Giant Shield Mercenary Group headquarters.
Ivan entered the main hall and noticed that the heavy shield was already erected there, truly being treated as the symbolic item of the Mercenary Group. After observing it for a few moments and feeling quite appropriate, he then proceeded to his father’s office, the head of the group.
Leider was somewhat surprised, “Ivan, what brings you here?”
“I came to ask about the Goliath Frog Breathing Method, which you promised me.”
“I forgot in the midst of busyness, I’ll give it to you tonight.”
Having said that, Leider chuckled a bit; his son was still his son, somewhat impetuous in character.
Seeing him say this, Ivan could only drop the matter, thinking it was not urgent in this half a day. He had not decided how to bring up the issue of sorcerer’s training, he simply chose not to mention it and began to wander around the Mercenary Group’s quarters.
[Apothecary Skill: lv2 (192/200)]
[Knight Breathing Skill: lv1 (46/100)]
[Linguistics Skill: lv1 (13/100)]
This was his current progress in the subjects, with only the Apothecary Skill nearing an upgrade.
If he wanted to guarantee his safety, the best method was to break through to the Knight Class.
He had thought about it carefully; if the Knight Breathing Skill reached a high enough level, it meant he had a higher understanding and realization of the Breathing Methods and the Breath of Life, which undoubtedly would aid him in breaking through from the page class to the Knight Class.
Just as a higher level in Apothecary Skill made apothecary work easier.
However, advancing the Knight Breathing Skill was not a simple matter. He analyzed that there were roughly three paths: the first was to follow the regular training regimen, though the Gushing Breath Method was holding him back; the second was to experience more Breathing Methods to expand his experiences and understanding, which should grant him more Experience Points; the third —
“Ivan, are you here to see your father?”
“Mr. Glowe.”
Vice-Captain Glowe greeted him, pulling Ivan back to reality.
Glowe said, “Do you have some time? Let’s have a chat.”
“Sure.”
Ivan thought it was just a greeting, but it seemed Glowe had something to discuss with him.
The two headed to Glowe’s private lounge.
As the vice-captain of the Giant Shield Mercenary Group and belonging to the same generation as Leider, Ivan was his junior. Dealing with a junior, there were some matters he found hard to broach.
“Mr. Glowe, please speak freely if there’s anything.”
Ivan really couldn’t imagine what Glowe needed from him. Could there be some scandal within the Mercenary Group? Surely, it wasn’t his place to interfere. Or perhaps there was a conflict between Paul and Beaman?
Under his prompting, Glowe finally explained his purpose, “Ivan, do you have a way to purchase mid-grade Universal Breathing Secret Medicine?” He knew Ivan well enough to make this conclusion based on his strength and Breathing Method training.
Ivan countered, “Why do you ask?”
Glowe showed an apologetic expression, “I saw you taking it the other day; I apologize, it wasn’t intentional. You just happened to be there, and my eyesight is better than average.”
This isn’t just better than average, you must have a telescope fitted in your eyes.
Ivan complained internally; he had clearly made sure no one was around.
He didn’t ask Glowe why a squire would need Secret Medicines, he simply acknowledged it.
“Yes, I do.”
Glowe revealed a hint of pleasure, “Could you possibly help me purchase one? I’d prefer more if it’s convenient, but one is enough if it’s not.”
For Ivan, it wasn’t a big deal. The Ocean Blue Potion was his own creation; by selling it, he could even make money, all in Gold Coins.
He didn’t immediately agree but asked another question, “Is the mid-grade Universal Secret Medicine truly scarce?”
“It is indeed scarce. Flying Fish Port is remotely located, making the passage of goods even rarer.” Glowe spoke with certainty, and seeing Ivan’s lingering doubts, added, “You can consider the mid-grade Universal Breathing Secret Medicine as a currency more valuable than Gold Coins, one that could easily be exchanged for Gold Coins in any country.”
Seeing his serious expression, Ivan suddenly realized that he had somewhat underestimated the value of the Ocean Blue Potion; it wasn’t merely worth 20 Gold Coins.
