The Stirring of Fear

It was obvious.

The information broker was deeply conflicted and hesitant. He was greedy for wealth, yet afraid that if he accepted Ian's money, he would no longer be able to claim Ian's favor.

It was precisely because of those complicated thoughts that Babua had not dared to take it.

"Don't worry. This is merely the reward you deserve. Those who excel should be rewarded." Ian saw through his thoughts. His tone was calm, yet carried an unquestionable weight. "Besides that, Mr. Babua, you have a favor from me. Perhaps someday, your family or your descendants may have need of it."

The words exploded beside Babua's ears like thunder. He abruptly raised his head, his eyes filled with ecstatic disbelief and profound shock. A legendary wizard's favor! That was no longer something money could measure! It was practically a trump card capable of reversing one's fate at a critical moment!

Moreover, the implication in Ian's words—"your descendants"—sent his imagination running wild and filled him with awe. Just as the legends said, wizards who had reached the legendary rank possessed lifespans beyond imagination. This man had most likely lived for more than a thousand years!

For beings of that kind, a promise could span several generations.

It was no empty claim.

After all, according to Babua's limited understanding, legendary wizards were no longer ordinary wizards. It seemed perfectly reasonable for them to transcend the constraints of time.

Of course, his knowledge of legendary wizards was only slightly greater than that of most wizards, and it was still merely superficial. After all, no legendary wizard had appeared in the world for a very long time.

"Sir... I... I..." Babua was so excited that he could barely speak coherently. He bowed deeply to Ian, his voice trembling.

"I, Babua, and my family will