Chapter 47: Hidden Costs

"Why do you say so?" Klein frowned in puzzlement.

Old Neil rubbed his temples and said, "Regardless of whether you are alive or dead, it will hardly influence any subsequent developments. I think—I believe that the surreptitious existence or mysterious power that caused all of this will not pay you any special attention. It's just like how you would not pay attention to the ants on the ground. Heh heh, as long as you do not try to make Him recall you.

And our arrest warrant for Ray Bieber will quickly reach the Secret Order. They will also be able to guess that it is related to the Antigonus family's notebook. Believe me, for a secret organization that has been in existence for more than a thousand years, it has many channels of information. Therefore, their focus will be diverted to Ray Bieber's whereabouts, in a bid to find the notebook before us."

"Lad, congratulations on stepping out from the shadows of the past. What follows will be a brand-new journey filled with sunlight."

Klein nodded. "I hope so."

Having transmigrated here, he had been enveloped in uncertainty. Now, it felt like it had finally dissipated.

The main door to Blackthorn Security Company opened, and Orianna stepped into the reception hall. She greeted him before saying. "That old butler has paid the mission's commission. According to Captain's rules, half of it will be used as additional funds, while the other half will be split between you and Leonard. But since you aren't a formal member, you can only take ten percent of the half. Come over later to sign for it."

Old Neil said enviously, "You really are a lucky lad. You haven't joined us for long, and you've encountered a job worth 200 pounds."

"Is that very rare?" Klein asked.

"According to Orianna's accounts, we might not encounter a single job an entire week. And most jobs are worth less than twenty pounds." Old Neil sighed and looked at Klein with anticipation.

"If you encounter any similar jobs in the future, remember to inform me."

"Mr. Neil, you seem to be lacking in money. How much do you get paid a week?"

Old Neil leaned back and chuckled. "This isn't something that needs hiding. I've been here for so many years. At present, I will obtain salaries from both the Church and the police department every week, for a total of twelve pounds."

"A weekly salary of twelve pounds?" Klein said with surprise.

"Yes, such a salary is actually quite generous, and we do not need to pay any taxes," Old Neil added.

"However, such a salary is insufficient for Beyonders like us who have to frequently study the hidden mysteries, practice, and attempt rituals."

"Aren't materials obtainable via application?" Klein asked.

Old Neil scoffed, "There's a limitation to it. At times, we have to give a sufficient legitimate reason. If you want to learn more and experiment in the field of mysticism, you can only spend your own dime to buy materials. It can be bought internally or at underground markets."

Klein immediately asked, "There are Beyonder materials that are sold in underground markets? I thought the Churches would not permit their existence."

"There's no way to control such matters. Yeah, from the viewpoint of mysticism, all beings are sentient with their spirits, stemming from the same source. The materials we use are not limited to those extraordinary creatures. It also comes from ordinary animals, plants, and minerals. For example, the poison hemlock, gold mint leaves, and night vanilla in the bottle of Seer potion are items we can encounter frequently in our daily lives. They might not have any extraordinary characteristics, but they have special characteristics. Through concoction and blending, they will derive certain effects. Therefore, this is not a trade that the Church can ban.

Besides, it's not only the core of extraordinary beings that are of use. For example, the Lavos Squid. Apart from its blood, its eyeballs, skin, and tentacles are pretty good materials. Unless the Church captures it entirely with its own manpower, to completely corner and control any outflows would be a tremendous financial burden. The lower the grade of the extraordinary material, the more it is so. They can only do their best to prevent the more special materials from flowing out." Old Neil explained.

He suddenly laughed. "There's another important reason. It's better to know of an underground market than not knowing of it, as it can help us obtain materials we are lacking from secret organizations. Contraband items will also appear, but as long as it's not something ridiculous or overly dangerous, we will turn a blind eye to it."

"Is it because the few large Churches put each other in place so no one can take excessive action?" Klein guessed.

Old Neil acknowledged tersely but did not elaborate.

"I'm a Seer. In the future, I'll definitely need to practice and will need more materials. Mr. Neil, can you take me to the underground market to have a look?" Klein asked.

Old Neil appeared to be placed in a difficult position. "In fact, those guys who are active in those places are mostly not Beyonders. Some of them might be aristocrats who like mystery or rich people who have inclinations towards mysticism... Uh, alright. I have a thirty-pound bill that needs paying soon. It wouldn't be convenient for me to head over there for the time being."

"Alright..." Klein never expected the reason to be Old Neil owing money.

Moments later, he said with deliberation, "Mr. Neil, do you need me to lend you money? I just earned a commission of ten pounds."

"Haha, there's no need. I'll be able to settle it." Old Neil slowly stood up. "Sigh, age is truly an enemy that biological creatures can't fight. I'm exhausted from last night's watch. Yeah, revise what I've taught you later this morning. Read more documents. Tomorrow, I'll teach you the foundations of ritualistic magic."

"Alright." Klein bade him farewell.

When Captain Dunn did not return at noon, Klein pretended that he was still searching for the notebook as he roamed the streets again.

Having gained ten pounds, he could head directly to the Divination Club.

Cogitation and Spirit Vision have been occasionally producing murmurings and illusions. It made him eager to begin 'acting.'