Chapter 7 - ch7

The barren landscape stretched out before Rowan, a desolate expanse devoid of life. The ground was dry and cracked, with patches of sparse, withering vegetation struggling to survive. The only signs of movement came from small animals scurrying across the terrain, their presence an exception in an otherwise lifeless setting.

There were no signs of magical beasts roaming the area, and the absence of their powerful auras made the place feel eerily quiet. Without the presence of rank 1 official magus in the vicinity, the place seemed almost abandoned, as though it had been untouched by the world of magic for a long time.

The sky overhead was a dull gray, adding to the bleak atmosphere of the barren region. The landscape was marked by jagged rocks and dry, dusty earth, offering little shelter or sustenance for any living creatures. Even the sparse vegetation appeared stunted and unhealthy, barely holding on in such harsh conditions.

Despite the apparent desolation, Rowan felt a sense of potential in the area. The lack of magical activity and powerful beings made it an ideal location for him to carry out his plans without interruption. The emptiness of the land presented both an opportunity and a challenge, and Rowan knew he needed to tread carefully as he ventured into this isolated realm.

According to his plan, Rowan strategically stationed his surveillance robots, which resembled ordinary rocks, and fighting robots around the possible locations of the secret plane's entrances. He carefully placed the surveillance robots in discreet positions to gather intelligence without drawing attention. The fighting robots were stationed underground, poised and ready to defend the entrances should the need arise.

Rowan's large army of fighting robots provided him with substantial combat power. With enough units to confront up to 100 level 3 apprentices simultaneously, he felt confident in his ability to control the area and protect the secret plane's entrances. The sheer numbers of his fighting robots could potentially overwhelm even rank 1 official magus, should they venture into the region.

However, Rowan's biochip indicated that the likelihood of a rank 1 official magus coming to the barren area was practically zero. This gave him reassurance that his preparations would not face any significant challenge from powerful adversaries.

With his robots in position and ready for action, Rowan felt prepared to seize control of the secret plane's entrances as soon as they became accessible. He knew that his careful planning and deployment of resources would enable him to secure the valuable territory and its contents, ensuring his dominance over the secret plane.

With his preparations complete and his control over the area around the secret plane secure, Rowan prepared for the next phase of his plan: infiltrating a dark magus organization. He donned a new face, a disguise he had meticulously crafted to alter his appearance. His true identity concealed beneath a mask and a long black robe, Rowan aimed to blend in seamlessly with the dark magus crowd.

Joining the dark magus organization would allow Rowan to gain insider knowledge and access to the network of those likely to rob the secret plane owned by the white magus academy. This would provide him with a strategic advantage in the upcoming conflict and enable him to manipulate events in his favor.

With his disguise complete, Rowan set out to join the dark magus organization. He knew he needed to be cautious and prove his loyalty to gain the trust of the group's members. His biochip, Stella, provided him with information and advice on how to navigate the organization's complex social structure and avoid arousing suspicion.

Rowan's goal was to position himself within the dark magus organization to monitor their plans and actions. By doing so, he could stay one step ahead of his potential rivals and manipulate the situation to his advantage.

As he approached the entrance to the dark magus organization, Rowan took a deep breath and composed himself. He was ready to embark on this next chapter of his journey, knowing that success here would bring him closer to his ultimate goal of seizing the secret plane and gaining immense power.

After several successful heists at the secret planes owned by the white magus academy, Rowan gained a deep understanding of how the secret planes operated. He learned how to coordinate the management of the planes, including the farming and extraction of valuable resources, and the intricacies of the various magic radiations within them.

However, the most challenging part was figuring out how to manage and conceal the coordination of the secret plane and how to camouflage the magic radiation. This level of knowledge was typically reserved for rank 2 and rank 3 magus, and Rowan knew he would have to take on life-threatening tasks and risk dangerous missions to acquire it.

To prove his worth and gain access to the information he needed, Rowan took on the role of a gatekeeper for the Shadow Syndicate. This position was perilous, as it involved guarding unstable temporary space gates and facing powerful attackers, some of whom were at least rank 1 magus. The role exposed him to considerable risk, and he could have easily died in the line of duty.

After taking on these dangerous tasks five or six times, Rowan managed to gain the knowledge he sought about managing and camouflaging the secret plane. However, the high-stakes nature of his role eventually took its toll, and he attempted to leave the organization.

As expected, the Shadow Syndicate did not take kindly to his desire to quit. Rowan found himself under attack, forcing him to flee and go into hiding for four months. During this time, he experienced immense physical and mental exhaustion, constantly looking over his shoulder and evading capture.

Finally, after a long and grueling period of evading the Shadow Syndicate, Rowan managed to lose their trail. Relieved to have survived the ordeal, he made his way to a nearby town to unwind and enjoy himself. He needed the rest and respite to recover from the trials he had faced and to regain his strength for the challenges that lay ahead.

