As Vicente made his way back to Millfall...
More than two days had passed since Vicente left for The Vile Altar. The Mazzanti family's group had been preparing in the meantime and had begun their plans for the 3rd-stage herb just over 8 hours ago.
They had been a little late with their plans. But 8 hours ago, everything had been ready, and Liam had taken the 3rd-stage herb from a ring and started the proper procedures for handling the plant and getting the pentagram it could provide.
Because the group had taken all the precautions in their power, no enemy had noticed the appearance of the 3rd-stage herb in the east of Millfall when Liam began to act.
However, since such a plant naturally emitted a scent and natural aura that was difficult to contain, it would only be a matter of time before local experts noticed it.
After Liam successfully killed the 3rd-stage plant, he began to absorb the Magic Pentagram from it about 5 hours ago.
Now, he was still in the Mazzanti family's training room, where the men under Rory's command were in position, circulating their mana while keeping their weapons aimed at the estate's perimeter.
All of the estate's security mechanisms were activated while Rory stood outside the estate with some of the strongest soldiers, as well as Bart.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMinutes ago, the first enemies had realized what was happening in the city and had found their way to the manor.
The first were mere alchemists, an enemy Rory and his group weren't worried about. But soon after the first 3rd-stage alchemists appeared, local Mages noticed the appearance of such a valuable asset in the area ruled by the Mazzanti family.
Thus, the local forces moved in over the past few minutes, eventually arriving at the current situation where the Mazzanti family estate was surrounded by late 2nd and early 3rd-stage opponents.
Even Vicente's master, Benson King, had moved after smelling the scent of a 3rd-grade herb, for even a blacksmith like him could benefit from such a thing.
In addition to them, the other 3rd-grade blacksmiths of Millfall, as well as the alchemists and other magic professionals of that tier who were currently in the city, were also there.
Viscount Symons couldn't miss such a siege, and he was currently standing next to Commander Hogan, who had promptly invited him ten minutes ago when their groups had gathered to come to this place.
Of the ten Mages who lived in Millfall regularly, eight of them were currently around Cesar Mazzanti's estate!
Along with them were students, acquaintances, or close family members, all waiting to see who would get the precious resource.
"Representatives of the Mazzanti family, don't be silly. Your group can't face us all and keep the 3rd-stage herb!"
The Viscount was the one to speak while some of the wounded from the earlier fighting in the area retreated, seeing that the local Mages would decide the outcome of this confrontation.
Meanwhile, out of curiosity or greed, all of the Millfall Mages there gave way to Viscount Symons, for this man was one of the strongest in the area, not only in terms of influence but also in terms of fighting ability.
If the local magic professionals were sheep, then the Viscount and Commander Hogan were two ferocious wolves that could not be overlooked!
While the Viscount tried to use his words to get what he wanted, Benson looked at the situation cautiously, aware this family belonged to his student and that he should find a way to help Vicente.
At the same time, Lukas was there with his master, who, in turn, accompanied the strongest local blacksmith in this siege.
'Vicente... What the hell have you done?' Lukas asked, fearing the worst.
Meanwhile, Liam's master had a strange look on his face, sensing something familiar coming from inside the Mazzanti estate.
'That aura... It looks like Liam's aura! What is he doing with the Mazzanti family? Why did this family give him something so precious?' The old local alchemist wondered, surprised because he knew nothing about his student getting involved with Cesar.
But considering how much Liam could benefit and how it could even benefit him, this old alchemist couldn't help but worry about the situation.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm'I can't let these people get in the way of Liam's moment! If he succeeds in absorbing this orange pentagram, he'll have an even more solid magical base and better prospects for the future!' He clenched a fist under his cloak.
A pentagram like the one Liam was absorbing could greatly benefit alchemists in refining, as its herbal properties would be the best possible. In other words, this pentagram could even improve Liam's alchemical talent.
That's why the owner of Botanica Magica, Abel Thomas, wouldn't let the greedy people in the area spoil it for Liam!
The people around the Mazzanti estate thought differently, some in favor, but with the majority against Rory's group, he said. "Viscount Symons, how dare you threaten us? Don't forget that this city has its laws. You are not above them! If you dare attack us, we'll fight back to protect our rights!"
"Brat, your damned leader put you in this situation by fleeing the city and leaving you alone. Give up the 3rd-stage herb while you still can." Commander Hogan said, while there were some level 5 Acolytes in his group, including a blue-haired woman.
'Cesar... Did you really risk all this?' Nova thought to herself, feeling bad about the situation since what his leader wanted to do was basically stealing other people's property.
According to the rules of the kingdom, what was found was not stolen, and wild items belonged to whoever found them first.
That was why the members of the magic college had put pressure on Vicente before, thinking they were the first to find the yellow pentagram. Of course, the fact that they were stronger than him at that time was also an important point.
In the current situation, Cesar had been the first to find the 3rd-stage herb, so according to the kingdom's rules, he should own it. However, Commander Hogan was abusing his position and power to put pressure on the Mazzanti family!
Nova couldn't help but feel bad about this, even considering her rivalry with Cesar. 'Don't you know how these people are? Why did you take such a risk?' She thought, feeling it would have been better if he had waited to act when he was in the city or even planned to take the weed and Liam somewhere else.
While she thought, Rory looked toward her group, focusing on the completely different man from the one who had recently caught Vicente's eye.
"If you want our resources, come! Whoever is willing, fight! We'll die before we let anyone on our property!"