Wizard: Start consuming attributes from the equipment slot.

Chapter 16 Mercury Blood

At the entrance of the Blue Flame Tavern, under the watchful eyes of a dozen or so members of the Snake Venom Gang, Victor and Garr gradually walked away into the distance.

Only when the two figures were completely out of sight did Viper turn around, his gaze sweeping over his subordinates, and without exception, he saw a burning desire in their eyes.

He sneered:

"Ha, you heard what the wizard said just now, didn't you?"

"Five magic stones...that's enough for us to expand our territory from a few streets to more than a dozen streets."

"I don't know what you're thinking right now, but I'm warning you, you'd better behave yourselves and find that person as soon as possible..."

A henchman from the Snake Venom Gang seized the opportunity:

"Boss, don't explain to us, just give the order!"

These words immediately drew a chorus of agreement from the surrounding underlings.

"very good!"

Upon hearing this, a cruel glint appeared in Viper's eyes as he turned to look at Little Jack, who was still lying on the floor of the tavern.

"Lock this kid in the cellar first."

"Wait a minute... I want to interrogate him myself!"

......

On the other side, Gar followed in Victor's footsteps, walking down the street, where the bright lights of the East District could be seen not far ahead.

But Gal's expression showed some hesitation, as if he had something on his mind.

Viktor noticed this and spoke up:

"What are your thoughts, Gar?"

Garr paused for a moment, but then nodded:

"Yes... Your Highness, I was wondering why you paid those people such high rewards..."

"I understand you have a deeper meaning, but please forgive my ignorance, I have thought of it for a long time but I still can't figure it out."

"Well..." The knight's words made Victor chuckle. He slowed his pace slightly and explained, "I didn't mean anything by it... The reason I used five magic stones as payment is because they will only cooperate if I offer a price they can't refuse."

"Like I said, I don't have time to focus on this, and even if you did, I don't want you to spend time on it."

"Because I'm unsure of Vivian's current state, I'm sending these gang members as cannon fodder to probe her. If they can find Vivian, all the better; even if they don't find any useful clues in the end..."

Victor smiled slightly:

"The magic stone is ultimately in my hands, isn't it?"

"And even for you, dealing with a bunch of street thugs wouldn't be difficult, would it?"

Garr nodded seriously:

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Of that group, only that guy called Viper has any real strength, but given the chance, I can definitely take him down quickly!"

"So you see... the initiative is actually in our hands."

"And..." Viktor looked up at the bustling street that was gradually approaching, a thoughtful look appearing in his eyes: "If that viper has any potential, I wouldn't mind taking on a few subordinates..."

Garl's eyes involuntarily revealed a look of doubt.

He truly looked down on Viper, not only because of Viper's former identity, but also because of Victor, who had now become a wizard... Although he was just an apprentice, if he were willing to reveal his intention to take on subordinates, plenty of people would come knocking on his door.

So no matter how you look at it, Viper is not qualified. He doesn't understand why his prince would take a fancy to such a low-class person.

Victor roughly understood what this guy was thinking, so he didn't go into too much detail. The reason he needed these gang members was simply to help him collect magical items from the West District...

Although it's very likely that you'll get nothing most of the time, as long as you can get one good item, the investment of magic stones can be earned back many times over. Isn't that a worthwhile deal?

Of course, this is all predicated on the snake venom gang being reliable...

......

Returning to Dongcheng District felt like stepping into another world.

Garr's initially cautious attitude also relaxed slightly.

They returned to their lodgings without incident, and by then it was completely dark. Garr prepared to rest.

Viktor suddenly remembered something and reminded him:

"By the way, Gar."

"Since we haven't found Vivian, someone might send us another letter. Keep an eye out; if you can follow the clues in the letter, you might be able to pinpoint her location."

Garr naturally agreed:

"I understand, Your Highness. I will investigate the letter immediately upon discovery."

"Hmm, it's getting late, you should go and get some rest."

Victor nodded.

"yes!"

Garth gave a knightly salute, left the room, and closed the door.

The room fell silent, leaving only Viktor alone.

However, Victor didn't rush to rest. Instead, he raised his hand and placed the silver snake bracelet in front of him, and the panel at the corner of his eye popped up again:

[Equipable item detected: Feltrol Silver Serpent Bracelet]

[Equipping this item grants the following attribute: Mercury Blood lv1 - Your body will begin to flow with blood imbued with the power of mercury, increasing your spellcasting speed by 30% and its power by 15%]

[Requirement for absorbing equipment: Possessing the bloodline of the Feltero family]

[Equipment slots are full. Replace this equipment?]

Viktor looked at the prompt on the panel and, without hesitation this time, chose to agree:

Replacement successful; items in inventory have been returned.

Suddenly, a magic stone appeared in his hand. Viktor casually placed the magic stone on the table and then looked at the panel.

As expected, an update notification appeared:

[The 'Feltro Silver Serpent Bracelet' has met the conditions for being devoured. Do you wish to devour it?]

"As expected... I can just devour this bracelet..."

Viktor shook his head upon seeing this prompt.

Without further hesitation, I selected "Confirm":

[Absorption successful. The 'Feltro Silver Serpent Bracelet' has been permanently lost.]

Along with the prompt on the panel, a strange, tingling sensation suddenly appeared in Viktor's body.

It started in his chest and then spread throughout his body... Soon, it covered his hands and feet, his brain, and then his whole body... Viktor felt like he couldn't breathe, like he had experienced altitude sickness before.

Fortunately, the situation wasn't that serious.

As if sensing something, the magic within his body rapidly mobilized and circulated, naturally leading Victor into a meditative state.

He didn't know how much time had passed, but with the sound of soft footsteps in the corridor, Viktor opened his eyes, got out of bed, and instinctively looked out the window, only to find that it was already getting light...

"Did I... stay unconscious all night?"

"It only consumed one item, yet it caused such a huge reaction?"

Victor tried to get up from the bed. It wasn't as difficult as he had expected, but for some reason, his body felt unusually heavy, though he also seemed to have a lot more strength than before.

My gaze swept across the room, and the room, which usually didn't seem particularly unusual, appeared brighter than usual.

Finally, Victor looked at the mirror in the corner of the room. He moved to the mirror, looked at his reflection, and frowned.

"This...is me??"