Insight into Neptune

After the discussion about Dago ended, Bernal continued, "For the next while, I'll stay here growing Moonlight Flowers and testing your new method for brewing Mental Potions, but I lack resources and need your help."

"And Selena, you'll stay here for the time being. I'll strengthen your spell training. The family castle has drawn attention lately, so leave it alone for now. I'll handle it personally."

Dago remembered the deal he had made with Bernal at the castle: Bernal was supposed to provide the resources while Dago supplied the techniques. Yet now, it still fell to Dago himself.

Perhaps noticing Dago's slight displeasure, Bernal said, "I'm not asking you to shoulder everything. I'm capable of supporting myself; it's just inconvenient lately. Thorns of Pain has been tracking me throughout Kletam City."

"Forging, alchemy, potion-making, enchanting, rune engraving—I can do all of it. I just need a middleman to exchange what I produce for the resources I need. If you need anything yourself, I can help you as well."

"I admit your method is important to me, but if my experiment succeeds, it will benefit you greatly too. Have you ever heard of those powerful Old One Wizards?"

An unreadable light flickered in Bernal's eyes. "My experiment concerns capturing Old Ones in the Spirit World. It is my only way to save my wife. But perhaps one day, you too may join their ranks."

"Old One Wizards... would someone like Karida count?"

Dago murmured softly. Bernal's words seemed to lift a corner of some grander, more magnificent page from an ancient tome before him, filling him with endless imaginings in an instant.

But a few seconds later, Dago came to his senses. *Wasn't this just selling him a pipe dream?! He had nearly been tricked into becoming a workhorse without even