Chapter 670, Your New Maid?
The old man followed behind the coffins and entered the room.
He held a wooden cane, his body stooped, and each step was labored.
Wu Heng looked at the man, trying to guess his identity and the purpose of his presence.
Although the Consortium dealt in all kinds of business, involving corpses and skeletons was always discreet; outsiders were not usually allowed.
Wu Heng had come all this way to buy corpses to avoid any risk of information leaking.
Matters like this couldn't be handled openly, especially not with strangers present.
Wu Heng needed a reasonable explanation.
Sensing his gaze, Retilly smiled and gently explained, "Mr. Kostas Alvarez, a Level-17 Artificer from the Kingdom of Kerte. He's expected to reach Level 18 in a few years. As it happens, you require talent in this area."
Wu Heng raised his brow and looked at the old man again.
His order had always specified corpses—never talent.
Moreover, living talent was unpredictable; skeletons were far more secure.
The old man's clouded eyes turned toward him, and he did his best to perform a noble's salute. "Kostas Alvarez, greetings, Master Mage. Please forgive my intrusion, but as you can see, I don't have much time left. I can feel the limits of my body approaching—perhaps within days."
"Hello," Wu Heng nodded. "And what does this have to do with my order?"
The old man said directly, "Master Mage, I am willing to offer all my wealth in exchange for your help to keep me alive."
Wu Heng narrowed his eyes slightly. Just as he thought.
He wanted Wu Heng to extend his life.
A Level-17 Artificer was rarer than even combat professions of the same level and likely wielded influence; Retilly wouldn't have personally arranged this meeting otherwise.
Wu Heng said calmly, "Under the Guild's regulations and national laws, forcibly extending life through special means is illegal—regardless of whether I have the power to do so."
Forcing someone to live longer always came at a price.
For example, a vampire's blood chalice required murdering to extract blood and prolonged consumption to become a Lesser Blooded.
In short, trying to live longer meant others had to die.
If an organization was found doing this, it would be labeled a cult. Even individuals would be wanted criminals.
The old man continued, "According to the Guild's laws, undead created by necromancers—when justified and supervised—can be considered legal entities."
That was according to the Necromancer Affiliated Ordinance.
Meaning, a licensed necromancer's ghosts and skeleton attendants also had legal identities.
They wouldn't be classified as unlawful undead.
The man had clearly studied this well.
Wu Heng asked, "And what do I get out of this? I'm not short on money."
Wu Heng already knew a few ways to prolong life.
For example, ghost transformation or the ghoul ritual.
Or using the [Sacrificial Staff] to take over another person's body.
But that didn't mean he'd help just anyone who asked.
If he did, with all the creatures in the world, he'd be doing this forever.
The old man replied again, "My greatest value is myself. I'm a Level-17 Artificer and will pledge my loyalty to you and serve your needs."
Retilly added, "Mr. Kostas is the Vice Director of the Artificer Research Institute in the Kingdom of Kerte. He possesses high technical skill and organizational ability. Since you need such talent, I made the introduction."
Vice Director?
Wu Heng indeed needed high-level professionals, especially Artificers and Alchemists.
But he still had reservations.
Recruiting a living person could bring him trouble.
Ignoring it meant Gold-Silver Island would continue on course. Getting involved could bring disruption.
"With your status, don't you have other ways to prolong life?"
The old man answered, "I'm too old. There's no time left to seek other methods."
"Any enemies?"
"None. You don't need to worry about that."
Wu Heng continued, "What method are you planning to use to stay alive?"
The old man gripped his staff. "I've prepared materials for a ghoul transformation. If you have a better idea, I'll take your advice."
Wu Heng studied him for a moment.
Then nodded, "I'll agree—but you'll lose your freedom and work for me."
"As long as I can continue my work as an Artificer, I have no other desires."
"Fine. I agree," Wu Heng said calmly.
The old man smiled. "Then I'll wait outside."
"Alright," Wu Heng nodded.
The old man bowed again and exited the room.
...…
The room now held only Wu Heng and Retilly.
She sidled up to him with a flattering tone, "You've been asking for high-level Artificers. When I heard he wanted to live, I thought you might want to meet him."
Wu Heng understood what she meant.
Level-17 Artificers were rare. If Wu Heng refused, the man might seek help from another necromancer—or a cult.
Then even the corpse might be lost.
So both sides did each other a favor by arranging this meeting.
"Handle things with caution. Don't bring me unnecessary trouble," Wu Heng reminded.
Retilly said with a playful tone, "Got it. Next time I'll kill them and bring them straight to you."
"Introduce the corpses in the coffins," Wu Heng said, glancing over.
Retilly replied, "Four bodies. Two Alchemists, Level 15 and 10. Two Blacksmiths, around Level 10."
The Alchemists were decent. Blacksmiths were currently needed for producing solid iron bombs for the wyverns.
And to repair skeleton army weapons.
With so many skeletons, repair staff weren't a small demand.
So they were useful.
"Let's settle the payment," Wu Heng said.
Retilly calculated the balance while Wu Heng took out the gold.
He also placed a copy of "The Great Detective Volume 1" on the table and pushed it over. "Didn't you want this? A friend who visited Gold-Silver Island brought it."
Retilly picked it up and flipped to the first page—her eyes lit up when she saw the signature.
The signature of the Island Lord.
Some things became precious simply because they were rare.
"With the Island Lord's signature? Your friend is impressive," Retilly praised.
She then leaned closer, wrapping her arm around Wu Heng's. "I heard the island is also selling pens and watches. Ask your friend to get me one of each next time. I really admire the Island Lord."
"Don't be greedy."
"Come on, I'm paying—not asking for free."
"We'll see. No promises."
Retilly laughed, "If you want it for me, nothing is impossible."
Wu Heng didn't say more. He stood and stored the coffins in his space ring.
Then said, "I'll head back. Keep collecting corpses for me."
"Of course, guest," Retilly nodded.
Leaving the room, the old man appeared from another door and followed after saluting.
They exited the Consortium building together.
Wu Heng hired a carriage and left the city, heading to a remote wasteland.
He cast [Mansion Spell] and said, "This is my personal space. You can live normally inside. I'll bring you out once I'm back home."
"Yes, Master Mage," the old Artificer nodded and stepped inside.
Wu Heng flicked his fingers, summoning chairs and tea inside. "Don't touch the other setups."
"Understood."
The Mansion Spell closed. The stone door and fissure disappeared.
Wu Heng summoned the ghost train and returned to Gold-Silver Island.
...…
Island Lord's Residence.
Wu Heng returned just as dusk settled.
Three maids came out to greet him. "Master."
"Hmm. Everything alright at home?" Wu Heng smiled.
"All good. Sister Shanaila came by earlier but left when you weren't here," Minnie said while helping him off with his coat.
"Invite her to dinner later, see if she wants to join us."
"Alright," the maids nodded.
Wu Heng continued, "I've got a new member to introduce."
All three frowned slightly.
Robe asked instinctively, "Master, is it a new maid again?"