Gravity Mage with Level-Up System Chapter 1845: Holden Barrett’s request

Crystal City Shop

New guests arrived at the shop. They turned out to be Supreme Wizard Holden Barrett along with Butler Gideon.

Holden showed up for the shop's grand opening. This was his second time visiting, though the owner had switched already. The current owner was now one of their own.

He stepped inside the premises. Old Man Rock and the rest spotted him right away. They got to their feet and hurried over to welcome him.

"Great to see you all once more. But where's the shop owner, Frank?" Holden inquired.

They gestured toward the gallery office. Noticing a figure seated within, Holden glanced at Butler Gideon. He planned to speak with Appraiser Frank privately.

He passed through the gallery area and neared the door. Spotting a masked figure inside, he arched his eyebrows.

He understood then that he'd never glimpsed Frank's real face. He rapped on the door.

Inside the office, I swiveled toward the entrance and noticed Holden waiting outside. I motioned for him to come in. Holden pushed the door open, entered, closed it behind him, and took a seat across from me.

"Appraiser Frank, good to meet you again. Sorry for dropping by without notice," Holden remarked.

I grinned at his words and replied, "No worries at all. Friends from the Silver Tower are welcome anytime. Oh, and the shop now has a fresh owner," I noted.

"Yes, I'm aware. But that's not why I'm here. I need your assistance with a family affair," Holden explained.

"Family affair?" I exclaimed, surprised. Since he'd sought me out for aid, it surely involved an appraisal. "Is your family seeking appraisal assistance?" I questioned.

Holden felt stunned. He hadn't anticipated Frank reading his intentions so effortlessly.

"Exactly, it's about that. Agree to assist, and I'll escort you home."

"What kind of task is it? I've got commitments here I can't delay," I told him.

Holden paused, caught off guard. He'd assumed Appraiser Frank would jump at the chance to help.

Then it hit him—the shop's ownership had shifted to Supreme Wizard Vincent Carey.

"Had you wished to sell the shop and your expertise, I'd have paid a premium price," Holden stated.

That thought crossed everyone's mind, yet few knew Appraiser Frank personally. Holden had attended the opening, giving him that edge.

A sharp glint flashed in my gaze. I hadn't foreseen him revealing his mind so bluntly.

"Wizard Vincent rescued me. That's why I'm glad he acquired the shop," I informed him.

Holden figured as much. Otherwise, Silver Tower wizards with far superior pedigrees would have snapped it up.

"Fine, just tell me if you're willing to assist," Holden pressed.

"Once I wrap up my present duties, I'll reach out via Manager Lara. I'd be delighted to lend a hand," I assured him.

Only then did a smile break across Holden's face.

"Appreciate it. I'm heading out now. Hope you clear your schedule quickly." With those words, Holden departed the premises.

I watched him go, curiosity stirring within me. This man wouldn't visit idly; his clan ranked among the Silver Tower's mightiest.

He could've turned to others for aid if he chose, but he'd come straight here. I burned to uncover the details.

Yet a snag remained. I lacked a magic mask shielding me from Forbidden Wizards and Elders' scrutiny.

The Barrett family likely boasted an Elder-tier forebear wouldn't shock me. Offending such a power was unwise, yet I desperately required an advanced magic mask for safety.

The zero puppet performed admirably, though pinpointing the precise spot might drag on.

With the zero puppet confirming the Mage Union stocked such a mask, I resolved to collect my Silver Tower reward.

Decision made, I grabbed my device and dialed Manager Lara. She picked up without delay.

"Manager Lara, I require a mask that blocks detection from Forbidden Wizards and Elders," I requested.

"What's going on?" Lara queried, startled.

"Indeed, I need it. Rewards from my last mission remain unclaimed. Can you fetch it from the Mage Union?" I pressed.

"I'll consult Lord Charlotte. Only Elders hold that clearance. She might involve Elder Dana," Lara clarified.

"Very well, inform her. I urgently need that mask to venture out safely," I urged.

"Got it. I'll handle it. By the way, heard about the forbidden items popping up in SunHaven City?" Lara inquired.

Taken aback, I hadn't expected the word to reach her so soon.

"Yeah, I've caught wind of it," I answered.

"Forbidden items are emerging lately. Stay cautious," Lara warned.

"Will do," I acknowledged.

We chatted briefly on other matters before hanging up. After ages, I was finally claiming something from the Mage Union.

...

Meanwhile, outside, Holden Barrett and Butler Gideon flew back to the magic city aboard their aircraft.

"Young Master, why not just command him?" Gideon wondered.

Holden shook his head in response. "Appraiser Frank's status has shifted. He's kin to Manager Lara and serves under Wizard Vincent."

"I've met him just once or twice, and both Lords back him. No sense in antagonizing him."

Gideon's gaze flickered. "Selling the shop to us would've secured his future."

"He handed it to an outsider instead. That wizard will now rise in the faction thanks to Appraiser Frank."

Holden chuckled lightly. "Wizard Vincent saved him, so repaying the favor makes sense. Let's set this aside. He promised aid and will contact us shortly."

Gideon stayed silent, inwardly irked. Never before had the Barrett heir faced such treatment.