Chapter 36 Chapter 36: Gathering
Chapter 36: Gathering
"What? How much?!"
"Hmm? Was I not clear enough? 50 Orundum or 25 pence in Victoria silver coins."
"A bottle of wine this expensive! Why don't you just go rob someone?"
"Hehe, robbing isn't as profitable as this! And this job is safer too."
Looking at the shrewd smile on the face of the person before her, Closure really wanted to use Outcast's Guardian Gun to put a few holes in this stingy Vampire's head to see if there was nothing left in her brain but money.
"Forget it, forget it. Since we're friends, I'll give you a 45% discount."
Seeing that Closure was getting a bit worked up, Kal'tsit knew when to stop and didn't continue provoking her. She waved her hand dismissively as she spoke.
She also knew that Closure was buying these things back for a celebration. Moreover, elite operators always carried out the most dangerous and extreme missions. As high-level forces capable of holding their own, without them, there would be no Babel today.
She was a Vampire, one of Kazdel's Top 100 Youth. How could she earn such ill-gotten money?
"That's more like it."
Closure rolled her eyes and said with annoyance, her cheeks puffed out, quite resembling an agitated pufferfish.
After speaking, she left some Victoria silver coins and prepared to leave with this large pile of stuff.
"Hey, hey, hey, by the way, Closure, why is the quantity you're purchasing this time noticeably more?"
Kal'tsit jumped down from the procurement department's crate, patted the dust off her hands, and asked somewhat curiously.
"Can't it be that I struck it rich somewhere? Is there a problem with suddenly wanting to eat better?"
Closure clearly didn't want to satisfy this profiteer's curiosity and replied bluntly.
"People who strike it rich wouldn't haggle with me over these few silver coins. Tell me quietly, and next time you come to buy things, I'll give you another discount? How about 15% off?"
Kal'tsit tightened her oversized coat to prevent it from slipping off her shoulders.
"15% off? Are you trying to fob off a beggar?"
"25%! 25%! Any more and it's not possible!"
Kal'tsit showed a pained expression. Seeing this, Closure knew this was probably her bottom line, so she readily replied:
"It's nothing much, just holding a welcome party for a newly joined colleague."
"Colleague? From your medical department?"
"Of course not. Forget it, can't be bothered to say more. I'm off. Remember my 25% discount."
Closure left carrying a large pile of things, leaving Kal'tsit alone on the spot. The naturally lively Vampire's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Fine, don't tell me then, all mysterious. If you don't tell me, does that mean I can't find out?"
She muttered to herself, but it didn't matter; just 25% off. After all, her shop's pricing was 236% of the procurement department's suggested retail price...
——————
"Hmm? Welcome party?"
Kevin looked somewhat surprised at the burly man who had knocked on his door. At the moment, he seemed a bit embarrassed.
"Yeah, it's organized by Dr. Closure. She likes... uh... lively things."
Sharp was also hesitant, unsure how to describe Dr. Closure's actions. But everyone had a good relationship with her. Usually, when elite operators got injured on missions, they would generally be sent to Dr. Closure.
Going back and forth like this, everyone became familiar.
Every time Closure had a sudden idea to hold a party or celebration, the elite operators would all pitch in. Everyone could tell that Closure was trying to relieve their psychological pressure and silently remembered it.
At least Sharp himself didn't dislike the parties Closure organized. After all, daily life in Babel was too monotonous and lacked entertainment. Closure's celebrations were a rare splash of color in this gray life.
"And also, everyone wants to meet you too."
Sharp was referring to the elite operators who hadn't met Kevin yet. Although not all of them were currently at Babel, it was still necessary to leave an impression.
"I'll go."
Tomorrow night? I do have time then.
Seeing Kevin agree, Sharp, this rough man, showed a hearty smile:
"Alright, see you tomorrow night at the Babel activity room."
Kevin closed the door, and the room became quiet again.
"Kevin, tell me, should I join Babel too?"
She stretched lazily, a hint of conflict in her eyes.
"That depends on you. My opinion isn't important."
All along, Kevin had been reluctant to interfere with others' choices. Everyone's path was different; he couldn't give perfect guidance.
"Hmm! I'll think about it carefully!"
——————
6:30 PM on the 16th, Babel Activity Room.
The room had already been decorated by Closure with some small colorful flags. Wine, soda, and some snacks were arranged on the table—even items from Victoria and Siracusa were present. Transporting these things into Babel, located deep in southern Kazdel, was a difficult task. So usually, when everyone complained about Kal'tsit being stingy, it was more out of a joking mindset.
Along the transportation route, there were mercenaries running amok everywhere and frequent Catastrophes; there was a chance all the goods could be lost. So it was only natural for the prices to be higher.
Being able to run both the procurement department and her own small shop successfully wasn't something achieved just by being stingy.
"Whew! All done! Now just waiting for everyone to arrive."
Wiping the sweat from her forehead, Closure jumped down, moved the stool she used as a stepping stool aside, put her hands on her hips, and looked quite proudly at her "masterpiece."
What a shame. Originally, she wanted to make a banner with something like "Warmly Congratulate Mr. Kevin on Becoming a Member of Babel" written on it...
But for the sake of her own life safety, she gave up on this somewhat tempting idea.
......
"Cheers!!!" ×n.
Clink! Clink!
The wine swayed in the glasses under the refraction of the light. Led by Closure, everyone's glasses clinked together.
Operators like Ace, Outcast, Scout, Pith were all present. It could be said that all elite operators not on missions had gathered here.
Kevin was also seated among them; after all, one of tonight's purposes was also to welcome his joining.
"Welcome Kevin to Babel! Everyone cheers!"
Closure said with a smile.
"Cheers!"
Smiles filled everyone's faces; they were quite supportive. Even Kevin was influenced by this atmosphere, a slight smile appearing in his eyes.
"Hey, hey, hey! Alright already! Did you guys really finish it? Save some! Don't drink it all up in one go! Hurry up and eat something!"
Closure urged.
The amount of wine wasn't very much—probably just one barrel plus over a dozen bottles of loose wine. For elite operators, if not restricted, they could finish it off in a few rounds.
"Wine? If that's the issue, no need to worry."
Kevin thought for a moment. With a wave of his hand, several wine barrels appeared on the floor as if by magic.
Before everyone could be surprised by his method, he went over and pulled out the wooden plugs. A refreshingly mellow and rich aroma of wine slowly spread out, immediately catching everyone's attention.
"Hiss... this scent..."
"Gulp—"
The sound of swallowing saliva kept ringing out, especially from several old alcoholics who were already fond of this.
——————
Collectible:
【Dreams of Bygone Days · Ode to Joy】
Effect: Doubles natural DP regeneration speed and SP regeneration speed.
Description: Brewed using 【Purple Helen】 and the special method of Sunset Dawn Winery.
It is worth mentioning that this variety of grape has long been extinct. Wine made from it is more delicate and mellow.
Like a magnificent piece of music and poetry, it makes one forget all current worries and indulge in dreams of bygone days.
"May your era be sung forever."
—Greetings from the Golden One
fuck now i wanna cry