After hearing the System's notification, Maxwell started smiling.
Amongst the hundreds of online web novels, some were video game-related. One of his favourite novels amongst the video game genre was The Tales of Zed. As someone born after the 90s, The Tales of Zed was the ultimate classic. He was once a player in the Hall of Fame and was familiar with all the Mage's spells. He was obviously very clear about the usage of the System's reward – Puppet Master.
Puppet Master – a spell that Mages could learn when they'd reached level 10.
Upon using that spell on random beasts, they will then become his puppet. But it can only be used on five beasts at a time and will only last for two hours. During this time, those puppets you've gained control of can kill other monsters and level up. The highest level they can get to is the gold rank.
After two hours, the Puppets will revert to normal, but they can be gained control of again. The personal technique levels of the puppets under your control will increase as the puppets level up.
This was the explanation of the technique within The Tales of Zed.
Maxwell never imagined that the Martial Technique reward he would get at level 2 bronze rank would be Puppet Master. He thought that after being surrounded, death would be unavoidable. But now, he started smiling.
While smiling, he opened up the System to view the information.
Martial Technique: Puppet Master
Type: Second grade
Proficiency: 0/1000
Activation Key: 20 Mana
Respawn: 10 seconds
Technique Description: This skill will allow you to recruit beasts as your own minions. The stronger the beast, the lower your success rate. Level 10 success rate is 10% (The success rate will also decrease for beasts of higher level than the Player), Level 9 success rate is 15%, Level 8 success rate is 20%, Level 7 success rate is 25%... the final level 1 success rate is 75%.
Description two: One can recruit the puppet for two hours. Two hours later, they will revert to normal and cannot be recruited again.
Description three: When the skill fails, the beast will immediately attack. (Note: Every monster in The Tales of Zed is susceptible to Puppet Master. After successfully being recruited, the beast's name will become green and enter a passive stage and cannot auto-attack by itself.)
"Cannot be recruited again after the skill ends, and will be attacked after failure? Isn't this something the System is messing around with?" Maxwell complained in his heart.
"But... Inside The Tales of Zed, the game would limit the levels the Player can control, while this world didn't. It only had the problem of the success rate. But this means as long as one had enough levels of puppets, even a God Level rank spawned beast can be recruited!" Maxwell's whole body started boiling.
Puppet Master, everything relied on him.
Looking off into the distance at The Raging Fire Bull that looked like a tank, Maxwell narrowed his eyes and excitedly laughed, "If that could successfully become my Puppet." He became excited secretly as his eyes flashed and he clenched his fists.
Around the same time, Gregory had one hand holding onto Gwendolyn while the other hand pointed at Maxwell. He then roared out, "What are you all waiting for? Kill him already!"
Those under the temptation of rewards weren't brave heroes but cannon fodder that didn't want their lives anymore! As long as they participated, they would become a senior member of the Gillette Household, so who wouldn't join in?
Even if they were to deal with the above silver rank spawned beast, Raging Fire Bull, no one was going to back out. Everyone rushed towards Maxwell like they didn't care about their own lives.
"This is bad!" Still hiding off in the distance, Malachi couldn't help but start frowning. Recalling the words of his Lord Austin, he gritted his teeth and said to himself: "Well, I hope the Lord didn't make a bad choice siding with you."
Immediately, Malachi started roaring in laughter as his Level 8 Silver Rank power exploded forth. Like a flash of lightning, he landed right next to Maxwell and looked towards Gregory with a smile.
"Malachi Gryphon!"
Shock flashed in Gregory's eyes as he softly asked: "Duke Malachi, what are you here for?"
Maxwell was also secretly shocked as his body made a slight adjustment as a precaution. He didn't recognise Malachi and didn't know what his motives were, so he had to be cautious. Maxwell knew the saying that staying cautious can allow one to sail their vessel for all eternity.
Malachi looked at Maxwell and faintly smiled, "Don't be scared, kid, I'm here to protect you."
"Protect me?"
"You want to protect him?"
Maxwell and Gregory uttered those questions at the same time.
"That's right!"
"I'm here to protect this kid. What are you going to do about it?" Malachi sneered. He then placed his hand on Maxwell's shoulder and said, "Kid, once I make my move, start running to the north while I block them."
"Sir, I appreciate your kindness, but there's no need. I'm not leaving because I cannot leave!" Maxwell answered honestly.
"Duke Malachi, this is a matter of the Gillette Household, so it's best that you don't interfere. Don't offend the entire Gillette Household because of a trash; you should be clear on the consequences of it." Gregory's eyes narrowed, and his mouth revealed an arrogant smile before he grabbed onto Gwendolyn's hair and dragged it down.
"Arrrgh..." Gwendolyn screamed out.
Gregory then glared at Maxwell with a cold smile, "Go ahead and run. The moment you step out, I'll rip off her clothes. This girl is a virgin with snow white skin, a complete stunner of this mortal world. I will allow every single one of the Gillette Household junior members here to enjoy the taste of her, hahaha…"
There's no way he was going to let Maxwell get away. He was here to kill Maxwell and couldn't wait any longer to get it over with!
Gwendolyn's body was trembling, and her face had paled, but she still yelled out: "Don't bother about me, quickly run away! Nothing will happen to me!"
"Shut your mouth, you cheap damsel." Gregory forcefully pulled Gwendolyn's hair and almost made her fall over.
Although she was suffering, Gwendolyn still yelled out again: "Maxwell, just quickly run and don't worry about me!"
"You dare to play with the sir's lady? This one will fight you to the death!" Constantine angrily roared and stood up. Just like the Hulk, an aura of killing intent burst forth as he rushed out.