Chapter 70

<70. Direct Commission (2)>

Murphy Kimball.

If asked to describe his first impression, he could be described as a statue-like man.

His shoulders were broad, his body sturdy, but his eyes and expression were as hard and lifeless as stone.

He seemed more like someone artificially created rather than simply well-trained.

He ran his hand through his hair to one side and spoke again.

"Hello, Black Mage. My name is Murphy Kimball."

Oliver stood up and returned the greeting.

"Yes, hello. I'm Dave."

An awkward tension filled the air during this formal greeting.

At that moment, Forest also stood up and spoke.

"If you don't mind, please have a seat, sir. They've already exchanged greetings, but I still have to do my job... Dave, this is Murphy Kimball. He's the boss of the Kimball Family, controlling the area from 40th to 45th Street in T District... Kimball, this is Dave. He's the Black Mage who pulled your tooth out."

With Forest's introduction, Oliver and Murphy exchanged greetings again.

Even upon closer inspection, Murphy was a man with a peculiar aura.

Though it was just a feeling, he seemed to have crossed more lines than anyone Oliver had ever met, including the lightning mage, the black mage Joseph, and the holy knight Joanna.

As if reading his thoughts, Forest explained.

"Murphy is a former combat soldier. A true patriot who fought in the colonial war and the continental war."

".... It's all in the past. Now I just run a small business... Anyway, it's nice to meet you, Black Mage. I'm very grateful for your help with this matter. Thanks to you, I've received a great deal of assistance."

Despite his intimidating appearance, Murphy was very polite. However, his true feelings were far from it.

He was still secretly doubting whether Oliver had really succeeded in the mission and was making numerous calculations.

Cant's advice to always be wary of gangsters, who are inherently untrustworthy, flashed through his mind.

"No, I just did my job."

"Still, I'm grateful. The ledgers and documents you brought were also very helpful."

"I've received fair compensation, so it's fine. But I heard you have something to say to me."

As Oliver moved to the main topic, Murphy followed suit.

Forest stepped back to observe the situation.

"Yes, as you've probably heard, we don't fully trust this associate professor. A traitor is likely to betray again."

"Is that so..."

"Yes, so we can't trust the magic potion workshop he mentioned either. Could you give a brief description of the workshop you saw in X District? We need to know if he's up to something again."

"I only took a look around once. There were four workshops, but I only saw one. Perhaps it would be better to go there yourself?"

"I've already been there. The workshop was completely empty."

"Empty?"

"Yes, it wasn't just damaged; someone had dismantled the workshop."

At that moment, Oliver recalled the stranger he had detected with his minions when he and Hubert escaped.

It felt like they were related.

"Is this... my mistake?"

"No, I'm just grateful to the Black Mage who did more than expected with the limited funds. I just need your help."

Forest looked at him and shrugged, as if it was no big deal.

Oliver thought for a moment and asked Forest if he had any paper and a pen.

"Paper and a pen?"

"Yes."

Forest, though puzzled, handed over the paper and pen.

Oliver immediately began drawing the layout of the workshop, adding the tanks, stills, pipes, and materials as he remembered them.

For the equipment, he briefly noted the material, capacity, and function within his knowledge.

It was surprising how useful his past experience of making filigret and reading related books turned out to be.

"Roughly like this. I can't remember anything more."

"......"

"......"

Though not perfect, the drawing was so good that both Murphy and Forest were speechless.

They were both amazed.

"Is there a problem?"

"No, no... It's excellent... Really, is this drawing accurate?"

"From what I remember."

Without asking further, Murphy carefully folded and put away the paper Oliver had drawn.

He spoke again, feeling greatly satisfied.

"And I have one more request."

"About the security?"

"Yes, though it's hard for me to say, the magic potion workshop... no, the magic potion factory I'm planning is a huge business."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. The magic potion market is as large as the legal alcohol market. Despite the high risks of production and consumption, there is always a steady demand. If we can produce high-quality products in large quantities, we can make enormous profits."

Murphy spoke sincerely. When Oliver looked at Forest, he nodded.

