Chapter 102: Invitation

'She is dangerous for sure. If I speak one wrong word, I might make an enemy out of her.'

Raven took the glass of juice from the table and sipped before talking.

"Lady Judith said that concocting Affinity Potion is possible. Why not try asking her to help your disciple, Ma'am?"

A frown appeared on Ophelia's forehead.

"This is not the answer to my question, though." Her voice turned colder, causing the whole surrounding air to turn chill.

"I advise you not to act recklessly, ma'am. This is not a random house but the Crown's Tavern." As he spoke, he turned his attention towards his left side.

At that moment, two men in blue uniforms had already arrived at the entrance door and were pointing their rifles at Ophelia.

A trance of annoyance appeared on her face.

"Haa, you think concocting an affinity potion is easier, kid? I don't know how she got her hands on that potion, but she must have been bluffing. Only a few powerhouses in the Main Continent possess the potion formulas to concoct affinity potions. Even in the Arcane Mist Empire, a single 'High' Rank potion costs around 10,000 Arcane Coins! If we calculate the Empire's currency, it would come to around 10 million gold coins! Is it possible for a nobody like me? If I have that much money, why would I be running errands in this barbaric place?" Her voice sounded more like shouting.

"Now, how did you find out his low affinity?"

Raven knew that she would come and look for him if he let this happen and decided to play his own game.

"I discovered his low ice affinity due to my deep understanding of the ice element, ma'am. My teacher said those with 'Extraordinary' or 'Genius' Rank affinity could sense the other's elemental rank with a glance. I sensed his unstable ice spell models as soon as I saw him. I'm just surprised how you didn't sense him."

Ophelia's face froze as he spoke those words.

"I-I did sense his unstable spell models long ago. I thought it must be about his bloodline trait and didn't pay much attention." She waved her hand and diverted the topic.

"And you said you already have a teacher. Can you tell me about your teacher's identity?" Her gaze sharpened again.

Meanwhile, Raven took out a strange badge with a painting of a cockscomb flower painted on it.

"My teacher is someone you might know." As soon as Ophelia saw the ring, her eyes squinted.

"Haa, you have already taken, huh?" She shook her head in disappointment and stood up.

"I'm going back to the Academy. Daley, once you return to the Academy, come to my office. I'll draft the expulsion certificate for you."

"T-Teacher?!" Daley got panicked and stood up in a hurry.

But before he could even ask anything, she suddenly turned into a puddle of mist and dispersed into thin air.

'Is it teleportation?' Raven was startled deeply and asked.

[More like she moved faster than your eyes could perceive.] Zera said in his mind.

Meanwhile, the two guards lowered their rifles and quietly moved out of the mansion.

On the other hand, Daley stood rooted on the floor like a statue and slowly slumped on the chair.

"Haa, my life is completely over now!"

Raven calmly took the fruit juice glass and took a sip.

"Can we talk now?" He asked.

"What is there to even talk about?" Daley asked while covering his face with both hands. His eyes started reddening as he tried to hold his emotions in control.

"I'm gifted in both Ice and Spatial elements." Raven paused, causing Daley, Maisie, and Kingston to freeze.

"Can I talk to you privately?" Raven asked as he looked at Maisie and Kingston.

"They've been with me from the day I entered this Academy. They are my trustworthy subordinates." Daley said.

"I know they are your trusted subordinates, Young Master. But this is top secret information I can't share with anyone." Raven said with a hesitant look.

Daley pondered for a moment and soon nodded.

"Both of you, go and wait outside the mansion." He ordered. Unlike mortals, Walkers had extraordinary senses. They could even hear whispers from 100 meters away!

"Jacob, Selene, Stephaine, Harlod, and the maids. Go out." Raven also decided to send them out.

Once everyone left the mansion, Raven turned his face solemnly and spoke.

"In truth, I came to the Crown's Tavern under the order of someone, Young Master. He told me to save a soul from falling into despair."

"What are you talking about? Who is this someone?" Daley was startled by his words and looked at him in confusion.

"We call him the 'Prince.'"

'Prince? There are many princes in this Empire, though.'

"Prince?" A certain mysterious prince's identity popped up in his face.

"Is he the 66th Prince? Prince Raven?" Daley asked with a startled look. He had been reading all the news about the Rebel Prince for seven days and knew how powerful he was.

'He is an existence capable of killing the Strongest Wizard!'

Raven nodded.

"Even though I know nothing about him, one thing I know for sure is that he wants to stop the foreign power from gaining influence all over the Empire. He said he needed reliable aides and sent an invitation for you to join his 'Organization.'" Raven said with a smile.

"An organization? What kind of Organization?" Daley felt curious.

[An organization? When did you even create such a thing?] Zera was dumbfounded.

'Just now.'

