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墨書 Inktalez
Evening. In the study of the Aldra Family mansion.
Bu sat upright in a mahogany chair beside the desk, facing Warren Earl, who was engaging him in a pleasant conversation.
Despite Bu's outward display of humility and respect, he was inwardly cursing the old turtle countless times.
After dining with the Earl's family that evening, he was brought to the study by the smiling Warren Earl to discuss some so-called matters. However, this old guy was indeed patient, talking about trivial topics without mentioning his ultimate purpose, which made Bu grit his teeth in frustration.
"Damn it, calling me here at this late hour just to talk nonsense. Does he think I'm charming or something?" Bu felt his backside going numb and almost blurted out his question.
Warren Earl had his own agenda; he wanted to wait for Bu to lose patience and ask first, allowing him to take the initiative.
Once Bu inquired about the matter, Warren could then reluctantly bring up some issues, making it seem like he was doing Bu a favor. He wanted Bu to understand how rare and beneficial this matter was, and that he was only considering it due to the debt of gratitude for saving his daughter, rather than positioning himself as someone in need from the start.
This old fox had a good plan; he would reap all the benefits while others would feel grateful and help him count his money. If a single hair fell from Earl Warren Edra's head, it would be empty inside.
Bu was no naive fool; he was sharp as a whip.
Although he found this old guy's pretentiousness quite displeasing, he showed no signs of dissatisfaction on the surface. Instead, he cheerfully engaged in idle chatter with Warren Earl, not revealing any impatience and avoiding mention of other matters.
Warren Earl was starting to feel restless. Although he continued to chat with Bu casually, it was clear that his patience was wearing thin. He was inwardly cursing how difficult this kid was to deal with; after all this small talk, they still hadn't gotten to the point he wanted.
Both foxes were dangling their bait before each other, waiting to see who would break first and get to the main topic.
Bu seemed a bit thirsty; while tossing out another pointless topic, he picked up a teacup from the side and slowly took a sip of tea.
"Ah, Nephew, we've been chatting for a while now. You seem hesitant to speak up. Is there something troubling you? Don't worry; whatever it is, Uncle will give you an answer."
Warren Earl's facial muscles twitched as he watched Bu's calm and irritating demeanor. Unable to sit still any longer, he decided to steer the conversation toward the main topic. Suppressing his inner frustration, he adopted a benevolent elder's demeanor with a kind smile.
The words from this old guy were truly shameless; he could turn black into white and round into flat. Indeed, one who has no shame is invincible.
As soon as Step took a sip of tea, he nearly spat it out, coughing a few times as he choked on the liquid.
Suppressing his disdain, Step forced a somewhat awkward smile, as if something he wanted had been guessed correctly. Meeting Warren Earl's eager gaze, he finally stammered out the first words.
"Um, actually... there is something."
Upon hearing this, Warren Earl felt a surge of joy in his heart; it seemed that the young man couldn't keep his composure. He waved his hand generously and said, "Nephew, feel free to speak your mind. With your uncle here, there's nothing that can't be discussed."
Step hesitated, seemingly weighing his words. After a moment of discomfort that made even Warren Earl impatient, he reluctantly spoke up, "Actually, it's not a big deal. Uncle, I've been away from the family for too long and have run out of funds for my travels. So... um..."
At first, Warren Earl listened with an expectant expression, but by the end, his face froze in disbelief. What kind of nonsense was this?
Seeing the other person's expression, Bu Xin secretly delighted in it. Hmph, old turtle! You want to be my convenient uncle and dig for benefits from me? I should at least collect some interest first.
Warren Earl's face turned slightly grim as he realized what was happening. This young man was quite clever; his ability to play dumb was exceptional. It seemed that if he didn't bleed a little today, it would be impossible to get what he wanted. At this point, he could only position himself as someone who needed to ask for help.
With a not-so-pleasant expression, he said, "Nephew, regarding your request for funds, your uncle will certainly accommodate you. However, Nephew, you have quite the skill in manipulation; it's rather ungracious of you."
Step nearly lost his temper at that remark; how shameless could this old guy be? He knew that he would need to rely on others in the future, so he suppressed his indignation and put on a troubled expression while awkwardly smiling.
With a huff, Warren Earl decided not to prolong the conversation any further. Seeing Step's feigned ignorance irritated him. He straightforwardly began speaking: "To be honest, I do have something I need your help with. Once it's accomplished, the reward will certainly not be lacking for you. Nephew, whatever you desire, just ask. If your uncle can fulfill it, I will do my utmost."
