Gravity Mage with Level-Up System Chapter 1857: Counter Scheme

Crystal City-Shop

Midnight arrived. As always, I stayed in my room. The window stood ajar. Dark red smoke slipped inside through the opening.

In an instant, the dark red smoke materialized right before me. It shifted into the Zero Puppet.

"Master," the puppet greeted me.

I nodded at it and started listening to the intelligence report. I needed updates on Magic Lord Clint and the rest.

Minutes later, the Zero Puppet wrapped up the full briefing.

Everything became clear. Magic Lord Clint exploited my absence to wreak havoc here. His aim was to sabotage the business and tarnish my reputation.

Confronting him now would play right into his hands, fulfilling his ultimate scheme. He could stir up even more chaos.

A flicker of reluctance stirred in my chest. I refused to let him off so easily. He had struck my team. They suffered injuries.

"He probably anticipated this. That's why he kept taunting me," I muttered to myself.

The Zero Puppet remained stationed before me.

"Any other news?" I inquired.

The Zero Puppet shook its head. I acknowledged it, then stored the puppet back in the Gregor Mansion.

The Zero Puppet delivered vital intel. I steadied my emotions and reconsidered my options. Revenge would come, just not immediately.

"Magic Lord Clint," I whispered.

Next, the informer crossed my mind. I gathered my focus and exited the room, making my way to the terrace.

I awaited the informer's arrival. Soon enough, the wizard in black attire showed up. I pondered what information he might bring.

The informer positioned himself in front of me.

"Wizard Vincent, all eyes are on your upcoming action. It will dictate their next steps," he stated.

His words aligned perfectly with the Zero Puppet’s report.

"Should you pursue vengeance, the wizard families and rival factions stand prepared to oppose you," the informer warned.

"Their true intent is to force the shop's closure, halting the rising power of the Silver Tower."

"Certain wizard families are desperate to enlist Appraiser Frank, no matter the price. They're hunting for his vulnerabilities and have dispatched spies to track his location," he continued.

My eyebrows shot up in astonishment. This was fresh intel. Now they targeted my secret persona. I'd nearly overlooked it.

They sought to tear it all down.

"Hmph," I snorted coldly.

Yet I held back any remarks. The informer served the Infinite Wizard Association. He'd relay everything to their head.

"Is that everything?" I questioned.

"Yes," the informer answered.

I dismissed him then. Once he vanished, I nearly summoned the Zero Puppet to tail him.

At the final second, I dismissed the impulse. Investigation could wait for another time.

I lingered there. No fresh strategies emerged. Any rash action now might lead me straight into a snare.

Manager Lara suggested enlisting the Forbidden Wizards' aid. But I already owed them favors. I avoided deepening that debt.

Moreover, I'm no mere member. As a Supreme Wizard, I once shied from direct clashes.

But no longer. I'll confront it head-on. Should Magic Lord Clint persist in his provocations, I'll counter with identical tactics.

A scheme crystallized in my thoughts. Smiling, I headed back to the room.

The next morning dawned early.

I rose from bed and descended the stairs. I roused old man Rock. Hank and Patrick slumbered on.

"Master, what's the matter?" old man Rock inquired.

He marveled at Master Vincent's early rise.

"Rock, remember I vowed revenge? I've devised a plan," I replied, grinning.

Rock froze in shock. True surprise hit him. He'd assumed Master Vincent was cornered.

He figured no moves were possible.

"I'll bring in a media reporter disguised as staff. If Magic Lord Clint stirs trouble again, he'll broadcast it live," I outlined the scheme to old man Rock.

Old man Rock absorbed it and approved heartily.

"Master, this plan will succeed," old man Rock affirmed.

"Exactly, with injured members, adding media as replacement staff fits. Clint won't suspect a thing," I explained.

"But how do we secure this media contact?" Rock wondered.

"I've got just the person." With that, I called Elder Blake, urging him to visit solo immediately.

Blake was stunned yet consented.

Old man Rock overheard and pieced it together. He never imagined Master Vincent crafting such a clever ploy so swiftly.

Exposure would rebound on the Green Elemental Tower, while our shop's reputation stayed intact.

Shortly after, Elder Blake arrived unaccompanied, keeping it from everyone, even officials. Spotting us, clueless, I laid out the plan.

Blake revealed a rare grin; he loved it. Tired of Green Elemental Tower wizards lording over the place.

"Wizard Vincent, this scheme is flawless. I yearn to boot them out. I'll reach my reliable media ally."

"He's with a local outlet. He'll ensure our victory," Blake declared eagerly.

Old man Rock and I exchanged glances.

"Master, they'll tumble into your snare, not the other way around," Rock remarked.

"Fine, keep it all under wraps. Shop opens soon today. Prep must finish beforehand," I instructed them.