The Herb King

After receiving his arrangements, Callon was taken to a secret facility that was located underground. There were numerous high-level runes inscribed all over the place, making it impossible for even the top experts to sneak inside. He also noticed some high-grade traps along the narrow path they passed through. His back was covered in sweat as he followed a Shadow Guard. This person didn't speak to him so the entire journey was silent. Only the sounds of their footsteps echoing in the empty passageway could be heard.

The Shadow Guard suddenly stopped in his tracks and said. "We're here. From now on, you will be Shadow Guard Number 144. Your uniform and items are inside this storage ring. Everything inside will be yours, but you are not allowed to sell them or give them to others." He then handed a ring to Callon.

Callon nodded his head after receiving the storage ring. "Since I'm Shadow Guard Number 144, does that mean that there are 143 Shadow Guards at the moment?" He asked as he kept the storage ring.

The Shadow Guard glanced coldly at him and nodded. "That's right. All of your questions will be answered soon. Go to the training room and you will eventually learn everything." He turned around and tapped the passcode of the entrance. His iris and fingerprints were also scanned.

The huge door slowly opened and the Shadow Guard said. "Follow me inside."

Callon quickly followed him, afraid that he would be left behind. He didn't know if there were more traps ahead so he didn't want to move far from this person.

Soon, they arrived inside a huge hall with numerous training apparatus. There were some people training and he even saw two who were engaged in combat.

"Level 4 Espers!" Callon muttered in shock. He noticed that all the people here were Level 4 Espers and the strongest among them was even at the late stage of Level 4!

Although his voice wasn't loud, everyone inside the hall heard his words. They moved their gazes toward him and looked at him in surprise.

"Our newest member is actually an elf!"

"Welcome!"

Some people greeted him with friendly gazes, while most people watched in silence.

The Shadow Guard who brought him here suddenly said. "The next time you come here, you must wear your uniform. The traps you saw earlier will be triggered if you enter the passageway without wearing it."

"Alright. Thanks for letting me know." Callon muttered gratefully.

The Shadow Guard turned around and left the hall.

"Buddy, to think that Shadow Guard Number 2 had to personally take you here. You must be someone personally referred by the higher-ups."

Callon turned his head and looked at the middle-aged man who had spoken. This guy had the number 36 printed on the left shoulder of his uniform. "Why? Is Shadow Guard Number 2 strong?" He asked curiously. He tried to gauge Shadow Guard Number 2's power earlier, but he failed.

Shadow Guard Number 36 looked at him strangely as he shook his head. "It seems like you are not informed, buddy. You've seen for yourself that even the weakest Shadow Guard is a Level 4 Esper, but there are three who are a lot stronger than the rest of us. One is Miss Aenwyn, the Commander of the Shadow Guards. The next one is Sir Einar, who is Shadow Guard Number 1. The last person is Shadow Guard Number 2. His name is Zachary, but the old members call him Fast Sword. I'm not too sure about their power, but most of us think that they are already Level 5 Espers."

"What?! Aenwyn is already a Level 5 Esper?! That's impossible! I was talking to her earlier and she is only a Level 4 Esper!" Callon said as he shook his head.

Shadow Guard Number 36 snorted and looked at him in disdain. "You're really a newbie. King Aethelwolf is a Level 5 Engraver and he can make Level 5 Concealment Runes that can hide one's aura! There are more Level 5 Espers here than you think!"

Callon's eyes widened like saucers upon hearing this. His worldview has collapsed. Since when was nurturing Level 5 Espers so easy?

"Be humble and train well." Shadow Guard Number 36 patted his shoulder and walked away.

Callon stood there with a blank look on his face. He thought that he had already overestimated Aethelwolf, but it seems like he had underestimated his means! Someone who could nurture numerous experts in a short time was definitely an existence who was on par with their elven ancestors! 'Is he an expert from the ancient era?' He thought to himself in horror.

***

Meanwhile, Aethelwolf was teaching his students about Alchemy. Although he could pass this job to Johann or Jade Kristine, he also enjoyed teaching his students.

Suddenly, one of his students raised her hand. It was Janrose. Although she was busy with her training, she still find time to join Aethelwolf's lectures. "Teacher, I've been meaning to ask this, why did you not include Leric as one of the participants in the competition? I believe that his talents in Alchemy is a lot better than Christopher's. Although he is still young, he can already hold his own against those experienced Alchemists. I'm not saying that Christopher isn't suited, but if we want to win, I think Leric is a better choice."

The others nodded their heads in agreement when they heard this.

"Janrose, don't be rude! Your teacher must have his reasons for choosing Christopher to participate in the Alchemy competition!" Johann muttered in a stern voice.

Hearing this, Janrose immediately bowed her head and muttered in a low voice. "I'm sorry, teacher. I didn't mean to be rude..."

"It's fine. The reason why I didn't allow Leric to join is that he is in the midst of becoming a Level 2 Alchemist. Participating in the competition will only delay his advancement. Other than that, I have prepared a training program for him that will increase his chances of summoning his Orange Pill Fire." Aethelwolf randomly bulshitted. He didn't want to expose his clone to the others since it was his trump card. Besides, he approved Christopher's participation so that the Leone Imperial Family wouldn't think that he was alienating them.