Chapter 10

Returning to the inn, I sit down on a cheap wooden chair, my superior intellect contemplating the day's events. In hindsight, it was somewhat amusing for me, an unparalleled individual, to venture into the higher sectors of the city in a slightly singed outfit. I should have foreseen the existence of classism in this world, but alas.

Even if I were to acquire clothes that truly complement my extraordinary essence, it's doubtful that the mere mortals around me would permit my majestic presence while wearing a mask. That means I'll have to sneak by the guards, which sounds like a task for future days me.

For now, my focus shifts to the pursuit of information dealers, a task that befits my unparalleled intellect and charm. With a goal in mind, I gracefully navigate the streets, disappointed not to find anyone who exudes the sophistication of an information dealer. Resorting to alleys, the only discoveries I make are a couple of rotting corpses – a stark contrast to my vibrant and superior existence.

I realized that the only way to find a dealer is to ask, so I reluctantly decide to interact with the common folk. I decide to grease some of the gang members with inquiries into the information dealers.

Upon returning to the inn, I graciously retire to my chambers, knowing that my magnetic presence will surely be missed. The following day dawns, and I, with a sigh only befitting my superior self, adorn myself in garments that can barely contain my radiance.

After eating I head to the building where my tasks get assigned to me. Apparently, they like my efficacy, as they have promoted me from someone who steals from other stealers to someone who warns people who don't pay up. Which means I get paid a whopping 9 silvers per half a month, truly my greatness is starting to dawn on these simpletons.

Asking around in the gang, after parting with a paltry sum of currency, I am bestowed with the address of a mostly reliable information dealer. which I, of course, have to memorize because in these parts paper is for chumps with disposable income.

I and the two dimwits who have hitched a ride on my greatness are in front of the house of a man named Leofwine Fishmane, an artist who has taken a lone from the gang and has not returned a single bronze.

The Gray Cobra gang has sent us out to make an example out of him. Apparently, this is not the first time the Gray Cobra gang has sent people to teach this man a lesson. But the man seemed to have fled his previous housing.

But finally, they have tracked him down to this place, this mediocre house in the slums, which makes you truly wonder what he did with all that money.

Knocking on the door, nobody answers. Giving a more aggressive knock still comes up with nothing.

Sighing I order one of my minions to kick the door down.

After he kicks the door down, we walk in to find the man himself sitting on his chair painting like he did not just piss off an entire gang. Telling the goons to go ham on him, I look around old Leofwine's house.

Entering the presumed kitchen I find a terrified-looking woman and child. Well, they did say to make an example out of him, that probably carries over to loved ones too.

After a full day's work, I head to the address that I was told to go to, to find the info dealer. Knocking on the door, I patiently weight. Finally, someone opens the door, it's an average-sized man who is wearing a mask. He lets me into his office and sits on an actually comfy-looking chair.

"So my friend, mind telling me what I can help you with." he asks. I, with an air of undeniable superiority, respond, "Well, my humble self is looking for information and heard you may deal in it." He acknowledges my presence with a nod, clearly recognizing the privilege of serving someone of my stature.

"Well, you are correct. What is it that you want to know?" he inquires. I, with a subtle eye roll beneath my mask, state, "I want to know as much as you can tell me about the magic academy."

"Ooo, that is not a topic that is cheap to discuss. It will cost you plenty of capital," he informs me, oblivious to the fact that my intellect is far more valuable than any price he states. Squinting under my mask, I ask the inevitable question, "How much?"

"Hmm, the academy is a very closed-off space. Getting anything from there is going to be a lot of work and effort. Thinking about it, it should cost about 104 silvers," he declares.

My eyes twitch at the audacity of his pricing. 104 silvers? That's a third of my bounty, I sigh and try to negotiate. "104 seems a bit much. I think 90 would probably be about right, don't you agree?" The man, clearly unfamiliar with the art of negotiation, shakes his head and condescendingly states, "The best I can offer you is 100, take it or leave it.". I sigh "All right, I'll come back when I have the money ready."

He nods and beckons me out. Over the week, I try different dealers but it all seems about the same, some of them even tried to overcharge me, which was annoying. It seems the only way to get that information is to get more money, right now I only have 9 silvers saved up, so I suppose the only thing I can do is wait.