Magic, steel, heavy industry

Chapter 34 Magic and Loyalty

In this world, there are many kinds of magical beasts. They are mostly distributed in dense jungles and treacherous wastelands, and occasionally, some land-dwelling magical beasts roam in human territory.

Mages categorized magical beasts into five levels based on the quality of their magic cores.

Green, Blue, Purple, Gold, Pink.

These colors are not the body color of the monsters themselves, but the color of the magic core inside them. Green is the most common magic core, which can be used by all mages to extract magic power.

The higher the level, the stronger the magic power contained in the magic core, and the more difficult it is to control. Of course, the difficulty of hunting these high-level magical beasts also increases exponentially.

As for the goblin's white magic core? Please, can something white even be called a magic core? In the eyes of mages, a white magic core is no different from a pebble on the roadside.

The Crimson Flame Fox that Scarface hunted was a green-level magical beast.

Vilan sniffed the burning smell in the air and asked curiously, "Did you burn it to death?"

Scarface shook his head. "No, the fleshy growth on the Crimson Flame Fox's neck is naturally capable of releasing instantaneous bursts of fire magic, which is why it's called the Crimson Flame Fox."

"I see. I really want to see this amazing ability for myself someday," Vilan exclaimed.

No matter how many times he saw it, this kind of magic that defied the laws of science always gave him a jolt.

"Now it's time to deal with its corpse; I need its magic core."

"As you wish."

Scarface bowed respectfully, then took out his small knife and skillfully began to process the Crimson Fox.

He carefully peeled off the fur, making sure there was no damage, as a complete red fox pelt is highly sought after.

He then cut his knife into the Crimson Flame Fox's abdomen, gently dug out a green magic core, and it appeared in his hand.

After cleaning it, Vilan held the magic core in his hand.

As expected, there was a huge difference between green magic cores and goblin magic cores. The latter were only the size of a grain of rice, while even the most ordinary green magic core was the size of a finger.

Then there's the difference in magic power. The magic power of the goblin core is very docile, or rather, calm. No matter how Vilan manipulates it, the magic power will not go berserk, but will gently adhere to the magic powder and then enchant other objects.

However, even before Vilan could turn the Crimson Flame Fox Demon Core into magic powder, he could sense the extremely active magic power within it.

This is also why magicians are able to extract this magic power, because the magic power yearns to break through the magic core.

But the consequence of this is that it becomes completely out of control.

At least they won't be under Vilan's control.

He placed the magic core on the flat ground and then activated his magical talent. Soon, the magic core on the ground turned into magic powder. However, when Vilan continued to observe with his magical talent, he discovered that the magic power in the magic powder was being released at an abnormal speed.

"not good!"

Vilan sensed danger and jumped away without hesitation. The next second, the magic powder on the ground suddenly burst into flames, like a small firecracker exploding.

A flame burst forth on the spot, then vanished in the blink of an eye.

When it was all over, the magic powder on the ground had turned into black ash, which disappeared with a gust of wind.

Llorente and Scarface both looked horrified as they watched this scene.

"Lord Vilan, are you alright?"

Vilan waved his hand, "It's nothing. No wonder my talent is called a curse. It seems that apart from goblins, no other magic cores can be stabilized."

Vilan shook his head helplessly, feeling somewhat disappointed.

He originally wanted to develop more magic powder, but the magic power of these high-level magic cores was unstable and uncontrollable. Just like before, the magic power would not stay obediently in the magic powder, but would be released all at once.

Goblin magic cores, due to their low magic level, are actually very stable and can be stored as industrial raw materials.

Vilan immediately realized he was on the wrong track. What he needed to do now was not to focus on other magical beasts, but to keep a close eye on the goblins.

There are only three types of goblins in Anvil Territory, but the world is so big, there are many different goblins in other places, and the magic cores on their bodies are what Vilan should explore.

Thinking of this, Vilan felt much more relaxed. He said to Scarface, "Thank you, Mr. Hunter. Your bravery has solved a great problem for me. These gold coins are your reward."

After saying that, Llorente stepped forward and handed three gold coins to Scarface.

In fact, the value of a single Crimson Fox Demon Core is already 1 gold coin; the rest are rewards for Scarface.

This hunter was very experienced and calm, and Vilan liked this reliable person very much.

"Thank you, Lord Vilan. This Crimson Fox pelt is in excellent condition. You can use it to make a shawl or scarf."

Scarface wasn't good at expressing gratitude, so he simply offered the fox fur with both hands.

Vilan smiled and accepted the fur, completely unconcerned about the bloodstains on it.

"Scarface, you did a great job on this. I admire you. Would you be willing to work for me?"

Hearing Vilan's words, even the usually composed Scarface couldn't help but show a hint of surprise.

Serve the lord!

This is no simple formality. Once you swear allegiance, you will become Lord Vilan's retainer, a world apart from your current status as a hunter.

Scarface opened his mouth, but still didn't know what to say, so he simply knelt down on one knee and placed his hand on his chest.

"I swear allegiance to Lord Vilan, and if I betray or slack off, I am willing to bear the lash of the god of iron law forever."

Seeing this, Vilan smiled and helped the scarred man up. "Alright, from now on you are my exploration captain."

"The exploration team leader?"

"That's right, I need to assemble an exploration team. Your mission is simple: explore everything in this world, including the places I want to go and where the enemy is. You will trek through mountains and rivers, drawing maps of the entire world for me, just like you would a map of Anvil Territory. Do you understand what I mean?"

Looking into Vilan's sincere eyes, Scarface looked completely bewildered.

He certainly didn't understand why Vilan wanted to explore so many places. Wasn't Anvil Territory enough?

But he did not ask any questions, because he had just sworn allegiance and did not need to question the lord's orders; he only needed to carry them out.

"I will risk my life to fulfill the adult's mission!"

"That's exactly what I need. Alright, go back and rest for two days, then meet up with the other hunters and help them continue drawing maps of Anvil Territory. This is a selection task before the exploration team is formed. Remember, the exploration team only needs elites who are serious about their work."

Upon hearing this, Scarface's eyes immediately turned cold. "Don't worry, sir, I will eliminate those cunning and deceitful scum."

"Yes, you should also observe the other people in Anvil Territory. If you meet someone who is interested in exploration and has the ability, you can recruit them into the exploration team."

"clear!"