Chapter 50

Panua delivered a shocking statement with a composed expression, awaiting Lennok's response in silence.

Lost in deep contemplation, Lennok slowly parted his lips.

"I don't understand."

"What?"

"I can't see why a company as large as Dyke would lack resources, or what's missing that made you make such a request. Especially coming directly from the head of planning."

The plan to dismantle the monopolistic hold on the weapon market in District 40s seemed understandable.

However, the notion of specifically enlisting Lennok's assistance presented an entirely different matter altogether.

"There are two reasons," Panua immediately replied.

"Firstly, you are a highly skilled freelancer who has achieved an extraordinary career trajectory at an unprecedented pace... and also the fact that you are a wizard."

She didn't bother elaborating on the difficulties of finding a proficient wizard, but after a brief hesitation, she continued.

"Secondly, by showcasing a freelancer actively involved in that area, we can to some extent justify our actions. In fact, this is the primary reason."

"Justification," Lennok echoed.

"If we were to directly deploy forces under our own banner to the outer districts, we would likely face numerous checks and balances and not come out ahead. However, if we indirectly exert control through you, a wizard, our competitors would find it difficult to protest outwardly."

The 40s districts were a lawless zone operating with the city government's permission, strictly adhering to an unwritten rule that it functions based on market forces.

If this delicate balance were disrupted and large corporations started to intervene, the external order would crumble, leading to the collapse of the profit structure.

And that was certainly not the outcome desired by the higher-ups in the city government.

"......"

Observing the cold smile forming on the corners of Panua's lips, Lennok nodded.

In summary, the plan involved utilizing Lennok as a representative to eliminate business competitors in the 40s districts.

Illegal arms dealers, gangs, and violent organizations active in that area—the aim was to dismantle the intricate business network entwined in the back alleys and secure a portion of the remaining profits.

It was an audacious plan, one that carried inherent risks.

Dyke Corporation had likely entertained similar thoughts before.

However, such circumstances were of no concern to Lennok.

One crucial question remained unanswered.

"What can you give me in return for doing all this?"

Silently, Panua activated the screen positioned next to her in the office.Cheêck out latest novels on novel/bin(.)com

"I am aware that you, as a wizard, are in search of several exceedingly rare items. Your discerning eye is truly remarkable, as expected of your exceptional skills."

".........."

Lennok remained quiet, taken aback by such words coming from the head of the planning department in a colossal corporation like Dyke.

"But our interest in collaborating with you, Wizard, is sincere. I believe you will understand once you lay eyes on this item."

Effortlessly, the screen flickered to life, revealing a solitary photograph.

Five weathered pencils, preserved to the point of near disintegration.

Encased within a sturdy glass display, they were securely bound by pale, fluorescent chains.

Yet, they emitted an unmistakable aura, creating hazy ripples in every direction.

Instantly, Lennok recognized the item's extraordinary nature upon seeing it.

Panua continued her explanation.

"This is the ‘Five Fingers of Enakphil,' which was featured in the VIP auction sponsored by the Central Council. They are renowned as safeguarding tools exclusively bestowed as gifts to VIPs who engage in direct trade with the Maladis School of the Magic Tower. Each pencil possesses five elusive spells granted by the school."

As she spoke, she cast a quick glance at Lennok.

"This is not an item that can be acquired merely through wealth, let alone easily encountered at an auction."

"........."

"If you would be so kind as to undertake the five tasks we require, we promise to secure this item for you. Additionally, we will offer a bonus based on the prevailing Deep Web rate for each successfully completed task."

"Both risks and benefits are fairly large."

"........"

"I have a general idea of the value of the Five Fingers of Enakphil. It's one of those consumable artifacts that high-ranking politicians can't do without. And if they're offering such an item as a reward, it's natural to assume that the risks they expect you to take will be significant."

Jordan, who had been silently listening, added his thoughts. "I can guess why Dyke Corporation approached you separately and had this conversation. They must be aiming to minimize the animosity that would arise from this request. If it becomes known that Dyke was directly involved, things will get complicated. They probably want to control the variables as much as possible. At least, it seems like Dyke Corporation is sincere in their intentions."

Jenny looked at Lennok with a serious expression and spoke. "If you accept this request, it won't be easy to distance yourself from the situation."

"........"

"Until now, if you've been dealing with organizations or some kind of plan, Dyke Corporation's ultimate goal is to take someone down and create a situation that benefits them. It's inevitable that animosity will arise."

"....I suppose you're right."

This request was different from what Lennok had done before.

Jenny expressed it gently.

Lennok understood.

Most of the requests he had undertaken so far didn't differentiate between light and shadow, had straightforward objectives, or had minimal fallout from their execution.

Even if he got caught up in a major incident, there had been no instances where the fire spread to the point of endangering Lennok himself.

But this time was different.

Dyke Corporation was meddling with the arms dealers in the 40s districts, which held significant weight in the complex profit structure of the outer districts.

Anyone would be furious if their money flow was threatened.

Unlike before, where tasks were completed, rewards were received, and that was the end of it, the likelihood of further retaliation or being dragged into deeper power struggles was clearly high.

"Are you prepared to take the risk to get what you want, Van?"

"......Prepared?"

Perhaps Jenny was saying this out of concern for him. Lennok was aware of that.

To Jenny, he was merely a wizard who had come from the countryside.

But Lennok couldn't help but emit a hollow laugh at her words.

When did he ever have the luxury to prepare in this place?

The environment around him was always harsh, and Lennok consistently made choices to keep moving forward.

From the moment he pulled the trigger aimed at the supervisor's forehead, he had resolved not to stop.

Even if he had to bear the contradiction of risking death to survive—

"Once you start running, you have to see it through to the end."

".....Van?"

"Tell them I'll accept the request."

The encounter with the Ascendant, whether willingly or unwillingly, had significantly altered Lennok's mindset.

It was nearly impossible to obtain what Lennok desired by prioritizing safety and minimizing risks.

Valuable relics, rare elixirs—these were not things that could be obtained solely by having money.

In the end, he would have to ascend higher at some point, and all Lennok needed was an opportunity.

He desired greater prestige and credentials.

Increasing animosity, diminishing time, looming danger.

There was too little time to ascribe meaning and fear to all these things.

Don't overthink it. If the stakes are greater than the risks, dive in.

That was the only rationale he needed to consider on these streets.

Had Jenny and Jordan gleaned something from Lennok's expression?

Neither of them uttered another word.

(TO BE CONTINUED on Jun 5{MON})