Chapter 21 – Hunt for Crafting Materials #1
The air reeked of thick, cloying blood. Yet no one spared a glance at the corpses or the pooling crimson. They weren't worth the attention, and to these people, bodies were as commonplace as roadside weeds.
With far more valuable prizes scattered across the courtyard, there was no time to waste on mere cadavers.
"I'm assigning missions. My first unit, including myself, will advance to the barbarians' forward base. The rest of you, circle around and destroy the habitats of the monsters they breed."
"Understood."
"In particular, the Montemer mages—burn their monster villages to the ground without mercy."
Freya bowed her head as she replied.
"We'll keep that in mind."
The success of this operation would significantly sway the Montemer family's evaluation. Houses were always under scrutiny. Even prestigious lineages weren't eternally great, nor were obscure ones doomed to perpetual obscurity.
Freya burned with ambition to execute this mission flawlessly and earnestly.
Just someone hungry for achievements, huh? Lawrence thought to himself, watching her fervor.
Judging by the fire in Freya's eyes, the mission would go off without a hitch. And that was the problem.
I need to find crafting materials...
The medium's ability to block symptoms is insufficient.
Insufficient.
...
He'd scoured everywhere all night, but that's all he got. It meant he needed a superior medium. This thing he casually called the system had informed him that a medium extracted from a living monster was required.
To craft superior artifacts, he needed to raise his Dragon Body grade and secure top-tier materials.
Am I the creator or some game character? Can't even tell anymore.
Lawrence swallowed a sigh as his to-do list loomed clear before him. He was the crafter, yet here he was hunting materials and grinding his body relentlessly.
Still, his goals were crystal clear.
I'll use the Grand Duke's house as a refuge and build my faction in Montemer.
He had no desire to seize control of the family outright. He just wanted a solid foothold they couldn't touch, then focus on crafting and live his life.
But mercy for those who'd killed his mother and shattered the house? Not a chance.
Once all goals were met, he'd craft ring- or necklace-shaped artifacts like in the game.
Sell 'em off, sure... but the road's still long.
So he had to grow stronger. All the more reason.
As those thoughts wrapped up, the meeting ended. Nothing groundbreaking—just smash everything in sight.
"We depart this evening, then."
"Yes, sir!"
Everyone responded with vigor, and Lawrence had set his own objectives too. Rising from his seat, he shed his cloak. Honestly, the oversized thing was cumbersome and annoying.
"You're Young Master Lawrence, right? Your skills yesterday were no joke."
"If you'd become a swordsman, you'd be a Sword Master by now."
"Pardon the rudeness, but how old are you?"
Northern nobles approached out of the blue, striking up conversation. Having rubbed shoulders with the Grand Duke, they were casually informal, ignoring stiff protocols. Lawrence found the vibe comfortable.
"Not even eleven yet."
"Whaaat? Eleven!?"
"Incredible talent. You should've been a swordsman, not a mage!"
"How about it? Join our house while you're—mmph!"
"Ignore that guy."
The sales pitch was swiftly punished. But the uncles' courtship of Lawrence was far from over.
"I'd love to pass on my swordsmanship. My daughter's a real beauty—"
"Hey now! Manners, people!"
"Manners? You gonna let go of the young master's hand first?"
"Come visit our house instead. We'll treat you like royalty!"
Lawrence couldn't help but grin at the attention pouring his way. It was the first time in his past life anyone had shown him such goodwill.
Then a booming woman's voice cut through the uncles.
"You parasite uncles—leave the young master alone and prep for departure already!"
"Oh? Lady Leila's already claimed him?"
"He got the Grand Duke's cloak! Makes sense!"
"Gaaah! Get lost—!"
It was winter.
#2
Evening fell. Departing with Lawrence were the mage unit, two platoons led by knights, apprentice knights of sergeant rank, the supply train, and their commander, Leila—all formed into one company.
Thanks to Leila's meticulousness, they set out without missing supplies.
"That distant treeline is the infamous Forest of Yetis. Yetis swarm out in packs, wolves and undead prowl too—stay sharp, no slacking."
"Got it."
"Mages especially, don't get caught lagging. Forests like this make it easy to lose your way—eyes front at all times."
"We'll remember."
Leila issued stern warnings as they entered the woods. The moon lit the night brightly, but darkness still favored monsters over humans. This forest was hellish for mages in particular.
"Whew, chills already?"
"No wonder mages hate this place."
