Chapter 106: Three Weeks

Raven returned to his bedroom on the third floor and entered the Memory Library.

He soon appeared in the familiar hall filled with many shelves of books and asked.

"Zera, what conditions are needed to rank up to Radiant Warlock?"

An elven woman appeared beside him in her lengthy, floral blue gown.

"To become a Radiant Warlock, you must fulfill three conditions—first, complete comprehension of all spell models. Thanks to your 'Instant Memorize' skill and 'Mind Eye,' you can comprehend it multiple times faster."

"I can only use the [Mind Eye] spell for a few seconds, though." Raven narrowed his eyes.

After using it for a few seconds, he needed to wait more than 5 minutes for the elemental energy to accumulate in the Elemental Circlet.

"The more you comprehend the spell model, the usage time will also increase. You can use that skill passively when you completely comprehend the spell model." Zera said with a smile.

"Passively?" Raven blinked his eyes in surprise.

'That means I can comprehend five times faster than normal speed!'

Meanwhile, Zera continued.

"Second, you must create a Spirit Technique in the Astral Realm and strengthen the bond between your soul, body, and consciousness. We don't even know if your soul form is in a stable state or unstable state."

"Unstable state?" Raven's brows raised.

Zera nodded her head and continued.

"Before that, let me ask you a question. How does a person increase their spirit power?"

Raven pondered for a moment and answered.

"By meditation using spirit technique."

"You think your spirit power will increase just by meditating using spirit technique?" Zera shook her head and answered.

"Spirit powers don't appear out of thin air. They are everywhere in the astral realm in the form of clouds. Wherever there is a lifeform, there will be a spirit power."

Noticing the confused look on Raven's face, she continued.

"Whenever a soul is in a most excited state or happy state, it releases a form of energy into the atmosphere. It's called Positive Spirit Essence or Spirit Power. These energies always drift in the surroundings and can only be touched by one's soul form. That's why we needed the spiritual technique. Using the Spirit Technique, anyone can enter the Astral Realm willingly and pull these Positive Spirit Essences into their souls. The more quality and a strong spirit technique, the more Positive Spirit Essence you can gather into your soul. But your soul will feel restrained if overused and need rest occasionally."

"Oh! That's why using spirit techniques higher than Uncommon Rank for mortals will be dangerous, huh?" A look of understanding appeared on Raven's face.

Then, he suddenly thought of his System and asked.

"But how does the system gather the spirit power?"

"The System devours a being's 'Will' left in the Bloodline Essence and converts them into 'Spirit Essence.' However, unlike the Positive Spirit Essence, most of the 'Will' contains the negative Spirit Essence. After all, no living being dies with happy emotions." Zera's words made him frown deeply.

"That's why you warned me to increase my spirit power through normal means, huh?" A grim look appeared on his face.

"Yes. The more negative spirit power you possess, the higher the chance of your split personality taking over your position. If you rely too much on the System to absorb the spirit power, you will be devoured by the other guy sealed inside your soul one day." Zera paused for a moment and then added.

"It's better for you to increase your spirit power up to the limit through spirit technique and then use the system to devour bloodline essences."

Raven nodded in understanding.

"Then, what about the third condition?"

"Affinity rank. To completely comprehend a spell model, your affinity should be at least low rank. Your 'Luck' affinity is currently the only one in 'Nil' status. But haven't you already gotten a low rank in spear affinity by watching someone practicing Spearmanship in the illusion world? But instead of watching, you will be directly experiencing all the memories Runeth went through after he started the class-gem pathway as [Historian]. You already learned the 'Wonder Sense' skill through his memories. Now, all you need to do is continue to experience the feeling of using the skill."

Raven nodded solemnly and decided to check the spirit techniques first.

Then, he moved to the area where Runeth's memory books were and took the one with experience with the 'Historian' Class.

….

Three weeks passed in the blink of an eye.

11th November, Year 1420, Rune Era.

Many things have happened during the past three weeks.

First was Raven's achievement in Spearmanship!

He completely replicated the Frozen Lance skill, which 'Casper' showed him during the kidnapping incident in Darkcross Town, and increased the progression level to 99%!

He was one step away from breaking through basic spearmanship and reaching 'Intermediate Spearmanship'!

Next was his progression in 'Luck' affinity. Thanks to his understanding of the 'Wonder Sense' skill, he got the 'Low' Rank Luck affinity in less than ten days.

After that, he entered the Mind Space and started comprehending the spell models.

The first spell model he chose was, of course, the 'Mind Eye' bloodline spell!

But it was easier said than done.

Even after eleven days in the Mind Space, Raven barely comprehended the 'Mind Eye' spell model.

[Your comprehension of the 'Mind Eye' spell is 4.3%. And you can maintain the 'Mind Eye' spell for 12 seconds now.]

