I Became The Vampire Progenitor
Chapter 108: The Growing Crimson Mage Tower

In the past few days, Rekel had clearly noticed a significant increase in enthusiasm among the people of Eric Town. Many acquaintances were asking him if he knew of any job opportunities.

Without a doubt, all of this was the result of the cancellation of free food distribution three days ago.

When he first heard the news, it shocked him. If food was no longer free, how many of these refugees would survive the winter?

However, what relieved him was that construction on Dawn City’s mage tower had begun.

Perhaps the great Lord Kachar had already considered this issue, as the mage tower was now hiring a large number of temporary workers.

This job paid a daily salary of ten copper pucks, and those who worked long-term would also receive meals.

This quickly calmed the complaints of the residents. Everyone knew that they couldn’t rely on free food forever, so having a job to sustain themselves was already satisfying enough for most.

Aside from a small group of lazy individuals, the majority joined the workforce for the mage tower construction.

With the Month of Deep Winter approaching, there was nothing to be planted on their own land. The harsh winter would freeze any crops into barren soil anyway.

Thus, the residents were easily drawn toward the construction of the mage tower by Li De’s policies.

No one was foolish. Once the mage tower was completed, their children would have the chance to become esteemed mage lords in the future.

Therefore, no one harbored any resentment toward the mage tower. On the contrary, everyone praised Li De.

Because of his promise—the construction of the mage tower—was fulfilled once again.

This city lord, who had never broken his word, had become a radiant figure in the hearts of Dawn City’s residents.

He was both respected, feared, and admired.

---

After finishing this phase of affairs in Dawn City, Li De returned to Green City under the cover of night.

There was still much to do in Dawn City. As long as one wanted to work, there would always be endless tasks.

The establishment of a new city required handling an unimaginable amount of administrative work. Even though the population was still small, the workload remained substantial.

Planning for the new urban district and constructing the mage tower were both matters of great importance for the future. However, completing these plans required extensive preliminary preparations, which gave him a brief window to return to Green City.

The Crimson Mage Tower urgently needed him back to make decisions. The matter of the magic factory could not be delayed any further. Both Dawn City and the Crimson Mage Tower were equally important, and neither could be neglected.

To achieve success in both areas meant bearing the responsibility, but Li De was quite at peace with it.

Dawn City was manageable; second-generation bloodline descendants could handle most issues. However, aside from Vina, no one else in the Crimson Mage Tower could share his burden. Others could only watch from the sidelines.

The apprentices lacked either the capability or the prestige to make real decisions. Only he could take charge.

For instance, regarding the current magic scroll production factory, no one dared to give orders without his final approval.

By the time Li De returned to the Crimson Mage Tower, it was already November 16th.

The recruitment plan for mage apprentices had been successfully completed just three days after he left. This round of recruitment reached the full quota of 100 apprentices.

Including the original 22, the Crimson Mage Tower now had a total of 123 members. The extra one was Isha, the girl with the golden bloodline.

The first thing he did upon returning was gather everyone together.

The first floor of the mage tower was packed with people. At the front of the apprentices stood 17 mages who were already dressed in formal mage robes, looking spirited.

Not only was Dawn City developing, but the Crimson Mage Tower hadn’t fallen behind either. Before leaving, he had entrusted Vina with distributing the mana-infused blood to this batch of apprentices.

Aside from Vina and Karu, the other 15 had recently broken through to become formal mages after consuming the mana-infused blood.

The only regret he had was that, perhaps due to his breakthrough in level, his attribute panel only gained 750 experience points, falling short of the amount needed for another level-up.

Each apprentice who became a formal mage granted him only 50 experience points, which was three-quarters less than the 200 points given by Vina and Karu.

Nevertheless, the strengthening of the Crimson Mage Tower was undoubtedly a cause for celebration.

Although its potential couldn’t compare to Dawn City, every bit of power gained by the Crimson Mage Tower, situated within the human stronghold, greatly benefited Dawn City.

At present, the Crimson Mage Tower could be described as fairly formidable.

With 17 formal mages, 105 mage apprentices, and the exceptionally promising Isha, this power structure was undoubtedly very healthy. Moreover, he possessed the mana-infused blood capable of turning mage apprentices into formal mages.

Once this batch of apprentices was cultivated, he could potentially gain over a hundred formal mages at any time.

Though the mages produced this way wouldn’t be of high rank, they would still be formal mages capable of wielding spells.

"I am the master of the Crimson Mage Tower, Li De Kachar, and also your mentor."

Li De looked at the youthful faces before him and began his usual motivational speech.

"Regardless of your previous origins or backgrounds, you are now all members of the Crimson Mage Tower.

You should consider yourselves fortunate, for you have entered one of the greatest mage towers in Green City."

His impassioned tone filled everyone with aspiration while stirring their emotions.

"Here, under my guidance, you will become esteemed mage lords and revered figures in the eyes of all."

"The future belongs to you, my children!"

"Here, you will obtain everything you desire:

The status that commoners look up to,

The admiring gazes of young women,

An identity treated as an equal by nobles,

And the power to control the fates of others!"

Many apprentices clenched their fists tightly at this moment. Li De’s words struck directly at their hearts. Who didn’t want to become a person of high standing?

"You are undoubtedly the luckiest group of people. Why do I say this?

Because the magic scroll production factory of the Crimson Mage Tower is about to officially begin operations, and each of you will participate in the creation of magic scrolls!"

These words caused an uproar among the mages below. They could participate in the creation of magic scrolls?

Many instantly felt their blood boil. Magic scrolls! In any mage tower, these were closely guarded secrets, yet Lord Li De said they could participate!

Truly, they were blessed by the Goddess of Luck!

The tone of his speech gradually elevated the atmosphere in the room. These young, impressionable individuals, after being inspired, felt their excitement surge.

They couldn’t wait to start learning magic.

"Long live Lord Li De!"

"Praise the Goddess of Magic, praise the Goddess of Luck, praise the Crimson Mage Tower!"

"I will definitely strive to become a great mage like Lord Li De!"

Li De watched the excited apprentices with a smile, effortlessly managing such scenes now.

After another round of speeches, Li De concluded this somewhat tedious but highly invigorating motivational meeting for the apprentices.

As the crowd dispersed, he immediately noticed Isha, who was holding Vina’s hand, gazing at him with admiration. Her crimson eyes sparkled like stars.

He gave the two girls a big smile and walked over to ruffle Isha’s head affectionately.

"Isha, teacher is back."