I am the Mad Heir of the Strongest Clan-Chapter 18: Laying the Groundwork

It took three days for the duo to travel from the Noctharis Islands, pass through the Human Empire, and arrive at the edge of the Central Plains.

Before doing anything else, Jules had chosen to take a one-day break.

Now, it was the second day of the last month of Year 241—one month to the Promethean Institute's entrance exams.

Around this time, most aspiring students began arriving in the city where the institute was located.

That included the novel's protagonist.

Jules and Ryan were staying at the outer ring of the City, in a place that qualified as an Inn at most.

By 9 a.m., the streets were already alive with activity.

They had rented a small room with only the bare essentials.

There were two beds on either side of the room and a desk in one corner.

The walls were made of brick and painted white, and the room was illuminated by mana-charged bulbs.

But at the moment, the bulbs weren't noticeable with light pouring in through the open windows.

Jules sat at the desk, his chair facing the center of the room.

Ryan sat cross-legged, holding a C-rank core in his hands, eyes closed as he absorbed its mana.

"Ooofff." After a while of absorption, he shot his eyes open and exhaled.

Glancing towards Jules, he said, "I'm close to breaking through. As expected, absorbing the skill assisted! I should cross with the leftover cores."

Why the freak do you look satisfied? Do you know what institute we're aiming for you damned fellow?! I need you to push Solid Orange!

Despite his inner thoughts, Jules wore a calm look and nodded.

"I'll look for a way to improve you faster. You're way behind."

Ryan smiled playfully and replied, "Yes, boss."

Without waiting for Jules to reply, Ryan said, "I'm guessing we have something to do before the entrance exams. The way you implied yesterday was a break was alarming."

"At least, you're not brain dead," Jules muttered before he replied, "Yes, we do."

Ryan frowned.

"Damn, I thought I was just going to freeload for a long while. But we're busy right off the bat!"

Tsk. How extra.

"You're not doing anything big. For now, I need you to go and look for someone and pay attention to them," Jules stated.

"Go around... City... Without you." Ryan instantly lightened up. "When do I start?!"

Jules's eyes twitched. With a sigh, he explained the protagonist based on what he knew and likely place he would be in.

Eighteen Years Old. Less than 6 feet. Quite handsome. Talks weirdly. Goes around with a sword. Strong for his age—probably at Dark Yellow.

He didn't stop the list there.

"I have strange feelings hearing you describe a guy like that." Ryan shrugged, "Oh, well. I'll start right away!"

He chose not to ask further—so long as he wasn't in danger, it wasn't a problem. His assumption for Jules's source of information was Freya.

"Don't get carried away." Jules explained, "If you see this person and he catches you observing him, there's a chance he'll beat you to a pulp."

He lingered for a moment before adding, "Actually, maybe you should let him beat you. It works for me too."

Ryan opened his mouth slightly and chuckled dryly. "Heh, it's like I'm rubbing off on you already... your humor is becoming good. However, I'm a good spy. You know that!"

This guy thinks I'm joking...I'm not! Let him beat you to a pulp!

Despite having these thoughts in mind, Jules wore a calm, serious expression, causing Ryan to shiver.

"Huh, I'll bathe and leave you to do whatever..."

As Ryan walked to the bathroom, Jules turned his chair back to the table and continued with his study.

His skills were still at a novice level; he needed to change that before the year ended.

- - -

Night eventually fell, and with it came Jules's mission.

He wore a plain shirt and trousers with worn boots, his cap pulled low to shadow his face.

His looks were naturally striking—especially his golden eyes, which drew attention whether he wanted it or not—so this disguise was the best he could manage.

He moved purposely through the crowded night streets, slipping between people and turning into alleys to cut off any potential tails.

With Freya's ring suppressing his aura, his true strength remained hidden. If anyone was tracking him, they'd likely underestimate him—giving him just enough of an edge to escape.

Once he felt secure, Jules summoned a bag from his inventory.

Inside were a dark traveler's cloak and a white mask traced with simple blue patterns.

He swapped his shirt for a white tunic and changed into monster-hide trousers—items he'd gathered over time, preparing for this moment.

Lastly, he pulled out a black sack with light concealment magic and tucked away the bones he had collected when he found the Archangel's Heart.

Using a map, he then left the dark alley and passed through secluded paths.

Soon, he reached the busy streets again and spotted a shop barely touched by the streetlights.

The only light came from a dim, greenish-white bulb above the signboard that read: The Green Stream Apothecary.

I actually find this interesting...

Heh, it feels surreal to actually be doing this. Better than how it used to be in my past life!

If not for the impending dooms, I would have absolutely loved this world.

As Jules thought to himself, he suppressed any negative thoughts relating to what he was about to do.

Without hesitation, he went into the shop.

It was awfully small, with mostly empty shelves at the sides.

At the end of the room was a counter.

The lights weren't very bright either, giving the shop a gloomy feel.

Not exactly the right atmosphere for a place meant for healthcare!

While he thought, Jules walked straight, his head not so far from the ceiling.

The person sitting behind the counter was already paying wary attention to him.

The woman with tied-back brown hair and blue eyes asked, "Um, how may I help you?"

Looking at her, Jules went straight to the point, his voice oddly deep.

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"I need a fake ID—and a couple of items."

The woman behind the counter didn't flinch, but her fingers twitched—toward something beneath the desk, perhaps.

Ignoring this subtle detail, he dropped the sack on the counter and added, "I'm paying with that."