Wizard: There Is No Upper Limit For My Professional Panel Chapter 47: "The Trial" - Novel Cool

Chapter 47: "The Trial"

Chapter 47: "The Trial"

Andie gave a slight nod, her lips curving into a secretive smile.

"My friend and I are seeking some special materials to write a new 'Guide.' You know how academic research always demands various resources."

The dwarf’s gaze shifted to Luo En, scrutinizing the unfamiliar face like a merchant appraising goods.

"A new friend? He doesn’t strike me as someone interested in 'guides'—more like the type who locks himself in a room to study dusty tomes."

"Don’t let appearances fool you, my old friend", Andie said unperturbed, sliding a Mana Shard Fragment across the table. "His knowledge in certain fields might surprise you."

The dwarf extended a stubby hand over the fragment, fingers deftly whisking it into his sleeve as his lips curled upward.

"These days, I’m rarely surprised, Your Highness. But if you insist, I’ll certainly look forward to it."

He rose, gesturing them to follow. "Come, let’s talk in the back. A quieter environment suits academic discussions."

They weaved through the noisy tavern hall, dodging drunken patrons and lively conversations, entering a narrow corridor.

Oil lamps lined the walls, casting dim, flickering light that painted eerie shadows. At the corridor’s end stood several identical wooden doors.

Ao Tuo retrieved a peculiar key from his belt, inspected each door carefully, then chose one. As the key turned in the lock, faint runes glowed on the door’s surface before fading.

With practiced ease, he twisted the key. A crisp click echoed, and the lock yielded.

Inside was a modest circular room. Maps and dried herbs adorned the walls, while a peculiar fragrance—blended from dozens of herbs—hung in the air. At the center sat a round table surrounded by chairs, illuminated by a softly glowing magic crystal lamp.

"Please, sit", the dwarf said, securing the door before climbing onto an elevated chair, towering over his guests. "Now, tell me what kind of 'materials' you’re after. Here, we can drop the cumbersome codes."

Luo En glanced at Andie, who gave a subtle nod.

He drew a peculiar parchment from his robe. "These."

Carefully, he revealed only a few relatively non-sensitive entries: "The Heart Ash of the Moon Shadow Bat" and "Crystalline Moss."

Ao Tuo took the parchment, his thick eyebrows lifting as his blue eyes sparkled with surprise and curiosity.

"Oh? This isn’t just any shopping list."

His fingers traced the shimmering script before locking eyes on them both.

"Especially the 'Crystalline Moss'—it’s been in short supply lately, prices have tripled, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a single tael on the market."

"Why?" Luo En asked instinctively, immediately aware he might be treading on sensitive ground.

The dwarf studied him, his lips pressed into a thin line beneath his beard.

"That’s proprietary knowledge we professionals keep to ourselves. I can’t just tell customers like you."

After a pause, he added, "But yes, the rare materials market has been unusually volatile recently, especially those linked to mage lords."

He waved a hand dismissively. "Anyway, I can source these materials, but it won’t be quick or cheap. Prepare yourselves."

"How many Mana Shard Fragments?" Luo En asked bluntly, deciding to skip the games.

Ao Tuo counted on his thick fingers. "Even one of each would cost at least one hundred seventy Mana Shard Fragments. Some items would require trading for complete Mana Stones."

He narrowed his eyes, assessing the youth’s financial capacity. "No one sells just one or two pieces anyway."

Luo En’s brow furrowed. The price exceeded his budget. Had Madame Ellen overestimated his resources or underestimated the current market value?

"We’ll buy in batches", he proposed after a moment. "Start with the easiest ones first."

Andie interjected smoothly, her tone light but alert. "If we get samples, we’ll need quality inspections. Shopping around is wise in places like this."

"Oh?" Ao Tuo’s curiosity grew, his blue eyes gleaming. "You know how to appraise these materials? At your age, you don’t exactly look experienced."

Luo En nodded calmly, his voice steady with confidence. "I have some expertise in potions."

"Fascinating, fascinating", the dwarf chuckled, rubbing his beard with a rasping sound. "Usually, apothecary apprentices in the Black Market bring along a reputable appraiser, cloaked and hooded to hide their faces."

He studied Luo En. "But if you can test them yourself, that’s convenient. Though..."

His eyes suddenly glinted with mischief. "Big talk isn’t a good habit, young man."

From under the table, he produced an ornate wooden box etched with intricate runes that shimmered faintly.

"Today’s your lucky day—I happen to have stock. Want to see? Let’s test how deep your 'expertise' really runs."

Luo En’s pulse quickened as he nodded. "Gladly."

He sensed the challenge but felt confident in his abilities.

Ao Tuo opened the box, revealing neatly arranged crystal vials and small pouches. The room’s light refracted off the glass, casting an otherworldly glow.

"Take a look at this", the dwarf said, handing him a vial of grayish-brown powder. "This should be the 'Heart Ash of the Moon Shadow Bat' from your list. Fresh stock, premium quality."

Luo En accepted the vial, activating his [herb identification] ability. He tilted the vial, letting the powder catch the light.

Genuine Moon Shadow Bat Heart Ash should shimmer silver-gray with a faint blue fluorescence. More importantly, it emitted a distinct mana fluctuation that sent subtle tremors through a perceptive cultivator’s senses.

Yet this powder, though similar in texture, lacked the telltale mana vibrations. Its color was too dull, more akin to common mineral dust or over-refined waste.

As he analyzed, his skill experience steadily increased:

[Counterfeit Detected! herb identification experience points +1]

"I’m afraid this isn’t authentic."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end

Report