Puppet Master Chapter 38: Chapter 38: A New Toy

Read chapter 38 of Puppet Master by PeName on NovelPedia.

Tris sat with his legs drawn up, resting on a large rock. In his right hand, he held a bottle of water, while his left grasped a stone that shimmered like glass. That bottle was a magic potion. With the right ingredients, alchemists could craft potions with a wide range of functions. They were usually divided into several main types: healing, detoxifying, restorative, and enhancing. Naturally, depending on their effectiveness and rarity, their prices vary greatly. Enhancement potions commonly found on the market only provided temporary boosts for a short period of time, often accompanied by numerous side effects. Potions without side effects were not only expensive but also rarely available for purchase. That was why Tris had no enhancement potions stored in his spatial ring. The one he was drinking now was a high-quality potion specialized in restoring spiritual energy. Since even the cheapest potion costs at least one gold coin, this one was naturally worth many times more. Thus, even though the potion’s taste wasn’t bad—slightly sweet from herbs and fragrant with fruit—Tris still found it bitter. ‘Every gulp feels like swallowing a pile of gold. I really should learn how to make potions myself someday.’ he thought with a pang of regret. The stone in his left hand was, in fact, a magic crystal, also known as a mana stone. It was a mineral harvested from the bodies of magical beasts. Magic crystals had many uses, one of which was allowing Mages to draw spiritual energy from them, just as Tris was doing now. By using both the potion and the crystal, Tris’s spiritual energy was being restored rapidly. But why was he in such a rush to recover, even willing to spend a precious potion? Although today’s appetizer and main course had already been dealt with, dessert was still waiting. Tris knew that if you had an enemy, you should eliminate them as soon as the opportunity arose. Carelessness could mean a sudden stab in the back. And with his principle of never underestimating an opponent, Tris wanted to act only when he was in peak condition. In truth, he believed that dealing with the remaining assassin alone would be quick and easy. Yet the real world was not a closed arena for two fighters. A third—or even fourth—party could appear at any time. Even without other people, the wilderness itself posed danger: a magical beast could ambush at any moment. Thus, when it came to one’s life, preparation was never excessive. Through his puppet’s surveillance, Tris saw that the remaining assassin was still struggling against his invisible foe. But the man was closing in, tracking the puppet “Sniper.” The only reason he hadn’t found it yet was that he never expected his opponent to be non-human and hiding in such a place. Given more time, however, the puppet would surely be exposed. Naturally, Tris had no intention of granting him that time. Finishing the last sip and tossing the bottle aside, Tris crushed the now-empty crystal in his hand. He stood, stretched, and twisted his body to warm up. Jumping down from the rock, he drew Zyron’s black sword from his spatial ring. With this new toy in hand, he wanted to test it out. Tris dashed straight toward the assassin, a faint smile on his lips. * * * * * * * * * * How much time had passed? He no longer cared. His eyes were bloodshot with rage from being toyed with for too long. But soon, he would no longer need to endure. He could sense that he was close to finding his target. He couldn’t believe that rat had attacked from such a distance. But after eliminating all other possibilities, the impossible answer was the only one left. “Haha, soon. I’ll catch you soon.” His laughter was filled with madness. Suddenly, a voice rang out behind him, cutting him off: “Ah, it’s only been a few hours. And yet you already seem on the verge of losing your mind?” “Who’s there?” The assassin spun around in shock. He had been carefully attuned to his surroundings, yet hadn’t noticed anyone approach until th