Passerby Villain In A Wizard World

"Tch... this guy is richer than Ron."

While inside Ron's mana ring, Ian had only found a few mana stones and spell models. Ethos's ring, however, was filled with various treasures.

Of course, it wasn't all wizard-related items. There were multiple stuffs related to Knights, most of which were connected to longevity. There were even many runestones, similar to the ones he found in the quarry at the border. Unfortunately, there wasn't any Hearthstone this time.

Ian also saw many potions inside transparent tubes of unknown origin.

In addition to these, there were at least 50 mana stones, dozens of spell models ranging from zero-ring to first-ring, and a few sandalwood boxes carefully set aside.

Interestingly, Ian even saw a blood-red book similar to the one he had found in his uncle Thomas's secret vault. However, this one didn't seem to be a meditation method.

"This is surprising," Ian thought, raising his eyebrow, as Ethos didn't seem like a diabolical wizard like Morgrave.

"Let's check it later."

After roughly glancing at the space inside the mana ring, which was larger than his own, Ian put aside the other items and extracted the potion tubes and sandalwood boxes using just his thoughts.

'Hope there's something I need.'

Although the potions weren't labeled and only differed in color, Ian wasn't worried. His system's new function, Analysis, could come in handy at this time.

After arranging all the potions in front of him, he found a total of thirteen, divided into three colors: green, crimson blood-red, and fiery red.

Ian could guess their function just by looking at their appearance. However, he decided to use the Analysis function before trying them.

First, Ian picked up a green potion, as he was in urgent need of something to quickly recover his energy.

As he scanned the contents of the green tube with his mental power and used the Analysis function, a dim blue panel appeared in his mind, filled with information.

[Rejuvenation Potion (Gradeless): A defective rejuvenation potion made by an amateur potionist using outdated materials. Although it can help you rejuvenate your energy in a short time, consumption might cause mana or energy blockage and headaches for a period of time.]

'Fucking asshole!'

Ian cursed, glaring at the green potion in his hand.

'Is this even a potion?'

Ian doubted the concoction. Unable to accept such a blatant fake, he scanned all the green tubes in front of him and got the same result from his analysis.

'If it causes mana blockage mid-fight, won't I be dead?'

Ian thought bitterly, but he could understand Ethos.

From his age and his use of spells, Ethos didn't seem like a potionist. For all Ian cared, this might have been Ethos's best creation in this barren place where materials were scarce.

'It's still better than nothing.'

Ian didn't linger on the issue and drank the four green potions simultaneously. He was truly famished, and the tonic from his father's side might take a long time to arrive before he would starve to death.

As for the mana blockage and headaches, it wasn't the worst side effect, especially since he didn't need to fight at the moment.

Sure enough, once all the liquid poured into his stomach, his blood vigorously absorbed its nutrients within seconds.

Ian also visibly became more energetic compared to his earlier frail appearance.

However, he suddenly felt that the energy in his body was blocked by the influx of violent energy supplied by the potion. They were clearly in conflict with each other.

Unlike a normal potion, which would act mildly, this potion was too violent, causing Ian slight headaches and difficulty in operating his energy.

'But it's still better than nothing,' Ian thought after noticing that his hunger was significantly reduced.

Although this potion was unsuitable to be taken during fights, it was still good for recovery in a safe place. Of course, for a First-ring Wizard like Ethos, it mightn't have the same effect as him.

"Let's check the remaining ones."

After controlling his body and letting the headache subside, Ian picked up a fiery red potion and scanned it with his mental power.

[Flameheart Brew (First-Grade Potion): A first-grade potion useful for temporarily boosting fire spell potency.] Your adventure continues at empire

'Finally, something valuable.'

A first-grade potion was useful for a First-ring wizard. After seeing them, Ian deduced that Ethos probably specialized in fire elements.

After gathering information about it, Ian analyzed the remaining five fiery red potions one by one. Fortunately, they were all genuine.

'Now, only this one remains.'

Ian picked up the last potion, which had a crimson blood color, and swiftly opened the lid.

Suddenly, unlike the other potions that had no odor, this one emitted a very strong bloody smell, reminiscent of when Morgrave used Blood Wall in the earlier fight.

"Human blood essence!"

Ian shouted as he immediately recognized it as the essence of human blood.

[Crimson Vitalis (Gradeless): A defective potion produced using the blood essence containing the vitality of multiple Knights. Although it is a defective product, it can still prolong the lifespan of a Wizard Apprentice by a decade.

Side Effects: Accelerated aging, dependency on the potion, mental strain.]

"Asshole, no wonder he attacked my father."

After seeing the potion's effects, Ian understood Ethos's inexplicable attack on his father.

Previously, Ian had been confused about why Ethos personally attacked his father. As a royal wizard, Ethos could have easily ordered subordinates to do it.

However, now, looking at the potion that reeked of blood, Ian connected the dots. Coupled with Ethos's question to his father about someplace unknown, he must have known about their inexplicable bloodline.

"Undeserved calamity!"

Ian shook his head bitterly. All this time, he had thought his family might have offended the wizard in some way. Now, he realized it was just bad luck.

'But, it is indeed a villainous family.'

He thought of his destiny and the luck points shown on his father's status panel and found it reasonable.

'Come to think of it, I must check my father's status before leaving this place. The last time I checked his luck was getting lower and lower. Also, it's time to receive a reward from the System.'