But then I insta...

Chapter 94: Father's Inquiry

"So now that we ate, why don't you tell me what you have been doing lately?" My father's question hung in the air as he looked at me with inquisitive eyes.

The corners of my mouth twitched as I looked at him with an awkward smile. What a seemingly innocent question... yet there were multiple ways to answer him. Each of them hiding potential landmines I wanted to avoid at all costs.

I shifted nervously, trying to quickly come up with an acceptable answer. I felt a bead of cold swea...