Chapter 70
Chapter 70
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: Direct Request (2)
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Murphy Kinbell.
If asked to describe his first impression, Oliver would say he was like a statue of a man.
His shoulders were squarely set, his body sturdy, but his eyes and expression were as lifeless and rigid as stone.
Rather than simply well-trained, he gave the feeling of someone artificially crafted.
He swept his hair to one side and spoke again.
"Hello. Black Wizard. I'm Murphy Kinbell."
Oliver stood from his seat and returned the greeting.
"Yes, hello? I'm Dave."
An awkward greeting laced with a strange tension hung in the air.
At that moment, Forrest also rose and opened his mouth.
"If it's alright, have the client sit here too. You've already exchanged greetings, but I still have my job to do... Dave, this is Murphy Kinbell. He's the boss of the Kinbell Family, which controls T District from Street 40 to 45... Kinbell, this is Dave. The black wizard who pulled that aching tooth of yours cleanly."
At Forrest's introduction, Oliver exchanged greetings with Murphy once more.
He was still a man with an odd vibe, even on second glance.
It was just a hunch, but he seemed to have crossed more lines of death than anyone Oliver had met.
Even including the lightning wizard, the black wizard Joseph, and the holy knight Joanna.
As if reading that thought, Forrest explained.
"Murphy's a veteran. A true patriot who fought in the colonial wars and the continental wars."
"...That's all in the past. Now I just run a small business... In any case, it's a pleasure to meet you, Black Wizard. Thank you for your help with this matter. You've given us tremendous aid."
Unlike his intimidating appearance, Murphy was exceedingly polite. However, his true feelings were far from it.
Even at this moment, he inwardly doubted whether Oliver had truly succeeded in the mission, running countless calculations.
Kant had always warned him: never trust gangsters; always stay on guard.
"No need. I was just doing my job."
"Even so, thank you. The ledgers and documents you brought were a huge help too."
"I've received fair pay, so it's fine. More importantly, I heard you had something to discuss with me."
As Oliver cut to the chase, Murphy followed suit without hesitation.
Forrest stepped back a pace to observe.
"Yes, as you've likely heard, we don't fully trust this so-called associate professor. Traitors betray again, after all."
"I see..."
"Exactly. So we can't rely on the magic liquor workshop he mentioned either. Could you perhaps describe the workshop you saw in X District, even briefly? We don't know what tricks he might be up to."
"I only looked around once. There were four workshops, but I only checked one. Why not go see for yourself?"
"We already did. But they were completely empty."
"Empty?"
"Yes, not just damaged—someone had stripped the place bare."
At that instant, Oliver recalled the outsider he'd detected with his minion while escaping with Huberton.
Intuition told him they were involved.
"Oh no... Was it my mistake?"
"No, I'm just grateful to the black wizard who exceeded expectations despite the modest pay. We simply seek your assistance."
Oliver glanced at Forrest, who shrugged it off as no big deal.
After a moment's thought, Oliver asked Forrest if he had paper and a pen.
"Paper and pen?"
"Yes."
Forrest handed them over with a puzzled look.
Oliver immediately began sketching lines to draw the workshop layout, then added the water tanks, distillers, pipes, and materials in their remembered positions.
For the equipment, within his knowledge, he noted the material, capacity, and function briefly.
Who knew that making Filterettes and reading related books would help like this? Life was truly unpredictable.
"It was roughly like this. I don't remember more."
"......."
"......."
Not perfect, but still an impressive blueprint. Murphy and even Forrest were too stunned to speak right away.
"...Is something wrong?"
"No, not at all... It's just so excellent... Is this really accurate?"
"As far as I remember?"
Murphy asked no more and carefully folded the paper Oliver had drawn, tucking it into his pocket.
With great satisfaction, he spoke again.
"And there's one more favor I'd like to ask."
"The guard job?"
"Yes. It's awkward for me to say, but the magic liquor workshop—no, factory—we're planning is a massive undertaking."
"Is it?"
"Indeed. The magic liquor market is nearly as big as legal liquor. Despite the high risks in production and consumption, demand is steady. If we can mass-produce quality product consistently, the profits will be enormous."
Murphy spoke sincerely. Oliver looked at Forrest, who nodded in agreement.
It was kinder explanation than expected, and Oliver soon understood why.
The man before him was someone Oliver desperately needed right now.
In a situation where Kant's fixers held the upper hand. Of course, they might wipe their mouths clean once the job was done, but until then, they'd cater to Oliver as much as possible.
Murphy continued.
"But the bigger the business, the fiercer the competition, and in these back alleys, it comes with violence. So we need someone to protect the factory until it's complete."
"If I may, one question?"
"A question?"
"Yes, if you'll allow."
"Of course. What is it?"
"You're facing threats before completion, but once it's done, it'll be fine?"
"Yes, from then on. Once we prove the quality, output, and profits of our magic liquor to the higher-ups, they'll protect us naturally. So right now is the most dangerous time."
It wasn't entirely convincing, but Oliver nodded.
Organizations had plenty he couldn't quite grasp anyway.
Still, he got the gist: Crime Firm competed but also cooperated.
