Chapter 194: A New Simulation and the Success of Coiling Dragon

Why did he skip the interrogation and kill him so hastily? This was the last thought that flashed through his mind before darkness claimed him.

"Rhett! Don’t steal my target!" Goldsand shouted in frustration, her demeanor completely different from the respectful and friendly attitude she had shown during the simulation.

Ignoring her, Rhett continued casting several earth spike spells, swiftly and efficiently dispatching the remaining enemies. He then calmly said, "You’ve already defeated these villains, proving you’re stronger. There’s no need to finish them off yourself."

Blackstar accepted Rhett's reasoning without complaint and stood silently to the side.

However, Goldsand was clearly upset that she couldn’t personally deal with the villains. Crossing her arms, she sulked off to the side, clearly displeased.

"It’s a pity, though. We could have learned some of their secrets," Blackstar said, feeling a bit regretful as he complained, "Rhett, you should have interrogated them first before killing them."

Rhett’s expression remained unchanged, offering no response. He had his reasons for eliminating them so thoroughly, denying Blackstar the chance to extract information.

This matter involved a Saint-level powerhouse. If Blackstar and Goldsand dug deeper into it and reported their findings to their organization, both the villains and the Blood Elf would become a double-edged sword of temptation for that group.

If they investigated the Blood God Cult Leader and the conflict escalated between Saint-level forces, Rhett, as a participant in tonight’s events, could easily become exposed to danger.

What if the Blood God Cult Leader held a grudge and decided to eliminate him? As a mere Magus, Rhett wouldn’t stand a chance against a Saint-level opponent! So Rhett couldn’t take that risk. The things he learned during the simulation were for him alone—he couldn’t share them with Blackstar and Goldsand.

"Are you feeling any strange symptoms?" Blackstar asked, curious after learning from Leon that he was a successful experiment.

"No, nothing unusual. They never explained the ultimate goal of their experiments. I only know that the failed subjects become mindless lunatics. I’m just lucky that I was one of the successful ones." Leon patted his chest with a look of relief in his eyes.

He then turned to Rhett with a serious expression. "Lord Rhett, I can’t go back to the Gray Lu Kingdom. I’m afraid their comrades will capture me again. I’d like to join your territory!"

During their earlier conversation, after discovering that Rhett was the lord of Dark Eagle City and fledgling town, a count on the southwestern frontier, Leon had decided to join him. As an adventurer with no attachments, safety was his primary concern.

"Oh?" Rhett’s eyes showed a hint of surprise. Did this knight want to join his territory?

But after a moment of thought, he shook his head and said, "I’m sorry, but our territory isn’t a good fit for you."

It was a simple excuse, a clear rejection. Leon felt a bit anxious hearing it and was about to plead further, but Rhett, looking at him seriously, cut him off:

"This organization you were involved with is too mysterious and evil. Although you seem fine now, I suspect there might be hidden dangers in your body.

For your safety, I suggest you go to the Circle Tower in the Rem Kingdom for help."

Hearing this, Leon opened his mouth as if to argue but eventually fell silent.

After thinking it over for a while, considering his own safety, Leon sighed and said:

"Alright, I’ll head to the Rem Kingdom first."

Then, looking at Rhett with a determined gaze, he added, "But I’ll return in the end!"

"Hmm..." Rhett nodded, not really engaging with the promise.

After a brief conversation, Rhett gave Leon some advice on the terrain of the Rem Kingdom and other matters to be cautious about, then sent him on his way.

Next, he began searching the corpse of the fourth-level Magus for loot.

Under the watchful eyes of Blackstar and Goldsand, Rhett found a small box, two fingers wide. When he opened it, he found the same eerie mix of purple-red and crimson Blood Source Pearls.

The sinister glow caught their attention, especially Blackstar, who recognized the Blood Source Pearls from the operation in Clear Spring Town and exclaimed:

"Blood Source Pearls? So they’re indeed connected! But what’s this purple-red pearl?"

Goldsand glanced at the pearls curiously, but after a few seconds, she lost interest. Although she hadn’t participated in the Clear Spring Town operation, she had heard about the charging requirements and costs of using the Blood Source Pearls and found them unimpressive.

"Hmm, I’ll take these three purple-red pearls and three regular ones. You can have the rest," Rhett said, not waiting for their response as he pocketed the pearls.

Blackstar, despite his curiosity about the purple-red pearls, restrained himself and scratched his head. "Alright, since you provided the intel on these villains, we’ll split it as you suggested."

Goldsand, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief, added, "Rhett, if you get any more leads on these villains, don’t forget to inform us..."

Rhett smiled as he stored away his new Blood Source Pearls. "No problem!"

After a brief chat, there was little left to say. Blackstar and Goldsand didn’t want to linger and quickly left.

Watching them disappear into the night, Rhett took a deep breath and began reconsidering their identities.

During the simulation, his mind had been muddled, unable to think clearly or process things properly.

