Limit Breaking Genius Mage Chapter 58

Episode 58 Salamander's Heart (1)

When selling information or arranging a commission, Pale usually meets his opponents behind bars and glass.

A defensive measure to protect one's life and property, built at considerable expense. Occasionally, there are guests who express discomfort with the prison-like atmosphere, but there is nothing that can be done about it.

This is Gray. Guests are not always polite.

In the past, when Pale's information was on track, there were instances where the conversation went awry and they tried to steal Pale's information, and there were instances where they tried to assassinate Pale to get rid of the information.

In this day and age, if you want to survive on information, you have to risk your life.

But when your status rises to a level where even the nobles cannot ignore you, the story changes.

Those who tried to kill the information dealer become quiet as if nothing had happened. Sometimes, they show a friendly attitude out of fear that their corruption will be revealed to the world. They implicitly join hands because if they become enemies, both of them could die.

An intangible force that can become a sword or a shield depending on how it is used. That is exactly what information is.

Of course, that doesn't mean Pale's life is safe.

The moment he shows even the slightest weakness, they will try to bite him from all sides. There are only three cases in which such a pale meets another person directly without any iron bars or glass.

One who trusts.

One who cannot be stopped by glass or iron bars.

Or someone who fits both.

Pale has always adhered to this rule, and today is no different.

“So, do I fit that criteria?”

“Yes.”

Pale's sphere of influence is limited to the southern part of Gray, but his information network is spread throughout the entire principality. He never misses any news, and the reliability of that information is also very high.

But even so, I ended up misjudged Verden.

When he was introduced to the Butcher, he was clearly a 3rd-tier magician, but just a few months later, he showed off his 4th-tier magic during a quest to search for the Viscount.

What the heck? Were you hiding your skills? Why? Or did you grow in that short period of time?

Whatever it was, it was clear that they had misjudged the power.

Whenever I use people, I carefully gather information to understand the other person, and my judgment is almost never wrong… … . However, the subject of the information is Count Rodenmeyer.

There was no reason for him to lie. No matter how much I thought about it, there was no merit the Count could gain from it.

Pale excluded subjective thoughts and focused only on objective information.

Asher is a 4th tier wizard, not a 3rd tier wizard, and if they just keep their distance properly, they will definitely be helpful to each other. Up to this point, it was an area of understanding.

But that decision was overturned again.

‘Oh, this can’t be happening… … .’

Soul tree.

One of the two main characters who defeated the mutant species that rivaled the special entity. When he received this information, even Pale was flustered and checked the truth of the information several times.

Of course, the result did not change.

Asher's name has already been mentioned in the newspapers in Lorien, and his fame is spreading. Those in power who have heard the news are turning their attention to the Ashen Wizard.

There are more than a few people who have witnessed the massive firestorm he created.

So, to sum up.

Asher is expected to be the next Mithril-class adventurer, and is on the same level as Bloodsword Layla. At the very least, he has been confirmed to be a skilled magician with magical talents that are incomparable to those of a typical 4th-tier wizard.

In addition, the limiting hierarchy was very likely to be at least 5 levels or higher.

'So it's only natural that we treat them accordingly.'

The role of credit ratings determined by Pale is as a filter.

It is intended to filter out outsiders who are not properly identified. We do not intend to allow any requests above the given level or to sell information under any circumstances.

However, it is possible to level up arbitrarily.

The information power that Pale possesses.

Presenting it first and then drawing out the other person's trust in return was more than worth it to the ashen wizard in front of him.

“For that reason, I have decided to upgrade Asher’s rank from 4 to 2.”

The reason why they didn't give you the highest rating right away was not because of your skills, but because of a problem of 'trust'.

The first-class information and requests are the merits that Verden gains by maintaining friendly relations with Pale. Pale emphasized this very point.

Verden thought.

'This is a good thing for me.'

There is no reason not to accept it if they say they will treat you well.

Even if you say it's a reward, it's only to the extent of handling the requests arranged by Pale.

'No, I'm not not getting paid anyway, and I can decide what I want to do, so you can't call it a reward.'

This is a deal.

A relationship of mutual assistance where neither party suffers harm.

“Then I will accept it gratefully.”

“Thank you. I look forward to working with you in the future.”

That's how the greeting ended.

The conversation moved on to the main topic.

* * *

“By the way, if you wanted to receive a commission, you would have used the contact information I gave you… Since you came here in person, I guess you have other business?”

“Because I need information.”

Verden took out a piece of paper and handed it to Pale.

The items listed were various expensive alchemy materials. Among them, there were also rare plants that were worth over 100 million won each.

“They are all hard to find in local stores. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get them. If you give them time, you can definitely get them.”

“Is it possible to help with purchasing on my behalf?”

“This benefit is only available to those who have reached level 3 or higher. Since Asher has reached level 2, it is possible for him. Of course, it is not free, and a fee of about 6% is charged.”

That level of cost was to be expected.

It's better than wasting time running around trying to save money.

