The Scientist from Numora

“I’m originally from Kaada Kingdom but due to my research, I have been forced to join the Circle of Mages in Numora and this research has brought you and me together today. Now before I get into details, let me tell you right away that your mission is quite dangerous and that the chance of dying is quite high which is why I am quite generous with the rewards as well. However, for everyone’s peace of mind, I have made significant preparations to ensure everyone safety. And be assured that the higher ups of this guild has been informed of my “preparations” and our friend Loo here can bear witness. I know it’s hard to believe but let me tell you right now that on this mission, you may not even fight at all, that is if you of course if you follow my plans and if we do encounter someone stronger, you have all the right to retreat and still get your rewards even if the mission fails.

*Pause

I’ve been informed of your demands and I have already agreed to grant them.

Now, I will give everyone a chance to walk out that door now. If you dare stay though and later change your mind, please note that for security and for the secrecy of the project is protected, we cannot allow you to step out until the mission is over.”

Everyone was quiet and after a minute, Ver Sosa smiled. “Since no one stood up, I’m assuming everyone agreed?”

“My name is Red Blade and my question is, when are we getting our rewards?” One of the two sword cultivators interrupted.

“Just like any other missions, it will be handed to you here at the branch after the mission has been concluded regardless if it is a success or not. Your rewards though may have 3 days delay as it would come from the central office. You can choose to claim it there if you wish to. I will take care of the procedures myself.” Loo proactively answered the question.

“I will count another 10. If no one wants to leave, I will assume everyone agrees to participate. 1, 2, 3,” Ver Sosa interrupted.

When the count reached to ten, everyone was still seated.

“I am pleased for everyone’s participation.”

“And what exactly is the mission?” One of the body cultivators asked.

Ver Sosa placed a hexagonal piece of silver metal at the center of the table and powered it with his mana. After which, the piece of metal shined creating a holographic projection.

*Fancy

Everyone’s attention was drawn on the continental map displayed the magical device. Ver Sosa then controlled the device to enlarge a portion on the map then slowly, each Kingdom has been revealed then seconds later, an area revealing the warzone west of Gentris Kingdom was focused on. “Due to the nature of my research, I am unable to disclose anything else aside from our destination but the location should be more than enough for everyone to gauge the dangers we will be facing.”

While everyone was still observing the map, Red Blade raised another question. “Even with our combined strength, there is still a big chance anyone will perish should we encounter a Core Formation demon. Please tell me that your “preparations” include Core Formation expert as well?”

“If I could hire a Core Formation expert or 7 or 8TH- Circle mages, then I have no need to hire everyone today. I may look rich but the truth is, I have already exhausted my entire wealth for this mission and still failed to recruit stronger mercenaries. Since everyone agreed to participle, then I will not hide it anymore.” Ver Sosa smiled and slightly lifted his hand.

*Click

The moment Ver Sosa clicked his fingers, the three Yin-Yang guards near the door slightly circulated their aura.

*Gasp

Everyone stood up and activated their protective aura except for Clay.

*Click

Upon hearing Ver Sosa’s signal, the Yin-Yang guards retracted their aura. Although their show of strength was brief, it left everyone shocked and ready to battle.

“Gentlemen! Please be at ease. I did not mean to startle everyone but I hope these three Yin-Yang guards would be sufficient to prove that we are not recklessly entering the battlefield. I did say you may not even have to fight at all as majority of the killing will be done by them. Unfortunately, their strength has limits as well and this is where everyone’s help is needed. It is highly unlikely that we will face off with demon experts consecutively but your overall duty during this mission is basically back-up forces.”

The discussion went on for another five minutes and Clay was silent the entire time. While everyone is impressed by the strength of the Yin-Yang soldiers, his mind was absorbed by what he saw earlier when Ver Sosa was enhancing the map. It was for a split second but he did saw a place near the border of Ufka and Anongus Kingdoms.

When he was at Rising Sun Sect and asked the library scholar to translate a book for him and that if he had doubts that he would travel to Ufka Kingdom in search for Barnachean descendants. The map just revealed an area called Burnuchea Volcano.

Clay is certain that Burnuchea is the same as Barnachea. The widespread dialect utilized by Mages primarily relies on the vowels “U” and “A” to distinguish Qi and Mana. While there are no strict standards in Mages’ naming patterns and nomenclature, a lot of the herbs and medicines, tribes and even places when translated to Mages, the “A-U” principle becomes noticeable. Examples of them are Gabalins compared to Grublins, Manaar Elves when compared to Muinaar decent. So upon seeing Burnuchea Volcano, he suddenly got reminded of this tribe in legends.

He is planning on concocting a Core Formation Breakthrough Pill using Fire Crystals but once he fails, his next step is to either look for a better Essence Flame or further research on the Barnachea Legacy. It just never occurred to him he will get the location of the remaining descendant during this encounter.

“Any other concerns you want to raise? If there is none, then we will meet outside the gates before dark.” Ver Sosa looked everyone in the eyes and since no one has any more questions, he continued. “You may go and prepare except for our young friend here. I have yet to talk to him about his reward.”