The moonlight cast a silver glow on Rhett’s calm and mature face as he thought deeply once again:

"If Blackstar and Goldsand aren’t members of the Circle Tower, then when we neared Sawtooth Mountain, why did Blackstar mention that he had been active in the Rem Kingdom in the past?

This suggests that their organization might be based in the Rem Kingdom, or at least have an important branch or stronghold there."

Rhett stroked his chin. "Perhaps I could find some clues through a simulation?"

Once this thought occurred to him, it spread uncontrollably.

He recalled that his last simulation had been in March. Now it was September, six months later—time for another simulation to gain insight into the future. Especially after dismantling this evil alchemy base, he needed to be on guard against any possible repercussions.

Rhett activated his system, but there was no response. He quickly realized the problem—his fate points were too low. Glancing at the "Fate Points: 4" section, his expression twisted in frustration.

Tucker’s breakthrough had given him 5 points, totaling 8. But Aesad’s visit and the recent simulation had used up 5 points, leaving him with only 3 points.

At the moment, he didn’t have enough for another text simulation.

Rhett shook his head, but he wasn’t too troubled by the fate points. He hadn’t forgotten that he was still in the White Rat Mountain Range, behind Sawtooth Mountain, where Tylers was waiting for him.

Stretching lazily, he said, "Since I’m here in the White Rat Range, I might as well make the most of it."

An hour later...

Tylers had been waiting behind Sawtooth Mountain for a long time, growing anxious as his father hadn’t returned.

"Could something have happened?"

Tylers frowned, pacing back and forth as he tried to shake off the thought.

"What am I thinking? Father is invincible; nothing could happen to him!" Tylers reassured himself, placing his trust in his father.

Suddenly, a cheerful laugh came from behind him.

"Haha, Tylers, no one in the world is invincible!"

In the next moment, Rhett descended from the sky, riding Firegrid. The bright flames illuminated the night.

"Oh, Father, you’re finally back!" Tylers cried out excitedly, rushing over. Then he asked, "What happened? Did you go hunting magical beasts?"

Just as he spoke, Tylers noticed the two magical beasts Rhett was holding—a Windclaw Giant Dog and a Blackfang Snake.

"Of course not. These two beasts were just something I picked up along the way," Rhett chuckled, tossing the beasts to the ground. He dismounted and walked over to ruffle Tylers’ soft, fluffy golden hair.

Tylers glanced at the beasts on the ground. They were heavily injured but still alive, merely unconscious.

Then, as if suddenly realizing something, he looked around and asked: "Huh? Where are Blackstar and Goldsand? Did something happen to them?"

"Of course not. We successfully eliminated the members of the evil alchemy organization.

They had other matters to attend to, so they’ve already left," Rhett replied casually, then looked at the beasts and said, "As usual, these two beasts are yours to finish off."

Tylers was surprised. In the short time they had been apart, those alchemists had already been dealt with?

But he didn’t dwell on it. Turning his attention back to the beasts, he began channeling his spiritual power, casting Shadow Arrows! Dark, ominous arrows shot toward the beasts' vital points...

Soon, the unconscious beasts let out low whimpers of pain before dying completely.

【Family member has slain an enemy one rank higher: Fate Points +1】

【Family member has slain an enemy two ranks higher: Fate Points +2】

Two notification screens appeared, and Rhett smiled, pleased that his fate points were finally enough.

He then focused and activated the system.

【Would you like to start a text simulation? Each year costs 5 Fate Points.】

"Yes, simulate one year!"

【In the year 476 of the Kingdom of Gold, on September 7th, after two days of searching, you finally found traces of the evil alchemists in an underground cave at the northernmost part of the White Rat Range, near the Thunder Bear Range. With a cold expression, you struck first. Fortunately, the highest among them was only a fourth-level Magus. None of them were your match, and you easily wiped them out. After interrogating them and distributing the Blood Source Pearls, you all parted ways.】

【On September 8th, you decided to hunt with Tylers in the White Rat Range.】

【On September 9th, you encountered a third-level Ice Spiked Bear, a third-level Flame Tiger, a second-level Light Shadow Cat, and three second-level Flame Dogs, all of which you killed with ease.】

...

【On September 12th, Frano’s wife, Loreen, gave birth to a son.】

【On September 15th, Hank benefited greatly from reading the alchemy manual left by Master Aesad and finally created a Black Crow’s Bane potion!】

【On September 17th, you encountered three fifth-level Flame Rhinoceroses. After a fierce battle, you killed them using your mastery of Scattered Elements and Piercing Rain.】

【On September 19th, deep in the White Rat Range, you discovered and killed a dozen low-level Sand Scale Armored Snakes in an underground snake nest. You also found two earth-type high-grade magical plants—Mudfruit.】

【On September 21st, while traversing the White Rat Range with Tylers, you came across a wounded fourth-level Ice Mouse fighting three fourth-level White-Eyed Mice. After some hesitation, you saved the Ice Mouse. Following it, you found a nest of White-Eyed Mice with three young ones crying for food. Overjoyed, you gave one to Tylers and took the other two for yourself.】

