My eyes snapped to an outline that was hidden by a shirt. It would have been something anybody would miss, but it was in the shape of a phoenix. I have seen many of these necklaces and rings before. A circle with a phoenix spread out as if a star. Followed by another outer circle, with unknown language to me keeping them connected.

I first saw it upon a Marques family. Shortly after that, I received news that some very powerful people were hunting for the killer. Not long after, every mission of the royal family within Cirik Kingdom had that symbol and note. Killing someone with this symbol will leave you outside of our protection. Please pay attention to any symbol like this and abort the mission.

I bowed my head and walked away. I exited the building without further ado.

“Take me to the slave traders.” I slipped a gold coin in the girl’s hand.

Her big eyes widened and she pocketed it before leading away. Even though she led us through some back alleyways, we weren’t ambushed. Which meant the girl had some dealings with them and knew how to pick targets. For I caught the smell of men hiding in hidden coves.

Plenty of artifacts could indicate power level.

The slave trader building is fabulously decorated. It also seemed to serve as an auction house at times. A clerk came walking up with heavy footsteps, a big grin on his face.

“My lord, what kind of services are you looking for?” He spoke with great respect.

“I’m going to a magic academy and will need some servants. It would be best if they had minimum ability to cast utility spells.” I said, after a thought.

The clerk grinned and ushered me through a series of doors to a lounge. Servants with collars brought in snacks, setting it down before leaving.

Not even a minute later, four girls came in, followed by three rare species.

“My Lord, they are all virgins and the other three are rare specimens sold to us.” The Clerk went towards the first of the rare specimens. “Beastman princess according to the ones who capture her, but we are selling her merely as exotic virgin species.” the Clerk pointed at the next person. “Wood elf, great vitality. Her clan are exceptional alchemists, but her tribe was attacked by stronger. She was sold to us by the winners. The last is a space mage, but he is merely young and had no formal training. His body produces space elements and is a little higher than the others but combined all three is twenty-six thousand gold.”

My eyes widened and I turned to the space mage boy. If I did ritual perfect, I could transform him into a card that would add to my abilities. The boy's value alone was enough for me to spend plats on him. Tsk, the wood elf, was an even more valuable asset.

I handed my bank card over, my own greedy heart dancing. I turned to the other four girls.

The clerk handed over a stack of sheets. I shuffle through them before giggling. One of these girls was someone I had made into an orphan. I turned to the only black hair girl in the bunch of brunettes. Her chin held up with her eyes holding defiance.

Even though I saw it earlier, she is beneath my notice. Being a mere adept wasn’t enough to be considered high level at any capacity. I picked her delicious looking commoner that is curvy in all the best ways.

They merely cost me thirty gold.

“Do you want me to bind them, my lord?” he asked.

I shook my head, touching each of my purchases's neck. A dark green choker wrapped around their necks, a flaming green skull rested at the divot of their collar bones. I hurried up and rushed back to the carriage. I wanted to begin laying the foundation for the ritual before I reached the academy.

We were just out the gates when we bumped into Marques’ son. My eyes twinkled with disdain. For some odd reason, he forever tried to cause me trouble, but even with all his father's wealth. The lad is nothing, but an early stage Master Fire-mage and sad part, he is the third son. His father only had four children in total. He is merely third strongest.

What did he have to boast about?

I had seven brothers and four sisters. Two were more talented than me and yet, with much hard work. I became Peak level Master Magus, close to being a full bloodied Grand Magus, standing upon the top level of this kingdom. Strongest child of my father. This is something to brag about.

“Count Clarke, hold on for a second. I want to discuss some things with you.” He came trudging over.

He wasn’t a bad looking guy. Maybe too useless to be taken seriously. At worst, people would ignore him if worse came to worse.

“Take them to the carriage, get them settled.” I ordered.

My two knights bowed and carted off the new slaves, but four others came over.

He threw a glance at my knights. “It seems we are going to the same academy, so we should..”

I held up a hand. A card spinning between my fingers. “Sorry, my Lord, but recruited before I even applied.”

The dark green skull ring flashed before letting out a creepy laugh.

Terrance’s smile faded and he backed up a step.

I might have been bragging a bit too much. It is sure to bite me in the ass one day. I swept by him and jumped into my carriage. I felt that we were just about to take off as I searched my storage for a book on demonic rituals.

However, there was a knock on the door. I opened it to find a knight with the girl from earlier. My face twisted into a frown as I stepped out.

“What can I do for you, my lady?” I ask impatiently.

She held up a necklace with a blue flaming skull similar to my own.

“Would you be so kind as to give me a lift? One of my enemies is awaiting on the trails ahead.” She glanced back at the black horses.

I sighed.

“I’m currently in the middle of an experiment. So I will have to request you sign an oath.” I demanded.

A card flipping between my fingers paused and glowed bright red. Runes crawled across its blank spaces with haste. I thrust it forward and she frowned, flipping it over and over. She pulled out a dagger and poked her finger, imprinting it on the card. The card burst in sparks before fading away.

I stepped out the way and glanced at her four guards, “Have them sit behind my guards.”

I walked back in and pulled out my book. Dropping onto a bench, flipping through it slowly to make sure what I had in mind was the same as what was written.