Fruit of Influence

With Bazel gone, only Rein and Dr. Ilubeck remained in the lab.

The laboratory equipment was in a mess, and Raymond helped clean up the mess.

Now that he knew the old man was a complete novice in combat, he wasn't panicked anymore. And looking at it again, the sewer laboratory no longer seemed as gloomy and terrifying as it had been when he first arrived.

Strength is the foundation of confidence. Even if this old man has some wicked intentions, Rein believes he can still defeat him.

"Damn it, Bazel, look what a stupid thing that guy did!"

As Ilubeck packed up some important experimental equipment, he muttered to himself, "I hope little Karl can help me repair these poor instruments. Without them, my experiment will be delayed again."

Instead of kicking him while he was down, Rein enthusiastically helped clean up the mess.

After all, he was still waiting for the old man to bring up the matter of "reward".

He hadn't forgotten that this guy had just promised a reward of "money, potions, and elixirs" for subduing Bazel.

Ilubeck has eight spider legs and packs things very quickly.

Before long, the laboratory was largely restored to its original state. As for the damaged equipment, they could only be repaired by professional mechanics; there was nothing Rein could do to help.

Dr. Ilubeck was quite perceptive; he knew that Rein was secretly helping out and was waiting for his reward.

But perhaps because he resented that Rein hadn't stopped Bazel when he suddenly lashed out, leading to the increased damage to the laboratory, the old man didn't give him a pleasant look.

"Alright, kid, you don't need to help with the rest."

Ilubeck pursed his lips, his face darkening, but he had no intention of reneging on his promise.

He brought up the matter of compensation, asking, "Now, can you tell me what kind of compensation you want for your previous help?"

Upon hearing this, Rein exclaimed, "They've finally arrived!"

If he wanted anything from this old man, the most important thing would definitely be to get rid of the parasites in his body.

But this is a problem that can be solved if you are willing to do it.

However, the "transplantation method" proposed by the old man is not quite in line with the current mainstream treatment methods, and he is still observing.

Moreover, the old man also said that this is the only security solution for the time being.

Offering it as compensation now would definitely not be worthwhile.

Therefore, Rein had an even more perfect plan!

Previously, Rein was somewhat worried that the old man was an "evil" person as rumored, who would kill and rob, and would be greedy for money, so he was always on guard and cautious.

But after that battle, he completely dispelled his worries.

[White Wolf] The secrets and wealth of someone like Bazel, one of the "Ten Great Legends," are certainly no less than his own. But after saving people, Ilubeck didn't extort money or ask for compensation; he simply wanted to repay a favor.

This directly proves that the old man is not the kind of greedy and hypocritical person; on the contrary, his uprightness makes him seem somewhat "unconventional."

Moreover, although this mad doctor's combat power was weak, Rein discovered a very terrifying hidden strength of this old man, which was his network of connections!

According to Ilubeck, he makes more than half of the high-level Golden Potion on the market, which means he knows a great many High-tier Extraordinary. In fact, he has connections with more than just Bazel among the "Top Ten Legendary Demon Hunters."

Rein finally understood why Bazel had been so polite to the old man.

Even the most powerful Transcendent experts cannot guarantee that they won't need someone's help in the future. Whether it's needing medical treatment for injuries or needing potions for advancement, it's essential to maintain good relationships with top potion masters and doctors.

As a top expert in the medical field and one of the three "Great Potions Mentors" of our time, Ilubeck naturally enjoys extraordinary prestige in the top Transcendent circles.

This hidden strength is commonly known as the "Fruit of Influence".

Although his combat strength is weak, if this old man wanted to hunt down some top-tier magical beasts for materials, he could probably call upon the "Ten Great Legends" to come and help him personally.

And what is Rein missing now?

All we're missing is a powerful figure like him, someone who can command respect wherever we go!

If not now, when?

Upon hearing Ilubeck take the initiative to ask.

Rein cleared his throat and said seriously, "Um... Doctor, actually I think it's not gentlemanly to talk about payment for such a small favor."

He originally just wanted to be polite and roundabout, to first establish a reputation for himself.

"Oh? Thank you so much."

But to his surprise, the old man didn't give him a chance to show off and directly said, "If you don't need any reward, please leave. I can handle the rest by myself."

"."

Upon hearing this, Rein's face twitched violently, and he froze for a moment.

This old man looks serious and rigid, but it turns out he can be quite sarcastic?

Oh, are you still angry?

But Lei remained completely unfazed, offering another suggestion. "Doctor, I've considered your earlier proposal. Therefore, I've decided to stay and assist you in analyzing and testing the potion absorption data. Also, could you perhaps see if there are any other methods to deal with the [Bloodline Worms]?"

Since that battle, Rein's intuition told him that the old man would never covet his potion formula. Moreover, if he cooperated with the testing, there was probably no danger of being dissected and studied.

Besides, even if he misjudged the situation and the old man really had evil intentions, wasn't there the precedent of "Piscis"?

Rein shows no mercy to his enemies.

"Oh? You're willing to cooperate with the research?"

Hearing this, Ilubeck's expression softened a little.

He glanced at Rein, seemingly guessing what was going on, and then asked with a pout, "Are there any other conditions? If so, just say them. Otherwise, I won't agree to any other conditions after today."

Hearing this, Rein didn't dare beat around the bush anymore and said directly, "As you know, I'm a medical apprentice who loves medicine, and I can lend a hand in the lab sometimes. If you don't mind, when I come to the lab to assist you with your research in the future, I hope I can help you with some odd jobs as well."

He had noticed before that the old man didn't have a single apprentice in the huge laboratory. Even though this guy had eight extra hands, with so many complex experimental instruments and so many trivial matters, he couldn't possibly do everything himself.

So, the way Rein came up with to latch onto this "golden thigh" was to become his apprentice!

Even a well-trained "Battle Doctor" requires learning a great deal of medical knowledge. Having a teacher to guide you is definitely a hundred times more efficient than figuring it out on your own.

As for the level of teachers, who in the entire medical field is more authoritative than this old man?

For some reason, when Ilubeck heard this, a shadow crossed his eyes, as if it had stirred up some unpleasant memories.

When Rein saw his suddenly cold expression, his heart skipped a beat. Had he touched some taboo of the old man?

"Oh, so these are your conditions?"

Perhaps because the promised "reward" had not been delivered, Ilubeck hesitated for a moment but did not immediately turn hostile.

Upon hearing this, he glanced at Rein and asked with a dark look, "You want to be an apprentice in my lab?"

"Yes."

Rein nodded.

Only by becoming a menial apprentice can one be accepted as a disciple.

"Oh"

Ilubeck gave a cold snort, his expression unreadable, and then arrogantly said, "To learn from me, even as an apprentice, requires extremely high aptitude. Do you think you can do it?"

There will always be those who desperately want to become his apprentices, whether in the former Oma Imperial Capital or in this City of Radiance.

The best approach is to discourage these delusional individuals.

Hearing this, Rein was not surprised at all.

A top-tier expert in the medical field like Ilubeck, not to mention taking on disciples, would definitely select one-in-a-million geniuses even for the menial tasks in his laboratory.

He tentatively asked, "Doctor, what qualifications do I need to become your apprentice?"

Thanks to 'So Boring O' for 600 coins, 'Genuine Weathered Stone' for 500 coins, 'Chen Jade G' for 500 coins, 'Chong'er' for 200 coins, and 'Bookworm Nan'. Thank you for your generous support~