“If you’d ever worked with the team, you would know. It’s always about quality over quantity here. Make sure you understand that we want at least one properly done item.”
“You’re impatient. How about you first receive the promised items and then talk?”
These words came from Evelyn as she passed a security bag and a letter from the ground to the pair.
“It’s the module containing Craig’s promised AI data and the VIP entrance ticket to the underground auction house.”
Jenny swiftly unveiled the contents of the two items, inspected them, and gave an approving nod.
“No doubt about the module, and the auction house entrance ticket is authentic. Your speed in acquiring this surprises me.”
“What do you suppose a special agent’s role entails? We’ve procured countless hazardous items directly from there.”
Is this the modus operandi of Vulcan’s bureaucrats? If they can’t seize security items from the market, they directly purchase them at the auction house.
As Jenny handed over the module and ticket to Lennok, Evelyn activated a tablet resting on the desk and handed it to them.
“This is an electronic ledger that has our equipment and artifacts listed. Look through it and tell me if there’s anything you like.”
Evelyn’s statement was followed by the raising of her teacup.
“Let’s resume our negotiations then.”
“Let’s see if you’ve brought enough good items to say that.”
Jenny remarked, swiftly flipping through the catalog displayed on the tablet.
Lennok held his pulsating head, observing quietly as she navigated through the tablet.
Although she appeared to be scrolling through the screen at a swift pace, it seemed more like she was tallying how many items fell short of her expectations rather than meticulously examining each one.
In his casual observation, he noted a plethora of diverse firearms, protective gear, communication devices, and modes of transportation—primarily an assortment of equipment used by agents.
Given that the items chronicled in the ledger were inherently tailored for agents, it was an unsurprising assortment.
Jenny rapidly navigated through numerous pages in the catalog and affirmed with a nod.
“Besides the prevalence of mass-produced items in the firearms section, the overall quality is decent. I can spot a considerable number of workshop-crafted items as well. Opting for these instead of cash would be a wise decision.”
With these words, she handed the tablet over to Lennok entirely.
“Van, go ahead and make your selections first. I’ll provide you with the details of each item as you choose. Let’s not squander a single penny.”
“Jenny…?”
Her playful smile seemed unusually vibrant today—was it a trick of the light?
Lennok, who had never before sensed such a profound sense of trust from her, unconsciously nodded.
Jenny, positioned closely beside him, began elucidating on each item his gaze settled upon.
“The Duke 071 stands as a premium offering among Dyke Corporation’s monomolecular cutters. Its production is limited, and due to a recent shift in the production line, demand has surged.”
“The Carnelo Visor 3rd generation constitutes a military goggle integrated with AI. It’s a recently released product with validated performance and exceptional durability, especially in rugged environments.”
“The Miller IV ranks among the top-tier self-defense handguns. While it appears as a bracelet, it disassembles into cubits via user brainwave interaction, then reassembles—representing a novel transformation technology. I haven’t personally tried this one.”
Lennok and Evelyn directed their attention towards Jenny, who seemed to discern Lennok’s focus and began explaining, their eyes wide with amazement.
She usually refrained from displaying such expertise, yet she now commenced detailing a variety of equipment as though anticipating the moment. How could they not be taken aback?
“Being a broker, certain knowledge is inevitably acquired. I also conduct focused searches and studies, particularly within this equipment industry. Given its diverse distribution among freelancers and institutions, this knowledge also forms the foundation for compensation, budgeting, and cost analysis.”
So that’s why she rarely spoke about the numerous requests she mediated and handled each month. There must be a rationale behind her silence.
From then on, whenever Lennok perused the catalog, Jenny meticulously expounded on the merits of the agent-held items and their potential benefits for Lennok.
As she spoke, Evelyn, who had been quietly holding a teacup, found her hand trembling.
After all, the purpose of this meeting was to select items for Lennok, wasn’t it?
The two continued to leisurely navigate the tablet, meticulously examining the products.
Lennok abruptly halted when he encountered a familiar item while perusing the latter segment of the catalog.
“This is…”
A colossal bazooka gun accompanied by an array of cartridges and a Sakaman chassis.
Wasn’t this the artillery that Cheisha Arwell wielded, launching an assortment of rockets?
Observing his reaction, Jenny scratched her cheek with a troubled expression.