'Oh? I think I can rank up to Radiant Wizard in a year or two!' Raven said in his mind.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

[With your current speed, you need around 200 days to comprehend this [Mind Eye] spell model. Don't forget you must also comprehend ten more spell models. As for ranking up, you need a decade or two.] A cold voice echoed in his head.

'What? 200 days? I even used the 'Mind Eye' and 'Instant Memorize' skills constantly, as you told me during comprehension.' Raven said in a shocked tone.

[That's why you will only take a decade or two to rank up. Otherwise, you might need several decades or even a century to become a Radiant Wizard! Don't forget your affinity talent is 'Low' in most spell models.] Zera said coldly.

'What will happen if I manage to concoct Intermediate affinity potions?' Raven asked.

[Your success rate should be only around 1 to 2%. You better increase your beginner potion succession rate to 100%. Then, you can try challenging Adept Rank potions.]

'Haa, I still need to wait over a decade to rank up, huh?' He couldn't help but feel bitter.

[That's why I made you an Alchemist, kid. Aren't you forgetting something?] Zera asked with a chuckle.

Raven froze for a moment and soon widened his eyes.

'Mind of Insight! How did I even forget to use that?' Unfortunately, he had sent all the potions for auction.

'I need to wait for Jacob and Selene to return then. I also need to increase my Alchemy skill.' Raven's theoretical knowledge of Alchemy was as high as that of an Adept Alchemist. What he needed most was the practical knowledge and experience.

'I had no money to buy materials in Darkcross Town and always used mortal rank potion materials to improve my practical knowledge. But after concocting the 'Mind of Insight' potion 100 times, my succession rate increased by 10%.' Raven decided to focus on Potioneering first.

'For now, I should solve the Holmes Family problems.' As he was in deep thought, a knocking sound came from outside.

"Sir Jacob and Lady Selene have returned, My Lord!" Emanuel's voice came from outside the oak door.

Raven hurriedly stood up from the bed, left the bedroom, and went to the main hall.

As he entered the main hall, his gaze locked onto Jacob and Selene, who stood by the hearth. Jacob, his towering frame clad in a travel-worn grey overcoat, and his eyes showed a hint of exhaustion. On the other hand, Selene stood by his side and looked at him with a smile.

"Welcome back!" Raven said as he walked closer and soon sat on the chair near the hearth.

"Greetings, My Lord." Both bowed their heads and greeted him.

Then, Selene walked forward and gave him the spatial ring before speaking.

"The auctioning of 'Mind of Insight' has exceeded our expectations, My Lord. It seems Lady Anastasia sent the potions from previous batches to some influential figures, resulting in more popularity among the noble kids. Even a disciple of Alchemist Johnathan came to attend the auction and brought 10 potions for himself. Thanks to that, the birth of the new 'Unique' potion even attracted the press." Selene said as she took a newspaper from her handbag, flipped it to the middle page, and showed a piece of news published in a corner.

"Oh? I didn't know my potion would come in the news. Although the newspaper congratulated the Ravenshield family for inventing a new potion, it's still good news."

Selene nodded and then continued.

"That's why we split the potions into four batches and sold for an average price of around 12,000 per potion. After paying 10% to Anastasia and another 10% to Direct Tax, we left with 364,800 gold coins."

"And we used 6000 golds to buy 30 sets of potion materials. So, around 358,800 gold coins are left in the spatial ring." Jacob paused momentarily, took a document from his Gladstone bag, and gave it to him.

"This is the fake debt contract document of 120,000 gold coins you've requested, My Lord. Although Lady Anastasia asked for the reason, we just told her it was to solve a personal land issue."

Raven nodded his head and stood up from the chair.

"Good work. You guys can go back and rest. We'll have a long day tomorrow, after all."

"Yes, My Lord." Both bowed their heads and left the mansion.

Meanwhile, Raven moved to the Alchemy Room and decided to concoct 10 'Mind of Insight' potions.

After staying in the alchemy room until evening, Raven returned to his bedroom and decided to make his plans.

'Currently, the Holmes House is still a Knight Family and can have a fief under the approval of a true noble. Before, the Holmes family had sworn their allegiance to Count Spade and acted as his vessels. Although the Azmar town and its surrounding lands belong to the Holmes Family in the document, I still need the approval of 'Count Spade' to reclaim the lost territory. Although I can still reclaim the land without informing Count Spade and proclaim myself as Pioneer Knight, trouble will surely come after me. For now, I must make a good impression on Count Spade.' Raven still hasn't forgotten the promise he made using the letter.

'As long as I reveal this potion to him, he will realize the Ravenshield Family is backing me. That's more than enough to shut everyone's mouth.' He soon took the 'Frozen Ender' spear from the inventory and entered the illusionary world.