"I know whining like this is rude. At first, I tried handling it with just me and my family. Not something to say before a black wizard, but I'm confident in a fight."
Sincerity.
"Then?"
"It's because of Huberton and the Magic Tower affiliates lurking around."
He brought up the sensitive topic himself.
"Most likely wizards. Honestly, we couldn't find a way to deal with them alone. That's why I've come begging despite the impropriety."
"I can't guarantee victory over wizards either."
"Your mere presence as a skilled black wizard might make them back off. They wouldn't want to escalate rationally."
Oliver nodded. This man didn't expect him to fight wizards—just to serve as a deterrent.
"I know it's an unappealing offer. Thirty million to possibly fight a Magic Tower wizard? It doesn't add up. But within my knowledge, you're the only one who can handle this. So I plead for your help. I'll sweeten the terms too."
"Terms?"
"Yes. Cash is tight now, so I can't add more upfront, but assuming the factory operates safely, I'll pay an additional thirty million by next fall. Totaling sixty million Landa."
Oliver looked at Forrest.
"Sorry, but I don't deal in uncertain pay."
"I understand your position, Forrest. Your business prefers certainties. But I'm sincere."
Oliver checked Murphy's emotions. True to his word, he was earnest. Of course, it hinged on completing and operating the factory safely.
"I can offer maximum help in other ways too."
"Other help?"
"Anything I can provide. Like the Black Market, for instance."
Oliver glanced at Forrest again. This time, he shook his head.
"Forrest said nothing. It was my assumption. Looks like I was right."
"How did you know?"
"I roamed many battlefields. Faced black wizards a few times too. Skilled ones rarely wander alone."
Hearing that, Oliver considered finding a companion. Lone black wizards stood out more than he'd thought.
"Even without the Black Market, I can connect you to Crime Firm services like IDs or buildings."
"IDs? Buildings?"
"Yes. An ID makes activities easier, and long-term room rental beats inns or hostels for cost. Crime Firm's involved in all that."
"How kind."
"That's how much we need your help, Black Wizard. If you assist, I won't forget the favor. It may sound boastful, but if this business succeeds, my standing in Crime Firm rises, and long-term, I can help you accordingly."
This was sincere too. More will than certainty, but he envisioned a long-term alliance with Oliver.
"Sorry, but could Forrest and I speak privately? Just to discuss."
"Of course. You should. I'll wait in the next room—call me when you're done."
Murphy rose agreeably.
Alone now, Oliver spoke first.
"Is that true? He'll help me if his standing rises in Crime Firm."
"Likely. As I said last time, they're desperate for new muscle. Providing conveniences lets them make fitting requests... Simply put, using you, but they'll do their utmost to help in return."
It didn't sound bad. Mutual use with payment. That was this world.
"Will Murphy grow that much?"
"Honestly, I don't know. Big shots turn up dead in the Sum River the next day, and nobodies become kingpins. But if you ask my opinion, he has potential."
"Potential?"
"Yes. Survival here needs long-term plans, and Murphy has them."
"Because of the magic liquor factory?"
"No. Because he's an augmented human. Body enhanced by medicine and magic. Surgeries costing millions to billions, gotten for free—from the military."
"Oh... How so?"
"Volunteered as a test subject. Became augmented for free, then conquered five streets post-discharge. He thinks far ahead and risks for it. If he succeeds big, it'll be huge. That's why I asked if you'd meet him."
Oliver grasped Forrest's point. The request might lack value for brokers or fixers, but for Oliver personally, it could be a solid investment.
Unable to decide for him, Forrest offered the choice.
He could've ignored it for short-term gains and pushed Oliver elsewhere profitable... yet he shared it anyway.
"Thank you for the consideration."
"No idea what you mean. I just presented options. The choice is yours. Speaking of, decided? Murphy's pressed for time."
Oliver nodded. Uncertain odds, but a good long-term bet.
Making an influential Crime Firm contact wasn't bad either.
Forrest called Murphy back at the decision.
"Decided, Black Wizard?"
"Yes, I'll take the guard job. But one request."
"Request? What?"
"Might fight wizards, so I need bulk emotions and life force. Know a source? I know a gray market, but quality's poor."
"Yes, we must provide that. Anything else?"
Oliver pondered. Nothing else tempted immediately.
"...Nothing else for now. Later okay?"
"...Of course."
Clap! Forrest pulled out a contract.
"Good. Let's draw up the employment contract."
Afterward, Oliver bought emotions and life force in bulk from the new gray market Murphy recommended.
This one had decent goods.
When he mentioned it to Forrest and Murphy, they said it was typical of gray markets.
Linked to the massive Black Market but as a side branch, management was lax—good items sometimes, junk others. Don't get excited or down; visit steadily, they advised.
Experience would reveal patterns, even snagging high-quality at bargain prices.
Truly like a traditional market. Oliver agreed to follow that.
"This the place?"
Oliver checked the note's address.
[T District, Street 42, No. 13.]
After trudging through factory- and warehouse-packed areas, only a shabby warehouse amid factories was visible.
Was this really the magic liquor production site? Then a familiar voice rang.
"You've arrived, Black Wizard."
"Murphy. This is it."
"Yes. Sorry right away, but let me guide you on what to guard. Follow me."