113 Anti-Mage Mutation (1/2)

”Chalice? Is it someone famous that I should be aware of?” Chester asked. It was the first time he heard the name.

”Notorious is probably more appropriate in his case.” Marvin replied. He was ready to explain the situation.

”So, who is this Chalice? Is it an organization?”

”No, Chalice is a magician. One of the leading figures of Z-Company.”

”Huh? Why would someone associated with that criminal organization send such valuable specimens to us?” He wasn't too inclined to know the names of the leading figures in a criminal organization.

”I'm not sure what he was thinking. Based on his message, it looks like he was working alone right now.”

Chester raised his brows not understanding what Marvin was trying to say.

”It seems that the Z-Company wasn't aware of his actions or maybe he left the organization itself.”

”Now, that's interesting.”

”That's right. But it is not the reason I personally visited you here.” Marvin seated straight after saying this. He looked into Chester's eyes before continuing.

”A lot of things were happening in recent days. There were restless movements from each country trying to strengthen their military forces. All of them were preparing for something.”

”For something? Our government should be aware of it, right?” Chester may not be sure about the identity of the enemies but he wasn't a fool. He knew that something or someone had been causing troubles, not only the Z-Company was trying to acquire the Sealed Artifacts guarded by each power but also some organizations were bringing pressure to the government.

”I'm only a messenger, my position may seem to possess some authority but it's just in papers. I'm only aware of that information that I'm being told.” Marvin shrugged after hearing Chester. He also had limited access to some information especially those linking to problems that were brewing within the borders of their country. It was really out of his jurisdiction, so he could only say so much. His aim here was still related to his current job.

”So I don't think it was connected to me. I'm a mere Mage Doctor with some rank in the field.” Chester remarked. Although they acquired a specimen that possibly relates to the Cryptic Link, the most that it could do was to create some more serums. What Chester wanted was to get the origin or source of this mysterious element. Now that this Chalice seems to possess some clue, he believed that the government should instead do their best to capture the guy and let him spill everything he knew.

Marvin went silent and seems to be deliberating his next words.

”What? Is it something that serious?” Chester asked getting amused to this man that was sent by the Congress.

”It depends on how you would take this...” Marvin said and the Mage Doctor didn't speak anymore and waited for the former to finish.

”We are requesting you to facilitate a group of specialists that aims to create a perfected version of Cryptic Link Serum. Your skills in medicine and science couldn't be compared to anyone within this country. We believed that with you leading the group and with the supply provided by Chalice, we can make a version that wouldn't have any side effects. This way, our military forces could not only gain an increase in their strength but it would also lead us to new discoveries.” Marvin said in one go but it seems he was not contented at the expression that Chester was showing so he added.

”By perfecting this serum, just imagine how many magicians with low Mana Affinity can we help. Although they wouldn't reach a level above Battle Mage due to restrictions that a serum could give them. At the very least, those magicians would have hopes for their future. They wouldn't stay to someone who would just forever work as fabricators of Artifacts. With this serum, their exceeding numbers as workers can be additional forces for the military instead. Also, many Magicians that had failed to reach the standard of being a combat magician had given up their hope to study Mana as they knew that their future wouldn't be so bright in other fields. We only hope to at least give them a chance.” Marvin finished his piece and waited for Chester's response. He was sent here to recruit this Mage Doctor and negotiate with his demands. They knew that Chester may raise his own demands during this recruitment process but as long as the Congress didn't find it ridiculous, it doesn't matter.

”I'm speechless. Your words seem to carry some weight...” Chester finally said which brought a genuine smile from Marvin's face. He didn't know that his words were very convincing.