Spark approached the intake counter of 'Eclipse Monster Processing Company'. It was occupied by a burly, scarred individual. He looked like he wrestled beast parts for a living.
"Looking to place an order." Spark stated with a smile. He was leaning slightly on the counter. The counter was sturdy. But Spark's posture made it look precarious.
"Name and order, sir?" The man grunted. His voice was like grinding stones.
"Spark Nighthawk. Wild Red Meat. I need a substantial quantity. Let's say... one ton. Delivered to the Nighthawk estate."
Wild Red Meat was the nutrient-rich muscle tissue of any mammal-based monster. It was pretty common. But it was the growth item required for nourishing and advancing his Grim Lion's Framepath Fusion.
The man's eyes snapped up hearing the amount, meeting Spark's. He didn't flinch, just nodded slowly.
"One ton... Wild Red Meat. Nighthawk estate. Confirmed. Payment required upfront for orders over half a ton."
He didn't question the quantity. At least, he was professional in this case.
Spark laid out another, larger pouch of gold coins. The gruff man took it, checked the content, and weighed it on a small, reinforced scale.
He nodded. "Alright. We'll arrange transport. It'll arrive within two days. Refrigerated."
"Make sure it's fresh," Spark rumbled. "I'm particular."
"Always is." The man replied. The flicker in his eyes suggested perhaps few customers ever complained about Eclipse's freshness. Spark accepted the implicit assurance and left.
His next destination led him to the edge of the district. To the site where the 'Gutlark Healthy Delicacy Restaurant' stood.
It was a popular spot. Known for integrating healthy, rare ingredients into delicious meals. It was suitable for those undergoing intense physical or magical training. Or simply those with the coin to afford it.
Spark often ate here. Partially for checking the quality food. As he was one of its major shareholders. And partially because it was one of his convenient points of contact with the black market.
The restaurant was bustling. The aroma of various cooked meats and spiced vegetables filled the air.
Spark's entrance caused the usual stir. Heads turned, conversations paused. He was hard to miss. A hostess, quite familiar with this gigantic youth, led him to a reserved table in a quiet corner. Away from the main foot traffic.
Spark preferred it that way. Less chance of eavesdroppers.
He ordered a massive amount of food. Grilled wild red meat steaks. A mountain of nutrient-dense Anearth tubers. Spiced deep-sea kelp salad. And a carafe of fortified juice.
It didn't take that long for his orders to be served.
As he was eating steadily and efficiently, he caught the eye of the restaurant manager, Cole Quartz. One who had just entered the room. He gave a simple signal. A nod.
Quartz was a man of average height. Impeccably dressed in a neat dark suit. One that contrasted sharply with Spark's practical outdoor attire.
He had sharp eyes that missed nothing. And a smile that could be both warm and utterly cold. Depending on the situation. He ran a legitimate, successful business. But everyone in the business understood that Quartz had... other connections. To the Black Market.
He was the black market agent assigned to make a business deal with Spark.
Quartz navigated through the tables with practiced ease. Reaching Spark's quiet corner. His smile widened genuinely as he approached. But the moment he was close, his eyes held a practical, assessing look.
"Spark! Good to see you." Quartz said. Extending a hand. His voice was friendly, smooth. To anyone watching, this was a greeting between respected acquaintances. Perhaps even friends.
Spark clasped his hand. The contrast in their size was obvious. Spark's grip was firm. Radiating controlled power. "Cole. Business is booming, I see."
"Always busy when the exploration ships are in port or preparing to leave," Quartz replied. His smile fixed.
He pulled up a chair and sat down. Lowering his voice slightly. "You're looking... well. Been putting in some serious training?" His gaze swept over Spark's frame.
"Always," Spark said, taking a large bite of steak. He chewed deliberately. "Keeps you sharp."
He finished the bite. And washed it down with juice. The food was good, filling his immense frame. "Needed to see you. Got a few things."
Quartz leaned forward amiably and conspiratorially. Although his eyes remained sharp and calculating. "Anything I can help with. You know I'm your man."
It sounded like friendship. But it was a statement of professional capability. Spark knew it. Quartz knew Spark knew it. They respected this transactional relationship. Cole was useful. Spark was powerful and paid well.
"First, logistics." Spark stated bluntly. Getting to the point. "I need to exchange coins. I need copper. For... incidentals." He didn't specify.
Quartz didn't ask either. He didn't feel he needed to know it. Spark could use the small changes for bribing minor officials. Or paying off low-level spies if the need arose. Or simply for buying things in places gold drew too much attention. Not his business.
