Chapter 150: d.i.c.kens’ Predicament
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The table was filled with extravagant Daemon meat dishes. Locke was very satisfied.
“d.i.c.kens, I need your help. I promise that I’ll pay you a handsome sum.”
“You’ve got the right person, then. May I ask what exactly is the matter? Are you looking for someone or a Battle Beast? Don’t worry, although I’m not a n.o.ble, I have a lot of influence in the underground business!” d.i.c.kens patted his chest and promised.
Locke nodded and took out a piece of paper. On it were all the items that were needed for Lil’ Dragon to evolve.
d.i.c.kens’s was a little troubled by the list.
After holding back his gaze, Locke asked, “Why? Can’t you find it?”
“No… I can. As far as I know, there’s a black market in the Holy City that has these things, but…” d.i.c.kens scratched his big nose as if he wanted to say something but he suddenly hesitated.
This was easy to solve. Locke said, “You don’t need to overthink this. All you have to do is connect me to the seller. I’ll fork out the fees myself. Of course, I’ll still pay you a handsome amount.”
“It’s nothing, Mr. Locke. You’re being too polite…” d.i.c.kens requested the beautiful waitresses leave before continuing, “Recently, there’s a n.o.ble family in Gold City that has put out a huge price to purchase these items. Our Holy City’s underground black market has also received news that they’ve been s.n.a.t.c.hing these resources recently. I believe you’re well aware that these items are all illegal by nature…”
“As a result, the Holy City’s underground market is in chaos recently. Major gangs have been killing each other to s.n.a.t.c.h these resources…”
‘I see.’
Locke drank a mouthful of whiskey and said with a smile, “So that means you can’t handle it, then? It’s okay. I’ll go find Adelaide to help. I’ll settle the bill for today’s restaurant expenses.”
d.i.c.kens immediately stood up and said nervously, “No, no, no… Mr. Locke, if you have something you want, I’ll get it for you even if I have to risk my life! However, I also have one thing to ask of you, hehehe…”
Locke responded cheerfully, “That’s fine too. Let’s help each other out. Tell me about it.”
Seeing that Locke was likely to agree, d.i.c.kens added some more wine to his gla.s.s. He stated with a smile, “Since we’re good friends, I’ll tell you the truth, sir…”
d.i.c.kens continued, “I believe you’re aware of my true line of work. The training center is just a cover-up… My main business are my underground dealings.”
“However, a new force has recently risen in the underground market! They swept across the market like a storm, and as a result, everyone is having a hard time recently. If Mr. Locke is willing to kick these unruly fellows out of the Holy City, I will communicate with the other underground forces and find the items that you’ve requested!”
The law of the jungle had always existed in this world. Be it in the underground or above ground, it was all about power.
Locke was well aware of this.
Although he was still a university student, he continued to seek strength.
If his thoughts were rigid, he would be hindered by the expectations placed by society.
If that were to happen, he would never have reached his current level of strength!
However, he had never expected himself to go against the underground forces. Regardless, it seemed rather interesting to him…
“Sure, I’m willing to help…”
Upon receiving Locke’s agreement, d.i.c.kens immediately called back the beautiful waitresses. They fed Locke and ma.s.saged his shoulders.
“However, let’s make one thing clear beforehand. If there’s even one item from the list that’s missing, not only will this new force disappear, the Holy City’s underground would also cease to exist…”
Upon hearing Locke’s threat, d.i.c.kens immediately put on a serious face and said solemnly, “Don’t worry! We will not let you down!”
Locke maintained his calm expression as he dug into his meal.
However, to d.i.c.kens, Locke’s promise was a huge deal to the Holy City’s underground.
“Mr. Locke, these guys came out of nowhere. Their methods are very violent, and although their Battle Beasts aren’t that high-level, they have a secret weapon on them. You need to be careful…”
Locke mentally scoffed at those words, but he retained his neutral appearance on the outside. “What’s their secret weapon then?”
“It’s a blue liquid that will rapidly replenish their mana!”
“Blue liquid…” Locke felt as if he had seen the item before.
‘Oh right, the Daemon Fang soldiers were using it back then!’
d.i.c.kens continued, “That thing is called a Booster! It’s been very popular recently! Moreover, its effect is very potent! The creators of this item was able to acc.u.mulate a large amount of wealth and Beastmasters in a short period of time because of it!”
“Since it’s making money, why aren’t you selling it? Besides, I’ve never seen it on the market before.”
“It’s due to the chemical composition of the Booster. It’s problematic, and as such, the city hall has barred all merchants in the city from selling it. Thus, the only place where they are sold are in the underground markets.” d.i.c.kens paused for a moment before continuing, “I also wanted a share of the profits, and I’ve attempted to negotiate with the seller before, but they are not willing to share it with anyone.. ”
“Oh, but I was fine with it! I had my own business after all, but before long, they began to employ various methods to suppress us. They attacked my shops without any provocation, and they’re attempting to drive all the underground merchants out of the Holy City…”
Locke finally understood everything.
Simply put, among the group of bullies, there was an even stronger group of bullies who wanted to eliminate them. That was all.
Although Locke did not have a good impression of the underground merchants, he needed their help to obtain the materials.
After putting down his knife and fork, Locke stood up and said, “I have no cla.s.ses tomorrow afternoon. I’ll see you at your training center…”
With that, Locke left.
The next afternoon…
d.i.c.kens and a few black market bosses were waiting in d.i.c.kens’ training center office.
Locke had arrived just as he promised.
“I’m counting on you, Mr. Locke…”
“This is my business card. If you need anything, contact me at any time. I’ll give you 20% off…”
“Can I take a picture with you?”
Locke swept an indifferent gaze across the group of people. He did not take a single business card.
d.i.c.kens was the smart one. He immediately asked the people to put away their business cards and said, “If you have anything you wish to tell Mr. Locke, tell them to me! Don’t disturb Mr. Locke any further! If Mr. Locke has any instructions, I will relay it to all of you!”
This statement had also indirectly made d.i.c.kens into Locke’s underground spokesperson.