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...
The brilliant rays of the sun bathed the streets of Extreme Night City in a golden hue. The morning light shimmered off the cobbled roads, casting an ethereal glow that seemed to pave the path with gold.
Leylin stood in front of an ornate mirror, adjusting the cuffs of his white ceremonial attire. The fabric was smooth and luxurious, reflecting his current status as a rising force within the city. His sharp, handsome features were calm and composed, his dark eyes reflecting an abyss of cold calculations and hidden ambition. (Image)
A soft knock echoed from the door.
"Young Master, the carriage is ready," Anna's gentle voice came through.
Leylin nodded slightly. "Understood."
He stepped out of his chamber, the heavy wooden door closing behind him with a dull thud. As he moved through the grand corridors of his newly acquired manor, the faint sounds of activity from the underground lab echoed faintly through the stone walls.
As he passed the servants' quarters, two delicate figures stood to the side, heads bowed respectfully.
Shera, the black-haired beauty, and Rede, the fiery redhead, were once mere slaves. Now, they served as Leylin's personal attendants, or more accurately, his bed slaves. Their once-malnourished bodies had filled out after being well-fed and cared for, their faces now glowing with vitality.
Leylin reached out and gently pinched Shera's soft cheek. "You both look much better after a good meal and proper rest. I expect you to wait for me tonight. We'll have a... deeper conversation."
Both girls blushed furiously, bowing their heads even lower.
Leylin smirked and continued walking.
As he stepped out of the manor, the sight of heavily armed men patrolling the perimeter greeted him. The Roran Hawks mercenary group, now under his command, stood guard, their eyes sharp and vigilant.
Near the entrance, four knights stood in gleaming armor, their once-ragtag appearance now replaced with the elegance and discipline of true warriors. (Image)
Leylin's eyes swept over them, his expression one of mild approval. "You no longer look like knight wannabes. Good. Come, Greem, we're heading out."
The knights bowed respectfully. Their loyalty to Leylin was absolute, for it was his influence that had elevated them from mere slaves to true knights under him. Through subtle manipulation, intimidation, and occasional rewards, Leylin had bound them to his will.
Greem, the most seasoned and skilled among them, stepped forward. Dressed in black armor with a crimson cape flowing behind him, he radiated quiet strength and authority. He was not only Leylin's right-hand man but also the head of his personal force.
Leylin's gaze shifted toward the training ground near the courtyard. Seven young boys, drenched in sweat, were practicing their swordsmanship under the scorching sun. The sound of clashing wooden swords echoed through the air as they pushed their limits under Greem's strict guidance.
"Oh? How is the training progressing?" Leylin asked, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.
Greem stepped forward and bowed slightly. "They are still at the initial stage, but they are hardworking. I made sure they understand that this opportunity is only granted due to your lordship's grace. They are determined to prove themselves."
Leylin's eyes narrowed as he observed the boys. They were all orphans and abandoned children from nearby villages, handpicked for their latent knight potential. With Greem's help, he had taken them in, molding them into future knights. ( Image)
Yet, Leylin's true intention was far from just mere Knights.
He had provided them with the initial volume of the Serpent Blood Refinement Technique, the Grand knight level meditation method he had modified. The technique would allow them to temper their bodies and reach the preparatory knight stage.
'Let's see how this little experiment unfolds...' Leylin thought coldly, his eyes had no warmth for the kids but a cold calculation.
Without another word, he stepped into the luxurious black carriage, and Greem personally took the reins, leading the horses forward.
As the carriage rolled through the streets of Extreme Night City, Leylin's gaze drifted out the window. The city's architecture was gothic and grand, with towering spires and intricately carved stone walls. The roads were paved with smooth rocks, and the occasional noble carriage passed by, flanked by guards.
Leylin closed his eyes and allowed himself to indulge in the vibrant hustle of the city.
As the carriage moved past the bustling market district, Leylin's mind drifted toward the upcoming banquet.
