Chapter 21: AD — Spread The Name

Chapter 21: AD — Spread The NameAdrian's lips curled into a satisfied smile as he noted the Director's stunned reaction, exactly as he'd anticipated.

The man's wide eyes and frozen grin betrayed his mix of skepticism and intrigue — perfect. Adrian was ready for the inevitable demand for proof.

While he had stored the fifty mana detectors in a crate within his inventory for safekeeping, he'd kept one tucked inside his jacket, just in case.

With a casual flourish, he pulled the sleek device from his pocket and dropped it onto the carved walnut table with a soft thud.

The mana detector was a compact marvel of craftsmanship, no larger than a dagger's hilt. Its polished brass casing gleamed under the chamber's candlelight, etched with intricate runes that pulsed faintly with latent energy.

At its core, a quartz lens sat embedded, clear as glass and faintly glowing with a soft, steady hum. For now, it remained passive, its lens dim and its hum barely audible, detecting only the low ambient mana in the room.

Adrian leaned back in his chair, gesturing to the device. "Go ahead, test it out."

The Director, still grappling with disbelief, narrowed his eyes at the unassuming gadget. He extended his hand, palm upward, and intoned a chant:

"Ignis ortum, flamma viva!"

A small orb of fire magic sparked to life above his palm, its warm glow casting flickering shadows across the room.

The mana detector reacted instantly. Its quartz lens flared with a vibrant glow, and the hum escalated into a sharp, rhythmic pulse.

Tiny motes of mana, invisible to the naked eye, shimmered as they drifted from the fire orb toward the detector, forming a faint, luminous trail that pointed directly to the magical source.

The lens adjusted subtly, tracking the flame's position with uncanny precision.


The Director's jaw slackened, his fire spell wavering as he stared at the device. He dissipated the magic with a flick of his wrist allowing the flame to vanish in a puff of smoke.

"Okay," he said in a hoarse voice. "What's the deal?"

Adrian's smile widened, his tone smooth and confident. "What do you have to offer?"

The Director blinked, realizing this young man was sharper than he'd assumed. He leaned forward, steepling his fingers.

"How many of these can you give us?"

"I'm ready to part with fifty," Adrian replied, his words laced with a hint that he had more up his sleeve.

The Director's mouth fell open. "No way."

Adrian said nothing, letting the silence speak for him. The Director quickly regained his composure, clearing his throat.

"The Association will buy each for a 1-star magic crystal."

Adrian's expression didn't falter as he stood abruptly, took the detector from the table and buttoned up his jacket.

"There are plenty of Adventurers outside who'd be eager to buy," he said, turning toward the door.

The Director shot to his feet, panic flashing across his face.

"Wait! Two 1-star magic crystals!"

Adrian kept walking.

"Five!" the Director called with a rising voice.

Adrian's steps didn't slow.

"Ten!" the Director pleaded, but Adrian's hand was already on the door. "Please, this is the most we can afford right now! We can throw in other benefits!"

Adrian paused with a faint smile tugging at his lips. He turned back slowly.

"Okay. Let's talk."

The Director exhaled, gesturing for Adrian to sit. "We can form a partnership," he began in an earnest tone. "We'll advertise your products, spread the word. You'll also receive the benefits of a 2-star Adventurer; quest access, discounted lodging at Association outposts, better medical service..."

Adrian yawned with disinterest; resulting in the Director to frown.

"Is there something else you have in mind?"

"Yeah," Adrian said, leaning forward. "I'll take everything you offered, but I want access to your supply channels — metals, minerals, rare materials, anything I need for my work. I'll pay, of course."

The Director considered this, rubbing his chin. "We can manage that. This branch has connections with established businesses in the Capital, and the Association spans every kingdom, linked with all the Academies. We can't order directly from other kingdoms, but our influence is substantial. We'll help you source what we can."

"Nice," Adrian said, nodding approvingly.

The Director hesitated. "I can vouch for this branch, but for direct orders, I'd need approval from a superior. Still, we'll provide what we have."

"Nice," Adrian repeated, satisfied. The Director produced a parchment, drafting the terms of their agreement. Both signed, and Adrian was handed an upgraded 2-star Adventurer's license and badge.

Before leaving, Adrian glanced at the detector on the table. "I'll need ten magic crystals if you want to keep that one," he said, pointing.

The Director nodded eagerly, retrieving a small leather pouch and handing it over. "Done."

As Adrian turned to leave, the Director picked up the detector, admiring its craftsmanship. His eyes caught a marking on the casing — 'AD' in elegant, decorative text.

"What does this mean?" he asked.

Adrian glanced back with a sly grin. "That's the brand. Spread it well if you want more inventions from me."

The Director's eyes widened. "You have more?"

"Of course," Adrian said coolly. "Do right by me, and I won't fail you." He stepped toward the door, pausing briefly. "Oh, and try not to play with it. If you get what I mean."

With that, Adrian left the chamber, striding through the bustling Association hall toward the exit. As he walked to hail a carriage, he summoned the description of a skill he'd gained upon reaching level 3: [Superpublish].

[Superpublish]

>>When an attempt to tamper with your inventions in an organized manner is made; there is a high probability the invention will self-destruct. The force of the explosion scales with the materials used and the intent behind the tampering.

Adrian chuckled softly. "I don't know how this is possible, but what a helpful skill," he murmured. "It'd be a shame if he wasted those ten magic crystals."

His thoughts turned to the deal. Fifty detectors at ten 1-star magic crystals each meant 500 crystals— roughly 4,500 gold coins in profit. Beyond that, access to the Association's resources opened doors for his future inventions. He smiled broadly.

"Not a bad deal," he said, stepping toward the carriage.

***

Back in the Director's office, the man wasted no time. He summoned an urgent meeting with the branch's heads and trusted officers, gathering them in the Association's council chamber.

The room buzzed with curiosity as he held up the mana detector, recounting Adrian's demonstration.

One figure, a 6-star mage with a flowing beard that reached his waist, leaned forward, his eyes sharp with disapproval.

"You acted foolishly, Director," he said, his voice gravelly with age. "You've no idea what you've stumbled into. Why am I even surprised you're in charge?"

The Director flushed, chastened. "What do you suggest?"

The mage extended a gnarled hand. "Give me the detector. I'll study it, see if I can uncover how it's made."

The Director sighed, a pang of regret hitting him. "Why didn't I think of that? Fine, but this fifty will be our last order." He handed over the device.

The mage's lips curled into a creepy smile, his eyes glinting with ambition. "I'll have results by morning," he said, clutching the detector tightly.