Murphy Kimbell.

The first impression of the man in Olivers eyes was a man who looked like a stone statue.

His shoulders were wide open, his body was stiff, and his eyes and expression were rigid like a lifeless stone.

He felt more like an artificially made human than simply a well-trained human being.

He ruffled his hair to one side and spoke again.

Hello. Mr. Warlock. My name is Murphy Kimbell.

Oliver got up from his seat and greeted him the same way.

Yes, hello? Im Dave.

An awkward greeting along with a strange sense of tension.

At that moment, Forrest also got up from the seat and opened his mouth.

If its okay with you, please sit here. Even though the two of you have already greeted each other, still Ill do the introduction Dave, this is Murphy Kimbell. Hes the boss of the Kimbell family which holds shops from the 40th to 45th Street in District T. Mr. Kimbell, this is Dave, the warlock who captured Herbert.

On Forrests introduction, Oliver once again greeted Murphy.

Once again, Oliver felt a strange atmosphere.

Maybe it was just a feeling, but somehow Oliver felt that the person in front of him had faced more near-death experiences than all the people he had met.

It includes the Lightning Wizard, Master Joseph, and Paladin Joanna.

Forrest explained as if he read Olivers thoughts.

Mr. Murphy is a Veteran Soldier. A true patriot who fought during the colonial and continental wars.

Hahaha That was all a long time ago. Right now, Im just a person who runs a small business Anyway, nice to meet you. Mr. Warlock, I personally wanted to thank you for your help this time. Thank you very much.

Murphy was very polite despite his overbearing appearance. However, his heart had different thoughts compared to his words.

He was currently making numerous speculations about whether Oliver was truly the person who completed this job.

Oliver reminded himself of Kents advice of asking him to be always on guard against gangsters.

No, I just did my job.

Still, thanks a lot. The books and documents you brought were also very helpful.

I received a reasonable price, so its fine. Rather, I heard that you have something to say to me.

When Oliver got to the point, Murphy followed right away.

Forrest took a step back and watched the situation.

Yeah, as you may have heard, we dont fully trust this Assistant professor. Once a traitor will always be a traitor.

I see

Yeah, thats why I cant trust the wizards workshop hes talking about. So, could you give me a brief description of the workshop you saw in District X? I dont know what other tricks he may try to pull on me.

Ive only looked around once. There were four workshop-like buildings, but I was only able to visit one of them. Why dont you go there and take a look yourself?

Ive already gone there. But, the workshop was empty.

Empty?!

Yes, it wasnt a simple break-in, someone intentionally emptied the workshop.

At that moment, Oliver recalled the strangers who were detected by the minion when he escaped with Herbert.

It felt like they were related.

Um did I make a mistake?

No, Im grateful to Mr. Warlock for exceeding my expectations for the little money I provided. Im just trying to get some help.

He looked at Forrest. He shrugged as if nothing had happened.

Oliver thought for a moment, then asked Forrest if he had a paper and pen.

Do you have Paper and pen?

Yes.

Forrest was puzzled, but still, he gave him a piece of paper and a pen.

Upon receiving the pen and paper, Oliver started to draw the sketch of the workshop that he saw. He drew the water tank, pipes, and materials he saw in the place.

Within the scope of his knowledge, he identified what kind of material it was, how much capacity it had, and what was its role in the device, and briefly wrote them down.

Making Pilgarets and reading magic-related books was helpful for Oliver in identifying and remembering things.

It was roughly like this. I cant remember more than this.

It was not perfect, but nevertheless, Murphy and Forrest couldnt help but open their mouths wide at the great drawing by Oliver.

Both of them were startled.

Is there any problem?

No. No its great Its wonderful. Really, is this picture right?

As far as I remember?

Murphy carefully folded the paper Oliver had drawn and placed it into his pocket without any further questioning.

Murphy opened his mouth again with great satisfaction.

And I have one more request.