"Your restaurant takes in plenty of copper daily. Convenient for both of us." Spark continued.
Quartz nodded immediately. This was beneficial for him too. "Of course. How much are we talking?"
Jack pulled three pouches of gold coins. And simply pushed them to him
Quartz didn't flinch. And quickly checked them. It was enough to be exchanged with copper coins that filled a small cart. "No problem at all. I'll have it ready for you. A private cart around back? Or, to your mansion?"
"Just send it to the mansion this evening." Spark confirmed.
Spark finished another piece of steak. "Second thing. More... specialized. I need you to put feelers out for Holy Water."
Quartz's easy smile tightened almost imperceptibly. His sharp eyes became guarded. "Holy Water? That's... tricky. The Ocean Church keeps a tight grip on that."
"Exactly why I'm asking you." Spark said. His voice was low. The friendly façade dropped slightly as the dominant, ruthless core peeked through. "Try to find any. Black market. Anywhere it might surface. I need at least a hundred vials. Quality matters."
Holy Water was not just a religious artifact. In this world, it held genuine, potent properties. As it was particularly deadly against certain types of spiritual or ethereal entities.
It was tightly controlled by the dominant Ocean Church. Making it nearly impossible to acquire legally. Without deep connections or religious standing. Two things Spark neither possessed nor wanted.
Quartz took a moment. His mind was clearly working. "That's a difficult ask, Spark. High risk. Price will be steep. If it's even available."
"As long as it is reasonable, price is not a problem. I can afford it." Spark reminded him. "You know my terms. Find it. Name your price. Don't bring me anything diluted or fake."
"Understood." Quartz said. He professional edge returned. "I'll make inquiries. Don't put too much hope on it. It might take time."
"Do what you can." Spark said. Returning to his meal.
He didn't press. He knew how the black market worked. Things appeared. Or they didn't. You paid for the effort as much as the result.
He trusted Quartz to try. Because Quartz valued their business relationship. He didn't trust Quartz not to double-cross him if a better opportunity arose. But that was a risk he managed. By staying overwhelmingly powerful, wealthy, and always prepared.
Quartz looked at Spark for a while. And then said, "You know it would be easier for you to get holy water by contacting the church and donating to them, don't you? And it might even be cheaper."
"Tell me one decent church officer in Gutlark. One that won't try to convert me and seize my wealth. And I will do just that." Spark responded drily.
"Fair reason!" Quartz agreed. "Anything else?"
"That's it for now. Just the coin exchange and the Holy Water lead," Spark replied. Finishing his meal. He wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Lunch was good. Send me the bill."
"Right away, Spark." Quartz said. Standing up. He gave another friendly nod. "Pleasure doing business with you."
"Likewise, Cole."
Spark watched him go. He knew that the moment Quartz was out of sight, the friendly air would vanish. Replaced by the cold calculating focus to gain the greatest profit. Hopefully by securing Holy Water from the black market. And managing the substantial risk associated with defying the Ocean Church's monopoly.
Spark didn't dwell on it. He had his own plans. His own preparations.
He closed his eyes and recalled the most up-to-date content on the status page of his Ego Appraisal Grimoire. The one he had just checked before leaving his house...
=====STATUS PANEL=====
[Name: Spark Nighthawk]
[Class: Jackmaster]
[Level: Awakened (1st Tier)]
[Soul Power: Enhanced Level (2nd Tier)]
[Mind Power: Enhanced Level (2nd Tier)]
[Body Power: Enhanced Level (2nd Tier)]
[Talent: Primal Soul]
[Talent: Primal Mind]
[Talent: Primal Physique]
[Talent: ???]
[Soulcraft Fairy: Honey (arcane fairy)]
==[Level: Awakened (1st Tier) (03%)]
==[Growth Item: Pure Honey]
==[Shared Talent: Instant Casting]
==[Ability: Soulcraft Crest - Arcane Coating]
[Framepath Monster: Grim Lion]
==[Level: Awakened (1st Tier) (05%)]
==[Growth Item: Wild Red Meat]
==[Acquired Talent: King Disposition]
==[Desire Boost: Lust]
==[Ability: Framepath Fusion - Mighty Lionman]
[Technomind Gear: Meteor (gun-type gearcore)]
==[Level: Awakened (1st Tier) (01%)]
==[Growth Item: Copper Coin]
==[Shared Talent: Clear Mind]
==[Ability: Technomind Form - Power Rifle]