Fantasy Family Simulator (FFS)

Haedis' reputation had always been well-regarded at the Golden Blood Academy. He was known for being upright and fair, so it hadn't taken much effort to reach an agreement during their negotiations.

"This is amazing..."

Manu closed the book in front of him, exhaling deeply before turning to meet Rhett's gaze. He said,

"As expected from the Golden Blood Academy, which has accumulated knowledge for thousands of years. It has really opened my eyes. I might need to reconsider my previous assumption that the alchemical principles of this world are simple. Many of the outlandish theories and unconventional approaches are thought-provoking. The potential of alchemy is far greater than I imagined..."

"Luckily, in the past month, I've almost mastered all the alchemical knowledge. As long as my mental strength reaches the required level, I can refine any potion anywhere. Of course, that assumes I have the formula."

By now, Rhett was no longer surprised by Manu's talent. While he was still curious about the structure of Manu's spiritual core and wanted to crack it open for a closer look, he remained composed.

Standing up and walking over to Manu, Rhett smiled and asked, "Even bloodline potions?"

"Though bloodline potions are truly magical, their magic mainly comes from the extraordinary nature of this world, imbuing them with inherent abilities. Alchemy merely serves to extract, merge, and activate those abilities in a clever way," Manu reflected. "Once the underlying principles are understood, there are no technical barriers for me. The issue is simply gathering the necessary foundational elements."

"Impressive… I'm looking forward to the day when you successfully refine one." Rhett nodded approvingly, putting the last remaining book on the table into his spatial ring. Then, with a playful smile, he added, "By the way, my youngest son, Taylors, is also very interested in alchemy. I hope you won't mind if he turns to you for help when he faces any difficulties."

"Not a problem at all. Ask away, anytime. I never mentioned this, but I used to be the headmaster and professor at one of the top universities in the universe, so I have plenty of teaching experience!" Manu chuckled before turning serious. "Do you think you'll be able to track down the Blood Demon fragment? I'm quite intrigued by its body. It seemed to have taken over Gunas' body, right? There's no other extraordinary being in your world capable of doing that. I'd love to dissect and study it..."

"If I manage to capture it alive, I'll deliver it to you personally! But it's as if it vanished into thin air. There's no trace of its aura left anywhere," Rhett's face darkened. "Honestly, I'm worried it might go into hibernation. Who knows how long it could take to resurface— a year? Ten years? A hundred?"

"Based on what you've said, the Blood Demon fragment disguised itself as a blood elf, possessing the ability to kill a Saint-level expert a thousand years ago. But in the present, it hasn't shown such overwhelming power, suggesting that something disrupted its original trajectory in history. Perhaps it was the Shadow Demon that injured it," Manu analyzed.

"That makes sense. Historically, Gunas' death occurred around a thousand years ago, meaning that even if we didn't act, he was likely at risk of dying anyway," Rhett mused. "Which means the next host for the Blood Demon fragment could very well be the Blood God himself. The Blood God's cult leader was historically extremely low-key, leaving no trace of his background or identity. He only emerged when the time was right, which indicates that he's incredibly patient."

"Yes, and he's mastered the techniques related to human alchemy experiments. This classified knowledge is only accessible to a select few at the Golden Blood Academy," Manu replied thoughtfully. "This suggests that the Blood Demon fragment's next host is likely still within the academy. It wouldn't give up on the Blood Origin Pearl, which could help it recover its essence. Otherwise, it would be nearly impossible to find another alchemy force in this world capable of carrying out the research it needs."

Rhett's eyes lit up. "Exactly, I agree!"

He began pacing back and forth in the room, muttering to himself, "If we can narrow our search to the Golden Blood Academy, things will be much easier. But we must be discreet, avoiding anything that might alert the Blood Demon fragment or push it into a situation where it cuts its losses and abandons the academy altogether. Ideally, we need to act as if we don't know anything..."