After his harrowing experience with the Shadow Syndicate and his successful evasion of their pursuit, Rowan refocused on his original plan to take over the secret plane. He journeyed back to the area surrounding the secret plane and began fortifying his base of operations, ensuring he had a strong and secure foothold.

Based on his knowledge and experience, Rowan began the process of gaining control of the secret plane. According to the novel he had read, the secret plane was discovered by a level 3 apprentice, which gave Rowan an initial advantage as he approached the area. He drew upon the information he had learned from his past missions and the insights he had gathered about managing secret planes.

Rowan carefully orchestrated the takeover, using his biochip to help him navigate the complex process of controlling the secret plane. He focused on concealing the magical radiation emanating from the plane, as well as creating powerful illusions to mask the reality of the situation. These illusions would make it seem as though the area was entirely normal, hiding any evidence of his presence or the existence of the secret plane from potential interlopers.

With the biochip providing him with precise guidance and monitoring, Rowan successfully executed his plan. He opened the secret plane and took control of its resources, ensuring that everything was in order and that he had complete dominion over the space.

As he settled into his new role as the secret plane's overseer, Rowan's strategic approach and advanced biochip technology allowed him to achieve his goal with remarkable efficiency. He had now secured the secret plane as his own, marking a significant milestone in his journey toward power and mastery in the magus world.

Rowan took meticulous care of the magical herbs in his newly acquired secret plane, treating them as invaluable assets. He recognized the potential of these rare herbs and understood the importance of cultivating them properly for their maximum potency and rarity. These some of the rarest herbs he encountered in the secret plane and how he took care of them:

1. **Nightshade Amaranth**: This herb had dark, iridescent leaves and was known for its potent properties in potions of invisibility. Rowan carefully controlled the lighting conditions around the plants, allowing only moonlight or dimmed artificial light to reach them. He ensured they were planted in soil rich in magical energy and shielded them from direct sunlight.

2. **Elderglow Petals**: These glowing, blue flowers were essential in potions of rejuvenation and healing. Rowan ensured they were planted in soil enriched with nutrient-infused water and surrounded by reflective surfaces to enhance the magical glow. The plants required a delicate balance of light, shade, and warmth to thrive.

3. **Starfall Moss**: This silvery moss could enhance the effects of dream potions and other mind-affecting brews. Rowan carefully controlled the humidity and temperature around the moss, keeping it damp but not oversaturated. He also placed the moss on stones that absorbed the ambient magic of the area.

4. **Ashen Emberroot**: A fiery red herb known for its potency in combat potions, Rowan planted Ashen Emberroot in soil mixed with volcanic ash and positioned the plants near heat sources. The roots required frequent but brief bursts of flame to simulate their natural habitat and unlock their magical potential.

5. **Glimmerwood Fern**: This silvery fern had reflective fronds and was used in potions of foresight. Rowan planted the ferns in loamy, well-draining soil and positioned them in areas with dappled light, ensuring they received gentle sunlight throughout the day.

6. **Echo Lilies**: These ethereal white lilies were essential in sound and communication spells. Rowan planted them in water-rich soil and surrounded them with reflective surfaces to enhance their magical resonance. The lilies required careful monitoring of sound levels, as too much noise could disrupt their growth.

7. **Phoenixfire Vines**: These fiery vines were known for their ability to produce potions of fiery resistance. Rowan trained the vines to grow around heated metal frames, providing them with warmth and sunlight. He also added ground-up fire crystals to their soil to enhance their potency.

Rowan used his biochip to monitor and adjust the environment around each herb, ensuring optimal growing conditions. He also employed robots equipped with precise tools to handle the delicate tasks of pruning, watering, and harvesting the herbs. By taking such meticulous care of the rare herbs, Rowan secured a valuable resource for his future plans and experiments.

Rowan knew he couldn't fully control the entire secret plane due to the presence of rank1 and rank2 magical beasts guarding the rare and valuable herbs. These beasts, particularly the rank2 ones, posed a significant threat to his plans. With his entire robot army, he couldn't defeat them without risking damage to the precious herbs or even worse, losing his robots and resources.

Instead of provoking the powerful beasts, Rowan decided to focus on developing the other parts of the secret plane that he could manage safely. This allowed him to continue building his resources and expanding his influence within the plane.

As he walked through the sections of the secret plane under his control, Rowan mapped out areas for future development and carefully observed the habits and movements of the magical beasts guarding the herbs. He needed a solid understanding of their patterns to plan his next moves effectively.

His immediate priority was to reach the level of rank1 official magus, which would grant him greater strength and control within the secret plane. With that level of power, he could safely confront the rank2 magical beasts and take full control of the entire plane.

While waiting for the opportunity to advance his magus level, Rowan also began researching how to breed rank1 magical beasts. He believed that by breeding his own magical beasts, he could strengthen his defenses and have a powerful force of his own to guard the valuable herbs.

Rowan consulted Stella, his biochip, for information and advice on the best practices for breeding magical beasts. The biochip provided him with data on various magical beast species, their preferred habitats, and the optimal conditions for breeding.

