"There wasn't anything useful at the gatherings either..."
Lorne emerged from an alley that smelled of cheap ale and dampness, feeling rather disgruntled.
The earlier "crackdown" seemed to have blown over, and many small Beyonder gatherings in Backlund had resumed. Lorne had attended several of them in succession, hoping to find something useful to prepare for the possible ambush by the Indulgence Faction.
Unfortunately, he had come away empty-handed. Whether buying or selling, he had failed to get the results he wanted.
Formulas from the Storm pathway were far too conspicuous. Offering them for sale in Backlund could easily attract the attention of official Beyonders. Those gatherings were bound to have plants from the churches, or potential informants.
He had failed to sell any of his other formulas, too. For some reason, it felt as though everyone had become strapped for cash lately.
Sigh. The Card of Blasphemy is right here in my hands, and the formulas recorded in it are a priceless gold mine. Yet I just can't find a buyer with both the means to take them off my hands and the trustworthiness I need...
"Should I... go big and sell a demigod-level formula?" A wild idea rose from the depths of his heart.
"Next time, I should try Mr. A's gathering. That one ought to be a little more high-end."
Recalling Mr. A's dangerous, inscrutable demeanor, Lorne felt that he was most likely not an official Beyonder.
Anyone who could organize such a large gathering had to possess considerable strength and powerful backing. Perhaps he would be interested in Lorne's formulas.
Of course, he also had to consider the possibility that the man would be tempted to murder him and seize his valuables...
"Lucky... went out again, huh."
Looking at the empty room, Lorne murmured to himself.