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Chapter 405: Extraordinary Pasture and Extraordinary Hunters
🕑 Added 2024-10-27 16:32:56 +0000 UTCCurrently, all major kingdoms were engaged in a fierce battle to recruit talent.
Since bloodstones were set to become the most widely used and practical cultivation aid in the future, controlling the source of their production was absolutely critical.
As a result, the four great kingdoms were all vying to attract alchemy masters and talented alchemists. They even made promises: pass the tests, and the bloodstone formula would be handed to you.
Rhett was no exception. Two months earlier, when Isard successfully refined the first batch of bloodstones, Rhett had spread the news.
Unfortunately, the outside world still viewed the Kingdom of Green as relatively insignificant. While the kingdom had earned its share of glory, it was still new, and its foundation was naturally perceived as weak. In terms of alchemy, the kingdom didn’t have much to offer, making it difficult to attract high-level alchemists.
Alchemists were no fools. If they wanted to join a faction, they would assess its overall strength.
Thus, kingdoms like Golden Kingdom, Realm Kingdom, and Grayrock Kingdom, which had established alchemical traditions and strong foundations, were the top choices.
However... the Kingdom of Green was not without its own appeal.
Though it might seem like Green’s alchemical environment was lacking, one could see this as an advantage from a different perspective.
—The king placed great importance on talent, and those with ability would find it easier to make a name for themselves and become founding members of a new institution.
The Palace of Wisdom had attracted a mix of older, experienced mid-level alchemists whose talents were limited, and a few ambitious and highly gifted young alchemists with great confidence in their abilities.
In an environment free from the control of entrenched interests, it was easier to rise to prominence and become a figure of renown.
According to Rhett’s understanding, most of the alchemy prodigies who had recently joined his ranks were drawn by this very notion.
Rhett welcomed this development with a smile.
He carefully examined the bloodstone in his hand and remarked, “Isard, from my observations during your refining process, while there were no major issues, there are still some minor details that need improvement.”
“Please, Your Majesty, I am eager to hear your advice,” Isard humbly replied. He wasn’t ignorant when it came to alchemy—on the contrary, he had extensive knowledge and connections.
Over the past few months, he had learned through his own channels that Rhett possessed astonishing alchemical talent, enough to easily outshine him.
Though it was a bit embarrassing, he mostly felt excitement. With such a talented king leading the way, the Kingdom of Green was destined for a bright future.
Rhett proceeded to explain Manu’s findings, using highly professional terminology to guide Isard through the needed adjustments.
After a moment of deep thought, Isard’s eyes lit up with realization, and he looked at Rhett with great admiration. “Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty!”
“There’s no need for thanks,” Rhett waved off the praise. “I also wanted to share with you a refined formula for the bloodstones. With it, you should be able to improve their effectiveness by 20 to 30 percent. Take note of it.”
Isard was momentarily stunned, not expecting such a pleasant surprise, and quickly took out a notebook and pen to record Rhett’s instructions as he spoke.
Once the improved formula was fully documented, Isard carefully closed the notebook and stored it in his space ring for safekeeping.
“Your Majesty, I’ve already amassed a stockpile of over a hundred bloodstones. If you need them, please feel free to take them.”
As he spoke, Isard retrieved a bundle of over a hundred irregularly shaped bloodstones from his space ring and placed them on a table.
Rhett thought for a moment, then, without hesitation, took the entire stock.
Though this was a modest number, it wasn’t nearly enough for sale. Rhett had no intention of selling them anyway. His plan was to use them for his closest allies—family, friends, servants, and loyal subordinates.
After observing the room for a moment, Rhett asked, “How many alchemists are currently working in the Palace of Wisdom?”
“According to the latest count, Your Majesty, there are currently 123 alchemists in the Palace of Wisdom. Of them, I believe 17 show exceptional talent and could one day become alchemy masters with the right training,” Isard replied.
Rhett nodded. "Alchemy masters will be the pillars of the future. We must invest more resources and energy into those with potential. Of course, their loyalty must be proven first. As for those who are average, we should still reward them according to their efforts.”
