Pierce arched a brow, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing his features.

  He had not expected Gwen to request this particular favor.

  "Is not House Gwen renowned throughout the city for Gem Enchantment?" Pierce asked, perplexed. "Surely, your clan teems with artisans proficient in the art of Arcane Sigils. Why seek an outsider like me?"

  "...Do not concern yourself with the details. I will compensate you, regardless."

  Gwen waved her hand dismissively, then leaned in, a glint of bargaining cunning flashing in her eyes. "How about this? If there are other Sigils you wish to inscribe, I will collect the necessary gem materials for you—free of charge. In exchange, you simply apply the tattoos for me. Naturally, I will provide my own materials. What say you?"

  Now, that is a proposition.

  Pierce was tempted.

  Inscribing an Arcane Sigil was effortless for him, a trivial task. To exchange a few hours of labor for a batch of exorbitantly expensive gems was undoubtedly a bargain.

  However, there was a delicate matter that required addressing first.

  "Are you certain you want me to do it?" Pierce asked, his tone carrying a subtle, weighted implication.

  The question seemed contextless, but Gwen understood his meaning immediately. A faint crimson blush rose to her cheeks.

  Arcane Sigils were inscribed directly onto the skin. For the sake of concealment and tactical advantage, they were typically placed on the body's more private areas.

  If tattooed on the face, neck, or forearms—areas frequently exposed—an observant opponent could identify the type of Sigil at a glance, deduce one's trump cards, and prepare countermeasures in advance.

  Naturally, no Wizard with a shred of sanity would commit such folly. Unless they had run out of skin elsewhere, they would never utilize their extremities.

  Therefore, asking Pierce to apply the tattoos implied an inevitable level of intimacy.

  But Gwen was well aware of this.

  The Enchanters in her family were all male, regardless. If she had to expose her skin to someone, she would rather it be Pierce—whom she found pleasing to the eye—than some stuffy, wrinkled family elder.

  Reasoning thus, she nodded firmly, her expression serious. "I am counting on you."

  Seeing her resolve, Pierce offered no further refusal. He nodded. "Which Sigils do you require? I will need time to prepare."

  Gwen clearly had her plan ready. "One Blink Sigil, and one Sanctuary Sigil."

  Pierce’s eyes flickered with recognition.

  The Arcane Sigil: Sanctuary was a defensive glyph. Upon activation, it granted an instantaneous layer of protection, similar to Mage Armor but possessing vastly superior durability and structural integrity.

  Pierce had originally planned to analyze the Sanctuary Sigil after completing the Thunderburst Sigil. Now, he could analyze them in sequence and save on the material costs for himself.

  "How long do you need?" Gwen asked.

  Pierce calculated silently. "About ten days. I will notify you when I am ready."

  "And the materials?"

  "Prepare an extra set for the Thunderburst Sigil and the Sanctuary Sigil for me."

  Inscribing two tattoos in exchange for two sets of materials—it was a fair trade.

  Gwen agreed without hesitation.

  Watching Gwen skip away, Pierce resumed his stride toward the academy proper.

  Although the issue of tattoo materials was resolved, the desperate need for liquid capital remained.

  Purchasing the rare metal alloys for the Argent Star alone required a massive sum. If he possessed enough Magic Stones, he could push the Argent Star to absorb the full eleven standard measures of metal, bringing it to the critical threshold of advancing in tier.

  That would grant him absolute assurance in the upcoming duel.

  Garden No. 8.

  Arriving at the entrance of the herb garden, Pierce wondered if Yuna would be present. He looked up to find her standing not far away, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

  The girl’s temperament was as serene as a still lake in moonlight. Looking at her, one would never guess she was a Formal Wizard. Only when meeting her gaze did one feel the gravitational pull of eyes as deep as the starry void.

  "Junior Brother, congratulations on securing the quota," Yuna said, her smile radiant.

  "Thank you, Senior Sister," Pierce nodded politely. "Were you waiting for me?"

  "Teacher knew you would be coming and specifically asked me to wait."

  Pierce’s expression turned serious. "Does Master Morven have instructions?"

  "Not instructions, merely a message," Yuna explained softly. "Teacher said that due to the strictures of the competition contract, he cannot provide you with excessive direct assistance. However, starting today, you have authorization to purchase anything from the Potion Warehouse at cost price. Unlimited quantity."

