Chapter 284 – Cooperation

Upon hearing Ben Lajie’s words, Punk immediately became interested.

Punk was currently far too impoverished for a Master-Level Mage—he didn’t even possess a single piece of Magic Equipment that could be exchanged for currency or redemption points. The problem was compounded by the fact that Punk couldn’t find any effective methods to rapidly accumulate wealth.

But now, a solution had presented itself.

At any given time, rare items tend to be highly valuable. In the Gray Rain Country region, due to the dominant position of the Mage Guild, evil mage organizations like the Zhentarim found their survival space severely squeezed. Consequently, these malevolent factions had an enormous demand for Alchemical Creations with particularly sinister manufacturing methods, driving their offered prices to exorbitant levels.

Punk couldn’t care less about the alignment of his alchemical products. His sole interest lay in how much these “slightly controversial little creations” could fetch.

A price like thirty grams of adamantine per unit satisfied Punk immensely.

However, showing interest didn’t mean Punk would overlook the risks. He understood better than anyone that immense profits often conceal immense dangers. Therefore, instead of immediately taking up Ben Lajie’s offer, he spoke in a low voice:

“Mr. Ben Lajie, I still have some reservations. I believe you’re aware that the Mage Guild has a Legendary Expert stationed in Gray Rain Country. I don’t think openly violating their established rules is a wise move. Moreover, according to the duty roster of the Thought of Truth, I recall that alchemical products made by Thought of Truth members must be prioritized for sale to the Thought of Truth. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate to sell them to the Zhentarim, who have poor relations with our organization?”

Punk said this while looking sternly at Ben Lajie.

To the outside world, selling “controversial” items would essentially mean directly opposing the Mage Guild—who constantly preached about eradicating evil—while severely offending professionals of good alignment. Meanwhile, evil-aligned practitioners wouldn’t feel an ounce of gratitude; those jackals would only be filled with covetous intentions.

Furthermore, from the perspective of the Thought of Truth—Punk’s current organization—such behavior could be generously described as unconventional, or less generously as betrayal. At best, it would be considered imprudent judgment; at worst, it would constitute aiding the enemy and treason!

Punk had no intention of treating such a serious matter lightly with Ben Lajie. He could tell that this evocation-specialist mage probably wanted to use his “connections” to run a black market specializing in elite items for extra income. But his venture couldn’t succeed without suppliers, which was why this fellow had eagerly sought him out.

Sure enough, after hearing Punk’s questions, Ben Lajie paused briefly before replying with full confidence:”Don’t worry, those hypocrites from the Mage Guild are easy to deal with. I dare say the number of unscrupulous madmen among them is no less than the Red Robes of the Zhentarim. Those hypocritical guys are definitely among the buyers. As for Legendary Experts… there’s even less to worry about. How could such mighty beings bother with our small-scale operations? The ‘Incinerator’ from the Mage Guild has been researching a topic in a demiplane for over two hundred years. I estimate it’ll be at least five hundred years before that lord emerges again.

As for the Thought of Truth… heh! These matters are mutually understood without being stated. After all, we are Master-Level experts, unlike those Formal-Level juniors who must strictly follow rules. As long as we don’t expose anything to embarrass everyone publicly, it’s fine.”

Ben Lajie spoke with the confident tone of someone who had seen through all the twists and turns of society, sounding truly experienced and self-assured. Anyone unaware would surely think he was some clear-minded “old brother.”

However, Punk had seen how unreliable this guy could be when he wasn’t being serious.

But Punk didn’t have many options now. He certainly didn’t have time to organize any black market operations himself. Yet the resource expenses at the Thought of Truth were enormous, and their purchasing prices were very rigid. If he only relied on selling scattered potions to the Thought of Truth, he’d only get average “market prices” – far from sufficient for Punk’s expenditures. So he had actually been considering earning some “side income” for a while.

Punk’s emergence with excellent alchemical skills was timely assistance for Ben Lajie, and now Ben Lajie’s invitation was equally opportune for Punk.

Under these circumstances, though Punk felt this smiling fat old man wasn’t very reliable, he still decided to try cooperating with Ben Lajie. After all, Ben Lajie would handle all the sales. Even if trouble arose… Ben Lajie would be the first to suffer. Unless that Legendary Expert intervened, Punk wasn’t too concerned.

Of course, knowing some secrets about the Legendary level, Punk was quite certain that Legendary Experts quietly secluding themselves made intervention almost impossible – this was one source of his confidence.

Having made his decision, Punk calmly picked up the “Wonderful Firelight” black tea and took another small sip before saying under Ben Lajie’s expectant gaze:

“Alright, I think what you said makes sense. Let’s discuss the cooperation details now.”

“Haha, excellent! From now on we’re partners. Mr. Cyan is indeed straightforward!”

Ben Lajie happily clapped his hands, then took out a square enchanted gem from his Storage Ring and handed it to Punk:

“We’ll use this for single-line communication from now on. Done!

Honestly, I’m a specialist evocation fire mage – bearing the title of mage but actually just a rough guy who only knows how to fight. I really can’t handle alchemical work like this… So the potion brewing and Magic Equipment crafting will have to trouble you, brother Punk…”Though I don’t practice alchemy, I do possess some talent in commerce. With capable subordinates handling various arrangements, I’ll be responsible for selling the goods. Since we mainly deal in Master-Level premium products, you needn’t worry about wasting too much time, brother Cyan.

We’ll split the proceeds sixty-forty – sixty for me and forty for you.

“No, no. I believe a sixty-forty split in my favor would be more appropriate. You must understand that crafting Master-Level magical items and Alchemical Potions is no simple matter. Especially since these items aren’t exactly suitable for public display – all the secrecy makes things particularly troublesome.”

Punk immediately began bargaining. Now that cooperation was decided, his “plucking feathers from a passing goose” nature compelled him to maximize his profits.

“Oh heavens, Mr. Cyan, you must understand how troublesome it is to establish a covert trading network. What we’re selling aren’t petty items like these Corpse-Melting Reagents – many eyes are watching, many people are coveting what we have. All these matters require careful handling. My taking sixty percent is truly not excessive.”

Ben Lajie spoke to Punk with a bitter smile, his expression of helplessness appearing quite genuine.

(End of Chapter)