Supreme Magus novel Chapter 3514

Jorl took deep breaths, using Invigoration to purge his body from the numbing poison of the alcohol and regain clarity of mind.

"Enough wallowing in our misery. Tell me the real reason you are here."

"I’m done being a victim." Orpal put the bottle of Red Dragon away. "I have a plan to take back my honor and life but to do that, I need your help. Teach me how to use Life Maelstrom and I’ll pay you handsomely."

"You mean in booze?" Jorl nodded at the empty bottles.

"No." Orpal shook his head. "I mean-"

"Hold that thought!" Jorl rushed behind one of the mountain crests.

Soon the sound of a gurgling river and the pungent smell of ammonia filled the air.

"Much better." Jorl returned after a few minutes. "Continue."

"I mean I’m willing to teach you the secret of the violet core." Meln conjured a pulse of darkness magic to purge the humid stench that now wafted throughout the valley. "Isn’t that what you want?"

"More than anything." Jorl sighed. "But to what end? Even with a violet core, I would still be banished from the Kingdom. I would get nothing but a death sentence if our affiliation were to be exposed."

"All more the reason you should accept my offer, then." Meln nodded. "If you have nothing to lose then you have no reason to refuse to take my blood as well."

"Your blood?" The Storm Griffon echoed in confusion.

Orpal explained Jorl how he could infuse his bloodline abilities inside his followers, turning them into Upyrs just like Lith created Demons.

"As long as my essence flows into your veins, you’ll be one of my own. A unique being free from the chains of the Griffon bloodline. Once you become a Upyr, you can return to the Griffon Kingdom unnoticed and reclaim your possessions.

"It will be my final gift to you."

"Are you sure?" Jorl pondered the offer.

"Of course." Orpal lied through his teeth. "How do you think I’m still alive? Salaark and Leegaain want me dead but they can’t find me. My Dragon and Phoenix blood are eclipsed by the power of the Vurdalak."

Meln was far from being important enough for the Guardians to care about him. He assumed his blood would mask Jorl’s bloodline but it was just a hunch.

"Then we have a deal." The Storm Griffon extended his hand and Orpal shook it. "Fulfil your end of the bargain and, if you are telling the truth, I might even join your cause."

"Are you sure?" The offer excited and worried Meln in equal measure.

A Griffon would be a powerful ally but if becoming an Upyr wasn’t enough to cloak Tyris’ senses, Jorl was bound to betray Orpal in exchange for mercy.

"I’m sure." The Storm Griffon nodded. "I’d rather die infamous as a criminal than be remembered solely for my failures. Even if it means taking one of your gods-damned prisms."

***

Trawn Woods, Outskirts of Lutia, the following day.