"It's more like a scouting proposal," Forrest remarked.
Perhaps he wasn't mistaken.
The document in question was a contract with Landa corporations, including Crime Firm, but it wasn't exactly a mutually agreed-upon pact. Instead, it was a one-sided contract being extended—a sort of blank check.
"I don't know anything about accounting or finance, so why suddenly hire me as an accountant or a financial director? And that too, at an absurd amount." Oliver inquired as he skimmed through the document. Notably, the proposal encompassed not only companies run by Crime Firm's board of directors but also some well-known entities in Landa.
"You read quickly." Forrest remarked.
"When I worked in Magic Tower, I dealt with documents, so I've become somewhat familiar with them… Mr. Forrest, you taught me well too."
Forrest chuckled.
As it turned out, Oliver had acquired the basics of document work from Forrest while assisting him in managing the Fighter Crew. Back then, Oliver had questioned why Forrest was teaching him such skills, but now the reasoning became clear—it was quite astute in hindsight.
"But you're not annoying, you know."
"Pardon?"
"Never mind… First of all, to answer your question, they really don't intend to hire you as an accountant or a financial director."
"Then what is it?"
"It's just a nominal position. The real work is lending your name and moving when they request. Think of it like Shamus."
Shamus. At the mention of the name, Oliver finally comprehended.
Both Crime Firm and legitimate businesses had moments when they required force.
"After Magic Tower reported to the city, some high-profile individuals got to know about you. That you were actually part of Magic Tower, Solver Dave."
"In such a short time?"
Oliver questioned how the city's security could be so lax. Forrest soon provided an answer.
"It probably leaked from the city council members. They all read the report and remember your performance in the previous ABC case. They all have connections… You get what I'm saying?"
"I think I get it now. Why there are so many secrets in Landa but also none… But won't people find it strange? That I belong to Magic Tower?"
"People in Landa, especially here, are more interested in benefits than reason. If there is an accident at an airship station, they short sell the airline stock rather than save people. They place value in your affiliation, rather than how you got affiliated."
"Ah…"
It was a distinctly Landa-like yet persuasive statement that rendered Oliver momentarily speechless.
"Actually, half of it is a joke, and if you read the report closely, there is a section about you. You were introduced as a special experimental subject in Magic Tower. Although you were a warlock, you were raised as a wizard. I don't believe it though."
Oliver perused the file once more. Just as Forrest had indicated, that crucial information was tucked away towards the end. It explicitly stated that Oliver had started as a warlock but was transformed into a wizard through experimental procedures.
‘Does it matter? It almost matches what Elder said.' Oliver pondered and inquired.
"Do people believe this?" he asked.
"Why wouldn't they? Magic Tower itself claims so. It may look complex but isn't really. What's important is that you're a top-performing Solver and a member of Magic Tower. So, Crime Firm and various Landa corporations want to scout you officially. They believe that whatever they invest, they will reap more."
"Hmm… Are you suggesting that I should join one of these?"
"No, I know your character well enough to not suggest that. I showed you the contract to explain your current value."
"My value?"
"Yes. You could say you are now a walking medium-sized enterprise."
"Oh… Thank you for the compliment?"
"It's not a compliment, it's a fact. You seem to not believe me."
"It's not that I don't believe you; it's just hard to grasp."
Oliver's response was sincere. He had an unusual disinterest in his own achievements, which made it difficult for him to fully appreciate or grasp his own value.
Understanding Oliver's disposition, Forrest continued to explain patiently without frustration.
"The reason I consider you valuable as a mid-sized enterprise is four-fold. Listen carefully."
"Yes, I understand."
"First, you have a perfect score in the essential areas for a solver: experience, strength, and credibility. You've never failed a mission, you single-handedly took down Shamus, and you could have easily embezzled 3.13 trillion but chose not to."
"Are you talking about ABC? It's not my money, so why would I?"
"That's exactly what's impressive. Honestly, it's more insane than impressive. What does it matter if it's your money or someone else's when it's over 3 trillion?"
"Ah…"
"Secondly, it's because of the Fighter Crew."
"The Fighter Crew?"
"You seem to be unaware, but the Fighter Crew is also buzzing in this field."
"Why is that?"
"From start to finish."
Forest raised both of his index fingers.
"You persuaded the Fighter Crew, battled against Crime Firm to establish new relations, and you've rapidly improved the Fighter Crew's skills. Especially, your contribution to enhancing their skills is the most significant."
Indeed, that was the case. Even before Oliver took charge, the Fighter Crew had a decent reputation, but it was mostly that of a backstreet gang.
However, under Oliver's leadership and after forming an alliance with Crime Firm, the Fighter Crew's reputation had undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a professional military force akin to Pinkman.
"Isn't that an exaggeration?"
"No, I somewhat agree with that assessment. The individual skills of each member have significantly improved, as has the overall organizational combat capability. Even some modest mercenary groups wouldn't dare to challenge them."
Oliver found himself at a loss for words. When it came to matters of work, he had complete trust in Forrest, and it was evident that Forrest was speaking sincerely.
"I'm curious, how did you train them? I knew you trained them, but this is beyond expectations. Did you use some sort of magic?" Forrest inquired.
