Meditation

Each level of the communication center would delay the message by one witchcraft hour, making real-time conversation impossible. Furthermore, there was no way to confirm beforehand whether the other party had received the message in time.

Most importantly, such messages had to pass through the hands of others when relayed by the communication center.

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

Therefore, Lizer could only choose the level-one encrypted communication node within the police station, and he could only ask Gloria for help.

Because of Rice, Gloria had also signed a confidentiality contract, making her an unofficial member.

However, since she was not deeply involved in the counter-espionage plan, she could not enjoy the subsequent mission rewards.

The reward for this mission left Lizer very satisfied. With it, he finally met the merit requirements to exchange for the Basic Meditation Technique he had been longing for.

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

"Why is the reward for the spy's identity information so high? I feel that the 'borrowing a hen to lay eggs' mission is much more difficult, so why does it only reward 2 merit points?"

Sven explained:

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

Besides, your 'borrowing a hen to lay eggs' is a long-term mission. The mission merits are issued gradually as the mission progresses, and the 2 merits given to you earlier were just the first stage's payout.

In the future, as you make new progress, the organization will naturally evaluate it and grant you reasonable merit rewards.

Furthermore, based on my assessment, the greatest merit return for this mission should come at the final handover, when you completely destroy the original layout of the Feiting Federation. That will probably account for half of the total reward.

Otherwise, to the organization, your mission always carries the risk of aiding the enemy."

This explanation earned Lizer's approval, and he also agreed with Sven's assessment of it being fair.

Although his main goal for the 'borrowing a hen to lay eggs' mission was to earn more gold coins, if he could gain more merits to help him obtain the unique merit rewards of the Internal Affairs Bureau, why not do it?

The Merit Exchange Manual (Employee Level) that Gloria had passed to him when cashing in their last spoils had an exchange list that made his mouth water for a long time.

According to the manual's instructions, it was updated every quarter, occasionally adding or removing items.

Sven's words made Lizer pay even more attention to the plan. He reported the latest progress to Sven:

"Currently, the factory has been rebuilt, and the equipment is about to arrive. We can start production in just one or two days. The Feiting Federation has already placed an order for 10,000 knight swords."

Hearing this, Sven followed the organization's merit standards and awarded Lizer another 2 merit points. Calculating it all, Lizer had already obtained 30 merit points.

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

At this rate, it wouldn't be long before he became a full employee. By then, he would be able to legally possess firearms, saving him a lot of trouble.

After calculating his merit points, Lizer applied to Sven to exchange for the Basic Meditation Technique. Sven, not knowing Lizer deeply, didn't think much of it.

Gloria, who was beside him, was slightly surprised. Previous records clearly showed that this kid's spiritual power was not up to standard. How could he suddenly exchange for the Basic Meditation Technique?

From Lizer getting framed for murder to the counter-espionage plan, and just recently his massive purchase of land to build a factory, events that would be enough for an ordinary person to brag about for a lifetime had all happened to this kid in less than a month.

Coupled with some information Felina had unintentionally revealed recently, Gloria was becoming increasingly curious about Lizer.

After ending the call, Gloria still found it incredible. Looking at Lizer, she couldn't help but ask:

"Has your spiritual power really met the standard?"

Hearing this, Lizer pondered for a moment. The secret of his pay-to-win system definitely could not be revealed. He spoke with a hint of feigned uncertainty:

"Ever since I was attacked by that ghost last time, Felina actually told me later that the ghost might have been devoured and assimilated by me.

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

Hearing this, Gloria didn't probe further; after all, this was Lizer's secret.

In the countless legendary tales of the wizarding world, examples like this, where a protagonist grows rapidly after experiencing a specific event, were everywhere. Lizer's situation was not very rare.

Moreover, this was only the stage of a wizard apprentice. If he didn't become an official wizard later on, he would still be a mortal.

Growing from a wizard apprentice to a wizard was the evolution from a mortal to a higher-level human life form. This was the most important step.

However, in this very step, not even one in a hundred wizard apprentices survived. Talent, luck, and resources were all indispensable.

But undoubtedly, as her ally, the stronger Lizer's talent and strength were, the more beneficial it would be for their small team.

Knowing that Lizer was about to embark on the path of a wizard, she sincerely offered her most genuine blessings and gave some advice based on her own experience.

Finally, she casually brought up another matter:

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

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

As far as I know, the cost of these potions is generally 1 to 2 silver coins. I can give you a 50 percent profit margin based on the cost. What do you think?"

Lizer looked at Gloria in surprise upon hearing this, raising an eyebrow curiously:

"No wonder you act so greedy for money. It turns out all your money is spent on these things!

Don't tell me you also buy the weapons for your subordinates."

Hearing this, Gloria felt a bit embarrassed. She lost her usual carefree big sister demeanor and said with a hint of sadness:

"I've only been in office for two years, and five of the brothers under my command have already died in field missions.

We couldn't even retrieve the body of one brother; he was devoured by monsters. I just feel like I haven't done enough..."

Lizer was moved by Gloria's sense of justice and kindness. He hadn't expected this violent close-combat witch to have such a soft heart. He pondered and said:

"Since we are allies, I will help you brew the potions within my capabilities. There's no need to talk about compensation.

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

Gloria was touched upon hearing this, but she still shook her head and said:

"How could I do that?

Perhaps you don't understand, but a 50 percent profit margin is not considered high for an apothecary.

Because mature apothecaries are rare and potion brewing has a success rate, pharmacies often sell these special potions at 100 percent or even 200 percent of the cost."