What Leon needed to do now was continually refine the Mana Harness...
It was a task that demanded time. For the next half a month or so, Leon remained in the alchemy laboratory, devoting every waking hour to perfecting the Mana Harness. Silvermoon Mercenary Company had become a frequent topic among the staff, their reputation echoing through the halls as Leon worked.
Spell incantations and magical abilities, one after another, were gradually woven into the Mana Harness system. With each addition, subtle shifts occurred—sometimes so minute that Leon himself barely noticed. But over time, the changes became undeniable. Each spell, each magical ability, once integrated, amplified the Mana Harness’s power, elevating its potential in ways that surprised even him. Lion King Avenue and the Goldspark Trading Company became benchmarks for progress, reminders of the city’s magical legacy.
At first, these changes were almost imperceptible—even Leon struggled to sense them. But gradually, he became acutely aware of the difference. Each spell, each magical ability, once absorbed into the Mana Harness, brought a tangible surge in power. Remy would have marveled at the transformation, had he been there to witness it.
Moreover, as more spells and magical abilities were integrated, Leon could finally start experimenting with different combinations and arrangements.
This was the truly terrifying aspect of the Mana Harness...
In its complete form, the Mana Harness stood as a marvel—arguably the most intricate and convoluted Arcane Sigil ever devised, a living tapestry woven from countless spell incantations and magical abilities. It resembled a vast, enigmatic alchemical array, and for a Grand Mage who mastered it, every combination of spells and powers could be shaped at will, each correct arrangement unlocking a new echelon of magical force. The Gilded Rose itself felt charged with anticipation, as if the walls could sense the growing power within.
Unfortunately, the Mana Harness Leon possessed was still far from its complete form. Seth’s warnings echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the dangers lurking within unfinished magic.
As for integrating a power as formidable as Elemental Avatar, Leon would need to ascend to the rank of Fifth-Level Grand Mage before he’d even dare attempt such a feat.
For every Grand Mage, reaching the fifth level was a critical milestone. Perry used to say that crossing this threshold meant entering a new era of magical mastery.
Over the course of those weeks, Leon managed to integrate five spell incantations and four magical abilities, fully refining his first Mana Harness. Such a number would have been impressive even during the golden age of magical civilization—a testament to his relentless drive and the lingering shadows of a lost era.
When Leon finally emerged from the alchemy laboratory, his face was pale, his features gaunt, and his steps unsteady—as if he might collapse at any moment. The toll of magic was etched into his body, a silent testament to what he’d endured.
Yet his bloodshot eyes gleamed with a frightening clarity, runes flickering faintly within his pupils. It was as if the magic itself had taken root, reshaping him from the inside out.
Had Salomon been present, he would have recognized instantly that this young mage’s power had transformed dramatically in just half a month. Leon’s progression, even as a First-Level Grand Mage, had set him apart—no longer the same as he was before.
This was the metamorphosis that came with perfecting the Mana Harness—a change that ran deeper than flesh or bone.
Remy had nearly dozed off waiting at the door, which could only mean one thing—something had happened at the Gilded Rose.
"Yes, that’s right. The shipment we sent to Razor Rift was detained by people from the Viper’s Nest."
Not long ago, Leon had exchanged a vial of Ghost Elixir for the cooperation of the Silvermoon Mercenary Company. One aspect of their agreement was the procurement of alchemical goods. In recent weeks, Silvermoon Mercenary Company had purchased a significant quantity from the Gilded Rose.
At first, these alchemical goods only needed to be delivered to Lion King Avenue. But after Silvermoon Mercenary Company marched to Razor Rift, transporting goods became a major headache for the Gilded Rose. After all, it was just a single alchemy shop, nothing like the Goldspark Trading Company in its heyday, which had its own armed caravans.
Ten consecutive shipments had drained resources and manpower, and there had even been two robbery attempts. Luckily, Silvermoon Mercenary Company’s response teams arrived in time, preventing any major losses.
Those two robberies were the work of ordinary bandit gangs, never more than a few dozen men, and Silvermoon Mercenary Company wiped them out with ease.
As for the more established powers in Seaview City, none dared get involved. After all, the Gilded Rose was Silvermoon Mercenary Company’s partner—most factions would rather stay far away than risk offending them.