To breed rank1 magical beasts, Rowan focused on creating controlled environments that simulated the natural habitats of the beasts he wished to breed. He carefully adjusted the temperature, humidity, and lighting in these areas and introduced various plants and magical elements that would appeal to the beasts.

Rowan's goal was to raise his own army of magical beasts to protect his interests within the secret plane. As he observed the results of his breeding efforts, he continued to refine his methods, learning from each success and failure.

In the meantime, Rowan carefully managed his interactions with the rank2 magical beasts, avoiding any direct confrontations while continuing his research and experiments. By taking a strategic and measured approach, Rowan aimed to strengthen his position within the secret plane and prepare for the day he could confront the powerful beasts guarding the rare herbs.

Four months later;

Rowan, now at the peak of level 3 apprentice, had become increasingly strategic in his approach to the future. As the son of a slave trader, he was well-acquainted with the slave market and how to leverage it for profit. However, his focus was on shifting towards a more diversified business model that combined the slave trade with selling magical herbs from his secret plane.

By selling rare and valuable herbs, Rowan aimed to establish himself as a key supplier in the market. He anticipated that Leylin, who would soon come to the area with long-term mission, would be among his potential customers. This provided Rowan with an opportunity to build a connection with Leylin and potentially use their acquaintance to his advantage in the future.

Rowan knew that becoming a reliable source of magical herbs would not only bring him significant profits but also allow him to position himself as a valuable ally for Leylin. This could prove beneficial in the long run, as Leylin's path to power was expected to be notable and influential.

To achieve this, Rowan focused on cultivating the most sought-after herbs from his secret plane, ensuring they were of the highest quality. He used his biochip, Stella, to monitor and manage the growth of these herbs, optimizing their potency and effects. This meticulous approach would make his herbs highly desirable among Magi, including Leylin.

Rowan also planned to establish a discreet and efficient distribution network for his herbs, keeping his involvement in the trade subtle and under the radar. By maintaining a low profile, he could avoid drawing unwanted attention while still reaping the benefits of his new venture.

As Rowan considered his future, he recognized the importance of timing and patience. Building a relationship with Leylin would require a gradual and strategic approach. By being a reliable supplier and ensuring the quality of his products, Rowan aimed to create a positive impression on Leylin, potentially paving the way for future collaboration.

Rowan's thoughts centered on the long game, understanding that his success would come from careful planning and execution. By combining his knowledge of the slave market with his expertise in magical herbs, he hoped to secure his place in the ever-evolving world of Magi and take advantage of opportunities that arose along the way.

Rowan embarked on his journey to the market with a determined focus on both replenishing his magic crystal supply and securing new business opportunities. Along the way, he captured several slaves, some of whom were mortals who had willingly sold themselves into servitude. By the time he arrived at the market, he appeared every bit the professional slave dealer and merchant.

Once he reached the market, Rowan made his way directly to the rank 1 official Magus who controlled the area. His approach was marked by confidence and self-assuredness, traits that would help him negotiate favorable terms for his business ventures. Upon meeting the Magus, Rowan offered a respectful nod and spoke in a clear, composed tone.

"Greetings, Magus," Rowan began, addressing the rank 1 Magus. "I am here to discuss conducting business within the market. I bring a wealth of goods and resources, including slaves and herbs, and wish to establish a mutually beneficial arrangement."

The Magus assessed Rowan with an appraising gaze. "And why should I allow you to do business here?" the Magus asked, a hint of skepticism in their voice.

Rowan maintained his composure, a small, confident smile playing on his lips. "I represent an established organization, and I assure you, our transactions would bring prosperity to the market. I also wish to sign an official contract under the Witness of the rank 2 Trial Eyes, to ensure all parties adhere to the terms."

The mention of the Trial Eye seemed to intrigue the rank 1 Magus. The Trial Eye was a rank 8 powerful law-being, known for its strict enforcement of contracts and oaths. Summoning a tiny clone of the Trial Eye to witness the contract would provide assurance that neither party would breach the agreement without facing severe consequences.

After a moment's consideration, the Magus nodded. "Very well. Let us proceed with the signing."

Rowan and the Magus gathered in a designated area for official contracts. A tiny, ethereal form of the Trial Eye was summoned, its presence imposing and almost otherworldly. The Magus prepared the contract, outlining the terms of business within the market, including trade regulations, profit-sharing, and protection for both parties.

Rowan read the contract carefully, ensuring every clause was to his satisfaction. He wanted to be cautious, especially given the reputation of the rank 1 Magus as a wandering Magus. Any potential for a dirty trick needed to be minimized.

Once Rowan was satisfied with the terms, he and the Magus signed the contract, the Trial Eye serving as the witness. The contract was sealed with a magical stamp, binding both parties to its terms under the watchful eye of the rank 2 entity.

With the contract signed and sealed, Rowan felt a sense of reassurance. He had taken the necessary precautions to protect himself and his business from any potential deceit. Now, he could focus on his ventures within the market, confident that he had established a secure foundation for his work.