While Leilin was wandering about aimlessly, a strange-sounding voice drifted over.
"You're still this carefree at a time like this? Looks like I should go suggest Tiget find you a new position…"
The voice was ice-cold, making Leilin feel as though he were being watched by a starving wolf.
Leilin smiled bitterly to himself, rubbed his nose, and turned to bow. "Lord Xishan!"
Before him stood a wizard in black robes, decorated with several blood-red lines. A thick, metallic scent of blood clung to the man and refused to dissipate.
Most unforgettable of all was the extra eye on the wizard's forehead!
This three-eyed wizard was none other than Xishan of the Hunting Squad. He was a staunch hereditary purist, and ever since Leilin had joined the Four Seasons Garden, he had never looked favorably on the young man—going so far as to cause trouble for him on multiple occasions.
"Wasn't his entire Hunting Squad dispatched to the Ganges Secret Realm? Could something have happened that forced him to rush back and report?"
Leilin speculated inwardly while offering an explanation aloud. "…My quota for this month has already been fully completed, so I simply stepped out for a brief change of scenery…"
"Oh? Heh heh. You're quite capable. Perhaps you should be standing in a position more befitting your talents…"
To Leilin's surprise, this time Xishan didn't actually pick a fight. After dropping that cryptic remark, he turned and left.
Leilin was left standing alone on the road, lost in thought.
"What exactly did he mean by that?"
Leilin found out the hidden meaning behind Xishan's words soon enough.
That evening, in the banquet hall, the members of the Potionology Team had gathered together to enjoy a lavish dinner feast.
Hazel-hen, roast suckling pig, honey mead—these commonplace delicacies were scattered about everywhere, piled up almost like garbage.
At the very center of the tables sat dishes unique to the Wizard World.
Bubble fish! Duolote thread snakes! Cream yaks! And all manner of rare ingredients Leilin couldn't even name, neatly arranged on platters.
Tempting wines gave off a sweet, fragrant aroma, constantly luring the appetite of everyone present.
"Behind all this, I'm sure there's no shortage of apprentices' blood…"
Leilin speared a piece of roasted fish, savoring the novel sensation on his taste buds while letting out a quiet sigh.
Bubble fish were a high-energy organism native to the Wizard World, possessing strength comparable to a second-rank or even third-rank apprentice.
The Four Seasons Garden's wizard kitchen had specifically posted collection quests for the fish meat.
Behind every feast lay countless wizard apprentices hacking through brambles and enduring grueling adventures. And after their blood-soaked hauls were exchanged for a pittance of compensation, they ended up as delicacies on the tables of full-fledged wizards!
"That's exactly why! I want to be one who takes—rather than one who is taken from!"
A flash of steely resolve crossed Leilin's eyes, though his face still wore a pleasant smile as he helped himself to another roasted pig leg and placed it on his plate.
As the time for his second bloodline ascension grew ever closer, Leilin had noticed his body beginning to exhibit various unusual changes.
The most obvious one was a marked increase in his appetite, particularly a strong preference for the flesh of powerful, high-energy creatures.
After the lavish banquet concluded, Tiget tapped the golden goblet on the table.
Ding ding!!
The entire hall fell silent at once. Leilin and the other wizards rose to their feet, awaiting the team leader's task assignments and instructions.
"Everyone! Before we proceed with routine business, I have an announcement!"
Tiget looked around at the assembled wizards and cleared his throat.
"Just today, Xishan of the Hunting Squad approached me, requesting the transfer of several apothecaries! As you know, inside the Ganges Secret Realm, frequent skirmishes have created a severe shortage of healing wizards—and many apothecaries can use potions to achieve effects similar to healing wizards…"
Hearing Tiget's words, Leilin's heart sank.
"Now, I will announce the deployment list. They are Wickson, Saladin… and Leilin!"
Sure enough, at the very end of the list, Tiget raised his voice and read out Leilin's name.
In that instant, Leilin felt countless pairs of eyes from his colleagues converge upon him.
Among those gazes were curiosity, concern—but the most prevalent of all was schadenfreude.
His nominal team captain was off to the side, sighing helplessly. After Leilin's departure, Martin certainly wouldn't be able to handle the crushing war quota with his abilities, but Martin lacked the courage to voice any objection! After all, this was the team leader's decision!
"Oh! Heavens! Leilin! What are you going to do?"
His companion Ouke, seated nearby, went blank for a moment, then stared at Leilin with his jaw hanging open.
"It's fine. Even if I'm sent to the battlefield, I'd most likely be stationed in a logistical role—hardly any real danger!" Seeing that at least someone was genuinely worried about him, a small smile appeared on Leilin's face.
In truth, there was no place on a battlefield that was truly safe—least of all under the thumb of Xishan, that three-eyed wizard.
The very instant Tiget had read the name from the list, what had first flashed through Leilin's mind was that deeply meaningful smile Xishan had worn that day!