Chapter 18: Conflict

"Alright then, Trist. How do you want to cooperate?"

"Well, that depends on your offer. If the price is right, we could work together long-term and sell exclusively to you. Whether you use it for yourself or sell it, I don't mind."

"How much can you supply per week? And how much of that will be of this quality?"

"At least 20 pounds a week, each pound of this quality."

"Each pound?" Lyra's expression faltered for a moment, clearly surprised.

"Yes, each pound!" Ian grinned slightly, amused by her reaction. Was it really that rare?

"The major associations on Central Street have sold small quantities of magic-infused weapon oil, with the Bounty Hunter Guild selling the most. They've sold Formula II series oils, and the prices vary based on quality. Low-quality sells for around 30 gold coins per pound, medium quality for 50, and high-quality around 60 gold coins. Stronger versions are priced at about 70 gold coins per pound, but they're usually only available through trade or special exchange points."

The Alchemist Guild classifies magic-infused products into five grades: inferior (60% or less efficiency), low-grade (60%+), medium-grade (70%+), high-grade (80%+), and top-tier (90%+).

In theory, inferior-grade products are too unstable to be sold, but the black market often has them available, like low-grade awakening potions.

Most of these products come from the Alchemist Guild, but they don't sell directly. Instead, they provide the goods to various associations, which sell them for a commission.

...

"Each pound of magic-infused weapon oil can be used 20 to 50 times, depending on the weapon type. Arrows and bullets require less, while large swords and battle axes use more. Each application lasts about 15 minutes, though the effect diminishes faster with repeated attacks. It's mainly used to enhance ordinary or magic-powered weapons in tough situations. For most adventurers, it's a cost-effective solution."

"85 gold coins per pound!" Lyra paused for a moment before making her offer, her tone firm.

As a board member of the Whale Hunters' Guild, Lyra managed the "Ocean's Breath" as well as overseeing the guild's resource and trade dealings. She wasn't the type to excel in diplomacy or be a shrewd businesswoman, but she was the best fit for handling trade in a group of rugged adventurers.

Ian hadn't expected the price to be so high. It seemed he had underestimated its market potential.

"Lyra, you're generous! If you provide the raw materials, I'll sell it for 78 gold coins per pound."

The raw material cost around 7 gold coins per pound, but it would be cheaper for the Whale Hunters to source it themselves. What mattered most to Ian was the time saved by having them handle it.

"I'm not worried about revealing the materials; many of the ingredients aren't secrets. Even if you know them, without the knowledge of alchemy, the correct formulas, and the right spiritual affinity, it's not something you can replicate easily."

"Deal!"

After negotiating the details, they both signed a simple contract that would allow for an ongoing partnership. The contract didn't have any supernatural binding force but was a standard commercial agreement between them.

The Whale Hunters Guild would provide a high-end suite on the fifth floor of their building for Ian to stay in, deliver the necessary materials each week, and payments would be made using a mix of magic coins and a small amount of God's Grace coins.

The deal for 3 pounds of magic-infused weapon oil was completed, and the Whale Hunters paid Ian 255 Bodria coins upfront.

Ian pocketed the heavy coin pouch and smiled, "It's a pleasure doing business with you."

Lyra returned the smile, "Likewise. Let me show you to your room."

Ian declined the offer, sensing she had other things to attend to, likely reporting the deal to the guild leader. After quickly tidying up his room, Ian followed a servant to the suite on the fifth floor.

The suite was truly luxurious—a large living room, a dining area, a bathroom with a shower, a master bedroom, and two smaller rooms. The large bedroom had a huge window facing the sea, offering a panoramic view of the bustling harbor.

"Nice! But I probably won't stay here for long," Ian thought. While he appreciated the Whale Hunters' kindness, he knew he needed a more private space, especially with his rapidly growing "Wawa" to take care of. Ideally, it should be near the sea for when Wawa grows up and needs to go into the water.

He also needed to find a few key crew members, and Lyra seemed like a good candidate, though getting close to her wouldn't be easy.

"Tomorrow's another busy day. But for now, I have a hungry little one to deal with."

Later that evening, Wawa almost drained Ian dry again, forcing him to enter deep meditation to restore himself before feeding it again.

...

The next morning, Lyra delivered the materials for the magic-infused weapon oil to Ian's room.

After receiving the materials, Ian didn't start working right away. He headed straight for the Bounty Hunter Guild, needing to find more spiritual materials for Wawa's food. If he didn't get them soon, it could delay Wawa's growth and potentially affect his own progress.

The main hall of the Bounty Hunter Guild was as lively as usual, but the third floor was much quieter, as superhumans weren't exactly everywhere, even in Paradise Island. The third floor was dedicated to selling materials for superhumans, all of which were carefully identified and sold through the guild with a commission.

Ian waved off a servant, indicating that he wanted to browse on his own.

He placed Wawa in his chest pocket, its big head sticking out, and walked from counter to counter, letting Wawa choose what it wanted to eat.

To Ian's surprise, Wawa seemed to have an instinct for it, eagerly pointing out which materials looked appetizing.

"Wa-wa-wa…" Wawa chirped excitedly, continuously praising different items as "tasty" and "delicious."

Ian called over the servant and asked for prices on items that Wawa seemed interested in.

The scene caught the attention of a few other superhumans. As bounty hunters, they were used to seeing magical creatures, but this one was unlike any they had ever encountered.

One superhuman, a short man carrying a long metal staff, stared intently at Wawa, his eyes glowing with a faint purple light.

He appeared to be in his thirties, with brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a silver-blue robe. Despite his height, his presence was striking—his confidence exuded a quiet yet powerful energy.

Ian sensed the man's gaze and turned to face him. The man's purple light faded, and a faint smile tugged at his lips as he walked straight toward Ian.

"Your magical creature is quite special. I like it. I'll pay you 1,000 God's Grace coins if you sell it to me."

The man approached Ian without introducing himself, offering the sum in a direct, almost commanding tone.

Ian remained expressionless, though he couldn't help but feel a bit amused.

"It's not for sale," he replied bluntly.

"2,000 coins," the man persisted, his expression unchanged. He was used to greedy adventurers, and to him, the price was just too low to be rejected.

Ian didn't bother responding and turned back to continue letting Wawa pick its materials.

"3,000!" The man's smile disappeared, and his tone became colder. "This is my final offer. Excessive greed will only lead to your downfall."

"I said, it's not for sale!" Ian repeated firmly, then continued his shopping, completely ignoring the man.

It seemed like the guy thought he could just buy whatever he wanted.

The man's face hardened. He gave Ian a final, intense look before turning and walking away, his eyes burning with silent frustration.