Chapter 15 : Negotiation

  "How are you today, Brother Mora? It seems that at the very least you didn't get eliminated by the monster yesterday, haha..." Buldrudz greeted Aron, aka Morality Mortalized as his ingame name, with a wide smile on his face.

  Aron, as Morality Mortalized, smiled back at Baldrudz, nodding slightly. "I managed to stay out of trouble," he replied with a chuckle. "Seems like your people did too. At least most, huh.”

  Baldrudz let out a hearty laugh, "We were lucky, Brother Mora. Pulled out before things got too ugly. Even that Bright Resonance wasn’t so fortunate."

  "Yeah, at the very least we didn't expect that the monster from before was that abnormal to the point of being that overpowered. Nobody can even deal any damage to that thing, insane." Baldrudz shook his head.

  “Alright everyone, I need to have some things that I want to discuss with Brother Mora, please proceed as we have discussed.” Baldrudz then signaled for the others to go away, as he wanted to have a private conversation with Aron, especially when they didn't have the chance last time because of the sudden appearance of the monster.

  As the other guild members dispersed, Baldrudz motioned for Aron to follow him to a more secluded spot within the guild's base.

  Once they were alone, Baldrudz leaned against a table, arms crossed. "So, about that conversation we were supposed to have before... We want Skywing to keep on maintaining an edge. We're moving against Guardian's Way soon. We've been gathering intel for weeks, but I want your perspective on a few things."

  Aron’s expression remained calm, though his mind was already on something. "Okay, you want something from me? I’m guessing this isn't just about my so called insight."

  Baldrudz sighed as he nodded. "Exactly. We need more than brute force if we’re going to take them down efficiently.”

  Aron nodded thoughtfully. Aron was with Skywing guild because Aron sold some strategic resources for war to Skywing in preparation to attack Guardian's Way after all, that was how Aron was with Baldrudz at the start.

  After all, on the surface he had come expecting to simply finalize the transaction of strategic resources, materials and such that would give Skywing the upper hand in their assault against Guardian's Way. Yet, Baldrudz seemed to be hinting at something deeper, beyond the mere exchange of goods and information.

  "You’ve already got the resources from me, right. What else are you looking for, to make it more clear?" Aron asked in a flat tone.

  Baldrudz’s gaze sharpened. “We would like to acquire The Ring of Highlands.”

  Aron’s posture shifted slightly. He leaned back slowly, seemingly surprised as he processed Baldrudz’s words.

  “How did you find out I had the Ring of Highlands?” Aron asked, his tone measured but carrying an edge of curiosity.

  Baldrudz chuckled, “I have my sources, alright. In this game, information is just as valuable as any weapon or artifact as we two know already. You’d be surprised how much people are willing to part with for the right price. Your dealings are a bit more transparent to those who know where to look.”

  “So, you’ve been doing your research,” Aron said slowly, a faint smile playing on his face. “I’m guessing your intel didn’t come cheap.”

  Baldrudz gave a knowing smile. “You’re right. And I heard that The Ring of Highlands provides a significant buff for anyone fighting in mountainous terrain. It enhances agility and endurance, allowing our players to maneuver more effectively while also increasing their damage output. With the upcoming attack planned in the Highlands, having that advantage could mean the difference between victory and defeat against Guardian’s Way.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  The Ring of Highlands also has the ability to shift the landscape in our favor, I heard. Without it, we’re looking at a much bloodier and drawn-out conflict. With it, we can cut through their defenses and take the stronghold in one decisive strike. We need that ring to ensure our victory…”

  Aron gave a small smile, “So, you think this one ring will guarantee a perfect defeat for them?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying. With that ring, Skywing will have an overwhelming edge in the upcoming battle. And, of course, we’ll compensate you handsomely for parting with it.” Baldrudz nodded firmly.

  Aron tapped his fingers on the table, “Seems like your intel network is better than I gave it credit for,” Aron replied, his tone still light but with a hint of acknowledgement. “But knowing I have it is one thing. Convincing me to hand it over is another.”

  Baldrudz seemed to ponder for a while after confirming that Aron indeed had the ring that he desired in his hand. After all, whether he can discuss the next thing depended on whether Aron had the ring first or not.

  He had paid quite of a price to find out if there was an item that one could have that could boost players in the high terrain through a quest or from defeating a certain boss.

  Or just someone that had this kind of item, which was the case for the latter at this moment. Which also coincidentally was in Aron’s hand. How could he let that chance slip by without even trying to get it into his own hands.

  Or maybe, on a second thought, he felt like it was not much of a loss if Aron didn’t have the ring. After all, there was also a guarantee from the seller’s information that Aron had the ring. If Aron actually didn’t have the ring, that would also be a good way for Baldurdz to confront the information’s seller and get something good out of the seller.

  Sigh, it is truly a world full of dilemma that we live in.

  “Haa… Okay, how about I give you a 2/10 of the loot that we will get from the war with the Guardian’s Way?” Baldrudz proposed an offer right off the bat.

  “Brother Baldrudz should have already realized the immense value of the ring himself. Just by using the ring, you said that you can basically guarantee that you will came out in triumph right. How can I let it go that easily?” Aron looked to be untempted at all as he replied.

  Baldurdz seemed to know that it would be declined as he nodded his head, “Naturally I understand the value of that ring. It was just that I myself felt like I don’t have any true idea about the loot that we will get from the Guardian’s Way later on. What if we get something that’s 10 times better than the ring itself? Wouldn’t it mean that you will get the double of this?

  But I guess I understand your point, as one better not take an unnecessary risk. How about this, 4/10 of the loot?” Baldrudz said in a warmth tone.

  With such an offer, Baldurdz himself believed that his guild would most likely refused on agreeing in this transaction. That was almost half of the loot for the battle ahead, given to the guy that barely participated in anything at all. How could one be satisfied with it?

  But Baldurdz knew better.

  Aron seemed to be silent, pondering the offer with a rhythm of tap on his finger for a few moments, “Though I’m flattered by the offer, in the end this ring has been with me for quite a while and helped me here and there too. I can only decline the offer for now.”

  "Okay, in the end acquiring it might be impossible. That is why, now we decided that we would like to just borrow it. How does that sound?" Baldrudz smiled resignedly.

  Aron raised an eyebrow, “Borrow it? That’s an interesting approach. What’s in it for me once I lend it to you?”

  Baldrudz leaned back on his chair, clearly pleased with the direction of the conversation. “For starters, I can assure you that the ring will be returned after the mission. If it enhances your standing as a valuable ally, I think you’ll find that we’ll make good on our promises. I’ll ensure you receive first dibs on any loot or resources we gather during the raid…”

  Aron was silent once more. The Ring of Highlands was indeed powerful, the strategic advantages it could provide to Skywing might come back to benefit him in the long run if he decided to lend the ring to Skywing after all. There was also a favor in it, if used correctly, it would be beneficial when the time came with a crisis.

  “Alright, Brother Baldrudz,” he said slowly, weighing his words. “I’ll agree to this arrangement, but I want clear terms. You must ensure it’s returned without fail, and I want a guarantee, basically.”

  Baldrudz nodded eagerly. “Absolutely. You have my word, and I’ll draft a formal agreement to seal it. This will strengthen our alliance even further…”

  “Haha… Alright, Brother Baldrudz. If you can fulfill the agreements, I will gladly fulfill my end.” Aron smiled after hearing what Baldrudz said. Tho for someone who had great insight and paid much attention to Aron’s voice, he would see that Aron’s tone was a bit higher than before. For a reason or coincidence, it was hard to tell.