Chapter 322: Investment

Barren seemed to recall some terrifying memory, shaking his head in fear.

“So, what’s the reason for inviting me here? It can’t just be to introduce me to young Helag,” Vernon said, glancing at Helag.

Noticing Vernon didn’t take Helag seriously, Barren added, “Helag is a first-level potion master from our Potion Masters Association.”

“Yes, quite impressive for someone so young,” Vernon nodded, though not overly impressed.

The first-level potion master exam wasn’t overly difficult, with many passing it.

But Helag’s youth indicated potential, making him worth knowing.

Barren continued, “Not only that, he’s also a first-level wizard array master. More importantly, he’s achieved both certifications within months of arriving in the Land of Dawn.”

“What?”

Vernon took a closer look at Helag.

Becoming a wizard array master wasn’t easy; the profession required talent, and few passed the first-level exam.

This alone elevated Vernon’s opinion of Helag significantly.

More importantly, Vernon caught the key detail in Barren’s words.

Helag had only been in the Land of Dawn for a few months.

This was unusual, as most were born there.

Helag must have come from outside the Land of Dawn.

Where else but the Barrens land?

The answer was clear.

Few could travel from the Barrens land to the Land of Dawn, but recent events provided a way.

The opening war in the Elven Plane, where Silvermoon City’s Lord Parker was currently.

As a savvy businessman, Vernon was well-informed.

He awaited the war’s outcome, ready to expand his business there.

Plane wars offered lucrative opportunities no merchant would miss.

Thus, Vernon closely followed the Elven Plane war, aware that some Barrens land wizards had come to the Land of Dawn through it.

With Barren’s statement, Helag was likely a Barrens land wizard who passed the war’s test to reach the Land of Dawn.

Given the situation, Helag was probably a formal member of Seranthiel, explaining his presence in Silvermoon City.

First-level potion master, first-level wizard array master, Seranthiel member, from the Barrens land—these labels combined with Helag’s youth made Vernon raise his glass: “Welcome to the Land of Dawn, young man!”

“Thank you!” Helag quickly raised his glass to toast Vernon.

“Barren, my old friend, this young man is impressive,” Vernon said, grateful for the introduction.

Barren smiled, “I knew you’d like him. You’ve wanted to open trade routes to the Barrens land. With Helag’s future success, it might be possible.”

Vernon nodded, “The Land of Dawn is easing restrictions on the Barrens land. True interconnectivity isn’t far off. I must prepare early, or I’ll miss out.”

Merchants are attuned to shifts in the landscape.

When the Land of Dawn established a teleportation point in the Barrens land and recruited potential wizards, merchants saw an opportunity.

Previously, the Land of Dawn strictly controlled the Barrens land, with no open trade routes.

Trade between the two relied on official wizard organization channels.

Merchants like Vernon couldn’t trade directly or even travel there.

Only members of the six major wizard organizations could access it.

For merchants, opening trade routes to the Barrens land promised significant profits.

When the teleportation point was established, many merchants took notice.

Learning Helag was from the Barrens land sparked ideas for Vernon.

Helag’s talent and Barrens land origin made him a valuable investment.

Investing in him could yield unimaginable returns.

Vernon knew investing was about backing the right people.

Even if initial efforts failed, success would come eventually.

A failed investment wouldn’t harm Vernon much.

Seeing Vernon recognize Helag’s potential, Barren said, “Helag’s looking for cheaper potion ingredients. Your connections could help. Can you offer a discount?”

“Of course. Helag, you’ll get 20% off standard potion ingredients. Special ingredients depend on circumstances—I can’t sell at a loss,” Vernon smiled.

“20% off? Thank you, Mr. Vernon, and thank you, Mr. Barren,” Helag said gratefully.

Over time, buying many ingredients at a discount would save a lot.

Vernon chuckled, “Just don’t stock up for resale. It’s for personal use only. I won’t do business with resellers.”

“I wouldn’t do that; I don’t have the time,” Helag assured.

Barren asked, “What ingredients do you need? My old friend can get almost anything.”

Helag produced a parchment with Deep Blue’s simulated formula.

To be safe, he added unnecessary ingredients to the list.

Spreading the parchment on the table, he said, “These are what I need. Nothing rare, just a bit pricey. I’m hoping for a cheaper source.”