Even under guard, mages constantly watched their backs. As they delved into the deep woods where moonlight barely pierced, torches and light spells flickered to life.
"We're targets now. Stay alert."
"Yes, ma'am."
A lone torch blooming in the dark was bait—prime loot for raiders. To undead and dark mages, it was an irresistible sacrifice.
"They're coming. Get ready, everyone."
"Huh? What is?"
To Lawrence, clumps of mana were closing in from all sides. And what were those on the trees?
Dragon Eye can detect stealth too, huh.
Ambushers lay in wait, having anticipated this route. They'd likely gotten intel from the late Routin Kyung. Still, the Grand Duke had no choice but to press on—repaving a new path would've taken too much time and manpower.
Grasping the situation, Lawrence issued orders to the mages. His equal standing with the Grand Duke lent them authority. He beat Freya to it, directing chants.
"Mages, begin chanting."
"What the—!?"
"They're almost here."
Boom—
The moment Lawrence finished, a faint tremor rippled through. Everyone felt it clearly, faces turning puzzled from heeding his words. The mood shifted instantly.
Then azure lightning surged out of nowhere.
Lightning Bolt
"Think you can hide, you bastards—!"
Crackle-crackle-zap—!
Lightning shot from Lawrence's hand in a flash. It arced toward the densely packed treetops. The vivid bolt engulfed the hidden foes in an instant.
[Kieeeek—!]
"What're those!?"
"Night Crawlers!"
Night Crawlers. Undead assassins, cobbled from assorted dark magic with stealth enchantments. Combat prowess was middling, but they formed the backbone for dark mages and undead to gather intel and expand.
Their stealth was impeccable at night—undetectable unless you were a powerhouse or hypersensitive. Extra caution was key.
Battle erupted before anyone could gape. Yetis with glowing green eyes burst through the woods from every direction.
"Ha, these fuckers... came prepared, huh?"
"Mages'll roast 'em good. Just hold till then."
"Right! You all know the drill!?"
Boom—!
Northern soldiers stomped in unison. Icy blue aura bloomed along their blades.
The North's signature aura cultivation method.
Called Ice Crystal Art because it mimics ice.
Ice Crystal Art. Among aura methods, it boasted tremendous power. Word was, against Northerners, never yield distance—their mere aura chilled bones like a scalpel.
"Stick close!"
"Yes, sir!"
Lawrence unleashed his artifacts' full capacity. Mere 1st and 2nd circle spells, but at overwhelming speed, they aided plenty.
[Kieeeek—!]
Weak Night Crawlers fell to even 1st circle magic. Lawrence flung spells wildly, prepared to drain every artifact dry.
Shrrrk—!
Holy chains bound foes' movements.
Crackle-zap—!
Azure bolts pierced enemy flesh.
Artifact capacity depleted.
Recommended: Draw magic circles with extracts or replace with new artifacts.
His frenzy bought time—the mages' chants completed safely.
Kaboom—!
The world ignited red, darkness devouring flames spewing light. Montemer mages, pride of the Red Tower, unleashed their arsenal with glee.
"Whoa—nice and toasty!"
"Swordsmen handle the close ones!"
"On it!"
Leila's sword gleamed. It sliced air, crimson flashes dancing in firelight.
Slash—slash-slash—!
With crisp sounds, Leila's mad laughter echoed through the woods amid her frenzied dance.
"Hahaha! This is great! Come on, you bastards!"
"She's... okay, right?" Loria asked worriedly.
Her guarding apprentice knight bellowed a laugh.
"No worries, milady! The lady's laugh heralds victory!"
"If you say so..."
Loria glanced at Lawrence, his chest artifact glowing, steeling herself. She couldn't shame the family after nagging them to uphold its name!
Last time was a failure—a bitter blunder that tarnished honor.
Never again. Me too—!
Mages must never halt chants, no matter the peril—even arrows grazing ears!
Crackle—!
Blue mana swirled fiercely around Loria.
Meanwhile, Lawrence swapped artifacts and dove back in. His new loadout:
Greater power.
Greater speed.
Like a light spirit piercing darkness.
Crackle-zap—!
Lawrence leaped skyward, hurling the holy bomb into the enemy horde. Haste boosted acceleration, Strength amplified jump, and Warrior's Movement granted precise agility.
Holy Bomb 2/3
"That oughta do it."
2nd circle holy magic. The massive bomb judged the undead.
Siiiibaaaaaaa—BOOM!!