Chapter 359

"It's more like a scouting proposal," Forrest remarked.

Perhaps he wasn't mistaken.

The document in question was a contract with Landa corporations, including Crime Firm, but it wasn't exactly a mutually agreed-upon pact. Instead, it was a one-sided contract being extended—a sort of blank check.

"I don't know anything about accounting or finance, so why suddenly hire me as an accountant or a financial director? And that too, at an absurd amount." Oliver inquired as he skimmed through the document. Notably, the proposal encompassed not only companies run by Crime Firm's board of directors but also some well-known entities in Landa.

"You read quickly." Forrest remarked.

"When I worked in Magic Tower, I dealt with documents, so I've become somewhat familiar with them... Mr. Forrest, you taught me well too."

Forrest chuckled.

As it turned out, Oliver had acquired the basics of document work from Forrest while assisting him in managing the Fighter Crew. Back then, Oliver had questioned why Forrest was teaching him such skills, but now the reasoning became clear—it was quite astute in hindsight.

"But you're not annoying, you know."

"Pardon?"

"Never mind... First of all, to answer your question, they really don't intend to hire you as an accountant or a financial director."

"Then what is it?"

"It's just a nominal position. The real work is lending your name and moving when they request. Think of it like Shamus."

Shamus. At the mention of the name, Oliver finally comprehended.

Both Crime Firm and legitimate businesses had moments when they required force.

"After Magic Tower reported to the city, some high-profile individuals got to know about you. That you were actually part of Magic Tower, Solver Dave."

"In such a short time?"

Oliver questioned how the city's security could be so lax. Forrest soon provided an answer.

"It probably leaked from the city council members. They all read the report and remember your performance in the previous ABC case. They all have connections... You get what I'm saying?"

"I think I get it now. Why there are so many secrets in Landa but also none... But won't people find it strange? That I belong to Magic Tower?"

"People in Landa, especially here, are more interested in benefits than reason. If there is an accident at an airship station, they short sell the airline stock rather than save people. They place value in your affiliation, rather than how you got affiliated."

"Ah..."

It was a distinctly Landa-like yet persuasive statement that rendered Oliver momentarily speechless.

"Actually, half of it is a joke, and if you read the report closely, there is a section about you. You were introduced as a special experimental subject in Magic Tower. Although you were a warlock, you were raised as a wizard. I don't believe it though."

Oliver perused the file once more. Just as Forrest had indicated, that crucial information was tucked away towards the end. It explicitly stated that Oliver had started as a warlock but was transformed into a wizard through experimental procedures.

‘Does it matter? It almost matches what Elder said.' Oliver pondered and inquired.

"Do people believe this?" he asked.

"Why wouldn't they? Magic Tower itself claims so. It may look complex but isn't really. What's important is that you're a top-performing Solver and a member of Magic Tower. So, Crime Firm and various Landa corporations want to scout you officially. They believe that whatever they invest, they will reap more."

"Hmm... Are you suggesting that I should join one of these?"

"No, I know your character well enough to not suggest that. I showed you the contract to explain your current value."

"My value?"

"Yes. You could say you are now a walking medium-sized enterprise."

"Oh... Thank you for the compliment?"

"It's not a compliment, it's a fact. You seem to not believe me."

Hearing Oliver's response, Forrest clapped his hands, reassured that his speculations had been confirmed.

"That's the most decisive reason. You've learned valuable knowledge from the Magic Tower. That knowledge alone is an asset."

"I appreciate the compliment, but my level of expertise is not that impressive compared to the wizards who specialize in those disciplines. Also, aren't there quite a number of wizards coming out of the Magic Tower?"

"That's true. In fact, various corporations and capitalists are recruiting wizards who have left the Magic Tower for their own research. But your case is different; you've already proven your own capabilities."

"It seems you're overestimating me?"

"If my judgment is wrong, it's my loss. You don't have to worry about it. Anyway, do you think you can continue to stay at the Magic Tower? It's hard for me to judge since I don't know the situation."

"I apologize for saying this, but I also don't know. However, someone told me that according to the regulations, I have to leave."

"Then, you might not have to leave."

"Pardon?"

"Regulations usually apply in times of peace. When everything can go smoothly without much thought."

"Are you saying that now is not the time?"

"Of course, it isn't. The Life School Magic division, which had the most reputation in the Magic Tower, is practically on the verge of collapse. The Black Hand, which had always operated in the shadows, has officially revealed itself. We're far from peace."

Oliver, currently caught in the midst of this turbulent and far-from-peaceful situation, silently nodded his agreement.

Indeed, this wasn't an issue that could be resolved by simply going with the flow.

"If you're lucky, you might be able to stay in the Magic Tower. I'm concerned."

"What do you mean?"

"If you formally become affiliated with the Magic Tower, there will be restrictions on working as a Solver. Magic Tower has fairly strict rules, you know."

"Then, I can quit." Oliver responded with an air of nonchalance. Though disappointing, he had entered into this situation with such a mindset from the outset.

***

"......Well, then, let's consider this matter settled for now."

In the meeting room of Magic Tower's administrative tower, a man addressed the gathered assembly.

Present were the grandmasters and masters representing all the schools of Magic Tower, excluding Life School Magic—Elemental Magic, Pure Mana, Moirai, Alchemy, Space, Golem, Magical Mechanical Engineering, and others.

"The recent incident in Lake Village is classified as a first-class issue that threatens the Magic Tower. We will not only cooperate with external parties but also activate our internal investigative network and effectively declare war on the key players of this incident, the Black Hand Human-meat Chef faction."

The leaders of each school and the head of the administrative department nodded in silence.

Considering the gravity of the situation, they had no choice but to confront the Black Hand Human-meat Chef faction, whether they liked it or not.

"Also, we will investigate the Life School and identify all those connected to the former Grand Master Theodore Brant and restrict their authority within the school."

Everyone silently concurred. Regardless of their fear of death, they could not condone a traitor who had succumbed to the influence of a warlock.

"However, we will not dissolve the Life school, and until a new Life School Magic order is established... Archwizard Merlin will take over. Does anyone have any objections?"

When the man posed the question, no one voiced dissent.

Those gathered in the meeting room were all prominent figures who could be considered leaders within Magic Tower. Yet, Merlin, seated quietly in one corner, surpassed even them in stature—an Archwizard.

With no objections raised, the man proceeded to conclude the meeting.

"Then, this meeting will be adjourned—"

"Wait."

A man raised his hand and spoke up.

"I have one more point to address before moving on. About Zenon... No, about Dave."