novelraw Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Chapter 3. An Offer He Couldn’t Refuse
As Kyle’s cold voice sounded, the next black-robed figure immediately stepped forward.
Though entirely concealed beneath a wide cloak, Kyle could see at a glance the stench of decadence clinging to him—the odor of a corrupt noble.
The visitor cautiously placed a magic crystal on the table and spoke in a deliberately hoarse voice, “I want to know who—or which faction—attacked the Black Thorn Merchant Group three days ago.”
Kyle’s gaze lightly swept over the causal threads entangled around the man. As expected—scum who had built his fortune through human trafficking.
Oh? What a small world. It had actually been O’Brien’s doing. Since when did Paladins disguise themselves and carry out such covert operations?
Kyle had to admit, this rigid-seeming Paladin was beginning to impress him.
For the sake of the favor the man was about to do him at sea, Kyle decided not to add trouble for him.
In any case, he had no interest in taking money from this kind of scum. Wealth earned through abduction, exploitation, slaughter, and plunder reeked of blood and resentment. Holding it made him feel sick.
He did not consider himself a saint—but he certainly was not a deviant.
Others might only imagine such filth; he could see it.
And beyond his own moral compass rejecting such people, as someone who could read causal threads, he understood just how deep the waters of this extraordinary world ran.
Chaos, evil, justice, kindness—all intertwined. One misstep could drag him into a quagmire. Matters that clearly entangled trouble were best avoided.
“I won’t take this job.” Kyle’s tone remained indifferent as he gestured for the man to take back the magic crystal that made him nauseous just looking at it.
The black-robed man had clearly not expected this answer. He knew this intelligence broker’s reputation well. The man before him was undoubtedly a powerhouse he could not afford to offend—otherwise he would have long since been devoured by the watchful major factions.
If even such a person refused to disclose basic intelligence, then it must involve something far beyond his station. He would need to report upward.
With a frustrated expression, he retrieved the crystal, gave a slight bow, and hurried away.
“Next!”
The door opened again. This time, the incoming black-robed figure was noticeably rotund—wrapped in his cloak like a lump of coal, nearly getting stuck in the doorway.
After squeezing inside, he bowed in a distinctly merchant-like manner. The movement was comical, but the sincerity was unquestionable.
Though Kyle had seen it many times, he still marveled at how someone of that size could bend nearly ninety degrees at the waist.
The fat man skillfully placed a pouch of magic crystals on the table, gasped twice for breath, and spoke with difficulty, “Sir, this is your share from the latest trade. As for the next shipment…”
Kyle said nothing. He simply tapped the crystal ball, and an illusion slowly emerged:
A magnificent merchant vessel bearing the banner of a jade-green tree leaf slowly sailed into port. Fine elven silks, iridescent vessels, and exquisitely crafted jewelry were carefully unloaded.
“In three days, the ship will arrive at port. Buy as much as you can. It would be best to acquire goods from other cities’ elven caravans as well. In the future, merchandise from the Elven race may become increasingly scarce.”
Sigh.
Those forbidden mages were truly stirring up chaos. Hopefully the crisis on the other continent would not spread here. Otherwise, he would have no choice but to pack up and return home to inherit his billions…Kyle took out three slender crystal tubes, each filled with a gentle purplish-red liquid that emitted a faint floral fragrance.
“This is the Blood Rose extract your mother requested. Tell her to use it sparingly. It isn’t easy to refine.”
The plump merchant received the potions as though they were priceless treasures, bowed again with astonishing depth to express his gratitude, and then laboriously “squeezed” himself back out the door.
This merchant was one of Kyle’s rare long-term partners. Unusually, he not only had official backing but also refrained from dabbling in illicit trade—a rare breath of fresh air in this chaotic society.
“Next!”
***
South City — Rhino Tavern
Under dim yellow light, O’Brien stared gloomily at the brimming mug of ale before him. The tavern’s noisy chatter and the smell of cheap tobacco mixed together, further aggravating his already exhausted nerves.
According to Paladin discipline, he should have stayed away from such mind-numbing drinks. But after confronting Kyle today, he found himself wanting a cup.
He had never doubted his faith. Yet the vampire’s mockery still pierced his heart like a thorn. Not only this city—this nation, even the world—was filled with rotting sin and hypocritical justice.
And what could he do? Chase around a “rule-abiding vampire”? What bitter irony.
Just as O’Brien sat in melancholy, the tavern door was flung open. A sturdy figure in a black robe stumbled in.
Zack had run here without pause, terrified of arriving too late and missing the powerhouse mentioned by the intelligence broker. His gaze swept urgently across every face before locking onto the figure in the corner wearing a worn-out warrior’s uniform. He rushed over.
“Ex… excuse me, may I trouble you for a moment?” Zack tried to steady his voice. The plain mask could not conceal his tension.
O’Brien looked up, gray-blue eyes filled with scrutiny and caution. “Who are you?”
Zack took a deep breath and removed his mask, revealing a weathered face. His right fist pressed against his left chest in a standard adventurer’s salute.
“Sir, I am Zack, captain of the ‘Rock’ Adventurer Team. Half a month ago, our caravan was attacked by magical beasts and bandits. Only six of us remain… A certain…”
He glanced around carefully to ensure no one was listening, then lowered his voice. “A silver-masked intelligence broker directed me to you.”
“He said you could help us. This may be our… last chance.”
After speaking, Zack bowed deeply and looked up anxiously. “After it’s done, we must give half the gains to that gentleman as payment… Of course, your share will not be lacking.”
O’Brien’s brow furrowed. What was that vampire planning? Distrusting him? Or thinking that by sending a pitiful adventuring party, he would stop pursuing him? Or was there another trap waiting?
Seeing no response, Zack’s heart gradually sank. Fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Clenching his fists, his voice nearly squeezed through his teeth. “If… if you’re willing to help, we only need enough profit to save our severely wounded brothers! The rest… will all be yours!”
O’Brien’s sharp gaze examined every subtle expression on Zack’s face. The despair was genuine. The plea was genuine. But… something important still seemed omitted. That cunning vampire would never act without purpose.
“Captain Zack,” O’Brien’s voice was low and steady, carrying unquestionable authority, “is there… something you haven’t told me?”
Zack froze. His mind replayed every detail of his conversation with Kyle. When he recalled the words ‘Tell him everything’, it struck him like lightning. He had finally remembered what he forgot.
“S-Sir, under my name there is also an orphanage. There are seventy-three children to support. And the pensions for the families of the fallen members are still short…”
“That’s enough. Stand up.” O’Brien waved his hand.
That vampire had truly handed him a reason he could not refuse.
“Lead the way.”
His gray-blue eyes regained their usual steadiness and resolve. “We’ll visit your orphanage first.”
The two quickly disappeared into the night outside the tavern, leaving behind a full mug of ale and three copper coins on the table.
【Notes】
Current Levels: Apprentice — Formal — Elite (Baron) — Master (Viscount) — Grandmaster (Earl) — Intent (Marquis) — Transcendent (Duke) — Legendary (Prince) — Saint (Demigod) (Progenitor)