---
"How did you find out about the gun?"
Fartray seemed to enjoy the question.
"You believed nobody knew."
"Nobody should."
"That is where you are wrong."
Fartray took another step.
"The gun was registered for auction under the name Fizz Holdings."
John's jaw tightened.
Snake had handled the paperwork.
The registration had to pass through offices, clerks, and noble approval channels. Even if his personal identity remained protected, the name of the selling organization could not remain completely hidden.
Fartray continued.
"I have connections inside the registration office. The details were incomplete, but they mentioned a new mana weapon. A handheld tool capable of producing attacks beyond the normal strength of its user."
Fizz floated slightly closer to John.
Fartray's eyes moved between them.
"Then my spies watched Fizz Holdings day and night. Twenty-four hours. Every delivery. Every person entering the back door. Every unusual box."
John thought about the shop.
