“Lord Astrologer, that person killed Audrey and caused the death of so many of our people. We can’t let him off so easily!” Ron said nervously.
He had turned against Watson. What would Watson do to him if the astrologer let Watson go?! How could he have a good ending?
Watson had to die that day.
Following close behind him were scores of members from the Mage Guild and the North Wind mercenary group, all of whom were enraged.
Martin clenched his fists. “Lord Astrologer, that person is already so cruel at such a young age. Even if you let him go, he might not let us go in the future! You are raising a tiger to bring trouble. In my opinion, we should kill him and destroy Blackmoon Castle to console President Audrey’s soul in heaven.”
“That’s right, Lord Astrologer. We will fight to the death with Blackmoon Castle. We will never back down.”
“Lord Astrologer, do you choose to help us, fulfill our will, or choose to help an enemy?”
“Shut up. Since when is it your turn to question my decisions?”
The astrologer’s tone remained calm, but his expression had turned cold. “Do you realize how valuable an exceptional talent is to the kingdom? No, you don’t understand. The Thorn Empire has always been eyeing the kingdom like a tiger eyeing its prey. The Winter Nation is also in conflict with us. Right now, the Holy Dragon Kingdom is relying on the only diamond-tier elite, the Grand Swordmaster. However, he is not an immortal. Have you ever thought about what we’d do after his death?”
He understood the situation in that country better than anyone else since he had always protected the kingdom.
His dedication to the kingdom was demonstrated by his killing of all those who were antagonistic to the monarchy and fostering all those who were beneficial to the kingdom. It was his tiny selfishness that hoped Watson would develop into a talent as his disciple.
“It is not an exaggeration to say Watson is more valuable than all of you combined. Forget about him murdering Audrey; even if he slaughtered everyone in the Mage Guild today, as long as he is not a spy sent by the enemy kingdom and has not done anything to betray the kingdom, I would still accept him as a disciple! That decision affects the entire kingdom, not just me. Do you think that I intend to betray the kingdom?”
Everyone’s lips twitched as they fell silent when his voice faded. They could not face the thought of committing treason.
“Watson, you killed Audrey. His Majesty would undoubtedly hold you accountable if it were not for my assistance. Blackmoon Castle is insufficient to deal with the entire kingdom, even in the future! Everything you have done in the past can be forgiven if you become my disciple. Otherwise, you will become the kingdom’s enemy. The outcome will be substantially different according to whether you nod or shake your head,” the astrologer said to Watson as he turned his head.
Watson paused for a time before he asked, “Can I perceive it as a threat?”
“Of course you can. I can tell that you hate being threatened by force, and you view it as an injustice. However, you have to understand that the nature of that world is that the strong prey on the weak. You will only invite destruction for yourself and your family if you are unable to speak about justice.”
“Do I have no other option?”
“Unfortunately, you don’t.”
The astrologer smiled at him.
It seemed that Watson was a smart man. The maturity in his words was not like a child at his age, and the astrologer valued him even more.
He was first amazed by Watson’s prowess, but he did not consider taking him on as a disciple until he saw Watson fused fighting skills, weapons, and even people. Furthermore, Watson had created new magic elements that did not belong to that world.
Watson’s path should not be cut off there. The astrologer was curious to see if Watson would do any more incredible miracles in the future. The astrologer had a feeling that the young man in front of him would undoubtedly become the most excellent pupil he had ever taught, shining brightly in the kingdom’s history.
As for Audrey, the astrologer felt sorry for her. Audrey was a capable woman, but her ambition was too great, resulting in an arrogant disposition. Even without Watson, she would sooner run into trouble. Audrey was not on the side of justice during the battle, as he had gradually understood.
The mismatch between ambition and strength proved catastrophic.
The astrologer was sorry, but it was merely regret that he felt.
They would know how to pick between a deceased Mage Guild president and a youth who could one day exceed him if they were not fools. Even if Watson had begun the conflict, he did not care because Watson was a child. A child’s personality could be molded. He was confident that he could raise Watson to be a loyal and upright person in the future.
