Locke was the first to release his tweezers. He told the Sun-Ring Wizard, "I need this mushroom magic plant as the base material for a cultivation method."
The Sun-Ring Wizard raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? Then our purposes conflict. If you only needed part of it, we could divide it between us. But I have my eye on the whole mushroom too. My name is Aura Pustin."
"I'm from Starfield Sea."
Wizard Pustin's lips curved into a faint smile.
"I'll offer you a piece of information in exchange for the magic plant. In ten days, the White Wizard Association of your Cloud Marsh Wetland Wizard Land will announce the formation of the Resource Integration Committee. Shop Alliances of a certain size will receive the services of a dedicated committee adviser. They'll help your wizards consolidate their resources to address the worsening business climate here."
"This is a trial run before a great partnership. You appear to be a local Moon-Ring Wizard, so I imagine you have a Shop Alliance of your own. If you prepare, you might have a chance to receive a dedicated adviser too."
Even Moon-Ring Wizards affiliated with an Academic Lineage generally had a share of its businesses. It was unlikely that one had no Shop Alliance at all.
Wizard Aura said, "I believe that information is valuable enough to exchange for this magic plant."
Locke frowned. He was interested in the plant himself.
Trading between wizards was common, but Aura had ignored Locke's wishes. Before Locke had agreed to any deal, Aura had volunteered the information and demanded the plant in return. It left Locke uncomfortable.
"Mr. Aura," Locke said, "an exchange of equal value is perfectly fair."
Aura nodded and was about to cut the magic plant from the dead wood when Locke continued, "Then I'll