Chapter 1104: Petty Cleverness
Morgan was instantly overjoyed and nodded eagerly.
"Alright, Archmage Leon, rest assured. I'll go right now and get this done. I'll head out this instant..."
Morgan dashed out in a frenzy, his face lit up with wild delight.
Damn, this is perfect. That idiot Diras showed up at just the right time.
That bastard actually had the nerve to follow me here—he's got no shame at all. He used to look down on Archmage Leon, and now he comes crawling, begging for help.
And Archmage Leon already said he wouldn't see him, but the guy still shamelessly refuses to leave...
That fool must be hoping for Archmage Leon's help to break through to Sky Rank.
Pfft, what an idiot. Does he really think breaking through to Sky Rank is that easy? Without the Beast God's Blood as a catalyst, even Archmage Leon can't make that golden potion...
Does he actually expect Archmage Leon to hand over the Beast God's Blood for him?
Anyway, Archmage Leon hasn't said whether he'll help him or not. Since he's left it all to me, well, Diras, don't blame me for what happens next.
I was just about to ask Archmage Leon if we could delay the mana crystal payment, and then you showed up...
All I have to do is squeeze enough profit out of this for Archmage Leon—make that fool Diras cough up so much he bleeds, maybe even break a couple bones as payment...
Then, if I talk to Archmage Leon about delaying the mana crystal payment, it'll definitely be much easier...
As long as Diras coughs up enough, I'm sure Archmage Leon won't mind brewing a golden potion for that idiot...
If Diras tries to offer me a cut, should I take it...?
Forget it, not worth it. What could he give me that's better than a golden potion from Archmage Leon?
I'll just squeeze Diras for all he's worth and make sure Archmage Leon gets the best deal. If Diras isn't left spitting blood, it's not over.
If Archmage Leon is pleased, then getting my mana crystal payment postponed will go off without a hitch...
It's just forty mana crystals, right? If I can squeeze eighty out of Diras, plus some extra perks, getting my payment postponed is a piece of cake...
Besides, if Archmage Leon is in a good mood, maybe he'll brew me another golden potion...
Heh, if that happens, Arno and I will both be Sky Rank powerhouses...
Morgan wore a grin, looking at Diras as if he were a fat sheep covered in golden wool...
"Ah, Diras, so you're here. Archmage Leon is busy with some important research and doesn't have time right now.
If you have anything to discuss, just tell me. Archmage Leon asked me to handle things, so whatever you want to say, go ahead."
With that, Morgan swaggered over, found himself a seat, and lazily glanced at Diras—his look said, 'Spit it out, and if you've got something valuable, hand it over.'
Diras, seeing that it wasn't Leon Merlin but Morgan handling the negotiation, instantly breathed a sigh of relief.
Perfect, Morgan's the one in charge. Luckily, I've always gotten along with him and never really crossed him. Besides, we're both from factions within the Odin Kingdom...
If I break through to Sky Rank, it'll strengthen the Odin Kingdom. As long as I offer Morgan enough benefits, he'll loosen up, and once the deal is struck, would Leon Merlin really go back on his word?
If he dares to go back on the deal, it gives me an excuse—I can rally the other Odin Kingdom factions. I'm sure they'd be very interested in Leon Merlin's method for helping mages achieve transcendence...
Heh, if I team up with the others and steal Leon Merlin's secret, I won't need to beg him anymore...
Diras's face broke into a radiant smile.
"Morgan, it's been ages! I often think back to the old days, when we fought side by side. Those were truly memorable times.
I never expected you to be so gifted, already making the final transcendence and becoming a Sky Rank powerhouse...
And here I am, still a Ninth-Rank Title Archmage. This last step—the hardest transcendence—I have no idea when I'll make it. I'm happy for you, but honestly, I feel a bit lost...
This is something I picked up a while back. It boosts the power of dark spells, but it's wasted on me, so I'll give it to you as a congratulatory gift, Morgan."
With that, Diras produced a badge shimmering with black light, its surface marked by the head of a dark beast.
Morgan's face showed a flicker of surprise.
"Diras, this is too much—the Black Lion Emblem is extremely valuable. It doesn't just boost dark magic, but also reduces mana consumption. I heard it went for over twenty Level 39 mana crystals at the Purple Magnolia Auction House..."
Morgan said all this, but he showed no intention of actually accepting the badge.
Really stingy—trying to bribe me with a Black Lion Emblem just to break through to Sky Rank? At best, it's worth a couple Pseudo Sky Rank Mana Crystals.
Does he think I'm that easy to buy off? I'm here to negotiate for Archmage Leon, not to pocket scraps from this guy. What would Archmage Leon think of me then?
Wouldn't that just mean I'm using Archmage Leon to get personal gain? Nothing he offers can compare to a golden potion...
Diras really is just a petty schemer, not like me—a man of true wisdom...
Morgan made no move to accept the gift. Diras was a bit surprised but still forced the badge into Morgan's hand, all the while saying polite things.
"Morgan, you're too polite. This is just a token to celebrate your breakthrough. We've known each other so long, fought side by side. If I reach Sky Rank, as your closest friend, shouldn't I give you a gift...?"
Morgan's eyes flashed with disdain, and he returned the gift to Diras without hesitation.
"Diras, forget about me. I don't recall us ever fighting side by side. If you've got something to say, spit it out—I'm busy.
You know, Pseudo Sky Rank Beasts in the Blazeforge Battlefield aren't easy to find. I need to hurry and hunt for mana crystals—those foolish orcs are probably up to something..."
Morgan looked all business, nose practically pointed at the sky.
Diras's eyelid twitched, a shadow flickered in his eyes. He paused in silence before finally asking:
"Morgan, I've heard Archmage Leon can help Ninth-Rank Title Archmages break through to Sky Rank. I wanted to ask if Archmage Leon could help me achieve the breakthrough as well.
After all, you know as well as I do—the orcs in the Blazeforge Battlefield are up to something. Last time, I saw one of them break through to Sky Rank and use transcendental power right here.
They're getting the Beast God's blessing, and their strength is growing fast. If a few more orcs reach Sky Rank, we're all doomed...
Whether it's the Odin Kingdom or the Andalusia Kingdom, we're allies now. Those foolish orcs don't care which kingdom we're from.
If we don't unite, in the end, the orcs will wipe us all out...
Since Archmage Leon has a way for us to achieve transcendence, shouldn't we all work together and strengthen our forces?
Archmage Leon is powerful, but even he can't handle several Sky Rank orcs using transcendental power at once...
Of course, I wouldn't expect Archmage Leon to do it for free. As part of the deal, I'll do my best to meet whatever conditions he sets..."