“Multi-operational Targeting Weapon Tartaros—it created quite a stir in the defense industry for a time. However, truth be told, I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s not just about your ability to handle it; the viable usage locations are so limited that even handling the aftermath becomes an issue. It’s the kind of thing only a major organization might flaunt.”
While size and transportation wouldn’t pose an issue with shrinking magic, Lennok also concurred that the restricted usability of suitable locations was a concern.
Unless it was a scenario like the previous operation, involving an incursion into enemy lines, the ability to deploy artillery freely was constrained.
“Furthermore, the cost of the cartridges it consumes is no laughing matter. It’s possible that the expenses could outweigh the benefits. If you’re seeking firepower, it’s advisable to explore alternative products.”
Considering the costs of the cartridges alone, acquiring it at this moment didn’t seem necessary.
Lennok moved forward without hesitation.
He could sense Evelyn’s faint smirk from across the room, but the concern wasn’t worth addressing during this meeting.
Eventually, Lennok distilled Jenny’s insights and opted for three items to transmit to Evelyn via the tablet.
Firstly, he selected an armor piece that, when infused with mana, provided comprehensive upper body coverage, including the chest. Its practicality extended to doubling as a shoulder holster for a handgun when not in use.
Secondly, he chose a high-tier pain relief and healing kit used by enforcement agents. Comparable to or even surpassing the Headlock bestowed upon him by Dray, this kit comprised precious, mana-infused items, akin to semi-magical potions.
Lastly, he settled on the Siteglass-992, a premier sniper rifle embraced by frontline agents.
Though “Gun & Barrel,” the gun shop, had recommended it in the past, he never anticipated encountering it again. Regarded as the epitome of precision among existing rifles, according to Jenny, it predominantly found use among designated marksmen within enforcement agents, attesting to its reliable performance.
After assessing Lennok’s choices, Evelyn nodded somewhat reluctantly.
“Okay, this will cause a significant loss for us, but considering our future relationship with you, it’s worth it.”
“Don’t be deceived, Van. If she had lost more than this, she would have looked very bad. You could’ve bargained for more.”
Ultimately, at Jenny’s suggestion, Evelyn could only seal the deal after incorporating a bracelet designed to enhance mana control efficiency.
‘It’s not as displeasing as I imagined.’
Lennok had never expected a low-efficiency magical artifact to be significantly beneficial, but perhaps owing to his exceptional magic sensitivity, he found it surprisingly agreeable.
Should he start taking note of such artifacts in the future?
Jenny grinned contentedly as she confirmed the bracelet clasped around Lennok’s wrist. Meanwhile, Evelyn heaved a deep sigh while gazing at her.
“Sigh… I hope we can resolve the incentive matter here and now, averting any future reemergence. I already have so much on my plate.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve personally seen this through to this juncture for that very reason.”
“Yeah, if only it were that simple…”
Evelyn nibbled on a carrot in silence, her visage displaying traces of weariness.
Even if one were an archer, releasing arrows that streak through the city’s nocturnal sky, liberation from the city government’s basic interests wasn’t guaranteed.
In this tumultuous city, home to beasts of her caliber, issues solvable merely through sheer might weren’t commonplace. This rang especially true for agents who exerted influence in both overt and covert ways.
That’s why Lennok, to a degree, understood the responsibility and fatigue that burdened her.
And the import of the “external consultant” title she had designated for Lennok.
“By the way, it’s intriguing.”
Having replenished her energy with the carrot, Evelyn turned her gaze toward Lennok.
“I hadn’t expected firearms to pique your interest.”
“What?”
“It’s unusual for someone with potent magical abilities to show an interest in marksmanship. Carrying a revolver as a sidearm is one thing, but opting for a sniper rifle is quite remarkable.”
Lennok remained silent, struggling to provide an explanation.
How could he articulate that the efficacy he derived from shooting-assist magic surpassed the inconvenience of bearing firearms?
Since the application of lightweight and shrinkage magic to firearms, enabling him to carry them with ease, such inquiries held little relevance for Lennok.
However, if he had to elucidate his selection of a sniper rifle, it undeniably stemmed from Evelyn’s impressive sniping prowess demonstrated at the Trade Center.
Her capacity to precisely suppress targets from kilometers away with formidable long-range support abilities was indeed appealing to Lennok.
Pairing such a potent sniper rifle with his shooting-assist magic, there was significant potential for Lennok to customize it to his preferences.
Evelyn subtly parted her lips, her gaze fixed on Lennok.
