Apart from Klein, 'The Hanged Man' was also astonished by the 'maintenance' aspect mentioned by 'The Hermit'...
Generally speaking, Extraordinary weapons are crafted by 'Artisans' using Spiritual materials, and are characterized by possessing certain low-tier Beyonder abilities.
Take the 'Flamebolt' for example, the bullets it fires can't even be considered fireballs, merely small flames.
Since Spiritual materials are used, the issue of Spiritual dissipation arises. Typically, such weapons last only about a year and a half, sometimes even shorter.
The final characteristic is that they almost never have negative side effects. This is because they don't incorporate Beyonder Characteristics, and Spiritual materials themselves don't produce adverse effects, allowing even ordinary people to use them.
Sealed Artifacts, on the other hand, almost always contain Beyonder Characteristics and thus carry negative effects under their distortion... the only difference lies in the degree of danger posed by these effects.
The concepts of Sealed Artifacts and Mystical items are similar, though Sealed Artifacts mostly form after the death of a Beyonder or Extraordinary creature, or under specific environmental conditions.
Mystical items, however, have two definitions... one refers to how wild Beyonders label Sealed Artifacts, while the other denotes Extraordinary items crafted by 'Artisans' using Beyonder characteristics.
Whether Sealed Artifacts, Mystical items, or Extraordinary weapons... none of them have the concept of 'maintenance'...
'The Hermit'sʼ description left both Klein and Alger surprised and puzzled. Moreover, the claimed lifespan seemed unusually long.
Alger couldn't help but ask, "Extraordinary weapons can undergo maintenance?"
'Justice' (Audrey) and 'The Magician' (Fors) were only familiar with the general concepts and hadn't interacted much with Extraordinary weapons, so they didn't grasp the surprising implications here.
'The Sun' (Derrick) possessed relevant knowledge but disliked contradicting others, choosing to listen quietly instead of questioning.
Odis smiled, "That's a trade secret. No comment."
He paused before adding, "...The lifespan I mentioned is a very conservative estimate. It should last even longer. Even if damage occurs, it can undergo major repairs, provided you're willing to pay the associated costs in addition to regular maintenance..."
Alger frowned slightly but didn't press further, 'This new member is no simple figure!'
Meanwhile, Klein recalled The Hermit's earlier remark about how his research into Extraordinary weapons had attracted the attention of that powerful, mysterious lady...
Now he realized it must have been a groundbreaking study in Mysticism.
Next, he considered whether to purchase this Extraordinary weapon... Theoretically, The Hermit's pricing was fair.
Generally, a weapon with a Sequence 7-tier ability would cost at least 600 to 800 pounds.
Add the ability to produce 'Holy Water' and a passive skill, and 1 200 pounds was no longer expensive... there was virtually no markup.
However, annual maintenance would cost 150 pounds! Over five years, that would total 750 pounds. At that point, it might be better to buy a Mystical item... though undoubtedly pricier upfront, it would eliminate ongoing expenses.
Then again, this Extraordinary weapon already exceeded standard definitions. Calling it a Mystical item wouldn't be an exaggeration, and it lacked negative effects.
Crucially, Klein could afford it right now.
After some internal debate, Klein manipulated The World to say, "I'll consider it."
Odis gave an acknowledging hum.
Alger probed with a smile, "Mr. Hermit, if I have needs regarding Extraordinary weapons or Mystical items, could I initiate a transaction with you directly?"
Odis mirrored Alger's polite smile, "That depends on what I have on hand."
He knew full well that 'The Hanged Man' was testing him... if Odis could produce both types of items, he'd undoubtedly be an 'Artisan'. Hence, Odis offered an evasive answer... {T/N: 'Artisan' is Sequence 6 of the 'Savant' Pathway...}
Alger's brow furrowed slightly... The Hermit's reply provided no help in further assessment.
Behind the gray fog, Klein mused, 'Another seasoned player joins the group...'
"Ahem~" Alger cleared his throat and shifted topics, "Recently, I accepted an investigation mission. I wonder if any of you have relevant leads..."
"...Over the past two to three years, across the Southern Continent, numerous indigenous tribes have been raided and emptied out, with all inhabitants abducted. On plantations and island chains, slaves have mysteriously vanished..."
"...Since the Northern Continent nations abolished the slave trade, such incidents had become rare. Have any of you heard whispers of this?"
Audrey, Fors, and 'The World' each stated they hadn't.
Derrick,being trapped in the 'Forsaken Land of the Gods', couldn't possibly know.
Odis, however, recalled remarks made by 'The Lion' at a recent 'Mysticism Research Society' meeting...
After brief consideration, he deemed this tradable intel... after all, 'The Hanged Man' had received this task from the church.
Meanwhile, 'The Lion' and others likely took commissions from major powers operating through covert factions in Backlund. The two weren't mutually exclusive.
Thus, Odis spoke up, "I may have the information you seek..."
The other members blinked in surprise. Klein thought, 'The Hermit has extensive channels!'
Seeing 'The Hermit' stop there, Alger immediately understood, "If it's the intel I need, its value ranges between 30 to 60 pounds."
Odis stated, "50 pounds."
Without prior agreement, he'd only get 30 pounds, never 60 pounds.
Alger sensed the newcomer's shrewdness, "Agreed, though payment may take until next week..."
Since the church would cover this, he didn't haggle.
He added, "...With Mr. Fool as witness, I won't renege."
Odis nodded, "I trust Mr. Fool." He continued, "...I only learned of this two days ago... in Backlund's East Borough, many vagrants have inexplicably disappeared..."
Without letting others interject, he pressed on, "...It's confirmed these aren't ordinary disappearances. Someone has posted missions to trace these missing individuals. Among my contacts alone, four have accepted such tasks..."
Finally, he emphasized, "...Their professions vary widely."
Some were private detectives, others wild Beyonders relying on Extraordinary means for livelihood, and some even cultists.
Alger grasped The Hermit's implication... the Backlund search missions were highly unusual. Then he wondered: 'Why did I receive a similar task at this exact time? Is there a connection between my mission and the disappearances in Backlund?'
Aloud, he told The Hermit, "This information is worth 50 pounds!"
Following their exchange, Fors realized, "Someone is orchestrating large-scale abductions? What do they want with indigenous people, the vagrants, and slaves?"