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墨書 Inktalez
As they resolved a few encounters with homeless individuals, they continued forward. It wasn't just that there were more people; the environment was changing as well. Initially, they had only traversed dark and damp sewers, but now, lighting fixtures resembling electric lamps began to appear around them. Soon, they entered a considerably spacious area, brightly lit and bustling with vendors setting up stalls. At this point, the walls were no longer visible; instead, there were wooden structures resembling houses all around. It looked like a town, yet it was far from one. Drug use, promiscuity, and violence were rampant, behaviors that seemed anti-social were commonplace here.
"Brother, are you feeling a bit out of place?"
Norman grinned at Newton, who shook his head. Despite the nostalgia that washed over him in this place, he took a deep breath, various scents flooding his mind, and a wicked smile crept onto his lips.
"Out of place? More like I feel a sense of nostalgia..."
"Nostalgia?"
Norman realized he might have struck gold.
Ignoring Norman's question, Newton reached out to touch a lamp on the wall. In an instant, he understood its structure; the analysis step of Alchemy was now incredibly simple for him.
"This is our Alchemy product. You should have something similar where you're from, right?"
Seeing Newton focused solely on the lamp rather than anything else made Norman remember that he was indeed a researcher. Did such individuals have peculiar habits? Perhaps he had an affinity for studying lighting fixtures?
"If you're interested in these things, I happen to have some basic Alchemy books that I can give you."
Newton was taken aback. Even if Alchemy wasn't particularly valuable, giving it away so casually? But then again, considering that magic was foundational to their society, it made sense that the underground dwellers would need to master it as well. What Norman referred to was likely akin to a student's introductory guide.
"So where do we go now? Are we looking for a place to make some money?"
Newton appeared quite urgent, as if the brutal demeanor he had just displayed had never existed. Norman was somewhat puzzled, but it was clear that this was neither the time nor the place for a discussion.
"Take your time, take your time."
The recent battle made Norman truly realize how little he understood about this individual before him. The terrifying physical prowess was undeniable, yet his curiosity was piqued, much like an Alchemist. He recognized that he still knew too little about the other person.
"Come on, let's grab a drink. Brother, you have quite a few things you're hiding from me."
Newton shrugged.
"I don't want to either, but... sigh..."
Newton's words trailed off as he let out a sigh.
"Forget it, Brother. Since you want to know, let's find a place first."
Then Norman led Newton into a tavern, which was essentially the same kind of establishment they had passed earlier. Upon entering, the environment was not particularly pleasant; in fact, it was worse than outside. The air was thick with the smells of sweat, alcohol, smoke, and various substances. After just a short while inside, Newton felt his spirits begin to lift.
Furrowing his brow, Newton quietly conjured two filters in his nostrils, of course, undetectable from the outside.
"Brother, you don't smoke this stuff?"
At that moment, Norman had already lit up something resembling a cigarette and took a puff, looking blissfully high.
Newton shook his head.
"When dealing with matters, one needs to keep a calm mind; this stuff will numb my brain."
Hearing Newton's disdain for the substance, Norman frowned. However, he was relieved to see Newton's potential in combat. Initially, Norman had hoped that Newton would create the drugs for him. If Newton was unwilling, Norman was prepared to resort to threats and inducements. But now, having recognized Newton's other value, perhaps he could take a gentler approach?
"Brother, you have no idea how profitable this is; actually..."
Before Norman could finish, he was interrupted by Newton.
"I know this stuff is profitable. I can produce it myself, but I will never use it nor allow those around me to use it because the risks are simply too great."
Newton's words eased Norman's tension; it meant he was willing to cooperate. As long as Newton agreed to help, everything else would be manageable. As for not using it? Norman didn't believe that someone who frequently dealt with such substances would refrain from using them.
"No problem, no problem. But with that said, Brother, you know what I want you to do, right?"
Seeing Newton's demeanor soften, Norman relaxed his tone significantly and ordered a drink with the lowest alcohol content... plain water.
"Well, that's fine. But how much can I expect to get?"
Profit distribution is an unavoidable issue in both the underworld and legitimate business. Although Newton provided the technology, he was at a disadvantage here. If Norman offered a low price, it seemed that Newton wouldn't have much leverage. However, Newton's value had become somewhat ambiguous, so he was probing Norman. If Norman were smart enough, he would realize that long-term cooperation with Newton could maximize their profits. But this depended on whether Norman trusted him. If Norman only wanted a one-time deal or believed that Newton wouldn't collaborate with him in the future, then naturally he wouldn't offer a high price and might even try to eliminate Newton altogether. In that case, Newton would know that this person couldn't be trusted and would have no qualms about taking everything from him.
"Brother, let's not discuss that for now. I just want to ask you one thing: are you only thinking about making money? If so, what do you think is the most profitable?"
Norman gazed intently at Newton, his eyes bursting with ambition that belied his appearance.
Newton fell silent for a moment, but inside, he felt a sense of relief. A person of low status with ambitions to rise was just the kind of individual he could work with.
"Hey, Brother, look at my legs and hands. I wasn't always like this; I had my share of struggles when I was younger. In this line of work, there are really only three outcomes: you either make it to the top, drop out midway, or end up dead. Brother, I consider myself lucky just to be alive."
"Brother, it's not about me. You're still young, and you have the strength. Why not take a chance? Just think, if we succeed, who cares about the consequences afterward? We would have lived freely, and that would make this life worthwhile!"
Norman was filled with fervor, his eyes already reddening.
"I'm sorry."
Unfortunately, Newton shook his head.
"I can handle the drugs, but I won't get involved in these matters."
Norman let out a helpless sigh.
"Alright then, let's talk about the drug business!"
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