Watson thought for a bit as the astrologer pondered and then made up his mind. “I agree to be your disciple, Lord Astrologer. However, there is one condition.”
“What condition?”
“I want you to protect my family and friends. No matter what happens, you can’t let them get hurt! I only have one request. If you can’t do it, then I won’t compromise, even if I were to die here today.”
The astrologer’s smile softened as he observed Watson’s resolute face that belied his age, as well as the determination in his eyes. “Watson, you remind me of a friend of mine who had died. That person was also more concerned with protecting those around them than with protecting themselves.”
“Antonio, I can give you the spring of life, but you must promise me that you will always protect the Spring of Life and the Forest of Eternity. You must not let the elves who live here be harmed! If you can’t do it, then I will destroy myself and the Spring of Life.”
The voice penetrated through time and emerged from the depths of his memory.
Watson and someone else’s silhouettes overlapped in his eyes. Both of them were filled with courage and determination.
‘I hope I did not make the wrong choice.’
The astrologer muttered, “It has been 400 years, Vivian. In the past, I failed to keep my promise. I’m not going to break any promises now.”
“Watson, I shall agree to your request! I swear with my soul that I, Antonio, will protect Watson’s family, no matter what happens. If I break my promise, I will be shot through the heart and die.”
The astrologer extended his right hand to heaven and swore an oath.
As soon as the oath was made, rings of faint magical patterns emerged on his body, creating intricate phrases. The exquisite words flashed for a few seconds before vanishing like a pale burning flame.
There were gods in that world. One could make an oath, but one should not violate it. Otherwise, one would be punished.
“Do you have any other questions?”
“No, Lord Astrologer.”
“You’re still calling me Lord Astrologer? Should you change the way you address me?”
Watson hesitated. Under the astrologer’s loving gaze, he knelt on one knee and bowed. “Master.”
He had bowed to the astrologer. On the one hand, the astrologer’s strength was far beyond his imagination. It would be dangerous if he did not bow to him for his family. On the other hand, he admired the astrologer’s profound knowledge. If he accepted the astrologer as his master, he would be able to learn many high-tier spells from the astrologer.
Even though he had a fusion system that could fuse all things, he would also require ingredients. The hundreds of spells that the astrologer had mastered were the best ingredients. He would not need to be afraid when he had learned all of those spells and fuse them to a higher level, even if the astrologer broke his word.
Watson’s eyes lit up as he remembered how he would learn platinum-tier spells and fused them to become a diamond-tier ruler in the realm.
“Since you’ve become my disciple, as your master, I should do something for you. I’ll give you a small greeting gift.”
The astrologer smiled at Watson, raised the staff in his hand, and gently tapped Watson’s forehead.
A profound knowledge immediately entered his mind.
[Congratulations, Master, for acquiring the knowledge related to platinum-tier light-elemental spell, Time Stripping. You are now able to peel off past and present selves, store them and fuse them with yourself when you need to break through the limit. The disadvantage is that each time you peel off, you will fall into a temporary state of weakness.]
[Congratulations, Master, for acquiring the platinum-tier earth-elemental spell, Dreamland. You can now grow plants that are full of vitality within a radius of several hundred meters. It can be used to heal yourself and friends, or it can also absorb the enemy’s life force to make the enemy fall into a coma.]
“I’ve cast those two spells just now. The former allows one’s strength to increase in an instant, just as I am doing now. The latter can allow you to recover your life force while practicing the time stripping spell, preventing you from falling into a state of weakness.”
As the astrologer spoke, he looked longingly at the Sun and Moon staff in his hand and handed it to Watson. “This platinum-tier staff has the ability to seal it. Usually, you use the Time Stripping spell to peel off your past self’s image and seal it inside this magic staff! The Sun Gem on the staff will significantly improve the light elements after consuming it. This is my second gift to you. I hope that you can use it well and strive to learn the spell I taught you within a month.”
The Time Stripping spell was original magic that he had developed. It had taken him more than a hundred years to study that magic.
After all, his strength had been predetermined.