…

The next day,

It was around 8. A.M.

Raven walked through the split staircase in his formal black attire and noticed Jacob, Selene, and Quincy were standing in the main hall. They all wore formal dresses and were ready to set out.

"The carriage has been prepared for departure at any time, My Lord." Emanuel hurried towards him with a file in his hand.

"When will the Council start?" Raven asked as he made his way towards the mansion entrance.

"At 10.30 A.M, My Lord. The Council Meeting will be held at Havan Manor, a government building allocated for meetings of nobles. It's only 15 minutes away from Bristol Street." Emanuel answered.

Raven nodded as they arrived near the carriage, opened the carriage door, and walked in.

As he sat inside, Jacob, Selene, and Quincy also entered the carriage and sat on the opposite seat.

Meanwhile, Emanual also entered the carriage and sat beside Raven nervously.

Once the carriage started to move, Raven looked outside through the curtain gap and asked.

"Who will be attending the council?"

Emanuel opened the file, looked at a document, and started speaking.

"Spade Council comprises 17 true Noble Households and 30 Knight Households with fief, My Lord. With Count Spade as the leader, 5 Barons and 4 Viscounts are considered Elite Members of the Council. Their position in the Council is more like that of elders. The elite members always make most important decisions through a voting system." He paused for a moment and then added.

"Two topics regarding the Holmes Family will be discussed in the Council at the end of the meeting, My Lord. First, it is to discuss how to distribute the wealth of the Holmes Family for not paying the debt with interest to Crest Merchandise. If we don't have enough money in the Royal Bank, they-."

"I know. The Executors of my father's 'Will' will sell the Wine Factory to Crest Merchandise to repay the debt." Raven sighed.

"The second topic will be whether to keep the Holmes Family as a member of the Spade Council or not. Suppose five of the nine elite members agree to vote against the Holmes Family. In that case, the Council will officially announce it to the public and press, permanently removing the Holmes Family's membership." Emanuel said solemnly.

"Oh? How many members are there in the Council?"

"8 Baronet Households and 30 Knight Households are official members of the Spade Council, My Lord. Holmes Family, Sinclare Family, Amell Family, Wills Family, Humphrey Family, and Palmer Family all come under the membership category."

"Oh?" A frown appeared on Raven's forehead.

"Tell me more about the Elite Members."

Emanuel nodded his head and spoke.

"Baron Thorne of Ironspire is a middle-aged man… He has seven cotton mills, two Wine factories, and multiple shops under his control in Giaris City. He also rules over four small towns, one big city with a population of 70,000, My Lord…"

"Wait… Four small towns and one city with a population of 70,000?" Raven's eyes widened.

'Isn't that as equal as Baron Alexander's territory?'

"Continue." He ordered.

Meanwhile, Emanuel nodded solemnly and continued to speak.

"Next is Baroness Elara of Shadowfen, My Lord. She is a woman in her thirties, renowned for her sharp wit and cunning strategies. She controls three coal mines, two iron smelters, and a trading company specializing in rare spices. She governs three medium-sized towns and a sprawling rural area with fertile farmlands…."

"Baron Roland of Stormwatch... He oversees five large towns and a network of warehouses in Giaris City..."

"Baroness Isolde of Silvermere ... She rules over a picturesque city of 80,000 people nestled by a large lake and three surrounding towns…"

"Baron Gideon of Frostvale... He manages six lumber mills, two paper factories, and a profitable fur trading business. His territory encompasses a snowbound town of 30,000 people, surrounded by dense forests and two smaller settlements…"

"Viscount Alaric Hawkspire... He controls six towns, each with a population of 10,000, and two cities—one with 75,000 residents and another with 100,000… His lands are rich in resources, featuring three large iron mines, four steel mills…"

"Viscountess Rowena Stormwatch…. She governs five towns, each housing 10,000 people and a bustling city with 80,000 residents, alongside a trade hub city of 95,000…"

"Viscount Thorian Valeheart... He rules over four towns, each with 15,000 inhabitants and two agricultural cities—one with 50,000 people and another with 90,000…"

"Viscountess Isabeau Nightshade... She owns four towns with 15,000 residents, a mining city with 60,000 people, and a bustling cultural hub city of 100,000…"

Raven listened to his words quietly and felt like each of these individuals was powerful enough to buy hundreds of Holmes Family!

'The one who leads all these nobles is Count Spade. He owns more than ten small towns and three big cities, with Giaris being the capital of Spade County with a population of 1 million.' Raven couldn't help but feel how insignificant this Holmes House was.

At that moment, Raven noticed the carriage also slowed down and stopped.

"It seems we have arrived at our destination, My Lord," Jacob said as he opened the carriage door.