Warlock Apprentice

Angel wasted no time, directly stating, ”The reason I came to you this time is that I need your help with something. You likely recognize the Profound Alchemy Association, correct?”

Antonio paused momentarily before nodding: ”Is the gentleman’s matter connected to the Profound Alchemy Association?”

”It is.” Angel proceeded to explain the situation with Breeze Demonic Material Shop, including the Profound Alchemy Association’s pursuit of Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stones and the potential repercussions of his purchase of these stones on the shop.

After hearing Angel’s explanation, Antonio fell silent for a moment: ”So the gentleman’s intention is...?”

”Since Demon Flower Sprite Demon Blood Stones are urgently required for my purposes, I promised the shopkeepers at Breeze Demonic Material Shop that I would find a way to shield them from the Profound Alchemy Association’s threats.”

Angel: ”My thought is to leverage the Research and Development Institute’s connections to incorporate Breeze Demonic Material Shop into a network akin to Nail Alchemy House. This way, even if the Profound Alchemy Association seeks to stir up trouble, they would hesitate due to the backing involved.”

”Do you think this plan is feasible?” Angel looked at Antonio.

Antonio considered for a moment: ”Feasible, yes, but the shops on Manshi Magic Material Street have protection not merely due to their intricate alliances. The key factor is that each shop is strongly connected to alchemists from Ashiliye.”

”Having both technical prowess and distribution channels ensures the best possible protection in Sky Mechanical City.”

”Specifically, the creator of Nail Alchemy House is a member of the Research and Development Institute. If the gentleman wishes to include Breeze Demonic Material Shop in this network, certain conditions must be met.”

Angel: ”To be incorporated into this protective circle, must there always be an Ashiliye alchemist backing them?”

Antonio nodded: ”Yes. Alternatively, they could directly be backed by the Research and Development Institute—for instance, if the gentleman himself chose to act as the protector of Breeze Demonic Material Shop.”

After hearing Antonio’s response, Angel remained uncertain. ”How does one determine whether these shops have such backing? Is there any way for outsiders to identify this?”

”Let me give an example. The gentleman is acquainted with Vannerson, isn’t he?”

Angel nodded. Vannerson was an exceptionally talented alchemist who had attended one of Angel’s lectures. Rumor had it he was likely to become the next member of the Research and Development Institute, alongside Jelal.

”Vannerson signed a contract with the Yuli Magic Potion Shop on Manshi Magic Material Street. The shop now provides Vannerson with potion materials, while Vannerson sells his works through the shop,” Antonio explained. ”The shop’s ability to consistently supply unique middle-high-level potions has become its signature.”

”Others naturally understand that Vannerson is backing Yuli Magic Potion Shop.”

This is the method outsiders use for judgment. Among them, Nail Alchemy House stands out uniquely; whenever the Research and Development Institute releases new products, within two days, while no other locations have begun sales, Nail Alchemy House is already stocked with the Institute’s products. This recognition has solidified Nail Alchemy House’s position.

Even if outsiders fail to identify Nail Granny’s identity, they instinctively realize Nail Alchemy House is deeply tied to the Research and Development Institute.

Antonio: ”If the gentleman is willing to act as a patron for Breeze Demonic Material Shop, in the future it could also serve as a retail point for Research and Development Institute products. Of course, this would first require the gentleman’s endorsement.”

After hearing Antonio’s explanation, Angel furrowed his brow slightly.

According to Antonio, Angel’s proposed plan was indeed viable, but it required one of two approaches: either Angel had to find an Ashiliye alchemist willing to support Breeze Demonic Material Shop, or he had to take on the role himself.