NEC Chapter 43: Deal Sealed

At this moment, Chen Mo was entirely unaware that the small device he had gifted had subtly nudged the trigger of history, eliminating an or

At this moment, Chen Mo was entirely unaware that the small device he had gifted had subtly nudged the trigger of history, eliminating an orc leader who might have otherwise achieved great renown or shone brightly in the future.

Of course, on the flip side, the medicine Lady Frost had given him might have similarly altered the course of East Xia’s history by a fraction.

This was truly a remarkable, mutual journey between two worlds, represented by two individuals.

Three days had passed since Chen Mo and Deputy Director Vincent reached a preliminary agreement on the price for “early enrollment” during their lively banquet.

Chen Mo was growing restless. Another three precious days had been wasted on his path of cultivation, amounting to dozens of squandered hours.

Though he persisted with his daily, unwavering two-hour meditation, the lack of magical materials made his progress as slow as a snail scaling a cliff.

Fortunately, Mr. Vincent finally sent an invitation. In the spacious, sealed room of the Skill Level Certification Office, Chen Mo received the good news he had been waiting for.

“Mission accomplished!”

The room’s doors and windows were tightly shut, heavy curtains blocking out all external light. Magic lamps embedded in the walls cast a soft, cool glow, creating faint halos on the dark wall fabric.

Vincent, as always, held his “less-than-valuable” wooden smoking kit, taking a deep drag and exhaling a long, lingering stream of smoke. The smoke curled upward under the magic lamplight, casting a twisted, enchanting shadow on the wall.

“I must reiterate, the Big Three on the West Bank are out of the question. That’s not something money can buy!”

The so-called Big Three referred to the three prominent towers standing along the North Foothill River.

Chen Mo’s fingers brushed his wristwatch as he nodded slightly. “You mentioned that last time, and I completely understand.”

“Good. What we can arrange this time is Master Hal’s preparatory magic tower.”

So, magic towers had preparatory versions too. This was news to Chen Mo.

A magic tower, or mage tower, was not only a symbol of status and prestige but also, in essence, a symbol of wealth.

Even though the federation offered land for magic towers at extremely low prices to favor mages, the towering structures, intricate magical arrays, and impregnable defenses required astronomical sums of gold coins.

For most mages without family backing, though they qualified to build a tower at the fourth tier, nine out of ten still needed years to amass the funds for the core of the main tower.

Mages earned money through a few avenues: taking on missions, accepting commissions, or teaching students.

Depending on their paths and skill levels, their earning rates varied. Some mages, lacking financial foundations and combat prowess, might not complete the outer structures of their main tower until well past middle age.

“Master Hal’s abilities are impressive, but his luck has been less than ideal, so you’ll have to settle for this, young master,” Vincent said with just the right touch of regret. “However, his expertise is widely respected, and his instructors have consistently produced high success rates among their apprentices.”

Seeing no objections from Chen Mo, Vincent leaned forward slightly, patiently explaining the operation’s complexities.

“Per federation rules, mid-term enrollment is prohibited. If everyone did this, it would lead to numerous magical apprentices slipping out of the Mercenary Guild’s oversight, which wouldn’t benefit the kingdom’s long-term prosperity and stability.”

Chen Mo understood.

All that talk of “springtime renewal” or “magical element resonance” was just fluff to fool outsiders and appease children.

The core reason was to ensure every individual with extraordinary potential remained under the kingdom’s watchful eye.

It was like Blue Star, where even the so-called “free” White-Headed Sea Eagle nation required gun permits.

Uncontrolled high-level force made the higher-ups uneasy.

Take a simple example: a fugitive from a noble family wiped out by authorities might seek to learn magic to destabilize the Crescent Moon Federation. As long as the identity verification process, overseen by the Mercenary Guild, remained in place, such possibilities could be largely eliminated.

Of course, where there’s a policy, there’s a workaround. After determining Chen Mo posed no threat to federation stability, Vincent naturally had ways to bypass this hurdle.

Setting down the starlight conduit, Vincent picked up a cup of tea, gestured for Chen Mo to partake, and took a sip, a bright smile spreading across his face.

According to the Humanoid Microexpression Analyzer, the deputy director was brimming with confidence and satisfaction.

“To enter a mage tower outside the spring recruitment period, there are only two ways: a recommendation and guarantee from a count or higher noble, or a city lord with real authority, or…”

“Substitution!”

“But swapping someone out isn’t as simple as pulling a student and slotting you in!”

“From the mage’s vassals to the teaching instructors, from your fellow apprentices to the associated guards, every single person who could leak this must be paid off.”

“If even one isn’t satisfied or gets shortchanged, it could spell disaster.”

“Think about it: how many connections need to be greased? How much effort goes into this? Without enough gold and silver, could this possibly work?” Vincent spread his hands, his expression one of profound mystery.

Chen Mo was deeply moved by the deputy director’s candid words. By this account, the price Vincent quoted was indeed fair in the industry!

One lingering question remained, and after some thought, Chen Mo asked, “Why would a student be willing to drop out? Those who get into a mage tower shouldn’t be short on money, right?”

“Yes and no!”

Vincent was extremely pleased with Chen Mo’s response. The smarter the person, the easier the collaboration.

“Most who enter a magic tower wouldn’t give up their future for money,” Vincent said, his tone shifting. “But there are always some whose talents are too limited. They might toil for three or five years and still not reach the lowest tier threshold.”

“Rather than being unceremoniously kicked out later, it’s better to take a hefty compensation now. I can even arrange a menial job for them at the guild or certification office. That’s what makes this feasible.”

Vincent set down his teacup, leaned back in his high-backed chair, and said earnestly, “Honestly, it’s only because you, young master, have such an extraordinary presence and clear potential for greatness that I’m taking this huge risk to make this happen for you.”

“Otherwise, no amount of money would convince me to do this!”

Chen Mo immediately expressed his gratitude, promising future rewards for Vincent’s timely help.

With the main business settled and the atmosphere warm, Vincent enthusiastically invited Chen Mo to try his “marvelous” mind-clearing smoke. Chen Mo, eyeing the swirling smoke and recalling some unpleasant associations, awkwardly waved it off, citing the need to “contact his family to raise funds.” With Little John waiting outside, he quickly took his leave.

Standing by the window, lifting a corner of the curtain, Vincent silently watched Chen Mo and Little John hurry away. He pressed a bell, and a gray-robed man entered quietly, standing by the door.

“Tomorrow, once the payment’s received, take him to Number Nine, swap the person out, and make sure everything’s clear and clean. Be careful not to cause any trouble!”

“Rest assured, Director. I’ll handle it flawlessly, no mistakes.”

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