Kentrey Furnace Workshop.
Before the Flame Furnace Refining Array, alchemist assistant Tyne wiped sweat from his face with a towel, only to smear charcoal-like black streaks across his cheeks. "I recommend spending five hundred Magic Stones on this Nightwalker Feather Coat."
"This enchanted item perfectly meets your requirements—it provides sufficient defense, can withstand apprentice-level spells, and remains lightweight enough not to hinder your movement."
"It even possesses certain stealth capabilities. At night, it enters a semi-invisible state, making the wearer appear as nothing more than a blur in the air. Whether fleeing or tracking under cover of darkness, it will prove immensely useful."
Tyne enthusiastically presented his creation. "The Nightwalker Feather Coat is crafted from Shadow Nightingale feathers."
"Using the Tri-Phase Refinement Array with Shadow Stone and Magical Alloy Adamantine, I enhanced its base materials to become lighter, more durable, while amplifying the feathers' natural cloaking properties."
"The surface incorporates a layer of magic alloy—adamantine—to provide defensive capabilities. Of course, there are also some essential Enchantment Runes primarily for reinforcing protection, though that's actually the most minor aspect of this entire enchanted item's ingenious design."
Tyne excitedly added, "I've tested it before—a 0.3-ring spell couldn't even scratch it."
"It can even reduce a 0.8-ring spell's impact to mere minor injuries. Though at that point, the coat would likely sustain damage." Tyne continued, "You could always bring it to me for repairs then."
"My workshop policy offers a one-year maintenance service with 50% discount on repair fees."
Locke examined the Nightwalker Feather Coat in Tyne's hands. Though claimed to withstand spells, the garment wasn't bulky at all. Instead, it appeared remarkably lightweight—almost like thin undergarments that could be worn beneath outer clothing.
This demonstrated the true skill of alchemists.
They enhanced and transformed materials, creating enchanted items that perfectly balanced performance with practicality.
Locke nodded in satisfaction and handed over five hundred Magic Stones. "Excellent, I'll take it."
With the ongoing intense wizard wars, purchasing survival equipment had become essential.
A defensive enchanted item like this would provide significant protection.
Locke removed his white wizard robe and immediately donned the Nightwalker Feather Coat before putting his robe back on.
Locke then said, "Additionally, sell me an Agility Armlet too."
"I believe they cost about three hundred Magic Stones each. Throw in three free recharging sessions, how about that?"
Tyne hesitated momentarily before nodding. "Very well. Since you previously purchased my magic alloy works and now this new Nightwalker Feather Coat, I'll take the loss on this one and include three extra free recharges."
A satisfied smile curled at Locke's lips—he'd saved a bit more money again.
The Agility Armlet was also a common alchemical item. Essentially a consumable, it concealed a 0.7-circle Enchantment Spell from the Enchantment School called [Light Body Wind Walk], but could only be activated once.
To use it again, one would need an Alchemist to recharge it.
The Light Body Wind Walk Enchantment Spell could alter a wizard's physical structure, making their body significantly lighter. For 30 seconds, their bones would resemble those of magical avian creatures, granting them the blessing of wind elements and a momentary burst of speed.
Locke's primary reason for purchasing the Agility Armlet was self-preservation.
In a crisis, the most crucial asset wasn't defensive equipment—it was the ability to escape swiftly.
To some extent, the Agility Armlet was a bestseller among Alchemists, so most alchemy workshops carried it.
Tyne enthusiastically promoted his work, wiping sweat with a towel and leaving a long streak of black soot on his face. "Seems like you've come into some wealth lately, Augustine."
"How about buying a Kirin Tor Wizard Sword from me? I forged this weapon using a Tri-Phase Refinement Array and a High-Temperature Furnace Refinement Array. The blueprint was designed by my mentor during his time as a First-Class Wizard Apprentice..."
"If you're interested, I can give you a discount. It's incredibly effective—wounds inflicted by this blade cannot heal... The sword itself is indestructible..."
