Chapter 168 - 167: Level 5 Magic
"Of course, it’s an option."
Barrett once again began to furiously scribble something in his notebook.
"If you choose the installment plan, the first payment will be one-third of the total price. Let’s tentatively set that at one hundred and seven Gold Coins."
"The remaining two hundred and thirteen Gold Coins can be paid off over the course of a full year. The principal repayment each month will be seventeen gold coins and seventy-five silver coins."
"Additionally, there will be one Gold Coin of interest each month, so in total, you’ll need to pay me eighteen gold coins and seventy-five silver coins per month."
"If you earn enough money, you can also choose to pay it off early, in which case the interest will be waived. Is this arrangement acceptable to you?"
Barrett had explained all the terms in perfect clarity.
’One Gold Coin of interest per month...’
Zelir silently did the math in his head.
He had already mentally prepared himself to pay interest. After all, the man had a shop to run and profits to make; he was under no obligation to offer an installment plan for free.
’It seems the amount is still acceptable, not too high.’
On a loan of two hundred and thirteen Gold Coins, it would only generate twelve Gold Coins in interest over a full year.
Plus, paying it off early would waive the interest, which was a pretty good deal.
Zelir then planned out his future financial situation.
’The monthly repayment is eighteen gold coins and seventy-five silver coins.’
’My monthly subsidy as a Junior Mage alone is twenty gold coins, which is more than enough to cover it.’
’Then there are my basic monthly living expenses.’
’Excluding the fifty Silver Coins for rent, even if my daily food and drink are on the extravagant side, it would add up to two gold coins at most for the month.’
’Besides that, there aren’t any other expenses.’
’What’s more, I can take on commissions to earn more money.’
Unlike a Warrior, Zelir didn’t run the risk of his armor breaking or weapons getting damaged on missions. Otherwise, weapon repairs would be another huge expense.
And once he got the Magic Robe, his power would inevitably increase again. He’d be able to take on higher-Level quests and earn more money.
’No problem. I can definitely guarantee the repayments.’
"That works." Having thought it through, Zelir agreed to Barrett’s proposal.
"Excellent."
Barrett quickly drafted an agreement and respectfully handed it to Zelir for review.
Zelir looked it over. The contents were exactly as Barrett had just described—clear, straightforward, and with no tricky wording.
Besides, most people wouldn’t have the guts to pull any tricks in a shop operating inside the Mage’s Guild.
"Then, please use your Mage Badge to stamp it." Barrett took out an ink pad.
HUFF...
This was a deal worth over three hundred Gold Coins. Now that it was time to sign, Zelir couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.
He took a deep breath to calm himself, then lightly pressed his Mage Badge onto the ink pad and stamped the agreement.
With that, the contract was officially in effect.
Barrett blew the mark dry, then carefully put the contract away.
"Mister Zelir, please leave your permanent address. Once the Magic Robe is finished, I will come and notify you in person."
Zelir once again left the address of the Night Flower Inn.
"Rest assured, a custom-made Magic Robe from my shop will definitely be worth the price," Barrett said with a smile.
"I believe you," Zelir said.
After two interactions, he found that Barrett was actually a pretty decent person, not as strange as he appeared on the surface.
’As for his appearance and dress style...’
’Just think of him as an artist. It’s normal for them to be a bit avant-garde.’
’In my past life, wasn’t everyone in the fashion world walking around in bizarre outfits every day?’
After signing the agreement, Zelir paid a deposit of Thirty Gold Coins.
The remaining seventy-seven Gold Coins would be paid upon the Magic Robe’s completion.
Leaving the exquisite room, Zelir returned to the main shop floor.
His gaze once again swept over the area to the side where the Magic Wands were displayed.
"By the way... Barrett, you don’t happen to customize Magic Wands too, do you?" Zelir asked.
"Of course, we can. My shop’s services are the most comprehensive you’ll find."
At these words, Barrett’s face lit up with excitement again.
"It’s similar to the Magic Robes. You can choose your preferred Base Material, Accessories, and Wand Core."
"However, combining parts for a Magic Wand requires careful harmonization, considering the compatibility between various materials."
"Sometimes, two gentle materials will clash when put together. Other times, two volatile materials can achieve a subtle balance and thus be combined."
"It’s an art of balance. You can’t just casually throw them together, so it requires much more effort..."
’And the price goes up accordingly, right?’
Zelir finished Barrett’s unspoken sentence in his mind.
"And it’s not just about custom-making Magic Wands. We can also enhance existing ones," Barrett said, changing the subject.
"You offer that service too?" Zelir was genuinely curious now.
"Of course. The Base Material and Wand Core of a finished Magic Wand definitely can’t be changed, but the Accessories can be swapped out."
"For example, we could swap in a more effective Demon-guiding Metal to reduce Magic Power loss during flow."
"We can also, depending on the situation, engrave additional Rune Circuits onto the Magic Wand to specifically enhance the effects of your Casting."
"Oh... In that case, how much would it cost?"
Barrett didn’t give a specific amount, just smiled and uttered two words.
"Very expensive."
"...Alright." Zelir took the hint and didn’t press the matter.
’Another service I can’t afford.’
’Every time I start to feel wealthy, I’m immediately shocked by the luxurious goods of the Mage world.’
’It must be nice to be rich.’
"Mister Zelir, may I see your Magic Wand?" Barrett asked.
"Oh, sure." Zelir handed Night Peace over.
Barrett took it, rubbing it carefully in his hands. His brow furrowed and relaxed several times.
"To think it’s made of Star Meteorite Wood... The texture is hard, and it doesn’t have a Wand Core with specific Attributes embedded. That means it must be engraved with a universal circuit that can amplify all types of Magic..."
A moment later, Barrett returned the Magic Wand with both hands.
"A very unique Magic Wand, paired with a very unique master. It is a choice that suits you well."
"Are there any parts of Night Peace that can be upgraded?" Zelir asked, tucking Night Peace back into his belt.
"Of course."
Barrett gave a confident smile.
"If you’re ever interested, feel free to come find me. We can have a proper chat about it."
"Alright." Zelir nodded.
...
「By the river.」
Zelir was immersed in the cosmic sea of his consciousness.
Just a moment ago, in his Technique Celestial Calculation task list, two grayed-out analysis tasks had finally been completed.
The anchor points of the complex Spell Structures lit up one after another, like a newly unlocked star chart.
Blazing Flame Shield, analysis complete!
Ring of Resistance, analysis complete!