Previously, Beaman had told him that the Ocean Blue Potion, lacking fame and needing to be kept secret, coupled with the urgency to sell, would have a much lower price than the market value.
“Then my request—”
“No problem, how much do you want?”
“How about three portions in one group?”
“No problem.”
Ivan agreed so easily that Glowe felt a stir of worry, and couldn’t help repeating, “Are you serious? Ivan, I’m not joking.”
Ivan smiled, “Of course, I assure you on the Marichadon family’s name.”
Glowe then believed him and felt relieved.
“However, I have a request as well.”
“Go ahead.”
“Mr. Glowe, you must be practicing a Special Breathing Method, right? Your eyesight is not ordinary.”
Glowe’s eyesight couldn’t be explained by mere talent, leading Ivan to this speculation, an idea forming in his mind.
“Correct, an incomplete upper class Breathing Method, with many disadvantages.” Glowe replied with a bitter smile. He had anticipated revealing this issue when he approached Ivan, but he did not think Ivan would practice his flawed Breathing Method.
He offered proactively, “If you want to know, we can exchange, but you must help me keep it a secret.”
“Alright, then it’s settled. See you in a bit.”
This suited Ivan perfectly, and he agreed readily, although he didn’t carry that many Ocean Blue Potions with him.
Soon, Ivan returned, his speed surprising Glowe.
Glowe, without much thought, asked the most pressing question, “How do we exchange?”
Ivan said, “You look at the potions first.”
He briskly handed over three Ocean Blue Potions to Glowe.
Flawless ocean blue.
Glowe closely inspected them, as if he could smell the ocean’s breeze.
Certainly, one can’t distinguish if it is a mid-grade Universal Secret Medicine, but Glowe trusted Ivan would not deceive him, just as Ivan trusted him by handing over the potions so readily.
“Based on the market price, a portion of mid-grade Universal Secret Medicine is around 25 Gold Coins, often selling for 30 Gold Coins, while my upper class Breathing Method—-” Glowe hesitated over the value of his own Breathing Method, which was rarer than the secret medicine.
“Let’s just trade directly.” Ivan waved his hand.
“But—-“
“Trust me on this.”
Glowe felt he was taking advantage of someone younger, but Ivan didn’t mind it.
Upon his persistent request, the two completed the exchange, with Ivan receiving a beast hide scroll, made from an unknown wild beast’s hide, clearly the original of the Breathing Method.
Stowing the beast hide scroll in his pocket, Ivan smiled, “Mr. Glowe, you really don’t need to feel like you’re at a loss. The potions were actually concocted by myself.”
Hearing this, Glowe stared at him in astonishment, trying to discern the truth of his words.
Ivan continued, “It’s called the Ocean Blue Potion, but its original name is Whirlpool Potion. You must have heard of it, remember to keep it a secret.”
Not only had Glowe heard of it, but he also knew how the group leader had obtained it, found in a certain relic and after considerable inquiry, it was something irreplicable. This completely overturned his perception of Ivan, although it had changed somewhat while he was in Black Pine Forest.
Putting aside Glowe’s astonishment, Ivan, upon returning to the Marichadon family, couldn’t wait to examine the beast hide scroll.
‘High Ridge Eagle’
This was the name of the Breathing Method, only including the page class portion, totaling 42 movements, four of which clearly appeared added later and no corresponding Breathing Secret Medicine.
“No wonder Glowe mentioned many issues, the crucial four styles were his own additions, and the ‘Eagle’s Eye’ cultivated demands continuous nourishment, consuming the Breath of Life every moment, otherwise, the eyesight would deteriorate.”
Ivan, considering himself skilled in Breathing Methods, was still amazed by the complexity of the upper class Breathing Method, far surpassing the mere 20 movements of the Gushing Breath Method.
After ponderously reflecting, he began to mimic the movements, practicing the form without channeling the essence.
Leider didn’t return for dinner, and after dinner, Ivan continued to ponder the Breathing Method.
[Knight Breathing Skill Experience Point +46]
[Knight Breathing Skill: lv1(92/100)]