Watching the once proud and aloof archmage now filled with excitement, Carl couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
They say money can make the world go round, and it's true.
What would normally require numerous quests and reaching level 100 to access the Supreme Hall could now be achieved with money.
However, the price was steep.
The mere entry fee was five million gold coins.
With a flourish of his robe, the archmage accepted the five million coins, his face breaking into a beaming smile: "Esteemed guest, the War God Suite on the top floor is now open for you. Once you ascend, other old-timers will be there to assist you."
Being stared at with such fiery enthusiasm by this elderly man made Carl feel a bit uneasy.
"Um, Master, I preferred your earlier defiant demeanor. Could you revert to that?"
The archmage immediately wiped the smile from his face, his gaze becoming as deep as an abyss: "Young man, hurry up and go."
"Ah, now that's the right attitude."
Carl chuckled playfully and quickly ascended the stairs.
Before long, he reached the top floor.
The heavy stone door creaked open, revealing twelve candelabras symmetrically lined along the path, their blue flames flickering gently.
The entire hall exuded an atmosphere of solemnity and grandeur.
A commanding voice floated through the air: "Young man, what brings you here?"
Carl looked up to see a middle-aged man clad in golden armor striding towards him with the confidence of a dragon.
Once again, he couldn't discern the man's title, but the information available was his profession and level.
Level 100 Berserker.
Compared to the archmage he had just encountered, this Berserker was undoubtedly much stronger.
"I need to hire a bodyguard," Carl stated.
The middle-aged Berserker scrutinized Carl for a moment before nodding: "Understood."
With a wave of his hand, a virtual panel appeared before Carl.
[Supreme Hall Honor Knight Puppet, Level 100, 1,000,000 Gold/Day]
[Supreme Hall Elemental Mage Puppet, Level 100, 1,000,000 Gold/Day]
[Supreme Hall Shadow Assassin Puppet, Level 100, 1,000,000 Gold/Day]
[Supreme Hall Archmage Puppet, Level 80, 800,000 Gold/Day]
[...]
As the pinnacle force in "The Apocalypse," the Supreme Hall had an impressive foundation.
The lowest level on the hiring list was 80.
Moreover, they were all puppets!
This meant that any one of them would unconditionally obey the commands of the employer.
Having such a retinue would mean, for a novice in the current village, four simple words:
Do as you please!
However, Carl remained somewhat dissatisfied and frowned: "Are there no god-level puppets?"
"God-level?"
The middle-aged Berserker was taken aback, shaking his head and laughing softly: "God-level puppets are incredibly precious. How could they possibly be rented out?"
"Furthermore, you haven't even passed a single promotion trial yet. Being able to rent an 80-level puppet is already a tremendous blessing. It's best not to aim too high."
Carl maintained a calm demeanor: "I'll pay more."
"Even with more money, it won't work. Let me reiterate, god-level puppets are too precious and are not rented out in principle." The middle-aged Berserker shook his head, his attitude firm.
Carl replied, "One billion a day."
"That..."
The middle-aged Berserker pondered for a moment: "In principle, that's still not feasible. But you know me, Long Aotian—I have always enjoyed breaking the rules."
"Coincidentally, I have a friend who is a god-level sorcerer. I can ask him."
"A god-level sorcerer?" Carl's eyes lit up.
Sorcerers are hidden professions.
While not the only hidden class, they are among the top in the magic profession, distinct from the violent mages or archmages.
Sorcerers employ the most cunning methods and offer the strongest functionality.
Defense, offense, and protection—all in one.
For Carl at this stage, they were undoubtedly the best choice.
"However, I need to confirm one thing first," Long Aotian said solemnly.
"Go ahead."
"When should the billion be paid?"
"As long as we establish a contract, it can be done right now," Carl replied calmly.
Long Aotian smiled, "Then there's no problem."
With a flash of light, a transaction contract appeared before Carl.
He examined it carefully before confirming the deal.
He wasn't too worried; unlike reality, "The Apocalypse" had this advantage.
Once a contract was established, any party reneging would face punishments far exceeding the contract itself.
Unless absolutely necessary, even a god-level expert wouldn't choose to breach a contract.
Moreover, those who could ascend to god-level were all reputable figures and wouldn't ruin their reputation over money.
While one billion was a lot, there were many things in "The Apocalypse" that couldn't be bought.
That's why Carl was willing to offer such a high price, just to secure a day of a god-level expert's time.
"Please wait a moment."
After the contract was signed, Long Aotian glanced at Carl before turning to leave.
About half an hour later...
"Are you Night Cold?"
"You truly are a talented individual."
A deep, aged voice echoed, and Carl looked up to see an old man in a sorcerer's robe standing before him.
[Nickname: ???]
[Level: ???]
[Other: ???]
After a quick scan, Carl found that he couldn't see any information.
Clearly, this was the god-level sorcerer Long Aotian had mentioned.
"May I ask who you are?"
Carl kept his demeanor respectful.
While he was the employer, this was still a god-level expert, fundamentally different from a puppet.
If he acted too arrogant, there was a risk the sorcerer might simply walk away.
Returning the gold and canceling the contract was entirely different from breaching it.
The old man replied calmly, "I am Melz. From now on, for the next twenty-four hours, I will heed your commands."
"Of course, I won't engage in any illegal activities. The terms of our contract should make that clear."
Carl smiled, "Rest assured, Master. We mainly need to tackle a high-difficulty hidden dungeon."
"That's good to hear." Melz nodded, not overly concerned.
For a god-level expert, how challenging could a hidden dungeon in a novice village be?
Was it defeating a Goblin King or its entire family?
Wasn't that just a matter of waving a hand?
"Please, this way."
Carl wasted no time and led Melz out of the Supreme Hall. With only a day to spare, every moment counted.
As they hurried towards the leveling point, Carl felt a surge of emotions.
This was a god-level expert!
Even in his past life, he had never experienced such treatment.
Not to mention being in a mere novice village, even in the main city, such a figure would be nearly invincible!
The power of money was indeed terrifying.