“But since you failed, the fare will be replaced by a single bullet.”
Disregarding the incoherent muttering of the individual, Lennok unwound.
His drooping shoulders eased, and latent mana surged in tandem.
It was evident that this individual was part of the faction responsible for the illicit acquisition of narcotics.
Naturally, the reason behind his current presence before Lennok required no explanation.
Raising his sunglasses, the man peered downward at Lennok with evasive eyes.
“49th District’s Van. Recently, you’re the rising star here. I heard that Jenny gave you something valuable.”
“So what?”
“Rumor has it you’re a wizard above level 5… Shall we see if my bullet also gets lodged in such a skilled wizard?”
Listening to him was a mentally taxing endeavor.
If Lennok considered himself a high-level wizard, encountering an unhinged individual who charges at him rather than evades would be a common occurrence in this neighborhood.
It’s a lawless land where only the strongest survive.
However, no one truly gauges their own limits without firsthand combat.
They seize, kill, and pillage as much as they can.
“Hoo…”
Letting out a deep exhale, Lennok pulled out a cigarette from his pocket.
Despite his attempts to quit smoking since resuming bounty hunting, it wasn’t an easy feat.
In this city, there were too many individuals consumed by greed and pleasure, seemingly existing solely to obstruct Lennok’s work.
Even parading his skills and reputation wasn’t sufficient.
While Lennok was already acknowledged as a capable figure in this area, this also meant that equally adept individuals and organizations had begun to clash.
“Sure, I never thought it would be easy.”
“Then come on.”
ZZZzzzzzzz!!!
Electricity crackled between his fingers before cascading onto the ground as Lennok stepped forward and the man pulled the slide on his gun.
An upturned car, unable to withstand the magical pressure, was flung aside as their confrontation unfolded.
***
Kwoong!!
Lennok lowered the sizable bag he had been suspending behind his back.
The impact reverberated with a weighty finality. No one could peer inside the bag, but no one needed to; the scent of blood emanating from it spoke volumes.
A hush fell upon the crowded bar.
Jenny, who had been concocting cocktails, grimaced.
“Van, I told you to come through the back door when you bring something like that.”
“I thought I should hand it over immediately.”
He retrieved a digital drug kit from his pocket and rested it on the bar, blood stains marring its surface.
“Check the guy with the sunglasses who used an unusual gun. See how related he is to this bounty.”
“Is he alive?”
“Well, not sure…”
Lennok muttered as he took a seat at the edge of the bar.
He hadn’t been an easy adversary.
Despite the man’s peculiar movements that surpassed even magically-enhanced superhumans, he wasn’t entirely devoid of mana.
His fighting style, characterized by erratic movements with an array of gadgets and mana-infused bullets, was more chaotic than perilous.
Lennok had to exert significant effort to keep his body intact.
“He was that kind of enemy.”
“I can’t be sure.”
“Ha…”
Jenny let out a deep sigh and reached for the phone to dial a number.
Before long, a slight figure emerged from behind the bar.
A boy with a determined air, a face recognizable to Lennok.
Blood mage Rayan Aiter.
Lennok greeted him with a faint smile, waving his hand.
“Long time no see, little one.”
“……Who are you calling ‘little one’?”
The boy grumbled, but still managed to lift the bag that Lennok had placed down.
The bag was a mana-infused one, containing an adult-sized man. Despite this, the boy’s small frame allowed him to carry it effortlessly as he disappeared behind the bar.
Almost a month had passed since the city’s inspection had been lifted, yet the boy was still found working at Jenny’s bar.
Operating independently within District 44 was less effective for business than utilizing blood magic under Jenny’s guidance.
Jenny’s connections and abilities had become more evident during this time, and Lennok didn’t mind it at all.
Rayan’s blood magic occasionally yielded unexpectedly detailed information, which proved invaluable in solving cases.
Rayan, even at his young age, had adapted to the freelance life, striving not to be a burden.
Once the troublesome item was dealt with, the other patrons redirected their attention and resumed their conversations.
No one was taken aback or created a scene in response to the grisly scene.
Visitors to the bar were either accustomed to such sights or simply disinterested.
***
“Test results are out. What do you want to hear first?”
Rayan swiftly presented the findings.
His proficiency in blood magic certainly sped up the process.
There was a reason why Jenny continued to employ him despite his brusque demeanor.
“Just read it all.”
“Male, 38 years old. Right-handed. One eye has poor vision, the other is prosthetic. 78% of the body is modified. Mana level similar to a Level 1 mage.”