【On October 1st, Armando advanced to Apprentice Knight.】

【On October 3rd, Snow Elf Nina awoke and pushed Rila to the peak of a second-level Magus.】

【On October 8th, Liane advanced to Apprentice Knight.】

【On October 15th, Willow advanced to First-Level Knight.】

【On October 27th, by that day, you had hunted six fifth-level magical beasts, twenty-seven fourth-level magical beasts, two hundred and four third-level magical beasts, and three hundred and seventy-eight second-level magical beasts in the White Rat Range.】

【On October 28th, you began your journey back to your territory.】

【On November 5th, you returned to your territory and gave the two White-Eyed Mouse younglings to Makov and Vidis, who were very grateful.】

【On November 7th, a fifth-level Shadow Tiger led a pack of beasts into the Dark Stripe Eagle Range. Having prepared in advance, you ventured into the range’s depths and fought the pack alone. Using your mastery of Scattered Elements, you killed the Shadow Tiger and spared the other beasts.】

【On December 15th, Tylers successfully created a lower-level poison and became an official alchemist!】

【On December 23rd, Rila created a lower-level poison and became an official alchemist!】

【On December 24th, Eunica became an Apprentice Alchemist.】

【On December 27th, the White-Eyed Mouse was frightened by Firegrid while playing with Tylers. Tylers' "heroic protection" deeply moved the young White-Eyed Mouse, and it formed a bond with him, acknowledging him as its master that day.】

【On December 29th, Silin advanced to Third-Level Knight.】

【In the year 477 of the Kingdom of Gold, on January 17th, Lawrence broke through his bottleneck and advanced to Second-Level Knight, earning the title of genius!】

【On January 21st, Frano’s wife, Loreen, advanced to Second-Level Knight.】

【On February 7th, training ground student Nigel advanced to Apprentice Knight.】

【On February 13th, Hank’s brother, Felix, visited. The brothers were overjoyed to see each other, and Felix expressed his gratitude to you. After some persuasion, Hank’s brother joined your territory.】

【On February 15th, two Magi who had joined your territory last year became Apprentice Alchemists under Hank’s guidance.】

【On February 25th, Dalton Trading Company’s Twilight City branch president, Carlton, visited you to discuss establishing a branch in Dark Eagle. You gladly accepted, and during the meeting, you mentioned your plan to publish the novel Coiling Dragon. Carlton was intrigued, but after reading the content, he was shocked and enthusiastically agreed, predicting the book would be a hit!】

【On February 27th, an unexpected visitor—a representative of the Purple Lily Trading Company—arrived in your territory. Impressed by Dark Eagle City’s potential, they wanted to relocate their store to your city, which you welcomed.】

【On March 13th, a traveler visited your territory. Rila had a great time conversing with the traveler and spent three days learning painting, significantly improving her skills!】

【On March 25th, Vanessa gave birth to a daughter—congratulations!】

【On March 29th, Coiling Dragon was released across the southwestern frontier. Although no one expected much from your literary skills, many were curious because of your reputation and achievements.】

【On April 15th, Vicky and Makov, having spent much time together, realized they shared many interests and began a romantic relationship.】

【On April 18th, Hank broke through his bottleneck and advanced to Third-Level Magus!】

【On May 4th, the two White-Eyed Mouse younglings you had given to Vidis and Makov refused to bond with their masters and began showing signs of wildness. Suspecting you had brought them back too late, making them difficult to tame, you reluctantly released them.】

【On May 20th, Coiling Dragon became a massive success, with its reputation spreading quickly. It became a household name throughout the southwestern frontier.】

【On June 10th, the success of Coiling Dragon made you famous across the southwestern frontier. Nobles frequently visited, either to discuss the novel or to build connections under that pretext. To avoid revealing that your literary skills weren’t exceptional, you adopted the persona of a silent genius, brushing off most visitors.】

【On June 15th, Carlton informed you that Coiling Dragon was being reprinted urgently, with plans to distribute it nationwide!】

【On June 17th, training ground member Angela advanced to Apprentice Knight.】

【On June 20th, you received a letter from the Circle Tower, which piqued your curiosity. Upon reading it, you discovered it was an invitation from the tower, with Master Niru seeking more information about the evil alchemists. After much consideration, you did not immediately depart.】

【On July 3rd, Truffon, inspired by a moment of clarity, forged an Apprentice sword, becoming an Apprentice Blacksmith.】

【On July 10th, a Third-Level Knight and professional blacksmith, impressed by your reputation, came to your territory, seeking to join you. You gladly accepted.】

【On August 10th, Coiling Dragon was released in the capital and began selling in other cities.】

【On August 17th, a fifth-level Ice Spiked Bear led a small beast horde from the Thunder Bear Range. After killing the leader, you allowed the other beasts to settle in the Dark Stripe Eagle Range.】

【On August 20th, Coiling Dragon caused a sensation in the capital, sparking a frenzy among readers!】

【On September 5th, the third prince, Hogus Goldlund, quietly visited your territory. He expressed his admiration for Coiling Dragon and said the descriptions of wind-based mysteries in the book had deeply impressed and inspired him.】

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