"No problem. Helping you find that sea will also help us continue advancing our research."
Old John nodded but said nothing about payment, which was quite unusual.
"Today is Sunday. Come here next Tuesday evening to collect the materials."
Then he smiled and added:
"Speaking of which, congratulations on successfully containing [Skin Object Hall]."
"It was everyone's effort."
Shade was very modest. Old John asked him to wait a moment, then rummaged out a set of wineglasses and dragged a dusty wooden box from beneath the counter. Inside was a bottle of Sherry with a faded label, its body sealed beneath a thin layer of wax.
"It has been sitting there for nearly thirty years. Something as harmful to civilization as [Skin Object Hall] being contained is worth celebrating."
Amber liquor was poured into two small glasses, its fragrance gradually spreading like the scent of old books and oak. Little Mia twitched her nose for a sniff, then shifted slightly away. The cat did not like alcohol.
Shade raised his glass and clinked it against the old man's behind the counter. The twilight beyond the glass display window was brilliant, and the crisp chime of the glasses strangely suited the dim, yellowing light.
Shade took a sip.
"Speaking of which, Old Dad John, I'd also like to commission you to acquire a supernatural item."
"What do you want?"
Old John savored the wine in hand.
"A Seed of Life."
"Cough, cough—cough, cough!"
The old man choked. He hurriedly set down his glass and patted his chest.
"If I remember correctly, that is something found only in myths and legends. I know the item definitely exists, but throughout the entire Sixth Epoch, no one has seen such a strange object except for the one Serkses Higher Medical Academy obtained around the