Old Parker's expression changed slightly; the employer who commissioned the hunter to investigate the Sea Serpent Gang indeed had another commission.
Eliminate the Sea Serpent Gang!
For this commission, the employer was willing to pay 2000 soli, and if the leader of the Sea Serpent Gang could be captured alive, an additional 500 soli reward would be added.
However,
"I don't think you can accept this mission right now. Although the Sea Serpent Gang has only developed in the last two years, there are rumors that they possess one to two Beyonder.
"Plus, an uncertain but likely significant number of Gang members. Without five to eight hunters working together, and a team equipped with Beyonder, it would be very difficult to destroy them."
The old man said with deep eyes, "Of course, if you really eliminate the Sea Serpent Gang, not only will you receive a handsome reward, but you will also be able to raise your hunter Rank."
"What Rank can I reach?"
"Rank 7."
Lex nodded slightly: "Okay, I've noted that. One last question, if I want to hire collaborators, can you give me some advice?"
"Regarding the price."
Old Parker looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He guessed that Lex intended to recruit a team to encircle and suppress the Sea Serpent Gang.
He had guessed most of it; Lex indeed had this idea. He wanted to quickly raise his Rank in the club.
At the same time, he hadn't forgotten that a Watcher had reminded him that hunters need companions. He hoped to find suitable partners through recruitment.
But regarding the encirclement and suppression of the Sea Serpent Gang, he had other ideas, and that was not something an old man could know.
"For ordinary hunters, depending on the difficulty of the incident, 50 to 80 soli would be enough for someone to accept."
"But for a Beyonder, the price would be higher. Specifically, it needs to consider the Rank of the Sequence. Generally speaking, the Beyonder hunters in our club are all Sequence 9 and Sequence 8."
"For them, around 150 to 200 soli per mission, I believe someone would be willing to accept. Of course, they would also want to know the content of the mission, so the price might fluctuate during recruitment."
"Understood."
Lex pressed down on his hat and said sincerely, "Thank you very much for your guidance."
The old man nodded gently.
Leaving the bar, Lex walked to the bulletin board, picked up a pen, and left his recruitment requirements.
Recruiting collaborators.
Need five to eight experienced hunters, preferably with combat experience.
Five ordinary hunters, remuneration 50 soli, with additional remuneration based on mission contribution at settlement.
Two to three Beyonder, remuneration 150 soli, with additional remuneration based on mission contribution.
Recruiter: Duke.
Contact: Three nights later, meet in the club lobby.
After writing, Lex reviewed it again, felt there were no problems, and then left the club, leaving the Elk Bar.
The next day, Lex went to the Horse Riding Club. He was already a member here, so naturally, he needed to frequent it to carry out his social activities.
Arriving on Halls Street and entering the club lobby, a beautiful lady responsible for reception greeted him: "Good morning, Mr. Lex."
"Good morning, Young Miss Gnes." Lex, dressed in formal wear, took off his silk top hat and nodded slightly.
"I wonder, are there any activities today?"
Gnes, with her reddish-brown hair neatly pinned up, showed a bright smile: "In a few days, a senior Equestrian Great Master will be giving a lecture. If you are interested, you can come and listen."
"Also, tomorrow night, we are hosting a cocktail party. Many gentlemen will be attending then."
"As for some recent activities, perhaps you can subscribe to our club's internal magazine, which is a monthly publication. The activities for each month will be published in advance to facilitate members in choosing what they like to participate in."
She's already promoting the magazine...
Lex maintained a polite smile: "How could I miss such a convenient thing?"
Gnes said with a sweet smile: "Then I will register for you and give you this issue of the magazine for free."
"Thank you for your trouble."
As Gnes returned to the reception desk to busy herself, a voice, already somewhat aged but still full of vitality, rang out: "This young gentleman looks unfamiliar. Is he a new member of our club?"
Lex, who was originally sitting on the sofa in the lobby, stood up and looked, seeing a middle-aged gentleman in his fifties. He was tall and slender, and even though he was no longer young, his back remained straight.
His slightly graying black hair was neatly combed, and a pair of gold-rimmed glasses on his nose added a touch of scholarly elegance. His deep eyes concealed a sense of vicissitude, and his thick, prominent, beautiful eyebrows were a strong personal mark.
Seeing him approach with a smile, Lex, following social etiquette, held his hat with one hand, pressed the other hand tightly to his side, leaned slightly forward, and, with a proactive smile, introduced himself: "Lex Disraeli, good morning, sir."
At this moment, Young Miss Gnes walked over and introduced Lex: "This is Mr. Luke Bruce. Mr. Luke is a major shareholder of the 'Pigeon Telegraph Company' in Awwa County, and also a regular guest of our club."
Telegraph Company!
Lex immediately felt the desire to make his acquaintance. He had plans to invest in the information and communication industry, and the owner of a telegraph company would be the perfect guide.
Unfortunately, this gentleman seemed to have an appointment. After a brief exchange of pleasantries with Lex, he excused himself and left.
After enjoying a Tingen-style lunch in the club's restaurant, Lex visited the Kael couple in the afternoon and returned to the hotel by evening.
In the evening, he changed his clothes, took his weapons, and, as 'Duke,' arrived at the Evil Dragon Bar.
He skillfully made his way to the underground trading market, which was also bustling tonight.
Lex wandered among the stalls, inquiring what goods the vendors were selling. To avoid suspicion, he specifically bought some Materials for making amulets.
Just as he was about to try his luck in the room at the end of the market that sold Beyonder items, he heard someone say: "I don't have many things left. If I package these Materials, including the Midsummer Grass powder, I can give you a discounted price!"
Midsummer Grass!
The last ingredient on the formula!
Lex immediately looked towards the source of the voice. It was a thin, dark-skinned vendor, and indeed, only a few Materials remained on his stall.
"No, I only want this red chestnut flower. I don't need the others, why would I buy them?" a short old man said discontentedly.
"If you only want the red chestnut flower, it's 5 soli."
"Too expensive."
The old man shook his head and left the stall.
The vendor sneered: "Old fool, 5 soli is too expensive? You don't know a good deal when you see one."
Suddenly, a low but not hoarse voice rang out above him: "How much for all these Materials if I buy them as a package?"
These incredibly wonderful words made the vendor's eyes light up.