“If you’re interested in becoming skilled at sniping, joining the agency might not be a bad idea. Proficiency with firearms is a staple among execution agents. Alternatively, I could personally provide instruction…”
“Hey, what are you discussing in front of my client?”
“Just hold on. What’s important isn’t what you believe, but what he thinks. Allowing a wizard of his caliber to move unrestrained could be detrimental to the entire city.”
As the two began to exchange arguments once more, Lennok observed in silence, picking up his teacup and casting his gaze downward.
He realized something, reflecting on Hina’s response when teasing him about not knowing how to ride a bike.
Had he inadvertently displayed how effortlessly he handled everything?
Others seemed to find it quite intriguing when Lennok exhibited something he couldn’t do or was attempting to learn. If he could withstand such jesting a few times and foster closer relationships with others, it wouldn’t be a disadvantageous approach.
Indeed, the somewhat rigid ambiance of the gathering had loosened with the interaction between Evelyn and Jenny.
Perhaps what they sought was a colleague who displayed a touch of humanity, unlike Lennok, who rigorously concealed his weaknesses and showcased only his strengths.
Consequently, Lennok turned his attention to the window, letting the conversation wash over him.
The challenging operation had concluded.
This instant, reaping the rewards after completing the arduous task, didn’t seem so bad—pausing to take in the surroundings.
***
Conveying the events to Raul and updating him wasn’t an arduous undertaking.
The dark wizards under Evelyn’s jurisdiction, who had been under protection, had regained their freedom.
With Reisen’s removal and the conclusion of the city government’s inspection, people started returning to the once-deserted 44th district, slowly reviving its somber vitality.
The peculiar scent of unfamiliar potions and the aura permeated with assorted arcane rituals and magic were far from pleasant.
Yet Raul’s expression exuded a sense of reclamation.
Within the office of the building that used to serve as the dark wizards’ hub of operations.
He cleared the dust from the desk, retrieved a chair that had been pushed aside, and settled into it.
Creaking open the cupboard, he deftly brewed two cups of coffee and handed one to Lennok.
Gazing thoughtfully at the steaming beverage, Raul spoke,
“To be honest, I had a vague inkling it would end this way.”
“If you’d ever worked with the team, you would know. It’s always about quality over quantity here. Make sure you understand that we want at least one properly done item.”
“You’re impatient. How about you first receive the promised items and then talk?”
These words came from Evelyn as she passed a security bag and a letter from the ground to the pair.
“It’s the module containing Craig’s promised AI data and the VIP entrance ticket to the underground auction house.”
Jenny swiftly unveiled the contents of the two items, inspected them, and gave an approving nod.
“No doubt about the module, and the auction house entrance ticket is authentic. Your speed in acquiring this surprises me.”
“What do you suppose a special agent’s role entails? We’ve procured countless hazardous items directly from there.”
Is this the modus operandi of Vulcan’s bureaucrats? If they can’t seize security items from the market, they directly purchase them at the auction house.
As Jenny handed over the module and ticket to Lennok, Evelyn activated a tablet resting on the desk and handed it to them.
“This is an electronic ledger that has our equipment and artifacts listed. Look through it and tell me if there’s anything you like.”
Evelyn’s statement was followed by the raising of her teacup.
“Let’s resume our negotiations then.”
“Let’s see if you’ve brought enough good items to say that.”
Jenny remarked, swiftly flipping through the catalog displayed on the tablet.
Lennok held his pulsating head, observing quietly as she navigated through the tablet.
Although she appeared to be scrolling through the screen at a swift pace, it seemed more like she was tallying how many items fell short of her expectations rather than meticulously examining each one.
In his casual observation, he noted a plethora of diverse firearms, protective gear, communication devices, and modes of transportation—primarily an assortment of equipment used by agents.
Given that the items chronicled in the ledger were inherently tailored for agents, it was an unsurprising assortment.
Jenny rapidly navigated through numerous pages in the catalog and affirmed with a nod.
“Besides the prevalence of mass-produced items in the firearms section, the overall quality is decent. I can spot a considerable number of workshop-crafted items as well. Opting for these instead of cash would be a wise decision.”
With these words, she handed the tablet over to Lennok entirely.
“Van, go ahead and make your selections first. I’ll provide you with the details of each item as you choose. Let’s not squander a single penny.”
“Jenny…?”
