Chapter 539 - 217: Unless You’re Crazy

Wei’en leaned back in his chair. His crimson pupils reflected the pathetic-looking Nightmare Worm on his workbench as his mind silently mulled over the choices for this contract.

The contract, once presented, was clearly a deliberate move by the Spiritual Mystery School.

Its purpose was to push him toward choosing the second option, so...

’Then my only recourse is to make an issue of the trade agreement.’

At this thought, Wei’en took out a sheet of parchment and began to write on it with a quill.

"Regarding the contents of your contract, I have received them. However, I do not agree with Chief Vaklaf’s assessment that the value is unequal..."

"In fact,"

"As for the matter of the flawed Magic Runes, I can agree to them being part of the trade, but I have several conditions."

"One, the number of flaws in a single Magic Rune must be limited—no more than four per rune. The exact number will depend on the depth of my research into said Magic Rune, which will require you to provide detailed knowledge about them."

"Two, I am very interested in knowledge related to the Destiny Divination system. To ensure the trade proceeds smoothly, I require a complete set of this knowledge to avoid being constrained later on."

"Three, I also require the legendary-grade Destiny Barrier Spell..."

"Four..."

"Five..."

Wei’en spent ten minutes writing prolifically, laying out a total of twelve conditions. Some exaggerated the importance of the flawed Magic Runes, demanding the Spiritual Mystery School sweeten the deal. Others were extremely harsh, proposed only to increase the likelihood of them agreeing to his other terms.

Since Nana Mage—er, Wizard Olifuna—had even brought up the name of Chief Ragnar, he had to propose conditions befitting their status.

After all, the crux of his trade discussion with the Spiritual Mystery School was no longer as simple as just the knowledge of the Destiny Divination system.

It was a massive deal that, once completed, could elevate the entire Spiritual Mystery School’s power to the next level.

In short, regardless of what Wizard Olifuna’s previous reply had said, Wei’en was now convinced that the value of the items in this trade was not equal.

’Yes, the value of the knowledge about the Destiny Divination system couldn’t compare to the flawed Magic Runes he was providing!’

After finishing the letter, Wei’en rolled up the parchment and glanced at the Nightmare Worm, which was staring at him expectantly. He asked in a low voice, "Little Messenger, what do you say... you help me deliver one more letter, and then you can eat when you get back?"

"HISS?"

The little Messenger plopped down on the workbench, several tentacles waving frantically above its head. Its single eye stared at him in disbelief, as if asking—’Have you no shame?’

"So that’s a no, huh?"

"HISS!"

Seeing the little Messenger’s determined expression, resolute in its strike, Wei’en scratched his cheek. He had to admit he was being a bit unreasonable.

"Alright, fine. I’ll take you to get something to eat."

He placed the little Messenger on his shoulder, stuffing the letter into its mouth. "Let’s hope the new pirates on the ship can satisfy your appetite..."

With that, Wei’en took out the Golden Key and returned to the real world.

"HISSS—"

...

...

「Eastern Continent, West Coast of the Shetland Kingdom, Caster City State.」

DONG, DONG DONG...

The tolling of the cathedral bells rang out, causing the people of the city state, who had been hard at work, to stop and look toward the brand-new Krimms Cathedral in the central district.

"Praise Lady Storm!"

"Praise Lady Storm! The very air tastes of freedom. This feeling is marvelous."

"Praise... huh? They’re making you work, and you still think it’s marvelous?"

A few workers clearing the ruins in the Ruer District joked and laughed as they pulled bricks and stones from the rubble, clearing the way for the houses to be rebuilt.

"Of course! Nothing can stand in the way of my devout faith in Lady Storm!"

"I think you’ve gone mad. Remember that other phrase you always used to have on your lips?"

"W-What phrase? Hengkel, I’d advise you not to speak carelessly."

"Need I remind you? That phrase was—’Praise the Dawn’?"

"Tsk tsk tsk, Gelson. You truly are a fickle man."

"Just shut your mouth and hurry... huh? Look over there!"

One of them, a man in a City Guard uniform, was just about to berate them to speed up when he saw a short figure emerge from a nearby corner.

Its body was hunched, and its slender limbs were covered in split flesh teeming with maggots. Four crimson eyes were set in its flat face, staring intently at the workers.

"Is... is that an Aberration?!"

"You guys, run!" The City Guard took out his musket and fired at the Aberration while roaring, "Go get the Secret Investigation Department! Tell them to hurry!"

Terrified, the workers immediately ran toward the main road not far away. If they could just get there, they would be safe.

"Quick, run! As long as we find an Investigator from the Secret Investigation Department, we’ll... we’ll be okay!"

"Damn it." Seeing them flee, the City Guard’s expression hardened. His hands moved in a blur to reload, and he began firing frantically.

Even though he was also afraid, duty called. He could not ignore the Aberration until the civilians were a safe distance away, even if it meant...

The Aberration licked the corners of its mouth, letting the bullets hit its body.

Shattered bullet fragments ricocheted, tearing through its flesh and spattering thick green slime. The slime splattered onto the surrounding walls and ground, corroding dozens of pits of various sizes into the surfaces.

"ROAR—"

The Aberration leaped forward, its slender arm twisting and morphing into a sharp blade as it lunged at the City Guard.

’It’s over.’

The City Guard’s pupils reflected the Aberration’s hideous form. His heart sank, knowing he was going to die here today.