Are you talking about the security issue?

Yeah, yes, I was going to talk about this. Soon, Im planning on opening a magic wine factory To be frank, this is a very big thing in this field of business.

Is that so?

Yes. The market for magic wine is as large as it is for legal alcoholic beverages. Although there is a high risk in manufacturing and consumption, there is always a steady demand for these products. If we can continue to mass-produce these products then we can make a huge profit.

What Murphy said was the truth. When Oliver saw Forrest, he too nodded.

Murphy was a lot kinder at explanation than he expected, and Oliver soon understood the reason for it.

The man in front of him right now was in desperate need of Oliver.

As Kent said, a situation where the Solver had the upper hand appeared.

Of course, he could cut Oliver when the job was done, but at least until then, he was going to satisfy Olivers needs as much as possible.

Murphy continued.

However, the bigger the business, the fiercer the competition is, and the competition in the back alley is accompanied by violence. So I need someone to protect the factory until its finished.

Um, if its okay with you, can I ask you a question?

A question?

Yes, if its okay with you.

Of course, its something I should do. So, What do you want to know?

You said until its finished, does that mean it will be all right after its finished?

Yes, from then on, it will be fine. If we prove to our superiors the benefits that will be gained through the quality and production of the product, then our organization will naturally protect us. So now is the most crucial time.

It wasnt very convincing, but still, Oliver nodded.

There were a lot of things that Oliver didnt quite understand about the so-called organization in the first place.

Still, he could see what it means for an organization like Crime Firm to compete and cooperate.

Honestly, I know its rude to ask like this. So, at first, I tried to stop them with just me and my family. Its not something I want to brag about in front of a Warlock, but Im actually pretty confident in fighting.

What he said was true.

Then?

Its because of Herbert and the officials that were backing him in the Magic Tower.

Murphy mentioned the most sensitive part of the job.

Its the wizard. If the Wizards decide to act, we wont stand a chance. Thats why I came here to ask for help.

Theres no guarantee that I can beat the wizard, right?

If the word that a skilled warlock like you is guarding the place goes out, maybe they will hesitate to make a move. Even they dont want to make a big deal out of this.

Oliver nodded.

Murphy didnt want Oliver to stop the wizards. He just wants him to be a scarecrow to threaten the Wizards.

I know its an inappropriate proposal. It doesnt really make sense to ask for someone to fight against a wizard with only 30 million that too a wizard from the Magic Tower. But, as far as I know, the only person who can do this is Mr. Warlock. If you agree to it Ill add more rewards.

More?

Yes, we cant pay more than this due to lack of cash right now, but on the premise that the factory is operating safely, we will add another 30 million by the fall of next year. A total of 60 million.

Oliver looked at Forrest.

Im sorry, but I dont take jobs with such uncertain payment.

Well, I also understand Mr. Forrests position. He prefers to do solid business. But Im serious.

Oliver saw Murphys feelings. As he said, he was sincere. Of course, in order for that sincerity to become a reality, the factory had to be successfully completed and operated.

Aside from that, we can do our best to help you in other ways as well.

Other ways?

Anything I can help with, like the black market.

Oliver looked at Forrest again. Forrest shook his head this time.

Mr. Forrest didnt say anything. It was just my guess. It looks like I got it right.

How did you know?

Ive been to several places on the battlefield. Ive met a few warlocks. Its rare for a skilled warlock to wander alone.

When he heard the story, Oliver thought he should make a companion. The warlock wandering around alone seemed to stand out more than he thought.

Even if its not a black market, we can provide you with a bridge so that you can use the services of the Crime Firm, such as identity cards and buildings.

Identification card? Building?

Yes, it would be more convenient to have an ID to work in Landa, and it would be cheaper to rent a room for a long time than to stay at a dormitory or inn. Crime Firm is involved in all these businesses.

..

