Chapter 1324
A dangerous figure like him actually came to our Carter Family in person—it's almost like seeing a ghost. He didn’t hesitate to kill the Rodney Family’s patriarch; to him, our Carter Family probably means even less.
This ruthless man—since the Gilded Rose opened, he’s already wiped out two powerful bandit groups. Every time he shows up in person, disaster follows. Is he here to deliver our final ultimatum?
The five elders of the Carter Family looked uneasy. Their earlier confidence vanished the moment they saw Leon. The deadly aura he radiated made their souls tremble. Most disturbingly, they couldn’t sense any presence from him at all—close your eyes, and it was as if he’d disappeared entirely…
What did that mean? It meant that if he wanted to kill them, it would be far too easy. Even if all five attacked together, they probably wouldn’t be enough to handle even one of Leon’s hands…
"Archmage Leon Merlin, your personal visit is truly an honor for our Carter Family. May I ask what orders you have for us? Whatever you require, as long as it’s within our power, we wouldn’t dare refuse."
The Grand Elder forced himself to speak first. In truth, everyone knew why Leon had come… and what he wanted.
Leon glanced coldly at the Grand Elder of the Carter Family. Instantly, the elder’s face turned pale, cold sweat pouring down his forehead, soaking his back.
Just one look made him feel as if he’d died once already. That icy, emotionless gaze seemed to pierce straight through his body, down to his soul. His spirit felt paralyzed, as if struck by a petrification spell—he couldn’t muster any soul power, his body frozen in place…
"Today I received a report. Recently, some incidents have occurred in Rigg City—reckless fools have been attacking the guests of the Gilded Rose. I am not pleased."
But it doesn’t matter. My men are already handling it. Today, the Gilded Rose’s Universal Core is hitting the shelves, and I’m sure that reckless bastard won’t be able to resist making another move. All I need is for him to show his hand.
My men aren’t exactly known for their temper. I told them to catch him alive, but they’ll probably smash that reckless fool’s head in anyway. Doesn’t matter—dead is dead. If you dare reach for the Gilded Rose, you’d better be ready for hell…"
Leon’s voice was calm, but the five elders looked like they were sitting on a bed of nails. Not one of them could relax, their faces pale, cold sweat dripping nonstop.
The elders exchanged glances, their heads pounding—not just with anxiety, but with raw, primal fear…
The Grand Elder was drenched in cold sweat, wishing he could bolt from the room. Too bad, with all five present, none of them could leave now…
Damn it, we’re doomed. This time, we’re really finished. Walker Carter must have already gone out, and with Archmage Leon Merlin here in person, any one of his men could probably kill Walker without breaking a sweat.
If they find out Walker Carter is one of ours, it’s over—completely over. That’s like handing the Gilded Rose a death sentence against us. With Archmage Leon Merlin’s ruthless style, he won’t just let it slide; he might flatten the Carter Family just like he did those bandit gangs…
"Hmm? Elders, are you feeling unwell?"
Leon looked at the five elders of the Carter Family with mild surprise. Each one was dripping with cold sweat, faces pale as if they’d just survived a serious illness.
The Grand Elder of the Carter Family forced out an awkward smile.
"Archmage Merlin, there's no need to worry. We're just having a bit of trouble with our spell research—it'll pass in a few days...
Did you come to Rigg City just for that reckless bandit?
Leon shook his head and sighed.
"Of course, it's not just about that. I wouldn’t make a personal trip for something so trivial.
But the security in Rigg City is truly worrying. I need someone to look after the Gilded Rose here. In Rigg City, aside from the Carter Family, there’s only one other house left.
I just think the Carter Family is more suitable, so I came here first."
At those words, the elders’ eyes widened, mouths agape, unable to speak. They’d imagined countless possibilities, but never this one.
They’d considered the Gilded Rose might attack, or maybe try to buy them off, but never imagined Leon would want to make them a vassal family…
Thinking about it, the elders’ faces turned a bit green. The Carter Family’s miserable state was directly tied to their refusal to serve a stronger power. As a pure mage house, they’d always insisted on independence, which is why they’d struggled for so many years.
A flash of anger crossed the Second Elder’s face, but before he could speak, the Grand Elder quickly grabbed his arm.