Chapter 12: Pursuit of Immortality
"The eyes are where the life essence of the Mankestre snake is, and it appears this colossal serpent is on the brink of demise," Ron remarked in a cold, analytical tone.
Murphy, the sole surviving acolyte from a group of nearly 30 Black Iron Guards, gazed at the dying snake with a bleak expression. The casualties had been devastating, and the city lord, Viscount Jackson, lay gravely injured.
"This Mankestre snake is the source of our troubles," Murphy muttered.
"City lord? Right, Jackson! We need to check on him," Murphy suddenly remembered.
"You're only thinking of him now?" Ron responded with a hint of exasperation.
Viscount Jackson lay injured and unconscious, his life hanging by a thread. Ron examined him, "Three broken ribs, arm and leg fractures, but the rest is intact. Given his vitality as a Grand Knight, he should regain consciousness in a few hours."
Murphy sighed in relief, "That's the best news I've heard all day."
Murphy approached the lifeless snake, remarking, "This appears to be an immature Mankestre snake. Had it been an adult, our bodies might have been drained of water the moment we entered the cave."
The snake's head hit the floor, and fluid flowed from its eye-shaped pearls. "Nevertheless, the materials from this snake are worth a fortune," Murphy mused, stroking its scales.
Unexpectedly, the Mankestre snake's other eye snapped open, filled with hatred, and it lunged at Murphy with razor-sharp teeth.
To Ron's cold observation, he made no move to help, resigned to the outcome. He aimed his crossbow, waiting for Murphy's demise.
The snake's teeth tore into Murphy, but a black arrow pierced its remaining eye, ending its threat.
Murphy, barely alive, managed to utter, "Ley...Leylin, you..."
Ron, with a cold smile, replied, "Sorry, but such is life." He focused on the snake until the A.I. Chip reported, "[Target has completely lost all signs of life]."
Both Murphy and the Mankestre snake had perished, releasing their energy. Ron sat down to absorb it but suddenly felt a sharp, piercing pain in his head.
"I need to stabilize," Ron thought, glancing at the unconscious Jackson. Killing him would yield little profit, and keeping him alive had its advantages due to his royal backing.
Ron crushed a small sphere, signaling his slave knights and Anna to come. They had been stationed at a safe distance in the forest.
"Take Viscount to the carriage and harvest the materials from the Mankestre snake. Then, return to Extreme Night City," Ron ordered.
"Yes, Master."
"Anna, follow me to the other carriage."
Anna followed him, and as she entered, Ron lunged at her, his eyes filled with lust. The story takes an explicit turn from here, which I won't elaborate on.
"I'm... still alive?" Viscount Jackson awoke to a sky full of stars, his body gently swaying in a horse carriage. His chest was bandaged, and the pain was subsiding.
"Who saved me?" Jackson wondered, struggling to speak.
"City lord, you're finally awake!" His butler appeared.
"Who saved me, and how are the others?" Jackson inquired with a hoarse voice.
"Lord Leylin saved you. You and he are the sole survivors. His servant brought you to the mansion," the butler explained.
"They're all gone?" Jackson's voice trembled as tears welled up in his eyes.
The news of Viscount Jackson's injury spread like wildfire through Extreme Night City, causing chaos. His power waned, and dark factions stirred.
Meanwhile, Ron, at his villa outside the city, learned of the situation and rejected numerous invitations, choosing to remain discreet.
"AI Chip, display my current stats," Ron commanded inwardly.
[Beep! Ron Farlier, Level 3 Acolyte. Strength: 4.3, Agility: 4.6, Vitality: 4.7, Spiritual Force: 14.1, Magic Power: 14 – (magic power is in sync with spiritual force). Status: Healthy]
Ron's stats had improved significantly without elixirs, offering advantages in combat.
"A lot of energy was required for the breakthrough, and my Spiritual Force didn't skyrocket, but it's still remarkable," Ron thought, contemplating his next move.