Wizard: Stronger through Marriage Chapter 6: News of the Witch

"The most crucial aspect at this moment remains to bolster one’s own strength."

"However, the Frost Wolf Bloodline requires a substantial 5000 experience points to transition from Tier Three to Tier Four!"

David narrowed his eyes, gazing at the experience bar presented on the Attribute Panel.

It was evident that Tier Three and Tier Four represented entirely distinct echelons. Beasts at Tier Three were generally considered Low-tier, whereas Tier Four creatures were classified as Middle-tier.

This distinction was unmistakably reflected in the potency of the bloodline itself. Elevating the bloodline’s strength from its Tier Three state to Tier Four demanded considerably more experience points than any previous upgrade.

Moving forward, to further accelerate his progress, the caliber and frequency of their dual cultivation sessions would also need continuous enhancement.

Fortuitously, Liya also stood to gain significant advantages from their dual cultivation. Coupled with the assistance of the Frost Wolf Potion, her breakthrough to becoming an Official Knight seemed imminent.

In the ensuing period, both individuals dedicated themselves to an even more rigorous training regimen.

Conveniently, the administration of the territory was diligently managed by the loyal retainers left behind by the Gray Wolf Knight and the Frost Wolf Clan.

It was common knowledge that Duke Frost Wolf's paramount objective currently was to sire offspring, thus ensuring no one dared to disturb the private moments between him and Liya.

Nevertheless, on occasion, the Gray Wolf Knight would personally deliver meticulously organized documents pertaining to Frost Wolf Ridge to the castle.

In prior times, David had poured all his focus into cultivation, paying scant attention to the administrative matters of the territory.

It wasn't until the mysterious disappearance of his father, the subsequent fragmentation of the Northern Lands amongst other nobles, and the dire crisis confronting the Frost Wolf Clan that he, only after his bloodline’s awakening, began to grasp the complex state of their domain.

Now, whether for the sake of his Knight Cultivation, which demanded vast quantities of resources, or for the stable environment essential for the Golden Finger's cultivation method, he recognized the absolute necessity of governing his territory effectively.

"Even our trade routes have been severed?"

Upon reviewing the territory's fiscal reports, David's brow furrowed in deep concern.

Although the Ice Bear Clan had not yet launched an overt assault on the Frost Wolf Clan, their clandestine and overt strategies were clearly being implemented.

Without the crucial support of trade, Frost Wolf Ridge was destined for a precipitous decline. In time, even without direct intervention from the Ice Bear Clan, the territory would find itself incapable of self-sustenance.

Furthermore, the cessation of trade inevitably meant the closure of pathways for acquiring vital cultivation resources, presenting a significant impediment to David's fervent desire to enhance his strength.

The Gray Wolf Knight’s countenance was equally grave. "Rest assured, Young Master David."

"Thanks to the composting techniques you unearthed from ancient texts, Frost Wolf Ridge has achieved a remarkable harvest this year. Navigating through this coming winter should not prove insurmountable."

Hearing this, David's expression eased slightly. He had already imparted the composting methodology, along with certain insights gleaned from his past life, to the Gray Wolf Knight.

Regrettably, his knowledge base was limited to these specifics; he possessed no understanding of firearm or machinery fabrication, nor expertise in civil engineering.

Fortunately, he now possessed a system, a Golden Finger.

With this thought, he subtly surveyed his surroundings and quietly inquired, "Uncle Leo, has there been any development regarding the wizard I tasked you to investigate?"

At this question, the Gray Wolf Knight shook his head.

After a moment's hesitation, he posed a question, "Young Master David, are you truly set on enlisting the aid of a wizard?"

David understood the Gray Wolf Knight's apprehension perfectly. Wizards were condemned by the Church as infernal agents, and should the Church discover Frost Wolf Ridge was harboring one, it would undoubtedly face a severe ecclesiastical trial.

"Presently, Frost Wolf Ridge cannot hope to contend with the Ice Bear Clan."

"Without the intervention of a wizard, the Frost Wolf Clan is ultimately doomed to annihilation."

"Therefore, it seems prudent to take a calculated risk. With a wizard's assistance, we might stand a fighting chance against the Ice Bear Clan and secure our survival."

David's expression was solemn; this indeed constituted one of his primary motivations for seeking out a wizard.

And the secondary reason was, naturally, to locate a witch and explore the possibility that dual cultivation with a witch might bestow unique, unforeseen powers.

While the Church consistently propagated the notion that wizards were agents of the devil,

amongst the Frost Wolf Clan and other noble houses, it was understood that this was merely a pretext employed by the Church to facilitate the persecution of wizards and solidify their own dominion.

Consequently, their true concern lay not with the supposed threat posed by wizards themselves, but rather with the potential repercussions from the Church.

The Gray Wolf Knight acknowledged that this was, in truth, the Frost Wolf Clan's sole viable path to confronting the prevailing circumstances in the Northern Lands. His expression grew serious as he stated, "I shall dispatch additional personnel to actively search for any indications of wizards."

Following the Gray Wolf Knight's departure, David retreated to the tranquility of the back garden.

Liya, finishing a strenuous training session, was completely engrossed in savoring a cream pastry, her eyes narrowing in profound delight.

For a knight, each rigorous training demands substantial sustenance to replenish expended vital energy, a primary reason why numerous territories find it challenging to maintain a large number of knights.

Noticing David's approach, Liya instinctively rose and dashed over, her cheeks flushed, exclaiming, "Young Master David."

"You should perhaps take a bath after training, rather than risking a chill," David suggested.

He observed Liya's sweat-soaked training attire clinging to her skin and gently touched her long, gray hair.

"I was waiting for you, my young master," Liya replied, a hint of apprehension clouding her expression.

"Then, what are we waiting for?" David responded.

...

Life truly is magnificent.

Another month had slipped by unnoticed.

David had successfully solidified his strength as a Tier Two Knight.

Meanwhile, Liya, aided by the benefits of dual cultivation and potent potions, had ascended to the rank of High-tier Knight's Attendant, now preparing for her official knight promotion.

Possessing the Frost Wolf Bloodline, she could utilize it to manifest a Life Seed, making the advancement to knighthood a less daunting prospect; the crucial element moving forward would be gradual accumulation.

As the days of Frosty Winter loomed closer, information concerning the witch finally surfaced, brought by the Gray Wolf Knight.

Merely a day prior, a witch had been apprehended in Mountain Cat Town, located in the Northern Lands, and was scheduled for an **interrogation** by the Holy Light Church in Ice City the following day.

"Young Master David, are we truly going to **rescue** this witch?" the Gray Wolf Knight inquired, a note of hesitation in his voice.

He considered Baron Lynx, a mere Tier One Knight, to be easily manageable.

However, he recognized that if their actions were discovered, it would undoubtedly trigger a thorough **investigation** by the Church, posing a considerable risk.

"Not 'we,' just 'I,'" David clarified.

A faint smile touched David's lips, "For this particular **mission**, I will proceed alone."

Upon hearing this, the Gray Wolf Knight's demeanor shifted dramatically. "Young Master David, that is far too perilous. Allow me to **undertake** the rescue instead."

"Uncle Olay, please set your mind at ease," David reassured him.

"I wield the Frost Giant Wolf Bloodline, complemented by the Frost Wolf Breathing Technique and our family's renowned sword skills. Baron Lynx is certainly no match for me."

A confident grin spread across David's face.

At present, he stood as a true Tier Two Knight; by unleashing his bloodline power and executing his sword skills, he could even rival some of the less formidable Tier Three Knights!