Mercenary Wars

Chapter 251 Level
The second attempt also failed.

This made Gao Jiano's expression somewhat unpleasant.

Is the difference between illusion and reality really that big?
The success rate in the Golden Plains is as high as 90%, while the actual success rate is less than 50%. There are still two sets of materials left; are we really going to fail on the first try...?

Gao Jiano couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.

He then calmed himself down, took a deep breath, and seemed to return to the state of mind he had when he first learned alchemy—focused, calm, and meticulous. His fingers gently traced the alchemy table, feeling the warm touch of the mithril patterns, allowing his mind to completely settle down.

The bad luck is finally over.

The third attempt was finally successful.

As the glow of the alchemy table faded, the pure white, milk-like Secondary Enlightenment Elixir flowed into the glass bottle, exuding a wonderfully delicate texture.

Gao Jiano was overjoyed.

Not only because of the successful production, but more importantly, with the appearance of this bottle of secondary enlightenment potion, his plan to upgrade through drug use can finally be implemented!
Conservatively speaking, by making and using secondary Enlightenment Compound, he could at least reach level eight before drug resistance makes the cost-effectiveness unacceptable.

Considering that the accumulation of resistance to the secondary stimulant is not very rapid, level nine should not be a problem.

Taking advantage of his excellent work, Gao Jiano continued his efforts and made a fourth attempt.

The fourth attempt was also successful.

The four sets of materials produced two bottles of secondary Enlightenment Solution. The harvest was not bad; at least from an economic point of view, it was a profitable deal.

Gaucano reached out and touched the liquid in the two bottles of the Secondary Enlightenment Solution.

In fact, alchemy has a fixed final step—a check—to confirm that the potion's grade and quality are not problematic. After all, although failed potions usually have visible signs, visual inspection is ultimately less reliable than a magical check.

For most alchemists, this is a somewhat tedious process.

Fortunately, Gao Jiano possesses "cognition," so he can simply reach out and touch it, saving a lot of trouble.

[Item: Lesser Enlightenment Potion]

[Level: Level 8]

……

[Item: Lesser Enlightenment Potion]

[Level: Level 7]

……

no problem.

drink.

Gao Jiano drank two bottles of secondary enlightenment mixture.

[Experience +800]

[Experience +700]

[Experience: 9500/9600]

Since using Aidan's Secondary Inspiration Concentrate last time, Gaogano has accumulated some experience in various ways, which has now reached 8000.

After drinking two bottles of Lesser Enlightenment Elixir, his experience points increased to 9500, just 100 points away from reaching level seven.

This made him feel a little awkward.

The slight difference made him feel a little impatient.

How can I quickly accumulate 100 experience points?
Let's skip making a secondary enlightenment mixture.

He had run out of materials, and given the current low success rate, improving the success rate was clearly a higher priority.

It seems the only option is to go out and hunt monsters.

Gaogano rarely hunts monsters on his own initiative, since the feeling of lying in ambush and waiting in the wild is not pleasant and inefficient.

But now that I'm only 100 experience points short, it probably won't take too much effort.

There are two hunting grounds around Aks.

Silver pine forests and the northern mountains.

Silverpine Forest is located south of Axe City. It can be reached by following the King's Road out of the South Gate and continuing south across Silverpine Fortress.

This vast forest is a common destination for low-level adventurers in Aks City, and also one of the main team-building locations for the Exploration Club, characterized by its safety and convenience.

However, as a price to pay for safety and convenience, Silverpine Forest is relatively barren, with little of value and few high-level magical beasts.

Two thousand years ago, the Silverpine Forest was said to have been home to young dragons, but with the development and expansion of Ax City, even level three or four magical beasts are rarely seen in this forest, and only the trees are still thriving.

Intelligent beings—especially humans—are the most terrifying monsters. Wherever they go, countless species become extinct. This kind of thing happens frequently in various planes.

Another hunting area, in the northern mountains.

"Northern Mountains" is the human name; to the dwarves and orcs, this mountain range, located northeast of Arx and southwest of Modan, should undoubtedly be called the "Southern Mountains."

