The Magic Laboratory

Bang!

Freyr's response was a swift kick. He knocked the wizard, Ryan, to the ground and looked down at him, squinting with a low chuckle. "My dear Ryan... I'm not so pleased to see you."

Ryan scrambled to his feet, awkwardly adjusting his hat. "...My young master..."

"Remembering what happened that day, I feel utterly embarrassed," Freyr said, his face darkening. "My magic advisor, you fainted straight away in the midst of battle... Your courage is smaller than a rabbit's!"

That day, Ryan was the last person left by Freyr's side. Yet this disgraceful fellow had been utterly useless, fainting immediately! Freyr had nearly exploded with rage.

"For heaven's sake! The opponent was an eighth-level wizard! Eighth level!! Master Freyr!" Ryan defended himself. "I only have the qualifications of a first-level wizard, and my actual abilities aren't much stronger than a magic apprentice's! You know this well... Did you really think I could withstand an eighth-level wizard?"

"You shouldn't have fainted. It's disgraceful!" Freyr shook his head. "As your employer, I'm deeply disappointed in you... By the way, where have you been these past few days?"

"I... took a few people south to move my laboratory equipment here," Ryan's answer made Freyr a bit more satisfied.

"You moved your laboratory here?" Freyr was surprised. "Weren't you afraid I wouldn't come back? Without me, do you think this family would still accept you?"

Ryan had no choice but to tell the truth... He had heard the news that the young master of the Russell family had been found and only then rushed over.

"Oh, I see... If I hadn't come back, you were planning to flee, right?" Freyr looked at the cunning fellow. "With the 'spoils' I gave you that day? Am I right?"

Ryan remained silent.

"Alright, bring out the stuff." Freyr was referring to the items taken from Lilith.

Instinctively, Freyr felt he didn't want to hand these "Lilith's items" over to anyone else; he wanted to keep them for himself.

Ryan grew anxious. "Master Freyr... you are not a wizard. These items can only show their true value in a wizard's hands..."

Not willing to hand them over?

Freyr snorted, glancing at the closed study door, then smiled slightly, raising his hand and summoning softly...

Whoosh!

Several burning candles on both sides suddenly flared, and these flames flew to Freyr's palm, instantly solidifying into a fireball!

Ryan's eyes widened. "Magic? My god, you can use magic now?!"

"Did you think I was performing a trick? This is the method taught by an eighth-level wizard!" Freyr sneered. "Hand it over."

"Can I keep one magic crystal?" Ryan tried. "Just a small piece... My experiments require a good-quality magic crystal to store fire elements..."

Freyr said nothing, merely extending his hand.

Ryan, resigned, handed over the bag, sighing deeply.

"Alright, stop sighing, my magic advisor." Freyr felt a bit more cheerful now that he had Lilith's items. "You'll get what you need soon, I promise."

"A mid-quality magic crystal costs several gold coins at least." Clearly, Ryan was aware of Freyr's current situation—his grounding and the suspension of his allowance were well-known in the castle.

"Don't worry, there will be gold coins, and soon enough." Freyr wasn't concerned about this.

The plan to rob the pirates was in motion, and there would be significant proceeds soon... Moreover, let's not forget, in the secret chamber beneath the study, there was a stash of treasures left by Natalie.

"By the way, Ryan, come on, let me show you your new laboratory! It's in the woods outside the castle!"

As they left the study, the old butler came to see Freyr. Freyr pointed to a pile of ashes on the floor, smiling. "My dear butler... I'm sorry, last night while I was reading, somehow the painting on the wall fell and landed on a candelabrum... it burned up. I'm sure you'll have the servants clean it up, right?"

The old butler stared blankly at the empty spot on the wall among the row of paintings, then at the pile of ashes on the floor. My goodness... that was an antique!

The term "profligate" spun in the butler's mind, but he didn't dare voice it, merely biting his lip lightly before reluctantly agreeing.

Freyr nonchalantly led Ryan out of the study towards the woods beside the castle.

Deep in the woods, by the creek, the wooden building was already completed.

A three-story wooden building, looking very sturdy and clearly made from top-quality materials.

"Are you satisfied? This will be the magic laboratory from now on... our magic laboratory!"

Entering the first floor of the building, they found a large hall with basic furniture, including the wide tables Freyr had specifically requested for use as workbenches. The shelves were stocked with glassware ordered by Freyr... various bottles and jars, and even a few crystal stones.

The second floor had a row of iron cabinets for storing various raw materials.

The third floor was Freyr's personal space, featuring a spacious terrace specifically for observing the stars.

Freyr was even planning to make his own telescope to place there.

"Are you satisfied?" Freyr asked with a smile.

Ryan looked genuinely pleased. "Very much! This place is big enough for many experiments!"

Freyr, smiling, led him to the back of the building, pointing to the plants on the ground.