Under the watchful eyes of the kobolds stationed at the perimeter, the feast continued for an extended duration. This presented an opportune moment for Mordred to engage with individuals other than Hiroshi or the bullies of Mira village. He sought to establish acquaintances, although held little expectation that all of them would survive the journey to the academy. Eventually, the feast ended without any major event.
The next day.
After traveling at full speed for the whole morning, Twin Helix arrived at a densely forested region, a wood-path resource point. Despite the sun being at its zenith, the forest boasted towering trees that stretched over eight meters in height, casting a dense canopy of large leaves that effectively blocked any sunlight from ever reaching the forest floor. As a result, the surface of the forest appeared shrouded in darkness. Adding to the challenge, the extensive roots of the massive trees obstructed the path, preventing the carriages from passing through. The team’s carriages were forced to take a detour in order to navigate the area.
Recognizing the potential value of the wood-path resource point and its likely abundance of useful resources, the team made the decision to take a well-deserved break and seized the opportunity to gather supplies before continuing their journey. The pause allowed them to replenish their provisions and take advantage of the forest’s resources.
Currently, the defensive carriage wall has been set up. Under the watchful eyes of kobold warriors, the apprentices are allowed to explore the outskirts of the resource point for some experience, as long as they follow each and every instruction the kobolds might have. After witnessing how intelligent and powerful every single one of Sumire’s kobolds are, not a single youth from Mira village dared to complain.
Therefore, the campsite is actually empty of youth.
One of the youths who dared to venture to the resource point is Mordred. He is protected by a kobold and Sakuya. The three of them have entered the resource point rather deeply as finding a clearing that could accommodate their needs is rather difficult, but they eventually find one after driving away the beast that inhabited it.The semi-intelligent natives of this resource point are unworthy of concerns; ents are hard-countered by Sakuya’s presence.
“Is your presence really necessary?” Sakuya couldn’t hide her annoyance which was directed towards the kobold standing next to her.
“Sumire’s orders.” The kobold smiled as his body slowly undulated, its scally body slowly transforming into countless white treads that began unfolding.
“I’m literally stronger than you, the ents wouldn’t be able to do anything even if they swarmed together. There’s no need for a ‘kobold’ to protect us, leave us alone.” Sakuya retorted, her gaze sharp as daggers.
At this point, the white treads that enveloped the kobold began revealing its real figure: a petite, black-haired girl with modest body proportions and seemingly unremarkable facial features. She has a pair of pearly black beads on top of her eyebrows, which has a similar color to her jet black retina which do not reflect light.
“Those eyes… is Miss Kumo blind?” Mordred inquired. He already knew the ‘kobold’ was Kumo, Twin Helix’s team member who always disguised herself.
Sakuya sighed. “Sort of.”
“Young Master Satoru is perceptive.” Kumo used a respective tone towards Mordred, teasing Sakuya in the process. “As expected as someone who Sakuya has chosen…” Now that she’s no longer shrouded in countless white threads, Mordred could see the apparel she wore. Her body is wrapped by black-white clothing in a shinobi-style, with some kind of net stocking and inner wear revealed sparsely. This already proved that she came from a clan that specialized in assassination, infiltration, or subterfuge.
“Alright, what’s your game, why are you here?” Sakuya questioned Kumo once more.
“As I said, Sumire’s orders.” Kumo smiled. “Apprentices should form groups with at least seven members to explore the resource point’s outskirts, with one kobold supervising them.”
“Satoru already has me, you can roleplay as a lizard, or a dung beetle elsewhere, I don’t care as long as it’s not here. Go away, shoo!” Sakuya made a shoo-ing gesture.
“Yo, you’re also here, what a fucking coincidence!” Suddenly, Kenji arrived with Katyusha behind him.
“Dude, you’re literally tailing them.” Katyusha shook her head, literally exhausted with his antics. “Anyway, I need to babysit Kenji in case he does something stupid… such as being alive. Please be understanding of why I’m here.”
