Warlock Of The Magus World FF: Dark Lord

A dozen-odd days later, on the way to Wolkan Province, a lone rider moved swiftly through the open plains. The light brown horse beneath him carried chests on either side, its muscles straining as it galloped forward, its breath coming in heavy pants.

The black-robed figure astride the horse sat motionless, his posture relaxed yet firm. Leylin's hood covered most of his face, only revealing a sharp chin and lips set in a neutral expression. His journey had been long, but his destination was finally in sight.

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Knights were divided into four levels—the lowest were Low Knights, followed by Intermediate Knights, then High Knights, and at the peak stood the Top Knights. Beyond them, those who shattered their limits and transcended into a new level became Grand Knights.

Leylin had broken through to the Knight level not too long ago while still in the academy. But his ambitions did not stop there. By consuming six vials of Grand Knight blood, he had now advanced to an Intermediate Knight, his physical strength increasing significantly.

However, he needed more blood to climb higher. But as his strength increased, so did the quality and quantity of the blood he required. He needed stronger blood—blood from the finest warriors.

To do that, he needed to find an accessible market.

Leylin pulled out a worn parchment from his robes—a map filled with scribbled notes and markings. His cold eyes scanned the details carefully.

"There should be a gathering area for Magi nearby. There, I can find many ingredients for rune crafting, sell the excess runes I've made so far, buy valuable information… and if I'm lucky, I might even acquire a Grand Knight slave."

His lips curled into a smirk. It was time to make his move.

That night, on the outskirts of a densely packed forest, a lone figure moved silently through the darkness.

Leylin's entire body was draped in a black robe, a hood pulled low over his face. His leather boots pressed against dried twigs, creating a soft chi-chi sound that echoed eerily in the silence of the forest.

Before him, twisted trees loomed like ancient sentinels, their shadows flickering under the pale moonlight.

"Lost Forest?" Leylin murmured, comparing the surroundings to the map. He did not hesitate. Without turning back, he stepped forward and vanished into the darkness.

As he moved deeper, his keen senses picked up the faintest disturbance in the air—movement above him.

Thud!

A black figure leapt lightly from the top of a tree, landing gracefully on a broken gravestone.

Leylin's sharp gaze focused on the new arrival. It was a black cat—but not an ordinary one. Its emerald-green eyes gleamed with an unnatural intelligence, filled with dark amusement.

"Hello, acolyte! Welcome to the Magus Market!" the cat spoke in a strange, human-like voice.

Leylin studied it carefully. He wasn't sure if it was A Magus' companion? A modified organism? Or the result of an advanced spell?

Regardless, it wasn't important.

"I am a wandering acolyte who heard that the market here is open to any Magus. Is that correct?" Leylin asked calmly.

"Indeed!" The black cat licked its paw and snickered. "This market is governed by the mighty Walker family. Every Magus who enters is ensured safety and protection… of course, only within the market's perimeters!"

Leylin nodded. "Then, I wish to enter."

"All acolytes must pay an entrance fee of one magic crystal! It's free for official Magi."

Leylin flicked a low-grade magic crystal toward the cat, who caught it effortlessly in its mouth.

"Follow me." The cat leapt into the shadows, disappearing into the thick mist.

Leylin followed.

The deeper they went, the thicker the mist became, but beneath his feet, a well-constructed road guided their way.

Then, the mist abruptly parted.

A boisterous cacophony of voices hit Leylin's ears.

Before him stretched a massive underground bazaar, filled with cloaked figures moving in and out of the stalls. The people here hid their appearances well—only a few showed their true forms.

Leylin's eyes swept over the crowd. He noticed a marine species with shimmering scales, half-beastmen with fur-lined necks, and even a Magi with the head of an owl.

There were also many acolytes in the market, but unlike those from the academy, their aura reeked of blood.

"Acolytes outside the academies lack formal training, but they survive in harsher environments. Their battle experience might even surpass those raised in academies."

Leylin remained cautious. He had plenty of reinforcement runes, a repaired magical artifact, and his intermediate Knight-level physique. He was one of the stronger Level 2 acolytes, enough for self-preservation.

But if anyone discovered the valuable possessions he carried, these wandering acolytes would swarm like starving wolves.

Suddenly, Leylin noticed that the black cat had vanished.

"Sir! Do you need a guide? I only ask for one magic crystal!"

A thin boy ran up to him, his eyes bright despite his frail face. Leylin could feel the weak energy fluctuations of a Level 1 acolyte from him.

Leylin glanced at him. "Bring me around."

The boy grinned. "Follow me!"

As they walked, the boy explained, "The Walker family runs this market. See that wooden hut in the centre? That's their store. The rest are private stalls. Anyone can sell here if they pay a fee!"

Leylin observed the traders. Their goods were far superior to those in the academy, but counterfeits were common.

"Sir, do you wish to sell anything? The Walker family offers consignment services!"

"I'm in no rush. Take me to the central area."

As Leylin walked further in, he spotted several official Magi—their defensive force fields crackling around them. These were not people he could fight against yet.

The boy continued, "This is the weapon shop, next to it is a Potioneering store, and on the far left is the auction house. They sometimes sell rare goods!"

Leylin's interest piqued. "Anything valuable in their auctions?"

"Potions, some weapons, rarely spell model but last year, they auctioned a low-grade magic artifact. Even official Magi joined the bidding!"

Leylin's eyes glimmered. An auction, huh?

But for now…

"Take me to the weapon shop."