Exchange for Bloodlines

"Looks like no one has any doubts about the bloodline in my hands now, do they?" Green asked, smiling at the assembled Wizards.

A faintly jarring pulse spread with Green's voice, giving every Wizard present a slight sting in their Mental Power.

Green's reminder snapped the Wizards' gazes away from the crystal gourd and brought them back to their senses, though the heat in their eyes had not faded.

"Haha! Of course not, of course not! Master Green, we trust your skill and reputation one hundred percent!" A middle-aged-looking Wizard stepped forward. He wore a white robe adorned with feathers, and his white eyebrows swept upward like a bird's plumage. Second-Level energy radiated from him as he approached Green with a smile.

The other Wizards promptly chimed in, voicing their faith in Green's skill and reputation.

"Then let the exchanges begin! Anyone who offers something that meets my asking price can receive one standard portion of the bloodline!"

Ignoring the Wizards' flattery, Green made his announcement.

Whoosh!

The instant Green finished speaking, a streak of white light flashed through the hall.

The feather-browed Wizard who had spoken first appeared before Green in an instant.

He had cast no Sorcery. He had moved on the strength of his physique alone, with practically no windup. None of the other Wizards had time to react.

Only when the gale stirred by his movement swept across their faces did they realize what had happened.

The hall, so full of laughter a moment before, fell silent.

The Wizards now saw that he had been edging toward Green ever since he stood up to speak. While everyone's attention was on Green, he had become the closest Wizard to him.

In that instant, they all realized the mistake they had made.

Stunned by the appearance of a