“Please. And I have one more thing to buy.”

“What is it?”

“I need information on great alchemists. If possible, introduce them to them.”

You can't be half-assed.

Even though the difficulty of making a magic core is low, it is only compared to a staff made of orbs. Since the materials are materials, the possibility of failure must be reduced as much as possible. Even if it costs some money.

Pale nodded.

“No problem. Fortunately, there are several alchemists who have connections with my information broker. They mainly sell the potions and items they make. I will choose one… three candidates and give them to you along with the alchemy materials. So the total cost will be….”

He punched out the calculator and showed the amount to Verden.

Even considering that he would have to pay the alchemist for the production cost of the magic core, it would still be possible to handle it within Verden's budget.

'But then I'll be penniless.'

The time when materials and information are prepared.

Rather than continuing my personal research, I would rather earn money to maintain my current lifestyle.

Verden took out the cash he had withdrawn from the bank in advance.

Hundreds of million-dollar and hundred-thousand-dollar bills. Feil quickly counted the amounts without even using a machine.

“That’s about right. I’ll give you the balance when you check out. Is there anything else you need?”

“I’m thinking of making a request.”

Then Pale smiled as if it was a good thing.

“Okay, just wait a moment.”

After a while, Pale brought a document.

The word 'Locus' was clearly written at the top of the request form taken out from within.

Verden asked.

“What is a locus?”

“I’m an information agent operating in Northern Gray. We don’t have any overlap with the South where I am, and we’re not really competitors… but unlike me, I’m more focused on illegal than legal work. You could say I’m a loach who makes this place even dirtier.”

“I see. So what about this request?”

Pale briefly summarized the contents of the request.

“Since there are so many illegalities in the way Locus operates, many criminals and dangerous people gather there. They may make money, but they also make many enemies. Recently, it seems that they have caused a lot of friction because they have disturbed a hornet’s nest. The information company has been driven to the brink of destruction.”

“Annihilation?”

“It’s because of this thing. Take a look at the data.”

The material Pale showed had a heart drawn in the shape of a flame.

“It is the heart of a rare devil salamander. If you melt it into metal through magical processing and make a weapon, you will create a magical item that contains intense heat. And because its vitality is so strong that it can move for about a month even after the heart is removed, it is also used in various potions and special stimulants. It is an item that is difficult to obtain in many ways.”

“A mere information broker had something like that?”

“As far as I know, it was brought in from the Kingdom of Estyria across the border. They must have stolen it from someone and kept it in a warehouse to avoid being tracked. This has happened more than once.”

I have no idea where you got that information.

But this time, it seems the other side is not so easy. They have completely destroyed Locus' information center.

“Are you telling me to bring you that heart?”

“That would be great, but if we’re not careful, sparks could fly. Unless the criminal who retrieved the item and the Locus who stole it both self-destruct… No, even so, since I have to keep it as stolen property for a long time, I don’t intend to take the risk. It would be better if it just disappeared. In that sense, what I need is something completely different: information.”

The locus is currently in hiding.

Since the main base has been raided, it is obvious that they will have not only the heart of the Salamander, but also the confidential information he has accumulated throughout his life. Several information brokers are already desperate to steal it.

“It’s going to be a real mess because the competition is fierce. The powerhouses in Gray will be chasing after you.”

“It won’t be easy.”

“So it’s a second-class request. But the reward will also be different from before.”

Pale showed the amount on the calculator.

'It's definitely different,'

More than all the compensation I've received from Pale so far combined.

If I can complete this one request, I will be able to make the magic core without having to worry about money.

Verden nodded.

“Where do I start?”

* * *

Northern part of the Duchy of Liviant.

The season is changing from fall to winter. Because of the terrain close to the snow-capped mountains, snow has already started to fall, unlike other regions.

“Alcohol! Bring me more alcohol! Now!”

A man with a bushy beard and a dirty look, as if he hadn't washed properly for several days, wearing a thick cloak over his head, screamed loudly.

The innkeeper of a small town brought me some ale with a frightened look on his face.

“I think you’ve had too much to drink. Should I stop drinking…….”

“Shut up and give me some alcohol if you don’t want to die!”

“Yes, yes!”

The man who had been stealing the alcohol blew the bottle right away.

Then he took out a crumpled bill from his pocket and threw it at the innkeeper. It was an action that could have angered him, but the innkeeper had no choice but to silently pick up the money.

This is a peaceful village.

A stranger with a sharp sword on his waist couldn't help but be scary. All I could do was endure it and quietly wait for him to leave.

At that moment, someone came into the inn.

A man wearing a robe pulled down to his head. He was another foreigner I was seeing for the first time.

“Please go out for a moment.”

"yes……?"

The man in the robe, Verden, handed over 200,000 elk.

The innkeeper, who sensed something was wrong, hesitated for a moment, then quickly took the money and ran outside.

Berden, holding the staff in his hand, looked at the drunken man.

'It's that guy.'