Gravity Mage with Level-Up System Chapter 1849: Meeting guests!

Crystal City - Shop

A deal was struck, and we signed the contract successfully. However, I included a few conditions. This agreement won't endure forever.

Should the Wizard Association's leader change, the deal will be rendered invalid.

Leader Edmund hesitated initially, yet he agreed to the terms.

Finally, the contract took effect. They'll dispatch someone every midnight to update me with intelligence reports.

Smiles lit their faces as both departed. Leaning back in my chair, satisfaction washed over me. This shop was opened primarily to gather intel.

The appraisal services serve as a front for outsiders. So far, the appraisal trade has flourished.

With a pact now sealed with the mighty Wizard Association in this city, my business will solidify even further.

Still, I must address the intelligence matter. Down the line, I intend to sell intel at a premium too. For that, branches need establishing across all cities.

A sharp glint flashed in my eyes. I'll proceed step by step. Protecting the business from external threats remains the priority now.

Thoughts turned to the online news next. Pulling out the device, I checked eagerly for any buzz. Breaking news popped up, featuring my photo.

Media outlets everywhere were covering my story. Reporters had flocked to Crystal City, with some already arriving.

Entry to private property was barred for them. Without permission, they couldn't access the Crystal Community.

As I mulled over this, Hank ushered in another visitor. This time, city officials arrived.

The officials entered the office, and Hank exited. I eyed them—they were Elder Blake and his team.

"You're Elder Blake, right? I've heard of you. Please sit down," I told him and his group.

They took seats across from me.

"Wizard Vincent, I never imagined seeing you in our city. We're delighted you've chosen to purchase a shop here," Elder Blake remarked.

In response, I grinned and replied, "Appraiser Frank and I go way back. Buying this shop was only natural."

The chat lasted ten minutes before they departed. Their visit was a gesture of respect, leaving little else to discuss.

Other guests awaited, including local powers. After the officials, I met with those representatives.

One hour passed.

Fatigue set in, so I halted guest receptions. Closing my eyes, I started resting.

Outside,

crowds of guests and customers had gathered. Patrick and Otto were swamped.

Hank handled crowd management. Old Man Rock scanned for dangers, overseeing security.

The two monsters remained in the basement.

Meanwhile, more guests lingered, bearing gifts.

My break lasted just 20 minutes.

Resuming, I met the next odd visitor. Dressed sharply, he sat opposite me.

"I'm a trader. Name's John," he stated. His intro felt feeble, heightening my caution.

"Ah, a trader. Nice to meet you, Mr. John," I responded.

His eyes flickered, a strange smile creeping across his face.

[Ding! Malicious intent is detected.]

The system's alert rang in my head. My pulse quickened. Who dared show up like this?

He revealed his malice right before me. Did he believe I couldn't detect it?

"Mr. Vincent, as a token of appreciation, I've brought a gift. Examine it later." With that, he produced an ornate wooden box.

He set it on the table.

Eyebrows arched in astonishment. Hatred radiated from this man, so why the gift? Activating the system's Probe.

[Ding! A decapitated head was found.]

The system's voice jolted me, shattering my calm.

Before the stranger uttered another word, I lunged forward and struck him unconscious. Once down, I called Elder Blake— he'd shared his contact before leaving.

"Wizard Vincent, didn't expect your call so quickly. Need assistance?" Blake inquired.

"A fool showed up to stir trouble. Can you come over?" I requested.

"I'll arrive shortly," Blake assured.

I hung up and awaited his arrival.

Moments later,

Elder Blake arrived with his men. Entering, he spotted the unconscious figure on the floor.

I briefed them. Shock rippled through Blake and his team. Approaching the desk, Blake first confirmed no explosives in the box.

Then, lifting the lid, a severed head of a middle-aged man came into view.

"That's Luke, one of our staff. Missing for two days. Never thought he'd be murdered," a subordinate noted.

Expressions darkened instantly. Elder Blake's face twisted in rage.

He'd anticipated trouble for Wizard Vincent, but not using their own man's head.

Fury boiled within him.

"Wizard Vincent, may we take this individual?"

"I promise to uncover the mastermind behind him," Blake vowed.

"Fine," I agreed.

They hauled away the suspicious man. A sigh escaped me. This won't conclude easily—more threats loom. Yet fear doesn't grip me.

Next, I called in the staff: Otto, Patrick, Hank, and Old Man Rock. I warned them about the intruder.

They must stay vigilant—attacks could target them too.

"Master, my failure. I should've checked him," Otto admitted.

Shaking my head, I said, "You couldn't have spotted it. Without words, good from bad blends seamlessly."

"With my presence, the magic towers will act soon. Stay alert." Dismissing them, I sent them out.