Chapter 48: Pursuit of Immortality
The Great Canyon of Margaret stretched across the Inland Dukedom and several neighboring kingdoms, serving as the perilous gateway to the Ennea Ivory Ring Tower, controlled by the Light Magi. However, for Ron, the brilliant scientist reborn with an unquenchable obsession for immortality, this was merely another facet of the world to explore.
The land of Margaret held little allure for ordinary citizens, who lived and died within the confines of their kingdom. Even the mercenaries rarely ventured beyond the borders. Mercenaries and wandering scholars who dared to explore the region sought to gain recognition or fortune through their experiences.
"Great Canyon Margaret is fraught with peril. Even a hurried journey takes several months," they whispered, but such concerns did not faze Ron. His destination was the Wilderness itself.
"I can only grow further here," Ron mused, commanding his A.I. Chip to display his status.
[Beep! Ron, Rank 1 Scientist, Bloodline: Ancient Lineage. Strength: 15.7, Agility: 14.6, Vitality: 17.3, Intelligence: 42.5, Scientific Prowess: 42 (in sync with Intelligence). Elemental manipulation efficiency: 40%. Status: Healthy.]
"Hmm, only my scientific prowess lags behind. No matter, I have a solution," Ron thought, unfazed. He possessed the formula for the Tears of Mary Potion, which would boost his Intelligence, and consequently, his other attributes.
As a scientist, Ron recognized the intrinsic relationship between Intelligence and his other attributes. While his progress was admirable, he understood that his impending bloodline evolution would lead to a substantial leap in his statistics.
Ron had diligently invested in self-improvement and laid a solid foundation, reaping results far more efficiently than the average person. He was aware that he couldn't draw attention to his rapid development, which had prompted his early departure from the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.
Now, in the Wilderness, a haven for criminals and fugitives, Ron could unleash his full potential. Here, no one would bat an eye if they perished.
His ambition was to ascend quickly. To reap the full benefits of the Secret Plane, he needed to attain at least Rank 2 status.
"Where does Aunt Marian, your parents' good friend, reside?" Ron inquired, studying Ivy, who accompanied him.
"Angler Town near the Great Canyon," Ivy replied in hushed tones.
Nodding, Ron gently touched a pendant around his neck. Ivy's blood had significantly enhanced the pendant's defensive capabilities, possibly elevating it to the status of a High-Grade Magical Artifact.
"Very well, I'll take you to Angler Town to find your Aunt Marian," Ron assured Ivy.
"L... Lord, can I accompany you?" Ivy hesitated, aware that her future was limited. She was willing to endure any consequences in her pursuit of vengeance.
Ron sternly replied, "Is this for revenge?"
Ivy lowered her head in tacit agreement.
"Due to your family's genetic constitution, you won't be able to become an apprentice without finding the lost meditation technique. Even I can't change that," Ron clarified, letting Ivy understand the harsh reality.
"I understand, but I beg you to help me seek vengeance! I'm willing to face any consequences," Ivy pleaded for the last time.
"Apologies. Magicians uphold fair transactions. Your wealth, health, or spirit don't warrant my interference in an official Magus's affairs," Ron declared, brutally realistic. Any kindness or sympathy he showed Ivy would only foster false hope.
Ivy bowed her head, shoulders trembling, and remained silent as the carriage entered Angler Town.
Angler Town, nestled beside the Great Canyon, was predominantly inhabited by Magi, exuding an eerie atmosphere and a putrid stench. Criminals and wanted individuals commonly roamed these parts, making it their refuge.
Ivy led Ron to her aunt's residence—a rundown two-story loft. Ron could tell that Ivy's parents must have had no other choice but to entrust her to Marian.
"Ivy, wait here for your Aunt Marian," Ron instructed, briefly touching her head before discreetly passing some potions to Marian.
Ivy looked at Ron gratefully as a voice resonated in her head, "We will meet again if fate allows it." Ron had bestowed upon her a Knight Technique capable of elevating her to Grand Knight level. It was an invaluable treasure that would set her apart in her journey.
Ron had no intentions of bringing Ivy along. She would be a burden, and without a suitable Warlock meditation method, she could never become a Level 1 Acolyte. Warlock meditation methods were specific to bloodlines, making Ivy's chances even bleaker.
Leaving Ivy with a glimmer of hope, Ron headed deeper into Angler Town. As he progressed, he observed a higher concentration of Magi, some even wearing cloaks and concealing their identities. This was a gathering spot for fugitives, individuals who had run afoul of local forces or were targeted for their possessions.
He reached the Broken Axe Pub, a quiet and eerie establishment where magicians gathered to discuss their precarious journeys through the Great Canyon Margaret. The bartender informed him about Kary Vultures, notorious creatures known for disrupting the path to the supply point.
Ron concealed his surprise and decided to join a group to traverse the canyon while tasting the bartender's exquisite 'Ice Mountain Beauty' cocktail. He planned to meet the group first before committing.
The bartender explained that the group, primarily formed by solo travelers, had been waiting for suitable members. Ron signaled his readiness to meet the group, and the bartender obliged, confirming that the group consisted of magicians at various levels, including official Magi.
With a sense of anticipation, Ron looked forward to meeting this group and embarking on his relentless quest for immortality in the treacherous Great Canyon Margaret.