Chapter 285 – Completion

Punk wouldn’t believe a single word of Ben Lajie’s excuses. Though he had never established a black market himself, he knew that for Master-Level powerhouses, creating one couldn’t be as difficult as Ben Lajie complained—even in the politically complex Gray Rain Country.

Of course, Punk was no match for Ben Lajie in verbal sparring, as the latter had clearly prepared for lengthy arguments. Thus, Punk adopted a simple strategy: remain steadfast against all changes.

“I’ll just sit here sipping black tea. I’ve stated my price. Whether you bid high or low, I neither agree nor disagree—you decide.” This was Punk’s approach. He drank his tea contentedly while Ben Lajie, sitting opposite him, found all his prepared arguments stuck in his throat.

Ben Lajie had envisioned a grand debate with Punk, but now that Punk was feigning ignorance, he complained for a while before running out of things to say. What more could he say? His opponent wasn’t refuting him but had made it clear he wouldn’t engage in reasoned debate. No matter how eloquent Ben Lajie might be, it was useless.

Punk acted this way because he had nothing to fear. He believed Ben Lajie’s plan to establish this high-end black market wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment whim—it had likely been brewing for days. Since there had been no signs of this black market materializing before Punk’s arrival, it proved that the other five Master-Level powerhouses in the Thought of Truth had rejected Ben Lajie’s proposal. The reasons included factional conflicts and the scarcity of mages proficient in Alchemy Magic.

Alchemy Magic was the most financially draining school of spellcasting—bar none. Punk’s expertise in it stemmed from his inherited memories from his birth parents and Grand Arcanist Vedrasha. In reality, Master-Level practitioners skilled in alchemical arts were exceptionally rare. Recognizing his own value, Punk was absolutely certain that Ben Lajie’s “high-end black market” scheme couldn’t function without him. Thus, Punk could demand a high price, confident that Ben Lajie would have to compromise.

Once again, Punk’s intuition proved correct.

After Ben Lajie finished his long-winded complaints and saw Punk maintaining that “keep bluffing” expression, he finally lost his temper: “Alright, alright, brother Cyan, you win, okay?

But look—I’m the one recruiting subordinates, setting up covert operations, contacting buyers everywhere. I’ll have to keep recruiting, hiding, and dealing with buyers… I’m putting in a lot of effort too! Honestly, I’ve been busy with this nonstop. Those ungrateful subordinates won’t lift a finger without rewards, and in a Mage Guild-controlled area, I can’t just cast a Mass Suggestion spell openly. Those nosy adventurers sniff around like hounds, and I have to clean up the messes and loose ends left by my foolish underlings. What can I do? I’m helpless here!

How about this—let’s both compromise. A fifty-fifty split? You can’t expect me to work for nothing, right?”After speaking, Ben Lajie simply imitated Punk by leaning back in his chair and fell silent. However, since he had already finished his “Wonderful Firelight” black tea, Ben Lajie could only sit there idly, looking somewhat foolish…

For a moment, the already quiet reception hall grew even more silent. Both Master-Level powerhouses were carefully calculating gains and risks while repeatedly testing each other’s bottom lines and attitudes.

With the negotiations having reached this point, Ben Lajie had already stated his position. Though Punk remained uncertain whether the fifty-fifty split represented the fat old man’s final concession, he felt it was about enough—pushing further and risking a fallout would be pointless.

What Ben Lajie planned to sell wasn’t necessarily limited to potions for the evil alignment. Many highly advanced potions and equipment, even at the Master-Level, were perpetually in short supply regardless of market price. If these items were sold to the Thought of Truth, they would only fetch a “fair” average market rate.

However, if these “little trinkets” were sold to unaffiliated mages desperately needing potions or to evil-aligned mages who frequently messed up their bodies and souls, they could be sold for seven to eight times the price or even higher. After all, the skill of price gouging came naturally to everyone.

Thus, calculated this way, a potion costing Punk “1” in resources would only yield “2” in value when sold to the perpetually well-stocked Thought of Truth—a mere 100% profit.

But selling to mages who, for various reasons, couldn’t join organizations usually netted 6 in value. After splitting fifty-fifty with Ben Lajie, Punk would secure a 200% profit.

As for selling to evil-aligned mages (like the Red Robes) driven mad by urgent potion needs, the value could easily equal their entire fortune. In critical moments, those life-cherishing mages wouldn’t hesitate to bankrupt themselves for a lifesaving potion or piece of equipment. Punk estimated that a single potion could yield at least 12 in value under such circumstances, granting him a 500% profit.

“With two Master-Level powerhouses overseeing it, this venture will only bring profits, no losses. At least 200% profit is far better than selling to the Thought of Truth. Establishing this black-market alchemy equipment trade as a significant revenue stream seems viable.”

Punk set down his empty teacup and stroked his chin. After carefully weighing the pros and cons, he had reached a decision:

“Though adding an extra layer of insurance would be wise.”

As he thought this, Punk stood up and said:

“Very well, Mr. Nokani. I believe the distribution method aligns with our mutual interests. However, I require you to provide the acquired resources in the form of exchange points. If there are no objections, I’d like to wish us a pleasant collaboration.”

Punk had his reasons for insisting on exchange points instead of direct material trade.It must be understood that currency is quite awkward among Formal-Level professionals. Those above the Formal-Level cannot use precious “World Consciousness Fragments” like Legendary professionals do for insignificant transactions. However, using Gold Coins for trade is equally problematic since no one cares about materials from the ordinary human world. If we were to use Gold Coins refined into adamantine as the standard unit and completely sever ties with ordinary resources, it would be too disadvantageous. Therefore, the most popular method of exchange at the Formal-Level and Master-Level stages is—barter!

The hassles and drawbacks of this primitive barter system need no further explanation.

Punk had no desire to endlessly argue over the ownership of equipment or potions acquired through future trades, let alone wonder whether the materials offered by mages in exchange for potions would be useful to him or easy to liquidate. Thus, Punk simply dumped all these troubles onto Ben Lajie, letting him handle the conversions and transfer the equivalent value to him.

Of course, in this process, Ben Lajie would likely skim a small fraction off the top, but to avoid complications, Punk didn’t bother with such minor details.

Cats, girls, and the adorable author are waiting for you in the group～548859662

(End of Chapter)