Ver Sosa turned towards Clay.

When everyone left, Ver Sosa asked the door to be closed again.

“My asking pricing is two or three stalks of Purple Nuktera Orchid.” Clay initiated the conversation.

“It’s quite rare but you have my word it will be awarded after the mission.” Ver Sosa casual responded.

“Then I thank this friend for his generosity.” Clay saluted with his fist and turned around to leave.

“I wonder if this friend has heard about Stulactite Potion?” When Clay took a few steps, Ver Sosa suddenly inquired.

“I am only interested in Purple Nuktera Orchid.”

“It improves and significantly elevates the body constitution of Qi Cultivators. Surely your interest is not only limited to Purple Nuktera Orchid especially for someone preparing to breakthrough.”

Clay stopped his tracks and turned around upon hearing Ver Sosa make a new proposal. He is aware that he needs to improve his body constitution before breaking through to Core Formation and it is part of his to-do list. Sometimes it irritates him when someone reads his motives. “What do you want?”

“I’m curious as to how far this friend’s Dao Comprehension has reached?”

“Might I ask why this friend thinks I have comprehended the Dao?”

Ver Sosa smiled. “There is no need to humble yourself. I’m not a 6TH Circle Mage for nothing. Unlike you cultivators, Mages are more sensitive to energy ripples and only you have reacted to the Yin-Yang soldiers even before meeting them. If I may say, it is a talent specific to cultivators who have comprehended the Dao.”

“Pardon my discourtesy but I would like to ask this friend to get to his point.”

Ver Sosa’s face turned serious. “I hope to convince this friend to participate in my experiments after this mission and in turn, I will use my connections to get you a vial of the body elixir.”

*Mrrhhh

Clay cleared his throat and said, “And what exactly does your experiment entails?”

Ver Sosa removed the map device on the table and took out a small silver cube from his storage device and poured his mana into it. When the cube activated, it projected three images. One is an image of Dream Eating Demon and the other two looks like body parts from the demon.

“My research specializes on illusions and to be precise, on the abilities of Dulifica Race of Kulfagar demons. You cultivators call them Dream Eating Demons. The type of illusions these demons produce is so real that they could overwrite the memories of anyone below Foundation level and I believe that if this ability is utilized properly, that it will help, if not enable will at least assist them in touching the realm of Grand Dao. I don’t want you to think that I am hiding something but this is the entirety of our mission.”

“And you wish to achieve your aspirations by going on a mission with a high mortality rate?” Clay quizzically asked while looking at the images. The first time he has seen it was years ago before his goblin encounter.

“I am in need of the reproductive organs of young Dream Eating Demons and to ensure that I get the needed materials, I will need to extract them myself. Sadly these younglings do not go out in the open to hunt but I have been in contact with a trafficker within the Kulfagar army and we will meet them three months from now.”

“Trafficker?”

“Yes.”

Ver Sosa looked at Clay with curiosity then took out a book from his ring and tossed it over to Clay. He had met all sorts of cultivators and this is the first he has seen a true talent in hiding. While he wanted to inquire about Clay’s upbringing, Clay’s tone already suggests that he had lived in isolation or had cultivated without a care in the world. Regardless, he will make use of Clay’s naivety to make a good impression. “Similar to us, Kulfagar Demons are comprised with multiple races and they do have their own society. In terms of their civilization, they are no different from us.

You see, the demons that are constantly at war with us is only a third of their population. Believe it or not, the reason our lands is not fully invaded yet is because majority of the powerhouses within Kulfagar Ranks choose not to further conquer the entire continent and not because they are unable to but because we are a necessary existence. I’m sure you know how powerful Goblins can get.”

Clay stored the book in his spatial. “If I have time, my involvement can be arranged but what I’m worried now is if Deacon Loo and the rest if they find out what you’re after on this mission.”

*Sigh

“I’ve been hoping for a favorable outcome but if it comes to worst, then I will take responsibility. It is the real reason I cannot employ Core Formation experts during this mission.”

“And you’re not afraid that I will rat you out?”

“I am 367 years old and this is the first time I am meeting a human capable of manifesting Dao and love to remain in the shadows. I’d love to see you make a name and rat me out.”

Clay forced a smiled in response.

Ver Sosa wanted to continue their friendly talk but he can only give up as Clay looked like he wanted to go. “Tonight, I will give you a teleportation device and your task during this mission is to always stay on our tail. The device takes twenty seconds to activate and you will act as trigger and vanguard of the device if there is a need for us to escape. ”

Clay turned around and left the room.

There is no need to ask Ver Sosa to elaborate what he meant by “take responsibility” earlier. Every citizen within the unified kingdoms has a rule against Kulfagar Demons and that is to kill. Anyone caught siding or colluding even with the weakest of demons will be executed and the reason Ver Sosa cannot employ Core Formation experts to guard him during the mission is because he may not be able to eliminate them if they refuse to keep their silence or extort him for more rewards.