“I understand. Should I arrange for you to meet with these alchemy prodigies?” Isard asked cautiously.
“That’s a good idea. I haven’t had the time to meet them until now. Let’s take this opportunity to see the future pillars of the Palace of Wisdom,” Rhett replied with a smile.
“Please wait a moment; I’ll gather them right away.”
Not long after Isard’s call, the second-floor hall filled with 17 young alchemists.
Judging by their auras, most were at the level of Grand Magi, and all were mid-level alchemists. Given their relatively young age—around 40—they were undeniably gifted.
Rhett was also aware that these individuals came from humble backgrounds, having worked their way up from the bottom. A few had merchant families, but none had noble lineage.
"Your Majesty," the 17 alchemists said in unison, bowing before Rhett.
With a serious but faintly smiling expression, Rhett spoke slowly:
“Hmm… I’ve been following your progress. As the earliest members of the Palace of Wisdom, you will play a critical role in laying the foundation for its future development. You will share in its honor and challenges.”
“Your achievements will also set an example for those who follow. In a sense, the burden on your shoulders is heavier than anyone else’s.”
“…”
“I hope each of you will succeed.”
After Rhett finished his half-formal, half-sincere speech, the hall filled with enthusiastic applause.
The 17 alchemists felt their spirits lift as they looked at their king, a leader who commanded both respect and admiration. They were determined not to disappoint.
Rhett’s expression remained unchanged. He wasn’t one for empty promises; real benefits would follow.
“For those who are loyal, the Kingdom of Green will never hesitate to reward you. To everyone here, I promise each of you will receive a residence in the core area of the capital. Furthermore, the resources needed for your cultivation will be fully provided by the Palace of Wisdom.”
At these words, the alchemists’ eyes gleamed with excitement.
But Rhett wasn’t finished. His next words stoked their enthusiasm even more.
“For alchemy masters, the Palace of Wisdom will offer access to cutting-edge research projects, including but not limited to the study of bloodstones and... even more significant endeavors. I can’t reveal the specifics yet, but I assure you, these projects will rival the importance of bloodstones.”
Rhett cast a deep look at the group, observing their increasingly excited expressions, their breaths coming heavier in anticipation.
Satisfied, Rhett left the hall.
As Isard followed behind Rhett, a thoughtful expression crossed his face. Unable to hold back, he asked, “Your Majesty, what are these more significant projects? Perhaps I could assist in researching them.”
Rhett chuckled. "It’s good that you asked. Have you ever heard of magical plant modification?"
“Magical plant modification? Many alchemists have dreamt of it, but how is it possible?” Isard asked, laughing wryly at the thought.
“I happen to have a project on magical plant modification, a collaborative effort with the Round Tower,” Rhett replied as he handed over some blueprints and a notebook detailing the research to Isard.
Though Isard accepted them respectfully, he still had his doubts.
But when he began to skim the contents of the blueprints and notes, his expression shifted to one of utter astonishment.
“This… This is incredible…” Isard’s eyes widened as he quickly flipped through the pages. The more he read, the more shocked he became. Finally, he murmured, “Magical plant modification... can truly be achieved. This project is nothing short of revolutionary and will fundamentally change alchemical potions, equipment, and formations in the future.”
“In theory, you’re right. But those advances are still far off. For now, your task is to expand the production of Darkblade Grass. That’s the top priority—without it, the refinement of bloodstones will be hindered,” Rhett said, staring intently at him.
“Leave it to me. The blueprints and manual you’ve provided are extremely detailed. If it were any other magical plant, I might struggle, but following these instructions, I’m confident I can handle the improvement of Darkblade Grass,” Isard promised.
Rhett hadn’t mentioned the alchemical fusion project.
The difficulty was too high. Isard’s current responsibilities with bloodstone and magical plant modification would already stretch him thin. Adding another complex project like alchemical fusion would be overwhelming.
Moreover, while a master alchemist might be able to grasp part of the alchemical fusion process, some aspects could only be understood by a Holy Domain alchemist. Even the parts that a master could manage were highly challenging. After careful thought, Rhett decided there was no need to inform him at this time.