  Pierce’s eyes lit up instantly.

  This was far more practical than any handout!

  If he could purchase Moonbright Orchids at cost, his profit margin from the trade with Tining would skyrocket.

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  He didn't lack spells or magic items right now; he lacked hard currency. With enough gold, Magic Tattoos and metal combinations were merely a matter of purchase.

  Master Morven's aid had arrived at the perfect moment.

  "Senior Sister, where is Teacher now?"

  "He is away from the academy," Yuna replied. "He said you should simply focus on preparing for the competition."

  Hearing this, Pierce abandoned the idea of thanking Morven in person.

  Yuna seemed to have matters to attend to. After conveying the message, she departed hurriedly.

  Pierce went straight to the Potion Warehouse. With a wave of his hand, he purchased five hundred Moonbright Orchids in one go, draining almost every Magic Stone he had on his person.

  Afterward, he rushed to the General Affairs Department in the Experimental District and descended to the underground hall.

  Unlike previous times when it was deserted, the underground hall was bustling today. Almost everyone was there for the Dark Wells.

  Approaching the area, he saw that all five wells were occupied, with queues of over a dozen people waiting behind each.

  "Why is it so lively today?" Pierce wondered silently, joining the end of a line.

  The student in front of him glanced back, froze for a second, and then broke into an enthusiastic, ingratiating smile.

  "Lord Pierce! You are here to use the Dark Well too?"

  Pierce paused, glancing at the third-year badge on the student’s chest with a strange expression. It was odd for a senior student to address him as 'Lord'.

  Noticing Pierce’s look, the student didn't feel embarrassed in the slightest. Instead, his smile widened. "Everyone in the academy knows it is only a matter of time before you advance to Formal Wizard. I am simply getting used to the address in advance."

  Even Pierce was taken aback by such blatant flattery. If this man were in a corporate office in his past life, he would be promoted within a week.

  Soon, the people ahead noticed Pierce as well. Smiles bloomed on their faces as they greeted him.

  "Lord Pierce is here!"

  "Please, go ahead of me."

  "Yes, yes, we have plenty of time. No rush at all."

  One by one, they stepped aside. In moments, Pierce found himself at the front of the queue.

  Seeing this, he didn't feign modesty. He thanked them with a nod.

  The group looked flattered, hurriedly waving off his thanks.

  Turning back to the well, Pierce couldn't help but sigh. Indeed, when one wields a big stick, the world is full of polite people.

  Not long after, a Dark Well became available, and Pierce stepped forward immediately.

  He didn't throw in the Dark Stone right away. First, he used the aura imprint method inscribed on the wall to attempt contacting Tining.

  Mere seconds later, a response vibrated from the void.

  Seeing this, Pierce tossed the Dark Stone into the well.

  Ripples spread across the black, oily water. As it calmed, an image of an azure sky and lush tree shadows emerged on the surface.

  Then, a familiar, beautiful figure appeared in the reflection.

  It was Tining, the Dryad.

  "You finally contacted me!" Tining exclaimed, looking visibly relieved. "I have been waiting for you."

  "Apologies, I have been occupied lately," Pierce said sincerely, then shifted the topic. "But I have brought what you wanted."

  Tining’s eyes lit up instantly. "Moonbright Orchids? Or Starfall Flowers? How many?"

  Her wide eyes were filled with anticipation, like a child staring at a pile of wrapped gifts.

  Pierce smiled. "Five hundred Moonbright Orchids."

  The half-deer girl clapped her hands in delight. She spun around, her hooves clattering joyfully as she galloped a small circle before returning to the mirror, looking at Pierce with overflowing gratitude.

  "Thank you, Pierce! You are the benefactor of our tribe!"

  Facing the sincere gaze of the innocent dryad, Pierce smiled faintly. "Save the thanks until the trade is complete."

  "Right, right!" Tining nodded vigorously, as if waking from a dream. "Let us trade then."

  She paused, scratching her cheek sheepishly. "I forgot to ask... what do you want in exchange?"

  Pierce had his list ready. He answered without hesitation: "Rage Crystals, Golden-Backed Ape Hearts, skin and tendons of the Red-Banded Python..."

