Fantasy Family Simulator-Chapter 270: Peak of Level 7

Suddenly, Maruna noticed the alchemical communication button on the wall of the room light up—a signal for an assembly in the central meeting room. This button rarely flashed; it only activated in special circumstances.

His expression grew serious as he turned to Philos and said, "Continue practicing here. I have something to attend to. Remember the methods I taught you to avoid mistakes!"

"Understood, Mentor Maruna!" Philos responded quickly, not daring to lose focus as he continued working on the magic wand.

Maruna left the room, walking briskly along the circular hallway. When he reached the central meeting room, he saw that its dark black doors were wide open. Upon entering, he found Mandy, Macio, and even Rhett already present.

He straightened up and greeted, "Lord Rhett, it's been a while."

Rhett, seated at the center of the room, smiled and gestured for him to sit. "It has been a while, Maruna. Thank you for the improvements you made to my wand. It's been extremely useful."

"Really? I'm honored. If you or your friends need any other wands or alchemical equipment enhanced, feel free to ask me for help!"

"Haha, you're very generous. Don't worry; if any of my friends need assistance, I'll definitely call on you." Rhett's smile remained unchanged as he lightly tapped his fingers on the table, scanning the room before continuing, "Now that everyone is here, let's get down to business."

The group quieted down, listening attentively.

"I plan to adjust our upcoming potion production schedule. This will likely make your workloads a bit heavier than before," Rhett said calmly.

Mandy and Macio exchanged glances. Mandy, with her blue eyes shining with curiosity, asked, "Is there a particular reason for this, Lord Rhett?"

"There's no special reason—just a desire to see how much production capacity the Alchemy Tower can achieve when operating at full capacity. I've never tested this before, and I believe it's necessary."

Mandy nodded thoughtfully. "So, what do you have in mind?"

"In the coming days, I want to increase the production ratios of Starry Night Potions, Red Maple Potions, Phoenix Rebirth Potions, and Starlight Potions while decreasing the production of poisons," Rhett explained. "Additionally, I want to boost the production of training potions as much as possible. If we lack the necessary magical plants, report it to me—I won't hesitate to provide the gold or resources needed."

Mandy and Macio exchanged another glance before turning back to Rhett and nodding firmly.

"Alright, this sounds like a lot of work, but I'm willing to give it my all!" Mandy said.

Macio remained silent for a moment before adding, "I will do my utmost to complete your task."

Their attitudes were sincere. If this had been when they first arrived, they might not have agreed to such a demanding task. Their skills were already high, and mechanically producing potions no longer offered them much growth.

However, after spending two years here and witnessing Rhett's transformation—his displayed talent and his current status as a marquis—their mindset had completely shifted. They had gone from simply passing the time before returning to the capital to actively wanting to make a good impression.

Initially, they only planned to share some basic alchemical knowledge and didn't intend to give their all. But over the past year, each of them had selected a student to teach seriously, which was one way of solidifying their relationship with Lord Rhett. By training students who could become pillars of the Alchemy Tower, they ensured a lasting connection with Dark Eagle City, even if they left.

Maruna, who had been quietly listening to Rhett's conversation with the others, thought for a moment and then asked, "And what about me, Lord Rhett? Is there any task you need me to handle?"

Rhett turned to Maruna, pondering for a moment before replying, "I'd like you to focus on producing more magic wands, as well as elemental communication devices, elemental lamps, and other such items."

"No problem! Leave it to me—I'll make sure to produce a batch of top-quality items for you!"

Rhett nodded. "I've heard that Philos is also your student? Let him help with whatever tasks he's capable of."

"Of course, I was planning on that. Philos is close to becoming an official alchemist; he can handle quite a few things."

The emergency meeting was brief. After a short discussion, Rhett dismissed the group, leaving behind only Henk and Felix.

"Lord, is there something specific you need from us?" Henk and Felix, who had been quiet during the meeting, moved closer after the three mid-level alchemists left, asking curiously.

Rhett leaned back in his chair, taking a slow sip of tea before replying, "How have your studies been under Mandy and Macio these past two years?"

Henk and Felix exchanged a glance, hesitating for a moment as if unsure how to respond.

"Is there something you're hesitant to say?" Rhett smiled. "Feel free to speak openly. If you haven't done anything wrong, you won't be punished. And even if you have made mistakes, confessing them is far wiser than trying to hide them."

Both men quickly shook their heads. "No, nothing like that!"

After a moment of consideration, Henk finally spoke up, "The truth is, we're a bit afraid of offending the three alchemists. While their skills are indeed advanced, they can't directly impart all their knowledge to us. At this point, Felix and I have fully absorbed the contents of two alchemical manuals, and external guidance has become less effective. Now, it's mostly up to us to practice and improve.

However, the three alchemists are still very helpful to the other potion makers in the Alchemy Tower. In that regard, they're far more beneficial than they are to us."

"That's exactly it!" Felix nodded in agreement after Henk finished speaking.

"I see," Rhett said, a look of realization crossing his face. Henk's situation was understandable, much like how some students excel in school without needing much instruction, while others still rely heavily on expert guidance.

He smiled and said, "This is good news. It shows that both of you have made significant progress in alchemy and have developed your own insights."

"Lord, when it comes to producing lower-grade potions, Felix and I will give it our all!" Henk declared with determination. Over the past few years, he had witnessed Dark Eagle City's rapid rise and was eager to see how far it could go. Now, he was determined to hold on tight to this soaring eagle and witness even greater achievements.

Felix nodded in agreement.

Rhett, however, shook his head. "I have a different plan for you two."

"Please, tell us!"

