"Hmm! This Fallen Star Pendant is limited by its original materials — a Low-grade Magical Tool is already its upper limit…"
Leylin still seemed a bit disappointed, but Krupp across from him was so excited he was practically foaming at the mouth.
Even more emotional than him was Darlenlay. Upon learning that the Fallen Star Pendant had been directly upgraded to a Magical Tool, she first froze in shock, then threw herself at Leylin's feet: "Respected Lord Farrell! Please take me as your apprentice! No — how could someone as great as you possibly accept someone like me as an apprentice? But please, give me a chance! Servant, maid, test subject — anything at all! Just let me study under you!"
"Are you… serious?" Leylin looked at the female Wizard. In her eyes, he could see an obvious thirst and pursuit of knowledge, very similar to what he himself had once been.
Krupp's expression tightened beside him. Being a Wizard's apprentice was one thing, but servitude or even being used as a test subject — for a Black Wizard, those were practically synonymous with expendables.
This female Wizard was either throwing her life away, or she was literally putting her very existence on the line in pursuit of truth!
"My lord…" Krupp opened his mouth, but found himself unable to say anything.
To Leylin, he was nothing more than a descendant of a brother's bloodline. Beyond that single connection, there were no bonds between them whatsoever. Speaking up before he had even established his standing in Leylin's mind would be an enormous gamble.
"I have no plans to take on students right now, nor do I lack servants!"
Leylin's calm words dimmed the light in Darlenlay's eyes.
"However, I will allow you to observe by my side for a time. How much you manage to learn will depend entirely on you!"
These next words from Leylin pulled Darlenlay, who had felt herself plummeting straight into hell, back up to heaven.
"Thank you, my lord!" Tears welled up in Darlenlay's eyes.
But Leylin was not finished: "In return for this equal transaction, what can you offer me?"
"Everything I have!" Darlenlay's voice was resolute beyond any doubt!
"Good! Swear an oath! Swear by your soul and honor — from this day forward, your power, your body, your soul, and everything else you possess shall belong to the head of the South Coast Farrell family's branch — Krupp Farrell!"
Leylin's tone was utterly calm, but it made Krupp's eyes go wide: "What? Me?"
"I swear!" Darlenlay glanced at Krupp beside her and immediately issued a soul oath. With Leylin bearing witness, the oath's binding force would endure for the rest of her life — unless a Law Wizard were to personally intervene on her behalf.
The likelihood of any existence above the seventh rank intervening for Darlenlay could already be considered zero.
"Ancestor, why?" Krupp looked at Darlenlay beside him, his face full of confusion.
"As heir to the Fayrel family, you should carry on our bloodline!" Leylin chuckled. "Darlenlay is an excellent choice — her talent is quite good, and you've already seen her determination and character…"
Perceptive as always, Leylin had long since noticed the faint hint of affection Krupp harbored for Darlenlay deep in his heart.
It meant nothing to him, and as the true descendant of the Fayrel family, avenging them was one thing — but helping the entire Fayrel lineage multiply and spread as quickly as possible was something Leylin considered a duty as well.
At the very least, once he went through with this, he would feel he had repaid most of the debts and obligations he owed this family.
Hearing Leylin speak with such brazen shamelessness — words that were both forthright and utterly impudent — even though they were all Wizards, both Krupp and Darlenlay couldn't help but flush slightly.
"Ahem… so, my lord, where are we headed now?"
Krupp coughed once and hurriedly changed the subject. He had spent his entire life since birth on the run and buried in his studies — he had precious little experience with matters of the heart. That earlier spark of affection for Darlenlay was really nothing more than finding her pleasant to look at.
"Blackbone Swamp first! I'd like to see how the old Academy is doing, and there are a few people I need to ask about!"
Leylin smiled, tactfully shifting the topic. "Besides, it looks like I'll need to show a bit of strength and set up a solid support for the Fayrel family. Otherwise, if they keep getting harassed like this endlessly, it's going to become quite troublesome!"
"Troublesome?!" Krupp's face was momentarily confused, but it quickly changed dramatically.
"Mr. Leylin inside the carriage — would you come out and meet us?"
Just then, an aged voice penetrated into the carriage.
"Let's go — we have guests!" Leylin smiled, rising to his feet with a flick of his robes. Krupp and Darlenlay exchanged a glance and took positions on either side behind Leylin with seamless coordination.
"Hrrraaaaaa—" The carriage came to a halt, and the nightmare horse let out an irritated roar.
Stepping out of the carriage, several elderly Wizards stood before Leylin.