Chapter 311: Shinji's Price

The Secret Judgment Division, Carillon Observatory is responsible for the Sealing Designation. It is the oldest classroom in the Clock Tower, its existence predating any faculty and most of the lord and noble families.

In the magical world, time equates to mystery, and history is capital. The authority of the Secret Judgment Division allows it to stand tall against anyone or any force. Even Lorelei, the lord of the Department Policies, or the renowned Second Magic user Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, would be denied an audience unless they present a suitable reason.

Because of this, the Sealing Designation terrifies magi, making the Secret Judgment Division, Carillon Observatory a topic of taboo.

As a result, Zelretch did not immediately agree to Shinji's request—he knew that even if the Carillon Observatory didn't give him an audience, he couldn't do much about it unless he was willing to completely break ties and use force to destroy them.

Shinji understood the old man's concerns. To help Touko lift her Sealing Designation, he had done extensive research and formulated a meticulous and feasible plan.

Leaving Justeaze's embrace, Shinji took a sip of water to moisten his throat and began to persuade the old man.

"I wonder if you've heard this saying: if there is a 100% profit, capitalists will take risks; if there is a 200% profit, they will disregard the law; if there is a 300% profit, they will trample everything in the world!"

"I've heard of it. This saying is adapted from Marx's Das Kapital." The old man had another nickname besides Old Man of the Jewel—Kaleidoscope used to describe his vast knowledge. He had read more books than any library in the world could hold.

"While this saying is somewhat biased, its principle applies universally—whether in the mundane or mystical world, whether in capital markets or the Clock Tower. Would you agree?"

"Indeed." The old man nodded, "The magi of the Clock Tower, especially those in the Department of Policies, are a bunch of profit-driven individuals. So, you intend to tempt the Secret Judgment Division with profit? Let's hear your price."

"My price is the complete Runes system: from the eighteen original runes to the twenty-four derived ones, from rune application to various low, mid, and high-level rune magic. With this, the declining Runes system can be restored to its peak."

Saying this, Shinji confidently glanced at the old man.

"If it were anyone else, they might think I'm bluffing. But you should know I speak the truth."

The old man nodded again: "Indeed, your Shishou is Her Majesty, the Queen of the Land of Shadows, the highest-ranked Rune user. However, you should understand its value. This is a treasure that could alter the magical system and structure. Are you sure you're willing to do this?"

"Of course. Knowledge is ultimately lifeless; compared to living people, it weighs far too little." Shinji's voice was as calm as his expression, "If this statement offends you, as an elder of the Clock Tower, I apologize."

The old man, having lived for millennia, had a temperament fitting his status: "No offense taken. The relationship between knowledge and people is not fixed. Touko Aozaki is indeed worth your effort. As I know, she seems to have touched the edge of the Third Magic. Her grandfather's choice not to make her the heir of the Fifth Magic was also to avoid wasting her potential. Magic is not just a 'miracle'; it's also a constraint."

Justeaze appeared thoughtful, while Shinji remained indifferent.

The old man noticed their contrasting reactions but did not point it out, continuing: "In terms of price, this is indeed substantial, but it might not be enough to move the Secret Judgment Division. From what I know of them, they might opt for another approach: sending an Executor squad to seize it!"

Many times, powerful entities do not follow the rules because their fists are big enough. Compared to negotiation, they prefer to disguise their actions with a plausible pretext and then directly seize what they want.

"That's why I didn't choose to negotiate myself but chose you." Shinji smiled, "I don't believe those guys would dare to snatch something from your hands."

If Zelretch was truly angered, even the entire Executor squad wouldn't be enough to stop him, supported by the might of the First Dead Apostle, the Second Magic user, and the highest-ranked magus.

The old man neither confirmed nor denied, merely saying: "What if they still refuse? Age makes one stubborn, and so do organizations."

Shinji swore without caring about his image: "History is just a whore, allowing the victors to paint it however they like. Traditions aren't immutable either. If the Director of the Secret Judgment Division doesn't give us face, then tell them—Carillon Observatory; keep going, we'll kill as many Executors as they send. If Touko Aozaki can scare them once, we can scare them twice, thrice; let's see how many Executors they have for us to kill. As for the complete Runes system, the Clock Tower won't get it either. Kindly leak this information to the Wandering Sea; just because you don't value it doesn't mean others won't."

The Mage's Association has three major branches: the Clock Tower, the Wandering Sea, and the Atlas Institute. Despite their surface-level cooperation, they are fundamentally at odds. The Wandering Sea is deeply invested in researching the Age of God's magic and has a poor relationship with the Clock Tower. Whether driven by the pursuit of Age of God's magic or by the desire to spite the Clock Tower, the Wandering Sea wouldn't miss the chance to obtain the Runes system.

This is Shinji's true leverage. With this card, the Secret Judgment Division has little choice but to comply. If they don't, the lords of the Clock Tower who oppose the Wandering Sea would unite to force the Division to agree.

Even in the worst-case scenario, if the Secret Judgment Division withstands the pressure, Shinji can still use this as a bargaining chip to ask the Wandering Sea to protect Touko. The Wandering Sea's history is even more ancient than the Clock Tower's, often regarded as the prototype of the Mage's Association. With no typical hierarchical structure, it is more suitable for hiding and research than the Clock Tower.

"So, old man, with the chips I hold and the reward for this time, is it enough to ask for your help?"

"You've prepared so thoroughly, I have no reason to refuse," the old man replied crisply as ever. "To ensure the negotiation goes smoothly, I'll give you another suggestion—have the new lord of the Barthomeloi family join me. This would be a great opportunity for her to expand her influence."

"No problem, I'll talk to Lorelei right away. She will agree."

Refusing such a win-win situation would be foolish.