While Harper was internally seething with excitement, she maintained a gentle demeanor on the surface and softly said, "We will definitely fulfill your request, but there's a question I'm not sure if I should ask..."
"Go ahead," Mike responded, not minding a bit more conversation since they were willing to help him. After all, he knew well what to disclose and what to keep to himself.
"You're only charging us a small amount to appraise this equipment, and you're accepting gold coins..." Harper carefully phrased her question, "Have you encountered some sort of urgent need for money?"
For high-tier powerhouses, gold coins are not the currency of priority!
For instance, university students can use credits to exchange for items within the school, and Charlotte's weapon was acquired through such credits. If the same tier equipment were
placed in the Mystic Market, Charlotte couldn't afford it at all. The value of credits is such that they can't be bought with gold coins!
There are merits in corps, credits in universities, VIP points in Mystic Market, and even an internal exchange system within Wolf's Den. Gold coins are almost the worst choice!
Yet, why does this hidden powerhouse, a master smith, insist on being paid in gold coins?
Mike gave a slight smile and slowly explained, "It's nothing too serious. I have a special item that needs a lineage restriction lifted. I thought using gold coins would make the transaction simpler and help keep my identity more secure."
Harper nodded, understanding his explanation. She really wanted to offer, "Let me pay for lifting the restriction!" Even if it cost a million gold coins, she could explain the situation back at the Montgomery family and get reimbursed.
However, powerhouses have their pride, and for Harper to offer such a thing could be seen as an insult.
If Mike knew what Harper was thinking, he might have exclaimed, "Insult me a few more times, it's okay!" That's a million gold coins, after all!
Harper could see that the amount of gold coins this master smith had was probably not enough to lift the restriction, even with the additional 160,000 they just discussed.
"Since he's eager to lift the restriction, I must find a way to help!" Harper knew she had to demonstrate her value, or she might never have another chance with this mysterious powerhouse. Opportunities like this come once, and she had to seize it!
"Actually!" Harper's eyes lit up, slightly excited, "I also know a master smith whose talent is quite unique. He can add buffs to equipment that have a time limit, including lifting lineage restrictions!"
"If we ask him to help, the price will be much cheaper, but it can only lift the lineage restriction for a while, not permanently. What do you think?"
This proposal was very appealing to Mike. He was worried about not having enough money, and using the Inhibition Orb for his afternoon mission would significantly reduce the risk.
"Good, we can meet and discuss. This special item is of SS-grade."
SS-grade special items!
Harper gasped, the mysterious master disguised as a lightning element was dealing with extraordinary items, his capabilities far beyond her imagination!
With Mike's approval, Harper quickly contacted the other master smith, negotiating the price and terms. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, thrilled by the opportunity she had grasped. Harper's efficiency was high. After contacting the master smith, she quickly returned and reported, "Master, he's asking for 200,000 gold coins, including one equipment appraisal. The lifting of the lineage restriction on the special items can last for 7 days. After that, he'll lift it again for free one more time!"
200,000 gold coins would drain all of Mike's funds, exchanging it for 14 days of usage of the Inhibition Orb. It seemed like a loss.
But for Mike, it was like buying insurance for his life with 200,000 gold coins. With the Inhibition Orb, his chances of surviving in combat would greatly increase, and most magic would pose no threat to him.
Moreover, most of this money was earned from appraising equipment. Essentially, he hadn't spent much of his own resources to gain 14 days of freedom from lineage restrictions.
This deal was worth it!
"No problem, make it quick, preferably within 8 minutes," Mike said, glancing at the time as he had a class starting soon.
"Understood!" Harper quickly contacted the other party, drafting the trade contract and ensuring everything was settled within 8 minutes.
Coincidentally, the master smith Harper knew was available and arrived at the Trade Secret Realm immediately. He helped Mike lift the lineage restriction on the Inhibition Orb, and Mike appraised his equipment.
They both agreed to keep the details of this transaction confidential, not disclosing any information to outsiders.
Seven minutes later, the contract was completed.
"I have to go now," Mike said as he left.
The master smith Harper had brought looked at the detailed equipment information and remarked, "This person's appraisal skills are far beyond mine. I consider myself a skilled smith, but I've never been able to successfully appraise this piece of equipment."
"Harper, where did you find this master smith?"
"It's a secret, don't pry!" Harper said with a radiant smile, pulling Charlotte by the arm as
they walked out.
"Charlotte, you're my lucky star! I can't thank you enough for this time!"
"Let's go, let's head to the far northern tundra and complete the master's request!"
...
"Made it just in time," Mike muttered as he rushed back to the classroom, entering just as the
bell rang.
"Mike, did you eat something bad?" Cain whispered. "You were in the restroom for 36
minutes and 27 seconds!"
"Are you timing me now?" Mike was speechless; his friend really had nothing better to do. "By the way, I didn't get to ask earlier, did you go to Thunder Valley yesterday?"
"Yeah, I did. What about it?"
"Nothing, just asking. Here, I've got something good for you!" Cain sneakily handed over a wrapped item.
"What's this?" Mike opened the package, and immediately a delicious aroma wafted out, revealing several strips of grilled beef.
[Perfectly cooked beef, Battle General quality. Guess who the unlucky one was?]
No need to guess, Mike already knew the answer.
"Minotaur Battle General..."
"Mike, this stuff can increase your Strength attribute the first time you eat it, and it's also good for boosting your Constitution and recovering stamina on a regular basis. It's really
good stuff!"
Cain briefly shared his experience from last night, lamenting the courage of the mysterious warrior who unfortunately died at the hands of the boss.
After hearing Cain's story, Mike paused. I became a warrior? And I was killed by the Minotaur Battle General? The Minotaur Battle General killed by the rules of truth?
What a mess!
Regardless, no one discovered Mike's role in killing the boss, which was definitely good for
him.
Storing the beef carefully, Mike continued planning his afternoon activities. With the Inhibition Orb now usable, along with the numerous potions and scrolls he had purchased, his
survival tactics were fully equipped.
"I'll just go take a look. If it's really dangerous, I can still run!" Mike thought.
Finally, when school was dismissed, Mike was the first to leave the classroom.
He slipped into a small grove, changed clothes, donned a mask transformed by the Lone Wolf
badge, and used a directional teleportation scroll to leave.
His movements were fluid and practiced.
Mike's figure appeared in a small alley on the outskirts of town, his gaze fixed on an
abandoned factory by the roadside.
The location was secluded, rarely frequented by people, making it an ideal hiding spot.
Arthas Bloodscribe, the son of the fourth demon cult leader Terenas Bloodscribe, was hiding
here, severely injured.
"Good, no guards, no special arrangements..."
Mike looked around to ensure there were no dangers nearby.
"Let's get a bit closer, then decide on the next move!"