Chapter 316: The Deal
So, early in the morning, Ross Merlin personally went to find Hoffland.
This time, Ross Merlin finally confirmed his previous suspicion from Hoffland's own mouth.
That's right—the person who killed Stan Watson was sent by Matthew Merlin...
In other words, the thing he wanted was almost certainly in Matthew Merlin's hands.
After hearing this news, Ross Merlin couldn't sit still any longer. He came over early in the morning, only to be blocked at the door by William Merlin. This happened for several days in a row, and Ross Merlin was helpless—William Merlin was no longer the same as before. Although his strength wasn't enough to completely overpower Ross Merlin, Ross Merlin had no confidence in defeating him now...
But he couldn't just leave things unclear...
That thing was far too important to Ross Merlin. No matter what it cost, he had to get it in his hands.
Now, the only thing Ross Merlin could do was come by every day, hoping to run into Matthew Merlin at some point...
As long as William Merlin didn't get in the way, Ross Merlin was sure things would be much simpler. He had plenty of bargaining chips to offer...
Don't be fooled by Matthew Merlin being the owner of the Gilded Rose—he's rumored to control a vast fortune. But Seaview City is still just Seaview City, a small place in the eastern part of the kingdom. There are many things that money can't buy here...
For example, all kinds of rare magical materials, powerful magic equipment, and even advanced alchemy techniques and profound magical knowledge.
Especially when it comes to techniques and knowledge—I have plenty, accumulated from years of battling across major planes. But for Matthew Merlin, those aren't so easy to come by.
With these things, I could easily strike a deal with Matthew Merlin that would make everyone happy.
The problem is, how to get around William Merlin...
"Hey, cousin, you're out..." Just as Ross Merlin was deep in thought, William Merlin suddenly turned around, his face lighting up with surprise and enthusiasm.
"Looks like this cousin Matthew really does have some astonishing wealth..." Ross Merlin couldn't help but sigh at the scene.
Now, William Merlin's strength is on par with mine—he's one of the top talents among the younger generation of the Merlin Family. But facing Matthew Merlin, the boss of the Gilded Rose and a man of vast wealth, he acts so eager and flattering. Clearly, he's gotten plenty of benefits from this cousin Matthew...
"Mm." Leon nodded. After several days locked in his room, he'd finally adjusted to the new form of the magical energy array armor. He was about to run some tests and collect data when he suddenly remembered—it was the day of the Blackhorn Auction. So, he quickly tidied up and headed downstairs.
"So, any progress these past few days?" William Merlin was, of course, asking about his cousin's magic runes.
You have to understand, William Merlin saw with his own eyes how his cousin, already at the Magus level, completed the fusion of his Arcane Sigil. Now William Merlin was incredibly curious—his cousin was already absurdly powerful, so just how much stronger had he become?
"A little progress." Leon didn't want to say much on the topic and just nodded. "By the way, today's supposed to be the day of the Blackhorn Auction, right?"
"Ah, the Blackhorn Auction..." What was meant to be a casual remark made William Merlin grimace. "I'm afraid we're too late. The Blackhorn Auction starts at ten in the morning, and it's already nine. It'll take us at least an hour to get there from here..."
"It's fine, let's just go and see." Leon remembered that before coming to Auckland, Kadgar had come to the Gilded Rose especially to find him, insisting that no matter what, he had to go to the Blackhorn Auction House once he arrived in Auckland. Kadgar even gave Leon a ring, saying that with it, he could walk unimpeded into any Blackhorn Auction House in the Northend World.
"Alright then, let's hurry..."
Just as the two were about to leave, Ross Merlin couldn't hold back anymore. "Matthew... Cousin Matthew, please wait..."
"And you are?" Leon was already in a rush, and getting blocked annoyed him. When he looked at Ross Merlin, his gaze was clearly unfriendly.
"He's Ross Merlin, the one you met a few days ago..." William Merlin quickly explained, shooting Ross Merlin a glare as he did. He thought to himself, consider this my good deed for the day—saving your skin.