"Golden Wheel," Raven said with a smile and added.

"It's an organization created by 'Prince' to spread the knowledge of Wizardry to the common people and reclaim the glory of the Zenith Empire. Of course, joining the Organization won't be an easy task. Before joining the Organization, Prince will monitor you for a while, give you some tasks, and check your loyalty."

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"It's an organization to help him fight for the throne, huh?"

Daley went silent for a while and soon asked.

"Why did he choose me instead of my cousin brothers?"

"Only the 'Prince' know the answer, Young Master. But he prophesized you have a 'Prodigy' level of Spatial affinity and will become a Serpent one day."

[You've acquired 'Bullshitting' skill!] A robotic voice, similar to Zera's, echoed his mind.

Controlling his emotions, Raven stared at Daley and continued.

"He said that a 'Prodigy' Rank born one in a billion."

"Prodigy Level?" This was the first time he had heard of such a term, and he stared at him in confusion.

"It's a level above Genius."

Daley furrowed his brows. He knew there would be no free lunch in this world.

"What are the conditions for joining the organization?"

"There are three conditions a Golden Wheel member must follow, Young Master Daley. First, you must take an oath never to tell anyone that you are a member of the Golden Wheel and sign a magic contract. Second, you must prioritize the Organization's goals over your own. Third, you must never harm your fellow organization members and also never reveal the identity of fellow organization members to outsiders." Raven stated calmly.

"What if I tell others about this secret organization and then join?"

"'Prince' can see through past, present, and future, Young Master. It is nothing but a formal invitation to the Golden Wheel. To truly become a member, you must gain the 'Prince's' Trust by yourself."

Daley listened to his words quietly and asked.

"What benefits will I get If I join this organization?"

"The Organization will cure the 'Frost Curse' placed upon you. If you want to, we will also help you find the root cause of the curse and eliminate future threats."

"Frost Curse? What do you mean? Wait, does that mean I've 'High' Ice affinity but became 'Low' due to this curse?" Daley showed a confused look.

"If you want to know more, you must prove your loyalty to the Organization first and officially become a member." Raven tossed out the bait.

'Does that mean someone within the family is trying to harm me?' He could tell that they weren't after his life but his position!

'I'm still skeptical of his words. But if his words are true, I can change my life.' He had long known of his teacher's character. If not for him being a descendant of Viola Findlay, she would've kicked him out of the Academy long ago.

"How to prove my loyalty?" He asked.

"Quit the Academy voluntarily and leave your family's main house. To outsiders, you must look like you've given up on becoming the Findlay Successor and focus on living alone. Also, stop taking medicine to increase your ice affinity." Raven said solemnly.

"That's enough?" Daley asked.

"Yes. The 'Prince' will visit you and sign a magic contract if you prove your loyalty. He will also bestow you upon a secret code name and inform you of the gathering date."

"Gathering date?" Daley felt more curious about this 'Golden Wheel' Organization.

Meanwhile, Raven nodded and continued to answer.

"It's the date when all the Golden Wheel members will gather. During this gathering, you can purchase all the necessary spell models, including top-tier spirit techniques, Elemental Circlet techniques, potion recipes, affinity potion recipes, etc. Of course, you must pay equal value in exchange for these items."

Daley nodded his head in understanding and decided to give it a shot.

"Then, I will wait for Prince's arrival," Daley said as he stood up.

Then, he turned around and started walking towards the exit.

But all of a sudden, he thought of something, turned around, and asked.

"May I know your secret code name in advance?"

A smile appeared on Raven's face.

"I'm not a member but only a messenger, Young Master. But I do go by a special nickname." He paused for a moment and then added.

"Devil."

Daley's face stiffened.

"An ominous name from the start, huh? But I like it." He nodded stiffly and soon walked out of the mansion house.

…

A few minutes later, Jacob, Selene, and others entered the main hall and looked at him in puzzlement.

"Where is our departure time?" Raven asked.

"Today evening at 5 P.M, My Lord."

"Okay," Raven nodded and moved towards the dining hall.

The dining table was packed with delicious food. Glass jugs of fresh orange juice stood next to shiny silver teapots filled with Earl Grey tea. In the center, a warm basket held freshly baked scones, buttery crumpets, flaky croissants, clotted cream, and fruity jams.

Nearby, plates of smoky fish, soft poached eggs, and crispy bacon were arranged. A platter of sliced apples, pears, and berries added bright colors to the table, and steaming bowls of porridge drizzled with honey completed the feast.

Raven sat at the head of the table and started having breakfast.

Jacob and Selene sat at the side and quietly ate breakfast while Stephaine served the food.

Jacob was the first to speak.

"My Lord, is there anything you require before we depart?"

Raven glanced at the clock. "Our departure is scheduled for 11 A.M., correct?"

