Chapter 98 - 006: Reach Consensus

Chapter 98: 006: Reach Consensus

Inside the carriage, Lynch was reviewing the panel.

[Thunder Strike Skill Level +26]

The skill level has surged again…

At this rate, it wouldn’t take much to max out the skill level and upgrade to Level 3.

Earning some money while leveling up—how delightful.

The energy intensity of Thunder Strike at Level 2 hasn’t changed much, only improving slightly, roughly around 20 degrees.

The upgrades primarily affect the spell’s attack range.

At Level 1, Thunder Strike could summon only one bolt of lightning, with the summoned cloud stretching just a few meters in diameter, and the lightning’s strike zone only covering a few meters.

At Level 2, Thunder Strike can call down three bolts of lightning, with the summoned cloud expanding to over ten meters in diameter, while the lightning’s strike zone also covers an area of over ten meters—a proper area-based attack.

Looking at the skill level displayed on the panel, Lynch was quite pleased and eagerly anticipated maxing out the spell.

“Anything worth celebrating?” Avery asked curiously from the sofa opposite.

Lynch closed the system panel. “Are my every move really that interesting to you?”

Avery nodded openly. “Well, in terms of looks, you’re far more handsome than those Dead Spirits and Zombies outside.”

Lynch replied, “Should I compliment you on how sweet your words are? Like honey-coated lips?”

Avery shrugged. “Thank you.”

Lynch didn’t continue the banter. Glancing out the carriage window at the Dead Spirits outside, he turned back and asked, “Did you know right from the start that causing trouble on the streets would draw Count William’s attention? What’s your purpose in doing this?”

“Tch—so many questions.”

Avery pouted but then started explaining.

She said, “William Heim, born into the Haim Family, was originally a student at Dawn Academy—a naturally twisted psychopath who, one day, murdered several fellow apprentices and fled.”

“After drifting through several places, he eventually escaped to the Ramos Duchy. Somehow, he got tangled with the Shadow Swamp, and later, claimed his territory here, ruling like a king.”

“An unfamiliar Transcendent appearing in his domain wouldn’t escape his notice, especially a Black Wizard. On sight, they’d assess your worth, and if your strength isn’t impressive, they’ll rob or collect experimental materials while they’re at it.”

“He’s been a Mid-level Apprentice for years, coupled with years of ruling this area and commanding countless subordinates. In his eyes, we’re nothing but delivered experimental materials.”

She scared Lynch deliberately.

Lynch asserted confidently, “Relax—I’m fantastic at running away, especially after ditching you as deadweight.”

He was genuinely tempted to jump out of the carriage if she didn’t spill the truth.

“Haha!”

Avery burst out laughing.

After pausing, she stopped teasing, looked out the window, and continued explaining. “My enemy… He’s not one to be easily fooled. Our route west to Crescent Bay and then north around Ramos Duchy won’t remain hidden from him long. If my guess is correct, his forces are already on their way.”

Her expression became more serious. “He won’t fail a second time. This time, he’ll mobilize every resource at his disposal, including at least one High-level Apprentice, several Mid-level Apprentices, numerous Low-level Apprentices, plus countless other pursuers.”

Lynch frowned—this was turning into quite the headache.

He said, “Understood. So your plan is to expose our location here, mislead the enemy into thinking we’ll continue east through Ramos Duchy, and instead… your true intention is to head north, crossing Ice Sealed Snow Ridge, correct?”

Ice Sealed Snow Ridge lies on the northern side of Ramos Duchy, running nearly the width of the duchy from west to east, resembling a massive barrier.

With extreme cold and harsh natural conditions, anyone heading there without sufficient strength would essentially be courting death. Thus, taking that route would reasonably avoid most pursuers.

Avery tilted her head. “I’m curious, is there anything you don’t understand?”

In this completely unfamiliar land, Lynch managed to deduce her full plan from mere fragments of information, even identifying her intended route—what an extraordinary ability.

Lynch said, “Let’s hear the details of your plan instead.”

Avery responded, “No big plan. It’s as I told you earlier—stir up trouble and expose us as much as possible.”

Lynch frowned. “I think ditching you and bolting sounds much simpler.”

Avery shook her head indifferently and hit the nail on the head. “That’s not an option. If you leave me, you won’t survive either. My enemy will kill you, and my family will still kill you. Protecting me is your only chance.”

Lynch fell silent, knowing her words were no empty threat.

He replied bitterly, “I knew it—there’s no such thing as easy profit in this world. Next time, even if I starve, I won’t take jobs involving modifying Elemental Coral!”

Avery reassured him, “Relax. Try to look on the bright side. Becoming my bodyguard won’t be a wasted effort. If we truly make it to the end, believe me, you won’t lack resources for advancing to Wizard.”

“Also, don’t you have other ambitions? Don’t you want to step into the Tower?”

Lynch’s eyebrows moved.

Of course, becoming a Tower Inner Apprentice was his lifelong dream. If nothing else, the golden key to the library granted upon entering the Tower alone was a significant lure.

But becoming a Tower Inner Apprentice is exceedingly difficult, bordering on impossible.

The path to becoming one lacks universal evaluation standards—it hinges solely on being accepted as a student by an Official Wizard.

Usually, Wizards select students when apprentices first join the Tower—for example, Alfred. After that, apprentices rarely ever meet Wizards, often aging out by 30 and being sent to the Dark Forest. Becoming a Tower Inner Apprentice is only a fantasy.

However…

If this young lady vouched for him, perhaps it wouldn’t be entirely impossible?

Avery nodded decisively. “If we manage to survive and return to the Shadow Tower, I will guarantee under the Tavendish family’s name that you’ll be recommended to join the Shadow Tower!”

For now, it seemed there was no better option…

Whether he liked it or not, reality dictated that he was bound to this young lady, sharing life and death.

After a moment of silence, Lynch looked at her, furrowed his brows, and said, “I’ll do my utmost to get you back, but you need to agree to one condition and make a pledge first.”

Avery said, “Go ahead.”

Lynch stared into her eyes seriously and said, “You must cooperate with me—not hesitate or give up!”

Avery was stunned.

Lynch said solemnly, “I don’t care why you feel conflicted about returning to the Tower. But since you chose to flee instead of dying, pull yourself together—I don’t want to die just because you’ve lost the will to live!”

Avery pouted, resting her chin in her palm while gazing out the window.

“Got it.”

She replied nonchalantly.

Lynch continued, “By the way, are there reinforcements for us on this journey, or just pursuers?”

Avery seemed uninterested in continuing the conversation and replied without turning her head, “Probably.”

…

Shadow Tower, Light Element Hall.

The Holy Light Wizard Yeager rushed into the Element Hall. Inside, over ten apprentices waited, their abilities ranging from Mid-level to High-level Apprentices.

“Teacher.” The apprentices greeted him collectively.

Yeager’s brows were furrowed tightly as he got straight to the point, “What’s the update? Any news on the young lady’s whereabouts?”

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