"I suspect the Blood Demon fragment will only move after Deidara leaves," Manu predicted.

Rhett nodded in agreement. "Without the Shadow Demon, our local Saints pose little threat to the Blood Demon fragment. At least, that's probably how it sees things. So, it's likely waiting for the right moment to find a new host."

"Let's wait a few more months, then. In the meantime, I'll take this opportunity to study the human alchemy experiments," Manu said with a glint of curiosity in his eyes.

"No problem."

Three months later.

In the vast square of the Golden Blood Academy.

A young man carrying a thick stack of documents left the reception hall. He strolled through the garden, arriving at the grassy square. With a stretch, he relaxed and laid down on the ground, squinting his eyes as he soaked in the warm sunlight.

Suddenly, he felt a cool sensation on his face, causing his body to shudder, and he abruptly opened his eyes.

The weather was still clear, with no sign of rain.

"Strange…"

The young man wiped his face and scratched his head, mumbling to himself. He couldn't make sense of what had just happened but figured it was likely his imagination since it only lasted for a brief moment.

Half a minute later, after remaining alert without any further incidents, the young man's suspicions faded, and he prepared to lie back down.

But just then, hurried footsteps approached from behind, accompanied by a familiar voice calling out:

"Jeanka, Lord Haedis wants us to go over to him!"

The young man, Jeanka, quickly jumped to his feet, clutching the documents to his chest. He waved to the familiar figure running toward him. When the person arrived, Jeanka blinked and asked curiously,

"Sherman, why is Haedis looking for us? Do you think he's finally going to try to poach us? I've had the feeling for a while now that he's been eyeing us."

"By the way, are we really going to keep Gunas' death a secret for Haedis and Velas? What if… they're the real culprits?"

Sherman shook his head. "I don't think so. With the power that Gunas had, how could he have been killed so easily by those two? There must be some other cause. On the surface, they might seem suspicious, but I doubt they'd be foolish enough to do something like this. Logically, they would have either kept everything low-key or gone all out and taken control of the entire academy."

Jeanka scratched his head. "That makes sense... But now that Gunas is dead, who's going to investigate the truth? How can we be sure Haedis and Velas are doing their best? I think we should report this to the King of Greyru…"

"Hmph, if we leak this, the Golden Blood Academy will be completely wiped off the map!" Sherman said coldly. "The King of Greyru has had his eyes on this 'juicy piece of meat' for a long time. In the past, only the presence of Lord Gunas kept us from being devoured. Without a Saint to protect us, they'll have a thousand ways to take everything we own! I, Sherman, the adopted son of Lord Gunas, will never allow that to happen!"

Jeanka fell silent.

Sherman turned to face the sun, speaking softly,

"Jeanka, you know how I grew up as an orphan, and it was the headmaster who took me in and guided me on the path of alchemy. His greatest dream was to restore the Golden Blood Academy to its former glory. Now that he's gone, I'm determined to fulfill his dream for him!"

"As for the truth behind his death, I will investigate it myself one day. But for now, what matters most is ensuring the survival and independence of the Golden Blood Academy!"

Jeanka let out a sigh, looking at his friend with a complicated expression. "You really give me no choice…"

Sherman turned back to him with a bright smile. "Hey, Jeanka, my good friend, you'll help me… won't you?"

"I…" Jeanka met Sherman's gaze, remaining silent for a long moment.

Finally, he raised his arm and extended his fist toward Sherman.

Sherman's smile grew even brighter as he reached out, clenching his own fist.

Under the sunlight, their fists met with a firm bump. The fire of friendship ignited in their eyes, and an invisible bond of loyalty tied them together.

"Thank you, Jeanka," Sherman said, pursing his lips.

Jeanka shook his head. "No need to thank me. I'll keep my word. But we should get to the lab now. We don't want to keep Haedis and Velas waiting. Like you said, we need them to protect the foundation of the Golden Blood Academy… for now."

