Chapter 305 - 303: Negotiating Cooperation

Chapter 305: Chapter 303: Negotiating Cooperation

Harmony Magic was difficult to cast and incredibly draining.

An ordinary Level 5 Mage, even at full strength, could only use it two or three times at most.

Thanks to the talent and special constitution granted by his Starlight Meditation Skill, Duane’s Magic Power reserves far exceeded those of an ordinary person.

Still, six times was his limit.

With his Magic Power nearly depleted, he felt a wave of exhaustion.

’This is my limit.’

Duane glanced at the man’s wound. The color had returned to his arm, but the corruption had not been completely purged.

Combined with the injury to his waist, Duane estimated it would take nearly ten more casts.

"Thank you for all you’ve done!"

Viscount Charlemagne’s words were filled with reverence. Duane’s Magic had given him hope for a new life.

"The Haydon Clan has fallen on hard times, so there isn’t much we can offer. But to show my gratitude, if you have any request, I will do everything in my power to fulfill it!"

"There’s no need for that. I only came because Manny asked. It was no trouble at all."

Duane said humbly, "However, I am quite interested in the Secret Realm within your territory. If possible, I’d like your permission to investigate it. And if there’s an opportunity for partnership in the future, I hope you’ll consider me first!"

"No problem!"

Viscount Charlemagne agreed with almost no hesitation.

In truth, he had never even considered developing the Secret Realm. Many factions had already surveyed it, only to leave shaking their heads in disappointment.

If Duane truly had the ability to develop it, he would have no choice but to partner with him.

"I’m aware of what happened with Manny. I protested to the King, but my words carry little weight, and His Majesty never replied. Since that’s the case, I won’t insist on Manny returning to serve the Holy Radiance Court after they’ve expelled him."

He said, looking at Duane, "I hear that Lune of the Holmes Clan is now in your service."

A thought struck Duane. ’Is he bringing this up because he wants Manny to work for me?’

"That’s right."

He said, "Lune’s Archery is excellent. He’s currently training an Archery Squad for me."

"And what of Manny?" Viscount Charlemagne had regained a bit of strength, his eyes glinting as he planned for the future.

His limited mobility gave him ample time to think each day, so he was keenly aware of his clan’s predicament.

The Haydon Clan needed someone to help pull them out of their precarious position.

Previously, he had pinned his hopes on the Holy Radiance Court, but they couldn’t change the situation in his Territory. The Elemental Creatures could not be eradicated, and it was impossible for the Holy Radiance Court to keep pouring forces into his lands indefinitely.

Now, he saw hope in Duane.

This young Baron not only possessed some of the Kingdom’s top combat power, but he also had the backing of the formidable Kennedy Clan.

On top of that, his son Manny seemed to have a good relationship with Duane, who also possessed the ability to dispel Fel Energy.

Having Manny serve under Duane seemed like an excellent choice.

"If you would, please allow Manny to train and gain experience in your Territory."

Viscount Charlemagne said, "The decline of our clan has affected him deeply. Perhaps being by your side will give him the tempering he needs."

"Of course!"

Duane smiled. "I also hope Manny can become a bridge between myself and the Haydon Clan!"

’If the Secret Realm in the Haydon Clan’s Territory contains Fel Energy Ore, it could become an excellent source of power in the future.’

’After being suppressed and plotted against so many times, the seeds of ambition—to grow his power, to contend for the throne—were already planted deep within his heart.’

’He needed to make more allies and fewer enemies.’

Therefore, it was crucial for Duane to strengthen his partnership with the Viscount.

He then requested a room and began to meditate to restore his Magic Power, hoping to finish treating the wound on Charlemagne’s arm by the end of the day.

Evening came again. Though the day’s light was fading, for Viscount Charlemagne, it was the dawn of a new life.

As the final infusion of Magic Energy coursed through him, the Fel Energy afflicting his waist was completely dispelled.

