Mr. Mortis did not deny Shade's guess:
"That guy has gone missing. Someone has to look for him. I may have sold this information to many people, but only to a High-Ring Arcanist like you would I reveal the most detailed information.
I can tell you anything you want to know. If you can really bring him back, as a well-known local Magic Potion Merchant, he'll definitely reward you generously. And I can give you an additional reward as well."
Thus, Shade instantly went from being an "information buyer" to "accepting a commission to find someone." But since this was related to the so-called "Demon Sword," and since he ought to take on more jobs after arriving in a new city to get a feel for the local Ring Arcanist scene, he did not refuse: "I am indeed a High-Ring Arcanist, but I should warn you in advance: hiring me is very expensive."
Mr. Mortis pushed the box containing the two Lucky Coins toward Shade:
"I heard you posted a long-term commission at the Clock Tower to purchase coin-type relics? These two coins you want to buy happen to be mine. Besides them, I can also get you two relic coins of other types from elsewhere.
If you can bring my friend back, those extra two coins can count as your reward."
Shade pressed the box beneath his hand.
"No problem, but I have to emphasize it again: I'm really expensive."
Mr. Mortis did not tell Shade the name of the missing mid-ring Magic Potion Merchant. He only said that local Ring Arcanists generally called him the "Magic Potion Merchant," a simple and direct title with a very clear referent.
He was a thin man who looked to be in his forties. Because he loved smoking cigarettes rolled from his