Chapter 131

“If you’d ever worked with the team, you would know. It’s always about quality over quantity here. Make sure you understand that we want at least one properly done item.”

“You’re impatient. How about you first receive the promised items and then talk?”

These words came from Evelyn as she passed a security bag and a letter from the ground to the pair.

“It’s the module containing Craig’s promised AI data and the VIP entrance ticket to the underground auction house.”

Jenny swiftly unveiled the contents of the two items, inspected them, and gave an approving nod.

“No doubt about the module, and the auction house entrance ticket is authentic. Your speed in acquiring this surprises me.”

“What do you suppose a special agent’s role entails? We’ve procured countless hazardous items directly from there.”

Is this the modus operandi of Vulcan’s bureaucrats? If they can’t seize security items from the market, they directly purchase them at the auction house.

As Jenny handed over the module and ticket to Lennok, Evelyn activated a tablet resting on the desk and handed it to them.

“This is an electronic ledger that has our equipment and artifacts listed. Look through it and tell me if there’s anything you like.”

Evelyn’s statement was followed by the raising of her teacup.

“Let’s resume our negotiations then.”

“Let’s see if you’ve brought enough good items to say that.”

Jenny remarked, swiftly flipping through the catalog displayed on the tablet.

Lennok held his pulsating head, observing quietly as she navigated through the tablet.

Although she appeared to be scrolling through the screen at a swift pace, it seemed more like she was tallying how many items fell short of her expectations rather than meticulously examining each one.

In his casual observation, he noted a plethora of diverse firearms, protective gear, communication devices, and modes of transportation—primarily an assortment of equipment used by agents.

Given that the items chronicled in the ledger were inherently tailored for agents, it was an unsurprising assortment.

Jenny rapidly navigated through numerous pages in the catalog and affirmed with a nod.

“Besides the prevalence of mass-produced items in the firearms section, the overall quality is decent. I can spot a considerable number of workshop-crafted items as well. Opting for these instead of cash would be a wise decision.”

With these words, she handed the tablet over to Lennok entirely.

“Van, go ahead and make your selections first. I’ll provide you with the details of each item as you choose. Let’s not squander a single penny.”

“Jenny...?”

Her playful smile seemed unusually vibrant today—was it a trick of the light?

Lennok, who had never before sensed such a profound sense of trust from her, unconsciously nodded.

Jenny, positioned closely beside him, began elucidating on each item his gaze settled upon.

“The Duke 071 stands as a premium offering among Dyke Corporation’s monomolecular cutters. Its production is limited, and due to a recent shift in the production line, demand has surged.”

“The Carnelo Visor 3rd generation constitutes a military goggle integrated with AI. It’s a recently released product with validated performance and exceptional durability, especially in rugged environments.”

“The Miller IV ranks among the top-tier self-defense handguns. While it appears as a bracelet, it disassembles into cubits via user brainwave interaction, then reassembles—representing a novel transformation technology. I haven’t personally tried this one.”

Lennok and Evelyn directed their attention towards Jenny, who seemed to discern Lennok’s focus and began explaining, their eyes wide with amazement.

She usually refrained from displaying such expertise, yet she now commenced detailing a variety of equipment as though anticipating the moment. How could they not be taken aback?

“Being a broker, certain knowledge is inevitably acquired. I also conduct focused searches and studies, particularly within this equipment industry. Given its diverse distribution among freelancers and institutions, this knowledge also forms the foundation for compensation, budgeting, and cost analysis.”

So that’s why she rarely spoke about the numerous requests she mediated and handled each month. There must be a rationale behind her silence.

From then on, whenever Lennok perused the catalog, Jenny meticulously expounded on the merits of the agent-held items and their potential benefits for Lennok.

As she spoke, Evelyn, who had been quietly holding a teacup, found her hand trembling.

Having replenished her energy with the carrot, Evelyn turned her gaze toward Lennok.

“I hadn’t expected firearms to pique your interest.”

“What?”

“It’s unusual for someone with potent magical abilities to show an interest in marksmanship. Carrying a revolver as a sidearm is one thing, but opting for a sniper rifle is quite remarkable.”

Lennok remained silent, struggling to provide an explanation.

How could he articulate that the efficacy he derived from shooting-assist magic surpassed the inconvenience of bearing firearms?

Since the application of lightweight and shrinkage magic to firearms, enabling him to carry them with ease, such inquiries held little relevance for Lennok.

However, if he had to elucidate his selection of a sniper rifle, it undeniably stemmed from Evelyn’s impressive sniping prowess demonstrated at the Trade Center.

Her capacity to precisely suppress targets from kilometers away with formidable long-range support abilities was indeed appealing to Lennok.

Pairing such a potent sniper rifle with his shooting-assist magic, there was significant potential for Lennok to customize it to his preferences.

Evelyn subtly parted her lips, her gaze fixed on Lennok.

“If you’re interested in becoming skilled at sniping, joining the agency might not be a bad idea. Proficiency with firearms is a staple among execution agents. Alternatively, I could personally provide instruction...”

“Hey, what are you discussing in front of my client?”

“Just hold on. What’s important isn’t what you believe, but what he thinks. Allowing a wizard of his caliber to move unrestrained could be detrimental to the entire city.”

As the two began to exchange arguments once more, Lennok observed in silence, picking up his teacup and casting his gaze downward.

He realized something, reflecting on Hina’s response when teasing him about not knowing how to ride a bike.

Had he inadvertently displayed how effortlessly he handled everything?

Others seemed to find it quite intriguing when Lennok exhibited something he couldn’t do or was attempting to learn. If he could withstand such jesting a few times and foster closer relationships with others, it wouldn’t be a disadvantageous approach.

Indeed, the somewhat rigid ambiance of the gathering had loosened with the interaction between Evelyn and Jenny.

Perhaps what they sought was a colleague who displayed a touch of humanity, unlike Lennok, who rigorously concealed his weaknesses and showcased only his strengths.

Consequently, Lennok turned his attention to the window, letting the conversation wash over him.

The challenging operation had concluded.

This instant, reaping the rewards after completing the arduous task, didn’t seem so bad—pausing to take in the surroundings.

***

Conveying the events to Raul and updating him wasn’t an arduous undertaking.

The dark wizards under Evelyn’s jurisdiction, who had been under protection, had regained their freedom.

With Reisen’s removal and the conclusion of the city government’s inspection, people started returning to the once-deserted 44th district, slowly reviving its somber vitality.

The peculiar scent of unfamiliar potions and the aura permeated with assorted arcane rituals and magic were far from pleasant.

Yet Raul’s expression exuded a sense of reclamation.

Within the office of the building that used to serve as the dark wizards’ hub of operations.

He cleared the dust from the desk, retrieved a chair that had been pushed aside, and settled into it.

Creaking open the cupboard, he deftly brewed two cups of coffee and handed one to Lennok.

Gazing thoughtfully at the steaming beverage, Raul spoke,

“To be honest, I had a vague inkling it would end this way.”

(To be Continued)