RNP 077: Let me think about it for a few days.
077: Let me think about it for a few days.
"Well then, please allow me a few days to consider. I have indeed been busy with alchemy lately, and I will give you an answer within a week at the latest."
Leaving Mars's dormitory, Lynch walked down the corridor of the Grey Tower.
He wasn't actually averse to Mars's attempts to win him over; otherwise, he wouldn't have had any interaction with him in the first place.
The Abyss Witch Domain is a witch domain ruled by witch families. From top to bottom, every resource area, every resource point, every piece of knowledge, and every magic stone is marked with the mark of the witch family.
If you want to survive in this witch realm, you must join a witch family and be branded with their mark.
Let's talk about the most direct relationship—
No Muggle apprentice in this land can advance to the rank of wizard without the permission of a wizarding family.
But precisely because of this, Lin Qi needs to be even more careful in considering this matter.
He comes from the Grey Tower, and the Barak family is theoretically his first choice.
However, there was also severe infighting within the Barack family.
The various branches of the bloodline, the younger generation, the direct descendants, and the collateral descendants are engaged in fierce competition and infighting for resources and power.
Following a promising and brilliant talent is naturally a path to mutual success and a bright future.
But if you follow that kind of ignorant fool...
They didn't even know how they died!
So...
Is this Mars a suitable partner for my development?
Lin Qi squinted.
Based on what he had learned in the past two years, Mars was considered one of the most outstanding young members of the Barak family, and was said to be highly regarded by Astaroth, the Lord of the Gray Tower.
His father was an apprentice of Astaroth.
In terms of connections and relationships, the resources he can access are definitely among the top ten of the younger generation of the Barak family apprentices.
Resources are not a problem; the next issue is capability.
It's hard to say for sure.
However, judging from the fact that the other party knows how to buy the rewards of the mission from himself to accumulate reputation, he is at least not stupid.
Moreover, after several interactions with him, it's clear that he's the type who's rough around the edges but meticulous, skillful and decisive. I wouldn't say his methods are particularly brilliant, but at least he dares to think and act.
But that's where the problem lies.
Lynch was looking for a partner who was weak and easy to manipulate, but Mars's assertiveness made him hesitant.
"Phew!~"
Letting out a sigh of relief, Lin Qi irritably loosened his collar: "The weak and stupid ones have no resources or future, while the strong and wise ones are hard to handle. It's really a difficult choice..."
Walking along the familiar route towards his residence, the sound of his boots striking the stone surface echoed in the empty corridor. Lin Qi's thoughts were still immersed in the conversation he had just had and the choices he would make for the future.
However, at that moment, he keenly sensed a deliberately concealed spiritual force at the corner of the corridor ahead.
Despite being located at the heart of the Gray Tower, Lynch instinctively went on high alert immediately.
However, he only remained on guard for a moment before relaxing—
That mental fluctuation ahead was all too familiar!
Lin Qi did not stop walking at all. The irritated and thoughtful expression on his face quickly disappeared, and he returned to his usual calm.
He pretended not to notice and continued walking towards the corner at his usual pace and posture.
Just as he stepped one foot across the corner—
"Wow!"
A tall figure suddenly leaped out from behind the wall, baring its teeth and claws in an exaggeratedly frightening pose, accompanied by a deliberately high-pitched, amused shout:
"Haha! You were startled, weren't you!"
Michelle.
She seemed to have just finished working in the lab, or returned from some relaxing place.
Instead of wearing a formal apprentice's robe, he wore a loose and comfortable light gray knitted cardigan over a close-fitting dark shirt, and long trousers that allowed for easy movement.
Her chestnut-brown hair was casually draped over her shoulders, with a few strands damp with sweat or moisture, clinging to her smooth forehead and neck.
Her face wore an undisguised, triumphant smile.
Her light blue eyes sparkled with a mischievous yet bright light, and in the dim light of the corridor, she exuded a vibrant warmth that seemed out of place with the cold stone walls around her.
Lin Qi stopped at just the right moment, his face showing a surprised expression that quickly turned into a helpless smile.
He looked at Michelle, who was standing close by, and asked, "Michelle? What are you doing here?"
Michelle did not answer, but her smile deepened, turning into that familiar curve of Lin Qi's, carrying a straightforward interest and a touch of languid charm.
She took a small step forward, and the distance between them instantly shrank to an almost intimate level.
Then, in the empty corridor, she very naturally, even somewhat naturally, stretched out her arms and gently wrapped them around Lynch's neck.
Her arms were soft and warm, still slightly warm from her recent activity, and a faint smell of sweat mixed with her usual scent, a blend of sunshine and fresh grass, wafted towards me.
She tilted her head slightly, her light blue eyes looking directly into Lin Qi's eyes, so close that he could see her long, thick eyelashes.
"itch!"
His breath was fragrant, yet his words were concise and to the point!
......
Meanwhile, inside Mars' dormitory.
Mars held the crystal glass in one hand, his gaze fixed on the direction Lynch had gone.
His brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Standing at the edge of the shadows, like slave girl number 16 blending into the background, she keenly sensed this slight fluctuation in her master's emotions.
Like the most precise instrument receiving an instruction, she silently took half a step forward.
His head remained bowed, but a calm, unwavering voice rang out: "Master, should I go and teach that ungrateful apprentice a lesson?"
Mars gently rotated his wrist as he held the glass, causing the liquid at the bottom of the glass to trace an arc.
He didn't look at number 16 immediately; his gaze remained fixed on the distance, but a faint, almost mocking smile appeared on his lips.
"That's a low-level tactic used by incompetent people to deal with idiots and good-for-nothings. Real people can't be won over by oppression."
He shook his head, downed the remaining wine in his glass in one gulp, and then casually placed the empty glass on the table, making a crisp "clink" sound.
Number 16 immediately bowed his head deeply: "Yes, Master. It is Number 16 who is dull-witted."
Mars tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, making a rhythmic sound. His gaze deepened again, as if he were weighing something: "However..."
He spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of amusement and cold consideration, "What you said is not entirely without reason."
The tapping on the armrest stopped.
"People are like this sometimes. When things go too smoothly and there is no external 'pressure', they easily get carried away, lose sight of reality, forget where they really stand, and what they are truly capable of."
The curve of his lips deepened slightly, but it no longer carried a mocking tone; instead, it transformed into a subtle expression of keen interest, as if he had found a new source of amusement or a new strategy.
"By constantly being so gentle and courteous, he might actually think that my favor as Mars Soren is something easily obtained and can be sold indefinitely for a higher price... That's not a good idea."
"He needs to be made somewhat aware of what the rules of this world really are."
At this point, he raised his head, looked at Number 16 who stood with his head bowed, and a playful smile appeared on his lips:
"Alright then, number 16," he said, his voice returning to its usual calm, yet carrying the clear implication of issuing a special command.
"Go to 'Dark Valley' for me."
"Go find the Ashthroat caravan's outpost there, don't hide your identity, go in a big show. Then, 'casually' let them know... what I've been up to lately."
"You must make sure that this message reaches my dear brother's ears quickly and efficiently through the caravan channels."