章 404: Multiple Exchanges
The formula for "Psyche Analyst," essentially the potion recipe for a "Psychiatrist," held great significance for "Justice" Audrey. After a moment of deliberation, she asked,
"Except for Mr. World, none of us know the exact capabilities of the 'Hurricane Axe.' Even if we find an item of comparable value, we can't accurately judge whether it matches the axe's power."
"Sun" Derrick instinctively turned to the "World" at the far end of the table, as though seeking his opinion.
Klein, understanding Derrick's concerns, considered for a moment. Even if the details of the "Hurricane Axe" were revealed, it would be difficult for the others to trace it back to him.
He had always disguised himself during the gatherings hosted by the "Eye of Wisdom." Besides, even if it became known that "Sherlock" was "World," it wouldn't matter. Klein had designed "World's" persona with such possibilities in mind.
After all, what did "Sherlock" being "World" have to do with him being the "Fool"?
Thus, Klein manipulated the "World" to rasp in his usual hoarse tone,
"Since I gave it to you, it's yours to use or dispose of as you wish."
"Thank you for your understanding, Mr. World." Derrick expressed his gratitude sincerely before, imitating Mr. Tower's usual practice when trading Extraordinary items, requesting Mr. Fool's assistance to manifest the "Hurricane Axe" and explain its functions in detail.
It can unleash a lightning strike after every two or three swings? This is supposedly only worth 500 to 600 pounds? I was worried Mr. World might deceive Mr. Sun, but it turns out he's a genuinely honest person beneath his cold demeanor.
Audrey couldn't help but marvel at the axe's impressive capabilities.
"Judgment" Xio and the "Hanged Man" Alger shared similar thoughts, casting new appraising glances at the enigmatic "World," revising their impressions of his character and abilities.
"Magician" Fors, however, was more puzzled. 'Psyche Analyst' sounds like a name from the 'Spectator' pathway, but which Sequence is it? To think it could be equivalent in value to such a terrifying weapon!
At this moment, Audrey refocused her thoughts and addressed Derrick,
"I can help you find something comparable… but what will you trade in return? After all, once you get the 'Psyche Analyst' formula, you'll need to exchange it with me for the 'Solar High Priest' formula."
The "Solar High Priest" formula was something Audrey had purchased from Xio in preparation for the Tarot gathering.
"I can offer most of the materials from the list I previously provided… but I'll need some time," Derrick replied, his voice trailing off as he remembered that his next assignment was to explore a newly discovered ancient temple under the leadership of the now-"normal" Shepherd Elder Lovia.
But I don't even know what materials the 'Psychiatrist' formula requires... Audrey opened her mouth to comment but quickly stopped herself, realizing that Derrick wouldn't know either, making it pointless to ask.
"What list?" Fors, who had been listening closely, asked curiously.
She had deduced from the exchange regarding the "Solar High Priest" and "Psyche Analyst" formulas that the latter was likely Sequence 7. This implied that both Audrey and Derrick were currently Sequence 8, which left her feeling a bit better about her own position in the club. I might be the weakest here, but not by much.
"I mentioned before that Mr. Sun comes from the City of Silver in the Forsaken Land of the Gods. Since currency isn't used there, he provided us with a list of local monsters, materials, myths, and historical texts to facilitate trading," Audrey explained briefly.
I don't have that list… Could I ask Mr. Sun for another copy? Fors wondered.
Before she could speak, Mr. Fool lightly tapped the table with his fingers and said in a relaxed tone,
"Here, you only need to focus your mind to manifest the contents of that list."
Fors blinked in surprise before rising excitedly. Lifting her skirt slightly, she curtsied and said,
"Thank you for your help, Mr. Fool."
"This is merely a reminder for newcomers," Mr. Fool replied with a soft chuckle, leaning back in his chair.
Fors expressed her gratitude again before eagerly manifesting the list. On the first page, she immediately spotted the entry for "Spirit Eater."
The "Spirit Eater's Stomach" was one of the main ingredients for the "Trickmaster" potion.
"Can you find a Spirit Eater's stomach?" Fors blurted out excitedly, turning to Derrick.