Her playful smile seemed unusually vibrant today—was it a trick of the light?
Lennok, who had never before sensed such a profound sense of trust from her, unconsciously nodded.
Jenny, positioned closely beside him, began elucidating on each item his gaze settled upon.
“The Duke 071 stands as a premium offering among Dyke Corporation’s monomolecular cutters. Its production is limited, and due to a recent shift in the production line, demand has surged.”
“The Carnelo Visor 3rd generation constitutes a military goggle integrated with AI. It’s a recently released product with validated performance and exceptional durability, especially in rugged environments.”
“The Miller IV ranks among the top-tier self-defense handguns. While it appears as a bracelet, it disassembles into cubits via user brainwave interaction, then reassembles—representing a novel transformation technology. I haven’t personally tried this one.”
Lennok and Evelyn directed their attention towards Jenny, who seemed to discern Lennok’s focus and began explaining, their eyes wide with amazement.
She usually refrained from displaying such expertise, yet she now commenced detailing a variety of equipment as though anticipating the moment. How could they not be taken aback?
“Being a broker, certain knowledge is inevitably acquired. I also conduct focused searches and studies, particularly within this equipment industry. Given its diverse distribution among freelancers and institutions, this knowledge also forms the foundation for compensation, budgeting, and cost analysis.”
So that’s why she rarely spoke about the numerous requests she mediated and handled each month. There must be a rationale behind her silence.
From then on, whenever Lennok perused the catalog, Jenny meticulously expounded on the merits of the agent-held items and their potential benefits for Lennok.
As she spoke, Evelyn, who had been quietly holding a teacup, found her hand trembling.
After all, the purpose of this meeting was to select items for Lennok, wasn’t it?
The two continued to leisurely navigate the tablet, meticulously examining the products.
Lennok abruptly halted when he encountered a familiar item while perusing the latter segment of the catalog.
“This is…”
A colossal bazooka gun accompanied by an array of cartridges and a Sakaman chassis.
Wasn’t this the artillery that Cheisha Arwell wielded, launching an assortment of rockets?
Observing his reaction, Jenny scratched her cheek with a troubled expression.
“Multi-operational Targeting Weapon Tartaros—it created quite a stir in the defense industry for a time. However, truth be told, I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s not just about your ability to handle it; the viable usage locations are so limited that even handling the aftermath becomes an issue. It’s the kind of thing only a major organization might flaunt.”
While size and transportation wouldn’t pose an issue with shrinking magic, Lennok also concurred that the restricted usability of suitable locations was a concern.
Unless it was a scenario like the previous operation, involving an incursion into enemy lines, the ability to deploy artillery freely was constrained.
“Furthermore, the cost of the cartridges it consumes is no laughing matter. It’s possible that the expenses could outweigh the benefits. If you’re seeking firepower, it’s advisable to explore alternative products.”
Considering the costs of the cartridges alone, acquiring it at this moment didn’t seem necessary.
Lennok moved forward without hesitation.
He could sense Evelyn’s faint smirk from across the room, but the concern wasn’t worth addressing during this meeting.
Eventually, Lennok distilled Jenny’s insights and opted for three items to transmit to Evelyn via the tablet.
Firstly, he selected an armor piece that, when infused with mana, provided comprehensive upper body coverage, including the chest. Its practicality extended to doubling as a shoulder holster for a handgun when not in use.
Secondly, he chose a high-tier pain relief and healing kit used by enforcement agents. Comparable to or even surpassing the Headlock bestowed upon him by Dray, this kit comprised precious, mana-infused items, akin to semi-magical potions.
Lastly, he settled on the Siteglass-992, a premier sniper rifle embraced by frontline agents.
Though “Gun & Barrel,” the gun shop, had recommended it in the past, he never anticipated encountering it again. Regarded as the epitome of precision among existing rifles, according to Jenny, it predominantly found use among designated marksmen within enforcement agents, attesting to its reliable performance.
After assessing Lennok’s choices, Evelyn nodded somewhat reluctantly.
“Okay, this will cause a significant loss for us, but considering our future relationship with you, it’s worth it.”
“Don’t be deceived, Van. If she had lost more than this, she would have looked very bad. You could’ve bargained for more.”
Ultimately, at Jenny’s suggestion, Evelyn could only seal the deal after incorporating a bracelet designed to enhance mana control efficiency.
‘It’s not as displeasing as I imagined.’
