Chapter 54 Chapter54-Rick's Favor, Epic Weapon!
With Caitlin's involvement, the price Howard secured for selling his materials was noticeably higher.
With a hefty sum of 53 gold coins credited, Howard didn't hesitate and bought over 100 decayed oak wands.
Seeing Howard make such a purchase for the first time, Caitlin couldn't help but be curious.
After all, apart from Howard, she had never seen anyone buy such a vast number of low-level equipment.
However, understanding that her relationship with Howard wasn't close enough to probe into his secrets, she suppressed her questions and kept her thoughts to herself.
After acquiring the equipment and setting a date post-admission proceedings to explore the Castle of Vampires, Howard promptly left the magic shop.
On his way, Howard picked up whispers about the Bartel family from passing pedestrians.
His suspicions were right!
The head of the Bartel family, Carlos Bartel's father—Baron Cameron Bartel—indeed had special means, as he somehow knew every conversation Carlos had before his death.
From these, Cameron Bartel pinpointed the murderer to be an outsider.
However, these days coincided with the enrollment period of the elite academy.
With a surge of outsiders visiting, even Cameron, with his noble title, dared not halt everyone for interrogation.
Hearing this, a sly smile curled at the corner of Howard's lips. His diversion had indeed worked!
Thus, no matter how hard Baron Cameron Bartel investigated, he wouldn't trace it back to Howard.
However, after just purchasing the decayed oak wands, Howard's mind was all about his equipment.
He didn't pay further attention to news about Carlos Bartel's death but quickly returned to his lodging.
After several days of surviving in the wilderness, the moment Howard entered his abode, he felt utterly relaxed, collapsing onto his bed.
Just as he was about to open the Synthesis Interface, a flicker of movement caught his eye—a figure loomed nearby.
Howard tensed instantly, fully alert.
Jolting upright, Howard's expression grew serious.
His eyes, sharp as an eagle's, were locked onto the silhouette, his hand gripping the Mana Drainer, ready to unleash a skill at any moment.
"You don't need to be tense," the figure remarked with a hint of amusement. "Funny, isn't it? You sent me a message, and now you're this wary?"
"Are you... Rick Suleiman?"
Hearing that, Howard's eyes lit up.
If this was indeed Rick Suleiman, there was no need for Howard to be apprehensive.
As the saying goes, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.' A friend's visit required not caution, but a warm welcome with fine wine!
"Correct," Rick Suleiman acknowledged with a nod. "You sent me only half of the evidence. I assume you intended for me to seek you out personally?"
"Since you came following the enrollees, does it mean those who plotted against my daughter years ago belong to the higher echelons of the academy in Saint City?"
At Rick Suleiman's words, Howard couldn't help but give him a thumbs up. "Truly deserving of the title 'Inspector General.' You have a discerning eye!"
Indeed, Howard had initially been uncertain whether Rick Suleiman could restrain his rage and come alongside those from Adia Elite Academy.
That's why he'd only sent half the evidence, concealing the existence of Headmaster Jay.
Rick Suleiman cast a discerning glance at Howard and abruptly questioned, "What do you want in return for revealing the murderer's identity?"
Upon hearing the word 'murderer,' Howard could palpably sense an overwhelming aura of malevolent intent enveloping the room.
Rick Suleiman had been pursuing this murderer for over a decade.
Now that a lead had finally emerged, the rage he felt was almost uncontrollable.
At this juncture, Howard saw no further need for concealment and softly revealed, "The culprit is Headmaster Jay of Soulspark Academy. Everything back then was orchestrated by him and carried out by the Jeffers family…"
Having heard Howard lay out all the details, even producing the evidence he had obtained from Jeffers, Rick Suleiman was thoroughly convinced.
"Tomorrow is the enrollment day for the elite academy. Once you disclose this evidence, no one will stand in your way of slaying Headmaster Jay!" Howard grinned, "How's that for a gift?"
"Perfect," Rick Suleiman replied with a smile.
Yet, within the depths of his eyes, Howard perceived profound pain and sorrow.
Not only had Jay plotted against his daughter, but in his bid to mask the truth, he had dragged Rick's entire family through hell.
A vendetta, forged in the blood of dozens, suppressed for over a decade—how could it not be agonizing?
After a poignant pause, Rick Suleiman took a deep breath and offered, "What do you want in return? Anything within my power, I promise not to decline."
