Chapter 90: Hobert's Plan
As Hobert expected, Utravsky agreed to his proposal. For him, it was just a fight, worth between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds, which was quite a good deal.
For Hobert, as long as the "Giant Bishop" could keep the opponent's Sequence 6 busy, Hobert planned to capture at least one Sequence 7.
If things went smoothly, both Sequence 7s could be captured.
Of course, to be cautious, if two additional Sequence 8s showed up, they would be dealt with as well.
The Beyonder characteristics of four Beyonders alone were worth four to five thousand pounds, and any other loot would be a bonus. This fight was a sure-win for Hobert.
Additionally, Hobert could gain more information about the Tamara family. For him, this information was far more critical than the loot, as the Tamara family might become his main enemy in the future.
After negotiating the terms of repayment, Hobert said, "Father, I'll need the 'Apothecary' formula first. I don't have enough money to buy that mystical item, so I'll need to sell the 'Apothecary' formula before I can purchase it."
"Very well," Utravsky replied, taking out a pen and paper and writing down the potion formula.
Hobert glanced at it. The main ingredients: a unicorn Pegasus horn from an adult and 3 grams of crystallized venom from a crown jellyfish.
The auxiliary ingredients: 10 grams of dragon blood herb powder, 3 drops of autumn crocus essence, 6 petals of a blooming spoonflower, and 80 milliliters of pure water.
After putting away the formula, Hobert smiled and said, "I'll bring the mystical item to you tomorrow morning."
Utravsky nodded and lowered his head again, preparing to continue his prayers.
Hobert took a few steps toward the door before turning back and asking, "Father, aren't you worried that after I take the potion formula, I won't return?"
Without looking up, Utravsky replied, "You're a man who understands restraint. People like that usually know the dangers of greed."
Hobert chuckled and left quickly.
He had only increased the price of the Mental Terror Candle by 3.8 times. To be fair, the price was still quite reasonable.
As he got back into the carriage, Hobert had the strange feeling that Utravsky resembled the monks he had read about—wise and insightful, though not very talkative.
After leaving the Harvest Church, Hobert rode to the residence of Viscount Glaint.
Glaint was somewhat surprised to see the 'Apothecary' formula, as it indicated that Hobert had struck a new deal with the bishop of the Harvest Church.
The viscount summoned his butler to bring 270 pounds in cash and said, "Mr. Hobert, as per our agreement, you need to tell me the full story of the transaction.
"Oh, should I invite Miss Audrey to join us? It's already dark, though. Perhaps we should visit her together?"
Hobert smiled and replied, "As you said, it's quite late today. I'll share the story with Miss Audrey when I have the chance."
"Very well. I'm sure Audrey will enjoy the tale."
Hobert then briefly recounted the events, leaving out the details of the Mental Terror Candle and the price increase, only mentioning that he had helped Bishop Utravsky find a mystical item at a Beyonder gathering.
"I would've loved to witness how one splits and kills a person's personality," Glaint said with some regret as he picked up the potion formula. "Where can I buy these ingredients?"
Hobert answered, "I can try to help you acquire them. From what I know, the auxiliary ingredients are easy to obtain and not too expensive.
"The main ingredients aren't too rare either, but you'll need some luck to come across them."
Glaint nodded. "I'll leave it to you, then. Please gather the materials as soon as possible. I'm eager to become an 'Apothecary.'"
After discussing the main business, Hobert shared a few intriguing stories about the Beyonder world, which the viscount enjoyed. He then stood up to take his leave.
Watching Hobert depart, Viscount Glaint's gaze deepened. He turned to his valet outside the door and said, "Write a letter to Miss Xio and Miss Fors for me. Tell them I'm interested in learning some information and that I'm willing to pay for it if necessary."
The valet gave a slight bow and went off to draft the letter.
...
On Monday morning, Hobert first stopped by the law firm, then went out to "visit clients."
He first went to the Harvest Church and handed the Mental Terror Candle to Bishop Utravsky.
Then, he rushed to the Black Obsidian Bar in the northern district to meet Daly.
Daly smiled and said, "I'm starting to regret recommending you as our informant. I've never seen a handler as busy as me."
Hobert laughed. "Madam, this time it's something important, and you stand to gain quite a bit from it."
"Oh?"
"Soon, there's going to be a... " Hobert glanced around the quiet bar and lowered his voice. "There's going to be a Beyonder battle."
"Beyonder battles happen in Backlund every day."
"This one's different. It's my plan."
Daly's interest was piqued. "Tell me more."
"I have a friend... Yes, I know what that look means, but this is truly my friend," Hobert said. "My friend is being hunted by a Beyonder family, and I want to set up an ambush to counterattack.
"I've already found a Sequence 6 ally. For safety's sake, I'll need another Sequence 6, and I'd like to ask for your help. This is a private request, not a request for the Nighthawks squad."
Daly blinked in surprise. "So, you're not reporting this? You're asking for my help?"
"Exactly," Hobert replied. "If you're not interested, the battle will happen anyway, just without the Nighthawks knowing."
Daly's blue-shadowed eyes flashed as she looked at Hobert. "It sounds like you're threatening me—if I don't help, things will spiral out of control beyond the Nighthawks' reach."
"Absolutely not. I'm just being honest," Hobert explained. "I sincerely hope you'll help. If you join, you'll have the right to a share of the loot, but your pick will come after mine.
"If you manage to kill a Sequence 7 or higher, your pick will come before mine. Your main opponent will most likely be a Sequence 7."
Daly hadn't expected Hobert, a newly appointed Nighthawk informant, to be orchestrating a Beyonder battle involving Sequence 6s and 7s.
This made Hobert seem even more mysterious, as if there was much more to him than just being the eldest son of a colonel.
After a few seconds of consideration, Daly said, "I'll help you, but you need to tell me how you learned the origins of 2-355."
Hobert had anticipated this question and was prepared. "2-355 is connected to a sealed artifact or mystical item related to the 'Lawyer' pathway that I've encountered before. I divined the origin of 2-355 through that item."
"Got it!" Daly nodded. "Let me know the time and place half a day before the battle. I'll need time to prepare."
"No problem," Hobert said, relieved. With two Sequence 6s on his side, the battle was now much less risky.