It was a surprisingly detailed explanation, and Oliver soon understood why.

The man in front of him desperately needed Oliver.

In the situation Cant described, where the fixers had the upper hand, they could clean up their act after the job was done, but for now, they would do their best to accommodate Oliver.

Murphy continued.

"However, the bigger the business, the fiercer the competition, and in these back alleys, competition often involves violence. So, we need someone to protect the factory until it's completed."

"Can I ask a question if it's okay?"

"Ask away."

"Yes, if you allow me."

"Of course. What's your question?"

"If it's threatened before completion, will it be safe after it's done?"

"Yes, it will be safe after that. Once we prove the quality and production capacity of our magic potions to the higher-ups, they will naturally provide protection. That's why the current situation is the most dangerous."

It wasn't a very convincing explanation, but Oliver nodded.

Organizations were already hard for him to understand.

Still, he had a rough idea of what the Crime Firm meant by competing while also cooperating.

"Honestly, it's impolite to make such demands. At first, I tried to handle it with my family. Though it's not something to discuss in front of a Black Mage, I do have some confidence in combat."

Hm.

"Then?"

"Because of Hubert and the secret agents from the Magic Tower."

He mentioned a sensitive topic.

"Most likely, they are mages. Honestly, we had no idea how to deal with them. That's why I came here to ask for help, despite the impoliteness."

"I can't guarantee I can defeat a mage, especially one from the Magic Tower."

"Perhaps just the presence of a skilled Black Mage might make them think twice. They wouldn't want to make a big fuss, after all."

Oliver nodded. This man didn't want Oliver to fight the mage but to serve as a deterrent.

"I know it's a hard offer to accept. Fighting a mage, especially one from the Magic Tower, for 30 million doesn't make financial sense. But you're the only one who can do this within my means, and I'm asking for your help. I'll add more conditions."

"Conditions?"

"Yes, I can't add more immediate compensation due to cash flow, but if the factory operates safely, I'll add 30 million randas by next fall, making it a total of 60 million."

Oliver looked at Forest.

"Sorry, but I don't deal with uncertain compensation."

"Well, I understand Forest's position. He prefers certainty in his business. But I'm sincere."

Oliver read Murphy's emotions. He was indeed sincere. Of course, the factory had to be completed and operational for his sincerity to become reality.

"I can also help in other ways."

"Other ways?"

"Anything I can assist with. For example, the black market."

Oliver looked at Forest again. Forest shook his head this time.

"Forest didn't say anything. I just guessed. It seems I was right."

"How did you know?"

"I've been in many places during the war. I've met a few Black Mages. It's rare to see a skilled Black Mage wandering alone."

Hearing this, Oliver thought he might need to find a companion. A lone Black Mage seemed to stand out more than he thought.

"Even if not the black market, I can facilitate access to Crime Firm services like IDs and buildings."

"IDs? Buildings?"

"Yes, having an ID would make your activities easier, and long-term renting a room would be cheaper than staying in a hotel. The Crime Firm is involved in all these businesses."

"You're very considerate."

"It shows how much I need your help. If you help me, I won't forget the favor. It might sound boastful, but if this business succeeds, my position in the Crime Firm will rise, and I can help you in the long run."

This was also sincere. Though more driven by will than certainty, he was thinking of a long-term relationship with Oliver.

"Can I have a private conversation with Forest? I need to discuss something."

"Of course. It's only natural. I'll wait in the next room. Call me when you're done."

Murphy readily agreed and stood up.

Left alone with Forest, Oliver spoke first.

"Is what he said true? About helping me if he rises in the Crime Firm?"

"It's likely true. As I mentioned before, the Crime Firm is desperately seeking new power. They can make reasonable requests while providing you with conveniences... In short, they want to use you, but they'll do their best to help you."

It didn't sound too bad. It was about using and paying accordingly. This was the nature of the business.

"Will Murphy grow that much?"

"To be honest, I don't know. In this world, a big shot can end up as a corpse in the Seom River the next day, and a nobody can become a big shot. But if I had to guess, I'd say