Ever since he first obtained the alchemical mask, Ron knew that this couple were not only powerful wizards and magicians but also highly accomplished in their respective fields one excelled in alchemy, while the other was proficient in potion-making.
"Perhaps their study notes are related to alchemy and potion-making?" Ron thought, his eyes lighting up with anticipation. "If that's the case, the value of these notes might even surpass that of a high-level breathing technique!"
However, his excitement was short-lived as he frowned slightly, realizing something crucial. "But the prerequisite for learning alchemy and potion-making is to activate one's mental energy and possess talent in this area. Otherwise, even if I get Halington and Rowan's notes, I probably won't be able to make use of them…"
Ron calmed himself and fell into deep contemplation. On the Divine Gifted Continent, various extraordinary abilities were abundant. However, the abilities that humans could cultivate and master were broadly divided into two categories. One was combat energy, where practitioners could use their own vital energy to condense a life seed, absorbing external energy to gradually enhance themselves. This form of cultivation originated from the early days of human civilization when warriors on horseback, known as cavalry, were the most formidable fighters. Over time, as this tactic became more widespread, those who cultivated combat energy came to be collectively known as knights.
The other ability that humans could master was mental energy. Practitioners could activate the power of their brain and soul to control and harness external natural energy. They would then use certain methods to analyze and rearrange the release of this energy to achieve incredible effects. Those who cultivated mental energy were called magicians. Compared to combat energy, activating and controlling mental energy was much more challenging, and only a select few could become such fortunate individuals.
Of course, there were also those extremely fortunate individuals who were born with the ability to manipulate mental energy and even had innate talents or magic embedded in their bloodlines. These people were known as wizards! Halington and Rowan were two such wizards who could cast their innate magic purely by instinct from the moment they were born. As they grew up, they did not waste their talents. Through relentless effort, they not only became high-level magicians but also delved into the fields of alchemy and potion-making.
"Halington and Rowan are exceptionally talented, rare in this world," Ron mused, his gaze calm and composed. He was well aware that his own magical talent was probably quite ordinary. However, he felt no sense of loss about it because…
"Talent is not enough; I'll make up for it with external help!" Ron's lips curled into a faint smile. Now that he had figured out the pattern of the system's intelligence refresh, how could he not think of using it to embark on the path of magic?
"I'll figure out a way to get the notes back first," Ron thought, continuing to read on.
"Hmm? Barto also hid some self-defense weapons? In that case, I really should find an opportunity to search that yard."
"The Thieves' Guild members left? The curfew is lifted, and I can go to Kurah City?" Ron's heart stirred. With the curfew lifted, his trip to Kurah City would be much easier in the future.
After reading all the intelligence, Ron began to rest.
The next morning, Ron got up early. After having breakfast with Liton and his daughter, he escorted Lisa to school. On the way, Lisa was hopping and skipping ahead, very cheerful, while Ron followed behind. As they were about to reach the entrance of the Knight School, Ron suddenly called out to Lisa.
"Brother Ron, what's the matter?" Lisa asked curiously. Over the past few days, she had grown quite fond of Ron, treating him like an elder brother.
"Lisa, could you do me a favor?" Ron squatted down and said with a smile.
"What kind of favor? Can Lisa do it?" Lisa's eyes widened, and she spoke with eagerness.
Usually, although Liton doted on her, he only treated her like a child and never allowed her to participate in anything. Now, Ron was asking for her help with an attitude of equality. Lisa felt respected and was very happy.
"It's very simple. I want you to…" Five minutes later, Ron stood at the school entrance, watching Lisa wave at him before he turned and left.
Meanwhile, on the other side, in the town government's security office.
"What? The curfew is lifted?" Gwath asked in surprise upon hearing the report from his subordinate.
"Yes, Captain. The Knight Legion from Kurah City just sent a notice. The temporary united knight group has been disbanded, and the curfew in all surrounding towns will be lifted," an apprentice knight said respectfully. Gwath nodded thoughtfully and waved him away.
Previously, due to the appearance of monsters, half of the people from the surrounding towns were conscripted to form a temporary knight group to conduct a sweep. Gwath had been part of it, but after receiving a message from his sister, he had to find an excuse to return overnight. Therefore, he was completely unaware of the results of the united knight group's efforts over the past few days.
"It seems the situation has eased. So…" Gwath's eyes gleamed with determination as he took out a stack of parchment contracts from his drawer. "It's time to gather enough slaves," he muttered to himself, opening the contract and examining it closely.
There, in bold letters, were the names of those who had been victimized by Barto, forced to sell their homes and land, and left homeless.
"Pollock, O'Neil, Simon, Sally…" Gwath reviewed each document, sorting them into two categories. Not all freemen slaves could become sacrificial offerings. There were two crucial requirements that must be met:
First, the sacrificial offering must be fully developed, in good health, and not older than eighteen years old.
Second, if the offering was male, he must not have been married; if female, she must not have given birth.
Thus, Gwath meticulously sifted through the documents. If a person met the criteria, their file was placed on his left side; if not, it was placed on his right side.
Time ticked by slowly. As Gwath's gaze fell on the third-to-last document, he began reading from the name:
"Ron Yegel, age fifteen, both parents deceased. Has an elder sister who was sold to Mr. Maddox by Miral a little over half a month ago. No other relatives or friends, no employment…"
After pondering for a moment, Gwath's lips curled into a faint smile. He then placed Ron's file on his left side.