“Ugh.” Sakuya wanted to pull her hair in frustration. This should be her quality time with Mordred outdoors, but her teammate specifically bothers her because they have nothing better to do.
“Hey Sakuya, what are you going to do?” Kenji asked as he approached Mordred. When he put his arms around Mordred’s shoulder, he couldn’t shake him off.
“We are about to test the limit of my extreme mana pool.” Mordred decided to explain in her stead. “Considering we don’t have much time outdoors, we think this is a great chance for that.”
“That’s right, happy?” Sakuya spat venomously. She then pushes Kenji away from Mordred, “Go back to eating glue or some shit. Don’t meddle in our affairs!”
“If you guys wanted to experiment, why not use him as a target practice? I’m sure he won’t mind.” Katyusha pointed at Kenji. “Dude, we need a target.”
“Say no more fam, I’m in.” Kenji immediately replied without hesitation.
“Are you sure?” Mordred raised his eyebrows. “We haven’t discussed how the test would be.”
“Don’t worry about it, he’s very sturdy. Even if I wanted to kill him, it’ll take some effort.” Katyusha then pointed at a location some distance away. “Kenji, go there and stand guard. Your job is to endure whatever he can come up with.”
“I guess you’re more or less useful.” Sakuya took out three vials, each the blood of a fire-path lifeform. She handed them over to Mordred before moving quite a distance away. “There, you can begin whenever and the rest of us will be observing.”
“I also have to?” Kumo asked.
“If you don’t want to, go fuck off somewhere else.” Sakuya spat venomously.
“Fine.” Kumo concedes.
“Multiple perspectives allows for more in depth analysis. Very well.” Katyusha nodded as she followed Sakuya’s lead.
“Then, I’ll start.” Of the three vials of blood, Mordred took the one labeled [Pulsofleia].
< Pulsofleia is a fire-path deep sea creature that lives near volcanic vents. This extremophile fish is shaped like a tube, having a relatively hollow body and feeds on volcanic matter. Instead of moving like a regular fish, Pulsofleia possessed a pulse-based propulsion system. They synthesized explosive enzymes and detonate them inside their hollow body, producing instant thrust force. Due to this, Pulsofleia material is extremely difficult to acquire. >
< That’s quite similar to my [Monumental Sound Path]... >
Astaroth agreed with his statement. < Affirmative. Your Majesty’s [Monumental Element Path] is incredibly famous for its extreme efficiency in linear movement that it is adopted into other paths. In fact, I think Sakuya prepared Pulsofleia blood as an alternative [Monumental Fire Path] spell catalyst. >
< As I thought. Then, can you do it?>
< Have Your Majesty forgotten that I am an Epic Bloodline Warlock? No matter the race, as long as I have their blood, I am able to utilize their bloodline abilities. However, are you okay with this? Pulsofleia is a fish-type beast, not a reptile. Unlike the Magmaheart Wyvern, you can’t use your cover story. >
< That’s alright, we can use it with less efficiency. Let’s start with 12%. >
< By your will, Your Majesty. >
His conversation with Asmodeus was instant. In the external world, Mordred read the vial’s label for a brief second before drinking the blood. His body burns in blood red flames, but Mordred didn’t move for some time. Instead of activating the bloodline ability of Pulsofleia, he took off most of his top.
Shhhh!!! Superheated steam is being produced from all over his body. Then, as if he regained a surge of energy, he started to make a zig-zag movement while circling Kenji. After his fifth lap, he started to use the revolver to shoot Kenji, but the man’s skin automatically turned into black hexagonal scales in response to Mordred’s molten plasma projectiles. The man has become a literal sandbag that refuses to take damage. The speed at which Mordred aims, shoots, and reloads is significantly faster than normal, but they are rather slow in the eyes of rank 1 Officials.