“That’s not what I was asking.”
Jenny’s expression soured.
“We can find such generic information easily on the deep web. Tell me about genetic diseases or origins.”
“There’s not much conclusive information due to impurities in the blood. He’s of mixed Southern Continent descent and enjoyed unrefined alcohol. No known genetic diseases, but he does have a constitution that takes mana well.”
“A guy from the Southern Continent who enjoys cheap alcohol…?”
“Maybe from a notorious underground organization. They’re known for their strong sense of community.”
Jenny and Lennok swiftly exchanged thoughts.
“Could be a cartel, or mafia.”
“Either way, if we look at organizations that have recently incorporated external forces, we’ll find the answer quickly.”
“I’ll negotiate with the client for additional incentives. This much information should be sufficient.”
“Do I get a share of that…?”
Rayan’s anxious inquiry went unnoticed by Jenny as she leaned over the bar.
Observing her as she diligently typed into the deep web, Lennok extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray.
Negotiating for better compensation was a sensible strategy.
From the client’s perspective, there’s often no remorse in offering additional incentives based on results.
In essence, a broker’s role involves effectively presenting freelancers’ work for negotiation.
Jenny had never disappointed Lennok in such matters, not even once.
“I’m done. We should be able to get an additional one hundred million. They were not only considering tracing the organization but also retaking their base. However, we’ve decided to stop at that for now.”
“Alright.”
If the organization Lennok had targeted was implicated, the extent to which they would need to delve to bring the matter to a conclusive end remained uncertain.
‘In the earlier case, I had willingly continued to work on long-term projects to dramatically increase my reputation, but now that I’ve secured my place as a freelancer, making quick money with short-term projects seems to be more beneficial financially.’
With this thought in mind, Lennok reclined in his chair, stretching his neck backward.
Jenny, having just finished her tasks, spoke with a comforting tone, noticing his evident fatigue.
“You’ve worked hard. You practically took care of this project on your own.”
“……”
“Considering that you’ve recovered the drug kit almost in perfect condition, the bonus is no joke. You should easily make 500 million cells.”
Lennok chuckled at Jenny’s expression, a grin forming as he contemplated the significant compensation involved.
Originally assigned to another freelancer, the commission for this specific request had fallen to Lennok due to the initial freelancer’s demise and the loss of the drug kit.
The fact that Lennok, who had no intention of working at the time, took over an unsuccessful job meant the payment was quite lucrative.
While engaging in an unexpected pursuit was tiring, a thicker wallet is always a welcome outcome, isn’t it?
Jenny, who had been engrossed in her laptop and phone, gestured toward Lennok.
Understanding the signal as a request to block out ambient noise, Lennok promptly cast a soundproof spell.
“What’s going on?”
“I have something to discuss about the underground auction.”
“…?”
“You’re targeting the potions sold there, right? I’ve also been doing some research on that.”
Jenny continued, mentioning the VIP ticket for the underground auction he had obtained from Evelyn.
“In fact, the crazy commissions we’re taking now are also for participating in the second underground auction of this quarter.”
“……”
“If you’re just going after effective potions, the price varies dramatically. You may even need billions of cells to find what suits you.”
“And?”
“What if there’s something that can have a similar effect?”
A weathered amulet appeared on the screen.
“This is one of the items left by a high-level potion master called Yakson. Although he has long since retired, he still sees patients who come with this amulet.”
“…?”
“It’s not a potion you can directly obtain, and it’s more like a ticket to meet someone. So it’s relatively easier to get compared to wildly priced potions or artifacts. Of course, what you’d have to pay after getting Yakson’s treatment is another story… What do you think?”
“…..”
Jenny grinned, “Isn’t it worth a try?”
The notion of receiving treatment from a high-level potion master certainly piqued Lennok’s interest.
“But thank you for the suggestion, Jenny… I’m not seeking potions because I can’t find a skilled person.”
Lennok’s response carried a serious expression.
“I have no intention of revealing my circumstances to a stranger whose face I don’t even know.”
Lennok had no intention of revealing this secret, which could potentially become a fatal vulnerability, swayed by hasty optimism.
Jenny, however, nodded as if she had anticipated Lennok’s answer.
“I know you’re collecting potions very cautiously for a reason. But Yakson is completely different from other doctors. There’s a reason why many patients sought him.”
“What?”
“They say there’s a specific reason why Yakson, who was doing well, retired.”
Jenny affirmed, acknowledging Lennok’s perturbed countenance.
“He might be able to solve some of your problems too.”