Jacob nodded. "Yes, My Lord."

"Good. Prepare the carriage for transport to the railway station. Meanwhile, I'll handle a few matters in the city. Selene, you and Stephanie join me."

"Yes, My Lord," Selene said with a nod.

The morning streets of Giaris were bustling with activity as Raven, Selene, and Stephanie stepped out of the mansion house and soon left the Crown's Tavern through a sleek black carriage. Their first stop was the Mystic Cauldron, which Raven and Selene visited a few days ago.

Raven and Selene soon entered the room where the potion materials were sold and met with Anastasia.

"Welcome, Mr. Holmes!" As soon as she saw him, she stood up and politely bowed.

'She did a background check on me, huh?' Raven's gaze sharpened as he remembered that he never mentioned his name to her.

"Good to see you again, Miss. Anastasia." He also greeted her and then added.

"I wonder if I can sell some Strength and Agility potions,"

Raven took out four potion vials and placed them on the table. Two were strength potions, while the other two were agility potions.

"Freshly brewed."

Anastasia's eyebrows lifted slightly, her hands deftly inspecting the vials.

'But he didn't buy important materials for the strength potion, right? A new type of potion? Were those materials used to make Strength and Agility potions?' She wondered as she knew the ingredients of normal Strength and Agility potions used by her family were different.

"Can I test its effect?" She asked as she took out five drops of strength potion and put those in another empty vial.

Then, she took a strange bluish liquid from the nearby shelf and poured some into the new vial.

'Is she diluting the potion's effect?'

"Lila!" She called out for someone.

A few seconds later, a blonde-haired young woman in a formal red dress entered the room and asked.

"Do you need my help, My Lady?"

"Drink this." She said while giving the vial to the woman named Lila.

Although hesitant, the young woman said nothing and quietly drank it.

Meanwhile, Anastasia raised her hand, opened her palm towards the young woman, and spoke.

"Punch my palm with all your strength every ten seconds."

"Yes, My Lady," Lila instantly went into a battle position as she got ready to strike. With her feet firmly planted on the ground and her right fist clenched tightly, she exhaled sharply and swung her arm forward.

Her fist connected with Anastasia's open palm. A faint energy ripple spread through the air, hinting at the strength behind the punch.

Anastasia's expression remained impassive as she absorbed the force effortlessly. "Again."

Lila repeated the motion, her punches growing stronger and more precise with each strike.

By the time she made the fifteenth punch, she was as strong as a peak Official Realm Walker!

"Amazing!" Anastasia couldn't help but mutter in shock.

After that, her strength slowly diminished and soon returned to normal at the thirtieth punch.

"I-I feel weak," Lila stumbled and soon fell.

But thankfully, Anastasia caught her with her arms and quietly helped her sit on the chair.

After a brief moment, she nodded. "Impressive quality. Although it isn't a top-quality potion brewed by a veteran Alchemist, this potion will still be among the top-rated ones. I can offer 3,000 gold coins each."

Saying so, she took a leather pouch and started transferring platinum coins into them.

"Good," Raven replied, accepting a neatly packed pouch of coins.

He turned his attention to the rows of ingredients displayed behind the counter.

“Can I get 40 ml of Owl Feather Oil, Rank-2 Elder Treant’s Leaf nectar- 30 ml, 100 years Starlight Dewdrops- 100 ml, Rank-2 Unicorn’s Tear 10 drops, Crystal Spring Water 1 litre, and Rank-2 Snow Wyvern’s blood- 30ml?”

His words startled Anastasia greatly.

“Are you planning to concoct an Adept Rank potion already?”

“My senior asked me to buy these ingredients.” Raven corrected her.

“But can you afford the price?” Anastasia showed a hesitant look and added.

“40 ml of Owl Feather Oil cost around 4,000 gold coins, 30 ml leaf nectar of Elder Treant cost around 7,000 gold coins, 100 ml of 100 years starlight dewdrop is 5,400 gold coins-”

“I'd better buy them next time, then.” Raven interrupted her.

‘Even potion materials seem to cost around 30,000 golds.’ He couldn’t help but stop his plan of concocting Adept Rank potions.

[Don’t forget you are only an Adept Alchemist with theoretical knowledge, not practical experience. Even if you start trying to concoct an Adept potion, your success rate would be only around 1 to 1.5%.]

‘That means I needed 100 sets of potion materials to concoct a single Adept Potion?’ Raven took a deep breath and decided to focus on concocting Beginner Rank potions.

After some thought, he decided to buy thirty sets of ‘Mind of Insight’ potions.

Anastasia quickly assembled the requested items and tallied the cost.

"That will be 3,000 gold coins."

Raven handed over the coins without hesitation. With their business concluded, he pocketed the ingredients and left the potion shop with Selene.