Ascension from Dual Professions

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Performance and Plotting

As Jon stepped inside the Golden Maple Leaf Trading House, a silence washed over him, a stark contrast to the clamor outside.

He immediately understood why the two attendants had looked so frightened when he was giving them a hard time just moments before.

There were far too few people.

Aside from a few clerks at the counter buried in their ledgers, there were only three security guards clad in heavy Steel Armor, holding long pikes. They were currently looking his way with wary, scrutinizing gazes.

If someone were determined to cause trouble, this handful of people wouldn’t be able to stop anything.

At the very least, though, the situation proved one thing:

’It seems Reya’s father has a great deal of prestige in this association. Otherwise, a loose, profit-driven alliance of merchants would never go to such lengths over a single missing girl...’

’Such management methods... like father, like daughter...’

The young Warrior thought to himself, his gaze sliding imperceptibly past the three security guards—whom he considered mere ”small fry”—before landing on the male attendant beside him.

”You. What’s your name?”

His tone carried an oppressive weight that permitted no argument.

The male attendant’s expression soured, but he still answered obediently:

”Sir, you can call me Pascal.”

”Alright, Pascal.”

Jon unstrapped the Golden Scorpion Mother Shell and set it down in an empty spot next to him.

”Have someone store this, arrange a private room for me, and bring me an inventory list. I want to buy a few things.”

With that, he strode directly into the main hall.

Seeing this, the two security guards exchanged a glance. Their feet shifted as they adjusted their stances, as if to subtly block Jon’s path. However, they stopped when they saw Pascal, who was following Jon, give them a discreet signal.

When you’re open for business, respecting your customers is the bare minimum.

Jon was merely being difficult and had chosen a particularly awkward time to cause a fuss. In truth, he hadn’t actually done anything to ”wreck the trading house”—he hadn’t even uttered a single genuine threat.

If the security guards lost their composure and moved against this ”customer” first, the entire nature of the incident would change. The narrative would become: ”The Noble United Commerce Association is incapable of handling unexpected situations and can only resort to violence.”

It would be a major blow to the entire United Commerce Association’s reputation!

Pascal understood this perfectly, so he stopped the two guards and led Jon into a lavishly decorated private room.

He first personally served Jon a cup of steaming hot tea. Then, as requested, he brought the latest inventory list from the association. His service was impeccable, with every detail reflecting his well-trained professionalism.

Even Jon, a man from another world who had seen it all and held service to a higher standard, couldn’t help but nod slightly after receiving the exquisite inventory list printed on special paper.

”You’re very good.”

And while Pascal didn’t let his guard down, his expression remained utterly deferential.

”You flatter me, sir. This is merely the basic standard of service at the Noble United Commerce Association.”

Jon gave a noncommittal response, lightly tapping a spot on the inventory list with his finger.

”Go. Get me twenty Silver Crystals with a purity of 7.5 or higher, weighing over 30 grams each. Also, a portable engineering kit, a portable alchemy kit, a case of standard potion bottles, and twenty of each standard Engineering Part from number 1.1 to 2.6.”

The attendant was taken aback by Jon’s request for a moment before asking tentatively.

”You mean, bring them here?”

Jon leaned back into the soft sofa, crossed his legs, and gave him a look like he was an idiot.

”If you’re not bringing them here, am I supposed to go get them myself?”

Pascal quickly bowed in apology.

”My apologies, sir. I’ll go retrieve them for you at once...”

But as he turned to leave, his mind was already racing, filled with doubt.

’This man is so strange... At the entrance, he was so arrogant, acting like he was about to tear the place down. Why has his attitude softened so much in the private room? He even praised my service.’

And just as he was about to leave the room, he heard the man’s voice again.

”One more thing. Tell Rosalind to come back as soon as possible. What I need to discuss with her is very important.”

”This trading house has a Magic Communication Crystal Stone that can contact her directly, doesn’t it? I suggest you use it...”

The attendant was visibly startled. He flinched and practically ran out of the room.

Seeing his reaction, Jon knew the man had taken his words to heart.

Now, all he had to do was wait for the arrival of the ”trustworthy big sister Rosalind” Reya had mentioned.

Only...

”Rosalind Bennett... Why haven’t I heard that name before?”

The young Warrior’s brow furrowed as he fell into deep thought.

’Did this person die during the brief period of chaos after your father’s assassination? Or was she actually one of their pawns, whose true nature was later exposed, leading you to get rid of her?’

’Reya, I hope your judgment of character isn’t wrong...’

Jon sank deep into the sofa and closed his eyes. He felt his stiff body relax against the soft cushions as his thoughts began to wander, and he started to review his recent plan.

His decision to enter the city alone to find help was, of course, the result of a discussion with Reya.

The reason for this was simple: to avoid risk.

He knew from the very beginning that the true culprits were the Blood Eye Association. He also knew they would certainly be watching the area around Birch Town. If he foolishly brought Reya anywhere near the town, it would undoubtedly invite an assassination attempt.

Knowingly walking into a trap would just be idiotic.

As for Reya, she had already realized that there was a ”mole within the family”—like the ”messenger” who had told her that her father was critically ill, only to lead her into a trap.

Therefore, she was instinctively inclined to act with secrecy.

With Jon, the only person she could rely on, also suggesting a similar course of action, the two naturally settled on a plan: ”Reya would hide and wait while Jon went into the city for help.”

Their safety wasn’t a major concern either.

Drawing on his experience as a veteran player, Jon found an absolutely safe hiding spot for Reya on the outskirts of Birch Town.

As for himself, being a level 5 Warrior Apprentice, his Attributes and Skills had already elevated him beyond the realm of an ordinary person. He possessed the ability to handle common crises. Coupled with his familiarity with the town, even if he encountered an enemy he couldn’t defeat, escaping wouldn’t be too difficult.

As for why he ordered a batch of engineering supplies, the reason was even simpler.

He had two Sub-professions. [Alchemist] had already been activated by handling herbs, but the other one, [Artisan], was still pending!

A remote little village like Nomu Village certainly wouldn’t have what he needed to activate his Engineering skills. To get the necessary resources, he had to come to a place like Birch Town, where Merchants gathered and the variety of goods was plentiful.

The Engineering Parts and tools he had just ordered were enough for him to craft some very useful items for the novice stage, which would significantly boost his survival and combat abilities!