Im saying this because we desperately need the help of Mr. Warlock right now. If you help us, we will not forget the grace. It may sound like a bluff, but if I get to a higher position in Crime Firm, I can help you a lot more than this.

Once again, he was sincere. Although he felt more determined than confident, he was also planning on having a long-term relationship with Oliver in mind.

Im sorry, but can I have a conversation with Mr. Forrest, just the two of us? I would like to discuss with him for a moment.

Of course. Of course, you have to. Then I will be out in the next room for a while, so please call me after talking.

Murphy gladly accepted and got up.

Oliver and Forrest were left alone.

Oliver was the first to speak.

Is that true? If he gets a higher position in the Crime Firm, he can help me?

That must be true. As I said before, I am also keen to find a new force within the Crime Firm. You can ask him for a reasonable favor. He seemed like he will do anything to get your help.

It didnt sound too bad.

It was like doing something and getting something in return. It has always been like this for Oliver.

Will Mr. Murphy grow that much?

To be honest, I dont even know. A person who is likely to become a giant floats dead in the Dames River the next day, and a person who was like a drunkard becomes a giant But, if you ask my opinion, Ill say there is a possibility.

Possibility?

Yeah, it takes a long-term plan to survive in this place, and Murphy has it.

Is it because of the Magic wine Factory?

No. Its because Murphy is a Reinforced human. A human whose body is strengthened with the power of medicine and magic. Its a basic surgery that costs thousands of millions, but he got it for free. In the military.

Umfor free, how?

Because he willingly accepted being a test subject. Thanks to that, he became a Reinforced human for free and after being discharged, he used that power to dominate five streets in District T. He knows when to step back and when to take risks.

Oliver understood exactly what Forrest was trying to say. Although this request may be of low value from the standpoint of a broker or a Solver, it seemed like a good investment for Oliver.

However, he couldnt decide on his own, so Forrest offered Oliver an option.

To be honest, if you want short-term gains, you could just ignore this and Ill put you on other lucrative jobs.

Thank you for your consideration.

I dont know whats going on. Im just suggesting options. The choice is yours. Murphy seems to be in a hurry, so he wont give you much time to think.

Oliver nodded. He didnt know what the odds were, but it seemed like a good deal for a long-term investment.

It didnt seem too bad to make an acquaintance with a person who might become an influential figure at the Crime Firm.

Upon the news that a decision had been made, Forrest called Murphy, and Murphy opened the door.

Did you decide, Mr. Warlock?

Yes, I will do it. Instead, I have a favor.

Please? What?

I heard that there might be a fight with Wizards, so it takes a lot of emotion and Life-force. Is there any place I can get it? I know one gray market, but the product quality is poor.

Yeah, If thats all you need, I can provide that. Do you need anything else?

Oliver pondered whether he should ask for more.

There is nothing other than that. Can I tell you later?

..of course.

CLAP!

Forrest clapped his hands and pulled out the contract.

Okay. Then, let me write the employment contract.

After that, Oliver bought emotions and Life-force in bulk through the new gray market that Murphy introduced him to.

The Gray Market he was introduced to this time was pretty good.

When he talked to Forrest and Murphy about this, they said it was because of the nature of the gray market.

Although it was connected to a huge black market, it was relatively poorly managed because it was not close by, so sometimes good things come in and sometimes bad things come in.

Then, they said Oliver would be able to know when a good product would arrive by accumulating experience and would be even able to purchase a good quality product at a lower price.

It really seemed like a normal marketplace, and Oliver decided to do it that way.

Is it here?

Oliver checked the address on the note.

[No13, 42nd Street in District T.]

Oliver reached a place after a long wandering through the densely populated area with factories and warehouses, but all he could see was a shabby warehouse surrounded by factories.

He really wondered if this was the place where the magic wine production facility was, and then he heard a familiar voice.

You are here. Mr. Warlock.

Mr. Murphy.

Yes, Im sorry for not coming to pick you up, Ill show you around. Please follow me.