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Glaint smiled at Hobert and said, "If you can get the potion formula for Apothecary, I'm willing to buy it for 270 pounds.
"The extra 20 pounds is for you to tell me about the entire process of the transaction.
"I have a hunch, and yes, in the field of mysticism, premonitions are crucial. I have a feeling that this deal will involve many fascinating pieces of occult knowledge, which is exactly the kind of information I'm after!"
Audrey smiled and said, "I would also like to sit in on it. I believe the generous Viscount Glaint wouldn't mind an additional listener."
Glaint smiled and replied, "Of course."
The two of them then looked toward Hobert.
"Happy to help," Hobert smiled and added, "Additionally, I hope that the five of us who share common interests can form a small mutual aid alliance.
"Of course, I understand that the esteemed Miss Audrey and Viscount Glaint have entered the Beyonder world out of curiosity.
"But in the future, you may need some Beyonder materials or require us to investigate things that might be inconvenient for you to look into yourselves."
Glaint nodded, "You're absolutely right. In the future, I may have more dealings with the Beyonder world. Having a few trustworthy partners would be very beneficial."
He smiled and added, "And naturally, in the future, I can also provide you all with potions you can use without any concerns."
Audrey chimed in, "And I can offer my psychological analysis."
Inside, she was already very excited. This would be a Beyonder circle outside of the Tarot Club, and it was one that she was helping to establish. If run well, it might even become a new mystical organization in the future.
What she didn't know, however, was that this group already had two members of the Tarot Club and two future members, essentially making it the Backlund branch of the Tarot Club!
Hobert smiled and said, "I can provide reliable legal aid and help resolve mundane or Beyonder-related issues."
Xio, feeling the enthusiasm, added, "I excel at arbitration, investigation, and interrogation!"
Finally, everyone turned to Fors. Caught off guard, Fors stammered, "I, uh, I'm good at, at obtaining things that are not convenient to retrieve directly."
Hobert clapped his hands, "Should we come up with a name for our group?"
Audrey suggested, "How about 'Justice League'?"
Girl, just how much do you love the word "justice"? This made Hobert think of the 'Avengers': "That's a good name. Then, the 'Justice League' is officially formed. We are gathered together on the principle of mutual assistance, seeking to expand our reach within the Beyonder world."
The five young people were somewhat excited, knowing that from now on, the 'Justice League' would be their own small realm.
Once the excitement had calmed down a bit, Audrey suddenly asked, "Why would the Earth Mother Church have the potion formula for Apothecary?"
Hobert replied, "This involves a rule that the church has deliberately kept hidden. We all know that the Earth Mother Church has a complete set of potion formulas for the 'Planter' Pathway, but they also deliberately absorb Beyonders from the 'Apothecary' Pathway.
"Just like how the Evernight Goddess Church, aside from having a complete set of 'Sleepless' Pathway potion formulas, also cultivates Beyonders from the 'Corpse Collector' Pathway."
Audrey nodded thoughtfully, sensing that Hobert hadn't shared the whole truth. But since it was a "deliberately hidden" matter, she didn't press further, as in the Beyonder world, mysticism knowledge equated to power and wealth.
The five parted ways in front of Viscount Glaint's estate. Xio and Fors watched the other three's carriages leave, exchanged a glance, and both felt that Hobert had given them a valuable lesson today.
They had met Audrey and Glaint a few times before, but they had never solidified their relationships.
Yet, this was Hobert's first time participating in one of their operations, and he had already united them around him.
Indeed, as an observer, Fors clearly recognized that the cornerstone of this "Justice League" was not the beautiful Miss Audrey, nor the highest-status Viscount Glaint, but Hobert!
Xio suddenly asked, "It's clear that Hobert knows a lot about mysticism. Should we ask him about the 'Full Moon Ravings?"
Fors shook her head, "Let's wait. I still don't fully trust him."
That was her weak spot, something she dared not reveal lightly.
...
Hobert glanced at his pocket watch. It was only 3:30 in the afternoon, so he first headed to 51 Henry Street in the West Borough.
He asked the coachman to wait for a moment, then glanced at the sign of No. 51: Gal Herbal Shop!
In the lower-right corner of the sign were the words, "Various Occult Materials for Sale."
The window displayed some common and decorative herbs. Together with the shop's dark interior, it exuded an air of mystery.
This was the place.
Hobert entered the shop. The first thing he noticed was the variety of herbs and occult materials filling the room. Even above the counter, there were rows of neatly arranged display cases.
The products were organized meticulously, and the glass bottles containing the medicines were polished to a gleaming shine, giving off a sense of abundance and professionalism.
Behind the counter, Gal sat in a chair smoking a pipe. Upon seeing Hobert, he immediately removed the pipe from his mouth and smiled, "Mr. Hobert, I didn't expect us to meet again so soon. What can I help you with this time?"
"This time, I'm here to sell you some special materials," Hobert said. "But I need to conduct the transaction at the mercenaries' club. The carriage is just outside."
Gal smiled and said, "May I take a look?"
"No, it must be traded at the club." If Gal were a character mentioned in the original work, Hobert would know whether to trust him. But since he didn't recall seeing Gal's name, he remained cautious in their dealings.
"Very well," Gal called over a shop assistant to mind the store, then donned his hat, picked up his cane, and grabbed a small briefcase before following Hobert to the carriage.
They smoothly entered the mercenaries' club, where, guided by an attendant, they entered a small meeting room.
It was then that Hobert took out and opened the iron box containing the 'mutated eyeball.'
Gal glanced at the eyeball, then quickly closed the lid of the iron box. "Goddess, where did you get something so evil?"
Hobert smiled, "If I have to explain its origin, the price will double."
"Alright, I won't ask then." Gal placed his hand on the iron box as if examining it. After a while, he asked, "Name your price."
"100 pounds!"
Gal shook his head, "Although it's rare, it's also not very useful and hard to sell. Moreover, if the Church discovers it, it will be a big problem."
Hobert smiled, "From what I know, it has quite a wide range of applications, such as in some curses, rituals that attract the attention of malevolent entities, and even creating potions with Beyonder properties."