It was after five minutes of vigorous movement that Mordred fell onto his knees as if he’s running out of steam, literally. He coughed blood multiple times, his body suffered from high fever. In fact, his reddish body is faintly glowing like a lightbulb.
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“Not good, he’s overheating.” Sakuya went to his side and force fed him a vial of red potion. After chugging down some, his body temperature slowly subsides.
“How was it?” Mordred asked as he wiped the blood flowing from his nose.
“Pulsofleia’s blood is a rare and precious alternative for a spell catalyst, particularly suited for invoking Monumental Fire Path - a spell that grants its user unimaginable acceleration for swift, linear movement. But your body does not possess the capacity to harness the full power of the Pulsofleia bloodline, barely able to produce their volatile enzymes. Nonetheless, by imbuing yourself with this substance, you are able to push your heart to its very limits, hastening your movements beyond the ordinary limitations of your body.
However, it seems like your early conjecture, non-reptilian fire-path bloodline might not be effective on you. If you were to continue, your heart might explode. I’m sorry that you’ll have to go through this.”
“It’s fine, we are trying to test the limits of my abilities.” Mordred held Sakuya’s arm which was helping him wipe his nosebleed.
“I genuinely thought you’re a Bloodline Warlock.” Katyusha commented as she took a closer look at Mordred. “Maybe following the steps of the Great Archmage wasn’t the best idea.”
Seeing the frown on Sakuya’s face, Katyusha added. “Don’t be mistaken, I am not trying to change his path, but let me tell you that not everyone is able to use the bloodline abilities of other lifeforms except a select few. If we’re talking about high-rank cultivators, most of them can somewhat do so due to sheer attainment, but we’re seeing a rank 0 apprentice doing so without proper training. You know what kind of cultivator can do that?”
“Transformation-path apprentices…” Sakuya muttered in a low voice. Her answer meant she admitted that her opinion of allowing Mordred to pursue the Great Archmage’s footsteps was not the best course of action.
“That’s right, but Satoru isn’t one.” Katyusha added. “And he obviously isn’t a Bio-Booster either, unless you’re hiding the fact that he’s one?”
“He isn’t.” Sakuya felt pressured.
“What’s a bio-booster?” Mordred expressed his ignorance despite fully knowing what they are.
“Much like martial artists or mages, bio-booster is a cultivation archetype. The Land of Sand and Fire reject magic, so there are all sorts of cultivation archetypes that revolve around non-magic, like bio-booster, mecha pilots or others.” Sakuya explained.
“In simple terms, bio-boosters nurture biological symbiote and use their abilities to enhance oneself. Thus, the name.” Katyusha added. “Do you have a symbiote hiding in your body?”
“I suppose not…” Mordred scratched his head.
“Then, I suggest you take the path of a Bloodline Warlock. Unlike mages, bloodline warlocks utilize bloodline abilities to reinforce their magical prowess. Well, modern mages also use bloodline abilities, but they are limited to their own lineage. Warlocks, on the other hand, are on a completely different level. As long as the bloodline ability is a similar type or similar path, they are able to utilize it.” Katyusha elaborated.
Sakuya and Mordred traded glances. “Reptilian… or lizard, methinks.” Mordred said.
“I have no right nor obligation to dictate how you choose your path, but pursuing the path of an Archmage wouldn’t allow your inherent talent to fully shine. Though, I suggest consulting with the captain regarding your future path might be the best course of action since she might be able to provide more than insight, but that can only happen after she rendezvous with us.” Katyusha touched her chin. “Considering she doesn’t inform us about the minor inheritance she’s diving into, she might not be able to catch up with the Shinkansen.”
“Ah, you’re right.” Kumo fully agreed with Katyusha. “But she’s with Ayame. I think they’ll be able to catch up if they want to.”
“I agree.” Sakuya responded to Katyusha’s advice. “The captain might be able to offer better insight and besides, your path hasn’t been contaminated with our influence. You are free to choose whatever you desire.”