Having experienced several Tarot gatherings, Derrick had grown noticeably sharper. After thinking for a moment, he said,
"I know the general activity range of a few Spirit Eaters.
"You could… well, you could buy a weapon similar to the 'Hurricane Axe' from Miss Justice or someone else with gold pounds, and I'll find it for you."
"A weapon as powerful as the 'Hurricane Axe' could be worth 700 to 800 pounds, or even over 1,000 pounds if someone urgently needs it. But the Spirit Eater's stomach rarely exceeds 400 pounds and is often valued around 300. Do you see the disparity?" Fors responded with a forced smile, attempting to explain the imbalance.
Without hesitation, Derrick replied,
"I could give you two or three Spirit Eater stomachs."
"Multiple stomachs… What am I supposed to do with them? Feed them to my dog?" Fors muttered under her breath.
Hearing her remark, Audrey suddenly felt a twinge of guilt. After "reading" Fors's surface thoughts, she confirmed that Fors wasn't subtly referencing her, which brought her some relief.
That said, just the other day at the Extraordinary gathering near the abandoned hospital in the northern suburbs, I'd considered buying Falsman Rabbit Spinal Fluid to feed my… no, to feed Susie. She's a 'lady' now, not just a dog. It would be impolite to call her that.
Just as Audrey was preparing to interject in Fors's favor, "Tower" Ebner spoke up,
"A weapon less powerful than the 'Hurricane Axe' but better suited for use in dark environments—something from the 'Sun' pathway. Would that be acceptable?"
Ebner was referring to a recently crafted weapon by Gaston. It was slightly redundant for Gaston's needs and didn't pair well with his current arsenal, so he intended to sell it at the next bar gathering.
Derrick's eyes lit up upon hearing Ebner's offer. In his mind, aside from Mr. Fool, the most reliable members of the Tarot Club were Mr. Tower, Mr. World, and Mr. Hanged Man. They consistently shared valuable knowledge, provided practical suggestions, and facilitated access to weapons and formulas.
"What kind of weapon is it?" Derrick asked eagerly, mentally adding, As long as it's not one of those peculiar firearms.
"It's a two-handed greatsword that can release 'Radiant Flames' along its blade. It's heavy, but when raised, it grants a 'Courage' buff to allies within a ten-meter radius and purifies any corruption in their bodies. Like the Hurricane Axe, it can only be used for one year," Ebner explained, recalling Gaston's boastful description.
Derrick contemplated briefly before nodding,
"I believe she'll accept it."
Then, turning to Ebner, he asked,
"What would you like in exchange?"
"I need Treant Mentor's ordinary leaves, Black Vein Stones, and Ashes of Decayed Fire…"
Ebner listed seven or eight materials, most of which were needed for his bone dragon refinement. Though not particularly rare, gathering them all could be troublesome. Fortunately, Derrick's list included all of them.
"These materials together are worth about 300 pounds. Adding the Spirit Eater's stomach for Miss Magician, the total should suffice to exchange for the greatsword," Ebner concluded, glancing at Fors and smiling,
"Once Mr. Sun delivers the materials, 300 pounds will secure the Spirit Eater's stomach for you."
"Agreed! Thank you, Mr. Tower," Fors said, elated. While she realized she might need to borrow a little from Xio, the shortfall wasn't significant.
"Mr. Tower, it may take me some time to gather all the materials… especially since I'm about to join a dangerous exploration mission…" Derrick admitted hesitantly.
"I trust that under Mr. Fool's witness, you'll fulfill your promise," Ebner said with a polite nod toward Mr. Fool before replying with a smile.
"I believe in you too, so I'll await the Psyche Analyst formula," Audrey said encouragingly.
"Same here," Fors chimed in, raising her hand.
"Yes… I'll fulfill my promise," Derrick said with newfound determination. But then he hesitated before adding,
"The mission I've been assigned involves exploring the half-destroyed temple I mentioned earlier—the one linked to the 'Fallen Creator.'
"The leader of this operation is Shepherd Elder Lovia.
"She… she has suddenly become normal… more normal than ever before…
"Do you have any advice for me?"
(End of chapter)
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