Chapter 66: Alchemist Quest
Roselia's expression shifted to one of concern. "Legendary Grade? Are you sending us to our deaths?"
"Not at all," Theodore replied with a wave of his hand. "I'll provide you with a map leading to the secret realm, as well as detailed information about its layout. Additionally, I'll grant you six months to prepare. Use this time wisely—grow stronger, collect resources, and raise your level. "
Leon and Roselia exchanged glances. Six months was a generous amount of time, but the idea of facing a Legendary Grade monster still weighed heavily.
Roselia let out a frustrated sigh. "Why don't you get it yourself, then? You're the great Alchemist King, aren't you?"
"This body is... limited," Theodore admitted, tapping his chest. "It cannot leave this laboratory. My abilities are tied to this space, and while I have knowledge and power here, I'm unable to act beyond these walls. That's where you come in."
Leon pinched the bridge of his nose. "Let me guess: you're not offering this for free, are you?"
"Of course not," Theodore said, his eyes twinkling.
"I will bestow upon you the first part of my legacy. This includes advanced alchemy techniques and access to unique crafting methods that cannot be found anywhere else."
Leon's interest was piqued, but he kept his expression neutral. "The first part, huh? What about the rest of your legacy?"
Theodore smirked. "Complete this task, and we'll discuss the next steps. For now, consider this a test of your worthiness."
Roselia sighed but nodded. "Fine. If we're going to do this, we'll need everything you can give us for preparation."
"Agreed," Leon said, crossing his arms. "Provide us the map and whatever else we'll need."
Theodore waved his hand, and a glowing map materialized in front of them, floating gently into Leon's grasp. "Here it is. Use it well. I trust you'll not disappoint me."
Leon studied the map briefly before tucking it into his storage ring. He glanced at Roselia, who nodded in silent agreement.
"Six months, huh?" Leon muttered. "Time to see how much stronger we can get."
Theodore's voice followed them as they turned to leave. "Good luck, adventurers. The legacy of the Alchemist King awaits you."
As they emerged from the long corridor, the painting shifted back into place, seamlessly blending into the surroundings as if nothing had happened. Leon turned to Roselia, his expression resolute. "Let's complete as many other quests as we can and push our levels to the limit before we tackle this," he said.
Roselia nodded, matching his determination. "With our abilities, it should be manageable," she replied confidently.
"Even so, we should prepare as thoroughly as possible," Leon added. "Underestimating a Legendary Grade opponent, even with a plan, could cost us everything."
"Agreed," Roselia said, her tone serious.
For now, the two began their trek back to the Quest Hall to submit their completed quest and claim their rewards.
Soon, they reached the Quest Hall and submitted their quest along with the proof of completion. The receptionist glanced at the documentation and nodded. "Everything checks out," she said, handing Leon back his Ascender Card with a faint smile. "Ten points have been added to your total."
"Ten points," Leon muttered, observing the card before tucking it away.
Roselia nodded in understanding. "All quests from E to EX rank follow the standard point system," she remarked. "A-rank quests like this one give 10 points. Each rank below awards two point less—B gives 8, C gives 6, D gives 4, and E gives 2."
"And above A, S-rank gives 12, SS gives 15, and SSS awards a full 20 points," Leon added thoughtfully. "As for EX-rank quests, they're so rare they don't even appear on the boards unless it's a crisis requiring over 30 Ascenders to tackle together."
Roselia smirked slightly. "Not like we'll worry about EX quests anytime soon."
"True," Leon replied. "But for now, let's keep climbing steadily. We'll need every advantage when the time comes."
But as they came out of the Quest Hall, they noticed a group of Cerulean men standing nearby, one of them glaring at Roselia. His face was covered in bruises, likely from the aftermath of their last encounter. "You're the one who messed with me," he sneered, pointing directly at Roselia.
Leon narrowed his eyes as he observed the Cerulean man approach, a sense of hostility radiating from him. The man's face was scorned, clearly bearing a grudge. "You're the one who humiliated my brother," the Cerulean man spat with venom. "You'll pay for what you did."