“Understood.” Mordred nodded as he stood up with Sakuya’s help. “May we continue our experiment?”
“Would you be okay? Your fever hasn’t completely dropped. For a fire-path cultivator to have a high fever means your body hasn’t adapted to the changes.” Katyusha voiced her opinion. “At the very least, let Sakuya treat you some more before continuing...”
Before Katyusha finished her piece, Mordred’s body heat had subsided to his normal level. “I still have some Magmaheart Wyvern blood to heal myself.” The Scaly pattern of Magmaheart Wyvern started to manifest on his body, primarily on his right hand. In fact, the mutated hand became slightly longer, with more characteristics of the wyvern beginning to manifest such as its claws. It has shown a higher level of mutation than the previous day, a sign of Mordred having higher mastery of the Magmaheart Wyvern’s bloodline abilities.
“Forget what I’ve just said.” Katyusha smiled wryly. ‘I shouldn’t treat him like a country bumpkin but an otherworldly invader instead, but… is this fine?’ She swallowed her thoughts, dumping the responsibilities to the captain in the future.
With that, Mordred took on the second vial for today’s experiment, which has been labeled as [Cerulean Flame Wyvern].
< Tell me about this creature, briefly. > Mordred asked as he drank the vial of blue blood.
< Cerulean Flame Wyvern is a Flying Wyvern. Their ancestor is one of Gravios’ distant siblings, but she was unable to attain the rank of a Sovereign. Unlike the Armored Wyverns that specializes in defense and survival, the Cerulean Flame Wyvern is a Flying Wyvern specialized in offense. It has an extremely brutal and ferocious nature, razor-sharp claws, multiple layers of sword-like teeth, fire breath and even possessing its own wyvern-poison that could be administered through the spikes on its tail. Amongst the Flying Wyverns, in a scale of 1 to 10, their offensive strength is about 8. >
< Great. You can purify their bloodline, right? >
< It wouldn't be a problem. In fact, with this amount, I can use it to alter your physique permanently, gaining the physique of a Wyverian. >
< Oh? > Mordred was slightly surprised. < Wyverian is compatible with your bloodline? > Since ‘Satoru’ possesses Astaroth’s bloodline, he can’t mix his bloodline randomly. If they were incompatible with Astaroth’s, there’ll be rejection.
< More or less. My bloodline might not catch up with yours in terms of quality, but my true body is still an Epic Archdemon. Would you like to know more? >
< Later. > Mordred doesn't want to spend too much computation power for useless things for now. His thought generation speed is too slow. < Since the Caerulean Flame Wyvern and the Magmaheart Wyvern’s bloodline is compatible, I want to use both of them at the same time. >
< By your will. >
After emptying the vial, his left hand began to show symptoms of mutation as translucent blue flames enveloped his body. At first, the veins on his left hand become visible as it turns a few tones darker. Then, the scaly pattern of a wyvern’s scale began manifesting atop of his blue hand. As the azure scales turned darker and his left hand became longer, it triggered a reaction from the other side of his body.
The right hand which was already mutating turned even longer than before, matching the left hand. Mordred’s body spasmed intensely as the translucent blue flame became tainted in blood red flame. Eventually, the flames enveloping his body split into two colors of azure and crimson, highlighting the different colored scaly hands.
“[Bloodline Affinity]…” Katyusha whispered to Sakuya while observing Mordred. “It seems like Satoru has compatibility with wyvern bloodlines, much like yours to firefox.”
“Indeed.” Sakuya replied her eyes reflected Mordred who started to pick a fight with Kenji. “Giving him a magic gun might’ve contaminated his path…”
“I don’t think that would be a problem.” Katyusha consoled the warmage. “He originally wanted to become an Archmage. You wanted to help him achieve his dream, and we only discovered his true talent recently, so you are not in the wrong.”