"Oh." Leon nodded. "I'm heading to the Blackhorn Auction now, and I'm short on time. Can we talk after I get back?"
"No, wait!" Ross Merlin had been waiting for days. Now that he'd finally met Matthew Merlin in person, there was no way he'd let him leave. Seeing Leon about to walk off, Ross Merlin hurriedly raised his staff to block his way.
Originally, there was nothing wrong with what Ross Merlin did.
After all, Leon was already some distance away—reaching out wouldn't be enough, only a longer staff could block his path...
But to William Merlin, that move was downright frightening: "Ross Merlin, what do you think you're doing!"
This was no joke...
William Merlin had spent half a year in Seaview City—he knew better than anyone what his cousin hated most.
A staff is a weapon!
Brandishing a weapon in front of him—Ross Merlin, if you're looking to die, this is definitely not the way to do it...
"Ross Merlin, I'll say it one last time—leave now, immediately. This is your final warning. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to teach you another lesson, and I promise this time my Wind Blade won't just slice your robe!" William Merlin's expression had grown cold, and the magic aura radiating from him made it clear he was ready for a fight.
There was nothing more William Merlin could do at this point.
Otherwise, if Ross Merlin did anything more reckless, William Merlin really couldn't guarantee he'd get out of here alive...
Unfortunately, William Merlin's good intentions were completely lost on Ross Merlin. After blocking Leon with his staff, he said, "Cousin Matthew, I really do want to negotiate a deal with you. I guarantee you'll be interested in my offer. I can provide you with Archmage-level, even Title Archmage-level magical knowledge, and Grand Alchemist-level alchemy techniques. I can even lend my aid to the Gilded Rose three times. All I want is the map Stan Watson left behind after his death."
After speaking, Ross Merlin stood motionless, waiting for Leon to agree.
To Ross Merlin, it was a sure thing.
The terms he'd offered were almost flawless. Ross Merlin was convinced that as long as Matthew Merlin was thinking straight, there was no way he'd refuse such an offer.
Archmage-level and Title Archmage-level magical knowledge, Grand Alchemist-level alchemy techniques, and even his promise to help the Gilded Rose three times—all that, in exchange for just a map left behind by Stan Watson. Who could refuse?
And then...
Leon turned him down...
"Not interested."
After saying that, Leon brushed aside the staff blocking his way and left with William Merlin...
"Matthew... Cousin Matthew, wait..." Ross Merlin couldn't believe he'd been rejected after offering such generous terms. He froze for a good ten seconds before finally snapping out of it.
But by then, Leon and William Merlin were already far away, so Ross Merlin had no chance to keep persuading them...
"Right, the Blackhorn Auction..." After brooding for a while, Ross Merlin suddenly remembered they'd mentioned going to the Blackhorn Auction earlier.
Fine, I'll just follow them to the Blackhorn Auction and see what happens...
I'll figure out another way to persuade them then...
But what if it really doesn't work?
At this point, Ross Merlin was no longer as confident about the deal as before...
If it really comes to that...
Ross Merlin gritted his teeth. If it really came to that, he'd have to resort to force. It was the only way—he'd have to seize the map from Matthew Merlin while that young Title Archmage who killed Stan Watson wasn't around.
And after taking it...
He'd just have to find a way to compensate Matthew Merlin afterward.
After all, that map was incredibly important to him, but to everyone else it was just a scrap of paper. At most, he'd just have to compensate Matthew Merlin a little more—maybe use his influence to put some pressure on Owen Merlin. Everyone knew Owen Merlin had his eye on the Gilded Rose's vast wealth, so doing this would actually be helping his cousin from Seaview City.
With that thought, Ross Merlin stopped hesitating and followed the two who had already left, leaving the Merlin Family estate as well...
By then, Leon and William Merlin were already on the road.
"By the way, cousin, do you know anything about that map Ross Merlin mentioned?" Leon had been thinking about it the whole way.
After killing Stan Watson in the Aurich Mountains, Leon did indeed get a parchment map. He'd glanced at it briefly, and the route seemed to lead to the Caucasus, with the destination being a range of mountains even Leon himself didn't dare enter.
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