The once-bustling Merfolk Kingdom had now become completely deserted. Although many merfolk were resting inside their homes within Wizard Krite's sensory range, seeing them reduced to skin and bones, some having overexerted themselves to death, left Krite somewhat helpless.
That kid made a killing and ran off, but this was a little too ruthless. He literally worked them to death.
The Level 3 Apprentice from the White Tower Alliance beside Krite was specifically assigned to take over territories conquered during planar wars, handling their administration and operations. These Level 3 Apprentices were all pitiful apprentices with no hope of advancing to Level 1 Wizard, forced to accept such assignments in despair.
The two walked along the main road of the Merfolk Kingdom. Seeing the occasional merfolk commoners around them, skeletal and emaciated, some even lying motionless on the ground, the takeover apprentice could not help slightly parting his lips despite having been mentally prepared.
This was absolutely the most brutal level of exploitation he had ever seen. These merfolk were unbelievably obedient. They were clearly working themselves to death, and they actually kept doing it.
While inwardly marveling at Wizard Krite's training and exploitation of these merfolk, the takeover apprentice understood certain unspoken rules. He merely calculated in silence how long it would take for these merfolk to recover and resume production.
"Teacher, I suppose this is the person who has come to take over this place."
The Taylor waiting in the central palace saw the takeover apprentice in white robes, first bowed to greet his teacher, then smiled amiably.
"May you sail farther across the sea of knowledge. May endless knowledge guide your path ahead, Apprentice Taylor."
The takeover apprentice looked somewhat enviously at Taylor's handsome, youthful face. He had once been just as young and vibrant, but limited