At dusk, Poison Fang and Rex returned with their team.
The two badges belonging to Shadow Stinger members and the crucial intelligence they brought back caused an even greater stir than Hank's sudden surge in strength.
Especially when Rex and the other Intermediate Apprentices described, with lingering fear and disbelief, how Poison Fang had withstood attacks with his powerful body and cast spells in succession, swiftly killing two Shadow Stingers in an almost overwhelming display, the entire camp erupted.
"Shadow Stinger! Those were assassins feared throughout the Crimson Court, yet Poison Fang killed two of them head-on? One against two?"
Countless gazes turned once more toward Ian's stone house, the longing in their eyes nearly tangible.
If Hank's example had merely proven that Bloodline Potions could greatly enhance one's strength, the impression had not been particularly vivid.
But Poison Fang's experience had proven through real combat of blood and fire just how precious and dependable that enhancement was at the brink of life and death!
"I want to exchange for Contribution Points, now!"
"Does Master Ian still accept custom orders? I'm willing to pay double the Contribution Points!"
"I heard ordinary Bloodline Potions are nowhere near as potent as the ones Master Ian brews!"
"Hurry and find out how Captain Hank made his deal!"
A wave of fanaticism swept through the entire camp. Advanced Apprentices, their eyes red, rushed to the mission counter, desperately accepting and submitting missions to accumulate Contribution Points.
The Intermediate Apprentices also racked their brains for solutions, imagining whether they could survive the brutal battlefield and even earn merit if they possessed a Bloodline Potion.
Within the Osborne Family's residence, the atmosphere could no longer be described as merely oppressive. It was practically frozen over.
Maka's disappearance for so many days almost certainly meant he