The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons

Book 6: Chapter 85

Jackal exhaled before shaking his head. Forget it. Were here. He stopped in front of a building that didnt have any holographic weapon hovering over it. Despite that, it was still taller than the rest of the buildings and their images combined. This is the mission area. You can accept tasks here to earn geums, which are required to hire the mentors and purchase or rent weapons.

So, its like an adventurers guild, Tafel said, staring up at the building. She turned her head to the side to look at Jackal. What about a place where we can sell things for geums?

You probably havent explored the function yet, Jackal said as he raised his left hand. He pointed at his root bracelet. You can sell things directly to the tower. Everything has a base price, but if youre looking for better deals, there are dedicated marketplaces. The Water Lord established a residence that acts as a market; anyone can enter, but when an item is sold, the Water Lord collects a percentage of the sale. You can enter this residence at any wooden tablet.

Jackals voice lowered to a whisper. Of course, that marketplace is filled with people from higher floors. A more newcomer-friendly market is hosted by the Virtuous Hand, an upcoming guild. Theres no sales tax, and since the customers are usually from the lower floors, the items are weaker but cheaper and more suited to your needs. Not only that, but the Virtuous Hand was established by the people for the people. Why should a lord profit off the most basic of necessities? People should be able to sell and trade freely.

Are you a part of the Virtuous Hand? Tafel asked, raising an eyebrow. Weve heard about them before from Ashley.

From the Light Lord? Jackal asked, his brow furrowing. I imagine she had nothing nice to say about us, calling us rabble or painting us in a bad light because were trying to dismantle the biased system theyve created.

Basically, Tafel said. She said the Virtuous Hand were trying to upend the order of the tower.

Jackal nodded. Thats exactly what were trying to do, he said. Such a corrupt system shouldnt be allowed to exist, dont you agree?

Tafels eyes shifted to the side. Eh.

If youre looking for allies, you wont find them here. They might be friendly, but both of these women are despots.

Jackal glanced down at the spider Tafel and Lindyss was sitting on. Did your mount just speak?

That was Stella, Tafel said, leaning forward to get a better look at the spiders head. She couldnt see the fairy queen, so it was likely the tiny creature was hidden inside the spiders mouth or something. She had entered it with Vur after all. But the spider speaks too.

Jackal furrowed his brow. And are you despots?

That term has a pretty negative connotation, doesnt it? Tafel asked. Im a demon lord, but Im not oppressive or anything. The demons I rule over just listen to me because I was the strongest one there who was interested in ruling. She tilted her head to the side and rubbed her chin. Alright, I know that sounds bad, but it really isnt.

Jackal turned his head towards Lindyss. The cursed elf snorted. If you believe the words of a fairy, then youre not as smart as you think you are.

In other words, I might find an ally in you? Jackal asked, raising an eyebrow.

With a little something called money, you can find allies anywhere, Lindyss said, flashing a smile at Jackal. If you dont have any money, I know a place where you can sell your soul for geums.

Ha-ha-ha. Jackal let out a dry laugh. If Im ever short on cash and have already sold all the blood in my body, Ill look for you to sell my soul.

Tafel blinked at Lindyss. Where are you getting all this money to purchase souls?

Isnt there a place to earn money right there? Lindyss asked and pointed at the building they had stopped by. Shouldnt you, as an adventurer, be more curious about what the tower has to offer? Go and complete a few tasks.

Tafel rubbed her chin. I am curious, but do we have that much free time? she asked. The Gluttonous Gourmets and the dragons are on a way higher floor.

So what? Lindyss asked. Vurs asleep. If you dont bother him, he wont care how long you take; he might even appreciate you taking your time. The tower does make a good point. When else will you be able to try a different assortment of weapons to find the one that suits you best?

Yeah, but none of these weapons are meant for magicians, Tafel said. Well have to go to the thirtieth floor for those.

If youd like, Jackal said before Lindyss could reply, I can get you the weapons found on the thirtieth floor. Although you wont have access to any mentors, the training grounds provided on this floor should be more than enough to test out the various weapons.

Youd do that for us? Tafel asked.

Absolutely. After all, you saved my life. Just acting as a tour guide isnt enough to repay you. Jackal grinned. Of course, if youre willing to join the Virtuous Hand, theres much more that we can offer.

Can you really get rid of the system the lords created by using the same methods as them? Stella asked from her spot inside the spiders mouth. Isnt scouting someone strong with the promise of benefits straight out of their playbook?

Its hypocritical, but its a necessity, Jackal said and nodded. The lords play dirty. Itd be foolish to fight them thinking you could keep your hands completely clean. However, theres a difference between the lords and I. The lords act in selfish manners to maintain their power. Once the Virtuous Hand overthrows them, we wont seek to maintain power. Well distribute knowledge throughout the tower, letting people know the best way to advance. Well create an environment where its possible for anyone to become as strong as a lord regardless of their status. Once the weaker clans and guilds grow as strong as us, the Virtuous Hand will welcome them as allies with open arms.

Is that so? Lindyss asked, her question sounding more like a statement.

Jackal narrowed his eyes. Ill make it so.

Well, good luck, the cursed elf said. Like I said, if you want our help, pay us. Now, about those weapons you were about to get for us?