I went to Ariel to ask for help.
She looks bothered when I ask for poisons that can't be detoxed.
Regardless, she still introduced me to a shady organization she has contact with.
That organization started off as a thieves guild. Roughly speaking they're basically a gang or a mafia.
They traffic anesthetics and bootlegs, and even poisons for assassinations.
I was taken to the basement of a run down house somewhere in Magic City Sharia, a room with overwhelming fragrance.
Waiting there is an one-eyed man in charge.
"Welcome, Rudeus-san, nice to meet you."
He laughs like he knows of me.
"So what do you need? The slow kind? The fast kind? The kind that numbs the legs? Or the kind that keeps magicians from using their tongue? Or maybe the kind that would make your woman soaking wet, if your nights have been a bit dry. Why not give that a try?"
From poison to numbing agents to aphrodisiacs.
Perfect.
"All of it."
"All... Well, fine with me, but it's a little pricey?"
"That's fine."
"Haha, so you have someone you want dead... Even the aphrodisiacs? Want that?"
"Well-"
Suddenly, poisons won't work on Orsted, that thought flashes in my mind.
A poison that detoxification doesn't work on, anyone would have thought of that.
Since Orsted was cursed to be hated, he should also have been subjected to assassination attempts by poison.
Maybe he has built up a tolerance, or maybe has an universal antidote of some kind.
"That too."
"Hehehe, even you want to see that straight laced wife of yours go wild sometimes."
"My wife is playful in bed."
"That Silent Fitts... I can't imagine."
Well, I don't know what good aphrodisiacs would do, but I have some expectations. If it can effect the body just a little, it's worth a try.
Thinking that, I bought the drugs.
---
At the same time, I have been picking my battle grounds.
Since I plan to fight solo, it needs to be far from the cities.
Far from the city, not a soul in sight, then setup my traps there.
Collect information from the Adventurer's Guild, and once obtained, check out the location in person.
Also, on trap making, via Elinalise I was introduced to an adventurer to tutor me.
He was originally an assassin, because of that he knows how to construct traps for men.
Traps using psychology.
I tried a few traps myself, no matter how careful, I was always caught.
Even though I doubt their effectiveness against Orsted, but they're better than nothing.
I also was tutored in close combat by Elinalise.
Though her talent lies in group combat, so in 1v1 she's a bit lacking.
But, after living for so long, she has her share of experience. Until now she has fought many difficult opponents. Even though strength-wise she's middling, she still survived until now.
In my heart, I really wish I could consult Badigadi or Ruijerd for this, but complaining now is pointless.
Perugius won't help either.
Meanwhile, I start to think about combat with magic armor.
Attach the magic tool on the magic armor, spam Stone Cannon at will.
Likely a fight where I'm constantly on my back foot.
Spam my shots, use quagmire and fog to restrict movement, and when an opportunity arise fire off the big guns.
Straight forward.
---
Finally.
I lift the ban to the basement to pray for victory at my shrine.
Two months after killing the rat. I can trust my future self. After so long, any germs from Magic Stone Disease should have died off.
But, I still forbid Roxy from entry, and anyone who enters must do a thorough cleaning.
Mostly for my peace of mind.
While I was there, I dug around for anything useful against Orsted.
The magic tools in the basement are all junk.
They're soaked by [Frost Nova], but luckily they still work.
A hat that produces water after you wear and remove it.
A hat with a gemstone that glows when worn, a flashlight replacement.
A box that produces heavy smoke when opened.
A short sword that turns sticky when it strikes an opponent.
A really smelly shoe when worn.
Lots and lots of junk.
If they're, well, stored away like this, they can't be too useful.
Maybe if I ever need do tricks on the street.
The fog box might come in handy. But I'm not sure how to use it against Orsted. It would probably be difficult.
They're pointless if Orsted knows the trick, but some might be useful, so I'll take a few with me.
Before leaving the basement, I pray once more for victory at the shrine.
Serious this time. Do it twice.
---
Preparations progressed steadily.
But in my heart, doubt remains, too stubborn to leave.
Really, would it work?