Blind Spot
Chapter 654: Research 601

Chapter 654: Research 601

He had encountered griffons before in stories of his past life, but this was the first time he had heard of them in his current life in Blind Spot.

If he could make closer contact with such a creature that possessed magic-like abilities, perhaps...

"I’m very interested, so what is your purpose?" Li Chengyi asked directly.

Since the other party had proactively dangled this bait, they must have had some sort of request.

"My purpose is simple. The youths of the nearby domains have organized a youth club, but we still lack influential figures to join. So, if you could join..." Mina said with a smile, her demeanor relaxed, though she was somewhat nervous inside.

After all, the man before her was a real noble with actual power over a domain, one who held military authority.

This differentiated him from those at home with only a little money. In reality, they belonged to two different social classes.

Whether they could inherit their family’s noble titles in the future would require them to pass through a series of tests.

"A youth club?" Li Chengyi glanced at the group of youngsters speaking not far away.

"I’m quite busy normally; I might not have time to play with you all."

"...No...it doesn’t matter. We usually don’t have much to do either," Mina said, her forehead twitching as she suppressed a surge of irritation, managing a smile.

"Just need to have my name attached?" Li Chengyi asked.

"Yes..." Mina answered, feeling the vein on her forehead bulge even more.

"Then, okay," Li Chengyi nodded slightly, looking around the hall.

At that moment, a group that had just descended from the second floor was being led down by the butler of Viscount Tislan, accompanying a blue-robe man with a beard.

The man had disheveled brown hair, deep blue eyes, sunken eye sockets, and faint dark circles under his eyes. The edges of his robe were marked with flames and hexagrams.

Mage!

That was Tislan Domain’s only sponsored mage—Konovin Kasa.

Li Chengyi promptly stood up.

"Excuse me, I must take my leave for a moment," he said.

He nodded to Mina and bypassed her, heading straight for the mage.

Meeting this mage was his real primary objective for the trip.

And he was clearly not the only one with this goal.

Several other nobles were also rising from their seats, moving towards the mage.

The butler led the group to a side room, allowing them to converse privately.

Li Chengyi sat patiently waiting, watching as the relatives of two other mages finished their interactions. He then stood up, bowed slightly to the other party, and paid his respects.

The status of mages in the Empire was high, infact, the notable strength and status of the entire Gesola Empire were largely tied to the mages.

Because the Empire’s founding emperor himself was a powerful mage noble.

When it was his turn, the mage’s demeanor became a bit more formal, recognizing him as a noble with real power over a domain, albeit just a Baron with a not-so-large domain.

"Respected mage Konovin, I am Carlos from the Okra Domain," Li Chengyi introduced himself. "I am here to request that you test whether I have the potential to become a mage."

"According to noble law, you should have undergone the talent and bloodline test at the age of three. So whether you have the aptitude or not has already been determined," the middle-aged mage replied indifferently.

The Empire’s mages often held domains as well, and his domain was not smaller than Okra’s, so there was no special treatment in his attitude.

"Can’t it be tested again?" Li Chengyi asked.

"I’m sorry, firstly I do not have the testing instruments with me and secondly, aptitude is fixed. It is determined at birth and cannot be changed, so I am unable to assist you," Konovin shrugged.

"Is there no possibility for an exception? I am willing to donate a thousand Gold Coins as a contribution to your research on magic," Li Chengyi stated earnestly.

In an era where ten Gold Coins could support a Common person’s living for a month, a thousand Gold Coins was not a small sum, not even for him or for Konovin.

"Sorry, it’s not about the money. If I were to accept the money and fail to fulfill the task, it would be unfair to you. I do not wish to needlessly create enmity with anyone," Konovin answered.

Li Chengyi fell silent.

After a moment’s pause, his mind quickly began to spin.

"Then, may I ask if you would be willing to sell some books on mage cultivation?"

"Please cease such thoughts!" Konovin suddenly became stern, his previously indifferent demeanor turning serious, as his voice sharply rose.

"Quietly collecting and purchasing books on mage cultivation is a grave violation of Empire law. In serious cases, one might be labeled a heretic by the Empire’s Mage Council and subjected to military sanctions."

Li Chengyi felt a chill in his heart, even researching and studying on his own was forbidden...

It seemed that this was a way for the higher echelons of the Empire to maintain and secure their position.

"Well then, would you be willing to sell some minor mage items or tools to me? The price is negotiable," Li Chengyi asked again.

"These items require a mage to use; they would be useless to you," Konovin’s impatience was evident.

"Okay, Lord Carlos, I have limited time. I can understand your desire and longing for magic, but I must warn you, do not attempt to pry into the realm of mages without permission, as it will only bring disaster upon yourself," he said, leaving these final words behind before turning and exiting the side room, saying no more.

Li Chengyi remained where he was, watching the mage leave, his brows slightly furrowed.