Sherman nodded, filled with gratitude. He slung his arm around Jeanka's neck, and they set off toward the laboratory.

The two of them, walking shoulder to shoulder, stepped over the soft, green grass, approaching the low hill ahead.

But just as they began to descend the hill, Jeanka's body suddenly twitched, causing Sherman to take notice. Turning toward his friend, Sherman asked with concern:

"Jeanka, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Jeanka bent over, bracing his knees with his hands as he panted heavily. Looking down at his body in confusion, he was certain that, for a moment, he had lost control over it!

Turning to Sherman, his face pale, Jeanka explained what had just happened.

"Your body lost control? That's strange..." Sherman frowned deeply. After a pause, he asked, "Have you come into contact with anything unusual lately? Or perhaps consumed any experimental potions?"

"I haven't taken anything..." Jeanka shook his head. But in the next moment, his face contorted, his eyes bulged wide, and his body went rigid. From his throat, he let out a painful cry. His body began to tremble violently, shaking back and forth as if he were having a seizure. In the end, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Sherman quickly rushed forward to catch Jeanka before he hit the ground. His face filled with worry, he called out urgently,

"Jeanka? What's happening to you? Can you hear me?"

Jeanka's eyelids fluttered, his facial muscles twitching as his fingers twitched weakly. He strained his neck, desperately trying to move.

But suddenly, like a balloon deflating, his entire body went limp.

Sherman checked his condition and found that he was still alive, merely unconscious. He hoisted Jeanka onto his back and hurried to the lab, hoping the two Saint-level experts might be able to figure out what was wrong.

A minute later.

As Sherman carried Jeanka across the square, Jeanka slowly opened his eyes, groggy and disoriented. Sherman, feeling the renewed strength in Jeanka's body, stopped in his tracks, surprised by the change. He turned to meet Jeanka's gaze.

The two locked eyes. Jeanka blinked, a flash of shock passing through his expression before he calmed himself and said,

"Sherman, you can put me down now."

"Oh... right." Sherman quickly set Jeanka down, scrutinizing him closely. "You passed out suddenly just now. What exactly happened? Think carefully about anything risky you've done recently."

"I'm fine, Sherman." Jeanka's voice was calm. "A few days ago, I tasted a potion that was still in the experimental stage as part of my work. That's probably what caused me to faint. But the effects have worn off now, so don't worry about me."

"Are you sure?" Sherman asked, half-doubtful.

"Of course, my good friend, I wouldn't lie to you." Jeanka spread his hands.

"Fine, but you really shouldn't push yourself like that. You could've had someone else test the potion, or even used convicted criminals as test subjects. There was no need for you to take such a risk…" Sherman said, grumbling. "Did your potion contain Dark Soul Grass?"

"Yes, and it also included Blackflame Crow's magic crystal powder and blood…"

"Hmm, no wonder. Those ingredients all have an impact on a person's mind, and mixing them together would only make the effects stronger. Be more careful next time… I don't know what I'd do without you," Sherman muttered.

"Pfft, don't curse me like that. What if you end up going before me?" Jeanka teased, waving his hand dismissively.

"Haha, then I'll be counting on you to avenge me and fulfill my dreams."

"Yeah right, I won't help you if you die…"

They continued to bicker and chat as they made their way to the Golden Blood Palace.

"Lord Velas, good day!"

As they stepped into the palace's grand hall, they spotted a familiar figure standing on the golden floor. They immediately greeted him.

Rhett, dressed in a blue mage's robe, turned to face them with a smile. "You're late. Everyone else has already arrived."

Although Rhett wore a friendly smile, Sherman still tensed up. "I apologize, Lord Velas. We miscalculated our time."

"It's alright. I was just worried something might've happened to you two." Rhett's tone was kind. "Since you're here now, go on up. Haedis is waiting for you."

"Understood!" Sherman responded loudly before grabbing Jeanka's arm and heading up the stairs.