City lord's banquet is to be held today. He invited him too. After all, as the owner, City Lord would develop a curiosity for any guest with strength like his, but Leylin knows this meeting is not just merely for acquaintanceship.
Murphy's Villa
The carriage came to a smooth halt before a grand white villa on Cecelia Main Street. The estate was surrounded by lush greenery and featured intricate marble statues guarding the entrance.
Greem swiftly dismounted and opened the carriage door.
Murphy stepped forward, he also wore formal attire and carried a black cane as he waited. After seeing Leylin, his wrinkled face revealed a joyous expression, "Welcome, my friend!"
"Come my friend, I hope you like my litte accommodation." Leylin smiled.
Murphy got into the horse carriage with the help of his servant. With the crack of the whip, Greem drove the horse carriage towards the centre of the city.
...
Soon they reached their destination, Leylin looked around. There were several other horse carriages in the vicinity. From time to time, gentlemen in lavish attire and ladies in low-cut ball gowns got down.
Murphy appeared to have quite a reputation amongst this circle of nobles based on the exuberant greetings Murphy happily responded to. They even chatted for a while before moving on.
Upon seeing Murphy, the guard at the door ran in immediately. Not long after, an extremely loud voice boomed from within.
"Murphy, my friend! You have finally arrived!" Accompanying the voice, a burly middle-aged man walked out of the castle.
Jackson gave Murphy a firm hug, "Little Jackson has always been asking about you!"
"I too miss that cute fellow. He is one of the smartest amongst all my students!" Murphy said.
"This is a good friend of mine from far away, Sire Leylin Farlier!" Murphy introduced Leylin to Viscount Jackson.
"Extreme Night City welcomes you!" Jackson sized up Leylin, and opened his broad shoulders, giving Leylin a hug.
Leylin's smiled and hugged the big man.
"Very well! Oh You should be a Knight too, right? And a powerful one. Impressive." Lord Jackson was slightly astonished by Leylin's strength, and he looked upon Leylin now in a friendlier light.
"Following the Knight training is a must for proper Knight nobles like us, it's our heritage after all." Leylin said, earning more praise and friendship from Jackson. Acolytes usually looked down upon the Knight path, although he does agree that this path offer much less power but it's not worthless either.
Even now, Jackson as a Grand Knight can suppress Level 2 Acolytes, and considering how most of the wizards in Extreme Night City are at that level, he commands respect.
Right at that moment, Leylin glanced at the stats shown by the A.I. Chip.
[Jackson. Strength: 7.9, Agility: 4.5, Vitality: 6.3, Spiritual force: 3.5. State: Healthy. This human is deemed as dangerous, it is strongly suggested that the Host maintain a distance of 50 metres from this person.]
'Impressive.'
The vitality of Grand Knights is high. And, after constant activation and stimulation of their internal life energy, they have surpassed the bottleneck that held back most humans. Moreover, they have also developed a slight resistance to rank 0 spells, not an easy opponents for Acolytes especially in close combat.
Soon Leylin's walked together with Murphy into the castle's hall.
It was obvious that the large hall had been decorated for the occasion. The marbled floor was so smooth that it reflected the figures of people walking around on it.
A huge golden chandelier hung from the centre of the large hall. It was densely packed with lighted candles that shone through the surrounding coloured crystals letting out a colourful light.
At the side of this huge hall, was an orchestra of musicians wearing swallowtail coats and performing a slow enjoyable tune.
The area filled with long tables covered in white cloth. On these tables were gold and silver platters with various fruits and barbecued meat. On the side, there were even flasks and silver flagons, which emitted the strong aroma of wine.
Right in the centre was a huge open space where many of the nobility were waltzing to the music.
"It seems like a ball with a buffet on the side!" Leylin nodded his head.
"Go enjoy yourself! I'll have to say hello to a few old friends!" Murphy said to Leylin.
Leylin gestured with his head in assent. He then picked up a cup of grape wine and sat on a nearby sofa.
He knew that old Murphy was looking to mingle together with some coquettish women in revealing outfits.