"Let me finish telling you, then ask your questions. Last night..."
Hibell finally accepted the fact that an Angel had descended, furrowing her brow in deep thought.
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"Do you think the Grey Robed Wizards will agree to the Angel's request to let the Swamp Alliance interfere in the wars of mortals?"
"Yes," Carl nodded. "What do you think?"
"I think they will too," Hibell said, her expression complex. "That's the Star Gate!"
"By now, they're probably discussing the details of the agreement. We'll inevitably get involved in the end."
"Right," Carl spoke up. "Once the news spreads, the market prices for various supplies will rise. You know a lot of people. Can you borrow some Magic Stones?"
"Exactly!" Hibell's eyes lit up. "With the war against Kolon, the price of battle supplies will definitely skyrocket."
She said anxiously, "I'll gather the money, and you take care of hoarding the supplies. We must make a fortune out of this opportunity, but let's not be too conspicuous, to avoid drawing unwanted attention."
That was the reason he had approached Hibell.
Over the past three years, Hibell had made many friends and was one of the veterans in the young organization, the 'Star Secret Society'.
The amount of Magic Stones she could borrow far exceeded what Carl could.
In the following days, Carl quietly purchased supplies through Alesya, shops, and street vendors.
Hibell was very resourceful.
She even mortgaged their islands and shares in the Hedi Company. Including the Magic Stones borrowed from others, the total actually exceeded 1,500.
One thousand five hundred Magic Stones!
That was a fortune that would make any Official Wizard envious.
"Others have started to quietly stockpile supplies in the market. Alesya has probably guessed something and is stockpiling too," Carl said, checking the recent inventory and shaking his head. "We don't have many Magic Stones left, and the prices of supplies have started to rise. It's not very meaningful to continue purchasing."
"Then let's stop there," Hibell said, her eyes sparkling and reinvigorated. "Modili has already caught wind of the news. His tutor is an Official Wizard. It seems the Grey Robed Wizards are nearly done with their negotiations."
"Hmm," Carl began. "Next... we just wait to sell at higher prices!"
「Half a month later.」
An unusual atmosphere began to permeate the Swamp Alliance.
The lower-ranked Wizard Apprentices didn't know what exactly had happened, but they noticed that the prices of all sorts of supplies were rising.
Those with connections had heard that envoys from the Gando Kingdom had arrived at the Black Swamp and reached some sort of agreement with the Grey Robed Wizards. The price hikes officially began!
Carl didn't need to worry about selling. The goods he had hoarded were essential for Wizard duels.
As long as he offered them, there would definitely be buyers.
Alesya managed this, with Hibell assisting.
Hibell found Carl, sweat beading on her forehead. She gulped down several mouthfuls of water to calm her breathing.
"The prices have gone crazy! When we purchased the goods in bulk, the price was relatively low. Now, the profit has already exceeded 50%."
"But I've observed some movement within the Alliance. They might intervene in the market, or even arrest a few people who are disrupting it to make an example of them."
"Then let's sell as quickly as possible," Carl squinted. "It's fine if we earn a bit less."
"That's what I was thinking too," Hibell nodded, casting an approving glance his way, then added, "One more thing."
"The Grey Robed Wizards have already reached an agreement with the envoys from the Gando Kingdom. We are in charge of dealing with some of Kolon's generals and nobles. This time, everyone will be mobilized. Even you will have to take on a compulsory task; assignments will be distributed soon."
Carl's expression was calm; he had expected this. In a matter that affected the future of all Wizard Apprentices, no one could remain aloof and benefit without contributing.
"I can't join you this time," Hibell said with a troubled look. "In the Alliance's exploration team, I have a few teammates I coordinate well with, and I also need to depart with the members of the Star Secret Society."
"The key thing is... we've chosen a Legendary Knight as our target. Bringing you along would be too dangerous."
"A Legendary Knight?" Carl frowned. "That's too risky!"
Although Advanced Wizard Apprentices could theoretically kill a Legendary Knight, that referred to someone like Adolf, an Advanced Wizard Apprentice who had accumulated decades of experience. Even so, the chances of success were still slim. Moreover, each of Kolon's Legendary Knights held high positions and authority, and would definitely have guardians or even Fire Thieves protecting them. Even for Advanced Wizard Apprentices, going after them would be a suicide mission.
"Don't worry," Hibell pursed her lips and smiled lightly. "Since we dared to pick a Legendary Knight as our target, we are naturally prepared. In the next few days, let's split the Magic Stones we earned. You should also acquire some good Demonized Items; they will come in handy."