Chapter 102: The "-5" Catastrophe
"The illusion doppelganger doesn't continuously consume mana? This is one of the reasons it can persist indefinitely..."
"The flow of mana is almost identical to the main body, and although its damage is reduced to one-third, it's still stronger than a regular spellcaster..."
"As for other arcane spellcasters of the same level, I could probably hold my own against them..."
"In a couple of days, after the professional soldiers finish their training, I'll need to earn more skill points."
"..."
After spending over half an hour, Matthew emerged from the secret chamber, having confirmed the basic combat power of the illusion doppelganger.
It was equivalent to an elite-level Tier 3 spellcaster!
Its challenge rating could reach 5+!
Of course, this was without calculating the power of money.
Returning to the study, Matthew flipped through the supply list, appreciating the realistic texture of the paper and marveling at the convenience of arcane magic.
"Unfortunately, just becoming an arcane scholar who only explores magical secrets won't change my fate..."
With a small grumble, Matthew quickly recovered, noticing the approaching footsteps of Ralph and Adam Smith.
He turned his head and was immediately stunned.
Adam Smith's head was covered in a "blood-red" aura, his face full of smiles, yet his brow was "pitch black."
"Goodness, is this what they mean by a darkened brow?"
Startled, Matthew quickly checked Adam Smith's luck value.
"-5! Catastrophe imminent!"
A man doomed to die!
Matthew then glanced at Ralph; his luck value remained unchanged.
"It seems that Adam Smith is facing danger once he leaves Bay Village..."
"Interesting—could it be danger in Blood Moon City, or something on the road?"
"Judging by previous experience, the danger should appear soon..."
"In that case, Adam Smith is likely to face fatal danger today..."
"Is this aimed at me? Or at him?"
"Is it the hidden mastermind, or is it due to Adam Smith himself?"
Various thoughts flashed through Matthew's mind, but he quickly calmed down and carefully formulated a plan.
"I can't abandon Adam Smith casually. He's a clever and useful tool, and we've built a certain level of trust. Finding a replacement would be too time-consuming..."
"Besides, since someone has already set their sights on Adam Smith, I can use him as bait and a first line of defense..."
After a brief consideration, Matthew made his decision.
Adam Smith must be protected!
"Consume 100 Fate Coins!"
"Ding! Destiny's Choice activated. Option 1: Abandon Adam Smith, sever the tail to survive, +3 luck, and enjoy a streak of good fortune!"
"Option 2: Dispatch 20 clay golems to support Adam Smith, -3 luck, and face bloodshed and disaster!"
Thoughtfully smacking his lips, Matthew gradually understood the bias of Destiny's Choice.
Abandoning Adam Smith would give Matthew time to develop without being exposed, allowing him to accumulate power in the meantime.
Hence, the luck would be "positive."
On the other hand, if Matthew resolved Adam Smith's danger, he himself would bear the brunt of it.
However, because Matthew had grown stronger and his forces had developed, his ability to handle the danger had increased.
What would be fatal to Adam Smith was much less dangerous for Matthew.
Still, the sudden changes and enemies would cause Matthew trouble!
Having made up his mind, Matthew quickly put his plan into action and walked out of the study.
Adam Smith and Ralph immediately fell silent and bowed as Matthew approached.
Ralph was a bit perplexed; even though the lord had just demonstrated it, he still couldn't tell whether this was the real Matthew or the illusion doppelganger.
It was just too realistic!
Adam Smith, unaware of Ralph's thoughts, immediately began pondering as usual.
"Does the lord have something special to tell me?"
Matthew didn't think too much about it and gestured to Ralph, who understood and stepped forward.
"Summon 20 clay golems..."
"Then head to the barracks and bring a small squad of soldiers here. Assign them to Adam Smith's command."
Matthew didn't lower his voice at all. Hearing this, Adam Smith felt an overwhelming sense of joy.
As a shrewd businessman, Adam Smith immediately understood the significance of the clay golems.
He knew that even the lowest-tier clay golems were not typically available on the market; they were exclusive to spellcasters.
Clay golems required recharging, which non-spellcasters couldn't do!
Still, Adam Smith knew just how valuable these clay golems were.
At auctions in Blood Moon City, even a single clay golem could easily sell for 500 gold coins!
The lord had given him 20 golems at once, filling Adam Smith with delight. Bowing slightly, he said:
"Thank you, my lord. I will redouble my efforts!"
Matthew split the commands into two phases because summoning 20 clay golems only brought Adam Smith's luck down to "-3," still a lethal risk.
It wasn't until he assigned a squad of 20 soldiers that Adam Smith's luck finally returned to a safe "+2."
"It seems that the shift in power allocation is the key here..."
"The danger Adam Smith faces may not necessarily involve direct combat."
"The enemy might reconsider if they see him accompanied by clay golems and trained soldiers."
"If that's the case, it all makes sense."
"Indeed, displaying power is a strategy in itself..."
Without showing any emotion, Matthew glanced outside, then nodded and said:
"Each time you go to Blood Moon City, take a batch with you, and replace them on the return trip."
Hearing this, Adam Smith was even more pleased.
The soldiers were secondary—even if they were elite, they wouldn't have much effect without actual combat.
But the 20 clay golems were different; they were not only a symbol of power but also a status symbol!
"And for the lord to give such high-quality clay golems so freely!"
"It clearly shows that the lord has even better resources!"
"With these clay golems, no one will question my luck..."
"It seems the lord already recognizes me, as long as I keep completing tasks... hehe..."
Watching the grinning Adam Smith leave under Ralph's guidance, eagerly preparing to take control of the clay golems, Matthew silently rubbed his fingers together.
"The bait has been cast; I hope more fish bite this time..."
The enemy has revealed themselves!
Rapidly improving strength is now a top priority!
Laying low and developing doesn't mean retreating.
Once the enemies are eliminated, I can develop in peace!