Step caught on to the underlying tone; this old guy was making empty promises—asking him to do something first and only offering rewards afterward.
This wasn't inherently unreasonable, but why did it sound so off coming from him? What did it mean by "if I can fulfill it"? If he couldn't meet the demands Step proposed, would that mean no fulfillment at all?
Harboring resentment in his heart, Step decided to expand his gains instead; while others hiked their prices, he would settle for cash on the spot.
He still wanted to know the specifics of the situation first; he didn't want to risk his life on something dangerous.
"Uncle," he said cautiously, "what is it that you need help with? I'm afraid my limited abilities won't be of much assistance."
Bu Yaowen was meticulous with his words, making it clear that he wouldn't do anything without benefits, and even then, he was reluctant to act.
Rolling his eyes, Warren Earl said irritably, "With your abilities, Nephew, this task should be a piece of cake. While success isn't guaranteed, as long as you perform well, that would be considered an achievement."
At this point, Warren Earl picked up his teacup, took a sip, and continued, "The Holy Light Academy of the Dysia Kingdom recruits students every ten years from among the major nations. The standard for recruitment is that they must be among the top ten young experts from various principalities or among the top twenty young experts from a few intermediate kingdoms."
"Holy Light Academy is recruiting students?" Listening to Warren Earl speak thoughtfully, Bu seemed to ponder.
Noticing Bu deep in thought, Warren Earl continued on his own, "Because the recruitment standards are extremely strict and must not contain any loopholes.
Thus, every time the Holy Light Academy recruits students, they hold a Qualification Challenge in each country and send numerous senior students from the academy to the competition sites in various nations. These senior students serve as judges to ensure that the Qualification Challenge is conducted fairly."
By this point, everything was clear to Bu, and he understood Warren Earl's intentions. However, he still had many questions in his mind.
For instance, since he wasn't a member of the Warren family, why did Warren Earl insist on having him represent the family in the Qualification Challenge?
Seemingly sensing Bu's confusion, Warren Earl felt somewhat frustrated. If it weren't for your exceptional abilities among the younger generation, do you think I would lower myself to ask you for help?
He then explained somewhat helplessly, "The eligibility criteria for the Qualification Challenge state that participants must be young people no older than 25 years and must have at least low-level 1 strength.
You are already at a Low-Level, far exceeding this standard. Such strength is quite rare among the younger generation; it would be hard to find anyone stronger than you at this moment.
As for why I want you to represent our family in the Qualification Challenge, which prominent family doesn't seek greater fame for development?" After finishing his explanation, Warren Earl looked at him with an understanding gaze.
Realizing that his abilities were indeed impressive, Bu felt a surge of joy within himself.
However, he knew it was time to negotiate terms; without offering some benefits, expecting him to help out was unreasonable since this wasn't his own uncle.
"Ahem, since that's the case, it does seem relatively safe. However, there will definitely be fighting in the Qualification Challenge. What if I don't perform well? Wouldn't that mean... ahem, disappointing your trust in me?"
With a sincere expression of concern on his face and a tone filled with self-reproach, Bu appeared worried about failing to meet Warren Earl's expectations.
Warren Earl's face was dark, resembling the bottom of a commoner's pot, and he had truly experienced the depths of this person's cunning.
This was not concern for him; it was clearly a way to extort him. He had refrained from bringing up the matter earlier because he feared this person would realize he needed something from him and would take advantage of it.
"Nephew, if there is anything troubling you, feel free to speak. Your uncle will understand," Warren Earl said in a low tone, his words laced with barely contained anger.
"Then I will," Bu Wei replied obediently.
Seeing that this person was still pretending, Warren Earl's anger surged, and he could hardly contain himself, forcing out a word through clenched teeth.
"Then I really will."
As soon as Bu spoke, he noticed Warren Earl's face turning red and dark with suppressed rage. He quickly added, "Oh, actually it's not a big deal.
Mainly, although I have good skills, I lack powerful Combat Skills to rely on. If Uncle could casually throw out a few Basic Level Combat Skills or perhaps provide a set of equipment that amplifies strength, or..."
"Shut up!!" As Bu Yue's requests became increasingly outrageous, Warren Earl could no longer hold back and shouted in anger.
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