CHAPTER 155: ACT 11 NIGHTFALL

On the way back to the refugee camp, Ben learned that Mr. Tama had been searching for him since waking from a coma, as a way of thanking him for the rescue last night. When he saw Ben leave with Char and the rider, he followed them and stumbled upon Ben performing the forbidden technique.

However, Ben wasn’t worried that Mr. Tama would report him to the Flame Temple. On one hand, he felt the stern middle-aged man wasn’t the type to do so, and on the other hand, Mr. Tama had no evidence.

What Ben didn’t know was that while he was surprised by Mr. Tama’s identity, the latter was equally mystified by him. The Blood Magic Array, a forbidden technique, was something the middle-aged man had only seen described in old parchment documents. In reality, he didn’t even know how to perform the technique—he only inferred that Ben was using the forbidden technique based on the possible backlash effects from the array on Ben’s body.

Yet, despite this, Mr. Tama’s guess was correct. Such keen insight and talent were truly rare.

Nonetheless, Mr. Tama didn’t hold a strong bias against forbidden techniques; these days, which noble hasn’t committed such offenses? The Flame Temple strictly prohibits the trafficking and smuggling of slaves, yet in border regions, this dirty business flourished, even involving some of the clergy.

In comparison, Mr. Tama was more interested in discussing alchemical techniques with the young noble. After much thought, he finally asked, "Lord, what do you intend to create?"

Ben couldn’t help feeling a bit elated at being addressed as ’Lord’ by a future alchemy master: "I need to synthesize a batch of Soul Crystals, using remnants of high-level undead. I plan to use them to create a Soul Statue."

In fact, he intended to create a Soul Statue (White Deer), one of the simpler forms of Soul Statues. It could summon the soul of a white stag—in Vorn’s ancient legends, the white stag resided in a solemn oak forest, with serene sunlight streaming onto the island at the forest’s center, symbolizing the resting place of souls. Thus, the white stag was very sensitive to souls, and Ben wanted to use it to sniff out ghosts hidden in the Spirit Realm.

These might be the first mid-level undead troops they would encounter, terrifying assassins and spies of the undead wizard under the cover of night.

"A Soul Statue?" Mr. Tama found it somewhat bewildering. A Soul Statue was merely a simple alchemical product, with its only difficulty lying in acquiring the materials. It was hard for the middle-aged alchemist to imagine that Ben would use a forbidden technique to create a Soul Statue.

"Mr. Tama, there’s no need for doubt. It’s because I lack the alchemy tools at hand..." Ben saw through his confusion and explained.

Mr. Tama almost fell to the ground in shock. Blood Refining Technique, powerful enough to be classified as a forbidden technique, earned its reputation due to its ability to be swiftly and efficiently utilized on the battlefield, surpassing ordinary alchemical methods. But activating a high-level array through Blood Refining Technique brought terrible backlash to one’s own body.

During past wars between the Light Camp and the Dark Kingdom, it wasn’t unheard of for alchemists to sacrifice themselves using the Blood Magic Array to summon powerful divine artifact creatures, turning defeat into victory. The core of this technique was sacrifice, starkly opposing the usual teachings of light, which led to its prohibition.

Yet now, this young noble youth was using it as a substitute for ’alchemy tools.’ Speaking of which, a professional alchemist should carry tools with them at all times, even at the cost of their own lives.

"Well, Lord. I indeed have tools with me, you can use mine if you don’t mind. It’s best to avoid using the Blood Magic Array, considering its severe damage to your body," Mr. Tama replied after a long pause.

"Of course, I don’t mind. Thank you very much—" Ben wouldn’t foolishly hurt himself if there were ready-to-use alchemy tools available. Even though No.5 Holy Water wasn’t as potent as No.7 Holy Water, it was still a precious potion that could save lives at critical moments.

Reducing alchemy costs and unexpectedly gaining a future alchemy master put Ben in a good mood. For the first time in days, he felt he could relax, as he, Char, and Tama discussed alchemical techniques while walking.