Chapter 80: Privacy and Rewards

Noticing Leia's confusion, Simon explained, "Special hidden talents are generally very difficult to detect—they're quite rare."

"Even the highest grade detectors can't pick up certain talents?!" Leia asked in astonishment.

Faced with such a naive question from his junior, Simon replied helplessly, "You don't think detectors are omnipotent, do you?"

Leia blinked uncertainly.

"The so-called highest grade talent detectors issued by the Empire are really just subpar products. Under normal circumstances, they only detect aptitude, not specific talents. Of course, there are exceptions—talents like the Spark of Wisdom, for example, which are extremely suitable for arcanists. To avoid them being overlooked, they're included in the detectable range," Otto explained with a smile.

"But why is that?" Leia still didn't understand.

Simon rubbed his aching forehead, wondering how the highest potential among his juniors could belong to such a silly girl.

"Talent is an arcanist's most important secret. The Empire developed aptitude detectors to avoid wasting talent and to accelerate development—not to investigate every arcanist in detail. Talents below purple grade aren't particularly notable, but every purple grade talent is vital to its possessor. How could they be casually revealed?"

Leia's expression suddenly brightened with understanding.

Simon: ...So exhausting!

"I've made myself clear, so handle it as you wish," Simon gestured for Otto to leave.

Otto, having gotten what he wanted, departed cheerfully.

After Otto left, Leia looked somewhat dejected and timidly asked, "Grandpa Simon, am I... just too stupid?"

Her face was poised as if she’d burst into tears the moment Simon agreed.

Simon: ...

...

Otto was in high spirits. After submitting a patent application to the Empire on behalf of the Silver Tower for the Sentinel, he went to the materials laboratory, stored the materials Lando had given him in the warehouse, nodded in satisfaction, and began drafting a resource subsidy application. A moment later, he finished writing, carefully deliberated over the exact amount.

"Ah, forget it, I can't be too greedy."

He filled in a number he found satisfactory, double-checked everything, and submitted the application.

The next moment, the resource subsidy request was approved. He glanced at it to confirm it was the one he had just sent, and clicked "confirm."

Then, holding his approval, he entered the resource warehouse to select the corresponding materials.

The warehouse manager watched the acting Tower Master pick through resources in silence.

...

Lando awoke once again from bed, still somewhat confused. It took him a while to recall that after his mentor had left, he’d become overwhelmingly tired, somehow stumbled back to his quarters, and promptly collapsed into sleep.

Upon waking, he didn’t bother checking how many days had passed this time. As usual, he headed to Old Moore’s for a feast—he remembered Moore had mentioned Toru was still looking for him. Lando had been busy meeting his mentor last time and had brushed it off, so he figured he’d settle everything now.

After wolfing down his meal, Lando patted his stomach and asked, "Old Moore, what did Toru want with me? You never explained last time."

"Didn't explain? You just never listened," Old Moore replied, a bit disgruntled.

"Ah? Haha, is that so? Well, here I am!" Lando chuckled.

Old Moore shook his head in resignation. "He just got back, so go find him yourself."

"Alright, can you arrange it for this afternoon?"

...

Afternoon, at the top floor of the Entertainment World.

"Lando, you’ve finally finished your retreat—you kept me waiting so long!" Toru complained as soon as he saw Lando.

"Haha, a little accident—I couldn't help it." Lando offered a hint of apology. "So, Mr. Toru, what brings you to me this time?"

Seeing Lando cut straight to business, Toru stopped complaining. "There are two matters. First, should we continue acquiring antiques and relics? The premium keeps rising, and from a business perspective, it's no longer advisable. Second, we’ve found the icefish you asked us to track down. Just as you said, they’re delicious and have high commercial value. We’ve started cultivating them."

Lando’s eyes lit up—he still remembered the exquisite taste of icefish.

"If cultivation goes well, send some to me first. I’ve been craving them," he said.

Seeing Toru nod with a smile, Lando continued, "Keep acquiring antiques and relics. Stop only when the price doubles from the original."

Lando knew this was a subtle test from Toru, but he didn't mind and answered directly.

Toru’s gaze flickered briefly when he heard Lando’s reply, then he promptly agreed.

...

The two then discussed the development of the world for a while—mostly Toru talking and Lando listening.

Lando learned that besides Toru’s Moore Chamber of Commerce, five other Silver Tower-affiliated guilds had entered the Four Kings World for development. Since they were all under the same banner, there was no malicious competition—though rivalry behind the scenes was inevitable, but that wasn’t Lando’s concern.

After settling Toru’s matters, Lando returned to his usual calm routine. When he next saw his mentor Otto, the latter tossed him a bracelet.

...

"Patent’s been filed. I didn’t mention your name—kept it confidential for now. It’s registered under the Silver Tower. The reward isn’t much, since it can’t be mass-produced—the materials are too rare and the research value limited. In short, this is all we could get."

Lando glanced at the bracelet, dazzled by its brilliance.

"This is elemental essence. It should boost your elemental body by about fifty percent. You possess elemental affinity—maybe you’ll absorb it all in four or five months."

Lando was overjoyed. This was indeed something that would greatly ease his current predicament. Fifty percent progress in his elemental body would save a lot of soul essence.

The days that followed were happily spent studying—yes, happily, and together.

Alice, though she yearned for adventure, couldn’t resist the allure of being personally taught by a Grand Arcanist. She obediently joined Lando in learning from their mentor.

Since their progress differed, Otto would teach new material in the mornings, knowledge unfamiliar to both, then let them study independently according to their pace, answering questions as they arose.

This approach made for harmonious and enjoyable instruction.

One day, after Otto finished teaching, Alice was about to leave when Lando hurried forward, hesitated, and presented her with an exquisite little box.

Alice, her little head full of question marks, opened it to find a lavish ring inside, leaving her utterly stunned.

Seeing this through the laboratory’s omnipresent surveillance, Otto was equally astonished. Was this truly his straightforward disciple? Such boldness!

"My disciple does have a bit of flair!"

PS: Leia timidly said, "You can't eat your recommendation votes, so... could you hand them over?!"