035

In the past, the Library of Secrets has never actually used the stone. Of course, that didn't mean Alex would be able to get it easily. He was prepared to offer an arm and a leg, however, he was determined to obtain it. Alex, still in the library, began to think about the first challenge he needed to overcome - the first step in this operation: contact. He needed to be able to get in touch with someone who could authorize the transaction and take him seriously. Frustrated, Alex started to furiously scratch his head. That's when Mia said,

"Alex. Alex. Alex! ALEX!"

"W-what? Why did you have to yell?"

"You weren't responding to me. Anyway, what's wrong? You look stressed."

"Well, I just can't think of a way to get in contact with a guild I need to do business with. This is vital, as I doubt we would be able to complete this quest anytime soon otherwise."

"What guild was it? I could ask my father; he might be able to arrange a meeting. He has connections with various guilds inside this game for some reason."

"Oh yeah! The dean is in the military; I had almost forgotten about that."

"Mh—- wait, how do you know my father's the dean?"

"He told me in his office earlier."

"He did, huh. Whatever, so what guild was it?"

"It's the Library of Secrets."

"Oh yeah, my father knows an elder inside the guild. I should be able to have him arrange a meeting. Although it doesn't mean they will agree to our request."

"That's fine."

Mia looked into the air for a couple of minutes and then told me she had asked. Mia and I decided to just read the books in the library while we waited. After reading for half an hour, Mia had finally gotten an answer.

"He said that he arranged a meeting for us; however, he couldn't promise anything. To either me or you."

"Well, I guess he already found out you have joined my guild."

"Mhm, it seems that way."

"That's alright. It's not like we were trying to hide it."

"Mhm, so the meeting is at the Black Sea Hotel. He said that his schedule was tight, so we're right after another meeting he has. The meeting had already started and will end in 30 minutes. Uhm, I hope you know where that is because I don't."

"Don't worry. I know where it is, and it's not far from here."

Mia nodded, and we both left for the Black Sea Hotel. Alex was surprised that people had already obtained a membership for the hotel. Of course, he didn't put it past a superpower to have a membership to a hotel. Also, considering the coin exchange market opening up, all the guilds with deep credit pockets have acquired a large gold coin pile. The hotel was located at the edge of the capital; however, despite that, it's a very popular establishment. The hotel was a tall skyscraper that looked foreign in this fantasy world. The skyscraper was modern and had walls made of glass. Alex and Mia walked inside and went to the front desk. Mia was the one with the information, so Alex let her talk with the receptionist. He walked around and found a familiar face in the lobby. He approached her and said,

"Hey Blossom, how are you doing?"

"Huh? Oh hey Lucifer, I didn't expect to see you here. I've been doing well."

"Me neither, although I wonder what you're doing here?"

"I have a meeting with an elder of a guild we've been working with recently."

"Oh, alright."

Alex noticed Mia waving at him and excused himself. He went over to Mia, and they both walked into an elevator that took them to the 23rd floor. They were then escorted by a player waiting for them to the 8th room on the right. Once inside, they found a middle-aged man in black mage robes and a purple-haired woman with a sword in her hands. The middle-aged man looked at his schedule and saw the information about his guests. He was a little intrigued by Lucifer. Alex and Mia sat down and waited for the middle-aged man to speak first.

"Well, I'm sorry you had to come on such short notice. Let's start with introductions. I'm Qin; you may call me Elder Qin. The girl behind me is Amethyst."

"I'm Lucifer. It's nice to meet you, Elder Qin."

"Likewise, young man, and it's good to see you, Mia."

"Hehe, hey Elder Qin."

"Sigh. Well, considering that, I guess you know our real-life identities."

"That is a correct assumption, young man, however, you don't need to worry. Mia's father is an old friend of mine and has asked me to keep it confidential."

"Well, I should thank him for that then, although he would probably hate me even more, so I won't."

"Hehe, that's true. He does seem to get annoyed whenever I mention your name."

"Well, I don't like wasting time, so I say we get straight to the point. I would like to purchase the Dimensional Stone in your guild's possession."

"…"

"H-how do you know about that!? I asked you how you know about the Dimensional Stone!?"

"Amethyst, enough! Although I am surprised, I still don't see what you could offer us for it."

"That is true, we have nothing of value to offer. Of course, that's if we're only talking about items."

Alex looked straight into Elder Qin's eyes, earning him a small smirk. Alex knew that at the moment, they didn't have any influence inside the Holy Empire and wouldn't for another 3 years. He had plans to make them an ally, and he needed to build trust first for that to happen.

"That is interesting. Very well, what are you offering for the Dimensional Stone?"

Of course, Alex had no plans on revealing his greatest card at the beginning. If he could close this deal without using it, it would be the best scenario.

"I can give you vital information leading to a legendary weapon. I'll even let you pick the class you want the weapon to be for."

"Wha—"

"Oh my!"

"Huh?"

"I must say that is quite valuable. However, that doesn't mean we would actually get the weapon, does it? Instead, we would have to do the work ourselves."

"That is correct, however, a legendary weapon is much different than a legendary item. A one-time-use item, no less!"

"You do make a valid point. However, I would need more than that."

Alex went silent, thinking about what he could offer them. That's when he remembered that they were raiding a dungeon with a fire main theme. He also had a Fire Resistance potion recipe that could be learned by as many people as he wanted. He looked at Elder Qin and asked,

"You are about to raid a dungeon with a fire theme, right?"

"That is correct."

"I'm guessing you've been looking for potions?"

"Mhm."

"How about I let 30 people of your choosing learn a Fire Resistance potion recipe in addition to the legendary weapon information?"

"Hmm? I will have to contact the guild leader as he has authority over the stone. Please wait a moment."

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A/N

Hey everyone! I hope you all enjoyed today's chapter! Have a good rest of your day or night!

If you like this book so far you should check out my other work, A Last Wish!