"I want you both to focus on improving your combat abilities for the time being. Spend a few months at the extraordinary training ground, honing your spellcasting skills, and spar with others to gain more practical experience," Rhett said, his tone firm. Given the dangers of the upcoming campaign at the Coldstream Line, he couldn't guarantee their safety. Even though they could be assigned to the alchemy department, the battlefield was far more perilous than the Canyon Line. The unpredictability of high-level warfare meant they needed to be prepared.

History had shown that the higher the level of the combatants, the more volatile the battlefield became. It wasn't uncommon for key positions to be overrun by a breakthrough unit or for a successful sortie to momentarily shift control of a strategic point. Based on what Rhett knew, breaches and recoveries on the Coldstream Line had occurred more than once. Therefore, he had to take precautions and prepare them as much as possible before the war broke out.

"Improve our combat abilities?" Henk and Felix looked at each other, puzzled.

"Exactly," Rhett smiled. "Although you're alchemists, your long stay in the Alchemy Tower means you lack combat experience. If something unexpected happens in the future, I don't want you to be as fragile as paper when facing other extraordinary individuals of the same rank."

"That makes sense..." Felix nodded. He was aware that alchemists were sometimes targeted, and in some hostile territories, alchemists were prime targets for assassination. Now that their lord was rising in power, it was inevitable that they would make enemies. They needed to be prepared.

"I've already arranged it. The extraordinary training ground is open to you both for free. I hope you make the most of it!" Rhett encouraged them before leaving the central meeting room.

With Rhett gone, Henk and Felix felt the pressure lift and their expressions relaxed. Henk thought back to Rhett's instructions and said, "Brother, it's been a long time since we sparred. The last time we fought, we were still kids in the village..."

Felix snorted, "That time, I beat you up so badly your face was all bruised. Looking for revenge?"

"Nonsense! You're the one who ended up in the manure pit!" Henk's face stiffened, but he quickly retorted.

"Really, Henk? You're only a few years older than me, and you're already showing signs of senility?"

"Oh, Felix, if you keep disrespecting me like this, I'll make sure everyone knows about that time you ate sheep dung when you were little."

Felix gritted his teeth. "You're despicable! Enough talk; let's settle this at the training ground!"

Three days later.

Dark Eagle Mountain Range.

In a secluded valley, a small mountain of magical beast corpses lay piled upon the reddish soil.

Rhett stood alone in front of the mound, his expression calm. After scanning the surroundings with his spiritual sense to ensure no one was nearby, he activated the system and began a real simulation.

"Do you want to start a real simulation? Each day of simulation will consume 1 Destiny Point."

"Yes, simulate for one day."

Buzz

Ripples of light shimmered before his eyes.

Rhett quickly retrieved the shell artifact fragment from his spatial ring, inspecting it closely. A powerful devouring force emanated from it, combined with its cold touch and dark hue, exuding an aura of pure evil.

"Breaking through to Level 8 as a Grand Mage is unrealistic, but at least it should help me reach the peak of Level 7!" he muttered to himself.

He then pressed the shell against the abdomen of a Tier 3 Ice Crystal Tiger. As soon as it made contact, it acted like a black hole, releasing an even stronger suction force as if a malevolent god within it hungered for fresh blood and flesh.

Now well-versed in the process, Rhett followed each step meticulously, savoring every second. As the shell trembled, consuming the beast's flesh, he took out a Blood Source Pearl, popped it into his mouth, and began to refine and absorb its violent energy.

The intense energy surged through his body like molten lava, and Rhett closed his eyes, focusing on refining and absorbing the power. He had gone through this process countless times, to the point where he could predict the next wave of pain, the path the energy would take, and the sensations it would cause.

After refining one Blood Source Pearl after another, Rhett began to absorb the purple mist rising from the shell.

The familiar pain assaulted every nerve in his body, and though he had endured it many times before, it still wasn't something he could ignore. Only a mindless automaton could remain unaffected.

His body trembled as he hunched over slightly, hoping it would ease the pain.

After hundreds of simulations, Rhett's appearance and form were once again in a pitiful state, his body leaking a strange, purplish blood—a twisted version of his essence, reminiscent of the fishman bloodline but fundamentally different.

Enduring the pain that shot through every nerve, Rhett finally chose to end the last simulation.

"The real simulation is over. Please select an attribute to retain."

[1. Constitution]

[2. Combat Energy]

[3. Spiritual Power]

"Of course, I choose Spiritual Power."

A soothing sensation washed over him, instantly dispelling all pain and fatigue. A smile tugged at Rhett's lips as he murmured, "I'm almost at the peak of Level 7..."

But he didn't linger on this satisfaction for long. Squinting slightly, he focused intently on the still-glowing screen before him—the light seemed brighter than when he had first reached Level 7.

The increase in brightness was subtle, but Rhett could clearly feel it. He had a gut feeling that this family system wouldn't just increase in brightness for no reason. It was building up to something. Perhaps, when it reached a certain point, it would bring about an unexpected change.

"I wonder what it could be..."

As Rhett pondered, he began dealing with the magical beast corpses before heading northwest, toward a towering solitary peak.

Riding on Firegrill at incredible speed, the wind rushed past him, and the scenery below blurred as it sped by. Before long, Rhett arrived at the foot of the peak.

At that moment, Wardle was facing an elderly man, treating him with great respect. Rhett hadn't hidden his approach, and Firegrill's piercing cry drew the attention of the two men at the foot of the peak, who turned to look.

"Good morning, Rhett!" Wardle, dressed in light armor, waved at Rhett.

The elderly man beside Wardle was none other than Master Aisad. He also smiled warmly as he watched Rhett approach.