“But still… One’s first combat experience would be unforgettable. Even now, I can say my first combat training still deeply influenced how I fight as a warmage. Now that he has experienced the convenience of magic guns, I don’t think he’ll let them go. After all, Bloodline Warlock’s combat system is rather incompatible with magic guns.”
“People grow.” Katyusha replied, her eyes locked onto Mordred who exchanged blows with Kenji with his clawed hands. Of course, Kenji wouldn’t retaliate seriously as one hit from him might kill Mordred. “Much like our little Kenji here, he had gotten so used to the nanoms in his body that it has become indistinguishable from his limbs. You just need to put your faith in Satoru that he’ll choose the right path. Besides, having more cards up his sleeve is always a good thing, no?”
“You’re right… but still.” Sakuya wanted to add more, but she was shocked when Mordred displayed mutations on his face. “Amber and azure eyes, short but pointy ears, and scales in some parts of his body. This bloodline signature… Is he transforming into a Wyverian?”
“Isn’t this better?” Katyusha spared a glance at Sakuya. “Being able to take on Wyverian form is a good sign, his survivability would rise exponentially if he can take in more bloodline abilities. Considering there’s no need to undergo a life-alteration surgery to achieve that, I could say his talent is perfect for becoming a Bloodline Warlock.”
“What’s a Wyverian?” Kumo asked as she’s out of the loop.
“Much like the wolf-beastman being humanoid wolves that could change into their ‘true form’, the Wyverian is also a humanoid that has wyvern ancestry.” Sakuya elaborated.
“They are wyvern-beastman, then?” Kumo inquired once more.
“That’s a gross oversimplification, but not completely incorrect. Their bloodline ancestry can be traced back into wyverns, but with life-alteration surgery being more affordable thanks to the advancement brought by the Great Archmage, Wyverians are almost extinct in the current age.” Katyusha voiced her opinion.
“Are they hunted to extinction?” Kumo frowned. Cases like that often happen.
“It’s actually not that simple.” Sakuya is quite knowledgeable regarding Wyverian. “With life-alteration surgery being more affordable, cultivators would rather find stronger beast bloodlines. Even the original Wyverian clan in the Land of Sand and Fire has adopted a dragon’s bloodline, turning themselves into Dragonman and their variants. Compared to dragons, wyverns are smelly, unruly, less intelligent, and generally weaker. They are reduced from a well-known race into a race of beasts of burden. Even if some clan performed genetic engineering, almost no clan wanted to incorporate wyvern bloodline into theirs since the high society of almost all countries banned wyvern steed due to their smell. Interest in having a wyvern bloodline has simply declined.”
“But, wouldn’t erasing their natural odor be easy?” Kumo was still unconvinced. Potions and genetic engineering is a thing, after all.
“You’re absolutely correct.” Katyusha nodded in agreement. “But you need to keep in mind that genetic engineering used to be the signature method of the Land of Sand and Fire. It was only after the Great Archmage revolutionized refinement-path a couple of centuries ago that every single country in the world began adopting it. In all, it’s hard to change old-age perspective where wyverns are seen in a negative light. After all, our Morgen World is more or less ruled by the dragon race, and in their point of view, the wyverns are more like pets or servants instead of siblings, despite having similarities.”
“Then, isn’t that bad for him?” Kumo felt worried now.
“It’s not good…” Katyusha paused. “But he has [Bloodline Affinity] with wyvern.”
“Is that something special?”
“Yes.” Sakuya was the one who addressed Kumo’s inquiry. “Bloodline Affinity is a special trait that allows oneself to have great compatibility with a certain type of bloodline. The typical Wyverian can only inherit the bloodline abilities of a single wyvern species, but in Satoru’s case… I think he can inherit the bloodline abilities of multiple wyverns at one time. The question is not ‘what kind of wyvern’ but ‘how many wyvern’ bloodline abilities that he can use at the same time.”
Katyusha added, “If he were to become a bloodline warlock on top of that… I believe he can ascend as a Paragon in less than 200 years.”