Naturally, Bai Mo had anticipated the Lynian's actions, but he didn't pay them much mind. After all, as long as he demonstrated sufficient strength and capability, the Hunter Guild would have no choice but to regard him with caution.
Moreover, Bai Mo currently held the status of a researcher for the Dragon Research Commission. Combined with his ability to communicate with monsters, as long as he didn't push his luck too far, it was unlikely that the Commander and the others would interfere too much.
Besides, it was just a matter of ingredients. At worst, the hunters could just capture a few more monsters.
Recalling what Jasper had mentioned about Bai Mo's identity as a Gourmet Hunter, the Commander ultimately decided to turn a blind eye. Instead, he advised the Lynian that they might as well sell some of their unused ingredients to Bai Mo—it could even help foster a closer relationship.
Bai Mo, unaware of these discussions, had already arrived at the goods circulation area.
At the moment, he was negotiating with the manager of the supply depot.
The supply depot sold all sorts of materials available for hunters: herbs, honey, trap tools, explosive barrels, ammunition—everything could be found here. Even ingredients and supplies shipped over from the Old Continent were available.
The most expensive items here were the Powercharm, priced at 36,000 Zenny, and the Armorcharm, at 24,000 Zenny. These talismans, enhanced by ancient power, could increase the wearer's strength and defense by about 20%.
Though Bai Mo was tempted by these charms, he only had 6,000 Zenny left—barely enough for a fraction of the cost.
While he was curious about the alchemy of this world—especially with the Elder Alchemist working nearby—compared to that, food was far more enticing.
When the supply depot manager, Sean, heard that Bai Mo wanted to buy ingredients, he was momentarily stunned. But he quickly warmed up to the idea.
After all, the news of Bai Mo single-handedly capturing a Bazelgeuse had already spread throughout the Research Base by morning.
"Brother Bai, what ingredients do you need? As long as I have them in stock, you can buy as much as you want!"
With that kind of enthusiasm, you'd think he was giving them away for free.
Still, Bai Mo got straight to the point, pulling out his remaining 6,000 Zenny.
"Brother Sean, I've got 6,000 Zenny here. After setting aside 1,000 for a new weapon, the remaining 5,000—how much food can I get with that?"
"Are you preparing for a festival or stocking up for an apocalypse?"
Though Sean internally grumbled, he immediately led Bai Mo to browse the selection.
Most of the ingredients stored in the supply depot were long-lasting goods—herbs, honey, various types of monster jerky, monster oils. The most common were Aptonoth and Jagras, followed by Jyuratodus and Great Jagras.
There were also things like Wyvern Cheese, assorted spirits, and other ingredients, all of which Bai Mo carefully examined.
To find ingredients suitable for his Gourmet Cells and to experiment with different dishes, Bai Mo spent all 5,000 Zenny, acquiring over two tons of supplies.
As the crates piled up, Sean offered to have them delivered to Bai Mo's quarters.
But Bai Mo simply waved his hand, and all the goods vanished into his Divine Eye space.
"Bai… that storage ability of yours—would you be willing to sell it? I'd pay 100,000 Zenny! If the capacity is big enough, I'd even add more!"
As a supply manager and merchant, Sean understood better than anyone the value of large-scale storage.
"Sorry, this is a personal ability. It's not for sale," Bai Mo shook his head before taking out a wooden box. Opening it revealed a dazzling array of gemstones.
"By the way, I collected these jewels earlier. Do you buy them here?"
Though the gems Bai Mo presented were of decent quality, Sean didn't seem particularly interested.
These things sold well in the Old Continent, but in the New World—a small research base at best—jewelry wasn't in high demand.
After inspecting the box, Sean made an offer of 10,000 Zenny. Bai Mo accepted without hesitation.
Sure, shipping these gems to the Old Continent could fetch a higher price, but Bai Mo had neither a ship nor the connections. Better to leave professional matters to professionals.
Besides, getting 10,000 Zenny for what had essentially cost him pennies was nothing to complain about.
Bai Mo struggled to suppress a grin, afraid he might burst out laughing.
But the 10,000 Zenny barely stayed in his hands. After setting aside 1,000 for emergencies, he planned to spend the rest immediately.
After spending another 30,000 Zenny, Sean reminded Bai Mo that the Ecological Research Center was actually the primary source of monster meat.
Meanwhile, the Botanical Research Center was where the researchers specialized in agriculture.
Both sound like great places!
After storing all the purchased ingredients in his Divine Eye, Bai Mo headed straight for the research centers.
The Ecological and Botanical Research Centers were located right next to each other in the goods circulation area.
When Bai Mo found Director Leonard, the elder was perched atop a pile of books, scribbling notes into a tome.
Upon hearing Bai Mo's request, Leonard didn't beat around the bush.
"Previously, the monsters captured or slain by hunters were indeed sent to our Ecological Research Center for study and dissection, to uncover the secrets of their biology."
"But aside from the Jyuratodus and Pukei-Pukei you killed, as well as the remaining Anjanath, Mizutsune, and Bazelgeuse, I've already had the others released."
"After all, those creatures provided us with so much information—it wouldn't be right to turn around and betray them."
"Besides, perhaps their stories can help pave the way for a new era of coexistence between hunters and monsters!"
The elder's three centuries of life had clearly given him a broad perspective.
Since the Ecological Research Center had no extra ingredients at the moment, Bai Mo had no choice but to try his luck at the Botanical Research Center.
Rumor had it that their coastal farm had recently harvested Pumpkin Squash, Frostbloom Tomatoes, Rainbow Peppers, and Velociprey Beans—all ripe and ready!
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T/N:
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