Lennok had never expected a low-efficiency magical artifact to be significantly beneficial, but perhaps owing to his exceptional magic sensitivity, he found it surprisingly agreeable.
Should he start taking note of such artifacts in the future?
Jenny grinned contentedly as she confirmed the bracelet clasped around Lennok’s wrist. Meanwhile, Evelyn heaved a deep sigh while gazing at her.
“Sigh… I hope we can resolve the incentive matter here and now, averting any future reemergence. I already have so much on my plate.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve personally seen this through to this juncture for that very reason.”
“Yeah, if only it were that simple…”
Evelyn nibbled on a carrot in silence, her visage displaying traces of weariness.
Even if one were an archer, releasing arrows that streak through the city’s nocturnal sky, liberation from the city government’s basic interests wasn’t guaranteed.
In this tumultuous city, home to beasts of her caliber, issues solvable merely through sheer might weren’t commonplace. This rang especially true for agents who exerted influence in both overt and covert ways.
That’s why Lennok, to a degree, understood the responsibility and fatigue that burdened her.
And the import of the “external consultant” title she had designated for Lennok.
“By the way, it’s intriguing.”
Having replenished her energy with the carrot, Evelyn turned her gaze toward Lennok.
“I hadn’t expected firearms to pique your interest.”
“What?”
“It’s unusual for someone with potent magical abilities to show an interest in marksmanship. Carrying a revolver as a sidearm is one thing, but opting for a sniper rifle is quite remarkable.”
Lennok remained silent, struggling to provide an explanation.
How could he articulate that the efficacy he derived from shooting-assist magic surpassed the inconvenience of bearing firearms?
Since the application of lightweight and shrinkage magic to firearms, enabling him to carry them with ease, such inquiries held little relevance for Lennok.
However, if he had to elucidate his selection of a sniper rifle, it undeniably stemmed from Evelyn’s impressive sniping prowess demonstrated at the Trade Center.
Her capacity to precisely suppress targets from kilometers away with formidable long-range support abilities was indeed appealing to Lennok.
Pairing such a potent sniper rifle with his shooting-assist magic, there was significant potential for Lennok to customize it to his preferences.
Evelyn subtly parted her lips, her gaze fixed on Lennok.
“If you’re interested in becoming skilled at sniping, joining the agency might not be a bad idea. Proficiency with firearms is a staple among execution agents. Alternatively, I could personally provide instruction…”
“Hey, what are you discussing in front of my client?”
“Just hold on. What’s important isn’t what you believe, but what he thinks. Allowing a wizard of his caliber to move unrestrained could be detrimental to the entire city.”
As the two began to exchange arguments once more, Lennok observed in silence, picking up his teacup and casting his gaze downward.
He realized something, reflecting on Hina’s response when teasing him about not knowing how to ride a bike.
Had he inadvertently displayed how effortlessly he handled everything?
Others seemed to find it quite intriguing when Lennok exhibited something he couldn’t do or was attempting to learn. If he could withstand such jesting a few times and foster closer relationships with others, it wouldn’t be a disadvantageous approach.
Indeed, the somewhat rigid ambiance of the gathering had loosened with the interaction between Evelyn and Jenny.
Perhaps what they sought was a colleague who displayed a touch of humanity, unlike Lennok, who rigorously concealed his weaknesses and showcased only his strengths.
Consequently, Lennok turned his attention to the window, letting the conversation wash over him.
The challenging operation had concluded.
This instant, reaping the rewards after completing the arduous task, didn’t seem so bad—pausing to take in the surroundings.
***
Conveying the events to Raul and updating him wasn’t an arduous undertaking.
The dark wizards under Evelyn’s jurisdiction, who had been under protection, had regained their freedom.
With Reisen’s removal and the conclusion of the city government’s inspection, people started returning to the once-deserted 44th district, slowly reviving its somber vitality.
The peculiar scent of unfamiliar potions and the aura permeated with assorted arcane rituals and magic were far from pleasant.
Yet Raul’s expression exuded a sense of reclamation.
Within the office of the building that used to serve as the dark wizards’ hub of operations.
He cleared the dust from the desk, retrieved a chair that had been pushed aside, and settled into it.
Creaking open the cupboard, he deftly brewed two cups of coffee and handed one to Lennok.
Gazing thoughtfully at the steaming beverage, Raul spoke,
“To be honest, I had a vague inkling it would end this way.”