"It's not magic, but I consulted War wizard training and unit management manuals from the Pure Magic School's library, as well as tactics textbooks. I also based it on my own experience… I'm glad it was effective." Oliver explained, modestly attributing his success to luck, which left Forrest somewhat bewildered.
Building a strong organization involved more than just personal strength. It meant transforming from a mere servant who could earn money to a position of power, potentially leading to a rise in status. However, Oliver displayed no interest in such aspirations.
‘Maybe it's because of his nature that he could achieve this. He's never satisfied, which in a way, makes him more greedy than anyone.'
Returning to the topic at hand, Forrest continued, "Anyway, the ability to grow an organization is impressive. Although it breaks the rules to say this, a few directors at Crime Firm wanted to entrust their own crews to you, asking you to grow them like you did with the Fighter Crew."
"Is that so?" Oliver responded with curiosity.
"Yes. I didn't mention it because it would negatively affect our contract and cooperative relationship with the Crime Firm… But the ability to grow an organization is a remarkable skill, beyond just being strong yourself."
"I understand what you mean… What's the third reason?"
"The ‘Magic Tower' is your banner. Whether it's an effective banner or not is a later issue; a banner itself has value. It's a decisive reason why mainstream companies are approaching you."
"I see. What's the fourth reason?"
"You mentioned earlier that you've studied elemental magic, pure magical theory, war wizard training and unit management, World Tree-related literature, and theories in herbology and golemancy, correct?"
"Yes."
"To what extent have you mastered them? Can you practically use and teach them?"
"… There are varying degrees, but basics should be doable." Oliver replied after a moment of consideration. He believed he needed to further study herbalism and golem creation, but thanks to some of Theodore's knowledge, he felt reasonably confident.
Hearing Oliver's response, Forrest clapped his hands, reassured that his speculations had been confirmed.
"That's the most decisive reason. You've learned valuable knowledge from the Magic Tower. That knowledge alone is an asset."
"I appreciate the compliment, but my level of expertise is not that impressive compared to the wizards who specialize in those disciplines. Also, aren't there quite a number of wizards coming out of the Magic Tower?"
"That's true. In fact, various corporations and capitalists are recruiting wizards who have left the Magic Tower for their own research. But your case is different; you've already proven your own capabilities."
"It seems you're overestimating me?"
"If my judgment is wrong, it's my loss. You don't have to worry about it. Anyway, do you think you can continue to stay at the Magic Tower? It's hard for me to judge since I don't know the situation."
"I apologize for saying this, but I also don't know. However, someone told me that according to the regulations, I have to leave."
"Then, you might not have to leave."
"Pardon?"
"Regulations usually apply in times of peace. When everything can go smoothly without much thought."
"Are you saying that now is not the time?"
"Of course, it isn't. The Life School Magic division, which had the most reputation in the Magic Tower, is practically on the verge of collapse. The Black Hand, which had always operated in the shadows, has officially revealed itself. We're far from peace."
Oliver, currently caught in the midst of this turbulent and far-from-peaceful situation, silently nodded his agreement.
Indeed, this wasn't an issue that could be resolved by simply going with the flow.
"If you're lucky, you might be able to stay in the Magic Tower. I'm concerned."
"What do you mean?"
"If you formally become affiliated with the Magic Tower, there will be restrictions on working as a Solver. Magic Tower has fairly strict rules, you know."
"Then, I can quit." Oliver responded with an air of nonchalance. Though disappointing, he had entered into this situation with such a mindset from the outset.
***
"……Well, then, let's consider this matter settled for now."
In the meeting room of Magic Tower's administrative tower, a man addressed the gathered assembly.
Present were the grandmasters and masters representing all the schools of Magic Tower, excluding Life School Magic—Elemental Magic, Pure Mana, Moirai, Alchemy, Space, Golem, Magical Mechanical Engineering, and others.
"The recent incident in Lake Village is classified as a first-class issue that threatens the Magic Tower. We will not only cooperate with external parties but also activate our internal investigative network and effectively declare war on the key players of this incident, the Black Hand Human-meat Chef faction."
The leaders of each school and the head of the administrative department nodded in silence.
Considering the gravity of the situation, they had no choice but to confront the Black Hand Human-meat Chef faction, whether they liked it or not.
"Also, we will investigate the Life School and identify all those connected to the former Grand Master Theodore Brant and restrict their authority within the school."
Everyone silently concurred. Regardless of their fear of death, they could not condone a traitor who had succumbed to the influence of a warlock.
"However, we will not dissolve the Life school, and until a new Life School Magic order is established… Archwizard Merlin will take over. Does anyone have any objections?"
When the man posed the question, no one voiced dissent.
Those gathered in the meeting room were all prominent figures who could be considered leaders within Magic Tower. Yet, Merlin, seated quietly in one corner, surpassed even them in stature—an Archwizard.
With no objections raised, the man proceeded to conclude the meeting.
"Then, this meeting will be adjourned—"
"Wait."
A man raised his hand and spoke up.
"I have one more point to address before moving on. About Zenon… No, about Dave."