Locke shook his head decisively, paid 300 Magic Stones, took the Agility Armlet, and prepared to leave the shop.
A wizard sword was something he simply didn't need—Magic Plants were his best weapons.
Wizard swords were meant for wizard apprentices specializing in mid-to-long-range spellcasting who lacked close-combat proficiency—such as those from the Shaping School, Summoning School, Illusion School, and Enchantment School.
But as a Life School wizard specializing in plant magic, he had no use for a wizard sword.
Besides, his funds were limited, so he had to spend wisely. Unnecessary purchases were out of the question.
Even if he bought it, it would just gather dust in his Astral Ring.
Locke bid farewell to Tyne, who continued loudly advertising his products at the door, but Locke was already heading toward the Slave Warehouse.
He found the dark elf trader Benny from before and immediately proposed a major deal: "This transaction is a bit large. I need 80 Minotaur Noble Slaves."
"Is the price still 10 Magic Stones per slave?"
The dark elf Benny froze, his mind reeling as if struck by a hammer. He muttered under his breath, "Eighty? Eighty!"
"This... this is a bulk transaction. My authority might not be sufficient..."
He glanced reverently at the badges on Locke's person—the gleaming First-Class Wizard Apprentice badge and the Potionology Assistant badge—making it hard for him to catch his breath as he spoke.
Yet not long ago, this very wizard had only been a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice.
Locke said coldly, "Then find me someone who can handle this deal immediately, Benny."
The dark elf Benny trembled as he bowed to Locke, the icy tone sending a shiver down his spine. He quickly apologized, "Yes, respected Potionology Master Augustine."
He turned and hurried into the shop, soon emerging with a tall, pale-skinned male blood elf dressed in elaborate, expensive attire.
This male blood elf was a First Class Wizard Apprentice.
After giving Locke a brief once-over, he smiled and said, "I am Shelley, the manager of the Slave Warehouse."
"Honored guest, you must be looking to expand your plantation on a large scale or add a new potion production line."
"Minotaurs are indeed obedient and clean-status slaves. However, due to high demand recently, the price of Minotaur Noble Slaves has risen slightly—from 10 Magic Stones per person to 15."
Locke frowned at this, displeased.
For individual purchases, such a price hike wouldn't matter much. But when buying in bulk, the difference amounted to 400 Magic Stones.
Yet, to fulfill his orders, he couldn't afford to purchase inferior slaves—that would only backfire.
If those low-quality slaves caused problems, they could delay the plantation's production schedule.
Shelley the blood elf discreetly observed Locke's expression and immediately decided to lower the price.
Joking aside, a client purchasing 80 slaves at once couldn't be allowed to walk away empty-handed.
That would be an absolute failure on his part.
What if the customer found the price too steep and backed out?
Then simply lower it.
For bulk transactions, even at a reduced price, profits could still be made through volume. There was no need to stubbornly cling to the higher rate.
Shelley smiled. "But since you're buying in such large quantities, we'll keep the price at 10 Magic Stones per Minotaur Noble Slave. That means 80 slaves for 800 Magic Stones."
"With this volume, we can still turn a decent profit."
Locke nodded slightly, satisfied. This price was acceptable.
Had the original price stood, he might as well have considered another type of slave.
"Then let's sign the contract," Locke said. "But I'll need to inspect the slaves first. Do you have them in stock now?"
"Of course," Shelley replied. "Though our current inventory is limited, I can immediately arrange a transfer from nearby stockpiles, allowing you to make your selection. Rest assured—we'll have them ready for you to choose from by tomorrow."
"We dare to sell these mortal slaves at such prices precisely because we provide attentive service. Each one has already been perfected through Enchantment Spells to become ideal slaves."
Shelley declared proudly, "This is our professional standard. Augustine the Potionology Master—you know how it is—society often harbors unnecessary misunderstandings about our line of work."
"But those are just stereotypes."
"We are ethical, principled, and conscientious... slave traders."
(End of chapter)