Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 36 Qingze City's Network of Connections

After spending some time together, Little Josie and Little John also realized something: Chen Mo's astonishing ignorance of common sense about the mainland!

Occasionally, when they talked about legendary figures known to everyone on the mainland, national customs, astrological signs, and the habits of monsters, the young master's eyes were filled with a bewilderment purer than that of a newborn foal.

However, once they entered the big city, they became inexplicably adept at navigating social interactions.

This was enough to command the respect of the two young mercenaries.

What kind of family could raise such a young master who seems to be isolated from the world and only focuses on developing emotional intelligence?

The two of them served her with increasing attentiveness.

Following Chen Mo's instructions, once inside the city, Little John found an old mercenary he knew. After a few drinks of cheap liquor, the man started talking non-stop.

The old mercenary didn't look well. He wasn't even equipped with the leather armor that low-ranking mercenaries usually wore. He was only wearing a plant armor with rough edges and woven from hard vines. The edges of the vines were worn rough and the color was dull and black. The only thing keeping him looking presentable was a thin, rusty iron breastplate in the middle.

According to John, wearing this thing is only slightly better than being naked. Without the metal plate in the middle, it can only protect against tiny weapons like toothpicks at best.

At first, the old mercenary was a bit reserved, but after a few rounds of drinks, he relaxed. Leaning back, one of his dirty boots was casually propped up on the bench, and he loosened the strap of his breastplate to reveal an equally greasy lining. As he spoke, he would occasionally pat the mercenary badge hanging on the lining.

"The one with the best relationship with the Magic Tower is definitely the [Skill Level Appraisal Center]."

John was familiar with the Skill Level Appraisal Center and explained to Chen Mo in a low voice that it was the department specifically responsible for grading mercenaries. For example, if John and Josie wanted to upgrade from white-rank to bronze-rank, they would have to go to the appraisal center to pay the fee, take the exam, and get certified.

This is a standard subordinate organization of the mercenary guild, and its power is indeed considerable.

The old mercenary couldn't help but laugh when he heard this.

"What do you know, kid? Don't think you're so great just because you have an appraisal center. Let me tell you, our Xiyue Appraisal Center has long been a private business!"

After downing a mouthful of wine, the old man turned his head away and let out a loud burp, then turned back and continued:

"The money the Mercenary Guild earns is the money of the Xiyue Federation, but the Federation can't take all the money, can it? It has to leave some food for the lords below."

The old mercenary counted on his fingers one by one: "Skill level appraisal center, equipment repair station, mission intelligence office, potion and supply specialty store, mercenary simulation training ground, medical and rehabilitation center, equipment appraisal and consignment shop, mercenary foot station, mercenary canteen, long-distance transport team... which one isn't a private business?"

"The most lucrative deals here are exclusive ones like the Skill Level Appraisal Center and the Mission Intelligence Center. Medicine is expensive? I can just not buy it! Food is bad? I can find my own food! But if you want to level up or get badges? Hehe, sorry, this is the only place to do it! Silver coins flow in like water, and over a year, you can make a fortune of pure silver!"

Chen Mo quickened his pace slightly, managing to finish asking all the necessary questions before the old mercenary completely passed out.

"Whose family is it? Who knows? Some say it's the garrison captain's family, some say it's the city lord's wife's family, but it's probably not far off!"

"They're the ones who organize the annual recruitment for the Mage Tower. If you want to get on the Mage Tower's good side, they're the one to go to!"

"Go ask Old Blackie at Big Foot Shop, he should have some connections."

"Yes, he's an acquaintance of your grandfather. If you mention old John, he can't ignore you, don't worry!"

What followed was a series of dramatic shifts in the landscape. The next day, just as dawn was breaking, Little John knocked on the creaking wooden door of "Bigfoot's Grocery Store" in the dock area. The store exuded an old, worn-out atmosphere. The equally old, dark-skinned man, who seemed to have some connection with Old John, squinted his dim eyes, listened to the visitor's purpose, stroked his thinning beard, and pointed him in a direction.

"Getting in touch with the forensic institute? That's beyond my reach. But... 'Long-faced' old Charlie should know him. That guy, nicknamed 'Cha Six Ears,' is a know-it-all!"

Following Young Master Chen Mo's instructions, Little John took out a silver coin: "Look, what should I bring when I visit? I'll buy it here. You're knowledgeable, could you please recommend something?"

Old Blackie patted his chest: "Leave it to me! I'll make sure you find something decent and affordable!"

Carrying these gifts, Little John found the somewhat sleazy-looking fellow in a small house in the back alley of the 'Three-Eyed' tavern in western Qingze City.

Old Charlie tapped the ash from his greasy pipe onto his shoe, accepted the gift with a smile, revealing a set of large, yellow teeth: "The Skill Level Appraisal Center, those are incredibly important people, we little bugs have no chance to meet them. But in this world, as long as you have money, you can always find a way, it's just a bit tough."

"Let me make this clear from the start: I can't guarantee what you're going to do."

"But if we need to meet, that's possible. Just prepare this amount, and I guarantee I can get them here for you!"

Little John consulted Chen Mo, who was waiting in the carriage. Chen Mo clapped his hands and said, "Here you go!"

After collecting his share of the money, Old Charlie instructed Little John to buy two sets of four bottles of fine liquor, and they arrived at the [Horse Management Office] in Qingze City early in the morning.

"The third shed manager, Fatty Bu, is a shrewd businessman, even though he's a heavy drinker. When we arrive at this time, he'll definitely be in the shed taking inventory of the materials!"

"We'll definitely be able to catch him!"

Sure enough, upon seeing the fine wine offered, the shed manager's chubby face, flushed red from the wine, immediately broke into a wide smile. He patted his chest and assured him, "No problem! I have a life-or-death friendship with Captain Zhao of the city defense patrol squadron! Wait for my good news!"

Two days passed before the good news arrived. During that time, two jars of fine wine and a bag of premium pastries were spent. Finally, the shed manager happily sent word that Captain Saige had been invited to a casual meal at a certain time and place on a certain day.

At this level, John Jr.'s influence is no longer sufficient; Chen Mo must personally intervene.

Captain Seger was quite burly, his muscles bulging the city garrison's standard leather armor. His full beard was neatly trimmed, but his eyes held a shrewd, mercenary look.

At the dinner table, the man subtly chatted with Chen Mo, subtly probing Chen Mo's identity. Chen Mo, who had already fabricated a flawless identity, was naturally unfazed, and the atmosphere at the table became increasingly lively.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Little John seized the opportunity and stuffed a heavy little cloth bag into Captain Seger's rough hands. The city defense captain weighed it in his hand, his fleshy face contorting into a hearty, enthusiastic smile. He grinned, revealing a set of his signature large, yellow teeth, the meat and vegetables he had just swallowed seemingly still visible deep in his throat: "Oh dear, what's this for! We're all friends, friends! This... isn't good!"

That's what they said, but the bag seemed to have grown legs and quickly slid into his bulging pouch.

"A testing agency, right? Don't worry! Leave it to me! I'll arrange it!"

Another two days passed.

Finally, in a little-known but exceptionally elegant and sophisticated upscale private cocktail hall in Qingze City, under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers, Chen Mo met the key figure of his trip—Vincent, the enchanter and deputy director of the Skill Level Appraisal Institute, who wielded real power.

(End of this chapter)