Robin had once been the most popular among Gilbert's many students — exceptionally patient, meticulous in his work, and able to make everyone feel completely at ease. As a result, he held a high position within the organization, equivalent to a chief steward.
But now, his temperament seemed to have changed drastically. Rumor had it that after his crystallization, he had even resigned from his original position, spending his days doing who knew what.
Leylin recalled all this, a hint of gloom unconsciously crossing his face.
Entering the villa, Leylin found Duke Gilbert in the study.
Gilbert's face was the same as always — not a single hair on his brow or chin, not even visible pores, radiating an almost supernatural smoothness. Combined with his completely bald head, the effect was somewhat eerie and terrifying.
But to Leylin, the man was a good teacher. At the very least, he had fulfilled his duty as a mentor, teaching Leylin with wholehearted dedication.
Therefore, Leylin bowed respectfully and stated his purpose for coming.
"A trip outside wouldn't hurt!"
Gilbert reclined in his chair, holding a steaming cup of drink in his hand. Occasionally, tiny mermaid-like creatures could be seen popping out of the beverage.
"A century has passed. Guanlier has surely long forgotten about you. And those criminal warlocks certainly don't have the patience to wait that long. You really should go out and travel — it'll be good for you!"
"However..."
Gilbert paused briefly.
"If there's anything you need, Master, please don't hesitate to command me!" Leylin's mind stirred, sensing that his teacher might have a task for him.
"Since you're heading out anyway, you might as well take on this mission!"
Gilbert tossed over a scroll. "The warlocks of our Ouroboros Circle must periodically complete missions for the organization as contributions. Even though you're my disciple, you can't just do nothing forever. Take care of this while you're at it!"
"Understood, Master!"
Leylin bowed and agreed obediently.
After leaving the villa, Leylin unfurled the scroll in his hands.
"Detected spiritual power data interface. Accept data transfer?" The Chip immediately popped up a prompt.
"Accept!" Upon Leylin's command, a stream of information flooded into his mind, impossible to forget ever again.
"It's an extermination mission?"
Green phosphorescent flames ignited in Leylin's hand, reducing the scroll to ash. Yet his expression remained somewhat uncertain.
The mission was quite simple — go to a certain location and eliminate a small warlock organization that opposed the Ouroboros Circle.
Although the Ouroboros Circle was the dominant power in this region, when they had first established their foothold here, they had wiped out numerous large forces, causing countless casualties even among ordinary mortals.
Some remnants from those times had survived, and coupled with the inevitable conflicts with the original inhabitants that came with ruling the area, opposition organizations would occasionally emerge.
These organizations, though lacking in strength — not a single Morning Star warlock among them — tended to hide deep and were extremely difficult to locate.
But once discovered, they could rarely escape the fate of extermination.
The task Gilbert had given Leylin was to destroy the most recently discovered stronghold.
"Dirty work, huh..."
Leylin sighed, but he knew this was an inevitable part of the process.
Having joined the Ouroboros Circle, this kind of thing was something he had to do — otherwise, how could the organization trust him? Moreover, through this kind of compulsion, newly joined warlocks could be firmly bound to the war chariot.
In fact, as Gilbert's disciple, the fact that Leylin was only now receiving such a mission, and one that wasn't particularly difficult at that, could already be considered preferential treatment.
"The mission location is in the Duolo Forest, situated between headquarters and Blue Mountain City. I'll deal with them first, then head to the auction!"
Leylin made his decision.
...
On the streets paved with bluestone, human-made garbage was scattered everywhere in complete disarray. Occasionally, traces left by large livestock such as cattle and horses could be seen.
A thick stench perpetually wafted through the air as underground water seeped out, forming disgusting puddles on the ground.
This was just a typical scene in an ordinary city of common folk.
No matter how advanced and sophisticated the world of warlocks became, the lives of ordinary people had hardly changed at all. At best, they now had enough food to keep a family alive.
At this moment, Leylin was strolling along just such a street.
After accepting the mission, Leylin hadn't lingered at headquarters but had immediately boarded an airship and arrived here.
If the instructions were correct, a secret branch of the Ouroboros Circle had been established here. It was this branch that had discovered the intelligence about that organization's stronghold and reported it.
At this moment, Leylin's appearance had been altered to some extent through a Mimicry Spell, and the aura he radiated was at the level of only first or second rank.
Even though Gilbert had said Guanlier wouldn't pay much attention to them, Leylin still didn't want to be too careless.
Furthermore, among the crystallized warlocks under that man's command, some might still be keeping watch on the few of them, hoping to curry favor with Guanlier. Leylin felt he couldn't afford not to be prepared.
Following the address, Leylin arrived at what appeared from the outside to be an utterly ordinary bar.