Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

"Civilization?"

Shard pondered the meaning of the word as Old John said with a smile:

"Yes, very close to your answer. Every item here bears the imprint of society and civilization, the traces of people from various strata. Each vintage object has experienced different stories with different people, and to me, that's the best merchandise."

"So, are you adept at the brass-colored 'Enlightenment' element?"

Shard asked with slight surprise.

According to common knowledge among Circle Sorcerers, even though the 'Enlightenment' element originated from civilization, people were more inclined to acquire 'Enlightenment' through books.

Take Miss Luisa's Circle Sorcerer system for example, which is inclined towards fairy tales, interlinking the first four Rings with a certain classic Ancient Fairy Tale to construct the Sublimation Incantation with a clear and simple context.

On the contrary, Circle Sorcerers who experienced the 'Enlightenment' element purely from the perspective of civilization itself were very rare.

Because it required a strong innate talent, wisdom, perseverance, and a bit of elusive luck, something that wasn't attainable for the average person. However, usually, the Circle Sorcerers who enlightened themselves through civilization itself were also quite powerful, possessing an array of unimaginable and unique Arcane Techniques.

"Yes, Detective. For an old man like me, this kind of life is the best. I can satisfy my hobbies, continuously advance on the path of a Circle Sorcerer, and what could be better than this?"

The old man said contentedly, then took a glance at Shard before he could ask further:

"Speaking of which, Detective, have you heard about the incident at Lakeside Manor?"

It seemed that the Sorcerers in town all liked to talk about it.

"Of course, I've heard about it. I was even at Lakeside Manor that day, playing Roder Card with someone."

There was no need to hide this matter.

"You were there?"

Old John said dubiously, probably thinking of the Silvermoon Orb, but since Shard was so weak, he didn't draw any connection:

"What a coincidence, the Thirteen-Ring Sorcerer who appeared in the rumors is also proficient in 'Genesis: Silver Moon'. I've heard that in the moonlight, he displayed the pose of the Hanged Man, and then nonchalantly landed a kick that seriously injured the Silver-Eyed One. I'd bet that the Hanged Man's pose is a specific position required for spellcasting."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Hmm..."

It seemed the people of Tobesk had all sorts of misunderstandings about Shard's performance that day.

"Probably so, but the other party was really too strong."

He complimented himself.

"Indeed, thirteen Rings, a complete three-line Sublimation Incantation—that is a height many will never reach."

Old John sighed, as he put away his reading glasses into their case and didn't forget to remind Shard:

"Detective, since the other party was so bold in taking action, they might still be in Tobesk. Perhaps, we might have the chance to see him again. A High Ring Sorcerer must be very wealthy. If you know him, remember to introduce him to shop at my place. I can give you a commission. Old John's Pawnshop has everything."

After finishing the chat about these matters, they then discussed the reason for Shard's visit. Of course, he was there to buy something:

"I'm looking for a Relic with the ability to extract energy or something similar, either tangible or intangible, from a living being and infuse it into the user's body. As long as it has this function, that's all that matters—whether it's the primary function or whether there are severe consequences after use, I'm not considering that for now."

He described his requirements as precisely as possible.

Though the request sounded somewhat odd, Old John didn't inquire further:

"To harm others for one's own benefit... Well, what's the price range this time?"

After feeling his pockets and confirming that "empty pockets" wasn't just an illusion, Shard then said:

"You quote the price first, give me some time to raise the funds."

The price of Relics would not be cheap, even with the former detective's wallet it definitely wouldn't be enough, and besides, he had already spent a large sum earlier.

"Your new bargaining strategy? That's not bad, but wait, I need to check."

He turned and left the counter, entering the back yard of the Pawnshop through a rear door. It didn't take him long; he returned empty-handed after just ten minutes:

"Indeed there is one, but it's not mine—it's being sold by an acquaintance on someone else's behalf. The asking price is 300 pounds. If you accept, I can arrange for you to meet. The price is for you to negotiate."

"300 pounds?"

Shard figured that was the equivalent of several Mia's, but if he sold Genesis: Silver Moon, it should be enough. However, after the incident at Lakeside Manor, he felt an urge to keep the card, so he hadn't made a decision yet.

"Judging by the look on your face, I know you can't afford it."

Old John shook his head and then said:

"Since that's the case, I'll keep an eye out for similar Relics for you. If there's any news, I'll write to your address. Remember to raise the money early, otherwise I'll sell to someone else."

"Of course... actually, I can accept anything under fifty pounds."

That was because selling the furniture and detective Relics from Saint Delan Square without affecting his living was the limit, which was around fifty pounds.

"That makes it much easier, then wait for my news. It's not that my shop didn't have what you wanted, it's that you couldn't afford it, so don't say my shop doesn't stock everything."

Those words made Shard question whether the "300 pound Relic" really existed.

As the timing was just right, he returned to Saint Delan Square at about six o'clock. Though he was in a good mood that day, considering the need to save on expenses, Shard did not dine at the restaurant. He had had a hearty lunch and it was okay not to eat in the evening.

But Mia's dinner could not be skimped on. Not long ago, after Miss Gawder transferred some money, Shard had prepared cat food for the cat. The high-end cat food of this era had already surpassed the cost of an ordinary person's meal.

But Shard wanted to be honest, so the cat food he chose for Mia was quite good, at least the young orange cat enjoyed it very much.

Having been away from home all day, he couldn't meet any visitors, so they could only leave a message.

Shard saw two letters pushed through the door, one from Sir Lavende who wanted to discuss with Shard the matter of the 'Ancient Fairy Tale: Matchstick Girl', the other from Captain Lades who, after sobering up from the banquet, deeply regretted his behavior and wanted to apologize to the Detective, but he didn't mention anything about the antique revolver.

"How did the Captain know I live here?"

The suspicious Shard wondered, then realized that it was his own business cards distributed at Lakeside Manor that had done the trick.

Without planning any more outings for himself that night, he managed to learn the Arcane Technique 'Satiety Food'. Learning this Technique was simple but the ingredients were complex.

Of these, "the stomachs of three different distended female mammals" and "hair from the scalp of a male infant born under the waning moon of the Red Moon" were the hardest to find, which also accounted for the main destination of the money Shard had spent on materials.