Roselia stood next to Leon, her posture poised and ready for action. She was clearly annoyed, but it was Leon who took the lead. He stood firm, his expression cold and unflinching.
"You're in my way," Leon said, his voice low and dangerous. "I suggest you step aside before you make things worse."
The Cerulean man, undeterred by Leon's calm response, smirked arrogantly. "Who do you think you are?" he sneered, taking a step forward.
Ryoken's eyes flickered for a moment, remembering the events that led them here. It had all started a few days ago when a Demoness, in her wrath, had burned off his own brother Ryoma's face, causing him to take his brother and get revenge for his brother.
But Leon had seen this before. "I don't have time for weaklings," he said, his tone even colder. "But if you're asking for it... fine."
He activated his Berserk State with a wave of his hand, his power surging. His aura intensified as his anger boiled just beneath the surface. The air around him seemed to crackle with electricity. "Berserk State: 13 points," Leon muttered under his breath, his body becoming more attuned to the bloodlust.
Knowing the Cerulean group aren't going to back off, Leon activated his most powerful ability as he is still in single digit while the leader cerulean is over level 60.
The fight unfolded quickly, with Leon activating his Berserk State almost immediately. His body surged with raw power, the familiar rush of energy coursing through his veins. His pupils contracted, the veins in his neck visibly pulsing as his muscles tensed with heightened strength. The air around him seemed to vibrate, crackling with the intensity of his aura. It was as though the world had slowed down, the only thing moving at full speed was Leon and the Cerulean man, locked in their deadly dance. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire
The Cerulean man, momentarily taken aback by the sheer aura of Leon's transformation, hesitated for only a second—just enough for Leon to close the gap. Leon moved with lightning speed, faster than the man could track, his body a blur. A sharp jab to the Cerulean man's midsection left him winded, his breath catching in his throat. He staggered back, attempting to regain his footing, but Leon was already closing in.
"Is that all you've got?" Leon taunted, his voice cold, the confidence in his tone mocking the man's attempts to retaliate.
With a guttural growl, the Cerulean man swung his fist toward Leon, hoping to catch him off guard. But Leon was already prepared. He ducked under the wild punch and, in one fluid motion, swept the man's legs out from under him with a low kick, sending him crashing to the ground. The Cerulean man's back hit the stone floor with a resounding thud, but he was quick to recover, rolling back to his feet in a desperate attempt to keep the fight alive.
Leon watched with unamused eyes, his posture relaxed despite the brutality of his strikes. The Berserk State enhanced not only his strength but his reflexes as well, making him nearly impossible to land a blow on. Every punch, every strike from the Cerulean man was effortlessly evaded, as if Leon were always one step ahead.
The Cerulean man, growing frustrated, began to attack in rapid succession, his fists blurring with speed as he tried to overwhelm Leon. However, Leon was calm and methodical. He deflected one blow with a casual twist of his wrist and countered with a devastating elbow strike to the man's ribs. The crack of bone could be heard as the Cerulean man gasped in pain, clutching his side.
"You're slow," Leon said with a hint of amusement, barely breaking a sweat as he sidestepped another wild punch.
The Cerulean man's eyes burned with fury, but it was clear that he was struggling to keep up. Each time he made a move, Leon seemed to predict it, countering or dodging with ease. The weight of Leon's power was oppressive, and the Cerulean man's movements became increasingly erratic. Desperation seeped into his strikes, his attacks no longer having the precision they once did.
In one final desperate attempt, the Cerulean man launched himself forward, hoping to tackle Leon to the ground. But Leon was ready. With a swift movement, he sidestepped the charge, grabbed the Cerulean man by the arm, and twisted it behind his back. The man yelped in pain as Leon held him in a painful lock.
"You've lost," Leon whispered in his ear, his grip tightening just enough to make the man realize he was at his mercy.