Because of its proximity to the Tide Hunting Grounds and the occasional appearance of orcs, the northern mountains are much more dangerous than Silverpine Forest, but correspondingly, they are also richer in resources and offer a greater chance of encountering high-level magical beasts.

After some consideration, Gaucano finally decided to go hunting in the northern mountains.

Having made up their minds, the large alchemy table still had some time left to be used.

He then used this last bit of time to make some more common medicines before returning to his dormitory to rest.

When the weekend approached and he had some free time, Gaucano packed all sorts of equipment and supplies, and called Dariss along, preparing to go hunting in the northern mountains.

"Boss, why did you suddenly decide to go hunting?" Darlis couldn't help but ask as they walked.

Gao Jiano said leisurely, "I heard that the Tide Hunting Grounds are likely to open within three years, so I'm going to familiarize myself with the environment of the northern mountains in advance."

Daryls's eyes widened: "Really?"

“That’s what the Fitzroy Prophet’s Express says, didn’t you read it?” Gaugano said, which was indeed one of his reasons for heading to the northern mountains.

“I haven’t paid much attention to the Tidelands section,” Darius scratched her head. “But I remember, wasn’t the Tidelands Hunting Grounds supposed to be a royal exclusive hunting ground?” “It used to be, but the current king chose to open it to everyone when it last opened. If nothing unexpected happens, it should be open to all Mosaicians again this time. You just need to pay a fee to enter legally,” Gaogano said. “Actually, I heard from the Exploration Society that even when it was royal exclusive, people often sneaked in to hunt and gather, and the royal family didn’t get paid. The current king is a shrewd businessman; he likes making money, he doesn’t like killing…”

The two boarded a carriage and headed north along the King's Road.

The carriage sped along the King's Road, crossing the River St. Bode, and then entered the so-called "Upper Town." The carriage wheels made a rhythmic sound on the cobblestones, and the plane tree leaves on both sides of the street swayed gently in the breeze. Through the carriage window, Gaucano noticed that the pedestrians on the street were dressed much more elegantly than those in the Lower Town, and the carriages were also more exquisite.

Upon arriving in the Upper Town, you are greeted by two magnificent buildings.

On the west side of the road is the city hall of Ax, which is responsible for the operation of this huge city. Every day, there is a constant flow of traffic and all kinds of people coming and going in front of it.

To the east of the road stands Axel Cathedral, even more magnificent and complex than the City Hall. Its spires pierce the sky, and its stained-glass windows cast dazzling shadows in the sunlight. From afar, the deep tolling of bells and devout prayers emanate from within, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

As a magnificent building that has been renovated and expanded over eight hundred years and is still being improved, the Cathedral of Acre is undoubtedly the spiritual home of the people of Acre.

Even within the entire Mosaic kingdom, only the Garan Cathedral in the holy city of Mosaroye surpasses it in status. Therefore, pilgrims from afar frequently come to worship there, and the almost overwhelming crowds make it appear much busier than the city hall. Gaucano has reason to believe that the Cathedral of Ax is the most densely populated area in the city.

Continuing north, as you approach the north gate, some more important buildings come into view.

The King's Court on the west side.

The Inquisition on the east side.

Both factors jointly determine the city's judicial decisions.

However, due to overlapping authority and differing ideologies, the relationship between the two is not harmonious.

Gaucano didn't know much about the judiciary, but he did manage to borrow a book in the Orsini Library's collection through his professorial access—"Walking Between Two Laws," which discussed how to use the conflict between the King's Court and the Inquisition to reduce or exonerate oneself. Some of the cases left him in awe.

Further north are the royal palace and the Holy Golden Society.

The royal palace on the west side, needless to say, is the location of the royal family and the court, the very heart of the Kingdom of Sein.

The Holy Gold Society on the east side is nominally just a branch of the Holy Gold Society of the Papacy, but due to the commercial prosperity of the Kingdom of Sein and His Majesty the King's great enthusiasm for money, it has become the de facto headquarters of the Holy Gold Society and the largest mint in Sifararo.

