The sudden and powerful magical assault caught the Ironclad Boar King off guard. It struggled desperately, gasping for breath as the sense of impending death engulfed it. Yet, the nature of water magic lay in its defense and endurance.
On the edge of the trap stood a young man with black hair, draped in a silky, water-resistant cloak, holding a wand. A slight, cold smile curled at his lips as he looked at his prey, his gaze as if appraising a lifeless object.
Level 7 Water Magic - Serpent Coil!
This was one of Lin En's strongest spells at his current level. While its raw attack power might be among the lowest of level 7 spells, its danger lay in its ability to suffocate the enemy by latching onto the head, using water's properties to deadly effect.
Any terrestrial creature or human below level 8, unable to escape promptly, was doomed to suffocate.
This was the allure of water magic.
The Boar King, while immensely strong and nearly matching a level 7 magical beast in brute strength, was ultimately at a disadvantage. It had no hands to free itself and was tightly bound by the water serpent, unable to exert its full force.
Lin En watched calmly, this was the development he needed. Direct combat was fine, but he couldn't guarantee an instant kill against all the Ironclad Boars.
Soon, news of his victory spread. The civilians, especially those families who had suffered heavy losses, came to thank Lin En. The distribution of the magical beast meat from the defeated boars represented a significant financial relief for them.
"Wow…"
Utilizing resources from the royal family, Lin En had accumulated enough experience and power to liquefy his magical force and significantly improve his mental strength, advancing to a level 7 Grand Mage. This breakthrough elevated his status within the royal household, subtly positioning him as a contender for the throne.
During his absence, everything at home was well, except that little Richie, still quite young, had started to fuss due to separation from his mother.
Angela was slightly taken aback by Selena's beauty. Though Angela herself was quite attractive, she felt somewhat overshadowed in comparison and couldn't help but feel envious.
She beckoned over a young blonde woman in a bold red low-cut evening dress, adorned with a string of pearls highlighting her delicate collarbones. Her flat stomach gave no hint of her pregnancy.
Time swiftly moved on to the year 5201 in the Violet Calendar.
...
Gradually, the wives of Regulos, Colin, and others also gathered around.
Their pale, clean necks were so pristine they needed no adornment.
Having resolved the magical beast invasion crisis, Lin En's prestige soared, earning him the love and gratitude of the common people. The effort he put in was minimal compared to the goodwill he received, making him reflect on how easily satisfied and grateful the ordinary, especially peasant folk, can be across any world.
The land offered too much space for movement, diminishing the effectiveness of the trap. If the Ironclad Boar King managed to escape by burrowing, it would be much more difficult to locate it later.
This wine was very popular in noble circles. As long as the quality was excellent, the profits were substantial. However, achieving success required long-term management, as well as establishing sales channels. For smaller nobles looking to get rich from this venture, it was challenging due to the limited market share.
Life proceeded orderly, comfortably, and stably.
"All done."
Guests from various circles arrived continuously. Ladies and young misses, dressed in beautiful and luxurious outfits, gathered in small groups, chatting and occasionally pointing out young gentlemen, engaging in low-voiced discussions.
Lin En received a letter from Regulos.
"Congratulations!" came the cheers from the guards and warriors who had assisted in the effort.
"Yes, my lord!"
"Thank you for your generosity, Lord!"
Lin En had been busy with territorial development plans for a week before finally managing to wrap things up under Selena's urging. He returned to the viscount's manor, where Angela, one of his wives, awaited.
"Your skin looks so good, sister. How do you maintain it?" Selena, after soothing their child for a while, finally calmed him down.
Time gradually passed...
"You look so beautiful, Sister Selena!" Regulos, Colin, and Andy gathered around Selena, noticing her visibly pregnant belly with surprise and joy.
Lin En, having connections with the Waffle Trading Company, wasn't worried about these challenges. He could procure the best seeds and fertilizers, and marketing the products wouldn't be an issue.
Lin En smiled at the sight before him.
In the hall...
The flesh of the Ironclad Boars, especially that of the level 6 peak Boar King, was highly nutritious. It was a rare treat for ordinary warriors.
The Ironclad Boar King's struggles became increasingly feeble until it finally lay motionless, its eyes wide open, filled with a desperate longing for life and an unwillingness to accept its fate.
After clearing the magical beasts, inspecting the land, and assigning tasks...
Lin En and his family were invited to a private gathering in the imperial capital.
Angela excitedly engaged in conversation with Selena, her eyes wide with surprise and admiration.
Selena's visibly pregnant belly didn't detract from her beauty; instead, it added a gentle, captivating maternal charm.
Lin En, generous as always, only needed the magical cores for himself.
The interior of the prince's mansion was lavishly decorated, resembling a dazzling starry sky.
Lin En laughed, retracted his magic, and walked away without looking back, instructing, "Clean up here. Keep the magical cores for me and distribute the meat to the families of those who perished in the previous hunting efforts."
Selena, in a flowing white gown with pink embroidery and a long, light purple silk shawl, accentuated by an emerald-inlaid purple belt, was the epitome of elegance.
Andy commented, "What a coincidence, Angela is pregnant too."
Women quickly found common ground, engaging in various topics of everyday life, leaving the men somewhat sidelined.
The men's conversations were more straightforward, revolving around cultivation and women. They boasted about their strengths and flaunted their beautiful and seductive wives, basking in the envy and admiration of others.
Such is the nature of men, superficial yet utterly pragmatic, even among the high society's elite.