Chapter 143: Chapter 100: Gathering Invitation, New Magic

"Sir, the Enlightenment Potion you sold last time was of exceptional quality. Do you happen to have any to sell today? I’m willing to pay 3 gold pounds and 10 shillings for it."

"Why?" Wei’en was a bit surprised. ’Someone’s actually offering a higher price... Drowning in money?’

Flanta smiled and explained, "Many Magic Potion Masters sell their perfect-grade Magic Potions at a much higher price than others. A person of your status and skill deserves such a premium."

This was the strategy he had devised—pay a premium to establish a relationship of equals.

It was only ten shillings. If he could gain the man’s friendship—no, even if he could just become a closer acquaintance than others—the investment would be well worth it.

Besides, he wasn’t just pulling numbers out of thin air. Renowned Magic Potion Masters did charge more for their potions.

It was just that individuals of their standing rarely sold basic concoctions like Enlightenment Potions...

"In that case, my thanks."

Wei’en could see his motive but didn’t refuse.

This world was brutally pragmatic. Kindness for kindness’s sake didn’t exist; unprovoked malice, however, was far more common.

It was rare for someone to show him such direct goodwill, so he certainly didn’t mind gaining another "acquaintance."

"This time, besides the Enlightenment Potion, I have a few other Magic Potions..."

A short while later, Wei’en had sold all his Magic Potions to Flanta at roughly a 10% premium, sealing the deal with a contract via the Nightmare Worm.

"I wonder, sir, if you might be available at midnight two days from now?"

"Hm?"

Flanta said with a smile, "You see, there’s a small gathering on the 49th floor of the tower in two days. If you have the time, I would like to invite you to attend."

Wei’en asked with interest, "What kind of gathering?"

"It’s being organized by a Wizard from the Spiritual Mystery School. Most of the attendees are elites from the various schools, and that includes several masters who specialize in the study of Magic Potions."

Wei’en thought for a moment. ’Wizards from the various schools?’

’If that’s the case, will there be Wizards from the Ghost Soul School there too?’

"Alright, I’ll go."

Wei’en gave a noncommittal nod. "I’m just not sure... is there anything I’ll be expected to do at this gathering?"

"It’s a private gathering; there’s no requirement for you to contribute anything."

Flanta quickly added, "However, based on previous gatherings, attendees usually exchange insights gained on the Wizard’s Path or discuss the latest research topics of interest."

"I remember the topic at the last gathering—proposed by that same Wizard from the Spiritual Mystery School—was a discussion on methods to defend against the Red Moon’s corruption. It was a very rare opportunity."

"Oh? And did you reach any conclusions?" Wei’en’s eyes brightened. He was extremely interested in any method that didn’t involve Dawn Radiance.

"Er, not yet..." Flanta looked a little embarrassed. "Research on the Red Moon is of too high a level. Even within the schools, only a very small number of people are involved."

"However, an Extraordinary who spends a lot of time at sea did mention an island near the Northern Continent where the Red Moon is said to never hang in the sky. It’s quite remarkable."

"A place like that exists?"

"That’s just what I heard him say at the gathering. In truth, many people go their entire lives without ever leaving their respective schools." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Wei’en nodded in understanding. ’This gathering sounds quite interesting,’ he thought, ’it’s exactly what I need right now.’ "Anything else?"

Flanta replied, "There’s also the fact that everyone trades items at each gathering."

"Trading?"

"Yes. It could be Era Relics, knowledge, materials, or research findings. A key point is that it’s almost always bartering—exchanging one item for another. Gold pounds are rarely used."

’Bartering, is it?’

"I understand. I’ll prepare a few little things ahead of time."

"I’m confident your presence will make this gathering all the more brilliant."

"Then I’ll see you in two days."

Flanta said respectfully, "I shall look forward to your arrival."

Wei’en gave the tower one last look before withdrawing from the Nightmare Realm. He then opened his card box and placed the prepared Magic Potions inside, one by one.

Watching the Nightmare Worm’s palm-sized head swallow dozens of potion vials in one go, he couldn’t help but worry they would be crushed and broken in transit.

’This world didn’t exactly have insurance for broken vials...’

But beyond selling the Magic Potions, what truly pleased him this time was the invitation to the gathering.

In all his time in this world, he had only ever come into contact with two other Wizards: one was the Liaison Officer from the Intelligence Department, and the other was that Shadow.

Well, the former disgusted him, and he had already killed the latter...

He hoped this gathering would allow him to get some useful information. At the very least, he needed to build a relationship with a Wizard from the Ghost Soul School and maintain contact.

Before long, Wei’en received the payment—105 gold pounds in total.

They would have originally sold for only around 92 gold pounds. He hadn’t expected Flanta to suddenly add a ten percent premium, leaving him much better off financially.

With this, plus the money he had left over, he now had 172 gold pounds and 10 shillings.

"Now *this* is the kind of wealth a Wizard should have..."

When he thought about how his predecessor had scrimped and saved for months just to gather the 2 gold pounds needed for the Meditation Technique, the difference was truly immense.

Now that he had money, Wei’en followed the list he had planned out and submitted a requisition request to the Ghost Soul School’s apprentice administration office.

Two defensive spells and four offensive spells in total.

The defensive spells were Bone Wall and Spirit Shield.

Among the offensive spells, two were necromantic in nature.

One of them was Shadow Bind, the same spell Ognian the Shadow had used—the one that could extend countless arms.

He chose this spell mainly to increase his control abilities, as its effect was to trap enemies, making it easier for him to launch his own attacks.