Wizard: My skills can be upgraded indefinitely.

In the evening, Venom and Rex returned with their squad.

The shock caused by the two "Shadow Assassins" member badges and important intelligence they produced was even greater than when Hank's strength had surged.

The entire camp erupted in cheers, especially when Rex and the other intermediate apprentices described with lingering fear and disbelief how Venomous Fang had withstood the attacks with his powerful physique and cast spells in quick succession to swiftly and overwhelmingly kill the two Shadow Assassins.

"Shadow Assassins! Those are the most feared assassins in the Crimson Court, yet they were killed twice by Venomous Fang in a head-on battle? And it was one against two?"

Countless gazes once again focused on Ian's stone house, the longing in their eyes almost tangible.

If Hank's example only proves the huge boost to strength from the bloodline potion, the effect is not very noticeable.

The experience of Venomous Fang, in real battles filled with blood and fire, proved just how precious and reliable this improvement is in life-or-death situations!

"I want to redeem contribution points, now!"

"Does Master Ian still accept custom orders? I'm willing to pay double the contribution points!"

"I've heard that ordinary bloodline potions are nowhere near as potent as those refined by Master Ian!"

"Quickly find out how Captain Hank made the deal!"

……

A wave of fervor swept through the entire camp. Advanced apprentices, their eyes red with excitement, rushed to the quest window, frantically accepting and submitting quests to accumulate contribution points.

The intermediate apprentices were also thinking of various ways, fantasizing about whether they could survive on the cruel battlefield and even make meritorious contributions if they could possess a bloodline potion.

The atmosphere inside the Osborne family compound was beyond oppressive; it was practically frozen.

Given that Maka has been missing for so many days, it is almost certain that he is dead.

Old Lucy's face was ashen, and the arrogance he had shown when he first arrived at the camp was gone. The other members looked ashen, their eyes filled with despair.

Their greatest reliance is being completely replaced by an outsider in a more superior and open way.

And it seems they had already offended that potion master.

……

Inside the stone alchemy room, Ian had heard about the fervor outside, but he didn't care.

All of this was within his expectations, and even something he orchestrated.

He had just finished a meditation session. The "Acceleration" effect, combined with the [Concentration Potion], allowed his cultivation level to rise at a visible speed, which was a terrifying thing among advanced apprentices.

His biggest concern right now is to get the recipe for the "Mind-Concentrating Potion". He's been feeling a bit stingy with the points he's spent lately.

The next morning, Sterling summoned all the senior apprentices again.

The atmosphere inside the central stone tower hall was even more somber than before.

Sterling's face still retained a trace of paleness, making his expression even more serious, with the wizard Eleanor sitting beside him.

His gaze swept over everyone below, lingering on Venomous Fang for a moment.

"As you probably already know from the intelligence brought back by Venom, Crimson's goal this time is to cut off our supply lines and even launch a strong attack on the camp."

Sterling continued, "Fortunately, Venom and Rex brought back crucial information, buying us time to prepare, however..."

He then changed the subject, "Leon and 'Grey Rat's' reconnaissance team have yet to send back any news."

"From now on, double all patrol routes and expand the perimeter to five kilometers. Bronzebeard," Sterling began assigning tasks.

"Here!" The dwarf runemaster straightened his sturdy body.

"You and Anvil, leading the craftsmen and alchemy apprentices, must complete the reinforcement of the western wall within three days. A few days later, the supply team will arrive, and the materials will be replenished. Continue to strengthen the camp's defenses."

"Yes, ma'am, I've got it covered," Copperbeard assured, patting his chest.

"Hank, double the number of patrols around the territory and maintain mutual support." Hank nodded silently.

……

"Ian," Sterling's gaze fell on Ian.

"Your task remains the same: maintain a stable supply of potions. Given the current trend, I suggest you increase the production of the two basic potions. The warehouse will provide full support in terms of materials."

Ian nodded steadily: "Understood, Wizard Sterling."

Sterling quickly assigned several more tasks, and finally said in a deep voice:

"The war has reached our doorstep, and the days ahead will be tough. But the 'Forge' camp is strategically vital and must be held, at all costs! Meeting adjourned!"

The group walked out of the stone tower with solemn expressions, a sense of oppressive urgency replacing the fervor sparked by the return of the venomous fang the previous day.

However, when they saw Ian walking ahead, their expressions became complicated.

"Master Ian!" a voice called out to him.

Ian stopped and turned around; it was Rex.

He was accompanied by two other people, whom Ian vaguely recognized as the leaders of two other small families in the camp.

Rex stepped forward, his face solemn: "Ian, you know the situation. A great battle is imminent, and we..."

He glanced at the people around him. "We'd like to ask if it's still possible to customize bloodline potions?"

He had barely finished speaking when the stocky man next to him hurriedly interjected:

"Master Ian, I am Hal from the Hemlock family. Our family is willing to commission three Bloodline Potions. Contribution points are not a problem; payment can be made immediately."

Another person, Lucas, the leader of the Crawford family, quickly chimed in, "The Crawford family is also willing to order two and will immediately pay the contribution points!"

Ian was taken aback, not expecting these families to be so wealthy, but upon closer inspection, it made sense.

They not only sent wizard apprentices, but also a large number of servants and knights, whose usual wages were probably handed over to the family.

He remained expressionless, and after a moment of contemplation, he slowly said, "The potion can be made to order, but you will need to provide the materials. If you are in a real hurry, you can come to my residence to discuss it in detail."

Also, the [Dream Potion] from Sterling Wizard is quite expensive, costing 800 magic stones per potion. You'll have to figure that out yourselves.

Upon hearing the price of the [Dream Potion], Hal of the Hemlock family twitched his eye, but still gritted his teeth and nodded.

"Understood, we will immediately organize a reliable team to collect the essence blood."

Lucas nodded quickly, it seemed that the two of them did not need to report to their family and could make all the decisions themselves.

After arriving at Ian's residence, Ian took out six [Rock Bear Potions] from the constant temperature box and placed them on the table.

"This is all I have left: three branches of the Iron Mountain family, two branches of the Crawford family, and one branch of the Rex family."

The three of them stared intently at the blood-red potion, their breathing becoming rapid.

The subsequent transactions among the group proceeded quickly and smoothly.

In the end, each of the three owed Ian double the amount of the Rock Armor Demon Bear's essence blood.

"It's a pleasure working with you," Ian said calmly.

"Thank you, Master Ian!"

The three carefully put away the medicine, their faces filled with excitement. After thanking them again, they hurriedly left.

Ian wasted no time and went straight to the warehouse to exchange for the recipe for the "Concentration Potion," as well as enough materials to refine it ten times.

The three of them just paid a total of 3000 contribution points! His previously empty wallet swelled up again.

Returning to the alchemy room with a bountiful harvest, Ian set up protective gear and eagerly took out the formula.