"I can feel it! My wound is no longer numb!"

"I can feel the pain!"

To others, the intense pain of a wound might be like poison, but to Viscount Charlemagne, the long-awaited agony from that once-numb flesh was as sweet as honey.

Duane rubbed his temples. He had pushed his Spiritual Power to its absolute limit for the day. His head was splitting, and he was utterly exhausted.

However, aside from healing Charlemagne, he had also experienced some personal growth.

After using it so many times, his Skill Level for Harmony Magic had finally reached the Skilled tier.

This spell’s Skill Level was difficult to raise. Unlike other simple Magic that consumed little Magic Power, it was complex and demanding.

Duane had only reached the Entry level after killing the Black Bear in the Secret Realm. He had used the spell many times since, but only today did he finally reach the Skilled tier.

He looked at the 0.2 available attribute points on his attribute panel, and then at his Strength Attribute, which had reached 99.9.

Duane knew. ’The time to break through and become a Scorching Sun Level Warrior has arrived.’

"Duane, I owe this all to you!"

With Borso’s help, Charlemagne rose to his feet and gave Duane a deep bow.

"If there is ever anything I can do to help, you need only ask!"

Duane gently helped him up. "Your Excellency, you should get some rest. I’m quite tired myself. I must trouble Baron Borso to arrange for someone to take me back."

"Won’t you stay for dinner?" Borso offered. "I’ve already given the kitchen instructions. It should be ready very soon!"

This was a high-end inn that allowed guests to order their meals in advance.

Duane shook his head. He was truly exhausted. All he wanted was to go back, rest, and then allocate his points to break through.

"Thank you for the kind offer, but I’ll be leaving in a day or two and have some things to take care of."

"In that case, we won’t insist. I’ll write a letter to Manny telling him to stay on Black Forest Island and not to worry. I’ll have Borso deliver it to Sea Cliff Castle tomorrow."

Viscount Charlemagne smiled. "Once my injuries have healed, I will be sure to visit Black Forest Island to express my gratitude in person!"

"You are always welcome on Black Forest Island!"

Duane replied, "If you can, please bring some Fel Energy Crystal Stones from the creatures in the Secret Realm. I’d like to study them."

"No problem!"

Enduring his discomfort, Viscount Charlemagne personally saw Duane to the door and watched as Borso drove the carriage away.

’What a remarkable young man.’

Though he looked to be in his twilight years, the flame of hope for his clan’s revival now burned brightly within him.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, his expression turned cold.

’Holy Radiance Court... since you cast out my son, I have no reason to let you remain in my Territory!’

The original agreement with the Holy Radiance Court was that Manny would train within the Church Court and, once he was strong enough, would be appointed commander of a Church Court Legion or given another high-ranking position.

Charlemagne could use this incident to expel the newly established branch of the Church Court from his Viscount’s Territory, and even the King would have little to say about it.

By the time Duane arrived at Sea Cliff Castle, night had fallen. The castle gate was brilliantly illuminated by Magic Lamps, a magnificent sight.

The Guards at the castle gate were already very familiar with Duane. As the Count’s future son-in-law, he could now enter the castle without being announced or made to wait.

"My lord, Count Kais left instructions. If you returned, you are to go to the fortress."

Duane asked, confused, "The fortress?"

Sea Cliff Castle was massive, its terrain making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. But its most fortified point was, without a doubt, the fortress within.

In fact, many castles of the Nobility contained such a fortress, which completely separated the living quarters from the wartime "keep."

If war broke out and the enemy attacked, the nobles would retreat to defend the fortress.

Its walls were thicker, it housed more offensive and defensive armaments, and it even had a Defense Magic Array.

Duane didn’t understand why he was being sent to the fortress all of a sudden.

"Did something happen?" Duane asked.

The Guard Captain replied, "I heard that Sir Allen captured and brought back the Message Bird Guardian, Rivera. As for the specifics, I’m afraid I don’t know."