More than a month had passed since the duel between Adam and Lisa took place. A lot of things had changed since Adam had displayed his prowess on the stage that day.
Adam's actions and behavior that day had caused some Professors to frown, but the majority of the students started looking up to him. Adam's rebellious nature and his efficient use of illusion spells had thoroughly won the students' hearts.
In fact, a lot of students had begun showing interest in the School of Illusion because of Adam.
Although the professors were happy at this development, they were also frustrated because the students looked up to Adam's rebellious character.
Apart from this, a lot of young girls, mostly first-year students, had become fans of Adam. There were even instances where they would come in groups to catch a glimpse of Adam in class or just simply have a conversation with him.
Adam happily welcomed them. Initially, he was a little shy because he wasn't used to getting attention, especially from the opposite sex. But soon he got used to it and even began enjoying it.
He was a fifteen-year-old boy after all.
On this day, Adam was in his study room brewing a blue potion with rapt attention. Meanwhile, Edward and a burly youth named Jonathan were in the living room drinking wine and playing cards.
Johnathan was also a first-year student like the two of them. He was the kid that came third in the entrance exam. He was deeply moved by Adam's duel with Lisa. And ever since then, he's been constantly sparring with Adam whenever he had the time.
It couldn't be helped. Jonathan was a battle maniac after all. And over the course of the month, he and Adam had become really good friends.
After a few minutes, Adam breathed a sigh of relief as he had finally succeeded in brewing the potion. Although he failed quite a lot of times in the beginning, his success rate had drastically improved since the time he first started brewing potions.
Adam carefully poured the blue potion from the large cauldron into five empty vials. The name of the potion was Broken Oath. It was a strength potion that gave the user a great boost in strength followed by an even greater loss in strength.
He gently placed the crystal vials in his satchel and prepared to leave the room. On his way out, he bade his friends farewell.
"Alright boys, I'll see you both at dinner."
"Bye, Adam!" Edward replied without looking up. He was concentrating on the card game.
"Adam, don't forget to buy the materials for the familiar ceremony tomorrow." Johnathan reminded him before getting back to the game at hand.
Adam nodded but inwardly he smirked. Heh, my familiar ritual ceremony will be a little different from you guys.
He then left the dorm room and quickly made his way to Herbs & More.
…
"There is no hope for a cure, Viktor. The most I can do is extend her life with potions," said Berger in a somber mood.
Across from him, a tall and muscular man with black hair, blue eyes, and a thick beard was sitting. He was wearing luxurious black garments and a velvety red, silk cape. His face had a striking resemblance to Edward and Elaine.
This man was none other than the Guildmaster of the Mercantile Guild, Viktor Turner!
Right now, Viktor was in a terribly sad mood. His wife's condition had worsened in the past few days. He had personally come to Berger to get the medicine this time, hoping there would be another way for this old gnome to save his wife.
But like always, the gnome's answer didn't change.
Berger was helpless. He had never seen such a disease in his long life. That is the reason he paid even more attention to this. Not being able to cure someone was an insult to a master Herbalist like him.
But more than that, he was very curious about the origins of this type of disease. It was a disease that sucked that mana and essence out of a person!
Viktor's shoulders slouched further and he sighed. "I understand, Old Berger." He then faintly smiled and sincerely said, "Thank you for all that you've done."
"Eh, don't worry about it." Berger waved his hand nonchalantly. "Rest assured, I will continue to heal Elia with my potions for as long—"
Berger's words came to an abrupt halt when the store's entrance door slammed open and a figure barged in.
"Muahaha! Old man, I've managed to brew another successful potion! Wanna see—" Adam came in enthusiastically when suddenly his gaze fell on Berger and a fierce-looking man seemingly talking about something important.
"Oh… uh, s-sorry. I'll come back later," Adam meekly said as he turned around and prepared to leave.
"Hold on, young man," Viktor called out in a deep voice as he got up from his seat and walked toward Adam.
Seeing such a towering figure walk toward him, Adam couldn't help but gulp nervously. "S-Sorry, sir. I didn't mean to interrupt."
Viktor stood in front of Adam and spoke gently, "Your name is Adam, yes?"
Adam was taken aback. He couldn't help but wonder how this stranger knew him. "Yes, sir. May I know who you are?"
Viktor smiled. "I'm the Guildmaster of the Nightingale Mercantile Guild, Viktor Turner."
Adam was stunned! The man in front of him was one of the wealthiest people in the Southern Federation. He just couldn't understand how this man came to know him.
"Nice to meet you, sir. H-How do you know me?"
"Eh?" Viktor's eyebrow furrowed in puzzlement. "Did Edward not mention anything?"
Now, Adam was even more confused. "Mention what? Wait a minute, how do you know Edward?"
Realizing just what was happening, Viktor burst into laughter. "Hahaha! I see I see."
Seeing Adam's puzzled expression, he ruffled the kid's hair and spoke warmly, "I am Edward's father."
"Ehhhh?!!" Adam was dumbstruck. He knew that his roommate and best friend was rich. But he didn't know he was the son of the Guildmaster of the Mercantile Guild!
Realizing that Adam did not become friends with his son due to any ulterior motives, Viktor was very gratified. His voice turned even warmer. "Both Edward and Elaine have told me a lot about you. It was finally nice to meet you, kiddo."
Adam was still reeling in from the shock as he continued to stare at Viktor like an idiot.
Victor simply chuckled and took out a crystal card from his pocket. He then handed it to Adam.
"Here, take this. If you show this to any of the shops affiliated with my guild, you'll receive a flat discount of 35%. Moreover, this card is valid in any of the kingdoms in the Southern Federation."
Adam received the card in a daze. "Thank you, sir…"
"Just call me Uncle." Viktor fondly ruffled Adam's hair once again. He turned around and bid farewell to Berger. "Thanks for the potion, Old Berger. I'll see you later."
He looked at Adam and smiled. "Farewell, kiddo. You should come by to my house sometime for a meal."
With that, he left the store, leaving Adam standing by in a daze.
Suddenly…
POW!
The smoking pipe magically flew out of Berger's hand and smacked Adam in the forehead.
"Ughh!" Adam grimaced and he was brought back to his senses.