Mystery: Gray Walker

Chapter 43 Olivier's Warning

Green's heart pounded as he looked at the potion in Olivier's hand.

A new, complete potion, ready to be consumed!

He abruptly looked up at Olivier, "This..."

He didn't continue the conversation. He didn't dare tell the other person that he had been promoted to 'apprentice', otherwise it would be much more complicated than just explaining it.

"You don't want it? This is something so many people dream of." Olivier was somewhat surprised.

"I want it!" Green snatched it away.

I can't use it myself, but I can sell it. Lillian said this thing is very valuable, with a price but no market. If I hadn't been accidentally dragged into it, I probably wouldn't even know what an Extraordinary is.

Don't be foolish. Take whatever they offer!

"I thought you—"

"Thank you!" Green immediately bowed deeply to express his highest respect.

Olivier chuckled as he looked at the young man before him, somewhat puzzled as to what Clarisse saw in him.

After getting to know him, he didn't find anything particularly outstanding about this young man named Green. On the contrary, he was a bit... too practical, or even a bit mercenary.

I hesitated for a moment, but as soon as I heard about the value, I immediately snatched it.

However, this keenness for resources and desire for survival may not be uncommon among those who have struggled at the bottom of society.

Olivier suppressed a slight doubt in his heart and simply explained, "The potion can be taken orally. After taking it, you will experience a period of spiritual fusion and physical transformation, which may cause some discomfort, such as mild hallucinations, changes in body temperature, or a strong desire to learn about certain symbols or knowledge. This is normal. Find a safe and quiet place to do it—"

"Yes, I understand."

"You understand?"

"Uh... I mean I understand what you mean," Green quickly explained.

Olivier gave him a questioning look, then added:

"The Secret Seeker can give you a basic grasp of occult knowledge, while also enhancing your spiritual intuition. You will be able to perform simple ritual magic, such as divination and exorcism, and you will have a certain perception of danger and secrecy."

"Can you cast magic?" Green asked.

"right."

Upon hearing this, Green's face gradually contorted, as if he were filled with deep regret.

"What would happen if I drank the Sleuth's potion, and then drank other potions?"

"Direct loss of control leads to death. Their paths are different and incompatible, and if you don't fully digest the potion before advancing, you'll also lose control. Regardless of the path, you need to proceed gradually. Preventing loss of control is something everyone needs to be mindful of. All power comes at a price."

That line again! Why did I even bother drinking "Apprentice"?! Magic... I never thought I'd ever have the chance to see magic again in my life. But it's no use saying anything now.

Green's next words surprised Olivier.

"Inspector Olivier, do you know of any underground black market or trading channels for Extraordinary individuals in Oberhafen, or nearby?"

Olivier narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing Green.

Instead of asking about potions, he asked about the black market? This abrupt shift in thinking and focus instantly amplified the bad premonition in his heart.

"What are you trying to do?" Olivier asked in a deep voice. "Grin, I'm warning you, if you're thinking of selling this potion for money, I advise you to abandon that idea immediately."

"Putting aside the fact that trading extraordinary properties privately is a serious violation of the law and will attract our and even the church's attention, the consequences of this potion falling into the hands of an unknown person are something you can't afford! Besides, do you think the black market is a good place? It's full of swindlers, madmen, cultists, and predators. If a newbie like you goes in, you might not even have any bones left."

Green was startled by Olivier's sudden seriousness, quickly waved his hand, forced a smile, and hurriedly explained:

"No, no! Inspector, you've misunderstood! How could I possibly sell the potion you gave me? It's a ticket to...that world, I cherish it more than anything!"

He paused, organizing his thoughts, trying to make his reasoning sound as reasonable as possible:

"I just wanted to... find out a bit beforehand. You see, if I really do... well, step into this world in the future, I'll need to gather some materials, right? Or inquire about some information? I can't possibly bother you or the organization every time, right? Having some general information will give me some peace of mind, so if I really need something in the future, I won't be running around like a headless fly. I promise, I'm just asking around, I have absolutely no other intentions!"

Olivier stared at Green for several seconds, seemingly trying to find a trace of lying on his face. Green tried his best to maintain an expression that was both sincere and somewhat fearful.

Finally, Olivier slowly exhaled, his tone softening slightly:

"Listen, Green. In the world of extraordinary beings, danger far outweighs opportunity. The black market is the most chaotic and uncontrollable part of it. At your current level, knowing about those places is more harmful than helpful; it will only give you unrealistic fantasies or lead you into a deadly trap."

He changed the subject:

"If you really need materials or intelligence, once you become a full member and perform well, the organization will naturally have relatively safe channels for exchanging and acquiring them. That's the right path you should take. Until then, suppress your curiosity, focus on the task at hand, and... safely digest the potion and stabilize yourself. Understand?"

"Understood, understood! Thank you for the reminder, Inspector!" Green nodded repeatedly, looking like he had been taught a lesson, but he secretly remembered Olivier's warning.

The black market does exist, and it sounds extremely dangerous, which also means that things outside the Night's Watch's channels might circulate there. But it's not a place I can go right now.

Olivier looked at Green's "well-behaved" appearance, but his doubts were not completely dispelled. However, he also knew that he could not push him too hard.

This young man harbors secrets, and possesses the cunning and shrewdness typical of those struggling to survive at the bottom of society. Perhaps Clarisse chose him precisely because she saw his potential for survival in the cracks?

"If you need any assistance, or after you've completed your mission, remember to call this number and transfer to the Special Operations Team. Don't call me by name."

After saying that, Olivier handed Green a business card.

"Alright, that's all for today. Remember what I said, think it over carefully, and stay in touch. I'm leaving now."

After saying that, he turned and left with steady steps.

Green watched him leave until his figure completely disappeared before letting out a long sigh of relief; his back was already soaked with sweat. Dealing with this Night's Watch inspector was no less stressful than facing William.

He touched the cold bottle of "Secret Seeker" potion in his arms, pondering the other party's mission.

Ultimately, he decided to hand over the task to both sides without offending either, unless the two sides settled accounts face to face.

"Go home first. Then... think carefully about the dinner party."

On his way home, Green bought a jar of Sula's favorite fruit candy and some freshly baked bread with an enticing wheat aroma, intending to take it back to his aunt.

As he passed by an elegantly decorated café carrying his things, he seemed to catch a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye.

Green instinctively took two steps back, retreating to the front of the café's huge glass window, and peered inside, using the window frame and greenery as cover.

"Lillian?!"