  He rattled off more than ten types of magical creature materials in one breath. These were carefully selected items with the highest profit margins in the current market.

  "Check what you have on your side. Just make up the equivalent value of five hundred Moonbright Orchids."

  "Okay, wait for me!"

  Tining nodded earnestly and galloped away again.

  Soon, melodic deer calls echoed from the other side of the connection.

  Tining was efficient. In less than five minutes, she returned, presenting the items one by one for Pierce to inspect.

  Once both parties confirmed the goods, they began to inscribe the Transaction Circle.

  The Transaction Circle served not only as a conduit for matter but also as a contract verification system. It ensured that the items transferred matched the description in terms of name, appearance, properties, and quantity.

  It prevented most fraud.

  Of course, Demons and Devils were notorious for exploiting linguistic loopholes in such descriptions, trapping unwary traders in unfair deals. That was why most people severed the connection immediately upon seeing a fiend in the reflection.

  The circle was not complex, and Pierce finished his part quickly.

  The dryad girl seemed less adept. Pierce waited a while before hearing her signal that she was ready.

  Placing the five hundred orchids into the circle, Pierce pressed his hand to the edge and infused his Mental Power.

  The runes glowed with a faint light.

  The pile of flowers in the center twisted and faded like a reflection in disturbed water, slowly replaced by a pile of visceral magical materials.

  Once the light faded, Pierce inventoried the goods. Confirming everything was in order, he stowed them in his Dimension Pouch with satisfaction.

  Returning to the well, he saw Tining’s joyous face in the reflection.

  "The quality is excellent. My kin say they are delicious. Thank you, Pierce."

  She thanked him again, the gratitude in her voice palpable. It seemed the flowers had truly solved a significant problem for her tribe.

  Pierce waved his hand. "We each take what we need."

  He had made a killing on this trade.

  Once he brought these materials back to the market, he could sell them for forty or fifty times the cost. In other words, he stood to make at least eight or nine thousand Magic Stones.

  It was practically robbery. A few more trades like this, and his liquid assets would surpass those of some Formal Wizards.

  However, Pierce knew such opportunities were rare.

  Asking Tining confirmed his suspicion.

  "Our tribe recently fought off a horde of monsters attempting to invade our grove. We killed many, which is why we had so much loot stockpiled," Tining explained apologetically. "To gather a similar amount again might take some time."

  Pierce wasn't disappointed. "No matter. We can trade again when you have accumulated enough."

  Even trading once every few months yielded massive profits. Besides, even without monster parts, Magic Oak Seeds were a high-value commodity.

  Especially after advancing to Wizard, he would likely be deployed to the Planar Battlefield. Having a stockpile of Magic Oak Seeds would drastically increase his survival rate.

  "Eee-eee!"

  A crisp cry interrupted them.

  Little Yi poked her head out of Pierce's hood, looking curiously at the dryad in the mirror.

  Seeing the sprite, Tining gasped. "A Flower Sprite!"

  Pierce raised a brow. "You have them in your world too?"

  "We do, but they are rare," Tining nodded. "Their nectar is delicious. I... my kin love it."

  Sensing the praise, Little Yi puffed out her chest proudly and giggled.

  Tining looked at the sprite, then at Pierce, her expression softening. "Flower Sprites are creatures of keen intuition. She seems to rely on you and like you very much. You really are a good person."

  Pierce paused, glancing at Little Yi, thoughtful.

  Realizing the time, he bid Tining farewell.

  "It was a pleasure. Until next time."

  "Until next time!" Tining waved energetically.

  The image vanished, returning to the stillness of black water.

  Pierce sighed inwardly. Yuna was right; the Ancient Tree Deer Spirits were pure and naive. A darker-hearted trader could have swindled her tribe into destitution.

  Fortunately, she met him.

  Thinking this, Pierce felt reaffirmed in his status as a "good person," tossing aside the sliver of guilt he felt about the massive profit margin.

  "Pity the Dark Stone is used up. I'll need to get more for the next trade."

  The Logistics Department didn't sell them; they cost Merit Points. But Pierce didn't care. Worst case, he’d scrounge some from his teacher.

  Leaving the hall, Pierce hurried to the Logistics Department to liquidate the monster materials and buy rare metals.

  "Tonight, I will strengthen the Argent Star to its critical limit!"