The First Magic World War

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"Alas, my strength is still too weak," he lamented.

Charles gave up trying and after staring at the Mirror World in the shop window for a while, recovering about thirty to forty percent of his Blood Energy, he finally stepped out of the window.

He checked the Withering Rose, and just like the last time, the bullets transformed in the Mirror World after killing the Mirror Spirit would disappear upon leaving the Mirror World and would not reappear even if he entered again.

But these bullets were not valuable items, nor were they Magic-Breaking Bombshell Bullets, so it was no loss once they were gone.

Charles returned the way he came and found the carriage still parked by the curb. After getting on the carriage, instead of instructing Madam Nancy to immediately return to Elysian Pastoral Street No. 58, he pondered for a moment, took out the Baron's Blood Core, and withdrew the Blood Rose from the Bloody Vortex in his left arm, and said to Madam Nancy, "Go to the largest shop and ask if it's possible to enhance the quality of this Rapier."

Madam Nancy took the Blood Rose and the Baron's Blood Core and got off the carriage.

After a while, she returned with both items and said in a low voice, "I asked five shops, and all said it couldn't be done."

Charles took back the Blood Rose and pulled out the Withering Rose, saying, "Try another five shops and ask again."

Madam Nancy did as told, but soon came back, reporting, "Three shops said it's possible, but the asking price is very high, with the lowest being 1,500 Aegeus."

Charles was rather speechless and said, "Understood."

He took back the Withering Rose. This Extraordinary Weapon had cost him two hundred Gold Pounds, which had slightly more purchasing power than Aegeus. The price of the Blood Clan Baron's Blood Core was hard to estimate, but it was likely no less than a thousand Aegeus, and to invest another 1,500 Aegeus for a new weapon would bring the cost close to three thousand Aegeus.

The price was reasonable. After all, Baron Fel had spent 3,600 Aegeus on the luxury of darkness, which wasn't even an Extraordinary Weapon but a luxury item. Spending only three thousand Aegeus for a High Order Bloodsucking Weapon was quite a bargain.

But the accounting should not be done this way. Julian had given him a friendly discount for the Withering Rose, whose original price was far more than two hundred Gold Pounds. The Blood Clan Baron's Blood Core was priceless and precious, so if handled properly, its value could possibly double or triple from a thousand Aegeus.

Charles felt that it might be better to sell the Baron's Blood Core and directly exchange it for a Bloodsucking Weapon, which might even save him the Withering Rose and the processing fee.

He silently marveled at how lucrative Alchemists were, earning one or two thousand Aegeus from a single transaction; he could likely never save up that much in his lifetime just on salary.

Just as Charles was about to have Madam Nancy drive the carriage back to Elysian Pastoral Street No. 58, he heard a voice outside say, "Excuse me, sir. I am Shawn Connor from the Blue Magpie Workshop in the Star District, and I've heard you have a Baron's Blood Core in your possession. May I inquire if it's for sale?"

All workshops and shops in this district belong to the Star Workshop, so

Charles knew that having Madam Nancy inquire in the Star District shops about enhancing a Bloodsucking Weapon's quality was sure to catch the attention of interested parties. He said in a low voice, "How much are you offering?"
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Shawn Connor's voice reached the carriage, "1,500 Aegeus."

Without hesitation, Charles replied, "The price seems fair, but I am not in need of money; I am only willing to trade it for a High Order item."

It didn't take long for Shawn Connor's voice to respond, "May we discuss it at my workshop?"

Charles said, "Let's find a coffee shop outside instead."

"The Star District is known for its Alchemical Products, but the environment for drinking coffee is not quite as good."

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Charles pushed open the carriage door, and Shawn Connor was a middle-aged man with a somewhat resolute appearance. He was dressed neatly, but his face bore a slight weariness. He calmly boarded the carriage and sat opposite Charles, also scrutinizing the unfamiliar young man.

Upon Charles's instructions, Madam Nancy urged the carriage forward, driving out of the district and turning down two streets before they could see many coffee shops. Charles casually chose one and, together with Shawn Connor, alighted from the carriage and entered the coffee shop. Charles ordered a cup of the shop's specialty coffee, while Shawn Connor ordered a classic bitter coffee, similar to an Americano from Earth.

Shawn Connor spoke first, saying, "You inquired in several shops, wanting to upgrade the quality of two bloodsucking weapons but haven't placed an order. I surmise that you're not entirely satisfied with these two bloodsucking weapons."

Charles smiled faintly but did not say the other party had guessed wrongly.

The power of the Withing Rose was indeed slightly lacking, but it was already quite useful.

Blood Rose, on the other hand, was his primary weapon, without a doubt.

Charles found the Vampiric Rapier very handy; it matched well with his Asilo Clan swordsmanship and could harvest the Bloody Vortex, making it an incomparable choice.

Seeing that Charles did not object, Shawn Connor believed he had guessed correctly, saying, "I don't know if you want to improve the quality of the two bloodsucking weapons for yourself or for a friend."

"But you know, apart from in Byron, bloodsucking weapons are considered to be on the cheaper end among Transcendent weapons in other countries."

"Even in Byron, due to the differences among clans, the compatibility of bloodsucking weapons is relatively poor."

"However, a baron-grade Blood Core, due to its wider applicability, can be used to forge a brand-new bloodsucking weapon suitable for the owner, or to enhance the quality of a handy bloodsucking weapon. It might be somewhat insufficient in the human Empires, but in Byron, it can definitely sell for a sky-high price."

At the appropriate moment, Charles interjected, "Flour is more expensive than bread."

Shawn Connor felt this phrase hit the nail on the head and laughed, saying, "Indeed, that is the case."

"Business is about each getting what they need."

"You possess two unsuitable bloodsucking weapons and a baron's Blood Core."

"I have two High Order bloodsucking weapons but lack customers willing to pay."

"I am very keen to know if the two High Order bloodsucking weapons I have are what you need. If so, then we can continue our negotiations."

Shawn Connor took out two handguns that were clearly crafted by the same Alchemist. Aside from the color scheme and a few minor parts, the main structure and dimensions were nearly identical. These handguns were exquisitely designed, elegant without sacrificing grace, and very easy to hold. They reminded Charles of the "Rattlesnake" produced by Sigurd. Even to someone military-averse like him, the guns seemed quite beautiful.

Charles pondered for a moment and then looked at the workshop owner again. Although he spoke in an uplifting and confident manner, the tiredness in his eyes and brows could not be concealed. Charles said lightly, "I guess you've exhausted your entire fortune in crafting these two bloodsucking weapons... haven't you?"

A bitter taste, very much like that of Shawn Connor's defeat, could no longer be hidden.

It was the taste of life.

The main undertone was always bitter, just occasionally sweetened with a hint of sugar.