Only when the Palace of Wisdom was teeming with talent would it be the right moment to introduce these more advanced concepts.
Two days later...
In a top-floor room of the Green Palace.
Ryley entered the room, visibly relieved to see his father. "Father, do you have time right now?"
Rhett opened his eyes from meditation, and a smile crept onto his face. "Of course, my good son. It’s been half a month since I’ve seen you. How goes the monster hunting?"
Hearing this, Ryley’s face brightened. “Ever since you and the other Holy Domain experts drove away or killed the most powerful monsters two months ago, the remaining beasts have been in disarray. That’s made it much easier for us to capture them.”
“Most of the extraordinary forces we’ve recruited for the Kingdom of Green are now following the extraordinary pasture system, capturing or managing the monsters across the land.”
Two months earlier, the bloodstone frenzy had swept the world, prompting a massive increase in the capture of magical beasts.
As predicted during the last simulation, the beasts retaliated, but their resistance wasn’t enough to contend with humanity.
As expected, the top four beast leaders were killed by the combined forces of humanity’s Holy Domain experts.
Rhett asked, “How is the capture of the two beasts I mentioned coming along?”
“You mean the Bright Horn Rhino and the Frost Serpent with mid-tier bloodline potential? To be honest, at first, some extraordinary individuals doubted your advice. They tried capturing and raising other types of beasts, but they paid a bloody price for their arrogance.”
Ryley’s eyes gleamed with admiration as he reported:
“But once we focused solely on the Bright Horn Rhino and Frost Serpent, we were surprised to find the process much smoother. Our efficiency increased several times over. When we send out fire-element knights or mages, the Frost Serpent becomes docile, like a harmless aquatic creature, showing no aggression at all.”
“As for the Bright Horn Rhino, while its destructive power can’t be underestimated, as long as we guide it slowly to a pasture and provide ample food, it stays in place without causing trouble.”
“Over the past three months, we’ve captured all the Bright Horn Rhinos and Frost Serpents within the Kingdom of Green, and we’ve established multiple extraordinary pasture points throughout the country.”
Hearing this good news, Rhett couldn’t help but laugh heartily. “Haha, well done! We’ve seized the advantage. Even if the other kingdoms catch on, they won’t be able to surpass us in extraordinary pasturing for a long time!”
Ryley’s smile grew brighter. “In addition to the beasts within our kingdom, I’ve also sent people to capture monsters in other kingdoms. However, competition with other hunters and the time it takes to transport the beasts has somewhat limited our efficiency.”
“Hmm... you could also try offering a bounty. With enough money, people will take risks,” Rhett suggested, stroking the armrest of his chair.
“Understood. I’ll send someone to handle it right away,” Ryley nodded and prepared to leave.
But before he could go, Rhett stopped him. “Wait, there’s one more thing you mustn’t forget.”
Ryley turned back, puzzled. “What is it?”
“It’s time to move forward with the extraordinary hunter system. Now that our kingdom’s population has reached a stable level, implementing this system will be the icing on the cake and will undoubtedly attract even more people to join us,” Rhett said thoughtfully, producing a set of blueprints.
“This is the general framework for the extraordinary hunter system. Implement it according to these guidelines, but feel free to adjust the details based on local conditions. As the system is put into practice, any shortcomings can be corrected as we go.”
No system can be perfect from the outset.
As time passes and practical issues arise, improvements and adjustments are necessary. What matters is that you reflect on those issues and address them promptly.
Ryley’s eyes lit up as he took the manual, delighted. “This is excellent. Compared to other kingdoms, we have an unrivaled advantage in implementing the extraordinary hunter system. Other nations are indiscriminately hunting magical beasts, disrupting their ecosystems.”
“But the Kingdom of Green not only has the most extensive territory, but we’ve also preserved most of the magical beast population, aside from the Bright Horn Rhinos and Frost Serpents. This makes us the perfect place to develop the extraordinary hunter profession. We will certainly maintain our lead!”
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