Wizard: I devour the stars with swarms of insects.

"Yes, I understand, Captain Isabel!"

Sensing the cold and impolite tone in Isabel's voice, the other knights quickly spoke up.

A hint of fear flickered in his eyes.

After all, Miss Isabel was able to become the captain of the knights and their leader based on her own strength...

Now, inside the carriage, Wayne retracted his thorn, the curtains fell automatically, and he remained silent.

These knights and guards, along with Isabel, were the ones I brought with me when I left the city of the Black Forest.

After all, how could he go to a foreign land to investigate the plague without a few capable subordinates by his side?

Sometimes I need to run errands or do other errands to help myself.

Why not use these lackeys of knights?

and......

Although the "task" that Morse's mentor assigned to me was really not a good one.

I came here by myself out of sheer desperation.

However, he wasn't entirely at a "loss." Thinking this, Wayne rubbed the knuckles of his left hand.

It was a strangely shaped ring, formed by alchemy from two juvenile abyssal shadow serpents.

For your own safety when you leave.

Mentor Morse also gave him a piece of enchanted equipment to carry with him at all times, just in case.

Lord Morse gave himself a [Witchcraft] ring called [Kiss of the Mad Serpent].

When activated by mental power and the activation incantation is recited, the magical model imprinted inside the ring can be activated.

Awaken the [Shadow Serpent Spirit] sleeping within the ring, and unleash the [Shadow Serpent] attack from the surrounding shadows.

It should be noted that magical artifacts are very precious items, and it is necessary to use mental power to imprint a magical array on a certain item.

Constructing a model of witchcraft is no different from carving words or engraving marks on a stone slab with a hair.

It requires a lot of mental strength.

Only those who have reached the level of a formal wizard are capable of crafting it, and even so, for a wizard...

Crafting a demonized item also requires a large amount of materials, time, and one's own mental energy.

Not just anyone can easily refine it.

Therefore, being able to "slip" a [Witchcraft] ring from Mentor Morse is quite a considerable gain.

After all, when Morse gave it to him, his mentor didn't mention returning the ring.

Then...wouldn't it be possible to acquire it and obtain a demonized piece of equipment?

Now, sensing the somewhat dull and oppressive atmosphere inside the carriage, his gaze swept over the knights and guards who were silent as cicadas in fear.

Wayne spoke calmly.

"Don't worry, as long as this matter is resolved smoothly, you will be rewarded handsomely, and the gifts will be more than enough to satisfy you."

Upon hearing Wayne's words, the other knights in the carriage perked up, their eyes gleaming.

They had always known that Lord Wayne was generous, especially back in the Black Forest City.

Every time they went out with Lord Wayne to collect materials or carry out a mission, Lord Wayne would give them some reward upon their return.

Some are vitality extracts that can enhance strength and attributes, while others are healing potions and items.

However, they were never allowed to leave empty-handed, and they were always happy to accompany Lord Wayne on his work trips.

So now they've heard Lord Wayne say that the "reward" they'll receive upon returning after this mission is complete will satisfy them.

That means the reward must be something "good".

They were all instantly energized and filled with renewed enthusiasm.

The dull atmosphere inside the carriage became much more lively and cheerful.

Seeing how much more energetic and determined they were now, Wayne smiled to himself.

It seems that the favors and rewards I occasionally showed in the past were quite effective.

It can indeed greatly motivate these guys.

After all, you can't expect a horse to run without feeding it, can you?

At any time, giving generous rewards and showing lavish generosity are the most direct ways to boost the morale of subordinates.

Besides, the gifts he gave them were nothing more than ordinary little things to the wizarding class.

But for these knights, they were already incredibly precious treasures.

......

Next, the carriage procession moved on quietly.

Soon, in the light, cold mist ahead, the outline of a huge city gradually emerged.

"We should be almost there. Ahead lies Earl Victoria's main city... Grey Eagle Castle!"

Wayne said.

Now, looking into the distance, you can see several flags hanging above the castle, fluttering gently in the wind.

The flag bears the emblem of a soaring eagle; this is the flag of the Earl of Victoria, the Grey Eagle.

On the city wall, there were soldiers dressed in silver armor guarding the area.

Upon seeing the carriage arrive, several soldiers descended from the city wall, mounted on horses, and quickly approached.

"Who are you?" The group stopped them in front of the carriage and asked.

"We come from the Wizarding Academy of the Black Forest City. We were sent by Instructor Morse to find your Earl Victoria's son, Holman Victoria."

Inside the carriage, the curtains were open.

Wayne's voice said.

"The Wizarding Academy of the Black Forest City? So it's the esteemed wizard who has arrived! Quickly, go back and tell Young Master Holman!"

One of the soldiers, who appeared to be the leader, said this, and the group immediately turned back to report the news.

Wayne and the others continued their journey by carriage to the castle gate.

Soon, a few minutes later.

After Wayne and his companions' carriage arrived at the city gate.

A group of people were already waiting at the entrance.

The leader was a short man with a bulbous nose and blue eyes.

He was dressed in a wizard's robe, but his hair was messy and he looked somewhat tired.

Upon seeing the carriage approaching, he took the initiative to go forward and inquire.

"In his reply, Instructor Morse said that a new junior has arrived at the Natural Symbiosis Wizarding Tower and has already advanced to the level of a second-level wizard apprentice. He sent him here to help with the investigation. I wonder... who is it?"

Next, the carriage door opened, and Wayne, dressed in a black wizard's robe, stepped down from the carriage.

"I am Wayne Albert."

Wayne said.

My mentor, Morse, asked me to come and help investigate and deal with the 'dryness' plague that broke out in my family... It seems you're that 'Holman' senior brother, right?"

After all, there was only one person in the group wearing a wizard's robe, which should be his senior brother, Holman.

"Yes, you are the new apprentice that Master mentioned? Hmm... I must say, you truly deserve to have an A-rank magic affinity."

The short man in the wizard's robes in front of him spoke with a hint of envy in his voice.