I can tell.
The heart of this information broker is very hesitant, wavering, with greed for wealth, yet fearing that once he takes Ian’s money, he might not be able to gain Ian’s favor again.
It is precisely because of this complex mindset that Baboua hesitates to take it.
“Rest assured, this is merely the reward you deserve. Excellence needs to be rewarded.” Ian saw through the other’s mind, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable weight: “Besides, Mr. Baboua, I owe you a favor. Perhaps in the future, your family, your descendants, may need to use this favor.”
These words were like thunder, exploding by Baboua’s ear. He abruptly looked up, his eyes filled with unbelievable joy and deep shock! A favor from a Legendary Wizard! This is no longer something that can be measured with money! It’s practically a trump card that can reverse fate at a critical moment!
Moreover, the implication in Ian’s words—”your descendants”—made his imagination run wild, filled with awe. Indeed, as the legends say, wizards who reach the Legendary Rank have lifespans unimaginably long, likely living for over a thousand years!
To this group,
A promise spanning several generations.
Is not mere words.
After all, according to Baboua’s limited understanding, a Legendary Wizard is no ordinary wizard; transcending the constraints of time is quite a reasonable thing.
Of course, his understanding of Legendary Wizards is limited to knowing more than most wizards, just scratching the surface, as there haven’t been any Legendary Wizards appearing in the world for a long time.
“Sir… I… I…” Baboua was so excited he became a bit incoherent, bowing deeply to Ian, his voice trembling.
“I, Baboua, and my family, will forever remember your grace! Thank you for your trust!” For this information broker, Ian’s promise is indeed priceless.
“This is what you have earned through your own abilities and sincerity.” Ian said lightly, “Maintain your ‘attentiveness,’ perhaps we will have opportunities for cooperation in the future.”
“Absolutely! Absolutely!” Baboua repeatedly assured, knowing he had made the right gamble today. He suppressed his excitement, knowing not to intrude further, and very tactfully said, “Sir, if you have no other instructions, I will not bother you any longer. I wish you all the best!”
Ian nodded. Baboua bowed again and then quickly turned away, disappearing into the bustling crowd of the market, his steps so light it seemed as if he would fly away.
Ian held the wooden box containing the Door Key and the detailed map.
Standing at the corner of the street, he looked up at the sky. In the deep night sky, the sun and the moon existed simultaneously, though one was preparing to rise while the other was about to set.
This indicated that nightfall was approaching. He could have immediately used the Door Key to go to the Ministry of Magic. With his capabilities, even with the other side on guard, infiltrating and achieving the goal wouldn’t be difficult. However, looking at the map in his hand, marked in detail with defense layouts and personnel information, Ian changed his mind.
“Since I’ve got such an ‘attentive’ map.”
Ian’s lips curled into a playful smile, “let’s give the friends at the Ministry of Magic some face. A late-night visit is more ‘polite’ than barging in during office hours.”
He decided.
To act in the latter half of the night, when the Ministry of Magic’s defenses are relatively lax and the personnel most fatigued. This is not only to save some unnecessary trouble.
It is also a… hmm, an elegant tactical choice based on informational advantage. Of course, it’s not that Ian wants to rest; how could the matters of a Legendary Wizard be called lazy?
Returning to the slightly dull inn room, Ian did not rush to act. There was still some time before his planned late-night visit, and he took out Musa’s notes once again. This time, he didn’t skim through but settled down to thoroughly study the specific details about the combination of Time Energy guidance and Alchemy Array Map.
Musa’s research approach was indeed unique.
Viewing time as a “seasoning” that can be “tasted,” and treating the Alchemy Array Map as “pot” and “fire,” attempting through precise energy circuits and symbol resonance to influence the “flow rate” and “texture” of time within a local range. The notes were filled with various complex geometric figures, energy flow equations, and detailed analyses of failed cases.
Many ideas seemed to Ian as whimsical, even going against conventional magic principles, yet the sparks of wisdom and the spirit of exploration despite everything greatly benefited him. No one can say for sure whether this is right, after all, classical physicists also doubted the constancy of the speed of light.
This theory says that no matter how fast you run, the speed of light is always faster than you by its basic speed. Many people doubt this point, yet it is indeed the truth of the universe.
Sometimes.
Things that defy common sense.
Perhaps just haven’t found a way to explain them yet.
When he tried to construct in his mind an Alchemy Array for “micro-speed fermentation,” compressing the fermentation process of a few hours into a few minutes while ensuring the flavor is not lost, he was overcome with a familiar sense of enlightenment about a new field of knowledge.
[Ding, Alchemy Skill Level +7]
[Ding, Alchemy Skill Level +9]