The Tale of the Redeeming Villain

The response from Carlson greatly shocked the other two in the room.

They thought being a devoted servant of God and someone who adheres to justice, Carlson wouldn't have a problem signing the pact. After all more than Carlson, this contract was to ensure complete effort from the Royal Order's side. However, they never thought that he would outright reject the proposal.

The Knight Commander named Rudolph overcame dumbfoundedness and asked the dragon blood, "May I know the reason why? Is it that you no longer have the intention to capture Blake since your 'close' friend is siding with him?"

Carlson clenched his fist hearing those words that clearly blamed Catherine for taking Blake's side.

With his eyes narrowed, Carlson asked back, "If you feel that I have strayed from my principles then I am ready to sign the pact...however, not the one you are asking me to."

Rudolph frowned, however, before he could say anything, Carlson walked past him and while looking at the headmaster, he said,

"Sir, if my servitude is being questioned, then I would like to sign a pact stating that with all my devotion, I would search for Blake all over the world. And if you can have that pact prepared right now, I am willing to sign it. However, I won't ever again get involved with the Royal Order. And that's final."

His words and that tone held the authoritative power which only a dragon's blood could carry in front of a great sage and a war veteran.

The Headmaster narrowed his eyes at Rudolph who was clenching his fist in agitation with his eyes fixated to the ground.

The cowardice which the Royal Order showed during the last operation while working with Carlson was quite embarrassing and has stained their reputation.

The Headmaster understood Carlson's stance and was quite supportive of it. However, he still suggested, "If some of the soldiers had run away like cowards, then it's also true that some fought along with you until death, student Carlson."

That statement wasn't refuted by Carlson since it was true, and that allowed Rudolph to regain his vigour as he stepped forward and said,

"Indeed. Our army isn't filled with cowards. It's just some of the pests somehow use their status and ranks to become a soldier and shame the whole Order."

Carlson didn't say anything and kept his gaze in a straight line.

The oldest one in the room, softly urged Carlson, "I know you have faced a near-death experience because of them, but it's also necessary to finish the job and punish that sinner as well, right? But if you refuse to cooperate, then like Commander Rudolph, many others might question your devotion."

Carlson's cold exterior broke hearing that. He couldn't allow the others to suspect him, or Blake would land in great danger.

Forget it. If these people are still trying to catch him, it would be best for Carlson to be a part of it or he won't be able to actively ensure Blake's safety.

'For Catherine, you have to live, Blake...'

With such thoughts, Carlson agreed to work with them again.

******************

The mana-purifying potion was prepared the next morning. It takes six hours of rest after a concoction for every ingredient to release its effect and become one.

Blake was currently sitting in front of the earthen pot with his hand resting over its lead.

He took a breath before revealing the potion.

The smell of strong herbs permeated strongly from the pot, and the shining green potion came into view.

The liquid seemed alive and inviting to him. The smell had a sweet fragrance because of the honey.

He stretched his hand and held the pot before bringing it to his lips.

He was a magi-crafter in his last life and has forged many weapons. However, it was his first time brewing a potion, which explains the reason behind his nervousness.

However, he trusted the knowledge of the system, and that's why, after closing his eyes, he gulped down the whole thing in one go.

*Gulp*

The taste of strong herbs, the heart of that bird and sweet honey had a nasty blend, but for some reason, he didn't choke, and the fluid passed down his throat quite fluently.

Blake threw away the pot and assumed the lotus position with his thumbs of each hand connected and the rest of the fingers touching the tip of their identical.

With his eyes strictly closed he focused on his mana cords. The fluid he took had the secret to strengthening his cords for a better flow of mana and purifying it.

He felt his body burning and several muscles all across his body spasming. His facial muscles twitched and all his being desired nothing but to shout.

The pain was overbearing, but after years of training and going through several experiences, Blake's mental fortitude was solid enough not to notify the soldiers near him about his presence and misery.

There was no reaction that he showed, and he focused on the movement of the insides.

He could feel it. The sudden rush of mana flowed all across to repel the effect of the foreign substance that entered his system. However, the potion had all the items in it to assimilate with him instantly and energize his magic.

It took several hours of sitting in the same position and when he opened his eyes, his eyes were glowing. His whole body was covered in sweat, but he wasn't exhausted at all; rather, he felt energized enough to run around the whole forest.

Clenching and releasing his fist, he checked if there were any abnormalities. However, other than his hyper-activeness, there was nothing different.

"Let's see..." Getting up he channeled his mana and formed a wind blade in less than a second.

Previously, his wind blade had the destructive power to make a few scratches on the thick bark of the tree. He measured it before consuming the potion.

Raising his hand, he sent the Wind Blade hurtling towards the tree with a whistling sound reverberating in its wake.

The slash of wind connected with the bark almost instantly, as it teleported. However, in the next moment, it disappeared.

"Hmm? That's...kinda disappointing..." Blake thought of trying again when suddenly he felt the shadow of the tree extending

....or more like the tree itself was falling towards him.

*********

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