The sun rose in the east, its warm rays spreading across the land.
As the sun climbed higher, the gathering outside Cherry City quickly dispersed.
The members of 'Golden Wind' fled one after another as if avoiding something poisonous.
Even the most basic pleasantries were gone.
Tel of Delbon, a member of the 'Clock Tower' stationed at the 'Ground Reconnaissance Bureau', was looking at Jason with admiration. He had never imagined this gathering would yield such results.
Just look at that refrigerated truck!
It was already filled with 'trade items' from the members of 'Golden Wind'.
Even within the 'Clock Tower', Tel had never seen the amount of Mystical Side artifacts being measured in 'trucks'.
At most, it was just two or three items!
Moreover, that was only a level that could possibly be reached by instructors.
As for the average apprentices?
Before proving they could stand on their own and become official members, they shouldn't even think about Mystical Side artifacts.
Moreover, even after becoming official members, the Mystical Side artifacts they received were just of ordinary level at best, and even that was a graduation gift from the instructor. Want to craft their own?
Dreaming of obtaining fine and rare items?
That required not just strength but also incredibly good luck.
That refrigerated truck was loaded with many fine and a multitude of ordinary Mystical Side items.
"If converted into money... no, using money to measure these items is really undervaluing them. After all, a normal 'Mystical Side individual' would never sell these items for money, not even for the entire Cherry City!"
Thinking this, Tel became even more impressed with Jason.
"You are the wisest merchant I have ever seen," Tel said.
"No, I am a writer," Jason corrected him.
He didn't think he had any particular Talent for being a merchant, at least not compared to those true merchants of Nightless City. Jason could certainly deem himself 'foolish' compared to them.
Those bastards always managed to take advantage in subtle ways, making you grateful while unknowingly selling yourself to them.
He didn't even measure up to an apprentice.
Take the recent transaction, for example. If those bastards were involved, they would have certainly made the entire 'Golden Wind' indebted for three hundred years and then some.
But Jason didn't strive beyond his means.
He knew what he was good at. Skimming a few hundred Mystical Side items off the 'Golden Wind' members was enough for him, for who needs to be a sly merchant when one is a hardworking writer?
"Your modesty is as admirable as your skills," Tel praised him with a smile.
Jason sensed this emotion.
"Does the 'Clock Tower' need my help to identify the 'infiltrators' of the Sabie Aliens?"
He didn't mind repaying someone who had helped him.
But upon hearing Jason's words, Tel shivered.
Free is the most expensive!
Having been deceived out of all his spending money by a box of 'free' cookies at the age of six, Tel understood this all too well, especially when he opened the box to find it full of pebbles, a memory that was still vivid.
"Thank you for your kindness," he said.
"Apart from me, most of the 'Clock Tower' provided technical support. I believe there are no 'infiltrators' among them," Tel replied.
"I will come as agreed before the next dawn to verify your trade with 'Golden Wind'."
Saying this, the 'Clock Tower' member stationed at the 'Ground Reconnaissance Bureau' bowed again and turned to leave.
He dared not stay any longer.
His initial purpose had been achieved.
He had gained more connections!
Although these connections might be tricky to use, his name was remembered by more people.
That was enough for him!
He needed to return to his room and write to his instructor, warning the entire 'Clock Tower': Beware of a man named Jason, who claims to be a writer. Do not do business with him! Do not do business with him! Definitely do not do business with him!
The thought of what could happen if Jason set his sights on the 'Clock Tower', just like the miserable state of the 'Golden Wind' members, made Tel, the most loyal member of the 'Clock Tower', run even faster. The speed was almost incredulous for a mage who specialized in 'spells', unless it was a matter of life and death.
The old instructor watched the scene and let out a hearty, robust laugh.
"Jason, you've scared Tel," he said.
"He will surely write to warn his instructor about you."
"I hold no malice towards the 'Clock Tower,'" Jason shook his head.
"But that doesn't stop them from being wary of you! Not just the 'Clock Tower', as time goes on, some other folks will also be cautious around you!" the instructor pointed to the refrigerated truck, reminding Jason.
Jason just smiled, seemingly unconcerned.
When he had devised the 'banquet' plan, Jason had already considered the possible consequences.
Being watched by various forces?
Possibly garnering ill will?
To Jason, in the face of 'food', these were not concerns at all.