"I don't want anything," Howard shook his head, showing wisdom beyond his years.
To demand favors at this juncture might yield immediate rewards, but it would likely not engender lasting gratitude.
More than any tangible benefits, Howard coveted the friendship of the Inspector General, an alliance with such a formidable figure!
Pausing briefly, Howard decided on honesty. "Truth be told, I too have grievances with Headmaster Jay. However, given that he's my headmaster, I couldn't act against him. When I chanced upon this information, I thought of providing you with the evidence, letting you mete out justice to this hypocritical principal of mine."
Rick Suleiman remained stoic, clearly already aware of the conflict between Howard and Headmaster Jay.
In truth, with Rick Suleiman's astuteness, he had made his assessment shortly after receiving the evidence.
Subsequent investigations had not only confirmed the culprit but also uncovered the issues between Howard and Headmaster Jay.
While Howard's rivalry with Headmaster Jay might not be overt, discerning individuals could still perceive their covert power struggle.
Rick Suleiman's visit to Howard was primarily to ascertain the veracity of the information, ensuring that Howard wasn't using him as a pawn in his own game.
Once presented with incontrovertible evidence, and with Headmaster Jay's guilt plainly evident, coupled with Howard's candid confession, Rick Suleiman's opinion of Howard drastically improved.
Releasing a relieved sigh, Rick Suleiman whispered, "Young man, you've done well in not deceiving me. In any case, I owe you for this. Without you, Headmaster Jay would've never caught my attention, and I would've remained in the dark."
"As long as Headmaster Jay faces justice, I will be content," Howard firmly declared, emphasizing his lack of desire for any favors.
Taking this in, Rick Suleiman examined Howard intently for a moment, then, in a flash, vanished within the confines of the room, leaving no trace.
It must be said, with the digitization of the world and people gaining the ability to realize their talents and master skills, the power that the elite possessed had surpassed common comprehension.
Such spatial traversal capabilities evoked deep envy in Howard.
After Rick Suleiman's departure, Howard remained seated for another quarter of an hour before cautiously inspecting the room.
Only once he was certain of Rick Suleiman's complete departure did he exhale, murmuring to himself, "With my inherent abilities, it's unlikely I'd be admitted to a top-tier academy. Establishing a good rapport with Rick Suleiman, perhaps... I could join him in Adia."
Indeed, when academies recruit, talent is often the predominant criteria.
Until Howard's supreme talent was unveiled, most only knew of his perceived F-level talent, making his acceptance into elite academies improbable.
Given this, to make his way to Adia, he'd need an alternate path.
Why the fixation on Adia?
Both Abby and Margaret held Adia in high regard.
As their significant other, how could Howard not pursue it?
"Adia stands as the pinnacle city within the Province, inhabited by countless powerhouses. They even boast dungeons above level 80. Merely relying on Platinum-grade equipment won't suffice there."
"I hope this synthesis brings forth a pleasant surprise."
Taking a deep breath, Howard activated his talent skill, and immediately, a Synthesis Interface appeared before him.
Decrepit oak wands were successively placed into the Synthesis Interface, causing it to tremble intensely.
The crisp system alert tone repeatedly chimed.
[Ding! Congratulations, Awakened Howard. Synthesis successful. You have acquired an Iron-tier wand—Embrace of Ivy!]
"Continue!"
[Ding! Congratulations, Awakened Howard. Synthesis successful. You have acquired a Bronze-tier wand—Hellstone Staff!]
[Ding! Congratulations, Awakened Howard...]
The sharp chimes kept resonating. In no time, countless wands were consumed, and another Mana Drainer materialized in Howard's grasp.
Removing his original Mana Drainer, Howard, with a look of utmost gravity, placed both wands into the Synthesis Interface.
[Ding! Congratulations, Awakened Howard. Synthesis successful. You have acquired a Diamond-tier wand—Mana Controller!]
"Diamond level, still not enough! Continue!"
This time, Howard had purchased 100 decrepit oak wands.
Coupled with his previous collection, he had enough to upgrade to Epic level, and he wasn't going to halt the process now.
Thus, the lucid bell sounds continually rang out.
[Ding! Congratulations, Awakened Howard. Synthesis successful. Please choose the advancement path for your Epic wand—Offense: Soul Harvester or Support: Soul Nurturer!]
"!!!"
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