He waddled a step closer, lowering his voice:
"But don’t worry, we offer a one-year quality guarantee on all slaves. If any issues arise, you can replace them with goods of equal value for free. Additionally, we provide a special ’Stabilizing Potion’ that can effectively extend their lifespan."
Ron nodded slightly but did not show much interest, turning to continue forward to observe the next cage.
As he proceeded, an even stranger creature came into view.
It had the body of a Werewolf, with rugged muscles and dense gray-black fur covering its entire body, but black shells akin to insect exoskeletons grew on it, forming natural armor at key locations.
Its claws were exceptionally long, gleaming with a metallic cold light, appearing as though they could easily tear through steel.
The most astonishing feature was a slit on its back, from which tentacle-like objects squirmed in and out, as if possessing their own consciousness.
Upon seeing Ron, the creature lunged violently at the cage door, emitting a bizarre sound between a wolf howl and insect screech, as the tentacles on its back simultaneously extended, slapping against the cage door with dull thuds.
"This is our ’Composite Warrior,’"
The Merchant introduced, his tone filled with pride and excitement, as if showcasing his most prized creation:
"It perfectly combines the strength and speed of a Werewolf, the defensive capabilities of a beetle, and the agility of a tentacle Demon. It was designed by a Modulator from the Crystal Tower, taking three years to successfully cultivate this masterpiece!"
He elaborated endlessly: "It can utilize multiple attack methods simultaneously; claw strikes, bites, shell charges, and tentacle wraps, making it a formidable force in melee combat."
Ron used his Extraordinary Recognition Ability to scan the creature, secretly shocked.
This was no simple bloodline Hybrid, but rather some extremely dangerous multi-grafting experiment.
Three distinctly different biological Traits were forcibly merged to create this monster that defies natural laws.
From the turbulence of its Energy Flow, this creature could self-destruct at any moment due to internal conflicts.
"What is its mental state?"
Ron inquired, noticing a trace of pain and madness in the creature’s eyes, with pupils constantly contracting and expanding, as if enduring some unbearable torment.
"Ah, this is our latest control technology,"
The Merchant explained with a smile, proudly producing a small crystal cube, complex Runes flickering on its surface:
"A special Crystal is implanted in its brain, completely suppressing its self-awareness, ensuring absolute obedience to its master. With this controller, you can command it in battle at will, even temporarily enhancing some of its abilities, though at the cost of shortening its lifespan."
He proudly added, "This technology is directly imported from the Crystal Tower, boasting high reliability. It’s said that in the Central Rich Lands, every Wizard possesses at least three to five of such Combat Slaves for protection and defense."
Ron kept a calm facade, though internally he felt a surge of disgust.
This methodology goes beyond the realm of bloodline Modulation, employing Crystals to directly control the brain, depriving creatures of self-awareness.
Although effective, it is destined only for quick products with no self-awareness, ultimately just a living tool with no potential for advancement.
In the following cages, various even more bizarre Combat Slaves were displayed before Ron’s eyes.
Throughout the tour, he discreetly used his "Extraordinary Recognition" Ability to analyze each creature, gathering valuable information on bloodline Modulation.
From the remaining auras and Energy Fluctuations, he roughly recorded the Modulation methods and defects of these creatures, all providing important reference for his own research.
While engrossed in recording, the Merchant seemed to recall something, suddenly shifting the topic:
"By the way, sir. Have you heard of the ’Bloody Gladiatorial Games’?"
"Bloody Gladiatorial Games?" Ron raised an eyebrow, as this term indeed was a first for him.
But from the Merchant’s suddenly altered tone, he sensed that this might be important information.
"Exactly!" The Merchant mysteriously lowered his voice, glancing around as if afraid of being overheard:
"It’s a special event organized quarterly by the School, usually not publicly promoted, and only a select few high-ranking Apprentices are eligible to participate. Contestants send their trained Combat Slaves into life-and-death battles, and the winner can obtain rich rewards."
His eyes sparkled with excitement, his voice slightly trembling:
"It’s said the prizes include rare Magic Models, various advanced Alchemy Items, and advanced Magic Potion Formulas! These treasures are priceless on the market! Even receiving the most ordinary award is enough to significantly enhance an ordinary Apprentice’s abilities!"
Ron’s interest was piqued, yet he maintained an outward calm:
"What are the rules of this gladiatorial event? When is it held?"
"It’s very simple. Contestants must provide a trained Combat Slave, categorized by size and strength, to engage in life-or-death battles against other slaves in a specific arena."
The Merchant smiled slyly, his eyes gleaming with cunning:
"The Slave owner can assist and command using a special control Crystal but cannot directly intervene in the fight; all victory and defeat depend on the slave’s strength."
He added: "To my knowledge, the next gladiatorial event is in three months, right at the end of the semester. Each event attracts numerous Advanced Apprentices, with quite a few Masters also attending, making it an excellent opportunity for young individuals looking to make a name within the School."