Chapter 142 - Probing each other (2/2)

”Ok. We took mainly because some one's recommendation. It doesn't look like he is on the best terms with you, but the fact that he recommended you implies your are skilled,” started Shadow. ”So, usually I would offer you an amount more than reasonable to acquire your services, but you are obviously don't have the usual interests.”

”Thus, I offer this suggestion. The guild will try to provide you as many materials as possible, but with a few conditions. You can play on your own as much as you want and make whichever products you wish. We will buy it and at a reasonable price and pay you a certain percent,” said Shadow.

”Don't need a percentage. Good amount of resources is enough,” said Earthly Researcher waving his hand indicating that he didn't care about the money.

”This is a business transaction. So, it is best if we pay some amount for your services. We can have it at a lower value that usual if you wish,” said Shadow lifting his hand to stop him from continuing that discussion.

”Now, the conditions. The first is that you have to maintain your level at a slightly higher level than the usual in the game. Crimson Power will keep you updated on that. You can play only on weekends and holidays, but this is a must. If you fail, you will work with the guild members and they will help pull your level up. You should always have a reasonable level to make items of the level that would be of use to us,” said Shadow explaining the reason for the first condition.

”That is probably expected, I guess. No problem with that,” said Earthly. ”They are willing to help me pull up my level. What can be wrong with that?” he thought.

”Think carefully. For example, even if you found some good design which you want to try out. You would need to increase your level with the help of guild members, except if you are able to increase your level making that certain item,” said Shadow clarifying the scenario that might occur.

”No problem.”

”Sometimes, we will require your expertise in making a harder design or work. I assure you that it will be something that is challenging to you and is not some small thing like dynamites that are made in large amount. It would be tools that aren't easy to make and wouldn't have required materials in large amounts. We need you to show your expertise there,” said Shadow.

”What you said is quite vague. Can you elaborate?” asked Earthly.

”They will be mostly large-scale projects, big items or complicated items, like caravans, defibrilators and the like,” replied Shadow. ”You know the rare and hard ones which others might find hard to assemble.”

”Oh! That's it?” asked Earthly in surprise.

”Well! It is a special offer currently being provided to players who have similar expertise in real-life,” said Shadow. ”Only for one year. We will have to renew the contract based on the performance. I have high expectations of you, but I am not willing to have a longer contract based on someone else's belief in you.”

”I understand. I am fine with it. As long as I don't have to waste time collecting materials,” said Earthly.

”Of course, I understand. I have a similar arrangement for forging. I will draw the contract, why don't you have a drink while you wait. I would suggest the pampara pine juice,” said Shadow as he pulled out a contract paper and started to write down the details.

A few minutes later, Earthly had signed the contract and Shadow forwarded the contract to Rudra. ”This is the best that I could do. He is an expert and would not accept the position of head engineer,” messaged Shadow.

With that done, he was sure that he had managed to get a good player for forging and engineering each. He wanted to go and try out forging while wearing the headgear and then probably a couple of fights in the colosseum.

”Dude! How did you do that?” asked Grenadier who had been sitting quietly observing the discussion between his old man and Shadow. ”How did you convince the retard?”.

”It is all thanks to you. If you weren't so closely observing us both, he probably would have left saying that he could go to another guild as soon as I asked what he could do for us,” said Shadow. The entire discussion was a play on a father's ego and would have been impossible without Grenadier Mage.

”Ya. I get that. But it was still awesome. I will remember to use this incident to have some fun,” said Grenadier. ”He always acts like he is in control of everything. It was always his way or no way. It amusing to see him concede.”

Grenadier was really happy at his brother's situation and that he ended up signing a contract to work for Shadow. On the other hand, Earthly was having an entirely different conversation with Merlin through video call. Merlin had disappeared into the crowd a few moments ago.

”So, what is your conclusion of him. Is he the colonel?” asked Merlin.

”My friend, I think that you have made a mistake this time. I doubt that Shadow is just acquainted with the colonel. I would rather not pursue this,” said Earthly.

”Why do you think so?”

”He was exceptionally calm and has good sense of negotiation,” started Earthly. ”He spoke very confidently. He clearly told that he is a capable engineer. Isn't the colonel an engineer too?”

”Yes.”

”Apart from that, he was also good at forging, right?” asked Earthly.

”Our inquiries have confirmed that from both Crimson Realm and Sirius Imperials. Even if he is not exceptional, he is definitely in the top at present. I heard Crimson power even wanted to make him head forger, but he denied it for the similar reasons as you,” said Merlin.

”See that is where, I am confused. Assuming his background, he is bound to be good at fights and engineering and skilled, but to be also good at forging? He never had the time to know all of it. Either he is a monster, or he isn't who we think he is,” said Earthly.

”Hmm. That is actually a good point. He is also a half decent alchemist,” added Merlin remembering of the time the Alva's tincture. That was a rare potion that even he found useless, but Shadow had managed to make it into a treasure.

”See. Apart from that he told me that he controlled multiple moons. I have made inquiries and the colonel only had control of one moon. He must be very good at lying if he is the colonel. I also have the feeling like it is just a business to him, and the others are just employees, but the colonel and the Powers kid were apparently good friends,” said Earthly.

”You made a lot of inquiries into him,” said Merlin surprised.

”Knowing who it might be, why wouldn't I?” sneered Earthly at Merlin's lack of courage.

”I doubt he is petty enough to retaliate in real-life. Such people tend to crush others the same way they feel that they were wronged,” he added.

”So, you are sure that he isn't the colonel?” asked Merlin trying to confirm it once and for all.