"It is a pleasure to meet you once again, Sir J."

A flamboyant gentleman strides into the meeting place yet again, his solemn expression contrasting his very extravagant attire.

He has a respectful tone while speaking despite appearing as a wealthy aristocrat.

That's because he knows who he is speaking to—a Leviathan.

I remain fixed on my seat while looking at him. It appears nothing about this person and his employer has changed since our last meeting.

Just like before, they insisted that we set the time and place for our meeting. This time, I chose one of my largest warehouses in the outskirts of the city so that all the Special Resources being brought in can be safely deposited and stored.

At least, pending the time they are transported to the Vey'lithar Sanctuary.

'I thought the Master might show up this time around, but he isn't so easy to meet, huh?' I sigh, casting a disconcerting gaze on Snake, his representative.

Naturally, Snake doesn't sit until I tell him to, and he maintains a respectful and charming demeanor throughout.

Our conversation broaches many subjects, including the flourishing state of business, as well as other incidents in the Randalorion Kingdom.

Without my campaign and constant persecution of the Dark Guild, it appears that business is better than ever.

No matter the Kingdom, the services of the Dark Guild are indispensable and its network is too vast to ignore.

I don't know a lot about it, but this organization is sure to have an extremely long history.

As we discussed several things, it was inevitable that the Royal Academy Excursion would come up.

Once Snake brings up the topic, I act naturally and discuss it with complete detachment.

Although I am fairly certain that his Master knows of my identity, I'm not sure the same applies to Snake himself.

After preliminary discussions, we move on to more serious matters.

In essence, my Special Resources.

"The down payment and collateral were sufficient for the Rank 4 and lower Special Resources. I have brought them with me as well…"

"But…?" I raise my brow while staring at him.

"It will take some time before we get our hands on the Grade 5 Special Resources. We ask for your patience, and also for another deposit if you wish to expedite the process."

"You want me to pay more? I thought we had an agreement." I raise an eyebrow.

"There has been an increase in demand for the procurement of Special Resources in the area that my Master supervises. As it stands, it'll be difficult, or next to impossible, to obtain the Special Resources you desire. We'll have no choice but to import them from territories further away, which will certainly cost more in the long run." Snake explains everything sensibly, and I sigh in understanding.

"I see…"

"Of course, my Master is still open to the debt arrangement. However, you'll need to make a down payment to show consideration. It's just the nature of business."

"And if I don't? What will happen then?"

"We won't stop looking for the Rank 5 Special Resources, but it might take longer before you can get them. Until the huge demand reduces, there is really nothing that can be done."

I frown mildly.

It's not like I need those Grade 5 Potions right away. In fact, Grade 4 Potions are perfect for my current self, since I am only a Witness Leviathan.

But something about this sudden change rubs me off the wrong way.

"Why wasn't I informed of this demand before we had our deal? It seems like the demand only appeared after I made the request."

"You are correct."

"Then shouldn't my own request take priority? Or does your boss not operate on a first come first served basis?"

"Normally, that would be the case. But this transaction involves a Leviathan Organization. They scale above you in terms of importance."

"Hmm…"

Although a frown remains on my face, my feeling of dissatisfaction has already been appeased.

Now that things have been explained like this, I can't help but understand.

I am merely one man.

A Rank 1 Leviathan, for that matter.

There's no way I have as much importance or influence as an entire body of Leviathans.

Plus, any organization that purchases Special Resources in bulk to the point where they've gotten scarce is certainly not to be trifled with.

I can not even begin to imagine the depth of this group's wealth.

"Does this organization have a name?" I try to act as nonchalant as possible, but I am actually very curious.

After all, I actually do not know of any Leviathan Organization.

Neither does Ciel.

Although her people have a long history, they've been in isolation for pretty much all of it. They have no idea of the happenings of the outside world.

If I can learn of an Organization as powerful as this, it won't be a loss to me.

"They're called the Ouroboros Sect. They've become quite active around these parts as of late."

"I see. Thank you for the information."

"It's no problem. They didn't specifically ask to be anonymous, and you are one of us—a Dark Guild member."

'So now they know that…'I nearly roll my eyes but maintain a smile.

We discuss for a little more, during which I have Ciel and Uncle Damon transport the Special Resources while Leon remains by my side.

Freya and Jasper are still overseeing business in headquarters, and I don't intend to ever make them privy to meetings like this.

Not until they prove their worth and make it into my inner circle.

The discussion doesn't last for much longer after this, and I send Snake off without leaving my seat.

Before leaving, he turns back and gives me a vague message from his Master:

"The Shadowstalker will grace the Randalorion Kingdom in the coming days."

I have no idea what that means, but I will take that as a warning. If there is such a being as a Shadowstalker, it must be dangerous.

What Cadre of Magivore is it?

I get none of those details, as Snake leaves after that. It appears even he has no clue what the omen means.

I'll just have to be more careful.

'I'll keep my ears and eyes wide open for any suspicious activity in the Kingdom. With my network, I should be informed if anything conspicuous happens in any part of the Kingdom.'

Setting that aside, it's a relief I finally got my hands on the Special Resources.

Now I can use Sir Arthur Snow's recipe and brew Grade 4 Potions that will help me with Existential Deficiency.

He also left behind other recipes for Potions to help me improve Interference Power in my Fragmented Conceptions. Brewing all of them will help me advance much faster than normal.

The value of these Potions have increased now that I know that constant use of my Leviathan Powers shaves off lifespan.

After all, I get to improve without wasting lifespan in the process.

An acceptable method to grow stronger.

"Bring me Ciel." I turn to Leon after remaining silent for a while. "I have things to discuss with her."

"Yes, my Lord."

Not long after he leaves, a masked Ciel steps through the door alone. Just as I intended, Leon has taken her place in handling the Special Resources, including taking inventory of all of them.

"Please… sit."

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