31: Chapter 0031 Meditation

Every level of transmission center would cause a delay of one wizard hour, making real-time dialogue impossible and preventing one from confirming in advance whether the other party had received the message in time.

Most importantly, such transmissions relayed through a communication center had to pass through someone else's hands.

Although the [Crimson Soul Communication Bureau], a subordinate of the Crimson Soul Duchy's Intelligence Department, promised to protect privacy and never leak information, the risk of a leak always existed.

Therefore, Li Size could only choose the police department's internal first-level encrypted transmission node, and he could only ask Gelia for help.

Because of Rice, Gelia had also signed a confidentiality contract and was considered an external member.

However, she was not deeply involved in the 'Counter-Espionage' plan, so she could not enjoy the subsequent mission rewards.

The rewards for this mission left Li Size very satisfied, because now his long-awaited [Basic Meditation Method] had reached the merit points exchange requirement.

However, regarding the merit point rewards, he raised a question to Sven:

"Why is the reward for spy identity information so high? I feel that the 'Borrowing a Hen to Lay Eggs' mission is much more difficult, so why is the reward only 2 merit points?"

Sven explained to this:

"The organization has strict evaluation standards for merit point rewards, and the standards are quite fair.

In addition, your 'Borrowing a Hen to Lay Eggs' is a long-term mission. Mission merit points are issued gradually as the mission progresses, and the 2 merit points given to you before were for the first stage.

In the future, as you make new mission progress, the organization will naturally evaluate and give you reasonable merit point rewards again.

Furthermore, based on my assessment, the greatest merit feedback for your 'Borrowing a Hen to Lay Eggs' mission should come from completely destroying the Feiting Federation's original layout during the final handover, which will likely account for half of the total.

Otherwise, for the organization, this mission of yours will always carry the risk of aiding the enemy."

This explanation gained Li Size's approval, and he also accepted Sven's evaluation of it being 'fair.'

Although his main purpose for the 'Borrowing a Hen to Lay Eggs' mission was to earn more gold coins, if he could obtain more merit points to help him acquire rewards unique to the Internal Affairs Department, why not?

The [Merit Point Exchange Manual] (Employee Level) that Gelia had handed to him when settling the last batch of spoils had made his mouth water for a long time.

According to the manual's instructions, it was updated every quarter, with new items being added or removed from time to time.

Sven's words made Li Size take the 'Borrowing a Hen to Lay Eggs' plan more seriously, and he reported the latest progress to Sven:

"Currently, the factory has been renovated, and the equipment is about to be in place. Production can start in 1-2 days. The Feiting Federation has already placed an order for 10,000 knight swords."

Upon hearing this, Sven gave Li Size another 2 merit points according to the organization's standards. With this, Li Size had already accumulated 30 merit points.

Not only had he saved the 20 merit points required for the Basic Meditation Method, but he was also only 20 points away from the 50 merit points needed to become a formal member.

At this rate, it wouldn't be long before he became a formal employee. At that time, he could legally possess firearms, saving him from many troubles.

After calculating his merit points, Li Size applied to Sven to exchange for the [Basic Meditation Method]. Sven, not knowing Li Size deeply, didn't think much of it.

Gelia, standing nearby, was slightly surprised. Previous records clearly showed that this kid's Mental Energy didn't meet the standard, so how could he suddenly exchange for the [Basic Meditation Method]?

From Li Size getting caught in a murder to the 'Counter-Espionage' plan, and just now the large-scale land purchase and factory construction—these were events enough for an ordinary person to brag about for a lifetime, yet they had all happened to this kid in less than a month.

Coupled with some information Felina had unintentionally revealed recently, Gelia was becoming increasingly curious about Li Size.

After the call ended, Gelia still found it hard to believe. Looking at Li Size, she couldn't help but probe:

"Does your Mental Energy really meet the standard?"

Hearing this, Li Size thought for a moment. The secret of [Pay-to-Win] definitely couldn't be revealed, so he said with a hint of feigned uncertainty:

"Ever since the last Ghost attack, Felina actually told me later that the Ghost might have been swallowed and fused by me.

Since then, I seem to have awakened some incredible talent. Recently, my Mental Energy and physical fitness have been growing rapidly."

Gelia didn't press further upon hearing this; after all, this was Li Size's secret.

In the countless legendary stories of the Wizard World, examples like this—where a protagonist grows rapidly after a specific event—were everywhere. Li Size's situation wasn't very unusual.

Besides, he was only a Wizard Apprentice right now. If he didn't become a Formal Wizard later, he would still be a Mortal.

Growing from a Wizard Apprentice into a Wizard was the evolution from a Mortal to a higher level of human lifeform; that was the most important step.

However, in that very step, not even one in a hundred Wizard Apprentices succeeded. Talent, luck, and resources were all indispensable.

But without a doubt, as her ally, the stronger Li Size's talent and strength were, the more beneficial it would be for their small team.

Knowing that Li Size was about to embark on the path of a Wizard, she sincerely offered her best wishes and gave some suggestions based on her own experience.

Finally, she brought up another matter in passing:

"The police department's field missions are increasing, and I'm worried about my brothers.

I heard from Felina that you are skilled at refining inferior attribute potions, inferior defense potions, and healing powders. I'd like to purchase some from you, and I hope you can give me a lower price than the shops.

As far as I know, the cost of these potions is generally 1-2 silver coins. I can pay you 50% on top of the cost, how about it?"

Li Size looked at Gelia in surprise, raising an eyebrow curiously:

"No wonder you act so money-grubbing; it turns out all your money is spent on these things!

Don't tell me you also bought the weapons for your subordinates?"

Gelia felt a bit embarrassed upon hearing this, losing her usual boisterous 'big sister' demeanor, and said with a trace of sadness:

"I've only been in office for two years, and five of my brothers have already lost their lives in field missions.

One brother's body couldn't even be recovered; he was swallowed by a Magic Monster. I just feel like I haven't done enough..."

Li Size was moved by Gelia's justice and kindness. He hadn't expected this violent melee witch to have such a soft heart. He mused:

"Since we are allies, I will help you refine potions within my capabilities. Forget about the payment.

However, my free time is becoming less and less. If the quantity I refine isn't enough, don't blame me."

Gelia was touched, but she still shook her head and said:

"How can that be?

Perhaps you don't understand, but a 50% profit isn't high for a Pharmacist.

Because mature Pharmacists are rare and potion refining has a success rate, these types of special potions in shops are often sold at 100% or even 200% of the cost."