Chapter 1272: Ian's Defense Broken (Part 2)

What is an impassable chasm!

We are all wizards, yet this gap is greater than the difference between humans and ants! My little thoughts and probes probably look laughably transparent in his eyes!

He forced himself to stand firm, his voice was dry and trembling, filled with immense awe: “Little…little man understands…it seems, sir, you do not need any burden. It’s my presumptuous speculation, unaware of my limits…”

This flattery was genuine, without the slightest pretense.

“Don’t be nervous.”

Ian was not surprised by Baboua’s reaction. Sometimes, appropriate intimidation can be more effective in communication than words. He no longer worried about manpower issues and directly stated his demands: “I need to know the exact location of the African Ministry of Magic, specifically that office. The more detailed, the better.”

Baboua, still shocked, immediately perked up upon hearing this; it was an opportunity to make up for his previous slip and perform well! He quickly said: “The location information is no problem! I have the most precise coordinates and surroundings map here!”

He paused, seemingly having made up his mind, then added: “However…sir, if you want to go there ‘quietly,’ perhaps…a Door Key is a better choice?”

“After all, ordinary Apparition or flying can easily trigger the magical boundary around the Ministry of Magic.” He didn’t want to underestimate or belittle Ian’s magical prowess.

The main reason he thought that this service was certainly the simplest method.

It would save Ian a lot of trouble.

For such a formidable person, perhaps time is an invaluable commodity.

“Door Key?” Ian looked at Baboua with some surprise.

“You can even get that?”

He indeed hadn’t anticipated such a situation, considering the making and use of Door Keys are usually strictly controlled by the Ministry of Magic, especially those leading to the locations of important institutions.

That is not a place where you can casually obtain information, and no matter which Ministry of Magic it is, in addition to strictly monitoring everyone who enters, they periodically conduct “mark” inspections all over, under normal circumstances it is absolutely impossible for anyone to mark a Door Key’s coordinates within the Ministry itself.

Because of this.

Given such a situation, Ian immediately realized what was going on—there must be a mole in the African Ministry of Magic, particularly among the members of the inspection team.

If it weren’t so.

A role like a data merchant could not possibly plant marks inside the Ministry, it’s not looking down on them, Ian is well aware of their magical abilities.

This is something only wizards of Grindelwald’s caliber can accomplish, not just something for a decent graduate level from Hogwarts.

Ordinary wizards can’t achieve this, so the only explanation is someone internally is providing convenience to these data merchants—perhaps the Door Keys are already crafted and directly sold to these merchants.

“Isn’t this just reasonable, who says the Wizarding World doesn’t have Inspector Smiths.”

Ian thought to himself.

Seeing Ian’s surprised gaze, Baboua felt slightly proud but showed more humility on his face: “After all, this is my job…one must have some secret paths to offer the best service to VIPs like you. It’s my honor to serve you.”

This was half-true, the Door Key indeed reflected his important sources and network, but more importantly, he genuinely wanted to forge a connection with Ian, a profound strength.

Ian nodded and took out another bag of gold coins, heavier than the previous one: “Door Key, how much?”

Baboua glanced at the glittering gold coins, a hint of greed flashed across his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. A sincere smile spread on his face as he waved his hand: “Sir, you’re too kind! The reward you gave earlier has far exceeded the value of the information itself, this Door Key is just an extra respectful gift from me! I only hope that if you remember me in the future, you’d offer a small favor.”

This time, he truly took a significant loss. A safe Door Key leading near the Ministry is costly, but he valued more the potential investment return. Facing a figure like Ian, greed must be timely, now is the critical moment to offer help and establish a good impression.

Data merchants understand this trade-off best.

“Hmm?”

Ian listened, indeed quite surprised. He reassessed the seemingly cunning merchant, he hadn’t expected the other to have such vision and determination.

It should be noted.

It’s uncertain if he would meet the other again in the future.

This was a no-guarantee return investment.

“You do have principles.”

Ian commented, with a hint of appreciation in his tone. He understood Baboua’s intent, nothing but long-term investment, but being able to hold back from immediate temptation indicates this person isn’t entirely shortsighted.

“Hehe, to make a living, one must understand the rules.” Baboua chuckled modestly, feeling relieved in his heart, it seemed this move was right.

“How long to prepare?” Ian asked.

“Tonight at the earliest! I will arrange it, ensuring everything goes smoothly!” Baboua promised, “At the same time tonight, here, I will personally deliver the Door Key!”

“Alright.” Ian agreed with a nod.

Baboua saluted Ian once more, his attitude exceedingly respectful.

Then, he stepped back a few paces, his figure gradually becoming fuzzy, as though blending into the shadow of the nearby wall, and vanished completely within a few breaths, leaving only a slight trace of magical power fluctuations in the air.