Beelzebub hunts ghosts... (2)

Chapter 15: Beelzebub hunts ghosts… (2)

"I'd like you to send this pill and potion to Mr. Wetherell…." David stored two items in wooden boxes, then shoved them into Bruno's hands.

His intent was to get the attention of the best alchemist of the Williard Village, whose connection should greatly hasten Beelzebub's growth and plans. Of course, that went against the idea of developing Bruno's skills to get that man's time which was what Beelzebub had initially intended.

But that was before David learned about Gloria's predicament.

Finding out about her circumstances had changed Beelzebub's view of the world much more than he himself imagined. The idea of being in a perilous world was not that much of a problem to him, and he wanted to see more of its content with his maids by his side.

That wish mattered more than anything else, which put David in a permanent gaming mood — a zone that only took over him during battles. In a way, he became like a resident of this fantasy world. Still, there was a lot that Beelzebub had to go through to become like the rest of the players, now known as the heavenly lineage.

Those players had adapted to their circumstances much more than David.

"I am not sure-" Bruno wanted to protest against this idea as he knew that he wasn't as significant as other alchemists under Mr. Wetherell's care.

Yes, he had tried to become one of his students before, but his skills weren't on par with other young talents. Bruno fell short simply because he couldn't have practiced his alchemy like others…

And the main cause of this was the ghost which no longer haunted him. Even so, Bruno's self-esteem had been severely damaged.

Beelzebub knew that his friend would be able to now progress much better and faster than others… however, he didn't have time to oversee the young man's progress.

"He should recognize your name. Not everyone can become an alchemist, let alone have an unyielding drive to continue trying like you." Beelzebub built another layer of confidence in Bruno's heart, then explained his reasoning. "That pill and potion will make Mr. Wetherell personally visit your house. For our sake, we need resources of this man… and we'll naturally reward him for his help."

Upon hearing those words, Bruno cradled two wooden boxes more tenderly. "How will we reward him? I don't think there's anything I can give to him…."

Beelzebub chuckled. "You can give your talent and replace him in the future."

Hearing those words straight from the demon's lips made Bruno not even question their credibility… Beelzebub mattered that much in Bruno's heart now.

He grinned and nodded a few times. "I'll go and send them! Will we continue alchemy after I return?"

Beelzebub shook his head. "We'll go on an adventure for more resources."

Such an adventure would have meant going to the chasm before, but now, Bruno couldn't possibly imagine what his teacher's intent was…. unless David wanted to go to the chasm despite Aric's warnings!

That was not the case, however.

Beelzebub understood that Mr. Wetherell would open his special package at least in a few days, for there was no way the best alchemist would expect something precious from an aspiring alchemist. Therefore, to not waste time, Beelzebub wanted to go outside to level up and pick up precious ingredients on his own.

That would be quite dangerous, though, so Beelzebub needed help. "We'll get mercenaries' help."

"Oh, should we then sell our goods?" Bruno glanced at other pills and potions they had made together.

Alas, no one expected the best alchemist of the Williard Village would be able to see through their real worth… which was why Beelzebub wanted to first contact Mr. Wetherell and have him sell those items.

His name alone should increase the price three times… which still wouldn't be enough…

"Those pills and potions have zero impurities, after all."

Bruno nearly dropped two precious boxes, for such a feat was… even impossible for Mr. Wetherell!

Beelzebub faintly laughed. "We'll also get mercenaries' help for free."

It was impossible to tell what David planned, so Bruno silently nodded and curiously heeded his teacher's requests…

Soon, he followed him to meet mercenaries.

-

Mercenaries were everywhere, for it was an occupation where everyone would find a place for themselves.

Not everyone could be a powerful man worthy of being called one man army, however. Thus, mercenaries' missions ranged from doing simple tasks such as helping the guards oversee the order of the Williard Village to doing dangerous quests of killing monsters and securing leveling zones to pick up resources.

Those people gathered in taverns, and the most famous bar had the best of the best.

The strongest people to hire were spending the majority of their time here.

"I feel so small here…" Bruno commented upon entering the tavern, his chin going down as a few older and bigger men looked their way, sneering.

In their eyes, Bruno was obviously not from their world and instead seemed like a weak man wanting to be scammed… but Beelzebub's presence shielded the young man from those evil intents, for he entered the tavern with a clear goal and acted upon it.

Without beating around the bush, Beelzebub headed to a lengthy table, where a group of seven men had been drinking and chattering amidst themselves. Their faces were red from alcohol, and their eyes were seemingly veiled by this poison, but anyone would be able to tell that they were still pretty sober and ready to act upon anything going their way.

And now, Beelzebub was in their way, stopping their loud babbling.

"I reckon you're The Ghosts." Beelzebub threw his business smile at the group and began the talk. "The best mercenary group to wander outside to pick up resources from both monsters and nature. You were hired a few times by Mr. Wetherell as well. Am I right?"

"Right, right!" The leader of The Ghosts eyed Beelzebub from head to toe, not allowing the demon's poor clothes and lack of heavy pockets to obscure his judgment. "Want to hire us?"

To those words, Beelzebub mysteriously smiled. "I'll solve your body issues in exchange for a few days of your time in which you'll listen to me. In the scope of those few days, you'll also grow stronger under me."

Talks slowly subsided in the tavern… a place where only Bruno believed Beelzebub's words.