Chapter 104: Goblin

Chapter 104: Goblin

Im at the restaurant with Quintus, Tiberius, and my notebook. I jotted down the first question, the one thats currently stumping me, and Im looking at it while we wait for the others to arrive.

What is the most important attribute of a [Mage]?

I swear, someone take a gun to my head right now!

What does that even mean?!

The most important attribute? Mana? Not dying? Practice? A big, swinging dong to hypnotize the cannibal Sirens trying to get you?

Oh, yeah, apparently thats a thing. Not anymore, it seems, but it was a thing. Juicy Sirens who could turn their tails into Human legs; the same creatures who ate people for quite a long time. From what Stanimal told me, its an open secret. Many know about it, but the Sirens dont do that anymore because otherwise, the entire world would go on a crusade to get rid of them once and for all.

The most insane thing is that apparently, one of Viliths people, these Vanedenis, lost his marbles one day and dived into the depths of the ocean to kill a famous [Tyrant] Siren.

Insane, yes.

But that does explain Vilith on many levels.

Anyway, less distractions. Come on.

[Single-Minded Focus]

What is the most important attribute of a [Mage]?

It could be an open-ended question. You could give me the best answer for your case or based on your experience, but Ive already tried that, havent I?

Even in my focused state, I only get static as an answer.

I deactivate the skill and put my forehead on the table.

Any problems, Chef?

I hear Tiberiuss voice while Quintus is probably nudging him and telling him not to disturb me.

Im trying to solve a theoretical question about magic, I say, propping myself up on my elbows. The question is fairly simple; what is the most important attribute of a [Mage]? but I dont have a good answer.

Tiberius looks at me, pondering, while Quintus averts his gaze and moves it toward the main counter of the restaurant.

Maybe its about your spells, Chef? Tiberius says with a hint of confusion.

Quintus turns sharply to his pal and struggles to keep his mouth shut.

Quintus, please, speak up. I told you theres nothing that you shouldnt be able to say in front of me. We can even badmouth Stan if you want.

At the mention of badmouthing my manager, they turn pale as a sheet.

Yo, I was joking, I sigh. Come on, Quintus, you have something on your mind, dont you?

The Goblin seems slightly assuaged by my apologies and nods.

Amorium is an architectural marvel, but its also at the very center of Epretos. Few races travel so far. Besides Humans, but they usually dont bear goodwill.

Epretos? I ask, confused.

The Goblin looks as confused as me.

Yes? he says.

Epretos is the continent we are on, Joey, I hear Stanimals voice from the side, clearing up my doubts.

Oh, thats the name of the continent! Okay!

You dont know Lakaris almost chokes on his spit and starts coughing, surprised by my ignorance.

No reason why I should bother with information I dont need. Knowing or not knowing the name of the continent is hardly useful, now, is it?

Claudius is fidgeting so hard by my side Im forced to shoot a hard stare at him. This guy really likes the green fellow, doesnt he? Well, Ill try playing nice if it means Claudius gets his internship or whatever.

So, Mr. Lakaris, I say with a big smile. What brings you here?

The Goblin seems to have decided Im a complete idiot because he stares at me for a couple of seconds before looking at Stan.

Is he serious?

He has no idea who you are and why I called you, the old man replies with some mirth between his eyes.

I dont know what strings you pulled, Lakaris says, looking at Stan with some diffidence, but my patience has limits. And my time is even more limited.

Joey, Stanimal is addressing me now, Mr. Lakaris is an [Architect] of the finest kind. I submitted a request for construction to the city and got it approved, but only as long as hes the one doing the job. Its an honor having him redesign a part of the city, you know?

Oh, you old fox. I know what you are doing. Yeah, yeah, lets go along with the flattery.

He does look very professional, I nod amiably, Im sorry, Mr. Lakaris, Im just very ignorant about the world. I guess Stanimal hired you to work on the bakery and the other buildings. Or whatever. It doesnt really matter. Do you need my input, or do you just do your thing?

The Goblin is chewing the inside of his mouth and has a dark look on his face. His big nose is looking more and more like a gleaming hook on the hand of a dangerous pirate.

Are you a [Jester]? You have a meeting with me, and you dont have any idea of what the procedure is? Why should I even work with you, then? Can you even afford me?

In order: Im not a jester; no idea about any procedures, Stanimal takes care of that stuff; I have no interest in working with a rude person, but if you can do a fine job, why not; I have no idea whether we can afford you or not, I look at Stan while saying the last part.

Oh, we can afford him. Even a couple of hims, really, the old man laughs. But this time, its a powerful laugh, the kind infused with whoever he really is. The pressure of his levels came out in full swing, making everyone at the table feel like they were about to be squashed like tiny insects.

Lakaris looks wary now.

Lets talk, then, he says while eyeing the exit.