Chapter 23: The Path of Power
In his room, Ron lay on his bed, clutching a cross-shaped pendant.
"With the Fallen Star Pendant, my defense is ensured. I can use the A.I. Chip to design a combination of powerful Rank 0 spells."
With his raw strength, Ron wasn't afraid of any Acolyte. The upcoming Bloodbath wasn't a significant challenge for someone of his caliber. His objective was to inflict a debilitating injury on Jayden and facilitate a smoother trade with Dorotte, sparking a demand-and-supply interaction.
"A.I. Chip, display my stats."
[Beep! Ron Farlier. Level 3 Acolyte. Grand Knight. Strength: 7.9, Agility: 5.9, Vitality: 7.7, Spiritual Force: 15.7, Magic Power: 15 (magic power is synchronized with spiritual force). Status: Healthy.]
"My strength now surpasses what Feng had when he first became a Rank 1 Warlock. I must remember that Warlock strength easily surpasses that of a Magus. Besides my Spiritual Force, all my stats reach the level of an official Magus. Spiritual Force is the primary distinguishing characteristic, the key factor in each rank."
Ron couldn't forsake the Way of the Magus; it would be foolish to ignore the opportunities it offered. With a smile, he thought, "I just want to add a little 'wine' to make the meal more enjoyable."
Just as Ron was deep in thought, a rhythmic knock on his door resounded.
"Please enter," Ron said, arranging his clothes, well aware of what was to come.
The wooden door creaked open, and Bicky, dressed in a green gown, entered, bringing a fragrant scent with her.
"Leylin, Mentor asked me to bring you to register for the upcoming school competition."
Before the Bloodbath, the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had been actively nurturing its Acolytes, hosting competitions with generous rewards. While the champion's prize didn't interest Ron, he would have to make a superficial effort.
Bicky had transformed into a beautiful young lady during the three years Ron hadn't seen her. She led the way in silence.
As they walked through the garden zone, Bicky suddenly revealed, "Leylin, you know what? Fayle has agreed to be my boyfriend."
"Congratulations," Ron replied with a feigned smile. He had been aware of Bicky's infatuation with Fayle and her foolish actions, but he hadn't warned her. He knew such warnings would have no effect on a love-struck girl.
The Potioneering competition lasted for two days and one night. Ron decided to take on the challenge without the assistance of the A.I. Chip to make it more challenging.
As the competition became more intense, the topics provided by the academy grew increasingly difficult. Bicky was eliminated in the third round. The finals involved brewing Hofdor's Water of Radiance, a challenging beginner potion.
Ron distinguished himself throughout the competition, winning second place in the finals after pretending to make a mistake and allowing his senior, Merlin, to claim first place.
Returning to his dorm, Ron tossed aside the second-place prize, a Fiery Combustion Potion, with a might of 8 to 9 degrees, considering it unworthy of his attention. He had been able to brew such a potion on his own for a year now.
With the competition behind him, Ron's thoughts turned to the upcoming secret plane Bloodbath.
As he reflected on what was ahead, there was a knock on his door.
"Who is it? It's quite late," Ron inquired as he opened the door.
"It's me," came the coquettish voice of a girl wrapped in a cloak.
"Bick—"
Before Ron could finish, their lips met, the door closed, and the cloak fell to the floor, revealing Bicky's alluring, naked body.
Once Ron regained his senses, he found himself on his bed, with Bicky passionately entangled with him.
Their passionate rendezvous continued, Ron taking the lead and asserting his dominance.
"We're not done yet," Ron declared, switching positions with Bicky as she sighed in contentment.