Chapter 421: Possible Solution (1st Bonus)
"it was easier to alter Eduardo’s memories, and the memories of everyone else from before, because they were a handful of people who also agreed to it being done on them."
"but this is completely different...We’re talking about dozens of Blessed scattered around different regions, most of whom I know nothing about."
Ethan shook his head, as he said with a smile. "There will be memory alteration involved, but that’s only one part of it... the other part with carry a high element of realism, sold to all so completely that there won’t be any reason to question it."
A grin slowly spread across Ethan’s face as he stepped forward and grabbed his father’s shoulder "I think we can pull this off. And if we do...I’ll go with you to the Demon Continent."
For several seconds, neither of them said anything as Nathan stared at his son, with an expression caught somewhere between disbelief and curiosity.
____
Later that morning, at Clustervayne Guild...
Percival sat across from Maya Heydrich as the two continued discussing the business proposal she had brought with her. This was currently happening at the upstairs lounge.
Maya had originally come to the guild in hopes of meeting Ethan.
A client from another country had recently approached her, requesting fifty S-grade mana cores. Her own guild didn’t possess that, but she knew Clustervayne would most likely; especially as most S-rank breaches had been dealt by them.
And so, she had come here instead. Unfortunately, Ethan wasn’t around, which left her negotiating with the vice guild master.
"No." Percival shook his head. "Ten percent. That’s the maximum we’re willing to offer."
Maya stared at him in disbelief. "That doesn’t make any sense...I’m the one bringing the customer to you. They’re willing to pay two million gold for fifty S-grade mana cores, and you’re only offering me ten percent?"
She was seeking a higher a higher percentage cut from the deal.
"Yes." Percival answered calmly. "Because your role in this deal is that of a middleman."
He gestured with his hand. "The mana cores belong to our guild. We’re the ones who put together the teams that go into Breach Zones to retrieve them."
Maya let out an exasperated sigh. "This is exactly why I wanted to speak to Ethan."
Percival immediately laughed. "You think Ethan would’ve given you a better deal?"
He shook his head. "No chance...I’m completely certain he would’ve told you to take five percent and go home."
Wilson, who had been sitting nearby couldn’t help but laugh.
"And that’s only if he was in a good mood," Percival added. "Otherwise, you’d probably get even less, two percent maybe."
"That’s complete bullshit." Maya exclaimed, looking furious.
"Actually, sister..." Wilson suddenly spoke up. "He’s right."
Maya turned toward him in surprise. "You’re joking...explain why would he only offer me two or five percent for a deal like this?"
"Because you’re not exactly doing him a favor." Wilson said, then added. "Most of those mana cores are usually purchased by Stark Industries, and they pay full price."
He shrugged. "In fact, Clustervayne practically serves as a resource supplier for Stark Industries."
Realization slowly dawned on her face. "That’s ridiculous."
Wilson laughed.
"No, it’s ridiculous," Maya corrected. "The man owns both Stark Industries and Clusterbane Guild."
She shook her head in slight annoyance. "That’s basically monopolizing his own supply chain."
Percival grinned. "The guild was never created because Ethan wanted money from outside customers... He created it because Stark Industries needed materials."
"Everything else comes afterward."
Maya opened her mouth to argue again, but suddenly, Percival’s Arcphone began ringing.
He reached into his pocket, glanced at the screen, then chuckled. "Well, speak of the devil."
He then answered the call. "Hey, man."
"Hey, Percy." Ethan’s voice came through the device. "I’d like you to send everyone home today."
Percival looked puzzled. "What? Why?"
Instead of giving a direct reply, Ethan said again, "Just tell everyone to leave the guild immediately....They don’t have to worry about their pay. I’ll cover everyone’s wages for the week regardless."
He paused before continuing. "But I want Clustervayne to remain closed for the foreseeable future."
Percival rubbed his forehead. "You do realize we only reopened today, right?, after shutting down because of the last attack."
"I know." Ethan replied back,
"Then why are we closing again?" The frustrated wolf asked.
Which drew the very words from Ethan, "Because I don’t think the attack is over."
Percival slowly sat upright. "Hold on, what’s actually happening?"
"It’s not something I can explain over the phone, maybe when you get here.." Ethan said.
On the other side of the room, Wilson and Maya exchanged glances.
"I don’t want anyone getting caught up in this if something happens again," He continued. "So please, just ask everyone to go home, at least until you understand the level of what we’re dealing with."
Finally, Percival nodded. "Alright."
The call ended as he lowered the Arcphone and slipped it back into his pocket.
Everyone around Percival heard the call due to their enhanced hearing, so they didn’t need to ask for any further details.
He then turned toward Maya. "Looks like our negotiation is going to have to wait until the guild reopens."
Maya let out a long sigh, very much dissatisfied with how the conversation had ended.
Meanwhile, Percival had already gotten to his feet. Without wasting any time, he immediately began moving through the guild, informing everyone that they would be closing for the day.
Aliyah rose from her seat as well and followed after him, helping him pass the message along.
It didn’t take long before word spread throughout the entire building. And one by one, people began gathering their belongings and leaving.
_
Approximately thirty minutes later, the guild had gone a lot more quiet with most of the members already gone home.
The last people to leave were Wilson and Maya.
Actually, it should’ve just been Wilson, since he held the guild’s lock and keys and waited till everyone was gone for him to close up.
However, he had asked his sister to wait up, in hopes of getting a lift from her. The reasoning behind it was; since had nothing else doing today, he might as well just go with her to her guild.
The two made their way outside together as they head toward Maya’s vehicle when the sound of approaching engines suddenly drew their attention.