As he observed the magnificent buildings on both sides of the road, Gaucano suddenly realized how clearly the class divisions of Ax were reflected on the King's Road.

The northernmost region is the most exalted, containing the royal palace, the Holy Golden Society, and the judicial institutions, while the southernmost region is the most humble, containing prisons, workhouses, and the guild of thieves.

From south to north, the buildings are divided into several distinct sections: the Craftsmen's Academy and the Adventurers' Guild, the Opera House and the Magic Academy, and the City Hall and the Cathedral.

After passing the royal palace and the Holy Golden Society, the two quickly arrived at the north gate.

The North Gate is the most magnificent gate in Axel.

Not only because it directly bears some pressure from the orcs, but also because it is close to the Tide Hunting Grounds.

The Tidal Hunting Grounds open once every few decades, and each opening usually yields amazing rewards, such as monsters that are level 10 or even 12 or higher.

The heads of these monsters will be made into specimens and hung above the north gate.

When Gaucano passed by, he saw several huge monster heads hanging on the city gate, one of which was a multi-headed serpent.

Although both are multi-headed snakes, this one was clearly much stronger than the level eight multi-headed snake he had hunted. Its head was a full meter wide, its gaping maw revealing sharp fangs. Despite special preservation treatment, its scales retained their former luster, reflecting a sinister green light in the sunlight. Its enormous and ferocious gaze looked down upon many passersby, inspiring awe.

After leaving the city gate, the carriage continued along the road for some time until it arrived at a sentry post. A squad of guards was stationed around the post, dressed in standard chainmail and carrying standard longswords at their waists. Several guards were checking the passes of passing carriages, their expressions alert and professional.

"We've arrived, guests," the coachman reminded Gaugano and Dallis. "I can only take you this far; you'll have to walk the rest of the way yourselves."

Gaucano paid the fare and then got off the bus with Dariss, continuing northwards while referring to the map.

The road gradually narrowed, became more winding, and the terrain grew increasingly rugged. The stone path underfoot was gradually replaced by a dirt trail, and wild bushes and jagged rocks began to appear along the roadside. The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees and the unique dampness of the mountains. In the distance, the cries of unknown birds added a touch of primal wildness to this desolate landscape.

This undoubtedly means that they have already entered the northern mountain range.

The two found a secluded spot, used magic to create a temporary cave dwelling, and set up illusions for cover.

Then came the hunting.

Some hunters are skilled at actively searching.

But Gaucano didn't have the ability, nor did he like this approach.

As a pharmacist and alchemist, creating and using traps was clearly his forte.

So he selected several locations nearby, dug traps, and placed bait and freezing spell scrolls inside.

There is also a level three beast-repelling potion.

After all, Gaucano's target is at least a level four magical beast. Level three magical beasts have no experience and do not conform to the hunting principles set by the Hunter's Guild. It would be a waste of time, so they are naturally driven away directly.

After making these preparations, all that's left is to wait.

Two days later, late at night.

"Roar!"

A roar startled Gaucano from his sleep.

"Prey!"

He immediately regained his senses and rushed out of the cave to the location of the trap.

He first activated the Skin of the Earth, then gripped the Blood Summoning Sword and looked at the collapsed trap.

A wild boar, at least twice the size of an ordinary wild boar, clearly indicates that it is a magical beast.

Under the influence of the freezing spell, although it did not turn into an ice sculpture directly, its limbs were frozen and it was temporarily unable to move. It could only let out weak roars and growls in the pit, its eyes filled with anger and resentment.

Gao Jiano observed for a moment, then without hesitation, raised his hand and thrust his sword forward.

The Blood-Summoning Sword, having absorbed a large amount of Hydra blood, turned a dark green color and became even sharper than before, easily piercing the wild boar's skin.

Kill a level 4 monster, experience +100

[Experience: 9600/9600]

The experience was finally enough.

Gao Jiano couldn't wait and immediately made the decision to upgrade in his mind, and a sky full of stars appeared before his eyes!
(End of this chapter)